Today there were two Pintail on the Large Gravel Pit. In the evening there was a large murmuration of Starlings over the Slurry Lagoon. AN/KW.
A Bittern flew across the Slurry Lagoon at dusk. RW.
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COVID-19 – Lockdown
Covid strikes again and we are entering another Lock-down. The site will remain open and people are welcome to visit but always remember to respect Social Distancing and follow the Government Guidelines, which can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Covid – 19
The onset of the Covid-19 Lockdown has curtailed much of the Group’s activities on the site. Social distancing means that the Guided Walks have had to be abandoned and the Volunteer Work Mornings are also no longer possible.
Because they are no longer possible to distribute under the Lockdown, the Newsletters have also had to be halted for the time being. You can, however, still send in your sightings via the website.
The Patchwatch went ahead, as people could visit the site for their daily exercise without meeting up, and send their sightings in. A total of 53 species were recorded, including two male Cuckoos.
I hope you are all still managing to visit the site for your daily exercise and that we will meet again at the end of the Lockdown.
Best wishes, Peter Smith.
New Shieldbug Arrives at the Lagoons
On August 4th a new shieldbug was discovered on the reserve, near the river. “What’s this funny bug.”, resulted in great excitement when it was realised that a new and unexpected species had been found. It was the Brassica Shieldbug, Eurydema oleracea, a normally southern species that is slowly extending its range northwards. Not just one, but five individuals were found, two of them still in the final instar nymph form.
There have only been two other Nottinghamshire records, both since May 2019, one nearby at Nottingham Race Course and one at Toton, although there has also been a recent Yorkshire record.
This is a very attractive species, with a cream, yellow, orange or red pattern on a green/black background.
Hobby – 5th May
This morning a Hobby flew north, across the site. Both Peregrines were on the new pylon. PS.
Peregrine – 15th December
This morning there were a fair number of gulls resting on the frozen surface of the Slurry Lagoon. Also a Peregrine was seen making half-hearted attacks on a Black-headed Gull and a Mallard.
Barn Owl – 24th November
Today a Jack Snipe was seen in the Dragonfly Pool and, at about 14.50hrs, a Barn Owl was seen in the hedge beside the Large Gravel Pit. RW.
Whitethroat – 8th April
This morning a Whitethroat was singing beside the river and a House Martin was seen. There are now four Wheatears in the ploughed field behind the Wader Scrape.
In the evening two Little Ringed Plovers were on the Wader Scrape. RW.
Lost Camera Chip – 18th August
Has anybody lost a camera storage chip at the lagoons some months ago. It was found some time ago but the the finder didn’t know how to contact the owner. If it is you contact me via the website and I will forward his contact details.
Pyramidal Orchid – 18th June
The orchids are at last beginning to come out. On the Causeway there is a Pyramidal Orchid and there are lots of Bee Orchids out now. The Spotted Orchids are still taking their time and the Marsh Orchids are near to finishing. PS.
