Chiffchaffs and Commas!

he first day of spring has arrived at Foxglove, and the weather matched spring expectations. It was warm and calm, and the reserve is absolutely teeming with life. The first Chiffchaff, a small warbler that overwinters in the Mediterranean region, was heard in the Scrapes and the first Comma butterfly of the year was also seen while working with volunteers near the entrance to the reserve!

Having emerged from their overwintering sites, the toads have taken over the reserve, including these two spotted on the access road. They tend to return to their ancestral breeding ground every year, regardless of what may be in the way!

A reminder to take extra care when driving along the access road over the next few days as they blend in extremely well with the gravel.