Are You Sitting Comfortably?

Saturday, June 27th 2015

Are you sitting comfortably? (Only those of a less than young age will remember this comment!) Then I'll begin.

As has been mentioned the Cape Wrath team headed out across Arkengarthdale on Thursday. On Friday they were follwed by those going to Edinburgh. An unringed Golden Plover chick was found, missed by the Thursday travellers! It now sports a ring!

Golden Plover chick

News from the north today, sent by Adam, said that they have had good weather and spent the afternoon on Loch Borralie.

Loch Borralie

They ringed a good number of Herring, Common and Black-headed Gulls as well as some Sandwich Terns chicks, shown below. These chicks are not long hatched, as you can still see their egg tooth that they use to help them hatch.

Sandwich Tern chicks

Back at Foxglove the warm weather encouraged the invertebrates to show themselves. Taking a photograph of an orchid, it was not until it was downloaded that a little blue mark was noticed. When this was enlarged it was found to be a tiny insect.

Tiny blue insect

We are either becoming more observant or there are more Cardinal Beetles around, as they are seen more frequently. This one co-operated and turned sideways on so his toothed antenna can be seen and also his large jaws which he uses to catch and eat other insects. His red colour protects him from predators as they think he is toxic.

Cardinal Beetle

Foxgloves are coming into flower and their pink stems can be seen in many places around the reserve. In one flower a spider in its web, has taken up residence!

Spider in residence

Dog Daisies make a beautiful show opposite the heath. Sometimes, if they are examined closely, a variety of insects can be found on them. Some are feeding from the pollen and nectar, whilst others await prey! These insects have very long legs.

Insects on Dog Daisy

The bee saga continues. On arrival this morning the bees were checked to see that all was calm. A blue dot moved! A closer look and yes the Queen is back in the hive! There are still queen cells in the hive.

The Queen Bee

What happens next?

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Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

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Upcoming Events

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve is now OPEN

Monday 4th November 2024 |

The security gate and it's safety features are to be working, so we're reopening to the public.

However the intercom and remote gate opening system is currently non-functional. Entry and exit to the reserve will therefore take place via key fobs which will be issued to visitors when they sign in at the Cambrai Lines front entrance. These fobs can be used to open the gate when entering and exiting the reserve. They must be returned to the front entrance pass office upon exiting the reserve.

Please note access will be limited by the number of fobs available. You may therefore be turned away at the pass office if all fobs are in use at that time. Please only collect one fob per visiting group and ensure you enter and exit the reserve together.

Please check the FAQs for further information on entrance procedures.

https://foxglovecovert.org.uk/about/frequently-asked-questions/