Encounters at Paxton Pits

Today I helped with a Guided Walk at Paxton for U3A Sawston Bird Group - lots to see including various insects such as this Hornet, which I couldn't get a clear view of through the leaves but this has added a pictorial vignette, which I like. Also shown Variable and Common Damselflies, Craneflies, Scorpion Flies, a Grizzled Skipper and also lots of birds including the final very confiding Dunnock. 

Bee Flies, Bees and Birds in Toft

A miscellany from the last couple of days in Toft - bee flies taken at 1/800th and1/6400th second and still not quite stopping wing movement; three Andrena species of mining bees (A,nitida, A. heamorrhoa and A. cineraria); three migrant species (Chiffchaff, blackcap,Willow warbler) and a Dunnock.

 

First Breeding Bird Survey of 2024

Yesterday was my first Breeding Bird Survey for 2024 in Hardwick Woods on a cool misty but relatively bright morning starting at the required half hour after sunrise (yes I waited till the clocks went forward!). This Dunnock typifies the 'soft' light conditions. The wood is currently closed to the public and will be for the foreseeable future - this is to protect the habitat. Even with the closure people have been tramping through especially off the main tracks which are knee deep in mud in places - this is resulting in damage to the environment.  The spring flowers are mostly in bloom with the bluebells just starting. Most of images were taken looking into the wood from the Bridleway; The Oxlips were through the fence in the new enclosure which I helped coppice this year - the plants are thriving in the open canopy and away from munching deer.

Winter Bird Survey Paxton

Great to meet up with everyone for the start of the monthly surveys at Paxton Pits. This month our survey was of the birds - we recorded 53 species with a few winter visitors among them - Golden Eye (large flocks on Island Pit}, Goosander pair and Redwings. Best sighting (and a long way off) group of Green Sandpipers.

Stars of Today's Paxton Surveys

I started today with an early morning Breeding Birds Survey at Paxton and it was wonderful to hear so many Garden Warblers, newly returned to the UK and singing their hearts out. The Dunnocks were also very vocal. When we had completed our part of the route, I spent 3 hours surveying an area for insects etc as I have to miss the official survey morning on Tuesday. Here photographs taken with a telephoto lens including spiders, bees, moths, butterflies and damselflies. Mainly I was working on much smaller subjects using a close macro (to follow).