Apr

Lower Derwent Valley NNR Sightings - April 2015

April has been an exciting month with a mix of out-going winter visitors and incoming summer migrants, combined with limited spring passage movements, and the breeding season well and truly underway for some species.

The highlight of the month on the bird front was undoubtedly the Lesser Yellow-legs found at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th. Unfortunately for other local birders its stay didn’t extend into the following day, but represents the second record for the area of this North American ‘Redshank’. Five Common Cranes toured the valley for a couple of days from the 20^th giving a more European feel. A lingering Whooper Swan and six late Pink-footed Geese were present at Wheldrake Ings, whilst a Brent Goose at Wheldrake and North Duffield on the 12^th-14^th was presumably on overland passage, whilst up to two pairs of Garganey graced the site having returned back from the wintering grounds. Heron numbers were high with up to 25 pairs present in the heronry, while a single Bittern flew past Bank Island on the 22^nd and several Little Egrets toured the valley during the month. 

 Common Cranes - Wheldrake - 20/04

Birds of prey also featured well with the wintering Hen Harrier last being reported from Skipwith Common on the 4^th - the same date the first Osprey of the year headed north ahead of another on the 13^th. Four Merlins were logged during the month continuing the good run of records this winter/spring, whilst the first returning Hobby was at Bank Island on the 24^th. Buzzards, Kestrels and Barn Owls continued to show well around Bank Island and North Duffield, and several pairs of Tawny Owls were found to be on eggs by the end of the month.

Buzzard - Skipwith - 16/04

Wader passage was best described as very poor, perhaps in part due to the dry conditions present throughout the valley with the exception of Wheldrake Ings. Little Ringed Plovers arrived on the 20^th (a month later than in some years), whilst Whimbrel numbers were slow to begin but built up to a respectable 76 by the 28^th when a single Bar-tailed Godwit was also present. Three Dunlin on the 29^th was the total passage recorded for the species during the month with just three Common and two Green Sandpipers, and two Greenshank for support. Common Terns were noted on the 25^th and 29^th.

Logging the first returning summer migrants is always of interest – these included Swallow (8^th), Blackcap (10^th), Yellow Wagtail and House Martin (12^th), Tree Pipit (13^th),  Sedge Warbler (15^th), Reed Warbler (17^th), Whitethroat (18^th), Cuckoo (19^th), Lesser Whitethroat (20^th) and Swift and Whinchat (25^th). As the month progressed sightings of butterflies, hoverflies and bees increased, and the first dragonfly of the year was had on Skipwith Common on the 27^th - with four Large Red Damselflies seen on 'Adder Heath'.

Large Red Damselfly - Skipwith - 27/04

Adders, Grass Snakes and Common Lizards continued to show well on the Common, particularly around the Bomb Bay loop and heath. Four Grass Snakes were seen together amongst the bracken on the walls showing per-mating behaviour, whilst two Adders were seen mating on the heath. Lizards showed best on the boardwalk adjacent to the Bomb Bay loop. 

Adder - Skipwith Common - 28/04 

As always, many thanks to all the local birders and visitors who have either left records in the hide log books or submitted them directly to us, and also for all the records from the YOC. Many thanks also to the local birders who have allowed the use of their photographs - Stephen Jones (Short-eared Owl), Tim Ward (Common Cranes), Brown Hare (Mark Hughes), all the other photographs have been taken on site by the LDV Team throughout the the course of the month. 

BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – Up to 37 non-breeding birds remained throughout the month - mainly immature and sub-adult birds. Up to six pairs were breeding with two pairs having built a nest at Wheldrake Ings by the 7^th with the first egg being laid by the 10^th. 

Whooper Swan – A single immature remained at Wheldrake Ings from the 1^st to 12^th, it was then seen ‘paired’ up with Mute Swans on the River Derwent at North Duffield Carrs on the 13^th where it remained until the 26^th when it switched back to residing on Wheldrake Ings until month end. 

 

Mute Swan/Whooper Swan - North Duffield - 08/04

Pink-footed Goose – Two were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th with three there on the 16^th-18^th and six on the 19^th–28^th. 

Brent Goose – A single dark bellied bird was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th/13^th (DB), before relocating to North Duffield Carrs on the 14^th (AW). 

Egyptian Goose – A single was present on a pond in the East Cottingwith area from the 15^th to month end.

Greylag Goose – The first two broods of 16 goslings were seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd when 93 adults were present, increasing to five broods and 29 goslings by the 28^th. 

Canada Goose – Numbers on the Ings were typically low with 14 pairs widely scattered during the month. Larger numbers were found in the wider area on ponds and lakes, with seven pairs breeding on a small farm pond at East Cottingwith.

Shelduck – Up to 50 pairs remained scattered throughout the area with, as usual, many breeding off site and returning to the Ings to feed. 

Teal – 580 were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th with 98 at North Duffield Carrs on the same date. 390 were present there on the 14^th with 150+ on the 28^th. 

Wigeon – Numbers fell quickly early in the month with 143 remaining throughout the valley on the 10^th. 50+ were still present on the 16^th, down to 39 by the 28^th.

Pintail – 38 remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th with up to five pairs on the 20^th, down to just two pairs remaining at month end.

Garganey – Two pairs were at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th with a drake there on the 16^th. 

Mallard – The first brood of three newly hatched ducklings appeared on the 19^th, with further predated eggs noticed around the site suggesting breeding was well underway.

Gadwall – Numbers increased quickly in late March/early April with 314 at Wheldrake Ings on the 1^st and 344 throughout the valley on the 4^th. 161 were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th, and good numbers remained thereafter with breeding birds widely scattered throughout the Ings, river and canal. 

Shoveler – 147 remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th with 137 present on the 28^th. 

Tufted Duck – 35 pairs were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th when 51 pairs were present throughout the whole site.

Pochard – Two pairs were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th/10^th with a female there on the 23^rd.

Goldeneye – A drake and two red-heads were still present at Wheldrake Ings until the 10^th with a single redhead on the 16^th - the last of the spring. 

Water Rail – One was caught and eaten by a Barn Owl at Swantail Hide, Wheldrake on the 2^nd (JW), with three singing males there on the 16^th when two were still present at Thornton Ellers. Other singing birds were present at North Duffield Carrs, Aughton Ings and at least two singing males were present on Skipwith Common during the month. Another individual was seen being carried across Wheldrake Ings by a Barn Owl on the 23^rd. 

Little Grebe – A single was on the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne on the 22^nd and 24^th, with six back on territory at Skipwith Common on the 26^th, when a pair were also present at Wheldrake Ings. 

Cormorant – Numbers decreased as the month progressed and water levels dropped with 34 at Wheldrake Ings early in the month, down to just 13 by the 24^th. Scattered birds were present elsewhere throughout the valley. 

Grey Heron – 25 active nests were counted in the heronry adjacent to Wheldrake Ings, which accounted for most of the sightings with peaks there of 21 on the 10^th and 26 on the 15^th. 

Bittern – A single flew over Bank Island heading north on the 22^nd (FM, CSR). 

Little Egret – A single at Bank Island on the 9^th/10^th with two flying north over the Pocklington Canal at Hagg Bridge on the 16^th, and a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 16^th and 19^th. Another individual went over Church Bridge on the 21^st with other singles in the Melbourne area on the 23^rd and 26^th. 

Osprey – A single was reported heading north over Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th, with another near Crockey Hill on the 13^th. 

Common Buzzard - This species continues to increase throughout the area with several pairs seen during the month. Five individuals were also seen together with a Red Kite over Thicket Priory on the 20^th and six were in the air at once over Skipwith on the 23^rd.

 

Common Buzzard - Skipwith - 16/04

Red Kite – Three pairs were present in the area throughout the month with additional roaming birds which accounted for regular sightings in the Wheldrake Ings area. Elsewhere, a single was seen over the NNR Base at Bank Island on the 23^rd with one at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th. 

Marsh Harrier – Two cream crowned birds lingered throughout the month, but overall a largely quiet month with little sign of spring passage. 

Hen Harrier – The over wintering juvenile female was still present at Skipwith Common until at least the 4^th. 

Peregrine – Three pairs were present in the area with breeding birds back on territory and probably incubating eggs during the month. A single immature female remained in the Wheldrake/Bank Island area throughout the month. 

Merlin – The recent good winter/spring run continued with a single at Sutton on the 9^th (JC) and North Duffield Carrs on the 19^th (AW). Another (or the same) was still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th when a single was also present at Melbourne. 

Hobby – The first of the year was at Bank Island on the 24^th (CSR, FM). 

Kestrel – Large numbers remained throughout the month with birds returning to nest sites and breeding boxes during the month. 

Common Crane – Following a brief appearance of a pair last month, five re-appeared at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th with a single remaining there on the 21^st. Five were present again in the valley on the 22^nd. 

 

Common Cranes - Wheldrake Ings - 20/04 - TW

Grey Partridge – A pair were present on Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th with another pair at Bank Island on the 10^th and 13^th. Two were at North Duffield on the 27^th. 

Coot – 208 were counted at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th with large numbers remaining thereafter and many incubating clutches by month end. 

Moorhen – The first chicks of the year were recorded on the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne on the 22^nd. 

Little Ringed Plover – The first of the year was rather late, with one at Wheldrake on the 20^th (TD) with a pair later seen there on the 22^nd/23^rd.

Oystercatcher – Scattered throughout the valley, often nesting in adjacent farmland and returning to the Ings to feed. At least one pair was incubating a clutch at East Cottingwith by the 15^th. 

Lapwing – Present throughout the reserve - the first brood of four was seen near Melbourne on the 24^th (NC). 10 pairs were present in the refuge area at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th. 

Golden Plover – Three flew east over East Cottingwith on the 5^th in a very poor month. 

Curlew – Present throughout the area in good numbers. 

Common Snipe – The first drumming bird was present at Thorganby Ings on the 10^th with five drumming birds at Seavy Carr on the 22^nd (NC). 

Woodcock – A single roding at dusk at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th.

Dunlin – A poor month with the only sign of any passage relating to three birds over Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th. 

Ruff – 21 were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th with 15 present on the 12^th and five on the 21^st. 

Black-tailed Godwit – A very poor showing with no big flocks of ‘Islandica’ birds moving through – probably reflecting the lack of water throughout the valley. Six were at Wheldrake Ings on the 4^th followed by two there on the 5^th. 12 were then present on the 27^th. 

Bar-tailed Godwit – A single roosted with the Whimbrel at Wheldrake Ings on the 28^th.

Whimbrel – The first returning bird was an un-ringed individual at Wheldrake Ings on the 16^th, followed by 10 on the 19^th and 29 at the roost on the 23^rd. Numbers then increased at the nationally important spring staging roost with 42 on the 25^th rising to 76 by the 28^th.

Redshank – A poor year with small numbers scattered throughout the site. 

Lesser Yellow-legs – A single was found in the refuge area at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th – the second reserve record (JL).

Greenshank – Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th-22^nd. 

Green Sandpiper – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 22^nd were the first spring passage birds. 

Common Sandpiper – A single on the river bank at Ellerton Ings on the 9^th was the first of the year, with another on the riverbank at North Duffield Carrs on the 26^th and Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th. 

Common Sandpiper - Wheldrake Ings - 27/04

Common Tern – The first of the year was a single at Canal Head on the 25^th with another at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th. 

Barn Owl – Sightings around the valley on the 2^nd included four at North Duffield Carrs, three at Wheldrake Ings and two at Thornton Ellers, while four were around Thornton Ellers and Thornton Ings on the 7^th. Three were at Melbourne on the 10^th with eight on Melbourne and Thornton Ings on the 21^st.

One was seen to catch, kill and eat some prey over the course of an hour from Swantail Hide at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd (JW). Feathers recovered from the meal showed it to be a Water Rail and probably further suggests the difficulty birds are having in finding the normal prey item - Field Voles, and the fact they are having to adapt to new prey in order to survive at this time of year. Another was thought to be carrying another Water Rail to eat at the same site on the 23^rd (CSR, DB). The individual pictured below was released in Melbourne, where it had been hit by a lorry and carried all the way to Goole stuck in the grill, fortunately it was unharmed, just a little stunned.

Barn Owl - Melbourne - 20/04

Tawny Owl – A single pair were present and incubating two eggs in a box near Melbourne Arm, along with a pair in the Wheldrake car park lane incubating two eggs by the 14^th. 

 

Tawny Owl - Melbourne - 16/04

Short-eared Owl – A pair were present at one site throughout the month. Elsewhere, singles were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 9^th and Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th and 23^rd. 

 

Short-eared Owl - Melbourne - 21/04 - SJ

Little Owl – A single near Thorganby on the 6^th (DB) with a pair there on the 9^th, when the male was caught and ringed. One was calling from the base field at Bank Island on the 14^th, while another was at Ellerton Landing on the 20^th. 

Little Owl - Ellerton - 20/04

 

Green Woodpecker – Away from the regular site of Skipwith Common, yaffling birds were heard at Melbourne on the 8^th, Thicket Priory near Thorganby on the 14^th and at Aughton Ings on the 16^th. A single was calling at Sutton Ings on the 22^nd and Melbourne Ings on the 26^th.

Woodlark – Seven singing males were present on Skipwith Common on the 3^rd with up to eight singing males on the 8^th. 

Tree Pipit – A single singing male at Skipwith on the 13^th was the first of the year (CSR, FM) with the next reported there on the 25^th. 

Meadow Pipit - Breeding birds appeared to return to the valley en-masse early in the month.

 Meadow Pipit - North Duffield - 16/04

Yellow Wagtail – The first of the year was at Bank Island on the 12^th followed by one at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th. 12+ roosted at Wheldrake Ings on the 29^th. 

Kingfisher – A pair were present on the pond at Thornton Ellers on the 2^nd with one at Wheldrake Ings on 9^th. Birds were reported regularly from the canal and surrounding ditch network at Melbourne during the month where at least one pair where breeding by month end.

Wheatear – Following an early bird on the 8^th March it was a rather long wait until the next, which appeared in a rush on the 14^th with six individuals at North Duffield Carrs and a further three in the nearby village (AW). A single male was present there on the 21^st with one at Bank Island on the 27^th.

Whinchat – A single adult male was present near Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne on the 25^th – the first of the year. 

Swift – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake on the 25^th with a single there on the 26^th. 

Cuckoo – The first returning bird was at Melbourne on the 19^th (NC), with two there on the 20^th (SJ) and 21^st when one also arrived at Skipwith Common. Other singles were present at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. Two were present near Elvington on the 21^st with two males chasing a female in Melbourne on the 24^th, followed by a single male at Wheldrake on the 24^th and 25^th. 

Sand Martin – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd (JW) with four  present on the River Derwent south of Bubwith Bridge on the 4^th (EB). 14 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th (DB), with 20+ there on the 12^th. Numbers were slow to build but 100+ were recorded daily from the 26^th. 

Swallow – The first of the year were rather late with two at Melbourne on the 8^th (NC), three at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th and 15+ there the next day. 60+ were present on the 12^th with larger numbers (200+) daily from the 26^th. 

House Martin - The first three of the year were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th (DB) with 20+ there on the 15^th. Birds returned to nesting sites in North Duffield village from the 17^th. 20+ were flying around nests on the farmhouse at Storwood on the 24^th.

Fieldfare – A clear out of wintering birds was had early in the month with seven at Bank Island on the 16^th and a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 21^st.

Redwing – 14 at Bank Island on the 17^th were the last of the spring. 

Song Thrush – Good numbers were present throughout the month, with a very vocal male present daily around the NNR Base car park. 

 

Song Thrush - Bank Island - 22/04

Ring Ouzel – A male was reported by visitors on the roof at Swantail Hide at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th, with another male on the Wheldrake-Elvington Road on the 22^nd (LM). 

Jay – One at Bank Island on the 1^st, with one or two pairs present at Skipwith Common throughout the month. A single was also present at Skipwith ‘back common’ on the 13^th. Two singles were seen in the East Cottingwith/Storwood area on the 20^th whilst four were seen flying together at Skipwith Common on the 27^th. 

Nuthatch – A single at Melbourne on the 8^th represented a good record for a species which is still expanding in the local area. Two were calling in the Escrick Duck decoy on the 13^th (CSR, FM).

Treecreeper – A pair were found were nest building by the canal at Melbourne Arm on the 14^th/15^th.

Chiffchaff – Following last month’s arrivals birds were widespread from the 1^st although a noticeable arrival took place from the 4^th-7^th. 

Willow Warbler – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 9^th (DB) with a large arrival mid-morning on the 10^th when 12 were singing at Wheldrake. 10 were present between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 12^th.

Willow Warbler - Wheldrake Ings - 27/04

Blackcap – The first singing male was at Bank Island (CSR) and Melbourne (NC) on the 10^th, with increasing numbers thereafter. 

Garden Warbler – The first returning birds were at Skipwith Common and Bank Island on the 26^th with two at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th.

Whitethroat – The first returning bird was at North Duffield on the 18^th (AW) with several birds along the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne on the 22^nd, when a single bird was present at Bank Island. Numbers then increased thereafter with a noticeable influx on the 25^th-26^th. 

Lesser Whitethroat – The first returning bird was at North Duffield Carrs on the 20^th (TD) with two there the following day (AW). Two were present at Storwood on the 23^rd with one at the NNR Base at Bank Island on the 24^th and a noticeable influx around the 25^th-26^th. 

Sedge Warbler – A single singing male at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th was the first with five there on the 16^th when the first birds also arrived along the Pocklington Canal. 12 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 20^th with five at Bank Island on the 22^nd. 

Reed Warbler – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th with four there on the 21^st. A single was back on Skipwith Common on the 26^th with five at Wheldrake Ings on the 27^th with 10+ on the 29^th.

Stonechat – A single female was still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 2^nd and 4^th. 

Willow Tit – One or two were still present around the NNR Base at Bank Island during the month with a singing bird by the canal at Melbourne on the 1^st and again on the 14^th. 

Lesser Redpoll – Up to 11 were present in the Melbourne area during the first week of the month including at least four singing males.

MAMMALS: 

Roe Deer – Three were at Skipwith Common on the 4^th when four were still present at Bank Island. Two were at North Duffield Carrs on the 8^th and 10^th, followed by three at Melbourne on the 17^th and four at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Fallow Deer – A fine herd of 40 were present at Elvington on the 14^th. 

Stoat – One was at Bank Island on the 4^th and one near Elvington on 14^th. 

Weasel – One just outside Wheldrake village on the 20^th. 

Red Fox – A single was present on the river bank at Wheldrake Ings on the 15^th, 17^th and 18^th. The same or another was seen by Swantail Hide on the 21^st and 23^rd. 

Brown Hare – Three at Thornton Ellers on the 2^nd with up to four daily at Bank Island and four at North Duffield Carrs. Six were boxing at Ellerton Ings on the 9^th. 

Brown Hare - North Duffield - 22/04 - MH

Otter – Tracks were present on the beck at Storwood on the 9^th and under the bailey bridge at Wheldrake. A single was seen in the Pocklington Canal at Canal Head on the 15^th (RN), whilst a camera trap photographed one at Wheldrake Ings on the riverbank on the 18^th. A cub was seen on the River Derwent at North Duffield Carrs calling for its mother which it later joined on the 27^th (JR). 

Mink – A single was present on the river bank at Wheldrake Ings on the 17^th. 

Wood Mouse – Three were caught from 17 traps at Bank Island on the 2^nd.  

Pygmy Shrew – A single was found under a tin on Skipwith Common on the 8^th. 

Common Pipistrelle – Singles were at Melbourne on the 7^th, Thorganby on the 9^th and Elvington on the 14^th. Three were seen over Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Brown Long-eared Bat – The first of the year were flying at Elvington on the 14^th.

Daubenton’s Bat – First recorded from Elvington on the 14^th.

AMPHIBIANS/REPTILES: 

Common Lizard – One was at Skipwith Common on the 2^nd followed by three there on the 4^th. Good numbers were present thereafter with seven there on the 8^th. 

 Common Lizard - Skipwith - 02/04

Grass Snake – Four adults were present on the Bomb Bay walls at Skipwith Common on the 2^nd whilst four of last year’s young were found under tins on ‘Adder Heath’ on the 7^th/8^th. Two young ones were present again on the 13^th with one adult and three young there on the 14^th. 

Adder – A single male was at Skipwith Common on the 2^nd with two there on the 8^th when a single yearling was also seen. A pair were present and mating on the 26^th/27^th, with an additional male on the Bomb Bay heath on the 26^th. 

 

Adder - Skipwith Common - 28/04

Great Crested Newt – A male and female were seen in the ponds on Skipwith Common on the 8^th when a single egg was also found in a rolled leaf. 132 were reported from several ponds in the Elvington area on the 14^th.

Smooth Newt – Four males and a female were seen in the ponds near Kind Rudding Lane, Skipwith Common on the 8^th. A single was seen in the NNR Base pond at Bank Island on the 21^st and 23^rd. 

 

Smooth Newt - Skipwith Common 08/04 - DL

Common Frog – Up to 30+ were calling at dusk at Wheldrake Ings on the 23^rd. 

Common Toad – Up to 100 were present in the Melbourne area on the 7^th.

BUTTERFLIES: 

Peacock – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 2^nd with three along the Pocklington Canal near Melbourne on the 6^th. Two at Skipwith Common on the 7^th when six were present in the Bank Island area, followed by six at Skipwith Common on the 8^th. One was at the NNR Base on the 9^th with four there on the 10^th when 25+ were present on Wheldrake. 

Small Tortoiseshell – Two at Skipwith Common on the 7^th when two were also present at Bank Island, with a single on Skipwith Common on the 8^th.  Three at Bank Island on the 9^th when six were present at Ellerton Ings. 15+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th. 

Comma – A single at Skipwith Common on the 8^th and the NNR Base on the 9^th. One was seen between Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 21^st with singles at Bank Island and Skipwith Common on the 22^nd. 

Brimstone – Two (male and female) were present at Skipwith Common on the 2^nd with a single female at Thornton Ellers. A single was at Thorganby on the 7^th with a male at Skipwith Common on the 8^th and again on the 10^th. Five were present around the valley on the 20^th. Three were also present at Skipwith Common on the 22^nd. A single was seen in Wheldrake village on the 23^rd. 

Orange Tip – A single male at Wheldrake Ings on the 10^th was the first of the year with another at Bank Island on the 14^th. 10+ were at Skipwith Common on the 22^nd.

 Orange Tip - Skipwith Common - 22/04

Small White – A single at Bank Island on the 8^th was the first of the year and was followed by singles at Skipwith Common on the 9^th and Thorganby and North Duffield Carrs on the 10^th. 

Green-Veined White – The first of the year was at Bank Island on the 14^th. 

Speckled Wood – The first of the year was at Bank Island on the 22^nd.

DRAGONFLIES: 

Large Red Damselfly – Four on Skipwith Common on the 22^nd were the first of the year. One was present at the NNR Base on the 26^th with one at Skipwith Common on the 26^th and 10+ present the next day.

 

Large Red Damselfly - Skipwith Common - 27/04

Southern Hawker - Two nymphs were found in the ponds on King Rudding Lane, Skipwith whilst pond dipping on the 8^th.

Southern Hawker nymph - Skipwith Common - 08/04

MOTHS: 

Moth trapping continued throughout the month, with 11 new species caught, such as Common, Small & Twin-spotted Quaker, Clouded Drab, Water Carpet, Herald and the Small Magpie pictured below.

Small Magpie - NNR Base - 14/04

OTHER INVERTS: 

A number of new bee species for the year were recorded throughout the month, with Tree Bees in the NNR Base Garden on the 1^st, Buff-tailed and Early Bumblebees on Skipwith on the 2^nd, Common Carder Bees on Skipwith on the 8^th and a Tawny Mining Bee at the NNR Base on the 9^th. The first wasps of the year - Common Wasp were noted at Bank Island on the 8^th.

Honey Bees, Red-tailed Bumblebees and White-tailed were also present throughout the month at a number of sites. The first hoverflies of the year appeared on the 20^th at Thicket Priory with Eristalis pertinax seen.

A Tachnid Fly - Tachina ursina was first seen across the heath on Skipwith Common on the 2^nd, followed by many more sightings thereafter. The Bee-fly Bombylius major was a first for the year on the 22^nd, with sightings daily thereafter.

The first Green Tiger Beetles of the appeared on the 2^nd in what seemed to be a mass emergence. 

 

Tachnid Fly - Skipwith Common - 02/04

NOTABLE PLANTS: 

A number of new flowering species were seen throughout the month, such as Cowslip, Common Sorrel, Cuckoo Flower, Marsh Marigold and Red Campion. Whilst new leaves of Greater Burnet, Marsh Stitchwort, Meadow Vetchling, Sneezewort and Pepper-saxifrage were noted in the meadows. Sweet Vernal and Meadow Foxtail are two of the earlier grasses, with both already in flower across the Ings - much earlier than normal. The first emerging stems and leaves of Greater Water Parsnip were also seen at the NNR base pond at Bank Island.

Sweet Vernal Grass - Wheldrake - 27/04