I spent an hour or so walking round Marsh Lane Nature Reserve last Wednesday. It was lovely to be out in the fresh air with a hint of Spring everywhere and plenty of birds to watch.
I spent most of my time in Oak Hide hoping, rather optimistically, for a Bittern sighting as one was seen recently. I didn't have any joy but there were plenty of ducks and geese and I did see the Black Swan which has been missing on my last two visits. I missed the opportunity of photographing a pair of Mute Swans flying straight towards the hide. All I did manage to get was a photo from the rear as they disappeared from view!
A flock of Lapwings - Marsh Lane has good numbers of this species and they are always a joy to watch.
Long-tailed Tit and Jackdaw were two new species for the Marsh Lane List which now stands at 52 since I first started visiting. Pheasant, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and Black Swan were new for the year list.
Garden Moths
I put out the moth trap for the first time on Tuesday 18th March (Min temp 4.8) but no moths were trapped. I tried again the following night but brought the trap in at 10.00 as the rain was teeming down. No moths in the trap but there were a couple nearby - my first of the year. Last year I didn't trap my first moth until 6th April so I'm pleased to make an early start this year :)
Pale Brindled Beauty (Phigalia pilosaria) - This is also a new species for the garden. The females of this species are wingless
Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii)
I love the shot of the swans in flight and you are doing really well with bird species this year already. A record year perhaps...? The Pale Brindled Beauty moth is beautiful too. I really must get the moth box out....
ReplyDeleteEven though you got the swans flying away it's still a lovely shot with them both together. Can't believe moths are out already, the weather just doesn't seem good enough.
ReplyDeletewell done on the Moth I suppose :)
ReplyDeletestill not seen a butterfly thought there was a chance Saturday! But seen bumbles two days running
Nice one, Caroline. Not seen any moths yet, this year. But not having a trap anymore, i`ll keep checking the bus shelters, whenever i pass any.
ReplyDeleteCountryside Tales - Thank you :) For me it is a good start with bird species - would be nice to break the records but depends on whether I can persuade family to visit "birdy" type places and add species not seen locally!! Worth starting to moth trap - seems a much better start for people this year :)
ReplyDeleteSeagullSuzie - Thank you. A few moth species are around in the Winter - a few even have a type of "antifreeze" in the "blood" to help them cope with freezing temps - they never cease to amaze me :)
Pete Duxon - Many thanks - I thought you'd enjoy the moths!!! :) I haven't seen a butterfly yet either :( nor bumbles so well done on your sightings :)
Dean Stables Many thanks Dean :) From memory you find some great moths even without a moth trap - look forward to reading about your sightings this year :)
The Swans are such beautiful creatures and amazing in flight with that distinct sound. I'm pleased you've seen the first moths of the year already!
ReplyDeleteHope you see the Bittern. I thought I glimpsed one last April in a red beed. I can't think what else it could have been. I'm really hoping to have a proper sighting of one this year.
Wendy - Thank you. You're right about swans :) To be honest I think I was so astounded as the close view that I watched rather than aimed the camera :)
ReplyDeleteGood Luck in the search for a Bittern - very impressive birds too :)
Lovely to see pictures of swans in flight. We have had a few moths around our outside lights the last few days, also a few bees about.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
Sarah - Thank you so much for leaving a comment :) The moths do start to be appearing although I haven't seen any bees yet just a drone fly. I hope you don't mind me adding your lovely blog to My Blog List.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a bittern one day!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing to see a flock of lapwing. I remember them in great numbers but now we only see occasional pairs down here.
Dartford Warbler - Thanks. Bitterns can be quite elusive. Most of my views have been distant. Had one good view once when one took flight out of reedbeds right in front of the hide :)
ReplyDeleteRound here Lapwings seem to have taken to flooded gravel pits - usually see quite a few at Brandon Marsh too but, as you say, not many in local fields anymore :(