This morning, during the bird count, a Purple Hairstreak was found on thistles near the large oak at the end of the Lower Path. Also seen were good numbers of Red Admirals, Ruddy Darters and a Migrant Hawker. PS.
Purple Hairstreak – unfortunately with rear of hind-wing missing.
The hot, humid conditions this morning suited the dragonflies and several species were seen. There was a Lesser Emperor in front of the Causeway benches, along with Emperors, Four-spotted Chasers and Black-tailed Skimmers. In the NE corner of the Slurry Lagoon a Broad-bodied Chaser was basking. Along the Boundary Hedge immature Ruddy Darters and a Brown Hawker were seen. PS.
Lesser Emperor
Broad-bodied Chaser
Ruddy Darter
This morning, during the Dragonfly Walk, two Ruddy Darters were found, along with Emperor, Brown Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Banded Demoiselles, Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselflies. Near the river three Ravens were seen flying from Radcliffe and going north. There was one moulting bird, presumably and adult, and two with perfect wings, presumed to be juveniles. PS.
A Garganey is still present on the Wader Scrape and a Hobby was seen chasing the Swallows by the railway bridge. On the Ouse Dyke the Green Sandpiper was seen to be still in residence. There are also several dragonflies about with Migrant Hawker, Southern Hawker, Ruddy Darter, Common Darter, Banded Demoiselle and Common Blue Damselflies all being seen. SC.
This morning a Whimbrel was heard calling as it flew over the site, towards Holme Pierrepont. There was a Common Sandpiper feeding along the edge of one of the tern platforms, much to the annoyance of the residents. The Dragonfly Walk was a mixed success as the weather was not very co-operative. Red-eyed and Small Red-eyed Damselflies were found on the Small Gravel Pit as well as a Ruddy Darter. PS.