The warm sun shone on 9 members at this Lower Ure conservation area site. The water levels here are very variable so we didn’t see many ducks : Mallard, Tufted Duck and, after much discussion, a Wigeon eventually identified by its wing patches of white and black seen in flight.
Wigeon
Lapwing
The only waders were flocks of Lapwing accompanied by Starlings, a few Curlew and a solitary Redshank. 2 members had a brief glimpse of a Merlin as it dashed between the bushes. The chief interest near the hide were about 8 Buzzards calling and circling on the thermals.
At the Tarmac quarry area we spotted a Red Kite flying close to a Buzzard. Also seen were Mute Swans, Little Egret, Greylag and Canada Geese. The height of the bushes obscured clear views over the water and some work was in progress near the reed beds or we might have seen more species.
There were still butterflies around, particularly Speckled Wood. Also dragonflies which were happy to pose
Common Darter
: these were Common Darter and Common Hawker.
Common Hawker
In all we spotted 36 species. A most enjoyable day.
leader : Win Clements, photos : Ian Hughes
