Tuesday 10th July
Walking around the reserve this morning, was amazed to see so many marsh helleborines in full flower. Also found a few yelllow bartsia near one of the pools. The area along the track between the two feeders was stuffed with warblers: sedge, willow and whitethroat plus a grasshopper warbler, for once in full view quite close. Also a flock of at least 30 goldfinches with many young. Then, just as I approached the seat, to my surprise a male redstart flew up from the ground onto a bush, flicking its tail before flying off. I imagine it was already heading south.
Not many insects flying on rather a cool morning: few meadow browns and one emerald damselfly in one of the slacks near the butts.
Jenny