RSPB Sandy - Dragonflies and Other Insects

 The heather-covered sandy heathland plus the gardens with their pond supports a very varied insect population. Here a few species for whom the higher temperatures pose no problems. Lots of Dragonflies in the sky and occasionally landing: Migrant Hawker, Ruddy Darter and Red eyed Damselfly. Others shown - Grasshoppers, Hoverflies, Plant Bugs, Sand Wasp, Robberfly and Chloropid fly.

Infrared at RSPB Sandy

Friday was a great day to use infrared with the clouds constantly changing and the very clear conditions helping definition in the foliage. Taken with converted Sony RX100

Fen Dayton Pits RSPB

The morning started overcast which gave lots of opportunites for closeups of the damselflies and other insects. The soldier beetle in the hogweed head was a missed opportunity in that it required a greater depth of field than the light conditions permitted or a focus stack but I still like the colours and shapes created and I am amazed at the length of the Tree Bumblebee's tongue

Waders at RSPB Snettisham

Friday evening at Snettisham should have seen a 'Wader Spectacular' when thousands of waders roosting on the mud in the Ouse Estuary are driven off by a spring high tide and form murmurations etc. Because of the strong onshore wind and the very high tide, this did not happen - the waders appeared able to anticipate this happening and went straight to roost on the gravel pits behind the beach in 'spectacular' numbers. Lots of species seen Knot, Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Common and Sandwich Terns, Black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls, Egyptian Goose here plus an extra inquisitive Hare. Also recorded Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill, Avocet, Egret, Cormorants, Lapwing,  Greylag and Canada Goose, Herring and Common Gull

RSPB Arne's Elusive Dartford Warbler

Our target for the RPS Nature Group visit to Arne was obviously the Dartford Warbler. It was certainly very elusive with brief views at quite a distance. However, with mainly sunny weather I enjoyed our walk around the reserve in great company. Life in the gorse  included Dartford Warbler, Dunnock, Stonechat - male and female, Robin, Chiffchaff, and Tree Pipit