May 16, 2024

Wildlife Report

What a difference a week makes! The red-eyed damselflies have exploded onto the scene and are the most prevalent damselfly out at the moment.

They are already down to business, vying for position on the floating vegetation so look out for them on the water lily or bistort leaves. We have two species of red-eyed damselfly at SbtL but only the larger one is out at the moment.

The waterside vegetation is also springing up with flag irises looking particularly resplendent adorned with fluorescent insects; female banded demoiselles or leaf beetles.

Wildlife Report

April 23, 2024 | Wildlife Reports

The common reed, our tallest native grass, is beginning to flower as the reed warblers begin to return from Africa where they over winter. Two birds arrived early and had an oratory duel in the reeds along north bank. Only one bird is now singing at that spot so...

Wildlife Report

April 13, 2024 | Wildlife Reports

Bumblebees have been on the wing for several months, even on cooler days, but these are mostly the familiar stripy buff-tailed bumblebees. Now we are beginning to see the Common Carder Bee and the Tree Bumblebee both with rich ginger thorax. Tree Bumble Bee...

Wildlife Report

April 6, 2024 | Wildlife Reports

The Butterfly Walk might be considered primarily of interest when the multi-coloured buddleia are in flower in mid-late summer, attracting butterflies such as Peacocks and Red Admirals. However, there is more to it than that. At the end of last month, the blackthorn...