There are now at least five grass snakes being seen on the logs outside the Ivy South Hide, although three of these reported yesterday were quite small. Although not as warm as yesterday when opening up the hide, some were basking – how many I leave for you to decide….
Basking Grass Snake(s) ???
A close up of the head of one snake shows a distinctly blue cast to the eye,
Old ‘blue-eyes’
probably indicative that it is getting ready to slough off its outer skin, which , I believe happens as they get larger. literally bursting out of their skin.
Early morning, before too many people are around the wildlife has the place largely to itself and it’s probably a bit of a shock when we turn in to open the place up. Yesterday morning, I startled a couple of roe deer that were lurking near the Woodland Hide
Roe Deer and young
Though still suffering some predation, we can run the light trap without too many losses. providing its stuffed full of egg-boxes. Highlights from yesterday and today were this Coxcomb Prominent,
Coxcomb Prominent
a rather butterfly-like Common Emerald,
Common Emerald
a distinctively marked and appositely named Blood-vein, contrasting nicely with the black of the light trap,
Blood-vein
and star turn, a Privet Hawkmoth, which when seen with wings closed is quite impressive,
Privet Hawkmoth
but with its wings open and spread out reveals a body clad in a rugby shirt of black and pink stripes.
Privet Hawkmoth
Reports of birds in and around the Reserve, include a flyover Hobby and a rapacious Sparrowhawk which caught a Sand Martin just outside the Goosander Hide.
Near the Centre a juvenile Great-spotted Woodpecker was being fed, from our feeder, by an adult male Great-spotted Woodpecker — presumably its Dad – quite appropriate for Fathers Day!!!
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve 