An Interesting Day

Monday, May 13th 2019

Cold soon gave way to warmth as Sophie, Gerry, Colin and Elizabeth set off to check more boxes boxes.

Setting off to check owl nest boxes

The first box had two chicks.  They were ringed and then returned to their nest.

Returning chicks to their box

Another box still had eggs, so will have to be revisited.  On the way back to the Field Centre, several small boxes were checked.  Some tiny chicks were in one and eggs in another.  Revisits are already planned.

Next task was to check the ponies on Plover's Pool.  Not a single sign of two Exmoor ponies.  Had they got lost, moved, or just plain disappeared?  Panic!!  Another careful look all the way around and there they were, standing behind Plover's Pool, next to the fence, feeding happily.  Relief!

'Lost Ponies!!'

Talking to some visitors, we realised that there was a great deal of loud buzzing coming from the bees.  They were swarming!  We watched as they eventually settled in a tree along net ride 56.

Swarm of bees

Colonel Alister, one of our bee keepers, came to collect them.  Apparently it was a day for bees to swarm as several hives had done so.  

Getting ready

They were brushed into the skelp and then left for some time as many were reluctant to leave the tree and head for their temporary hive.  By late afternoon they had all followed the queen into the skelp.  We now await the emergence of a new queen, who will leave the hive to go on her mating flight.  Once returned she will settle and begin to lay her own brood.

Bees in their temporary hive

What next was the question we were asking.  The remainder of the day was quiet.  Large Red Damselflies were on the wing but would not settle for a photograph.  Most of the butterflies were also flying quickly.  One settled for a short time, but it is almost hunt the white butterfly!  It was a Green Veined White.

Green Veined White


(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

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.

More Details

Upcoming Events


Reserve Access: Open

Wednesday 4th June 2025 |

Access is currently as normal and the reserve and field centre are open as usual.



June Wellbeing Wander

Friday 20th June 2025 | 2pm-3pm

Join us on a nature-based wellbeing walk around the reserve.

Having a sense of place and connectedness, being grounded is important for our general wellbeing and mental health. This is an invitation to pause and explore what being in nature can offer you.

Enjoy an afternoon of wellbeing starting with some mind awareness followed by a gentle walk where you get to listen, smell and watch what is around you and connect with any feelings which arise.

Bookings close 19th June.

For more information and to book your place, visit Foxglove Covert's Eventbrite pagefoxglovecovertlnr.eventbrite.com 



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive