A female Pochard was on the Slurry Lagoon this afternoon with three recently hatched ducklings. A first summer Little Gull was also present, nipping off to Holme Pierrepont but returning again later. There are eleven tern chicks on the tern rafts and several species of dragonfly were recorded, including Emperor, Brown Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Red-eyed Damselfly. Two or three Viper’s Bugloss plants were found in the corner of the Slurry Lagoon nearest to the car park.
All posts by Pete Smith
Orchids – 15th June
There are now lots of Southern Marsh, Spotted and Bee Orchids out and even a few Pyramidal. A new species for the site has also been tentatively identified as Northern Marsh Orchid. The first Meadow Browns have also been seen. PS.
Orchids – 13th June
The Marsh and Spotted Orchids are showing well now and the first few Bee Orchids are out on the Deep Pit bank opposite the railway line. Several Large Skippers were seen around the site. PS
Hobbies – 12th June
Two Hobbies were seen displaying over the lagoons in the early afternoon. Two tern chicks have hatched on the platforms and an Emreror Dragonfly was seen on the Small Gravel Pit. RW. JMD.
Orchids – 7th June
There are lots of Southern Marsh Orchids out now and in some areas the Spotted Orchids and their hybrids are out too. The Bee Orchids will be another week or so. PS.
Peregrine – 6th June
An adult Peregrine was seen with prey, possibly a Jackdaw, accompanied by a juvenile bird on one of the pylons. The juvenile Peregrine later flew off down river. Two Little Ringed Plovers were seen on the Slurry Lagoon. RW.
Small Heath – 3rd June
Two Small Heaths were seen along the top of the Slurry Lagoon bank this afternoon and a Small Copper on the bank by the ‘car park’. Two Four-spotted Chasers were seen on the Small Gravel Pit along with several Red-eyed Damselflies. PS.
Little Gull – 2nd June
A first summer Little Gull rested on the Slurry Lagoon for a short time this afternoon. Three Four-spotted Chasers were seen and two Red-tipped Clearwings were attracted to lures. On the southern, inside bank of the Deep Pit several Burnet Companions were seen. The cygnets were out briefly and a Gadwall with nine new ducklings and a Mallard with four were also on the Slurry Lagoon. RW.
Mute Swan Cygnets – 1st June
The Slurry Lagoon Mute Swan pair have four cygnets. The other three pairs on the site all seem to have failed to lay. PS.
Orchid Walk – 30th May
Unfortunately most of the orchids were still not much more than buds, but there were plenty of other plants to see and some butterflies and damselflies were about. A Hobby gave spectacular views as it swooped over the Slurry Lagoon and Swifts were seen mating on the wing. A pair of Shoveler were also seen and a drake Wigeon was a surprise find. PS.