29 June 2019 - Hollingworth Lake

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Lesser Redpoll, Redshank with young, Roe Deer, Foxes, Painted Lady, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown,

A lovely bright and warm morning today, but not too many birds about. A single Little Ringed Plover and four Oystercatchers mobile around the reserve. Two male blackcaps singing to one another but difficult to see. A Great-spotted Woodpecker flew over, but in the main I spent most of the time looking at other wildlife, primarily mammals and butterflies. A wren sang from a high perch just by the road, allowing some shots, and from the hide a Roe deer with fawn was on the reserve but against the light. I walked up towards Turnough Farm and came across a pair of Lesser Redpolls feeding in the grass. Later when I looked back at the photos, I noticed one of them was ringed. Further up the track a Painted Lady rested on the path and allowed close approach. Just here the family of foxes was present, but as soon as I broke cover they disappeared into the bushes.

Walking past Bib Knowl Plantation, a Chimney Sweeper was flying low over the turf but wouldn't land, but a (rather tatty) Speckled Wood was a little more obliging. Andrew was at Shaw Moss, were there were two well-grown young Redshank with one adult. Here, a few more butterflies were to be found - Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small Heath, Large Heath(I think?) and Small Skipper. There were plenty of Chrysoteuchia culmella about, flying from beneath my feet and perching on nearby grass stems. Continuing on to Peanock Farm area, a Meadow Brown was by the roadside, and a Sand Martin perched on the wires along with the Swallows, followed by a Greenfinch, rounding the morning off nicely.

Wren singing by Rakewood road