Nature Roundup

Mark was out with his camera and caught this Oystercatcher in flight,

and a Lapwing, over Spigot Mere.

The middle moor has benefitted from the rain and is now covered in flowers with many bees flitting between them.  If the sun and warmth continue and the wind drops the butterflies and day flying moths will join them.

Warm to hot sun and very cold strong winds were not deterring the Four Spotted Chasers on Plover's Pool from chasing each other, defending territories, mating and egg laying.  Absolutely no chance of a photograph.  However Gerry and Hayley, out checking the water levels on the wetland, saw one land in the reeds.  It was still there when I arrived and I was able to take a photo, even though the wind was blustery and the vegetation was moving!

Whilst Gerry was out on the reserve, he spotted this beautiful Common Lizard.  We have several on the reserve and many have re-growing tails - this one has escaped any predation, as its tail is long and pristine.  The lizards have the ability to part with their tails if they are in danger and are then able to grow them again, but rarely to the way they were.  As the lizards are cold-blooded they need to sunbathe to raise their temperature before hunting for small invertebrates.  This is the only reptile on the reserve, although Slow Worms are to be found in the surrounding areas none have ever been found at Foxglove.

The next wave of Orchids is in flower with Northern Marsh Orchids growing in their usual places.  Common Spotted Orchids need a few more days but the hybrids between a Northen Marsh and Common Spotted are in flower in the back garden.  Well we think they are hybrids?

And finally, our strimming volunteers are not the only ones who mow around flowers.  The people who mow the lawns on camp went around these two Northern Marsh Orchids.

Thank you to everyone for the photographs.