RXwildlife Sightings

Today I spent a very hot afternoon at Iden Moat recording mainly damselflies. Sussex’s furthest east colony of White-legged are clearly thriving, with 60 counted and no doubt many more in the lush undergrowth. Half were powder-blue adult males - see close-ups showing this unmistakable species. I also counted about 15 Blue-tailed and 30 Azure but, as in 2007, could find no Common Blue or Variable Damselflies. The very few butterflies included 2 Red Admirals and 2 Large Skippers. Nearby at Iden fishery an Emperor was patrolling one lake while a Broad-bodied Chaser and a Black-tailed Skimmer were seen at another, with a few more of the latter along field edges. Finally, 4 Cinnabar moths together gave a splash of colour to the parched earth bank of one of the fishponds.

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In the RX area there are at least 6 species of the Stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, and now is a good time to see them in flower

NAVELWORT Umbilicus rupestris, common on old walls

NEW ZEALAND PIGMYWEED Crassula helmsii at Castle Water

REFLEXED STONECROP Sedum rupestre scarce at Beach Reserve

WHITE STONECROP Sedum album in Rye Harbour churchyard

ENGLISH STONECROP Sedum anglicum shingle near Camber Castle

BITING STONECROP Sedum acre widespread on shingle (photo below)

At Ternery Pool over the last few months a pair of Common Gulls have been hanging around the islands. Yesterday the pair were mating for long periods infront of Crittall Hide, could it be that they have finally decided an attempt at breeding?

A surprising selection of damselflies can found along the River Brede, even along  some of the faster flowing sections if a sheltered area can be found. In a small area checked at the weekend near Castle Farm six species were found. A female Banded Demoiselle (pictured) was a nice find, but finding Variable and Red-eyed Damselfly was unexpected. Azure, Common Blue and Blue-tailed were also present. Common Darters are now on the wing, several tenerals were found in long grass along the river bank.