3 JULY 2025 – HATFIELD FOREST

This was my first outing in nearly a month following heart surgery - and with John and Mike - we headed for Hatfield Forest, hoping to ‘clean-up’ on Butterflies and Dragonflies in particular.

It was already very warm with almost unbroken sunshine to begin with, so the conditions augured well, and as soon as we were through the main entrance we were seeing Silver-washed Fritillaries in good numbers, with Ringlets and Large Whites bring up the rear.

Down to the car park by the Shell House, we made for the Decoy Lake and on the way looked for Purple Hairstreaks on a tall oak opposite the Shell House Café and quickly found several zipping through the foliage and waited patiently for them to come to rest before confirming the identity.

Below the oak were brambles simply alive with Ringlets; Gatekeepers; Meadow Browns; Commas, and Large Whites - with a sprinkling of Small Whites too. At that time none of the Hairstreaks were venturing to the brambles. It was already obvious that butterflies here were having a good year. At the lake, a Common Tern was seen, and another shortly after.

At the Decoy lake we were delighted to find that it was in excellent condition (compared to previous years) with Coot; Moorhen and Mallard families present, and good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies too. Species seen here included a male and female Emperor Dragonfly; at least two Brown Hawkers; three or four Four-Spot Chasers; Common Blue and Azure Damselflies; both Large Red-eyed and Small Red-eyed Damselflies; a couple of Blue-tailed Damselflies; a couple of Common Darters, and a Black-tailed Skimmer. Then we set off for Purple Emperors.

Along the rides towards Collins Coppice there were huge numbers of butterflies – more Large Whites - far exceeding the Small Whites in numbers; more Ringlets than I’ve ever seen before; Meadow Browns; good numbers of Gatekeepers; Large and Small Skippers (there could well have been Essex Skippers too, and although the guys were lucky, I missed out); initially, small numbers of Marbled White butterflies, that grew as we proceeded; a very tatty Painted Lady that John thought could well have indicated that it was a recent migrant; a couple of Brimstones (males only); and of course good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries - which I confess are one of my favourite butterflies, so very elegant in flight. On the way, we saw at least three Common Buzzards and three Red Kites (including a juvenile bird).

Taking a detour across towards Lodge Coppice we walked along another open ride with more butterflies flitting this and that way - more Marbled Whites and Silver-washed Fritillaries, though none staying still long enough to photograph well, which I found especially frustrating. The guys both thought this was mainly down to the extremely warm and sunny conditions. Further along the ride a way, we approached a tall, broad oak where Purple Emperors were seen by the guys in 2024, but at first nothing was stirring. And then, quite suddenly, a male did a circuit at the top of the oak, then (presumably the same individual) made two more brief forays that satisfied us all, before we came away.

Nearby, Mike found a White-legged Damselfly (the species was also seen here in 2024) which was photographed well; and John found a lovely Hummingbird Hawkmoth that mesmerised us for a short while; and a male Emperor Dragonfly flew by.

I was keen to visit a nearby ride that previously was good for Silver-washed Fritillaries – and where I’d taken my more memorable photographs of the species in previous years. And although we found our way through, it wasn’t until much later that we realised that part of this ride - along with others throughout the forest - had been fenced off to ‘recuperate’ for one year only. Yet the butterflies were still here in exceptionally good numbers. Our second White-legged Damselfly, was also seen here.

We stopped for the day then (it was approx. 1.45 p.m.) and although the heat remained, the sunshine was beginning to fade under cotton-wool clouds. So, we made for the Shell House Café for a very welcome Cappuccino each, before heading home.

It had been a memorable day indeed - the numbers of butterflies (and the individual species); and a broad selection of Odonata being something we would all remember for a long time.

17 Butterfly species recorded. 12 Dragonfly species recorded.

BRIMSTONE BUTTERFLY (M)

LARGE SKIPPER (M)

LARGE SKIPPERS MATING

PEACOCK BUTTERLY

RED ADMIRAL with BEE Sp

RINGLET

RINGLET

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY

WHITE-LEGGED DAMSELFLY

 

31 MAY 2025 – THORLEY WASH and RIVER STORT NORTH

I was unavoidably delayed in getting out this morning by an hour, so by the time I arrived at Spellbrook and aimed for the towpath along the River Stort towards Twyford Lock, it was almost 11.00 a.m. but the lack of birdsong and activity along this stretch of the Stort was a tad worrying.

The weather as I arrived was sunny, extremely warm - even humid, but was more overcast towards midday, then sunny intervals later on; and really, the heat was almost unbearable at times; although from Twyford Lock there was a cooling northerly breeze.

Right at the start I saw a few Banded Demoiselle Damselflies (the first ones for this year) but Red-eyed Damselflies were not seen here as in previous years. It wasn’t until I reached Thorley Wash Reserve that some birds made themselves known ………………. A male Reed Warbler sang from the depths of the reeds, so wasn’t seen; same goes for two male Cetti’s Warblers; a male Chiffchaff and a distant male Blackcap. A pair of Moorhens were seen with a single chick (did it have any siblings?), but very little else stirred. I was aware that this was the nesting season, but the lack of activity was still worrying, as was the distinct lack of insects. Hardly any bees; no dragonflies except for the odd Banded Demoiselles sailing gently up and down the river, and several Hairy Dragonflies which indicated that the species was taking a hold here; so that at least was encouraging.

I had intended to walk around the reserve itself, but the thick groves of nettles that put me off; and anyway, the lack of insects here - despite heavy vegetation - was disappointing. So, I turned back and continued north along towpath towards Twyford Lock.

The lack of dragonflies was concerning, but when I got to within twenty minutes or so of Twyford I enjoyed a ‘purple patch’ where several species new to me for the year at this site were observed within a very short stretch of the Stort - at least three Hairy Dragonflies; two Brown Hawkers; three or four Four-spotted Chasers; lots of Azure Damselflies; both male and female Banded Demoiselles; at least four Red-eyed Damselflies (although even with binoculars these were difficult to see well, as they were on lily pads some 30 feet or so away); and finally a single Black-tailed Skimmer - only the second record here since August 2006. It goes without saying that photography was virtually impossible due to the fast flight of the Odonata, and all I got was a few shots of the Banded Demoiselles as they alighted on the vegetation that lined the towpath. In addition, I did a bit of flower photography. I also noted a fairly large emergence of Mayflies, although none allowed me the pleasure of photographing them.

I rested a while at Twyford Lock, then continued along the Stort heading for Southmill Lock. Just before the entrance to Rushy Mead reserve (which I chose not to visit) I observed a lone juvenile Cormorant fishing for a while then at Southmill Lock  - lots of Azure Damselflies; Hairy Dragonflies and at least two Emperor Dragonflies (a male and a female) were observed. But I was especially fascinated by the huge shoals of fish (I was advised by a gentleman who lived nearby on a canal boat) that they were mainly young Tench - a species I don’t think I’d seen here previously. There were also three young 'Jack' Pike - stark still in the water, waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting fish swimming by – so they could have had a field day with the Tench; and a superb mature Common Carp.

It hadn’t been an exceptional day but at least I’d boosted my local dragonfly tally. But one thing worried me more than anything else was the amount of human traffic along the Stort towpath - walkers; dog walkers; runners; cyclists etc. Of course, access to the towpath is open to anyone and everyone (including myself as a naturalist and photographer) but is it any wonder that all this activity (welcome or not) is having a negative effect on the Natural World. I’m not at all convinced that we can truly curtail this from getting worse.

BANDED DEMOISELLE (F)

BANDED DEMOISELLE (M)

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY (M)

(LONE0 MOORHEN CHICK

MOORHENS WITH CHICK

MOORHEN (AFTER PREENING)

MOORHEN (JUST LOOK AT THOSE FEET!)

RED CAMPION

'JACK' PIKE

YOUNG TENCH

YOUNG TENCH

COMMON CARP

RIVER STORT - SOUTH OF TWYFORD LOCK

RIVER STORT - NORTH OF TWYFORD LOCK

 

 28 MAY 2025 - AROUND MY WILDLIFE POND

I've been astounded at the frog activity around my wildlife pond of late - there are at least three - especially so since I've noticed a small leak which has reduced the level of water slightly. I've been unable to locate the leak but the frogs have been quite active nonetheless; also, although I don't seem to have any water beetles or indeed pondskaters, I do have literally hundreds of mosquito larvae/pupae - lots of food for the frogs - so the water quality must be reasonably good.

I have Buttercups; Dandelions; Cranesbill and Water Forget-me-nots all around the periphery, so I am really pleased about that. So, here is a selection of images of the pond and surrounds.

MOSQUITO LARVAE

MOSQUITO PUPAE 

COMMON FROG

COMMON FROG

COMMON FROG

COMMON FROG

COMMON FROG

CRANESBILL HEAD

CRANESBILL

 14 MAY 2025 – SPARROWHAWK IN THE GARDEN

I’ve observed Sparrowhawks in the garden on many occasions - indeed forty individual sightings in or from the garden since 2006 - but never like the one I witnessed today. Indeed, the only photographs I’d managed to achieve were through the kitchen window. But this time I was actually ‘on the spot’ when the Sparrowhawk flew in.

I was in the back garden spraying some unwanted weeds (around 9.40 a.m.) when suddenly I became aware of a commotion of birds’ distress calls, and stood up only to have a ‘dark’ bird literally brush my scalp, and land at the bottom of the garden beside the birdbath, with a screaming juvenile Starling clutched firmly in its claws. It was a Sparrowhawk - a male.

I rushed into the house to grab my camera, and when I got back, I was able to fire off a few shots - just for ‘insurance purposes’ - in case the Sparrowhawk flew off. But it didn’t. So, I pushed my luck and attempted to get closer and closer - with the camera and 100-400 mm telephoto lens poised accordingly - until I was within a mere few feet of the bird, with the Starling still very much alive, and flapping its wings vigorously, trying to get away from the hawk’s iron-grip.

The Sparrowhawk didn’t seem to know what to do with the Starling, and in fact it was only towards the end of the observation that the hawk began to pluck the poor Starling’s feathers; but throughout this time the poor thing was very much alive, occasionally flapping its wings vigorously in a vain attempt to escape, whilst calling distressfully. Normally, I would have assumed that the bird was maybe a first summer male, and inexperienced in dealing with prey; but it was in full summer plumage, so was very probably an adult male - so maybe it was confused because of my presence.

The hawk made several unsuccessful attempts to fly off with its prey, until eventually it managed to do so, and flew into my neighbour’s garden and into dense bush cover, and out of sight.

I was initially under the impression that the entire episode (from start to finish) lasted about 20 minutes, with sixty-five images taken, but the EXIF details on the images themselves, indicate that it was a mere 8 minutes in total. Quite unbelievable!

 

12 MAY 2025 - LYNFORD ARBORETUM; SANTON DOWNHAM and LAKENHEATH

An 8.20 a.m start from mine with heavy-ish traffic through Bishop’s Stortford, eventually saw us onto the M11, arriving at Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk around 9.45 a.m. The main aim was to try and get Firecrest, which breeds here - with a good breeding population in recent years; but an hour or so later, none of us had connected with any (by then we’d split into two parties, but it didn’t make an  iota of difference) - maybe they were late arriving this season). The only saving grace was the sighting of a male Garden Warbler which was singing from high branch overlooking the lake; other species seen or heard included Reed Warbler; Lesser Whitethroat; and Cuckoo. A Hairy Dragonfly was hawking the lake edge. The Aboretum itself was lush in fresh green foliage and was stunning in the bright, warm sunlight.

And so, on to Santon Downham where first we tried (again unsuccessfully) to locate a Firecrest at the nearby Church); then shortly after leaving the car in the car park, I spied a bird atop a distant dead tree, which proved to be a singing male Tree Pipit (with good views through John’s scope); then as it flew away, a Common Buzzard took its place, and after that, a male Stonechat ; so, a popular tree from which to survey the surrounding countryside. Then, much nearer to where we stood, a male Woodlark arrived totally unexpectedly and sang sweetly for us, then thrilled us with a lovely display flight. I believe a second male was seen overhead, though not by me.

A short while Later, Mike found a male Green Hairstreak butterfly (which I only glimpsed, though I think John managed a slightly better view) and nearby I found a couple of Small Copper butterflies. Large; Small and Green-veined Whites; Orange-tips were also seen, as were at least two male Brimstones; a Peacock, and a couple of Holly Blues.

Then on to Weeting for the Stone Curlews. It was a great surprise to learn that the Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centre here had permanently closed, although the hides were all still available to the public free of charge – so permits were no longer necessary. From the West Hide - views of a wide-open field in front of the hide were disappointingly without said Stone Curlews (just a Eurasian Curlew and a couple of Northern Lapwings remained). We learned from a fellow birdwatcher (who was a warden at the reserve when it was open) that they had apparently nested successfully, but the young birds were sadly predated. And there were no Stone Curlews either on the fields on the other side of the road.

We tried for Spotted Flycatchers (we’d heard there were at least three that had arrived within the last week), and although John and Mike were lucky, I frustratingly couldn’t find the bird in the forest of pines and other trees, so missed out on this occasion. John and I also missed another Green Hairstreak that Mike found in the car park.

It was getting late in the afternoon, so although we planned a visit to the RSPB Reserve at Lakenheath, we restricted our stay to a brief foray for a pair of Garganey, which - thanks to John scoping the huge freshwater lake behind the Little Ouse waterway - we got quite surprisingly quickly. John and Mike left me here to get a different view of the lake in a vain attempt to locate a Wood Sandpiper that had been reported recently; whilst still seated at the original viewpoint, I managed to get a slightly better view of another Green Hairstreak as it whizzed by me. Back near the centre entrance, I sated myself on photographing Azure Damselflies (most were tandem views) and a Large Red Damselfly. We left the reserve shortly before 4.00 p.m.

LYNFORD ARBORETUM

LEAF SHADOW ON BEECH

LYNFORD ARBORETUM

AZURE DAMSELFLIES IN TANDEM

AZURE DAMSELFLIES IN TANDEM

LARGE RED DAMSELFLY (M)

CARDINAL BEETLE

1 MAY 2025 – WEST CANVEY MARSHES and HANNINGFIELD RESERVOIR

This was originally intended to be a trip with just me and Mike, but John was a late addition (having just returned from a couple of days in Weymouth); and he offered to drive. An 8.10 a.m. start from mine, saw us eventually arriving at West Canvey Marshes, Essex within 90 minutes or so - the delay caused by a road traffic accident around Chelmsford.

Mike chose this site as he and his wife Anita have often visited and found it within easy driving distance of home, and is a relatively flat area too, so not an excessively difficult terrain. It comprises a couple of small lakes (or ponds) with smaller ditches and reedy areas, over extensive grasslands, interspersed with hedges (mainly hawthorn and similar bushes).

We made straight-for the nearest hide - but before we got there John spied a distant Cuckoo (which as it didn’t call might have been a female) though we did see a male later on in the morning;  and as soon as we were inside, we were accosted by an incredibly loud Magpie-ish ‘noise’ which in fact turned out to be Marsh Frogs in a nearby pond! Investigation revealed many Marsh Frogs, spread out amongst small lilies and similar plants, with some seen to expand their voice sacs as they ‘sang’ . Birds from the hide included a single Little Egret two Little Grebes; a pair of Great Crested Grebes; a Pochard; and some Tufted Duck, but nothing untoward. We then made for the Pantiles - which was a fair distance way and which was another area of water, where different species could be seen including a pair of Black-necked Grebes (in full summer plumage – apparently a pair bred nearby in 2024); a couple of Mediterranean Gulls, along with other common gull species; Common Terns; Lapwings and Avocets (both with young); a male Marsh Harrier; several Black-tailed Godwits; Redshank; Shoveler; a Teal; and a Wigeon. All around, there were sounds of Reed Warblers; Sedge Warblers; a single Garden Warbler (which refused to show itself); and at Redhill (a nearby hillock), a male Corn Bunting. There was a later record of a Garganey, which we only heard about when we were at Hanningfield Reservoir later that afternoon.

Butterflies included several Small Heath; Green-veined Whites; Large and Small Whites; Speckled Woods; a few Peacocks; and Mike had a single Red Admiral. Dragonflies included a Hairy Dragonfly; a probable Four-Spot Chaser, and a Blue-tailed Damselfly, which I missed. We also saw a lovely Brimstone Moth, my second of the week.

I must admit that although progress around the site was relatively easy - being mainly flat grassland - the weather was exceptionally hot, although there was a light S Easterly wind, which was very welcome in the circumstances - I still struggled in the heat, and with my right hip impairment, found it very difficult to keep up with my fellow birdwatchers.

It was around 1.30 p.m. when we made the decision to move on to Hanningfield Reservoir, where we’d heard that at least 10 Black Terns had been seen that morning. It didn’t take long to get there, but a very long walk through the Visitor’ Centre and on to the relevant hide, eventually saw us viewing the said 10 Black Terns constantly moving up and down the reservoir (and what a sight) together with several Common Terns, and a distant Little Gull. There was a couple of Red-Crested Pochard; a lovely Little Egret showing off its plumes to full effect; an Avocet and an Oystercatcher. In the woodland, a male Garden Warbler showed itself briefly, and on a small pond, a male Broad-Bodied Chaser; an Azure Damselfly, and a Large Red Damselfly delighted us still further.

MARSH FROG

MARSH FROGS - ONE ON LEFT SHOWING INFLATED VOICE SACS

THREE MARSH FROGS

CRANE FLIES IN TANDEM

DANDELION - NATURE'S CLOCK

SHIELD BUG Sp

SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLY

NURSERY WEB SPIDER