More Signs of Spring

With the warm daytime temperatures numerous butterflies and bumble bees have been spotted on the wing by visitors. These are most likely queens that have recently emerged to forage on the fresh wildflower blooms and to search for nesting sites. The nesting sites will include old mouse burrows, cavities in hedge banks or even above the ground in grass tussocks. This Buff-tailed Bumblebee was seen flying along Risedale Beck this afternoon.

Blackthorn is coming into flower across the reserve and looks fantastic along many of the net rides, reminding us that it is not long until the first CES ringing day at the end of this month! Blackcaps have also been heard singing along with some of our other summer migrants. Spring is well underway!