No bird news today as I saw no birds of note and did not hear of any being seen either! The continued settled weather has meant that there has been very little movement of late, but a change promised for tonight might bring in some new migrants.
The moth trap did produce a new record for the reserve though. A southern chestnut, a species only found in Britain in 1990 and in Hampshire in 1996. There has been much speculation as to the reason for this recent discovery, was it just overlooked or has it recently colonised? In either event they are being recorded more frequently, I have even found one in my garden. This one is very fresh and brightly coloured.
Other moths included a mullein wave, a turnip, pinion-streaked snout, beaded chestnut and a few other regulars. A number of sallows included a very pale, unmarked one.
Perhaps most unexpected was a great diving beetle, a male as it has smooth wing-cases. I had to transfer it to the pond with care though as they have a considerable set of jaws and can deliver a sharp bite.
It was pretty busy today, there was ongoing carp removal from Mockbeggar Lake, I had two of the Tramper buggies booked out and there was a volunteer task all day. In addition when we got back to the Centre at lunchtime the power was off, it was not just a trip switch so I had to get the electrician in. Luckily he fixed the problem for now, so we eventually got back to work, doing more clearing beside the Ivy North hide. The view has really opened out now, below are two more or less similar views, the first from 2009.
Then after the end of today's work, we have opened the view out so far that I had to swing the view round to get the edge of the trees in. Not only has this opened up the view it has also increased the area of reeds and these should extend further, providing habitat for a number of specialist species.
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