The lakes are starting to fill up with brown ducks, which are moving south from their breeding areas. Most are in their eclipse plumage, so it is very easy to think there are just a lot of female mallards. Look closer and compare their shapes and sizes. Their beaks are also a good giveaway. One… Read More

Last year, when I wrote July’s blog, the gauge was saying 29.8 degrees centigrade, and I thought that was hot. Today it is 33 degrees and the hottest day at Wimbledon. There seems to be no let-up in this dry hot weather. Insects are up early, making the most of any plants giving their nectar… Read More

What I like about our wildlife on the reserve, there is always something new or unexpected to see. Our walk, the other day, took us to the new hide overlooking Dodder Fen near the River viewpoint. Not that far from us, we saw 2 very different deer, muntjac and roe. Muntjac has been common here… Read More

The sun is trying to shine as I write this, after a few grey days. I really must remember we are only in spring. However, the ground is warming and the insects are rising. Our variable, azure and common damselflies are all out on the wing. Discussions of which are what are in full swing!… Read More