June 2009

Sunday 28th
Derek Bateson reports: "On my walk along Cottage Drain on a muggy morning I was accompanied by JH who readily identified the song of a Garden Warbler. He also spotted our first Mullein moth caterpillar of the year. The rather strange Pear Sawfly caterpillar was seen, munching its way along a Phragmites leaf. We also inspected the several locations of Peacock caterpillars which had grown rapidly in the past eight or nine days and are almost ready to pupate. Several Longhorn Beetles Leptura maculata were on umbellifers, and as well as biting mosquitoes, the Tabanid Fly (Horse or Deer Fly), Chrysops relictus, allowed a good viewing of its bright green eyes. The most numerous butterflies were many newly emerged Ringlets, all in pristine condition but most not easy to photograph. This week there were less 'blue' damselflies, no reds, and two male Banded Demoiselles. JH, towards the end of the walk saw a Common Darter. Several attractive Mirid Bugs were in evidence and the most numerous insects were Snipeflies C. cristatus. Figwort Sawflies were much in evidence, plus a few Figwort Weevils. At the end of our walk we came across several specimens of Meadow-Rue Thalictrum flavum  later identified for us by KW."

The biting Horse Fly Chrysops relictus, Potteric Carr, 28th June 2009 © Derek Bateson


Mullein moth caterpillar, Potteric Carr, 26th June 2009 © Sue Bird

Peacock butterfly caterpillars, Potteric Carr, 28th June 2009 © Derek Bateson

Other sightings today included Red Admiral (DC) and a report of Wall (MW, WA). Stoat was photographed (see below).

Stoat, Potteric Carr, 28th June 2009 © Adrian Andruchiw

Blue-tailed Damselfly, Potteric Carr, June 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Saturday 27th
A Fox cub and Brown Hare were on Huxter Well in the evening (MR).

Froghopper, Potteric Carr, June 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Friday 26th
Ian Heppenstall reports on moth trapping on the evening of 24th June: "This was certainly the most productive moth trapping so far this year, with a total of 89 species identified including 4 that are new to Potteric Carr. The most surprising of these was a single Bordered White Bupalus piniaria, a fairly common Geometer, but one associated with pinewoods, so somewhat out of place at Potteric. The other new species are Platyptilia pallidactyla, a ‘plume’ moth; and 2 Tortricids, Agapeta zoegana and Archips xylosteana. None of these is particularly uncommon. The highlight, however, was the capture of a moth which had been recorded once before, in 1999. Phalonidia manniana is a small Tortricid, the larva of which feeds on Water Mint and Gipsy-wort. It is decidedly rare in Yorkshire with just a handful of records, including the previous Potteric one. It is pleasing to confirm its continued presence on the reserve."

Tuesday 23rd
4 White-letter Hairstreak butterflies were in the canopy along Loversall Bank. A report on last night's moth trapping by Ian Heppenstall: "On another rain affected night, some 56 species of moths were recorded, including Monochroa lucidella which is a new  record for the reserve. M. lucidella is a reasonably common Gelechid species associated with common spike rush Eleocharis palustris. The catch also included a single Pinion-streaked Snout Schrankia costaestrigalis. This was recorded for the first time last year and, although widespread, is not particularly common in Yorkshire."

The hoverfly Rhinggia campestris 'Pinocchio Hoverfly', Potteric Carr © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 21st

Leptura maculata, Potteric Carr, 21st June 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Figwort Sawfly, Potteric Carr, 21st June 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Counts by DWo numbered 16 Banded Demoiselle (mainly at various spots along Mother Drain), 6 Emperor Dragonfly, 10 Black-tailed Skimmer (mostly on drain near M18),  4 Broad-bodied Chaser, 10 Four-spot Chaser, 2 Common Darter. Also a single Small Skipper and a very worn Painted Lady, 2 Comma, 3 Ringlet and about half a dozen each of Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood. Stoat and Bank Vole were also seen.

DB reports: "Cottage Drain this morning, turned up many hundreds, possibly thousands of toadlets, and being so many in places it was virtually impossible to avoid stepping on them. All the damselflies were present, but no demoiselles were seen by the writer. Several Four-spotted Chasers were on the wing, and some half a dozen longhorn beetles Leptura maculata were feeding on Umbellifers. Another longhorn, the attractively marked Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis turned up (photo, left). AP imaged what I think is possibly a mason wasp, but this was impossible to determine in camera. Our largest Cuckoo Bumble Bee Bombus vestalis was seen. This species takes over the nests of one of our commoner bumble bees, B. terrestris. Several ladybirds were in evidence including this 14-spot Propylea 14-punctata (photo, right). Snipeflies, greenbottles, bluebottles, horseflies and fleshflies  were abundant and some seven species of hoverfly were noted, and AP spotted a group of aphids marching down a Phragmites leaf. Two large 'webs' containing many tiny caterpillars, probably Peacock, were also seen. Not a bad morning."

Photos © Derek Bateson

Saturday 20th
Stoats were at Willow Pool and Huxter Well bridlepath bridge and 2 Brown Hares were on Grassy Knoll. 3 Painted Lady were noted.

Stoat, Willow Pool, 20th June 2009 © Robin Mokryj

Friday 19th

Dog Rose, Potteric Carr 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 16th
Derek Bateson: "It never ceases to amaze me as to the quantity and variety of wildlife to be seen at Potteric Carr. Today, on a very warm day all the 'blue' damselflies were seen also a single Emerald, Large Reds and two Banded Demoiselles. A male Broad-bodied  Chaser was noted and JH (who else?) spotted the first Common Darters of the year (2). Hoverflies produced eight species, with many Cheilosia in evidence, also more Figwort Sawflies were appearing, together with Flea Beetles Altica sp.(top right), and Tortoise Beetle Cassida viridis, I think (top left). There were numerous flies, mosquitoes etc., which feasted on the writer, but I was particularly pleased to image this mated pair of Snipe Flies Chrysopilus cristatus, as the female, on the left of the picture (bottom), is easily mistaken for other species. Scorpion Flies were also plentiful and more 'webs' of Peacock caterpillars were seen. Numerous toadlets had started to appear and I understand as well as on Cottage Drain, JH/MH found more along Willow Bank."

Photos: © Derek Bateson

Monday 15th
Ian Heppenstall: "Moth trapping on Sunday night (14th) was quite successful, with some 72 species identified and a further half-dozen moths requiring further examination. One of these, a Gelechid (a sort of micromoth), could prove very interesting. A worn Ruddy Highflyer Hydriomena ruberata was only the second Reserve record and amongst the moths recorded for the first time this year was a single Drinker Euthrix potatoria."

Four-spotted Chaser, Potteric Carr © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 14th
Derek Bateson reports: "On yet another glorious hot sunny day, Cottage Drain produced a tremendous variety of invertebrates, which included Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser, the three 'blue' damselfies, also half a dozen Large Reds and two Banded Demoiselles. There were many unidentified Diptera including this very spiky-haired beast (bottom left), and some seven hoverfly species. Another new leaf beetle, different to last week's was seen, also three ladybird species. Several Speckled Wood butterflies were in evidence together with a Large White, and numerous Nettle Tap moths. At the end of the morning, JH discovered some tiny caterpillars which had just emerged from their nursery 'web'.  When I inspected the same web earlier in the morning, no caterpillars were to be seen so they had just eaten their way out (bottom right). At the moment they are too tiny to be identified with certainty, but as they are on nettles, it seems possible that they might be Peacock, so an eye will be kept on them in the next ten days."  The first Ringlet was on the wing (AP), and Large Skipper was also enjoying the sunshine.

Banded Demoiselle, Potteric Carr © Allan Parker ARPS

Photos, 14th June 2009 © Derek Bateson

Saturday 13th
Ian Heppenstall reports: "Today’s public moth watch event attracted 8 visitors, who were able to see and admire a range of colourful and interesting moths that had been trapped the previous night. The star of the show was undoubtedly the handsome, though rather sleepy, Buff-Tip Phalera bucephala, but the Burnished Brass Diachrysia chrysitis, Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae, Common Marbled Carpet Chloroclysta truncata, Snout Hypena proboscidalis and Mottled Beauty Alcis repandana, were also much admired. Other interesting species trapped included Marbled White Spot Protodeltote pygarga, Broken-barred Carpet Electrophaes corylata, Small Clouded Brindle Apamea unaminis, Udea olivalis, Apotomis turbidana and Epinotia demarniana."

A Weasal was seen around the café lawn (CR). Emperor and Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonflies were noted, and the butterflies Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Large Skipper, Peacock and small White (MAB). Purple Toadflax was in flower along Hawthorn Bank (MAB).

Speckled Wood, Potteric Carr © Allan Parker ARPS

Friday 12th
3 Emperor Dragonflies were seen (JH) and a number of Bee Orchids were in flower.

Bee Orchid, Potteric Carr, 12th June 2009 © Helen Womack

Thursday 11th
A rare observation involved a Stoat swimming across one of the deep water channels in Willow Marsh (SMB).

Wednesday 10th

Red-headed Cardinal Beetle, Potteric Carr, June 2009 © Chris Stones

Tuesday 9th
DB reports: "Another quite interesting day for invertebrates with masses of all three 'blue' damselflies pretty well everywhere, plus a few Large Reds. Two Broad-bodied Chasers were seen along Loversall Bank, together with numerous Longhorn moths Nemophora degeerella, here and at Loversall Delph. Two other interesting moths were seen but these have yet to be identified by IH. One of these is believed to be the moth which resembles a bird dropping when at rest. Along Willow Bank, several plants of 'Fox & Cubs' aka Orange Hawkweed were in flower, plus Bee Orchids and Common Spotted Orchid in other locations. The Sloe Bug was again seen along Cottage Drain and a very pretty, metallic coloured Leaf Beetle Chrysolina fastuosa (photo below) det. Bob Marsh, and not recorded at Potteric Carr since the 1960s. Hoverflies of eight species were counted together with a few sawflies and five species of Bumble Bee."

Leaf Beetle Chrysolina fastuosa, Potteric Carr, 9th June 2009 © Derek Bateson

Monday 8th
3 Brown Hares were on Huxter Well Marsh including one which swam in cell 3a. A Roe Deer was seen at Willow Marsh.

Saturday 6th
Ian Heppenstall (Moth Recorder): Moth trapping on Friday night for the Springwatch event on Saturday 6th, was predictably disappointing in view of the heavy overnight rain. A mere 18 common species were identified amongst the sodden egg boxes, a figure well down on recent experiences. A couple of Eyed Hawk-moths Smerinthus ocellata (see photo), a freshly emerged Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata and a single Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula are worth noting. Several Caddis were retained by Derek Bateson for identification.

Eyed Hawkmoth, Potteric Carr, 6th June 2009 © Derek Bateson

Burnished Brass, Potteric Carr, 6th June 2009 © Derek Bateson

Friday 5th
Water Soldier (photo below), a scarce aquatic species considered part of Potteric Carr's remnant fen plant community is flowering at Loversall Delph.

Water Soldier, Potteric Carr, 5th June 2009 © Adrian Andruchiw

Wednesday 3rd
IH Reports: Further moth trapping on the night of Tuesday, 2nd June, produced a catch of some 50 species, plus several still awaiting determination. Aphomia sociella, a Pyralid moth associated with bee and wasp nests, was a new record for the Reserve. Species seen for the first time this year included Scorched Wing Plagodis dolabraria, Lychnis Hadena bicruris, Dusky Brocade Apamea remissa, Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata and Mottled Pug Eupithecia exiguata.

Tuesday 2nd
48 flowering spikes of marsh orchid were found at the west side of the Reserve (JH), including those photographed below © John Hancox.

Last night's (1st-2nd June) moth trapping is reported by Ian Heppenstall (Moth Recorder): "On a slightly cool night some 45 species of moth were recorded, none of them new, but more frequent and intensive recording this year will certainly help to update the records and give a more accurate assessment of the current moth fauna of the Reserve. As an example, one of the species recorded last night, Small Clouded Brindle Apamea unaminis, was last noted on the Reserve as long ago as 1974. Other infrequently recorded species found last night included Elachista apicipunctella and the Tortricid, Epinotia demarniana. The catch, of course, also included many common but, nevertheless, colourful and attractive species, for example Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi, Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor (see photo on Home page), Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum and Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata." Images: Buff Ermine and Small Magpie (bottom right) were photographed as well as the Elephant Hawk-moth © Derek Bateson.

Monday 1st
25 Painted Lady butterflies flew through Huxter Well in an hour's count, 2 Large Skippers were out (Hawthorn Bank) and a male Hairy Dragonfly was at Loversall Delph (RWB, SMB).

May
Sunday 31st
Derek Bateson reports: "Cottage Drain as usual proved a magnet on this glorious day, with the writer, AP, AA and JH all vying for the best photographs. All the blue damselflies were present in quite large numbers and probably seven Large Reds were seen as well. In two areas, co-operative male Banded Demoiselles were sunning themselves (below, left), but Broad-bodied Chasers kept at a fairly high level, though I managed a couple of long-distance shots (below, right). On our return there were also a couple of Black-tailed Skimmers spotted by AP. Hoverflies were quite numerous with eight species being noted, also the rather fearsome-looking fly Tachina fera. Only two Painted Ladies were seen by us (more by others), plus two Orange Tips and several Speckled Woods. With the help of AP I managed a picture of the Sloe Bug (one of the Shield Bugs), which Allan discovered some three weeks ago. He found another, as yet unidetified fly which looks as if it infected with a similar fungus to the one I found on a hoverfly some time ago. There were reports of some sixteen or so exuviae of Emperor Dragonfly on Loversall Field small ponds yesterday (JH, MH), so three of the party went to see if any adults could be seen, so watch this space." 2 Brown Argus were seen (JH), Brimstone, and a number of Painted Lady.

Saturday 30th
Report on moth trapping at Potteric Carr on 28th May by Ian Heppenstall (Moth Recorder): "The moth trap was run once more in the Compound on Thursday night, 28th May. On a reasonably warm night, a good total of 62 species were recorded, with a few more awaiting determination. Three of those recorded were new to the reserve. Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica is a Noctuid species which is fairly local in Yorkshire but does occur elsewhere in the Doncaster area. The other two ‘new’ moths – Bucculatrix nigricomella and Elachista atricomella – are ‘micros’ that are both quite common locally. Of the other species recorded, the most interesting was Marbled White Spot Protodeltote pyrgarga, a very  local, though apparently  increasing species in Yorkshire and which was first recorded in VC63 as recently as 2000. Other species worthy of note included Figure of 80 Tethea ocularis, May Highflyer Hydriomena impluviata and the ‘plume’ moth, Platyptilia gonodactyla. 

Painted Lady, Potteric Carr, 29th May 2009 © Helen Womack

Small Copper, Black Carr Field, 29th May 2009 © Helen Womack

Friday 29th
A single observer counted 38 Painted Lady butterflies (DC), but many more were thought to be flying through the Reserve. Small Copper was in Black Carr Field.

Four-spotted Chaser, Potteric Carr, 29th May 2009 © Mike Richardson

Thursday 28th

2 Painted Lady butterflies were seen today (SMB). A mustelid was seen to predate a bird nest box in Young Eaa (AC).

Tuesday 26th
A Painted Lady butterfly was seen and photographed (below) in a Childers Wood glade (SMB), undoubtedly part of the massive invasion referred to below.

Neil Hulme of Butterfly Conservation (26/05/09): We are currently experiencing the largest invasion of Painted Lady butterflies this century. This large, powerfully flying insect is orange-brown in colour, with black-and-white patterning at the wingtips. They are arriving in unprecedented numbers all along the South coast, having originated from their core breeding area around the desert margins of North Africa. They have travelled across Europe and the English Channel and are now heading northwards through Britain. www.butterfly-conservation.org/migrantwatch

A worn migrant Painted Lady, Potteric Carr, 26th May 2009 © Sue Bird

Sunday 24th
Report on overnight moth trapping by Ian Heppenstall: On a disappointingly cool night, some 28 species of moths were recorded, with a further 2 to be identified. Three species of Hawkmoth – Poplar, Eyed and Elephant – were attracted, together with Pale Tussock, Pebble Hook-tip, White Ermine, Peppered Moth, Flame Carpet and various Prominents. There were no new species recorded, all having been identified previously at Potteric Carr.

Also seen today were 2 Brown Argus, 2 Common Blue and a single Small Copper butterfly, plus a Mother Shipton moth near the dragonfly pools. We also saw a Broad-bodied Chaser and Banded Demoiselle dragonflies on Mother Drain and by the boardwalk (IH). Both sexes of Brimstone butterfly were also seen.

Eyed Hawkmoth, Potteric Carr 24th May 2009 © Adrian Andruchiw

Brown Argus, Potteric Carr, 24th May 2009 © Mike Richardson

Poplar Hawkmoth, Potteric Carr, 24th May 2009 © Adrian Andruchiw

Common Blue, Potteric Carr, 24th May 2009 © Mike Richardson

Saturday 23rd
Records submitted by Bob Warburton via Catrin Rees included: A female Broad-bodied Chaser, 3 Four-spot Chasers (1 emerging, 1 emergant, 1 fully airworthy), Rhagium mordax beetle, Cardinal Beetle, Banded Damoiselle (male and female), Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Copper butterflies, and a Twin-spot Ladybird.

Common Blue, Potteric Carr, 23rd May 2009 © Catrin Rees

Sunday 17th
DB reports: "After heavy rain yesterday and overnight, I was not too hopeful of seeing many invertebrates. However, surprisingly, there were quite a lot, keeping in low herbage or drying out on leaves in the fitful sunshine. Bumble Bees were quite numerous as were four species of hoverfly together with Azure and Blue-tailed, also Large Red Damselflies. Several of the colourful FroghoppersCercopsis vulnerata were around (photo, left) and a number of spiders had caught prey. One of the larger species, a nursery web spider, Pisaura mirabilis, (right) was scurrying around on a large leaf, but stopped once for this shot. It is quite an impressive beast" Photos © Derek Bateson.

Saturday 16th
Orange-tip butterfly was photographed today (below).

Orange-tip, Potteric Carr, 16th May 2009 © Tim Munsey

Tuesday 12th
Derek Bateson remarks: "Cottage Drain continues to turn up a number of interesting invertebrates, even on the most unpromising days with little sun. This week there were masses of assorted damselflies, and at least seven species of hoverfly. The recently discovered bee Nomada flava was seen at several locations, as were Green-veined White butterflies and Speckled Woods. Scorpion flies and three species of crane-fly were plentiful as were four bumble bee species. Fourteen-spot Ladybirds all had the geometric rather that the spotted markings. The not very attractive Flesh Flies Sarcophaga carnaria (top left) were sunning themselves on many large leaves. Several Snipe Flies Rhagio scolopaea (top right) have also been observed regularly in the past two weeks, but the best find of all was what is thought to be a Sawfly, Abia sericea, which as far as I am aware has not been recorded here for 30 or more years (bottom). Being a bronze colour it is probably a female as males are more commonly green... but an interesting find, nevertheless."

 

Monday 11th
Ian Heppenstall reports: “Moth trapping on a rather cool night produced a total of 23 species, all fairly common, but two of them were new Reserve records, Ruddy Highflyer  Hydriomena ruberata and White-spotted Pug Eupithecia tripunctaria. Other species recorded included Poplar Hawk, Pale Tussock, Flame Carpet, Grey Birch and Seraphim. Three Caddis were retained and will be passed on to Stuart Crofts ( via Derek Bateson ) for determination.”

Sunday 10th

Derek Bateson comments: "On a rather muggy morning, the west side of Cottage Drain was alive with a wide variety of invertebrates, and the first find was a Drinker moth caterpillar on Phragmites (photo, top right), also a caterpillar of the Green Silver Lines moth. These were soon followed by a pair of the very small Fourteen-spot Ladybirds in an amorous embrace (photo, top left), and the third pictured species was the Nettle Weevil, Phyllobius pomaceaus, covered in iridescent bluish scales. All the blues, plus Large Red damselflies were noted and six species of hoverfly, one of which was Rhingia campestris, photographed by AP and showed to me. Several more of the new Nomada sp. bee were seen and AA and AP saw a Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis, and I noted another Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica. Two Wasp Beetles, Clytus arietis, the first of the year, were seen by AA, AP and DB, together with numerous Scorpion Flies and Crane-flies. The Brown-lipped Snail Cepaea nemoralis was also plentiful, usually on Phragmites stems. Photos © Derek Bateson.

Wednesday 6th

Sunrise over Potteric Carr, 5th May 2009 © Justin Carr

Tuesday 5th

Nomada flava bee, a 'local' species and new to Potteric Carr (det. John Coldwell), 3rd May 2009 © Derek Bateson

Sunday 3rd
Derek Bateson reports: "Although windy, the sun brought out a wealth of invertebrates along Cottage Drain this morning, and the first find was a Longhorn beetle, Rhagium mordax, in pristine condition (see left image). For two weeks I have been trying to picture a very elusive, brightly coloured bee, Nomada flava (photo above). Hoverflies abounded and ten species were noted including Sphaerophoria scripta, Scaeva pyrastri and Helophilus hybridus, all relatively uncommon here. A rather interesting pair of craneflies, Cylindrotoma distinctissima, were mating, and is a new species for the Reserve (see image below, right). Several pairs of Green-veined White butterflies were seen together with four Speckled Woods, three Peacocks and an Orange Tip. Large Red Damselflies were plentiful, also Blue-tailed Damselflies, and Common Blue plus a Four-spotted Chaser, the latter two species noted by JH and the first of the year. There were also a few Leaf Beetles Chrysolina gemina, and around one Willow, several longhorn micro-moths Adela reaumurella, normally seen associated with Guelder Rose at Loversall Delph."  2 Roe Deer were seen at Seven Arches Carr (RWB).

Saturday 2nd
Ian Heppenstall reports: "Moth trapping last night produced a slightly disappointing total of 12 species but included a number of attractive moths such as the Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix, Purple Thorn Selenia tetralunaria (bottom left), four Prominents, including the fascinating Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina (top left) — which bears a remarkable resemblance to a piece of dead and rotting wood — and Esperia sulphurella, a pretty black and yellow micro-moth (top right). Although all of the species recorded were common and widespread, one was nevertheless new to the Reserve. The Brindled Pug Eupithecia abbreviata is a species associated with oak and hawthorn and is frequently melanistic, as was the example recorded here. It occurs only at this time of the year i.e. April and May. The moth trap also attracted two caddisflies of the same species, but as yet these are unidentified but DB has sent these to Stuart Crofts for determination."  Pebble Prominent (bottom right). Photos © Derek Bateson.

3 Stoats were noted.

April
Thursday 30th
2 Brown Hares were on Huxter Well.

A view from Willow Bank looking south towards Beeston Plantation and a crop of flowering oilseed rape on 30th April 2009

© Sue Bird

Tuesday 28th
The weather was unfavourable for butterflies and other winged insects today. A number of young Rabbits and Grey Squirrel was seen.

Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum, Potteric Carr, 26th April 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Monday 27th
The results of moth trapping on the night of 22nd—23rd were rather modest, with around 20 or so moths, comprising four species, all common. However, one was nevertheless new to the Reserve — the Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria — a rather attractive Geometrid species which was scarcely found in Yorkshire prior to the 1970s but is now common and widespread (IH).

Sunday 26th
Derek Bateson reports: "Today was quite productive for AP and myself, as far as invertebrates were concerned, and Cottage Drain proved an excellent sun trap. Hoverflies were numerous although some were reluctant to be photographed, except for the hive-bee mimic, Eristalis pertinax (see image). Three other hoverflies, Cheilosia sp., Platycheirus sp. and Helophilus pendulus were frequently seen, together with at least a dozen Large Red Damselflies, also an Azure.  There were probably six male Orange Tip butterflies and two females, together with six Speckled Wood, mating pairs of Green-veined White, plus Small and Large White and two Peacocks. Two large male Brimstones were noted at either end of the Drain. Three species of Cranefly were seen, as were two species of Bumble Bee."  Comma and Small Tortoiseshell were also seen today. A Roe Deer buck appeared (AA). Sightings from Cottage Drain were reported by Allan Parker as follows: Blue-tailed Damselfly 4 (first for this year — see photo), Azure Damselfly 1 (first for this year), Large Red Damselfly circa 2,  Brimstone butterfly 2 (males), Comma 1, Speckled Wood c.6, Orange-tip c.6 males & c.4 females, Large White 1, Small White 2, Peacock c.6 and Sloe Bug 1.

Eristalis pertinax, Potteric Carr, 26th April 2009 © Derek Bateson

Blue-tailed Damselfly, Potteric Carr, 26th April 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Wednesday 22nd
A Grass Snake was photographed swimming in Mother Drain (CR).

Grass Snake in Mother Drain on 22nd April 2009 © Catrin Rees

Tuesday 21st
The first HOLLY BLUE was around a Holly tree next to Duchess Hide (TM). 9 Great Crested Newts and 14 Smooth Newts were visible in ponds at the western side of the Reserve (KW). Perch, Chub, Gudgeon, Roach and Pike were swimming in Mother Drain downstream of the pumping station. Fox scats were found on Central Grassland, where there was a Brown Hare and a number of Rabbits. A Weasel was near Piper Marsh. Brimstone, Peacock, Orange Tip, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood were noted. Yesterday, a full-grown Grass Snake was seen (TF).

Sunday 19th
Warmer conditions as the day progressed saw the flight of more insects, including Peacocks, Orange Tips, Brimstones, Speckled Woods, Small Whites and Green-veined Whites (photo below). Also, at least 6 Large Red Damselfly were at Loversall Delph (AP). There are several apple trees of cultivated origins around the Reserve, now in blossom (see photo).

Green-veined Whites, Potteric Carr, 19th April 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Apple blossom, Potteric Carr, 19th April 2009 © Allan Parker ARPS

Friday 17th
2 Water Voles were seen, one along Mother Drain the other in Loversall Delph (CR) and 2 Grass Snakes were found.

Tuesday 14th
DB reports: "Spring is definitely in the air, for apart from the songbirds, more and more flowers are in evidence, including Cuckoo Flower (top left), on which single eggs of Orange Tip butterfly may be found. Observers will have noted a number of tiny earth mounds in Black Carr Field which are the nests of Tawny Mining Bees Adrena fulva (bottom left and right). They are quite shy of disturbance but the females are very attractive if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse, as in the image below. In Piper Marsh Hide I managed the attached silhouetted shot of a male non-biting midge Chironomus plumosus (note the plumed antennae - top right). Their larvae, or bloodworms live in the mud of ponds and water bodies."  Photos © Derek Bateson. Ornage Tip was amongst other butterflies in flight.

Monday 13th
Chub, Roach and Perch swam in Mother Drain (GH). Speckled Wood and Green-veined Whites were in flight.

Sunday 12th
2 Water Voles were seen in Mother Drain (CR), a Bank Vole was at Butterfly Alley, a Brown Hare on Grassy Knoll and a Toad near the Wardens' Car Park. DB reports: "Although a dullish Spring day, more and more flowers are emerging and Wild Strawberry is one of the most prolific along Willow Bank and elsewhere. Primroses are now numerous near Loversall Pool and there are one or two clumps of Cowslips appearing, but not really fully out in the dull conditions. Apple blossom along Cottage Drain is a lovely deep pink and the buds are about to burst.  MAB had drawn my attention to numerous beetles on the water surface near the hide. They did not appear to be Water Cricket or Whirligig Beetles, so I have assumed them to be Pond Skaters. A pale transluscent fungus was photographed along Cottage Drain, but as yet I have been unable to identify this. However, the tiny (2mm) black and white spider I photographed on 31st March appears to belong to the genus Achaearanea but is thought to be an immature, and impossible to identify to species level.  More queen bumble bees were active again today."

Saturday 11th
A Brown Hare was on Grassy Knoll.

Tuesday 7th
Derek Bateson reports: "A walk around the Reserve today produced the following: one Peacock butterfly, a male and female Orange Tip, two Green-veined Whites, two Bombus terrestris and two B. lapidarius queens, the latter being another early nest builder. In the area of Seven Arches Carr where Phragmites has been taken out for priming Huxter Well Marsh, in the water bodies there is strong growth of what appears to be Water Crowsfoot, together with of lot of green algal 'balls' which I think may be Cladophora sp. Some of these measure up to 9" (230mm) across. In various areas around the Reserve, Ground Ivy is in full bloom and in Corbet Wood there are some particulary large specimens of Horse's Hoof Fungus, Fomes fomentarius."  Other wildlife noted today included Small White (JH), Comma and Peacock butterflies and a Grass Snake.

Ground Ivy and Horse's Hoof Fungus, Potteric Carr, 7th April 2009 © Derek Bateson

Monday 6th
A Water Vole was carrying bedding material at Loversall Pool (RWB).

Sunday 5th
The first Green-veined Whites (1 Loversall Bank & 1 Hawthorn Field) of the year were on the wing (DC, HW). Other butterflies were Orange Tip, Brimstone, Comma and Peacock. Grass Snake was again seen. A Bank Vole was active in Loversall Triangle. At Loversall Delph, a Toad was on the boardwalk, and several pairs were in amplexus near the dipping platforms, with many strings of spawn visible around the pondweed.

Caddisfly larva and Toad spawn, Potteric Carr, 5th April 2009 © Derek Bateson

Saturday 4th
Butterflies out today involved 3+ Peacocks, Brimstone, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and the first Orange Tip (a male along Cottage Drain - JH). Hoverflies were also active in the sunshine. 3 Grass Snakes were on the embankment near Hawthorn Field, one of which was photographed.

Grass Snake, Potteric Carr, 4th April 2009 © Glyn Hudson

Friday 3rd

Stoat, Willow Pool, 2nd April © Helen Womack

Wednesday 1st
4 Grass Snakes were seen today - 1 female & 3 males (AC).

March

Tuesday 31st
Grass Snake was again near Hawthorn Field and a Brimstone butterfly was in flight. Derek Bateson reports: "There were a number of Bumble Bee queens still prospecting for nest sites around the Reserve, mostly Bombus terrestris, but there was another species, which I think was probably B. lucorum, another early spring species. In Black Carr Wood, I removed some bark from a large dead log, only to be confronted with a completely dormant Common Toad Bufo bufo, as shown in the image. Later, my wife and I were sitting on a seat along Loversall Bank when a tiny spider was noticed hanging from a glove. I unpacked the camera and tripod again and managed a photograph (the actual spider was probably only 2mm in length).

Common Toad, Potteric Carr, 31st Marsh 2009 © Derek Bateson


Unidentified spider, Potteric Carr, 31st Marsh 2009 © Derek Bateson

Monday 30th
3 Grass Snakes today (JC).

Sunday 29th
Despite all-day sunshine only one butterfly, a Peacock, was reported. 2 Grass Snakes were on the banking at Hawthorn Field, one of which was photographed (below). A Water Vole was in the drain near Mitchell Hide, and a Bank Vole was also seen today (MRi).

Grass Snake, Potteric Carr, 29th March © Rob Mokryj

Friday 27th
A Hare was on Grassy Knoll and a Fox at Willow Marsh.

Thursday 26th
2 Grass Snakes were seen today near Hawthorn Field (MAB).

Tuesday 24th
2 Small Tortoiseshells were seen during the warmest part of the day and a Grass Snake was out near Butterfly Alley. Frogs were seen laying spawn in Cottage Drain.

Shiny Woodlouse Oniscus asellus, Potteric Carr, 24th March 2009 © Derek Bateson

Sunday 22nd
5 Peacocks and 3 Commas were seen and another Grass Snake.

Blackthorn blossom, Potteric Carr 22nd March 2009 © John Hancox

Saturday 21st
The warm, sunny weather saw 4 male Brimstones, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell on the wing, and 4 Bombus terrestris bees buzzed around. 2 Grass Snakes were also seen bathing themselves in the sunshine.

Friday 20th
3 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were out in the sunshine and 9 Common Toads were in the water channel near Beeston Hide.

Tuesday 17th

DB: "The weather was decidedly cooler today, and I didn't see any butterflies in the morning, but three queen Bumble Bees were actively prospecting nest sites in Corbett Field and Childers Wood. The only other sighting of interest was a small colony of a salmon coloured slime mould, Lycogala terrestre, sometimes known as Wolf's Milk due to the pinkish fluid found inside. It appears from time to time on the Reserve, but usually later in the year." Photo: © Derek Bateson.

Sunday 15th
DB: "Weatherwise, the best day of the year so far, and the invertebrates were as active as the birds. I counted seven queen Bumblebees prospecting for nest sites, all as far as I could see, Bombus terrestris, although one may have been B. pratorum, a very similar species which is also one of the first to appear in spring. I was delighted to see four male and one female Brimstone butterflies, all along the area from the Field Centre to the link road. Several other observers, AP, JH, KW saw one or more of these and I understand the latter also saw, Comma (2) and Small Tortoiseshell on the wing, with Peacock also reported. The butterflies were very flighty in the warm sunshine and declined to pose for my camera, so I have used one of last years images.There were many shoals of small fish in Mother Drain, but these were not identifiable from the bank. Colt's-foot was in full flower in many places around the Reserve, with Elder and Hawthorn well into leaf in sheltered spots."

Brimstone, Potteric Carr, 15th March 2009 © Allan Parker

Thursday 12th
A Peacock butterfly was out of hibernation in a sunny glade at Corbett Wood. Stoat was seen at Childers Wood near the viaduct.

Brown Hare, Huxter Well, 11th March 2009 © Stuart Davis

Wednesday 11th

DB: "I was unable to complete the photography of my pond-dipping expedition last Sunday because of the dull weather, but have managed this today. The first image (left) shows the larval cases of two caddis flies, one considerably larger than the other and constructed from a mixture of plant leaves and detritus, plus some tiny snail and pea mussel shells. The other is smaller and may still be under construction if the larva is growing. Caddis fly cases come in a wide varity of forms, but in some instances are so distinctive that the animal within can be identified to species level — others are more difficult. Cases are cemented together using a 'glue' secreted by the caddis larva. The second image (right) is of Pea Mussels Pisidium sp. which are quite difficlt to determine as the sixteen British species are all very similar. By looking carefully at the right hand mussel one can see the pink 'foot' starting to appear as it tries to turn itself over to move around. These mussels are common in all waters on the Reserve, and can often be fond climbing waterplants with the help of mucus which they exude." Photos © Derek Bateson.

 

Tuesday 10th
An Orange Underwing moth was active near Hawthorn Bank Hide (DC).

Bank Vole, Potteric Carr, 6th March 2009 © Andy Atkinson

Sunday 8th
Derek Bateson reports: "As it was sunny and I needed a couple of specific images, I decided to do some pond dipping in Loversall Delph which proved quite successful. Despite the fact that many creatures retreat to deeper water in winter, I managed to find about a dozen Sticklebacks (didn't count the spines as I was in a hurry), quite a few Notonecta backswimmers (photo below, left), one each of a dragonfly and damselfly larva, plus the bonus of a half-grown nymph, possibly of the Great Diving Beetle Dytiscus marginalis (photo, right). The image clearly shows the reddish, pincer-like appendages with which they hold and eat their prey. Also in the delph were a large number of Pea Mussels Pisidium species, not identified to species level yet."   Photos: © Derek Bateson

Tuesday 3rd

Alder catkins on 3rd March © Sue bird and Weasel on 1st March 2009 © Andy Atkinson

 

Heavy rain lashing across Huxter Well as seen from Duchess Hide on the afternoon of 3rd March 2009, and a colourful Xanthoria lichen © Sue Bird