Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

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Mar' 21

 Lower Derwent Valley NNR - March Sightings

March was a memorable month with some large counts of wintering and passage waterfowl, combined with passage movements and the return of early migrants.

The now annual large passage movements of Whooper Swans took place with an impressive and new record of 1,682 individuals recorded between the 19th and 27th – and a new record of 666 grounded birds on the 24th. Three Bewick’s Swans were present early in the month with one remaining until the 22nd. 13 White-fronted and two Barnacle Geese were noted, with the first brood of Egyptian Geese seen on the 24th. Among the 14,565 Wigeon and 8,234 Teal, also present were a single Green-winged Teal, a wandering Scaup, up to three Mandarin and the first returning Garganey on the 24th. A new record count of 871 Pintail were recorded during the month, whilst the now annual Common Scoter spring passage started on the 17th – followed by further movements on the 21st and 24th. A pair of Black-necked Grebes graced North Duffield Carrs on the 24th, with a Cattle Egret, five Great White Egrets and 38 Little Egrets present during the month. Two Common Cranes were recorded on the 21st and 23rd, with a Spoonbill seen at Barmby on the Marsh on the 25th.


Among the usual Red Kites, Common Buzzards and Marsh Harriers, several passage Merlins and Hen Harriers (two individuals) were recorded, with at least three Peregrines remaining daily to month end. A White-tailed Eagle passed through the Skipwith area on the 25th – undetected, with the news coming via a satellite tag. A large passage of Jack Snipe was recorded with a maximum of 15 on the 3rd. A Knot was at North Duffield Carrs on the 28th whilst the first drumming Snipe were recorded on the 9th. The first Little Ringed Plover was logged on the 21st followed by an early returning Whimbrel on the 22nd, whilst large numbers of Black-tailed Godwits passed through the site with up to 107 recorded on two dates. A single Iceland and Mediterranean Gull were recorded whilst three Kittiwakes on the 27th and two on the 28th were notable.

Other first returning migrants included Chiffchaff (3rd), Sand Martin (10th), an exceptionally early Sedge Warbler (25th), Wheatear (27th), Swallow (29th) and Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Yellow Wagtail and Cuckoo all on the 30th followed by an Osprey on the 31st.

A total of 154 species have now been recorded in the area during 2021. 

Many thanks as always to everyone who contributed records throughout the month - particular thanks to members of the YOC, and regular patch birder Duncan Bye. Thanks also to those whose images have been used in the report - Tom Broxup (TB), Duncan Bye (DB), Chris Gomersall (CG), Jono Leadley (JL), Oliver Metcalf (OM) and Tim Ward (TW).

 

BIRDS: 

Mute Swan – 86 were present throughout the site on the 14th with several pairs nest building by month end.

Whooper Swan – The month began with 204 at Bubwith Ings on the 1st, and a small additional passage herd of nine at Bank Island. Another passage herd of 11 were seen at Wheldrake Ings on the 5th with eight there on the 6th. 197 were still in the wintering herd between Ellerton and Bubwith on the 7th. 27 flew north over Bank Island at dusk on the 9th, with four present at Wheldrake Ings on the 11th and two on the 12th. 150 remained in the wintering herd on the 14th with 147 there on the 17th. 187 at Derwent Farm on the 19th presumably included some additional passage birds moving through the site, with an additional herd of 57 over Thorganby and 210 over Barmby on the Marsh, as part of a large movement out of the Cambridgeshire Fens. 173 passed over the NNR on the 20th with 131 on the 21st when 161 were still present in the resident herd. 287 passed over the reserve early on the 22nd, with herds of 27 and 79 passing through later in the day and shortly after dusk. 121 individuals were still present in the resident herd at North Duffield on the 23rd, whilst herds of 11 and 29 flew north during the day and 303 spent the day at Thornton Ings. 147 left the roost and headed out onto the local fields on the 24th, with 296 at Melbourne and 223 in fields at Thornton, giving a total of 666 on the ground – a new reserve record. Most departed after dark with just 20 remaining at Melbourne and Thornton the following day. Several flocks were heard over Elvington after dark on the 25th - these may have been individuals from the resident herd leaving, as only 21 remained at North Duffield on the 26th – a total of 51 were scattered through the site on that date, with two passage herds of 21 and 27 over Bank Island. 13 paused for the day at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th with a single there on the 28th. 51 were present there at dawn on the 30th when 21 remained at North Duffield Carrs - a herd of 75 later flew north at Bank Island just before dusk. A herd of 66 were present at Wheldrake, along with 90 at North Duffield Carrs and 80 over Skipwith on the 31st.

A minimum of 2,044 spring passage birds moved through the site during the month.

Whooper Swans - Wheldrake Ings - 20/03 - DB


Bewick’s Swan – Two remained with the Whooper Swan herd at North Duffield on the 1st, with three there on the 3rd and a single remaining until the 14th. What was presumably the same bird was present at Wheldrake Ings with 20 Whooper Swans on the 22nd.

Greylag Goose – Numbers had declined to 476 by the 14th.

Pink-footed Goose – 300 flew north-west on the 1st followed by 22 on the 2nd. A single was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th with five at North Duffield Carrs on the 11th. 86 ‘grounded’ birds were on the reserve on the 14th with 46 at Aughton Ings on the 17th.  A large movement out of the North Norfolk coast resulted in several skeins totalling 632 over the NNR on the 19th heading north-west. 38 lingered between Bubwith and Wheldrake from the 19th to the 22nd. 26 were present at Aughton on the 23rd and 38 at North Duffield Carrs on the 24th. 150 flew north over Elvington on the 30th with 120 after dark over Bank Island.

Pink-footed Geese - Wheldrake Ings - 19/03 - DB


White-fronted Goose – A party of 13 arrived at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th and were present again between the 7th-14th.

Canada Goose – Numbers declined to 78 by the 14th.

Barnacle Goose – Two flew south at Aughton with Greylags on the 25th, and were present again on the 26th on the floodbank at Thorganby, before again flying off south.

Egyptian Goose – A pair took up residency on a farm pond in the Wheldrake/Elvington area from the 7th. Five adults remained on the regular ponds in the East Cottingwith area on the 24th, including a pair with six newly hatched goslings. Up to five pairs were present in the wider area.

Egyptian Goose - East Cottingwith - 24/03 - CSR

Shelduck – 173 were recorded throughout the site on the 14th, followed by 164 on the 26th.

Wigeon – Up to 12,800 were present across the site on the 1st, with 13,154 recorded on the 14th and 14,565 on the 19th. 3,448 remained on the 26th, with numerous flocks being picked up after dark through noc-mig during the week - presumably birds departing.

Teal – 8,234 were counted on the monthly WeBS on the 14th, with 6,100 still present on the 23rd. 4,020 remained on the 26th.

Green-winged Teal – Presumably the same over-wintering drake was present again at North Duffield Carrs on the 16th (CG) and remained until the 23rd, during which time it showed well in front of the Geoff Smith Hide. It re-appeared once more on the 29th (DW).

Green-winged Teal - North Duffield Carrs - 20/03 - CG

Garganey – The first returning drake was seen at Thornton Ings on the 24th, with one heard calling at Wheldrake Ings on the 26th. A drake was seen at Bank Island on the 29th.

Pintail – 600+ were present early in the month. 450 were recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 11th when 248 were at Wheldrake Ings with smaller numbers elsewhere - a minimum of 733 present on the reserve. A new reserve count of 871 was had on the 14th, with 670 in the Aughton/Ellerton area alone on that date. 413 were present at North Duffield Carrs on the 24th however a large clear out followed, leaving just 154 on the 26th. 50 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th with 22 remaining on the 28th.

Mandarin – A drake flew into Bank Island from Wheldrake Ings early on the 4th (CSR). A single flew north up the Derwent at Ellerton on the 26th before flying over Wheldrake, with another pair south at Aughton on the same date.

Mallard – 780 were present during the month.

Gadwall – Up to 226 were recorded throughout the site.

Shoveler – 86 were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th with 114 across the reserve on the 7th. 179 were recorded on the 9th (89 at Wheldrake Ings and 55 at Thornton Ings), with a total of 181 observed on the 14th. Numbers increased thereafter with 301 spread throughout the site on the 31st.

Shoveler - Bank Island - 26/03 - DB

Tufted Duck – 350 were present on the reserve early in the month followed by a count of 402 on the 6th. 300+ remained throughout the site on the 19th.

Scaup – What was presumably last months adult drake reappeared at Thornton Ellers on the 5th (NC) and was present again on the 6th. It was later seen at North Duffield Carrs on the 11th, Wheldrake on the 12th/13th and Thornton Ings on the 14th.

Scaup - Wheldrake Ings - 13/03 - DB

Pochard – 174 remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 11th, with 131 present throughout the site on the 14th - declining to 73 by the 19th. Just two remained at North Duffield Carrs on the 24th, with no birds were recorded on the 26th and thereafter.

Common Scoter – A flock passed over Elvington at 21.20 hrs on the 17th with possibly the same flock over York 10 minutes later (AF, GD). A large nocturnal passage took place between 2000hrs and 2230 hrs on the 21st, with several flocks and individuals recorded – perhaps involving as many as 200 birds. 17 passed over at 2115hrs on the 24th with several other flocks heard between then and 2240 hrs. Several flocks were then heard over Elvington on nocturnal passage on the 29th (AF).

Goosander – A drake was present at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th with singles at North Duffield Carrs, Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 11th. A pair were present on the river at Aughton on the 14th. A single red-head was at Bank Island on the 20th and 22nd, with five there on the 29th and one at Elvington on the 30th. Three roosted at North Duffield Carrs on the 29th.

Goldeneye – 21 were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st, with 20 between Wheldrake and Bank Island on the 6th. 34 were at Wheldrake Ings on the 13th, no doubt reflecting an increase associated with spring passage, with numbers increasing to 40 on the 14th. 13 remained on the 28th with just 11 remaining on the 31st.

Goldeneye - Wheldrake - 13/03 - DB

Great Crested Grebe – Pairs were present at Bank Island, Wheldrake and Bubwith on the 1st, with an additional bird arriving at Bank Island on the 3rd. A single was at North Duffield Carrs on the 22nd with three there on the 23rd and an additional three at Wheldrake on the 24th. Six were at North Duffield Carrs on the 30th, with six at Wheldrake the next day on the 31st.

Black-necked Grebe – A pair arrived at North Duffield Carrs on the 24th (CSR et al).

Black-necked Grebes - North Duffield Carrs - 24/03 - OM

Bittern – A single was heard at 2330hrs flying over Wheldrake Ings heading east (CSR, NC, GD).

Little Egret – Six were present at Elvington on the 1st/2nd. Numbers started building thereafter, with 11 across the reserve on the 5th and 21 on the 6th. 28 were recorded throughout the site on the 22nd with eight at Bubwith Ings on the 23rd. A total of 36 were counted across the reserve on the 26th.

Cattle Egret – A single was present at Elvington on the 12th (JC).

Great White Egret – A flock of five were present at East Cottingwith Ings on the 5th (DS, JB), with a single at Bubwith Bridge on the 6th (OM). Four flew over Bank Island on the 9th (CSR) when one was present at Thornton Ellers (NC, TJ). Two were seen at Thornton Ings on the 14th, with singles in the Sutton upon Derwent area on the 18th and Bubwith on the 19th. A single was present at Melbourne again on the 22nd. Three were displaying at one site on the 23rd when a total of five were still present on the reserve. A single was recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 28th with one at Melbourne again on the 31st.

White Stork – A single flew north over Allerthorpe Common on the 30th.

Cormorant – Up to 38 were seen at the Wheldrake roost early in the month, followed by 37 there on the 12th.

Coot – Numbers at Bank Island increased to 61 by the 11th, with 122 throughout the site on the 14th and 198 on the 19th. Numbers further increased to 231 by the 22nd.

Common Crane – Two flew west along the canal at Melbourne on the 21st (DS), before flying over the Low Grounds and north-west over Bank Island and Wheldrake village (DS, JL, DB). What may have been the same pair drifted south-west at Aughton Ings on the 23rd.

Common Crane - Wheldrake - 21/03 - DB

Marsh Harrier – An adult female was present at Bank Island on the 2nd/3rd with regular sightings throughout the area thereafter. Wing-tagged bird ‘D3’ was present on the reserve on the 14th and at Bank Island on the 15th. Two immatures and an adult female were observed on the NNR on the 19th with a single at Skipwith Common NNR on the 21st. An adult female flew north at Bank Island on the 31st.

Hen Harrier – A single ring-tailed individual flew over North Duffield heading towards Skipwith Common NNR on the 20th (OM), with what may have been the same bird reported into roost on the 24th. An adult male flew west along the Pocklington Canal towards Wheldrake on the 25th (OM), and was seen again at Melbourne later in the day (TW). An adult male and sub adult were present at Wheldrake Ings on the 30th and 31st.

Hen Harrier - Melbourne - 25/03 - TW

White-tailed Eagle – A single immature bird from the 2020 Isle of Wight re-introduction scheme passed over Skipwith Common NNR on the 25th, before heading north and being seen over Sinnington later in the day – data via satellite tag.

Osprey – A single flew over Wheldrake Ings on the evening of the 31st, heading over Bank Island and Elvington as it went (DB, NC, CSR, AF).

Common Buzzard – 11 were present over Skipwith Common NNR on the 9th, with at least 17 observed across the whole site on the 14th. 12 were present in fields by Skipwith Common NNR on the 15th. 15 were counted from Wheldrake Ings on the 20th.

Peregrine – A single was present over Skipwith Common NNR on the 9th with an immature male at Aughton Ings on the 14th and another at North Duffield Carrs on the 23rd. Three were still present on the reserve on the 26th.

Merlin – Singles were present at Wheldrake on the 2nd, Aughton on the 14th (DB, CSR) and Skipwith Common NNR on the 15th (TH). Singles were seen at both Bank Island and Wheldrake on the 26th, followed by one at Bubwith on the 28th.

Merlin - Aughton - 14/03 - DB

Red Kite – A single drifted over the NNR base on the 4th with regular sightings from around the area thereafter. Three or four were present in and around the Skipwith Common NNR area early in the month, with five around the reserve on the 14th and five over Skipwith on the 15th. Two were over Thorganby village on the 17th with a single there on the 19th. Two were at Wheldrake Ings on the 20th with singles at North Duffield and Thorganby on the 22nd. Seven were present around the NNR on the 24th.

Goshawk – A pair were present in the wider area on the 7th with two further displaying birds seen elsewhere in the area on the 30th.

Grey Partridge – A pair were present on the main meadow at Wheldrake Ings on the 22nd.

Water Rail – Two were at Bank Island on the 2nd with two calling males at Wheldrake Ings on the 7th. A single showed well at Bank Island on the 8th. One was present in a road side ditch at Elvington on the 23rd – a presumed winter migrant, with three birds later picked up migrating over Elvington after dark on the 25th – presumably wintering birds departing at a time that saw a large clear out of wintering ducks and swans. Three were heard calling in the refuge at Wheldrake after dark on the 30th with a single migrating at height. Three were in the reedbed area by Swantail Ings on the 31st.

Oystercatcher – Numbers increased to 11 by the 2nd with a flock of 18 at East Cottingwith Ings on the 6th. 22 were present throughout the site on the 7th with 14 at Wheldrake on the 12th. 26 were present across the reserve on the 14th.

Oystercatcher - Melbourne Ings - 25/03 - TW

Little Ringed Plover – A single was recorded on call after dark on the 21st over North Duffield Carrs. Three were present there on the 29th with two on the scrapes at Bank Island on the 30th and two at North Duffield Carrs on the 31st.  

Ringed Plover – Two at Thornton Ings on the 9th were followed by singles at North Duffield Carrs on the 29th and 30th.

Jack Snipe – Spring passage and falling water levels saw numbers increase with 11 at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st/2nd and 15 on the 3rd. Seven remained at Wheldrake on the 9th with five at Thornton Ings on the 14th and five at Wheldrake on the 15th. A single was present at Melbourne Ings on the 22nd with four remaining at Wheldrake on the same date. Two were flushed by a Hen Harrier at Melbourne on the 25th. What may have been a degree of spring passage saw 15 recorded at Wheldrake on the 30th, with just two present the following evening.  

Snipe – Up to 100 birds were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st with 50+ still present on the 9th. 55+ were counted at Melbourne Ings on the 22nd.

The first birds were heard chipping at North Duffield Carrs on the 9th and Wheldrake Ings on the 14th. Drumming birds were recorded at both Melbourne and Thornton Ings on the 15th. Two drumming individuals were observed at Wheldrake Ings on the 21st, with further drumming birds on the 22nd including four at North Duffield Carrs, three at Aughton Ings and three at Wheldrake Ings, with at least 20 ‘chipping’ birds at those sites at dusk.

Common Snipe - North Duffield Carrs - 11/03 - OM

Woodcock – Four were feeding after dark at Wheldrake on the 2nd with three there on the 9th, followed by one in daylight on the 11th. Three were still present feeding on the meadow after dark on the 22nd, with three at North Duffield Carrs after dark on the 23rd – on the same day the first roding bird of the year was observed at Skipwith Common NNR.

Curlew – 243 were recorded throughout the site on the 2nd, with 200+ remaining on the 7th and 168 on the 14th.  

Curlew - Bank Island - 28/03 - DB

Whimbrel – A very early bird was present at Wheldrake Ings after dark on the 22nd (CSR, NC, GD), and again at Bank Island on the 24th (NC, MR, CSR).

Black-tailed Godwit – 31 were recorded at Wheldrake Ings on the 1st/2nd, with 73 arriving at North Duffield Ings on the 1st to join two already present – giving a total of 107 across the whole reserve. 131 were recorded on the NNR on the 4th, with up to three daily thereafter at Wheldrake Ings. 70 were at Thornton Ellers on the 9th with 45 at North Duffield Carrs on the 12th and 70 at Wheldrake on the 13th. 16 remained at Wheldrake on the 14th with three on the 20th and 50 on the 21st. Number reached 91 at Wheldrake on the 26th with 107 there on the 27th and 100 on the 28th/29th. 178 remained at Wheldrake on the 31st.

Dunlin – Up to 200 were present early in the month with 130 still scattered throughout the site on the 9th. 100+ were recorded at North Duffield Carrs on the 19th with 67 remaining on the 26th.

Ruff – Up to 80 lingered at the beginning of the month, with 30 remaining by the 26th - some lekking behaviour was noted around this time.

Knot – A single at North Duffield Carrs on the 28th.

Green Sandpiper – One at Melbourne on the 1st.

Redshank – 60 were recorded early in the month.

Redshank - North Duffield Carrs - 14/03 - DB

Mediterranean Gull – An adult was present on the 9th, 11th and 12th.

Black-headed Gull – 1000+ roosted at Wheldrake Ings on the 14th - down to 40 by the 17th.

Common Gull – 500 were still present at Wheldrake Ings on the 12th, with just six remaining on the 17th. Nocturnal passage was recorded overnight on the 21st/22nd.

Greater Black-backed Gull – Up to 300 were recorded in the area throughout the month – largely consisting of immatures and sub-adults.

Herring Gull – 200 remained throughout the month.

Iceland Gull – A single juvenile was present at the roost at Aughton Ings on the 13th and 19th.

Kittiwake – An adult and two first winters flew north-west over Thorganby Ings on the 17th (CSR), with two adults through Wheldrake Ings on the 28th (DB).

Long-eared Owl – A single at Skipwith Common NNR on the 19th (DT).

Cuckoo – A single was seen at Aughton Ings on the 30th (RR) - the earliest on record and the first March record. The previous earliest records were on the 2nd April 1996 and the 6th April 1995.

Green Woodpecker – A single was present at Bank Island on the 20th. Regularly seen or heard on Skipwith Common NNR throughout the month.

Green Woodpecker - Skipwith Common NNR - 07/03 - DB

White Wagtail – One near Skipwith on the 28th (CSR) and East Cottingwith Hagg Lane on the 31st (TJ).

Yellow Wagtail – The first returning bird was at Thorganby on the 30th (CSR).

Sand Martin – Two early birds were present over Bank Island on the 10th (CSR, FM), with the next individuals - five - seen at Wheldrake on the 23rd (TJ). Two were at Bank Island and singles at North Duffield Carrs and Wheldrake on the 24th, with a steady arrival thereafter. 20 were present at Bank Island on the 30th.

Swallow – The first returning birds (two), were at Thorganby on the 29th with one at Wheldrake later in the day. Another two were seen in Wheldrake village on the 31st.

Woodlark – Up to nine singing males remained at Skipwith Common NNR early in the month.

Woodlark - Skipwith Common NNR - 07/03 - DB

Fieldfare – 50 at Skipwith Common NNR on the 9th. 450 moved north-east over Bank Island during the course of the day on the 24th – a noticeable departure out of the area.

Redwing – 23 flew off north-east at dusk at North Duffield Carrs on the 29th.

Wheatear – The first returning bird was at Wheldrake Ings on the 27th (CG).

Stonechat – A pair remained at Thornton Ings early in the month with a pair recorded at Skipwith Common NNR on the 5th and 9th.

Nuthatch – A single was calling at Melbourne on the 22nd with one in roadside Oaks at Thorganby on the 25th. A pair were displaying at the Thorganby location on the 30th and at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31st.

Cetti’s Warbler – A single singing bird was present in the reedbed at Wheldrake Ings on the 6th and regularly thereafter. Single at Melbourne from the 15th and one at North Duffield Carrs on the 22nd.

Blackcap – The first birds arrived back en-masse on the 30th with up to 15 at scattered locations around the reserve. 12 were recorded at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31st.

Chiffchaff – A new singing bird was present at Melbourne on the 3rd with three singing individuals at Wheldrake on the 6th. A single was singing at Bank Island on the 8th with two at North Duffield Carrs on the 9th. Two were present at Wheldrake on the 14th with one at Skipwith Common NNR on the 16th. Two were present at both Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 19th. A small arrival saw 15 scattered throughout the LDV and Skipwith Common NNR on the 23rd.

Willow Warbler – A single at Bank Island on the 30th was the first returning bird, with several heard in both the LDV and Skipwith Common NNR on the 31st.

Sedge Warbler – The first returning bird was seen and heard singing at Melbourne Ings by the Pocklington Canal on the 25th (MT). This is the earliest ever recorded since the 26th March 2014.

Willow Tit – Three singing males/pairs were present between Bank Island and Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd, with a singing male/pair at Melbourne on the 3rd. Seven singing birds were present along the Pocklington Canal between Melbourne and East Cottingwith on the 5th. A pair were present and singing at Skipwith Common NNR on the 16th and 17th. A total of three pairs were present in the Canal Head stretch of the Pocklington Canal on the 22nd.

Lesser Redpoll – 50 were recorded at Skipwith Common NNR on the 17th, and were followed by 75 on the 23rd and 220 on the 30th.

Lesser Redpoll - Wheldrake Ings - 07/03 - DB

Siskin – A singing male was heard at East Cottingwith on the 5th. A flock of around 100 birds were present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 14th with 500 at Allerthorpe Common on the 17th.

Crossbill – Up to five, including a singing male, were present on Skipwith Common NNR on the 9th (NC, MR).

Brambling – Two were present at Thornton on the 5th with one at North Duffield on the 17th. A single male was present at Skipwith Common NNR on the 30th.

 

BUTTERFLIES:

Comma – The first of the year was seen on Skipwith Common NNR on the 17th, with 11 across the reserve on the 24th. Five at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31st.

Brimstone – The first of the year were two at Skipwith Common NNR on the 17th, followed by three there on the 24th. Single at the NNR base at Bank Island on the 30th. Four at Back Common (Crook Moor – Thorganby) on the 31st, when eight were also seen at Skipwith Common and two at Bank Island.

Peacock – Four at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31st when five were also seen along the riverside track at Wheldrake Ings.

Small Tortoiseshell – A high count of 12 at Wheldrake Ings and 11 at Skipwith Common NNR on the 31st.

 

MOTHS:

A total of 330 moths of 15 species were caught throughout the month, including a single Early Grey, 2 Oak Beauty, 2 Pine Beauty, 8 Red Chestnut and 4 Shoulder-stripe.

 

REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS:

Grass Snake – A single at Sands Lane on the 31st.

Common Lizard - Present on Skipwith Common NNR throughout the second half of the month.

Common Lizards - Skipwith Common NNR - 22/03 - TB


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