Warm, Sunny, No Rain!

Flowers, like this Primrose, stayed still whilst being photographed.

Unfortunately the very busy bees did not.  So mixed photos of splodges and in focus bees!  You can see that they have been out in the sunny, warm, not wet weather, foraging for pollen.  They have been visiting two different species of flower, as some of the pollen is yellow, whilst the other is more orange.  I am not an expert on pollen colour so am unsure which flowers have been visited, but guessing that there are now some willows with pollen I suspect this could well be a food source.

For many years the Toads have returned to one area of the Scrapes, which could easily be observed whilst leaning on the rail of the boardwalk.  I looked closely in this area and not a Toad was to be seen, although I could hear their high pitched croak.  Carefully searching the pond I spotted them just a little  further down.  The question 'Why have they moved?' comes to mind.

In amongst the vegetation the strings of spawn could be seen.

The bird ringers also enjoyed the sun, warmth and no rain or wind day!  Coal Tits are continuing to return to the reserve in preparation for breeding.  Many of them have already been ringed.   Redpoll numbers are still increasing and 13 received their rings today.

Many visitors also enjoyed the change in weather with sightings of Toads, Roe Deer and Whirligig Beetles to add to their enjoyment.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped throughout the ringing session.