A Warm CES

Sunday, June 5th 2016

Even very early this morning it was 'snowing'.  The 'snow' could be seen floating on the surface of the ponds as the tadpoles - dare we say - were huddled together for warmth.

Tadpoles and 'snow'

Later in the morning the sun had come out and yes, it was not snow but willow seeds floating gently on the breeze.

Willow seeds

By lunch time the tadpoles had warmed up and were swimming all over the ponds and the cover of willow seeds had increased.

Tadpoles and willow seeds

By late afternoon the willow seeds were covering most of the water surface and the tadpoles could hardly be seen.  It is good that some of these seeds will not germinate!

Willow seeds

Singing birds and barking Roe Deer greeted the ringers for the first of three 4am starts.  Once all the nets were raised, a lesson was given on securing the ties that hold the poles in position.

Tying the net ropes

It was another quiet day although there were juvenile Siskin, Robin and our first Coal Tit.  A Reed Warbler was ringed and when released, returned to the Scrapes and sang loudly throughout the day.  This beautiful adult male Bullfinch was retrapped and he sat calmly as his photograph was taken, showing off his colourful plumage and very clean beak. 

Male Bullfinch

During the day the ringers shed coats and jumpers.  There was also an opportunity for the ringers to go and check more nest boxes and ring some chicks. When all the nets were down and totals checked, over 80 birds were processed of 21 species.  Ringing does not just involve ringing the birds, but includes putting up and taking down the nets, checking the bird bags at the end of the day, tea making and washing up and tidying the ringing room when everything else is cleared away.  Thank you to everyone who helped.

Out on the reserve, as stated on yesterday's blog, when the sun comes out so too do the insects.  The leaf beetles were seen on numerous plants and this one was bronze in the sunlight.

Leaf Beetle

Large Red Damselflies are the first to emerge followed by the blues.  Blue Tailed damselflies are fairly easy to recognise, but the Common Blue and Azure Blue are more difficult to identify.  This is a blue damselfly sitting in its characteristic pose, with its wings parallel to its body.

A Blue Damselfly

We wait for the Northern Marsh Orchids to appear and often walk around where they grow and do not see any sign of them, then suddenly there they are in bud and not long after in flower.

Northern Marsh Orchid


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The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

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Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Friday 20th September 2024 |

We are glad to announce that Foxglove Covert is reopening to the general public on Monday 7th October 2024.

A partial fix of the Foxglove Covert access gate has ensured that the safety features (sensors, emergency stop buttons) are now functional. This will allow safe access through the gate.

Unfortunately, the intercom and remote opening system by which the Guardroom normally opens the gate for entry and exit to the reserve is still inoperable. We do not have a timeframe for when this will be repaired.

Entry and exit to the reserve will therefore take place via key fobs which will be issued in exchange for photo ID (driving licence/passport) to visitors when they sign in at the Cambrai Lines front entrance. These fobs can be used to open the gate when entering and exiting the reserve. They must be returned to the front entrance pass office upon exiting the reserve.

Please note access will be limited by the number of fobs available. You may therefore be turned away at the pass office if all fobs are in use at that time. Please only collect one fob per visiting group and ensure you enter and exit the reserve together.

 

Please see below for organised events. Booking is essential, as attendees will be contacted with access arrangements ahead of the events.

If you are part of an organised group and would like to arrange a visit to the reserve, please contact reserve staff.



October Wildlife Wander

Thursday 10th October 2024 | 2pm-4pm

Join reserve staff for a guided walk around Foxglove Covert as the reserve begins to settle into autumn. Explore the reserve as tree leaves begin to change colour, migrating birds start to pass through, and fungi thrives throughout the reserve's grasslands and woodlands.

2pm-4pm.

Donation of £3 per person. Free for Friends of Foxglove. Booking essential.

Due to faults with the Foxglove Covert access gate, entry and exit will be coordinated and at set times. Booked attendees will be sent access arrangements via email prior to the event.



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