The overcast conditions overnight produced the first notable arrival of migrants of the autumn, in which Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler were clearly the most numerous species, whilst a Nightingale was the main highlight. Other early migrants were thin on the ground with only small numbers of Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler present.
Other sightings included 8 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff and 3 Garganey on the scrape.
The Blue-tailed Damselfly is one of the commonest damselflies in Britain and abundant at Castle Water. This species is capable of copulation within 3-4 days after emergence, which is faster than many other species. The average survival time for the adult is about ten days.
The Holly Blue butterfly is easily identified in early spring as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. The odd sightings on the reserve probably stem from wandering individuals from Rye Harbour village and Winchelsea Beach, were the larval foodplants Holly and Ivy are common in back gardens. Adults are on the wing between late March and late June and again in late July into September.
