Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

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December - July 2014

Lower Derwent Valley NNR - Sightings 2014

DECEMBER 2014

A Bittern which flew low over Bank Island towards Wheldrake Ings on the 4th was a very welcome addition to the year’s sightings, whilst at least two Bearded Tits at Wheldrake Ings on the same date and one calling near Melbourne on the 5th continued the good run of this species in the valley since the autumn. Two adult Bewick’s Swans at Bank Island on the 6th were also a welcome appearance, possibly the same two returning birds that have been returning to winter in the valley for several years. They were later relocated on the 9th when they’d joined a family party of two adults and two juveniles – a good count and great to see some cygnets back in the valley – maybe the start of an up-turn in numbers… Whooper Swan numbers also increased, reaching 95 by mid-month. 

 
Whooper Swans - North Duffield Carrs - 09/12 

Other seasonal highlights included what was presumed to be last month’s lingering Tundra Bean Goose at Ellerton on the 3rd and a single European White-fronted Goose at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th. A full WeBS count on the 3rd produced a respectable 25,000+ wildfowl and waders, with over 7000 each of Wigeon and Teal while 72 Pochard reflected the extensive flooding and deep water in parts of the valley.   

Pintail - Ellerton - 09/12 

Raptors were well represented with at least six different Peregrine Falcons reported, alongside three or four Marsh Harriers and an amazing nine Red Kites on Christmas Eve. Waders were also well represented with 4000 Lapwing and 2500 Golden Plover, however the highlight was provided by the ongoing high numbers of Ruff with 131 still present on the 3rd. A single Jack Snipe at Bank Island on the same date and a Black-tailed Godwit at North Duffield Carrs on the 14th provided additional variety. The first Iceland Gull of the winter flew past Melbourne on the 19th.

Kingfishers showed well at a number of sites around the reserve during the month, while Jays also continued to be widespread throughout the area with one caught and ringed at Thornton Ellers on the 15th. A single Common Redpoll was near Melbourne on the 19th (NC).

Jay - Thornton Ellers - 15/12



BIRDS: 


Mute Swan – 80 were present throughout the site on the 3rd with 101 recorded on the 19th. 

Whooper Swan – 66 present in late November had increased to 72 by the 3rd - spread throughout the valley with the largest numbers in the Ellerton area. 77 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 9th, with 95 there on the 17th. 90+ remained at North Duffield until month end.

Bewick’s Swan – Two adults were present at Bank Island on the 6th (DB). Two were then found on Ellerton Ings on the 9th before flying onto North Duffield Carrs where a total of four adults and two immatures were present (LM, CSR). 

Bewick's Swans - North Duffield Carrs - 09/12

Pink-footed Goose – Two were at Ellerton Ings on the 3rd with 60 at Bank Island on the 7th. 120 flew over Melbourne on the 13th, with another 10 over on the 19th. 

Tundra Bean Goose – Possibly last month’s individual was relocated at Ellerton Ings amongst the Greylag flock on the 3rd (CSR, LM, JR). 

European White-fronted Goose – A single adult at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th.

Greylag Goose – Numbers increased during the month with 2500+ present early in the month, mostly in the northern half of the valley. A mere 1670 were recorded on the WeBS count on the 3rd, although this did include an impressive 707 on Ellerton Ings. 500+ were at North Duffield Carrs on the 9th and 470 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 17th. 

Greylag Geese - Ellerton Ings - 09/12

Canada Goose – 208 were counted throughout the site on the 3rd although up to 500 were recorded at North Duffield Carrs early in the month, with 310 at Melbourne and Thornton Ings on the 17th.

Shelduck – Numbers increased quickly from late November following increased flooding with 63 recorded on the 3rd which included 58 at Ellerton Ings. 75 were at North Duffield Carrs on the 9th with 80+ there on the 13th and 86 there on the 17th. Up to 40 were using Wheldrake Ings towards the end of the month. 

Teal – A total of 7875 were present during a full count of the valley on the 3rd with good numbers continuing to be present throughout the month. 

Wigeon – 5000+ recorded in late November had increased to 7800+ by the 3rd.

Pintail – Numbers had increased to 81 by the 3rd. 

Mallard – Small numbers were present throughout the site.

Gadwall – Numbers increased quickly to 111 by the 3rd. 

Shoveler – 51 were recorded throughout the valley during the WeBS count on the 3rd. 

Tufted Duck – 51 were present at Bank Island on the 3rd, making up nearly all of the 54 present throughout the site.

Pochard – Following the odd scattered bird during late August numbers increased quickly to 72 by the 3rd, when counts of 45 at Aughton Ings and 27 at Wheldrake Ings accounted for all of the birds - these two sites being typically favoured by this species. Numbers then declined as the floods began to decrease with just two males remaining at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st and a lone drake there on the 28th.

Goldeneye – Two drakes were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th with a red-head flying over Elvington Bridge following the River Derwent downstream on the 5th. Five were then present at Wheldrake Ings on the 14th with three there on the 21st. 

Water Rail – Good numbers remained throughout the site with up to three birds at Thornton Ellers, three in the car park at Wheldrake Ings along with up to five in the reedbed. Other scattered singles were recorded from three other sites – at least 14 birds were present throughout the site with 13 recorded on the WeBS on the 3rd. 

Little Grebe Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd.

Bittern – A single flew low over Bank Island before gaining height and flying over the River Derwent towards Wheldrake Ings on the 4th (CSR, LM) with another or the same reported from the Pocklington Canal near Biebly on the 20th. 

Grey Heron – Small numbers continued to be scattered throughout the site with a monthly maxima of 20 on the 3rd, with a count of six at North Duffield Carrs. 

Little Egret – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th and North Duffield Carrs on the 7th. 

Cormorant – 13 were present throughout the site on the 3rd of which 12 came from Wheldrake Ings. 

Red Kite – A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 14th, flushing wildfowl during several low passes of Swantail Ings. Five were constantly in the air above Canal Head, Pocklington Canal on the 24th, at one point peaking at nine individuals – no doubt drifting over from the large communal roost on the nearby Wolds. 

Marsh Harrier – A single immature male was present at North Duffield Carrs on the 3rd with a female at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th and a cream-crown at North Duffield Carrs again the 5th. Up to two cream-crowns then remained in the valley, favouring Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs during the month to year end. 

Hen Harrier – A single was hunting over North Duffield Carrs on the 26th. 

Peregrine Falcon – Birds were seen regularly throughout the site during the month with an adult female and immature male both at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th (LM, CSR, JR) with an adult male at Aughton Ings on the 9th (LM, CSR). Two adult males and an immature female were at North Duffield Carrs on the 11th (OM) – at least six birds were involved during the month’s sightings. 

Merlin – A single was hunting the meadows at North Duffield Carrs on the 31st (DB).

Oystercatcher – A single bird was at Bank Island on the 3rd – a rather early appearance with most birds returning to the valley following the turn of the New Year, and particularly in early February. 

Lapwing – 3942 present throughout the valley on the 3rd was the largest count recorded during the month. 

Grey Plover – A single was present with Golden Plover at North Duffield Carrs on the 31st. 

Golden Plover – The WeBS count on the 3rd produced the largest count during the month with 2400 present throughout the reserve. 

Golden Plover - Ellerton - 09/12

Curlew – As with recent years only, small numbers were present during the month with 10 on the 3rd, 15 on the 11th and 18 on the 31st. 

Common Snipe – A rather typical showing during the month but as ever difficult to survey. The largest numbers were present on Melbourne and Thornton Ings with 224 recorded throughout the valley on the 3rd - undoubtedly an under-estimate of the true numbers present. 

Jack Snipe – A single bird was flushed from the path to Cheesecake Hide at Bank Island on the 3rd (FM, LM, CSR, JR).

Dunlin – 102 counted throughout the site on the 3rd was the largest count made during the month. 

Ruff – Last month’s impressive flock of 140+ remained, scattered throughout the site but with the largest counts coming from Ellerton and North Duffield Carrs. 131 were counted throughout the site on the WeBS count on the 3rd. 

Black-tailed Godwit – A single was at North Duffield Carrs on the 14th (DB).

Redshank – Numbers increased slowly from two birds in late November to 13 scattered along the river bank on the 3rd with 21 on the 27th. 

Green Sandpiper – A single at Melbourne Ings on the 5th and another over Bank Island on the 11th. 

Woodcock – A typical winter showing with records coming from traditionally favoured winter haunts. Up to three were recorded from Thornton Ellers early in the month with a single flushed from the Escrick Duck decoy on the 17th. Three flew over the car park at Wheldrake Ings at dusk on the 28th. A single was shot in the Thorganby area during the month – later found with a Finnish ring – full details to follow. 

Herring Gull – Numbers built up during the month with up to 10,000 commuting between the roost at Wheldrake Ings and the Harewood Whin landfill site. 

Iceland Gull – A first winter bird flew along the canal at Melbourne past Melbourne Arm on the 19th (NC). 

Great Black-backed Gull – A single leucistic bird that resembled a Glaucous Gull was present at Bank Island on the 3rd. This bird is returning for its second winter having been ringed in Norway as a chick in 2013. Up to 5000 were present in the gull roost by month end. 

Green Woodpecker – Present throughout the month at Skipwith Common NNR, along with one at Seavy Carr on the 27th. 

Greater Spotted Woodpecker – A good month with a number of birds present throughout the area following a good breeding season. Up to three remained at the Bank Island feeding station with two in Wheldrake Ings car park area and two at Thornton Ellers, with scattered birds elsewhere. 

 Great Spotted Woodpecker - Thornton Ellers - 01/12

Grey Wagtail – A single male remained in the Bank Island area throughout the month with other records coming from Sutton Bridge on the 3rd and more unusually Thornton Ellers on the 1st and 15th. 

Kingfisher – Two birds were still present at Thornton Ellers on the 1st and 15th, whilst another flew over the Bank Island floods on the 3rd. Another was seen on the river at North Duffield Carrs on the 17th with one at Canal Head on the Pocklington Canal on the 18th and two by Melbourne Arm on the 19th – another good showing during the month. 

Jay – Four were at the Wheldrake Ings car park area around the bridge on the 9th with two at Thornton Ellers, where one was caught and ringed on the 15th. Birds were also present throughout the month on Skipwith Common NNR.

Jay - Thornton Ellers - 15/12

Stonechat – A single wintering bird was present in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs from the 1st to 12th and later reported there again from the 17th to 23rd. 

Nuthatch - A pair were caught at the Escrick Duck Decoy on the 29th – a new un-ringed bird and a re-trap from last month (MFJ). 

Bearded Tit – Following a good run of autumn records so far, at least two were present in the reedbed at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th (LM, CSR) with a single calling by the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne on the 5th (FM, CSR). 

Willow Tit – A good month with several new and re-trap birds caught at various feeding stations around the valley, with a total of 15 birds caught at Wheldrake Ings car park area, Thornton Ellers and Church Bridge (MFJ). Two were seen and heard on several dates by the canal at Melbourne Arm. 

Lesser Redpoll – Small numbers increased during the month with up to 20+ scattered along the canal at Melbourne on the 19th. 

Common Redpoll – A single was present with six Lesser Redpolls at Melbourne Arm on the 19th (NC).

Siskin – Up to 60 had built up at Thornton Ellers by mid-month with several smaller flocks scattered along the canal side Alders by the Pocklington Canal. 

Corn Bunting – Up to 10 were present in the roost near Church Bridge early in the month with 25+ there on the 27th and 30 on the 29th (NC).



MAMMALS: 


Stoat – A single at Bank Island on the 3rd, followed by a single in the car park at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th catching Wood Mice (JW).

Red Fox – A single ran across Bank Island on the 16th.

Brown Hare – Two were seen at Thornton Ellers on the 1st.



NOVEMBER 2014

Despite low coverage at times during the month due to a combination of factors, there were still a number of reports coming in to keep the interest going and plenty of activity particularly towards the end of the month. 

Following a relatively dry autumn mirrored by low waterfowl numbers, the valley began to finally wet up from the first half of the month. This lead to the usual influx of wintering wildfowl and waders and by late in the month notable counts included 66 Whooper Swans, 2000+ Greylag Geese, 5000+ Wigeon and 4000+ Teal, with smaller numbers of Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail and Tufted Duck all building up. One of the highlights included an apparently ‘lost’ Tundra Bean Goose that circled Wheldrake Ings calling loudly for over an hour on the 7th. The first returning Goldeneye of the winter appeared on the 19th and the second Goosander of the winter on the 5th. Good numbers of Water Rails and Little Grebes were also scattered throughout the valley. 

Bank Island - 17/11

Waders, appearing as if by magic alongside the floods, built up to an impressive early winter tally of 3300 Lapwing, 2100 Golden Plover and 50 Dunlin, although the count of 140 Ruff was the undoubtedly the highlight – a great count, especially so early in the winter and bucking the species trend over recent years. This could be one of the biggest UK wintering counts this winter. Other interesting records included a single Greenshank over Bank Island on the 21st followed by a late (or really early) Black-tailed Godwit on the 22nd whilst more surprising was a very late Whimbrel calling over Bank Island at dusk on the 25th


A good showing of Kingfishers from around the reserve was an encouraging recovery following hard times in recent years whilst Grey Wagtails were also reported from a number of locations, including the Bank Island car park where one was present daily attacking wing mirrors of the parked vehicles. Three Stonechats present during the month were also a pleasing return to form following a rather scarce wintering presence after two or three cold winters, and likewise a good scattering of records came in for Willow Tits, suggesting they are at least maintaining a toe hold in the area in the face of large national declines. An apparent wintering male Blackcap at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th was also noteworthy although not all together surprising these days.

Kingfisher - Thornton Ellers - 24/11



BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – 27 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. 

Whooper Swan – Birds were mobile during the early part of the month between Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs. The resident herd numbered 18 at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st increasing to 27 there on the 3rd. A further arrival saw the herd increase to 66 on the 7th, remaining to month end although spending more time on Ellerton and Aughton with flooding there during the month. 

Whooper Swans - North Duffield Carrs - 07/11

Pink-footed Goose – 200+ flew east over Bank Island on the 4th. 300 went south over the valley on the 7th with 60 north-west over Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal on the 16th. Ten were present at Bank Island on the 20th. 

Tundra Bean Goose – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th (CSR, MFJ et al).

Greylag Goose – Numbers increased during the month with 2000+ present by the 22nd, most in the northern half of the valley. 

Canada Goose – 500 at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st was the monthly maxima.

Shelduck – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th and 5th, four at Wheldrake Ings on 7th with 11 at Ellerton on the 16th. 

Teal – Numbers remained low early in the month with 1500 having built up with small scale flooding by the 15th. Numbers then increased quickly to 4300 throughout the valley on the 22nd. 

Teal - Bank Island - 03/11

Wigeon – Up to 700 birds were present throughout the site early in the month, increasing to 1000+ by the 15th and then rapidly to 5100 by the 22nd.

Pintail – 30 at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd increased with further flooding with 44 present throughout the valley on the 22nd.

Gadwall – 19 at Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd with 61 throughout the valley on the 22nd. 

Shoveler – Up to 30 were present at Wheldrake Ings early in the month, with numbers increasing to 60 by the 22nd when birds were scattered throughout the site. 

Tufted Duck – Single figure counts were made occasionally early in the month increasing to 10 at Wheldrake Ings on the 16th and 21 at Bank Island on the 21st, with 32 then present throughout the site on the 23rd.

Pochard – A single female was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 19th - the first returning bird, with six later at Bank Island on the 22nd.

Goldeneye – A single ‘red-head’ at North Duffield Carrs on the 19th was the first of the winter.

Goosander – A single red-head on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th 

Water Rail – Three were still present at Wheldrake Ings early in the month with a single calling at Thornton Ellers on the 5th. Two were calling at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th, with three at Thornton Ellers on the 18th and one at Church Bridge on the 19th. Three were at Wheldrake Ings again on the 21st and one at Bank Island on the 27th. At least eight individuals were present throughout the site but presumably more were scattered elsewhere across the reserve. 

Little Grebe – Up to four remained on the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne during the month, where two were also caught. Four were on the river at North Duffield Carrs on the 20th when one was also present on the Top Pond. 

Little Grebe - Pocklington Canal - 13/11

Grey Heron – Small numbers were scattered throughout the site with a monthly maxima of eight on the 11th. 

Little Egret – A single was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 9th. 

Cormorant – Up to nine were present throughout the month. 

Red Kite – A single flew over Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal on the 16th. 

Marsh Harrier – Up to two cream crowns remained in the valley throughout the month. 

Peregrine – Two females and a male were present throughout the month. 

Merlin - A single was seen flying alongside the road from Skipwith to Thorganby on the 26th (SH).

Lapwing – As with many wader species numbers increased quickly following the flooding from mid-month. 200 were at North Duffield Carrs on the 15th, a full count of the valley later revealed that c3300 were present from the 22nd. 

Golden Plover – 100 at North Duffield Carrs on the 15th increased with 800 on the Low Grounds at Sutton-upon- Derwent on the 18th and c2100 throughout the valley on the 22nd. 

Curlew – Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th with four there on the 7th and 11 on the 15th. 21 were present throughout the site on the 22nd. 

Common Snipe – 50 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd with smaller numbers scattered elsewhere. The largest numbers remained in the Melbourne and Thornton Ings area where up to 200 were present on the 25th. 

Jack Snipe – Two were present on the regular wintering site at Skipwith Common NNR during the month (DT). 

Woodcock – A single was seen flying across the heath at Skipwith Common on the 17th.

Dunlin – The first returning birds were 11 seen at Ellerton on the 15th, followed by 33 on the 18th and 50 on the 22nd. 

Ruff – Four returned to Aughton Ings on the 16th (DB) following the first of the autumn’s flooding, numbers increasing quickly thereafter to an impressive 140 at Ellerton on the 22nd (OM, CG). 

Black-tailed Godwit – A single bird was present at Ellerton Ings on the 22nd (OM, CG).

Redshank – Two at Bubwith Ings on the 16th were the first returning wintering birds.

Greenshank – A single flew over Bank Island calling on the 21st (TD).

Whimbrel – A single flew over Bank Island at dusk on the 25th calling loudly (FM, CSR). 

Herring Gull – Numbers started to increase during the month with birds commuting between Harewood Whin Tip and Wheldrake Ings – with up to 7000 by month end. 

Greater Black-backed Gull – As with the above species numbers had increased to 3000 roosting birds by the end of the month. 

Greater Spotted Woodpecker – Up to three different birds were present at the Bank Island feeding station during the month with others also noted in the car park area at Wheldrake Ings, one was also caught and ringed at the Escrick Duck decoy on 23rd (MFJ). 

Great Spotted Woodpecker - Bank Island - 25/11

Green Woodpecker – Two or three were present almost daily on Skipwith Common NNR during the month. 

Grey Wagtail – A single was present throughout the month at Bank Island where it spent hours attacking its own reflection in visitor’s wing mirrors. A single was also present at Sutton Weir on the 10th and Melbourne Arm on the 19th. 

 
Grey Wagtail - Bank Island - 17/11

Kingfisher – A good showing with birds recorded early in the month at Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island. A single was present almost daily on the small pool at Thornton Ellers during the month with two caught and ringed there on the 25th. Other birds were also reported during the month from Church Bridge Melbourne and Melbourne Arm (NC). 

Kingfisher - Thornton Ellers - 24/11

Jay – Widespread throughout the area during the month, in particular at Wheldrake Ings, Thornton Ellers and Skipwith Common NNR.

Stonechat – A single male at North Duffield Carrs was caught and colour-ringed on the 3rd (MFJ). Another first winter male was present at Seavy Carr on the 4th while two, an adult male and colour-ringed first winter male were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 6th-9th.

Blackcap – A male was seen amongst a mixed tit flock at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th (DB). 

Nuthatch - A single was caught and ringed in the Escrick Duck decoy on the 23rd (MFJ). 

Willow Tit – Up to three were present throughout the month at the Bank Island feeding station, along with three at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th. Other records during the month included three ringed at feeding stations at Thornton Ellers and two ringed at Church Bridge, with two seen at Melbourne Arm on the 15th. A good showing following what appears to have been a better breeding season. 

Lesser Redpoll – Two were caught and ringed at Thornton Ellers from a group of four there on the 5th. Seven were at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th whilst birds were regularly recorded flying over Skipwith Common during the month (DT).

Lesser Redpoll - Thornton Ellers - 05/11

Siskin – A flock of 25 flew over Thornton Ellers on the 5th. 

Tree Sparrow – Up to 200 were present throughout the month on the arable to the north of Thornton Ellers whilst 150 were feeding in a game cover strip near Seavy Carr later in the month – this area still remains a stronghold in the area with c400 present in the area. Up to 60 were present at the Bank Island feeding station throughout the month with small scattered flocks elsewhere.


MAMMALS: 

Roe Deer – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th, and two at Skipwith Common on the 26th.

Brown Hare – Three at Thornton Ellers on the 5th, with a single at Skipwith Common on the 13th.


BUTTERFLIES: 

Red Admiral – A single was sunning itself on the wall of the NNR base on the 7th – the last of the year perhaps.


DRAGONFLIES: 

Common Darter – Two individuals, presumably the last for the year were seen at Thornton Ellers on the 18th


OTHER INVERTS:

Unsurprisingly a quiet month with few records, however one mild day on the Common saw this Orange Ladybird making its way down a Silver Birch tree.


Orange Ladybird - Skipwith Common - 18/11


FUNGI:

Several new species for the year were found throughout November on Skipwith Common such as: Common Inkcap, Common Jellyspot, Coral Spot, Fairy Inkcap and Small Stagshorn. Plenty of Jelly Ear was also found!

Common Inkcap - 17/11

Jelly Ear - 17/11

OCTOBER 2014

Although October was generally one of the warmest on record which saw a number of butterflies and dragonflies remain on the wing throughout, it was however a rather poor month for invertebrates, and coupled with other priorities elsewhere available recording time was reduced. Equally the relatively mild conditions and largely south westerly winds helped suppress the numbers of incoming wintering birds and returning migrants until late in the month. However, one or two notable bird records during the month helped maintain the interest.

Glorious day on the Common - 25/10

Highlights included the continuing run of Bearded Tits in the valley with up to three at Wheldrake between the 2nd-16th (DB et al), a Ring Ouzel at Bank Island on the 9th (CSR), a Cetti’s Warbler at Wheldrake Ings on the 22nd (MFJ), a Twite calling over Bank Island on the 25th (CSR) and a Yellow-browed Warbler which was caught and ringed at Skipwith on the 30th (DT). A Stonechat in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the 23rd (AC) was also noteworthy given their scarcity over recent years following some harsh winters – nice to see them back at one of their past wintering haunts.

Cetti's Warbler - Wheldrake Ings - 22/10

More expected but no less welcome were the records of returning wintering waterfowl which included several passing herds of Whooper Swans from the 6th and the slow build-up of the wintering herd at North Duffield Carrs from the 23rd, up to 14 by month end. A total of 1426 Pink-footed Geese moved over the valley during the month with one or two skeins pausing on site whilst the first Pintail were noted back on the 17th. Increasing numbers of other wildfowl were also recorded with 1050 Greylag Geese, 1400 Teal, 900+ Wigeon, although these numbers were down on those logged at this time last year. Also returning were five Jack Snipe caught and ringed at Skipwith Common from the 15th (DT). 

Pink-footed Geese - Bank Island - 23/10

Jays remained numerous during the month with an extraordinary count of 20 at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th, with 10 moving through Bank Island the following day. The first returning Brambling was noted on the 14th with another on the 23rd whilst north easterly winds finally brought an influx of thrushes in the last two days of the month with 2000+ Redwing, 1000+ Fieldfare and 100 Blackbirds noted on the 30th. What were possibly the last five Swallows of the year passed through Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd whilst late (or possibly incoming wintering birds), Chiffchaff and Blackcaps were at Melbourne and Wheldrake respectively.


BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – 22 flew over Bank Island on the 1st representing the first main arrival of the autumn (back from the moulting sites), with five then flying over Bank Island on the 12th. 25 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th. 

Whooper Swan – The first seven birds of the autumn flew south over Bank Island on the 6th. The first ‘resident herd’ birds arrived in the usual field at North Duffield Carrs with four (two adults and two juveniles) on the 23rd increasing to 14 there by the 25th (six juveniles). In addition to the above, a family party of eight birds (two adults and six juveniles) paused at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th including two colour-ringed birds marked last autumn at the same site. 

Ringed in the valley last year, G5K has returned to NDC

Egyptian Goose – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 10th and 11th whilst a family party of two adults and six fledged juveniles were still on a local pond near East Cottingwith throughout the month. 
 
Pink-footed Goose – 37 flew south over the Wheldrake on the 1st with 220 south on the 4th and 147 south on the 11th. Skeins of 110, 150 and 190 flew south through the valley on the 19th, 20th and 22nd respectively whilst 630 flew east over Bank Island on the 23rd, with 120 spending several hours on the flood water there with the local Greylag flock before continuing east towards dusk. 42 were present there on the 25th and a total of 1426 birds moved through the valley during the month. 

Greylag Goose – Numbers increased as expected during the month with 300 in the Melbourne and Thornton Ings/Pocklington area throughout the month and 750+ built up at Bank Island by the 23rd giving a minimum of 1050 during the month. Smaller numbers were counted elsewhere throughout the site. 600+ roosted at Wheldrake Ings on the evening of the 26th. 

Greylag Geese - Bank Island - 23/10

Canada Goose – A monthly maxima of 121 on the 14th. 

Shelduck – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 8th was the first of the autumn. 

Teal – Numbers increased during the month to 1400 by the 23rd. 

Wigeon – 410 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th with numbers increasing to a peak of 900+ at Bank Island on the 23rd. 

Pintail – The first returning bird of the autumn was at Bank Island on the 17th - 19th with four there on the 21st and five there on the 23rd. 

Gadwall – Only small numbers present throughout the month with a peak of 21 at North Duffield Carrs on the 21st. 

Shoveler – Numbers began to increase early in the month with 30 at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th and 25 there on the 6th. 24 were present at Bank Island on the 23rd and 28 at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th. 

Pochard – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 10th.

Goosander – A single red-head flew north-east up the River Derwent at Bank Island on the 14th (CSR). 

Water Rail – Three were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th with up to three showing well from Pool Hide most days - continuing the autumn’s excellent run of records and showy individuals. Four were present there on the 19th with a single at Thornton Ellers on the 21st. 

Little Grebe – Up to three remained on the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne during the month with another arriving at North Duffield Carrs on the 24th. 

Grey Heron – Small numbers were present throughout the site with 12 at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. 

Little Egret – A single at Wressle on the 10th. 

Cormorant – Up to five birds recorded daily throughout the month from across the site. However, a flock of 18 flying east along the Pocklington Canal at Melbourne on the 8th represents a large count outside of Wheldrake Ings (NC). 

Red Kite – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th and 6th and again on 10th. One at Canal Head on the Pocklington Canal on the 22nd. 

Marsh Harrier – Up to three female/juvenile birds remained at Wheldrake Ings during the month which included the green wing-tagged male until the 10th, with another juvenile near Skipwith Common on the 10th. Two or three birds lingered until month end with a sub-adult male at Bank Island on the 23rd and a different second summer male on the 27th – at least 6 different birds were involved during the month. 

Peregrine Falcon – Singles were regularly reported from Wheldrake Ings early in the month with an immature female attacking Carrion Crows there on the 24th. 

Golden Plover – 79 flew south at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th with 57 at Bank Island on the 9th and 43 near Bubwith on the 10th. 230 were at Wheldrake on the 17th. 

Curlew – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th. 

Greenshank – A single on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th and 6th with two there on 8th-10th with another at Thorganby Ings on the 8th. A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th-16th. 

Common Snipe – 100+ were still present on Melbourne Ings on the 2nd with 40 at Bank Island on the 23rd and 27 at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th with smaller numbers scattered throughout the site. Up to 30 frequented Skipwith Common NNR during the month. 

Jack Snipe – The first returning birds were two at Skipwith Common on 15th with five caught and ringed there during the remainder of the month (DT). 

Green Sandpiper – Two on the riverbank at Thorganby Ings on the 8th. 

Green Woodpecker – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th and Bank Island on the 13th. Two or three were present almost daily on Skipwith Common NNR during the month. 

 
Green Woodpecker - Skipwith Common - 27/10 

Greater Spotted Woodpecker – Two different birds were present at the Bank Island feeding station early in the month with another single caught and ringed at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st (MFJ). Three at Bank Island on the 10th with a female caught and ringed there on the 25th (MFJ).

Fieldfare – The first of the year was at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th (DB) followed by the same or another at Bank Island on the same date (CSR) with two over Bank Island on the 9th. A large arrival onto the North Yorkshire coast on the 30th saw 1000+ arrive in the valley late in the day with 800+ moving through the site on the 31st.

Redwing – 110 flew west over Bank Island in the first few hours after dawn on the 14th. Only small numbers were recorded thereafter until heavy nocturnal passage on the 29th/30th saw numbers arrive with 2000+ on the 30th and 900+ on the 31st. 

Blackbird – A small but noticeable influx saw 14 at Bank Island on the 1st – these were probably local birds on the move rather than an arrival of continental birds. Another small arrival/movement saw 16 move through Bank Island on the 9th. 50 at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th marked another influx whilst 100+ there on the 30th were associated with a large thrush arrival into the county. 

Ring Ouzel – A single female was seen at Bank Island on the 9th when its arrival coincided with a small movement of Blackbirds through the site (CSR). 

Grey Wagtail – A single pair lingered at the Water Treatment Works at Bank Island during the month where one took a liking to attacking the wing mirrors of cars in the NNR car park! A single had returned to the lock at Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal by the 8th (NC).

 
Grey Wagtail - NNR Base - 27/10/14 

Swallow – Present daily early in the month with 120 heading south over Wheldrake Ings ahead of heavy rain on the 8th. Smaller numbers thereafter with 14 south over Bank Island on the 21st and five at Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd. 

Jay – Still good numbers and a scattering of records from throughout the valley early in the month including a staggering count of 20 at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th (AW). A loose flock of 10 flew through Bank Island on the 6th with four between Elvington and Wheldrake on the 7th. Seven were seen at Skipwith Common on the 8th with four at both Bank Island and Thornton on the 9th. Three or four were present daily thereafter at Bank Island until month end with scattered singles elsewhere throughout the site and three at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st.

Stonechat – A single male at North Duffield Carrs showed well in front of the Geoff Smith Hide on the 23rd (AC).

Blackcap – A single male was caught and ringed at Wheldrake Ings on the 29th (MFJ).

Chiffchaff – Three were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th with one still in a mixed tit flock at Melbourne on the 8th and one in the NNR base garden at Bank Island on the 14th. One was still singing at Melbourne on the 22nd.

Yellow-browed Warbler – A single betrayed its presence at Skipwith Common on the 30th by flying into a mist net (DT). This represents the first record for Skipwith Common and only the second for the wider Skipwith Common/Lower Derwent Valley area following last year’s single at Bank Island, and is the first to be ringed in the area. 

Bearded Tit – Three flew over the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd (CSR et al) with two in the reedbed at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th16th (DB).

 
Bearded Tit - Wheldrake - 12/10 - DB  

Cetti’s Warbler – A single summer male was caught and ringed amongst poolside willows at Wheldrake Ings on the 22nd (MFJ).

Nuthatch - A single was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th. 

Willow Tit – A single was present at the Bank Island feeding station on the 3rd. 

Tree Sparrow – Up to 60 built up at the feeding station at Bank Island during the month.

Twite – A single flew west over Bank Island on the 25th (CSR). 

Lesser Redpoll – 40 were caught and ringed at Skipwith Common NNR during the month (DT), with small numbers passing overhead on most days, although no flocks were reported on the site. 11 were also present in the Alders near Church Bridge, Melbourne on the 22nd (NC).

Brambling – A single over Bank Island on the 14th (CSR) was the first of the autumn with another over North Duffield on the 23rd (AW).


MAMMALS: 

Roe Deer – Four were seen at Skipwith Common on the 8th and two at Wheldrake Ings on the 13th. Two were at Bank Island on the 22nd with three there on the 25th and singles daily thereafter to month end. 

 
Roe Deer - Bank Island - 25/10 - DB 

Red Fox – Three together at Bank Island on the 19th represented an usual record, followed by a single there on the 22nd.

Water Shrew – A single at Skipwith Common NNR on the 25th (DT).


BUTTERFLIES: 

Peacock – A single at the NNR Base at Bank Island on the 2nd and 10th, with a single at Thornton Ellers on the 17th and two in the NNR base garden on the 29th. 

Red Admiral – Four were seen in the base garden on the 2nd along with a single at Wheldrake Ings. Two were at Skipwith Common on the 10th with singles in the base garden on the 17th and Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd. A single was still present in the base garden on the 31st. 

Small Tortoiseshell – Two were at Bank Island on the 2nd with two there in the base garden on 17th, followed by two at Bank Island on the 31st. 

Comma – Singles were seen at Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island on the 2nd with two at Wheldrake Ings on the 10th, followed by one there on the 29th and one at Bank Island on the 30th. 

Green-veined White – Seven were at Bank Island on the 1st with five there on 10th followed by two at Bank Island and two in the base garden on the 17th. 

Speckled Wood – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd.


DRAGONFLIES: 

Southern Hawker – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st. 

Migrant Hawker – The month opened with singles at the NNR Base on the 1st when two were also seen at Wheldrake Ings, followed by four there on the 2nd. A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd with other singles at Wheldrake on the 16th and 21st, Bank Island on the 23rd and Skipwith on the 25th. 

Common Darter – Two at Bank Island on the 2nd were followed by two at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd and 17th, along with two at the base garden on the latter date. Singles were still present at North Duffield Carrs on the 22nd and Skipwith Common on the 25th. Singles were seen at Bank Island and North Duffield Carrs on the 29th


MOTHS: 

Pale Tussock Moth – Caterpillars were seen on Skipwith Common on the 8th and 9th.

Vapourer – A single at Skipwith Common on the 8th followed by two at Bank Island on the 10th.


FUNGI: 

Due to mostly working elsewhere on the site throughout October only one visit was made onto Skipwith Common NNR to look for fungi, however we did at least come across a few species including new ones for the year – Orange Peel & Green Elfcup. A group of Shaggy Inkcaps could also be found near the main entrance, along with several Fly Agaric and clusters of Sulphur Tuft.

 Shaggy Inkcap - Skipwith Common - 27/10
 Orange Peel - Skipwith Common - 27/10


SEPTEMBER



September saw the continued build-up of wintering waterfowl, with Teal being present in good numbers throughout the month, reaching 1000+ by the end of the month. By which time 200 Wigeon had also returned to Skipwith Common NNR. Both Greylag and Canada Geese numbers also started to increase with the concentration of local breeding birds. A skein of returning Pink-footed Geese flew south over Bank Island on the 21st, no doubt en-route to the north Norfolk coast. Otherwise it was fairly quiet for wildfowl during the month, presumably reflecting the relatively dry conditions throughout most of the valley.

Wader passage was at best steady early in the month but was largely over by the 20th with just a late juvenile Greenshank and lone Green Sandpipers thereafter. Wetter conditions along the Pocklington Canal corridor of Melbourne and Thornton Ings provided attractive for Common Snipe with 150+ there on the 1st, whilst Wheldrake Ings also held 50+ on the 3rd and 4th and more interesting, Skipwith had 25 on the 3rd.

Green Sandpiper - Wheldrake Ings - D.Bye 

Several Marsh Harriers were involved in a series of records throughout the site, including a wing-tagged bird from Norfolk - giving an indication of where some of our late summer birds are coming from. A single Red Kite was seen well at Thornton on the 11th and a male Hen Harrier flew south through the valley on the 21st. Three Peregrine Falcons were logged during the month and two or possibly three Hobbies showed well at times, particularly at Wheldrake Ings. Barn Owls continued to fair well with second broods, with another six chicks ringed on the 11th.


Barn Owl chick - Bubwith - 11/09 

Kingfishers have obviously had a successful breeding season with a good number of records received during the month, perhaps relating to 13 individuals, with up to three showing well at both Melbourne Arm and Wheldrake Ings. Jays were also obvious during the month as they started to roam from wood to wood in search of food, and perhaps as birds from other areas also started to move through the area. Other migrants passing through the valley during the month included a Tree Pipit over Wheldrake Ings on the 21st, whilst three late Whinchats were still at North Duffield Carrs on the 20th

Kingfisher - Wheldrake Ings - D.Bye

Good numbers of warblers were present throughout the month with several late Reed Warblers presents towards month end, and 11 Chiffchaff caught and ringed at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th (MFJ) were probably just a fraction of the total present on site that day. The highlight of the month was undoubtedly the appearance of a flock of 14 erupting Bearded Tits at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th – the first in the LDV for three years and the joint largest flock on record.

Butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates continued to be recorded throughout the month (see below for full species write ups), with a pleasing number of new species found, in particular eight new spiders and a number new beetles were added to the 2014 'pan'. Shield Bugs continued to be found in good numbers across the site, with Skipwith Common being a particular hot-spot.


 Four-spot Orb Weaver - Skipwith Common - 25/09
Bronze Shield Bug nymph - Skipwith Common - 25/09

BIRDS:

Mute Swan – The family parties remained throughout the month with some cygnets starting their first flights late in the month. 

Egyptian Goose – A single adult flew east over Bank Island on the 23rd. 

Pink-footed Goose – The first of the autumn, a skein of 120 flew south over Bank Island on the 21st. 

Greylag Goose – 600+ flew over Sutton-upon-Derwent on the 1st when 300 were present at Melbourne. 

Canada Goose – Numbers started to build up slowly from the leftover summering flock of 11 at Wheldrake on the 1st and 2nd, to 35 at Thornton Ings on the 14th and 78 by the 26th. 

Teal – The month opened with 230+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st, 350 on the 2nd, 380 on the 4th and 450+ on the 5th. 550+ were present at Wheldrake on the 9th with 530 there on the 21st, on the same date 200+ were also present on Skipwith Common, with 1000+ in the valley by the 24th. 

Wigeon – Numbers at Wheldrake Ings increased to 10 on the 1st with scattered small numbers thereafter including 12 on the 21st. Larger numbers were present on the nearby Skipwith Common NNR with 200 there on the 19th. 

Gadwall – 10 at Wheldrake Ings on the 20th with 28 throughout the valley on the 22nd. 

Shoveler – Four at Wheldrake Ings on the 20th with 12 there on 26th. 

Tufted Duck – Two on the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st 

Tufted Duck - T.Weston

Coot – Up to 20 remained at Wheldrake Ings early in the month with just five remaining at month end. 

Water Rail – Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st and 4th with five there on the 11th and one or two regularly thereafter. Numbers and sightings increased late in the month with three there on 25th and six on the 28th. 

Little Grebe – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st-4th. 

Grey Heron – Ten at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th with 11 on the 14th and up to eight regularly thereafter, whilst small numbers were scattered throughout the month elsewhere. Monthly maximum of 21 on the 14th. 

Little Egret – A rather quiet month with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 11th. 

Red Kite – A single seen well at Thornton Ellers on the 11th (LM, CSR, FM). 

Red Kite - Thornton Ellers - 11/09


Hen Harrier – A single adult male flew south east over Wheldrake Ings on the 21st (CSR). 

Marsh Harrier – Single cream crowns were at Thornton Ellers and Wheldrake Ings on the 1st, with two at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. An adult male was at North Duffield Ings on the 5th along with a single cream crown at North Duffield Carrs and two at Wheldrake Ings. A juvenile was at Bank Island on the 9th and 11th, with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the latter date. A single adult female still lingered at Wheldrake Ings on the 20th with three birds (including a single green wing-tagged bird there on the 21st – 28th). This tagged bird had originally been ringed in the nest at Cantley, near Norwich on the 1st July 2014 and had been re-sighted at Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve in late August. Four were at Wheldrake Ings on the 28th. 

Buzzard – Good numbers present throughout the month and throughout the area following a good breeding season. Ten were present in the air at once at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th (DB), when 19 were counted in total across the valley. Jean Thorpe received a phone call about an injured Buzzard near Escrick, which was presumed to have been hit by a motorist. Jean gave it the once over, and luckily it was just a bit stunned, the following day it was ready to head off back into the wild, released where it was found.

Buzzard - NNR Base - 08/09

Hobby – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st, 3rd and 4th with a single at Thornton Ellers on the 3rd. Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 10th with a single on the 11th and 14th, and two there again on the 18th. A single at Melbourne on the 7th and 16th. Singles were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th and 28th. 

Peregrine Falcon – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th, 13th and 21st (DB). 

Barn Owl - Several adults were seen throughout the month, along with pairs still present at nesting sites. On the 11th another six chicks were ringed near Bubwith.


 Barn Owl - Bubwith - 11/09

Golden Plover – 300 at Bank Island on the 3rd and 26 near Raker Lakes, Wheldrake on the 21st. 

Whimbrel – A single over Bank Island on the 19th. 

Curlew – Four over Bank Island on the 2nd with single overheard on the 19th and 21st. 

Redshank – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd and 4th. 

Greenshank – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st and 2nd with two there on the 3rd and 4th. A juvenile on the pool there on the 21st with another there on 27th and 28th. 

Dunlin – The month opened with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st-4th. 

Ruff – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 10th. 

Common Snipe – 150+ were present on Melbourne Ings on the 1st with 50+ on Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd and 4th. 25 were present at Skipwith Common on the 3rd with 50+ at Melbourne Ings on the 16th. 

Green Sandpiper – Wheldrake Ings was (as usual) the favoured site with three there on the 1st, increasing to five on the 3rd and 4th. Three remained until the 20th with a single then present to month end. 

Green Sandpiper - Wheldrake Ings - D.Bye

Common Sandpiper – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th, 7th, 10th and 11th. 

Green Woodpecker – One at the NNR Base at Bank Island on the 2nd when three were present on Skipwith Common. A single at Skipwith Common on the 11th. 

Great Spotted Woodpecker – A single at the Bank Island feeders on the 1st and 2nd with three at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th. Singles reported regularly at Wheldrake Ings during the rest of the month. 

Kingfisher – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with two there on the 2nd and 4th, and two at Bank Island on the 3rd. Three near Melbourne on the 1st, with two there on the 2nd and a single through the Bank Island car park on the 11th – a more unusual location. A single near Canal Head, Pocklington on the 11th with up to three reported at Wheldrake Ings during the remainder of the month. A single at Sutton-upon-Derwent on the 21st. 


 
Kingfisher - Wheldrake Ings - D.Bye

Woodlark – At least one singing bird remained at Skipwith Common on the 2nd with one there on the 11th. 

Tree Pipit – A single at Skipwith Common on the 11th with a passage bird south over Wheldrake Ings on the 21st. 

Meadow Pipit – Autumn passage started with 50+ south at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th, followed by 60 at North Duffield Carrs on the 9th and 20+ at Skipwith Common on the 11th. Small numbers moved south thereafter. 

Grey Wagtail – A single pair lingered at the Water Treatment Works at Bank Island during the month with another at Elvington on the 22nd. 

Yellow Wagtail – Two flew south over Bank Island on the 2nd with two over Skipwith Common on the 3rd and five over Wheldrake Ings on the 4th. 10+ flew over Thornton Ellers on the 10th. Four at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st with three there on the 27th and two at Ellerton on the 28th. 

Yellow Wagtail - T.Weston

Whinchat – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with another at Bank Island on the 3rd – 5th. Three rather late passage birds at North Duffield Carrs on the 20th. 

Jay – Two at Melbourne on the 1st with a single there the next day. Two at Skipwith Common on the 2nd with five there on the 3rd and three on the 5th. Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th with three at Storwood on the 9th when two were also present at Bank Island. Two were present at Skipwith Common on the 11th with one at Thorganby on the same date. Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 14th with three there on the 29th. 

Chiffchaff – Increasing numbers of passage birds were reported during the month, many singing throughout. 11 were caught and ringed at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th (MFJ), up to six were reported daily at this site thereafter with 11 on the 28th. 

Common Whitethroat – A single at Bank Island on the 4th with three in the Wheldrake car park lane on the 5th and a single at Melbourne on the 16th. 

Spotted Flycatcher – A single juvenile was caught and ringed at Skipwith Common on the 1st (DT) with a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th. Two at Skipwith Common on the 5th. 

Reed Warbler – A single adult was still feeding two juveniles at Melbourne on the 8th with five still at Wheldrake Ings on the 20th and four caught and ringed there on the 23rd with another on the 25th (MFJ). Singles were still present there on the 27th and 28th. 

Sedge Warbler – A late bird remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th and 28th (DB). 

Nuthatch – Two calling birds at Skipwith Common on the 4th when a single was present at Wheldrake Ings, and again on the 27th. 

Nuthatch - T.Weston

Goldcrest – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th were the first of the autumn. 

Willow Tit – Four at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with two there on the 14th and up to five regularly thereafter. 

Bearded Tit – A flock of 14 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th (DB). 

Tree Sparrow – Up to 45 built up at the feeding station at Bank Island during the month. 

Linnet – 40 at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th.  

Bullfinch – 14 at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th. 

Reed Bunting – A large increase in numbers was noted from the 20th when 100+ were present at Wheldrake Ings and 50+ were at North Duffield Carrs with smaller numbers scattered throughout the site. Ongoing ringing work at both Skipwith and the Lower Derwent Valley also picked up a noticeable increase in numbers with c250 ringed in the final week of the month (MFJ, DT).


MAMMALS: 

Otter – A male was seen well at Wheldrake Ings between Pool and Swantail Hide on the 10th. 

Weasel – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st. 

Brown Hare – Seven at Thornton Ellers on the 1st included four leverets, with four there on the 3rd, two on the 4th and two on the 18th.

Roe Deer – Singles at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd, two at Wheldrake Ings and Skipwith Common on the 4th and a single on the Common on the 5th. Two at North Duffield Ings on the 20th. 

Red Fox – A single on the pool at Wheldrake Ings after dark on the 3rd. 

Wood Mouse – A female in a nest with five young at Skipwith Common on the 5th and again on the 11th and 25th.

Wood Mouse - Skipwith Common - 11/09

Field Vole – Five at Thornton Ellers on the 1st with 30+ on the 3rd and four on the 4th. 

Bank Vole – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st. 

Pygmy Shrew - One was found whilst log turning on Skipwith Common on the 25th.

Whiskered Bat – 12+ at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. 

Noctule Bat – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd and two there on the 4th and four on the 5th.


REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS: 

Common Lizard – Three at Skipwith Common on the 1st, four on the 2nd, two on the 4th,  two on the 6th, four on the 11th and three on the 25th. 

Grass Snake – A single at Skipwith Common on the 1st and 25th. 

Grass Snake - Skipwith Common

Adder – A single on Skipwith Common on the 1st and 2nd. 

Common Frog – Four were seen at the Top Pond, North Duffield Carrs on the 1st, a single on Skipwith Common on the 2nd, and at least 20 in the meadow at Thornton Ellers on the 3rd followed by a single there on the 8th. On the 25th a single was found on the Common whilst log turning. 

Common Frog - Skipwith Common - 02/09

Common Toad – A single was found whilst log turning on Skipwith Common on the 25th.


BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Copper – Just a single record for the month with one seen on Skipwith Common on the 2nd. 

Comma – Three sightings throughout the course of the month, with a single in the NNR Base Garden on the 3rd, Thornton Ellers on the 11th and Skipwith on the 25th. 

Comma - Thornton Ellers - 11/09

Peacock – Recorded early on during the month between the 1st-4th, on Skipwith Common, Wheldrake Ings and the NNR Base Garden. No records were had then until the 25th when a warm sunny day brought out two individuals, a single on Skipwith and a single in the NNR Base Garden. 

Red Admiral – A good month for this species, with a total of 23 records collected, the sightings were well spread throughout the month, coming from a number of sites – the scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers producing the most records, with a count of 4 seen together there on the 4th. 

Small Tortoiseshell – The third most recorded species throughout the month (37 records in total), with the highest day count coming on the 11th from the meadow at Thornton Ellers when six were seen feeding on the scabious.   

Brimstone - A single was in the meadow at Thornton Ellers on the 11th .

Brimstone - Thornton Ellers - 11/09

Green-veined White – After a fairly quiet end to August, September brought a flurry of records with a handful recorded throughout the first few days, from the NNR Base Garden and Bank Island. No records were obtained then until the middle of the month (20th), when three joint highest counts were had – 11 on the 20th at Wheldrake Ings, followed by 11 on the 21st and 24th at Bank Island. 

Small White - A handful (10) of scattered records throughout the month, largely singles other than four on the 20th at North Duffield Carrs. 

Large White – Four were seen in the NNR Base Garden on the 3rd, followed by singles at Thornton Ellers on the 18th and Wheldrake on the 28th – making it six records for the month. 

Speckled Wood – The most recorded species throughout the month, with a total of 72 individuals seen. The track which runs alongside the hedgerow at Thornton Ellers produced the most records, with a high count of 10 there on the 11th. Skipwith Common saw the highest day total, with 11 there on the 21st.

 Speckled Wood - Thornton Ellers - 11/09


DRAGONFLIES: 

Southern Hawker – Recorded throughout the month, with the last record coming on the 28th from Wheldrake Ings when two were seen near the pool side vegetation. Individuals continued to be seen at Thornton Ellers, with a high count of five there on the 11th. 

Migrant Hawker – The most recorded hawker throughout September, with a total of 22 records collected. A number of individuals were seen during the first week of the month at Thornton Ellers, with a lull then until the last two weeks of the month when records came from Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs. 

Brown Hawker – Recorded throughout the whole of the month, with the all the records being singles, bar seven that were seen together hawking over the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st. 

Black Darter – Present throughout September, and recorded on three days from Skipwith Common, one on the 2nd, three on the 11th and two on the 25th. 

Ruddy Darter – The second most recorded species throughout the month with a total of 36 records collected, largely coming from Thornton Ellers and Skipwith Common. The last record for the month came on the 18th with a single at Thornton Ellers. 

Ruddy Darter - Skipwith Common - 02/09

Common Darter – As expected the most recorded species throughout the month, with a total of 58 seen, which involved three high day counts – 16 on the Common on the 2nd, 9 there on the 11th and 12 there on the 25th. 

Emerald – Recorded on just four days, three on Skipwith Common the 2nd and six at Bank Island on the 3rd, followed by two on the Common on the 11th and two on the 25th. 

Emerald - Skipwith Common - 02/09

Common Blue Damselfly – Five were seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st. 

Azure Damselfly – A single was seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st. 

Blue-tailed Damselfly – A single was seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st.


MOTHS: 

Due to a busy month on the work front, staff holidays and working elsewhere on the site, the moth trap was only run on two occasions from the NNR Base. A total of 97 moths were caught including 27 species, 9 of which were new for the year – Beaded Chestnut, Brown-spot Pinion, Brown-veined Wainscot, Sallow, Autumnal Rustic, Bulrush Wainscot, Centre-barred Sallow, Dark Sword Grass and Green Brindled Crescent.

On Skipwith Common a new caterpillar was also found and added to the moth species list - Grey Dagger.

Grey Dagger - Skipwith Common - 11/09

A Humming-bird Hawk-moth was found in the NNR Base Garden on the 5th, the second reserve record following one in 2012 - particularly pleasing as the garden was designed as a nectar rich demonstration butterfly and bee garden.  


Humming-bird Hawk-moth - NNR Base Garden - 05/09


OTHER INVERTS: 

Throughout the month several days were spent on Skipwith Common, where a number of new species were added to the invertebrate list. The Common is a really good place to look for spiders, particularly amongst the Juncus in the wetter areas, here species such as the Four-spot Orb Weaver Araneus quadratus, Furrow Spider Larinioides cornutus, Invisible Spider Drapetisca socialis, Lesser Garden Spider Metellina segmentata, Marbled Orb Weaver Araneus marmoreus and Walnut Orb Weaver Nuctenea umbratica were found.

Four-spot Orb Weaver - Skipwith Common - 02/09
Furrow Spider - Skipwith Common - 02/09

Also new for the year from the Common were: Ground Beetle Carabus arvensis, Marsh Damselbug Nabis limbatus, Orange Ladybird Halyzia sedecimguttata and a Staphylinid Beetle Platydracus latebricola, a 14-spot Ladybird Propylea 14-punctata was also found on Wheldrake Ings. The first adult Green Shield Bug was found on Skipwith Common, a pleasing find after seeing numerous nymphs across the site over the last few weeks.

Orange Ladybird - Skipwith Common - 25/09
Ground Beetle Carabus arvensis - Skipwith Common - 25/09
Green Shield Bug - Skipwith - 25/09


PLANTS: 

Skipwith Common produced the goods on the plant front as well, with 26 new species of wildflowers and grasses/sedges/rushes found. Some were completely new to us such as Oval Sedge and Long-stalked Yellow Sedge.

Common Yellow Sedge - Skipwith - 02/09

Some of the other new species for the year were, Pill Sedge, Common Yellow Sedge, Purple Moor-grass, Wood-small Reed, Narrow-leaved Buckler Fern, Jointed Rush and Early Hair Grass. Three types of the Polytrichum moss were seen: P.formosum, P.commune, P.juniperinum, along with three types of Sphagnum: S.fimbriatum, S.squarrosum, S.palustre.


FUNGI: 

During September several visits were had to Skipwith Common (the local fungi hotspot in the area), where a number of new species for the year were seen. Species such as Common Earthball, Common Puffball, Spiny Puffball, Tawny Grissette, Ochre Brittlegill and Fly Agaric are just a few that have been found recently. Fly Agaric is probably the best known mushroom species due to its distinctive look and bright red colours, making it instantly recognisable.

 Common Puffball - Skipwith Common - 02/09
 Fly Agaric - Skipwith Common - 02/09

AUGUST 2014

The birding highlight of the month was undoubtedly the discovery of a first summer female Barred Warbler (MFJ), early on the 23rd. A surprise find in one of Mike’s mist nets whilst he carried out his weekly ringing on Wheldrake Ings. This is the first reserve record for the species and one of less than 10 ever recorded inland in the county – a great find and just reward for local patch effort. 


As expected the first returning waterfowl appeared with Teal building up in numbers from just a handful of post breeding birds to 150+ by the 23rd – a rather earlier appearance than in 2013. However, other wildfowl totals remained low, although work to lower the water levels and strim back the pool side vegetation at Wheldrake Ings paid off when several Water Rails showed well in front of the hide and out in the open for several days early in the month. The same management work also produced a single Spotted Crake (and possibly more for one group of lucky visitors) as well as two Kingfishers which performed in front of the hides during the month. 

Wader passage was poor throughout the majority of the month with just a maximum count of seven Green Sandpipers, three Greenshank and just single Wood and Common Sandpipers. However, a bit of movement during the last week saw a single flock of Ringed Plovers move through the site, more returning Golden Plover and 49 Common Snipe arrived high from the north in a single flock at Bank Island on the 27th, when four Common Sandpipers also moved through Wheldrake Ings. 


The passage of passerines was much better with good numbers of common warblers moving through the site on an almost daily basis. A single Wheatear at Thorganby Ings on the 14th, a couple of Redstarts and two Whinchats at Wheldrake Ings from the 23rd suggested a greater movement towards the end of the month. Swifts departed en-masse early in the month with 1000+ south over Bank Island early on the 3rd with just smaller numbers thereafter noted around the valley. 

On the bird of prey front there were the usual two or three Marsh Harriers around for most of the month although how many different passage birds were actually involved is unclear. Hobbies also appeared late in the month following a rather poor run of sightings throughout the rest of the summer whilst the increasing trend of Red Kite sightings continued. 

On the butterfly front, the highlight was the Clouded Yellow seen at Thorganby Ings on the 14th (JR) – the first for three years but was quickly followed by another at Thornton Ellers on the 26th. It wasn’t however a migrant month with just a single Painted Lady recorded, although a Common Blue at the base was also a noteworthy record as they are not all that common around the valley. The scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers continued to produce high counts of butterflies, dragonflies and a number of other inverts.




BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – Breeding birds were present throughout the site with several pairs and family parties caught and colour-ringed during the month. In addition, 13 birds summered and moulted in the valley. Several non-breeding birds started to return to the valley from moulting sites elsewhere with four flying over Elvington on the 24th and five over Wheldrake Ings on the 31st. 

Egyptian Goose – A single pair remained at East Cottingwith during the month with seven goslings. Singles were reported at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st, 24th and 30th.

Egyptian Geese - East Cottingwith - 20/08

Greylag Goose – Numbers increased to 250+ by the end of the month. 

Teal – A handful of local breeding birds lingered into the month both in the Lower Derwent Valley and on Skipwith Common NNR. Numbers then increased with 50 incoming wintering/passage birds arriving on the 19th,  increasing further to 70 on the 20th and 150+ by the 21st. 100+ were present on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 28th with 200+ there by the 30th. 

Wigeon – The first returning bird was a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 28th with three there by the 30th. 

Gadwall – 50+ were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with 40 there on the 5th but smaller numbers thereafter. 

Shoveler – Monthly maxima of 14 on the 7th with only small numbers thereafter. 

Garganey – A single eclipse plumage drake on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 14th. 

Tufted Duck – Three at Wheldrake Ings on the 8th with a single there on the 14th and two on the 22nd. 

Tufted Duck - Aughton Ings - T.Weston

Coot – Up to 30 juveniles and 20 adults were present on the pool at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month. 

Water Rail – A good month with birds showing well in the first half following the lowering of water levels and clearance of the poolside vegetation. An adult and juvenile were present on the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 4th with a single adult there on the 5th. One or two showed daily in front of the hide with two adults and a juvenile there on the 9th and two juveniles on the 10th. Two birds were also heard calling in the reed bed by Swantail Hide on the 9th – there were probably at least six birds present on the site but likely to be more. A single adult was picked up dead at Wheldrake (predated) on the 24th. 

Spotted Crake – A single adult in full wing moult was present in front of Pool Hide on the 6th (CSR). Three adults and a juvenile were reported earlier in the day but no further details. 

Little Grebe – A single at Wheldrake Ings from the 1st to the 12th. 

Grey Heron – Up to 10 daily at Wheldrake Ings with scattered singles elsewhere throughout the site – monthly maximum of 18 on the 15th. 

Little Egret – Four were present from the 1st to the 5th with two remaining until the 10th and a single thereafter until the 20th. A single was at Hagg Bridge on the 25th. The number of Little Egrets visiting the LDV continues to increase year on year as elsewhere in Yorkshire and following national trends. A single was taken into care for rehabilitation with Jean Thorpe during the month, a first for Jean but probably with more to follow if present trends continue.


Little Egret - NNR Base - 13/08

Red Kite – A single was present over Thorganby Ings on the 1st and 2nd with two at Wressle on the 3rd and a single at Wheldrake Ings on the 8th. A single at Bank Island on the 24th. 

Sparrowhawk – Increasing numbers of records received during the month as broods started to spread out on the wing. 

Marsh Harrier – Up to two were birds present daily at Wheldrake Ings during the month with singles at North Duffield Carrs on the 14th and Thornton Ellers on the 20th. 

Hobby – A single at Thornton Ellers on the 20th (FM, CSR) with another showing well there on the 26th (LM, CSR) catching dragonflies. A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 28th and again on the 30th. 

Distant Hobby catching dragonflies - Thornton - 26/08

Peregrine – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th and Bank Island on the 22nd. 

Ringed Plover – Eight flew south with seven Snipe over Wheldrake Ings on the 25th. 

Golden Plover – The first autumn birds involved a flock of 35 at Ellerton Ings on the 20th with 25 back on arable fields by Raker Lakes on the 28th. 

Whimbrel – Four at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th and nine south and high calling over Bank Island on the 23rd. 

Redshank – A single remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st to the 13th with two there on the 6th and again on the 21st. 

Greenshank – A single flew south over Wheldrake Ings on the 6th, with two there on the 17th/18th, a single at Thornton Ellers on the 20th and two there on 21st. A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th, with singles at Thornton Ellers and Bank Island on the 26th and then three at Wheldrake Ings on the 31st. 

Dunlin – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 31st. 

Ruff – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 31st. 

Common Snipe - 49 arrived high from the north-east into Bank Island on the 27th with 23 at Wheldrake Ings on the 30th. 

Wood Sandpiper – A single at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th. 

Green Sandpiper – Five were present daily at Wheldrake Ings from the 1st increasing to six on the 6th and seven on the 8th. Five remained thereafter until the 15th with three thereafter to month end with an isolated peak of six on the 27th. Two were at Melbourne Ings on the 11th and three at Thornton Ellers on the 20th. 

Green Sandpiper - Wheldrake Ings - 08/08

Common Sandpiper – Singles at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st and 8th with four there on the 27th. 

Common Tern – Present early in the month with daily sightings coming from Wheldrake Ings. Two adults and two juveniles settled there from the 10th, being joined by a third adult on the 12th, the two juveniles lingered until the 13th. 

Little Owl - A single was perched on a telegraph pole near Hagg Bridge on the 23th (NC). 

Turtle Dove – A single flew west over Wheldrake Ings on the 31st (CSR, JR). 

Kingfisher – A family party of four remained around the Melbourne area of the Pocklington Canal during the month. One or two birds were seen daily and showed well in front of Pool Hide at Wheldrake Ings with three there on the 22nd. Two calling along the river at Bank Island on the 19th and a single at Thornton Ellers on the 26th – a welcome return after several cold winters and summer flooding. 

Woodlark – Present during the month at Skipwith Common with three juveniles at Blackwood Corner on the 7th. 

Grey Wagtail – A single pair with three young remained at the Bank Island Water Treatment Works throughout the month, with three juveniles at Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal early in the month - presumed to be of local breeding origin. 

Yellow Wagtail – A movement noted late in the month with 12 south over Wheldrake Ings on the 24th and 20+ south there on the 25th when five also flew south over Bank Island. Five at Wheldrake Ings on the 28th. 

Wheatear – A single female was on the floodbank at Thorganby Ings on the 14th (CSR, JR) and a male at North Duffield Carrs on the 25th. 

Wheatear - North Duffield - 25/08

Whinchat – A single immature at Wheldrake Ings was present on Swantail on the 23rd (AW) with two there on the 24th (CSR) when two were also present at North Duffield Carrs and a single near Hagg Bridge. Two then remained at Wheldrake Ings until the 30th with one on the 31st. 

Redstart – A single adult male at Wheldrake Ings on the 13th with one caught and ringed on Skipwith Common on the 15th (DT) and another by the canal at Melbourne on the 22nd (NC). 

Jay – Several remained on Skipwith during the month, although birds were as usual noted elsewhere as they started to disperse. Two at Thorganby Ings on the 11th and two at Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd. 

Blackcap - Following good numbers present throughout the site during the breeding season, large numbers moved through during the first week of the month - being presumed local breeders. A more modest passage was noted later in the month, these birds were presumably originating from a more northerly location.


Blackcap - Wheldrake Ings - 23/08

Lesser Whitethroat – A single still remained at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th following a good passage during the month with two there on the 28th. One at Church Bridge, Melbourne on the 30th. 

Common Whitethroat - As with most Sylvia warblers a good month following a productive breeding season. Common throughout the month and recorded daily as local breeders and passage birds moved through the valley.

Spotted Flycatcher – Three in a mixed warbler flock on Skipwith Common on the 18th and a single in a mixed tit flock at Melbourne on the 22nd. One at Church Bridge Melbourne on the 30th. 

Sedge Warbler - Large numbers of young birds were present throughout the month, particularly at Wheldrake Ings where 100+ were caught and ringed during august (MFJ), presumably a mix of local and passage birds.

Sedge Warbler - Wheldrake Ings - 23/08

Reed Warbler - Present throughout the month especially at Wheldrake Ings and along the Pocklington Canal where Common Reed is present. The majority of records involved juvenile birds with only a few late adults moving through the site after the first half of the month. 80+ birds were ringed at Wheldrake Ings during the month (MFJ).

Barred Warbler – A single was caught and ringed in the poolside willows at Wheldrake Ings on the 23rd (MFJ) – the first reserve record. What may have been the same bird was seen in a mixed warbler flock at Melbourne on the 22nd (NC). 

 Barred Warbler - Wheldrake - 23/08

Willow Tit – One or two were reported regularly from Wheldrake Ings during the month with four there on the 28th. Reported from Melbourne on the 1st and 17th. 

Marsh Tit – A single on the feeders at Bank Island on the 26th. 

Tree Sparrow – A flock of 50+ were present at South Duffield on the 15th whilst numbers at the Bank Island feeding station built up to 30+ by month end.


MAMMALS: 

Roe Deer – A single on Skipwith Common on the 2nd and one on Wheldrake Ings on the 28th. 

Brown Hare – Two at Thornton Ellers on the 7th and one on Skipwith Common. Two at Thorganby on the 18th and five at Thornton Ellers on the 26th. 

Red Fox – One on the main track at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th. 

Mole – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 17th – one of very few daytime sightings.


REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS: 

Common Lizard – Present throughout the month across the heath and around the bomb bay loop on warm sunny days – however far less sightings than in July. 

Grass Snake – A single was seen on the 7th and 18th on Skipwith Common. 

Adder – A single was seen on Skipwith Common near the bomb bay loop on the 16th. 

Common Frog – Recorded at Thornton Ellers, Bank Island and Skipwith Common, present in double figures in areas where the meadows had been cut. 

Common Frog - Thornton Ellers - 07/08

Common Toad – Recorded at Thornton Ellers and Bank Island on a number of days throughout the month.


BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Copper – Just a handful of records for the month, with a single in the NNR Base Garden on the 3rd, Thornton Ellers on the 7th and one in the NNR Base Garden on the 14th. A high count of 10 followed on the 20th in the scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers with two there on the 26th. 

Small Copper - NNR Base Garden - 08/08

Comma – Recorded throughout the first two weeks of the month, with the majority of records coming from the NNR Base Garden, with a maximum of three there together on the 4th. A high count of seven was had on Wheldrake Ings on the 3rd. The last records for the month came on the 14th with two in the NNR Base Garden and two at Bank Island (all seen during the butterfly transect). 

Peacock – The most recorded butterfly throughout the month with a total of 163 records, with the majority coming during the first seven days. The third week of the month then brought a flurry of records with high counts coming from the scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers – 40 were there on the 20th and 18 on the 26th. 

Peacock - Skipwith Common - 18/08

Small Tortoiseshell – Tied with Speckled Wood for the second most recorded butterfly throughout the month, with a total of 80 records. Seen almost daily in the NNR Base Garden – apart from the run of colder, damp weather days. The highest count came on the 7th when 12 were counted on the lavender, towards the end of the month numbers in the garden were down to five on the 31st. 

Red Admiral – Records continued from the beginning of the month, with singles in the NNR Base Garden and Thornton Ellers. By the third week of the month (20th and 24th) we had four individuals feeding on the last few remaining buddleia flowers in the garden. The odd single was also seen on Skipwith Common on warm sunny days and one individual remained in the NNR Base Garden until the 31st. 

Red Admiral - Thornton Ellers - 26/08

Green-veined White – After last month’s extremely high total (770), numbers (as expected) were much lower throughout august. Recorded occasionally across a number of sites – Skipwith Common, Bank Island, Wheldrake Ings and the NNR Base Garden, with a total of 32 for the month. 

Small White – Similar to above, Small Whites were recorded occasionally throughout the month, with a day count no higher than 7 (on the 3rd). A total of 36 were recorded during the month. 

Large White – A quiet month for the species with no records until the middle of the month when a single was seen on Skipwith Common on the 12th, the NNR Base Garden on the 13th and 14th, on the same date two were also seen at Bank Island. The last record for the month (and year possibly) came on the 19th with a single on Skipwith Common. 

Clouded Yellow – The first for the year was a single at Thorganby on the 14th, followed by another at Thornton Ellers on the 26th. 

Brimstone – A single flew past the main track along Skipwith Common on the 26th. 

Common Blue – A very worn female was seen in the NNR Base Garden on the 14th, one of very few records this year. 

Common Blue - NNR Base Garden - 14/08

Gatekeeper – Present during the first few days of the month with a number of records coming from the NNR Base Garden, Skipwith Common and Bank Island. On the 5th (three) and 7th (six) were recorded. Only two other records were then had with a single on Skipwith Common on the 7th and a single at North Duffield Carrs on the 12th. 

Meadow Brown – Recorded in the valley throughout the beginning of the month, with records coming from the NNR Base Garden, Bank Island and Thornton Ellers, with a high count there of 14 on the 5th. Five were then present in the meadow there on the 7th, with singles then at North Duffield Carrs on the 13th and the last records for the year the following day with a single in the NNR Base Garden and Bank Island. 

Wall Brown – Just a single record on the 5th with one at Thornton Ellers. 

Speckled Wood – Coming joint second with Small Tortoiseshell, 80 were recorded throughout the month (behind Peacock in first place with 163 records). Skipwith Common produced the most records for this species, with a high count of 17 coming on the 19th from around the bomb bay loop. Thornton Ellers also produced good counts from the hedgerow and woodland edge, and towards the end of the month on the 28th seven were recorded on the butterfly transect around Bank Island. 

Speckled Wood - Skipwith Common - 18/08

Small Skipper – A handful of records during the first week of the month, with singles in the NNR Base Garden on the 3rd and 4th, followed by two in the scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers on the 5th. On the 7th the last records of the year came when two were seen in the meadow at Thornton Ellers and a single at Wheldrake Ings.


MOTHS: 

Not a great month for moths as the weather (unpredictable rain storms) put paid to many potential evenings trapping. Sallow Kittens continued to be more numerous than in previous years early in the month and a run of Gold-spots continued from the NNR Base Garden at Bank Island. Several Copper Underwings were found on Skipwith Common NNR in the leaflet boxes on the 12th whilst trapping late in the month produced a new species for the year in the form of the Sallow.

Sallow Kitten - NNR Base - 07/08


DRAGONFLIES: 

Southern Hawker Present on the wing throughout the month, with the first record on the 2nd at the Escrick Duck Decoy. Not recorded then until the 12th when several individuals were seen at North Duffield Carrs. Skipwith Common and Thornton Ellers also produced a number of records, and fantastic close views early one morning on the 26th. 

Southern Hawker - Thornton Ellers - 26/08

Common Hawker – Not as common as the name may suggest, with only three records throughout the month – a single at Melbourne/Thornton Ings on the 4th, eight around Blackwood Corner (SC) on the 7th and nine at Thornton Ellers on the 20th. 

Brown Hawker – The most recorded dragonfly species throughout the month with 63 records, coming mainly from North Duffield Carrs, Thornton Ellers and Skipwith Common. Thornton Ellers produced the highest counts with nine there on the 5th, eight on the 20th and six on the 26th. 

Migrant Hawker – The first record for the year came on the 20th when one was seen on the 14th in the NNR Base Garden. Three other records were then had throughout the remainder of the month including three at Thornton Ellers on the 20th and two on the 26th. 

Migrant Hawker - Thornton Ellers - 26/08

Emperor – Just a single record throughout the month with one individual at North Duffield Carrs on the 4th. 

Black Darter – Present throughout the month with the first record coming from Skipwith Common on the 4th with a mating pair seen, and the last record for the month again coming from the Common on the 26th when at least six were recorded. 

Black Darter - Skipwith Common - 18/08

Common Darter – Fewer records than the similar Ruddy Darter above, singles were seen occasionally throughout the month, with the highest count being that of seven individuals at Thornton Ellers on the 26th. 

Ruddy Darter – The most recorded of the darter species throughout august, with a total of 46 records collected, with the majority coming from North Duffield Carrs and Skipwith Common. Skipwith produced the highest counts with twelve on the 18th and seven on the 26th, pairs were also seen here egg-laying. 

Ruddy Darter - Skipwith Common - 18/08

Banded Demoiselle – Just two records coming early in the month on the 5th, a single female at Thornton Ellers and five males by the Pocklington Canal, Church Bridge on the same date. 

Emerald – The second most recorded species throughout august, with Skipwith Common producing high counts – 19 on the 4th, 20 on the 18th and 10 on the 26th – all by the small pool at the end of the boardwalk adjacent to the bomb bay loop. 

Common Blue Damselfly – Just a single record for the month with one at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 13th. 

Azure Damselfly – On the 13th three were seen at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs. 

Blue-tailed Damselfly – Just two records for the month – two were in the meadow at Thornton Ellers on the 7th, and two at North Duffield Carrs on the 13th.


OTHER INVERTS: 

Throughout august a number of new invertebrate species were added to the ‘PAN’, including six species of ladybird and five species of shield bug. A number of new hoverflies, digger wasps, froghoppers, wasp mimics, tachinid flies and grasshoppers also made the list, with a total of 32 new species added. A few highlights are listed below: 

Harlequin Ladybird (forms succinea & spectabilis), Kidney-spot Ladybird Chilocorus renipustulatus, Cream-spot Ladybird Calvia quatuordecimguttata, Wasp mimic Chrystotoxum bicinctum, Sloe/Hairy Shield Bug Dolycoris baccarum, Gorse Shield Bug Piezodorus lituratus, & Birch Shield Bug Elasmostethus interstinctus, Tree Damsel Bug Himacerus apterus, Devil’s Coach-horse Ocypus olens, Tachinid Fly Tachina fera, Red-breasted Carrion Beetle Oieceoptoma thoracicum.

 Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis spectabilis - Wheldrake - 05/08
 Kidney Spot Ladybird Chilocorus renipustulatus - Skipwith - 18/08
 Wasp mimic Chrystotoxum bicinctum - Skipwith - 18/08
 Birch Shield Bug Elasmostethus interstinctus - Skipwith - 18/08
 Gorse Shield Bug Piezodorus lituratus - Skipwith - 18/08
 Tachinid Fly Tachina fera - Skipwith Common - 18/08
Cream Spot Ladybird Calvia quatuordecimgutta - Skipwith - 18/08


NOTABLE PLANTS: 

Throughout august we continued to look for new species whilst out on site and added a total of 96 new species to the ‘PAN’ including sixty wildflowers, thirty grasses/sedges/rushes/mosses and six trees, such as: 

Corn Spurrey Spergula arvensis, Creeping Soft Grass Holcus mollis, Enchanter’s Nightshade Ciraea lutetiana, Equal-leaved Knotgrass Polygonum areanstrum, False Fox-sedge, Fen Bedstraw Galium uliginosum, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus, Hairy Tare Vicia hircuta, Harebell Campanula rotundifolia, Lesser Water-parsnip Berula erecta, Marsh Gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe, Slender Tufted Sedge Carex acuta, Sticky Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, Velvet Bent Agrostis canina and Yellow Pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum.

 False-fox Sedge Carex otrubae - Bank Island - 07/08
Marsh Gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe - Skipwith - 31/08


JULY 2014

July can be a quiet month, and often one of great change on the Ings as the hay meadows are cut and the hay crop removed. As the last of the breeding waders fledge, July can often result in the final duck broods appearing as water levels recede and assessments of other breeding birds being made as family parties start to appear or disperse. July can also see the start of autumn passage as the first, presumably failed breeders from further north head southwards.

Wader passage was slow, and was as usual dominated by Green Sandpipers which favour the pool at Wheldrake Ings, with up to five being present daily. A count of 84 Common Snipe on Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd may well have been local breeders, unlike the seven Whimbrel on the same date. A welcome highlight came in the form of a summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper at Bank Island on the 3rd. Eight Black-tailed Godwits and two Little Ringed Plovers on the 8th showed some concerted movement on that day, alongside a notable record of two Sandwich Terns heading south over Bank Island. On the wildfowl front Egyptian Geese bred again and raised another brood in the East Cottingwith area, whilst a record breaking breeding season for Gadwall resulted in a count of 120 on the pool at Wheldrake Ings early in the month, and 45 being caught and ringed during that time. A good showing of Grey Herons and Little Egrets took place, whilst Water Rails were vocal and appear to have had a good season with two caught during the month.

 Little Egret - Wheldrake Ings - 02/07

Yet another Osprey passed through the valley on the 1st whilst Marsh Harriers were seen daily, and a long staying Red Kite in the Melbourne area continued the general increasing trend whilst Kestrels, having had a productive season were widespread and numerous throughout the valley. As already noted in previous summaries Barn Owls have had a great year with nearly 200 chicks fledged from first broods and many incubating second broods again during the month.

As the bird interest settles down the invertebrate activity picks up pace. Another two Marbled Whites were recorded at Bank Island with large numbers of butterflies recorded throughout the site. Dragonflies have also had a good year with Black-tailed Skimmers being one of the commonest species on the wing throughout the valley during the month, whilst Black Darters showed well on their Skipwith Common stronghold.

 Black Darter - Skipwith Common - 15/07

Moth trapping continued during the month with several new species appearing for the first time during the month including a fine Oak Eggar at Bank Island, True Lover’s Knot and Four-spotted Footman on Skipwith Common and Orange Footman at Bank Island. The hunt for insects continued and gathered pace, with a number of new hoverflies, wasp mimics, grasshoppers, flies and shield bugs found throughout the month.

 Green Tiger Beetle - Skipwith Common - 23/07

BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – Breeding birds were present throughout the site with several pairs and family parties caught and colour-ringed during the month. In addition, 13 birds summered and moulted in the valley. 

Mute Swan cygnet - Pocklington Canal - 18/07

Egyptian Goose – A pair bred again in the East Cottingwith area appearing with eight newly hatched goslings on the 21st – this follows a brood of six raised at this site earlier in the year. 

Teal – 23 at Bank Island on the 3rd was the peak count with only low numbers remaining thereafter with five at Wheldrake Ings on the 30th. 

Wigeon – A pair remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 2nd with a drake there on the 4th, a lone female lingered at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month.

Gadwall – Up to 120 ducklings were creched on Wheldrake Ings during the last week of the month, with 21 at Bank Island on the 3rd, a brood of six newly hatched ducklings at Ellerton on the 4th and six at North Duffield Carrs on the 10th. The last newly hatched brood was at Wheldrake Ings on the 19th where up to 75 remained during the last week of the month. 

Shoveler – Up to 20 ducklings were present at both Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings during the first week of the month with an unfledged brood of eight still present at the latter site at month end.

Garganey – Two at Wheldrake Ings on the 8th with a fledged juvenile there on the 27th. 

Tufted Duck – Several broods continued to appear during the month with four broods (12 young) at Wheldrake Ings, three broods (10 young) on the Pocklington Canal upstream of Melbourne and a single duckling at North Duffield Carrs - all unfledged by month end. 

Water Rail - Five calling males were present on Wheldrake Ings earlier in the breeding season and at least three pairs are thought to have bred there with good success. An adult and juvenile were caught at Wheldrake during mist netting evenings in the reedbed and several other calling birds were noted on an almost daily basis. Another was singing near Melbourne on the 29th and Bank Island on the 30th.  

Water Rail - Wheldrake Ings - 16/07

Coot – Up to 30 juveniles and 20 adults were present on the pool at Wheldrake Ings throughout the month. 

Grey Heron – A colour-ringed bird ‘yellow 28’ was present at Bank Island on the 6th having been ringed as a chick in the Wheldrake heronry in 2013. Good numbers were present throughout the site with 31 at Wheldrake Ings on the 25th. 

Little Egret – Three (two adults and a juvenile) were present in the Wheldrake Ings/Bank Island area from the 1st. Things became harder to sort out thereafter with what was believed to be a different family party of two adults and two young from the 10th also appearing at Wheldrake Ings, a monthly maxima of five being recorded on several dates. 

Red Kite - One at Bank Island on the 1st with singles at Melbourne on the 8th, 11th, 14th and 17th. 

Sparrowhawk – Present throughout the site with many fledging broods from mid-month. A small male flew into one of the un-set duck traps at North Duffield Carrs and was duly caught - one of very few to be ringed in the Lower Derwent Valley.

Sparrowhawk - North Duffield Carrs - 15/07

Hobby – One at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st and one near Elvington on the 28th.

Osprey – A single flew north at North Duffield Carrs on the 1st. 

Marsh Harrier – A single pair were present at the southern end of the valley throughout the month with at least another female present. Evidence of local breeding could be suggested by an adult pair and a single fledged juvenile at Bank Island on the 14th-17th. An adult female in heavy wing moult took a Curlew chick at Thorganby Ings on the 14th. 

Marsh Harrier - Aughton Ings - T.Weston

Little Ringed Plover – Two juveniles at Wheldrake Ings on the 26th (DB). 

Lapwing – A post breeding flock of 500 birds were present between Wheldrake Ings and Bank Island during the month with smaller flocks scattered elsewhere. 

Curlew Sandpiper – A summer plumage bird flew into Bank Island on the 3rd calling (CSR, FM). 

Curlew – Four unfledged broods were noted in the valley until the last fledged on the 21st – a rather late year but success appears to have been high. A brood of three unfledged birds were still at Thorganby Ings on the 14th when one was taken by a Marsh Harrier. 10 were still present on Wheldrake Ings on the 29th.

The usual westerly passage took place during the month with 103 birds noted on the move including a flock of 28 on the 18th.

Whimbrel – Seven at Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd were the first of the autumn.

Redshank – As usual most adults departed the site by the end of the first week of the month, leaving several fledged juveniles behind until the last at Wheldrake Ings which remained until the 30th.

Greenshank – A single flew south at Bank Island on the 12th (DB) with another over Wheldrake Ings on the 21st (MFJ). 

Black-tailed Godwit – 11 at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th. 

Common Snipe – Following an influx in late June, 84 were present on Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd with 40+ flushed by a Marsh Harrier there on the 14th. Smaller numbers thereafter with 25 remaining at month end. 

Green Sandpiper – Two were present in the Bank Island/Wheldrake Ings area from the 1st, increasing to three on the 2nd and five on the 3rd. Three were at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th with five thereafter to month end. Two at Melbourne flying along the Pocklington Canal on the 18th were more unusual (NC). 

Common Tern – A pair were feeding a single fledged chick at Wheldrake Ings from the 11th, whilst two pairs bred at Allerthorpe raising three young. One over North Duffield village on the 28th. 

Sandwich Tern – Two flew south over Bank Island on the 8th (CSR). 

Barn Owl – By the end of the month over 200 chicks had fledged from around the reserve with many birds already on second broods – a full summary to follow. 

Barn Owl chicks - Kexby - T.Weston

Little Owl – A single pair bred and fledged four young during the month near Thornton whilst another was at Thornton Ellers on the 17th (JR). 

Cuckoo - A single was still calling at Bank Island on the 1st with two calling at Melbourne on the 6th and 11th and a juvenile there on 7th. A single juvenile was raised by a foster pair of Robins in a garden at East Cottingwith early in the month and a late male was singing at Bank Island on the 14th and Wheldrake Ings on the 16th. 

Turtle Dove – A single flew through a garden at North Duffield village on the 20th. 

Kingfisher – A much better showing and signs of a welcome successful breeding season following several cold winters and summer flooding events. Pairs with broods appeared on the Pocklington Canal and The Beck near Melbourne and Canal Head, with regular sightings from the pool at Wheldrake Ings of up to two individuals. Birds were also heard along the river at Bank Island and North Duffield Carrs. 

Grasshopper Warbler – A single was reeling in front of the Geoff Smith Hide at North Duffield Carrs on the 16th-19th.


MAMMALS: 

Brown Hare – Two at Thornton Ellers on the 7th and one at Skipwith Common on the same date. 

Red Fox – Three cubs were near Melbourne on the 18th (NC). 

Harvest Mouse – A single swam across the pool at Wheldrake Ings on the 15th, being followed by a rather inquisitive Gadwall!


REPTILES: 

Common Lizard – Two at Skipwith Common on the 9th. 

Grass Snake – A small individual at Skipwith Common on the 9th with a single adult found in a garden near Skipwith village on the 14th.


BUTTERFLIES: 

Small Copper – Just two records throughout the month, a single in the NNR Base Garden on the 17th and 20th. 

Comma – Following the earlier records of the year in April, a flurry of records came in July starting on the 3rd, the majority of records came from the base garden with a number of individuals seen feeding on the lavender. A high count of eight individuals was had on the butterfly transect around Bank Island on the 23rd. 

Comma - NNR Base Garden - 23/07

Red Admiral – A very good month for this species with a total of 51 recorded throughout, two individuals were seen regularly in the NNR Base Garden whilst Aughton Ings also proved to be a good spot for this attractive species. 

Small Tortoiseshell – The second most recorded species with 454 records from various sites around the Lower Derwent Valley. The lavender in the NNR Base Garden brought a flurry of records from the second week of the month, with a high count of 38 recorded there on the 23rd. On the 14th over 30 were recorded at Melbourne Ings and on the 22nd 25 were counted in the scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers. 

Peacock – Following just the one record at the beginning of June (6th), no Peacocks were seen this month until the 15th when a single was in the NNR Base Garden. From the 20th they were then recorded almost daily, with eleven on the 28th along the Pocklington Canal being the highest day total.

Peacock - Bank Island - 31/07

Painted Lady – The first for the year was seen on the 7th on Melbourne/Thornton Ings, the only other record for the month came on the 22nd from Thornton Ellers. 

Marbled White – The second record for the year came on the 8th when a single individual flew past the reserve base at Bank Island. Two more records were then had, a single in the base garden on the 14th and a single at Thornton Ellers on the 22nd. Pleasing to see them appearing more frequently in the valley, presumably wandering individuals from the large colony nearby on the Yorkshire Wolds. 

Green-veined White – The most recorded species throughout the month with a total of 770 records collected, with the largest counts coming on the 14th, with 200+ in the meadows at Melbourne/Thornton Ings and 300+ across Aughton Ings. Recorded regularly and in double figures during the butterfly transect around Bank Island throughout the month. 

Small White – Reported regularly throughout the beginning and end of the month, with the largest counts coming from Melbourne/Thornton Ings on the 7th (30) and Aughton Ings on the 8th (15). A total of 148 were recorded throughout the month. 

Large White – Sporadic records throughout the month, with no more than three reported at one time, over all a disappointing month for this species. 

Brimstone – A single was seen whilst driving through Thorganby on the 21st, with the only other record for the month coming from the Pocklington Canal on the 28th. 

Brimstone - Pocklington Canal - 28/07

Common Blue – The first for the year came on the 28th when a single was seen along the Pocklington Canal. 

Small Heath – Just two records throughout the month, the first for the year was seen in the base garden on the 11th, followed by another one there on the 17th. 

Gatekeeper – The first for the year were seven individuals seen together on Skipwith Common on the 7th, no records then until the 15th, from then on almost daily records. The Common produced the highest counts with 21 on the 21st and 57 on the 23rd, primarily feeding on the bramble flowers.

Gatekeeper - Skipwith Common - 15/07

Meadow Brown – The third most recorded species throughout the month with 431 records, recorded almost daily on the Ings and Skipwith Common. The scabious meadow at Thornton Ellers also produced high counts, on the 22nd 50+ were seen. 

Ringlet – A total of 278 records throughout the month made Ringlet the fourth most recorded species. The largest counts came from the beginning of the month, with 65 in the meadow at Thornton Ellers on the 7th and 48 on Skipwith Common on the 9th. Numbers tailed off from the 15th with no more than 6 recorded daily. 

Speckled Wood – Recorded throughout the beginning of the month then notably absent until the 20th. Skipwith Common produced the largest counts with 21 on the 9th, 10 on the 12th and 19 on the 23rd. 

Speckled Wood - Bank Island - 21/07

Large Skipper – Present throughout the month, with no more than five at one time apart from a high count of 24 on Skipwith Common on the 9th. A total of 42 individuals were recorded with the majority of the records coming from the Common and the butterfly transect around Bank Island. 

Small Skipper – The first records for the year came on the 7th from the meadow at Thornton Ellers when 19 were counted feeding on the thistles. Skipwith Common produced the next highest count with 15 on the 12th. A total of 86 were recorded throughout the month.

Small Skipper - Bank Island - 07/07


DRAGONFLIES: 

Southern Hawker – A single and the first for the year was seen at the Melbourne Arm on the 8th (NC). A single was at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st, and at Skipwith Common on the 23rd and 29th. 

Common Hawker – The first for the year was seen in the NNR Base Garden on the 16th, with a single then at North Duffield Carrs on the 21st. 

Brown Hawker – The first record for the year came on the 7th followed then by singles seen daily on Skipwith Common and at North Duffield Carrs. Large counts ranging from 20–50 were had from Thornton Ellers towards month end. 

Black-tailed Skimmer – The first records for the year came on the 7th when six were seen at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs, on the same date six were also recorded at Thornton Ellers and at Bank Island. The highest counts for the month came on the 16th when ten were recorded on Wheldrake Ings, and on the 21st ten were seen over the pools on Skipwith Common. 

Black-tailed Skimmer - North Duffield Carrs - 07/07

Emperor – Reported regularly throughout the month from the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs and the pools on Skipwith Common, the occasional single was also seen at Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings.

Broad-bodied Chaser – The first for the year was seen at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs on the 4th, with another single there on the 7th. The only other record for the month was on the 29th when a single was seen on Skipwith Common. 

Four-spotted Chaser – On the 7th at North Duffield Carrs two were seen (first for the year), followed by a single at the NNR Base on the 14th and a single on Skipwith Common on the 21st. 

Four-spotted Chaser - North Duffield Carrs - 07/07

Black Darter – The first for the year came during mid-month when four were seen on Skipwith Common, on the 21st a count of 12 was also had on the Common, with five there on the 28th and two on the 29th. 

Ruddy Darter – The second week of the month saw the first records for the year with a single on Skipwith Common on the 11th. Throughout the remainder of the month the majority of records continued to come from the Common with the odd single also seen in the NNR Base Garden. 

Ruddy Darter - Skipwith Common - 15/07

Common Darter – On the 7th at North Duffield Carrs the first records for the year were had when two were seen flying across Top Pond. A high count of 17 was had on Skipwith Common on the 11th, largely from around the bomb bay loop. Reported regularly from the Common from then on. 

Common Darter - Skipwith Common - 21/07

Banded Demoiselle – Present on the wing throughout the month, often found adjacent to larger water bodies such as the River Derwent and Pocklington Canal, the latter site producing the month’s largest count of 20 near Melbourne on the 7th. 

Emerald – Two at North Duffield Carrs and five on Skipwith Common on the 15th were the first for the year. Skipwith produced the largest numbers thereafter with thirteen on the 28th and eleven on the 29th. 

Emerald - Skipwith Common - 28/07
 
Common Blue Damselfly – The first for the month came on the 7th with five individuals at the Top Pond at North Duffield Carrs, recorded from then on throughout the month.

Azure Damselfly – Four were seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 7th (first for the year), recorded from then on throughout the remainder of the month. 

Blue-tailed Damselfly – A scattering of individuals were noted throughout the month at a number of sites across the valley.


MOTHS: 

Throughout July a total of 1394 moths were caught (168 different species) from fourteen trapping evenings at four sites across the valley – Bank Island, Skipwith Common, Wheldrake Ings and Thornton Ellers. 

118 new species for the year were caught including several notable records and new species for the reserve, highlights are listed below.

Notable species: Beautiful Hook-tip (a species which has really taken off in Yorkshire over the last five years), Bird’s Wing (notable species due to its restricted distribution in Yorkshire), Diamond-back Moth (a migrant from Africa), Four-dotted Footman (confined to only a handful of sites in Yorkshire, mainly heathlands), Oblique Carpet, Large Wainscot (typical reed species), True Lover’s Knot (heathland species), Mother of Pearl (huge numbers caught).

Reserve records: Oak Eggar (only the second reserve record with the first being last year in 2013), Orange Footman (first reserve record, a species which is expanding in Yorkshire).

Oak Eggar - NNR Base - 24/07

The pheromone traps were put out throughout the first week of the month which caught three species of Clearwing moth, listed below. 

Red-tipped Clearwing – Seven at Skipwith Common on the 9th.

Yellow-legged Clearwing – One at Skipwith Common on the 8th.

Large Red-belted Clearwing – Three at Skipwith Common on the 9th.


OTHER INVERTS: 

Twenty eight new other invertebrates (i.e beetles, bug, flies etc) were added to the PAN list throughout the month, such as:

Bronze Shield Bug Troilus luridus, Eristalis Hoverflies Intricarius, Arbustorum, Nemorum, Tenax, Field Grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus, Meadow Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus, Tachnid Fly Tachina Grossa, Green Leaf Hopper Cicadella viridis, Helophilus Hoverflies Hyrbidus and Pendulus, Hoverfly Eupeodes latifasciatus, Ichneumon Wasp Amablyteles armatorius, Longhorn Beetle Leptura quadrifasciata, Ruby-tailed Wasp Chrysis sp, Wasp mimic Sericomyia silentis.

Bronze Shield Bug nymph Troilus luridus - Skipwith - 28/07
Longhorn Beetle Leptura quadrifasciata - Skipwith - 21/07
Meadow Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus - Skipwith - 23/07
Hoverfly Eupeodes latifasciatus - NNR Base - 21/07
Wasp mimic - Sericomyia silentis - Skipwith - 23/07


PLANTS: 

55 new wildflower and grass species were added throughout July, such as Arrowhead, American Willowherb, Climbing Corydalis, Common Centaury, Cotton Grass, Fleabane, Flowering Rush, Knot Grass, Marsh Pea, Musk Thistle, Pale Persicaria, Pink Water-speedwell, Round-leaved Sundew, Scarlet Pimpernel and Trifid Bur-marigold.


 
Musk Thistle - Thornton Ellers - 07/07
Meadow Cranesbill - Bank Island - 07/07
Common Centaury - Skipwith Common - 21/07

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