Hints of Autumn

Although still sunny and warm it is officially autumn.  The reserve is beginning to change its coat of summer to that of autumn. 

Darters and hawkers are hunting over the ponds and defending their territories.  Tim was very lucky to have a Black Darter visit him, as he stood and watched dragons and damsels on Plover's Pool.  They have been sighted more in recent years and were seen egg laying.  Thank you for the photo.

Butterflies feed whenever the temperature rises and the sun is out.  Small Tortoiseshells have had another good year and there are many of them around.

A great deal of work was carried out in an area called the Sedge Warbler patch.  This has resulted in a multitude of flowers across the seasons.  

There are plenty of nectar plants for bees

and butterflies like the Brimstone.

Later in the year when all the flowers have set seed, this area will be cut and raked.  This will ensure more flowers come the spring and summer.

This is also the season of spiders!  Drizzle and dew show the webs to their full beauty.  Rarely do you see the spiders.

Occasionally when the sun shines a web can be caught glistening and the spider is waiting for prey.