Bee-keeping weekend

An update on the weekend activities first. The moth trapping total was a grand 85 species. There were seven new species to add to our lists. There were three macro-moths -Ruby Tiger, Green Silver-lines and White-pinion Spotted, and they were joined by four micro-moths as well.

Whilst the moth-ers and the flower walkers were out on site the Field Centre was equally busy. Richmond Beekeepers ran a Beginners' Beekeeping Weekend, which was well attended, and David and Sandra came to do some management on our internal hive. After coming through the winter with reduced numbers our Queen Bee has been very busy laying eggs which have been hatching well. The end result was that our hive was very packed with new bees. David and Sandra opened the hive outside and took half of them away to leave room for the rest to live in. They have got a couple of new wax plates which are already being 'pulled out' by the bees. The queen has been re-marked with white and is easy to spot. They have been very busy in and out today in the sunny weather.

The bird ringers had a good day on Sunday as well. The eleven year old Garden Warbler, which was caught last week and made all the newspapers, was back again!

After the busy weekend it's been a quieter day today. A couple of very heavy showers have been interspersed with beautiful sunshine.

These photos are of the Marsh Cinquefoil which is coming into flower on the wetland. This beauty is a member of the rose family and grows in damp, swampy areas primarily in the north of England and Ireland.

Lastly a photo of the Jacob Sheep next to the wetland hide. They are doing well on the wetland and finding plenty to eat!