Camber Castle Booklet
Details of a new booklet about Camber Castle are available by clicking here.
Archive for June 24th, 2008
24th June 2008, Tuesday
24th June 2008, Tuesday
Tiger Moth
Yesterday I was able to survey the western RX wetlands from the air on a perfect summer’s evening - in a Tiger Moth biplane. It gave the most amazing views of the habitats that we usually enjoy from a very different perspective.
Over Pett Level.
24th June 2008, Tuesday
Only child
This morning while searching for exuvia I came across this Cuckoo chick in a Reed Warbler nest. With over 250 Pairs of nesting Reed Warbler within the SSSI, its not surprising this species is an important host for the Cuckoo. The bright red gape in the second picture will be a regular sight for the adults over the coming weeks as they try to feed their huge offspring.
24th June 2008, Tuesday
Brown Hawker
With the first sightings yesterday of adults on the wing, a search for exuvia this morning found two on the small pools north of the viewpoint. One of the features to look for on exuvia are characteristic pale markings on the side of the thorax which extend onto the side of the head and reach the back of the eyes. The legs also have distinct banding, both these features can be seen in the photo below.
24th June 2008, Tuesday
Rye Harbour Moths
About sixty individuals of 25 species this morning, the majority Dark Arches, Heart & Dart and Common Wainscot. The highlight was a single Shore Wainscot, a rather local species of sand dunes (the larvae feed on Marram grass) which occurs annually in small numbers at Rye Harbour, while new species for the year included Garden Tiger and Scalloped Oak. Also seen this morning was Rutpela maculata (below), a rather common longhorn beetle which is nontheless a new species for the reserve!
