A Photo Diary
Black Galloways keeping cool on a hot summer's day, in front of Hide .
1st June
Two Mute Swans landed briefly on wet meadows but were seen flying off, being chased by Lapwings who were nesting in the vicinity.
3rd June
Today was a very warm still cloudless day. It brought the Reserve to life and was ideal for seeing Damsel and Dragonflies, amongst other wildlife.
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Female Azure Damselfly on pondside vegetation. Look out for the shimmer of their wings in the sunshine as they fly. They are only about 35mm in length, so you need to look carefully in the vegetation to be able to spot them resting. Scanning poolside grasses and reeds with binoculars is a good way of spotting them.
Azure Damselflies mating on the edge of Hide pond.
Four-spotted Chaser was seen hunting up and down a short area of the Lonning, periodically landing on a twig to devour its prey. They are fascinating to watch through binoculars.
Two Coots diving on Meadow Pools.
Fox hunting amongst the Sea Pinks on Saltmarsh - with Lapwing in close attendance.
Lapwings and young on mudflats. Successful broods are starting to appear now.
Heron who regularly fishes the tideline, grappling with a flat-fish.
Great Tits being fed in nearby garden. Warm days are kind to all the young birds that are currently fledging.
5th June
Although the weather had turned much cooler. it remained dry and sunny.
The haunting sound of Curlew can be heard drifting across the Saltmarsh.
The dry weather suits the Barn Owl who was out regularly hunting along the Saltmarsh - not only at dusk but during the daytime, too.. It must have many mouths to feed judging by the frequency of its hunting forays.
Has it spotted something?
Looks like it!
Success in the form of a nice fat Vole!
6th June
The clicking of a Wren in the hedgerow along the Marsh could be heard. This juvenile put in an appearance.
7th June
Young Greenfinch along the Lonning.
Poplar Hawk Moth found on mat this morning, in West Common hamlet under an outside light.
8th June
House Martins flying over Meadow pools. There must have been a good insect hatch!
Martins and Swallows could be seen hawking over the pools and meadows.
Dunnock catching insects in the sunshine, near the Hide.
Willow Warbler on the Lonning hedge.
A pair of Goldfinch had been busy nesting in this part of the Lonning hedgerow for a while now.
9th June
Inspite of the cold westerly wind and showers, the workparty were hard at work, weeding the recently laid hedge and removing bark protectors from new trees planted there.
A Swift flying over the wood and wet meadows near the hide.
House Martins flying over the Lonning as the day improved.
10th June
A pair of Lesser Redpoll surprised us today, feeding with Goldfinch on our niger seed hanger (garden surrounded by Campfield RSPB Reserve). They only stayed for about ten minutes at 5 pm but returned the next day at the same time. Then they were gone!
12th June
Fearless Lapwing again defending its territory - this time against a Buzzard.
Mallard and ducklings (there were two more in the reeds) on Meadow pools. One of a number of successfull broods - with upto nine juveniles in some cases.
Heron flying over Lonning
Buttercup Meadows on North Plain Farm in all their glory.
13th June
Crow feeding young.
14th June
Fine sunny day, if not on the cool side. Lots of insect flying including Bumble bees. This Large Skipper was on Lonning-side vegetation.
Recent Notable sightings
2 6 11 Common Crane reported at 11.30 am in a field left of the track to Rogersceugh. It subsequently flew off and landed north of Rogersceugh.
Sunny days of early June were preceded by a series of spectacular sunsets.