Sun and Lesser Redpolls

Friday, April 8th 2016

It was a fine sunny Spring like day.

After the usual office email jobs I ventured out to assist Colin with the bird feeders before going into the Field Centre ringing room to process some birds that Sophie had taken out of the mist net in the centre garden. This was an added bonus to my day, and I was able to ring 15 Lesser Redpolls out of 34 caught. A few visitors to the centre came in to observe us at work.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on various checks that I carry out before handing over to the weekend staff, during which I ventured onto the Wetland to ensure the water levels are being maintained .

Signs of both Otter and Fox, with plenty of spraints and droppings. The remains of about 15 toads , mainly just the heads and entrails were scattered along the edge of one pond, with a less common, or at least less noticeable carrion beetle feeding on one. I have not fully identified this beetle but I believe it is one of the Oiceoptoma which is a non-burying beetle, not like the orange and black Sexton beetle commonly seen on carrion. Anyone who can identify this beetle please comment or contact me .

And the usual close up of one of our Wetland residents

Other signs of Spring was a single Peacock butterfly near the lake, and a Buff-Tailed Bumblebee near the Centre.

Thanks again to Colin for his help today.

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