News Roundup

Some numbers first.  The Bug Hunt actvities on 1st August resulted in 46 different species being recorded, with possibly some new species included, but these still have to be checked.  Watch this space.  The moth night resulted in 125 species of which 10 were new species.  Some moths were caught in large numbers.  Bird Cherry Ermine 76, July Highflyers 180, Antler Moth 96 and Large Yellow Underwing 133.  The bats that fly around Foxglove have plenty food.

Jack, down on Salisbury Plain sent an email - 'Dry weather meaning no water at all on the Eastern side of the plain for several months has seen many species finish breeding earlier than usual. Odd Yellowhammer and Linnet still going, but pretty much over. Pictures are likely to be the last newly fledged Whitethroat of 2018 for me.'

Over the last week the bird ringers have been cutting net rides in the reed beds at another site. 

Once cut the rides have to be tided.

Over winter the duck trap catches a variety of water birds.  During the summer it has trapped lots of vegetation!

Some hard work, especially in the hot summer sun, and a duck trap re-appeared.

At Foxglove, flowers are coming into bloom but 'going over' quite quickly.  Hemp Agrimony is just beginning to flower.

Through the Scrapes the vivid pink of Purple Loosestrife shows through the Phragmities.

Teasel is a very prickly plant but it is loved by many insects.