Emperor dragonflies Throughout July, our largest dragonfly, the Emperor, can be seen speeding over the gravel pits, especially Hayling Lake and Rudd Lake. It’s very territorial, chasing off other dragonflies of all species. It is also a superb hunter, catching a range of insect prey which it often consumes in flight. Because it flies so… Read More

Swifts The swift is one of the last summer visitors to arrive, and one of the first to leave, but you will be able to see it around Paxton Pits until August. It is a superb flyer, probably the fastest bird of all in level flight, and small groups often fly around houses, making a… Read More

Cuckoos According to the old rhyme, in May the cuckoo sings all day. The male cuckoo’s song is so distinctive, it’s probably the best known bird song of all. However, the female cuckoo has a very different song, often described as a “bubbling chuckle”. Female cuckoos famously lay their eggs in the nests of other… Read More

Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers By the last week of March, the reserve was alive with the distinctive song of the chiffchaff. In April, it will be joined by its close relative, the willow warbler. How can you tell them apart? Probably not by looking at them. Even experienced birdwatchers struggle to tell the difference. However,… Read More

Great Spotted Woodpeckers The drumming of great spotted woodpeckers is one of the classic sounds of early spring. The woodpecker does this to advertise its presence, stake out a territory and attract a mate. Although both sexes drum, the male does so more often. The woodpecker bashes its beak against the tree about 12 times… Read More