Another glorious morning, with the meadows in full bloom the Greater Knapweed providing a covering of purple while amongst these in good numbers the dead brown round heads of Rough Hawkbit. Fluttering across were numerous Marbled Whites their black and white markings showing superbly against the background. The duller brown Meadow Brown also in good numbers as are the stunning black and red Six-spot Burnet Moths.
Catching the sunlight as they perched on the long blades of grass were the chestnut brown Small Skippers.
Overhead the wonderful sight of 6 Skylarks, some singing others just in flight, hovering above the meadows, this sighting a good indication of breeding in these fields, helped by our visitors staying to the paths around the edges of the fields – so thank you.
As I went to check on the herd of Hereford Cattle, who were standing by the gate waiting for a scratch of their foreheads, a small group of Linnets flitted into the Gorse patch around which Woolly Thistles and Slender Thistles were growing.
A wonderful array of grasses to discover including Timothy, Cocksfoot, Crested Dog’s Tail, Meadow Oat Grass, Quaking Grass and Tall Fescue.
As I looked at more flowers the orangey Soldier Beetles were crawling around on the flower heads, showing up against the white Wild Carrots and Yarrow.
Last night, after leading a guided tour around the National Nature Reserve I spotted my first Glowworm of the year – the brilliant green light shining up from the vegetation. Also spotted in the dusk light was a Fox, Rabbits and a Tawny Owl.
A few moths recorded included Large Yellow Underwing, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Whitepoint, Silver-Y, Dark Swordgrass and Lackey.