RXwildlife Sightings

Today saw the second of the annual timed bumblebee recording walks on the RSPB reserve.  The distribution of bees reflected the conditions of the year so far.  Virtually every bee I saw was found on viper’s bugloss Echium vulgare.  This reflected the unusually poor state of the pasture, with hardly any legumes in flower yet.  Some were late due to the spring drought, others were being grazed.

Viper’s bugloss is well adapted to live on dry shingle and has been quick to respond to the recent rain.  Surveys in the past have shown that this plant tends to be used most often for nectaring, rather than a source of pollen.  The pollen collected from this species is blue, and the bees today did not appear to be carrying any.

Does this matter?  Read the rest of this entry »

Avian highlights over the last few days at Castle Water have included 6 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Avocet, Turtle Dove at the hide and viewpoint, Barn owl, Hobby and 2 Marsh Harrier.  On the Beach Reserve a Roseate Tern has frequented Ternery Pool out from Crittall Hide and from the Denny Hide which overlooks the Quarry, high water is the best time to look.

Hobby