Potteric Carr Wildlife News

March — August 2011

August 2011

Tuesday 30th

Derek Bateson reports:-

'I was the only one of the quartet of usual photographers today, so I decided on a visit to Cottage Drain, and after I negotiated the 'Eel Ladder' (yes, that's what it is), across the Drain, I briefly saw a Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta which wouldn't settle, but I then noticed a couple of white blobs on some Figwort Schrophularia nodosa which on closer inspection proved to be the black-spotted white larvae of Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae, my first this season.

Hoverfly of some six or seven species, maybe more, were quite numerous, and I snatched a couple of shots at one which had very pale markings on the abdominal tergites. On returning home, I consulted the keys in 'Stubbs' and it proved to be Melangyna umbellatarum (see image), fairly uncommon although I did see one last year, so this was a good find.

Tachinid Fly, (see images from Sunday), were again in good numbers.

Mosquitoes were biting, and I then noticed a Spider Meta species feasting on one (see image), and on closer inspection I could see the mosquito’s abdomen was a reddish colour and full of blood, probably mine as I was the only person about!  When I returned some time later, the spider had completely cocooned its prey, and had paralysed another completely different species ready to eat (see image).

The only other record of note was a Buzzard Buteo buteo ‘mewing’ overhead, but I was unable to spot the bird’.

Left, Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae larvae and right, Hoverfly Melangyna umbellatarum © Derek Bateson.

Spider Meta species © Derek Bateson.

Monday 29th

Two images of the Tachinid Fly Tachina fera taken yesterday on Black Carr Field.

Tachinid Fly Tachina fera left, © Allan Parker ARPS and right, © Derek Bateson.

Sunday 28th

There w ere two Goldcrest Regulus regulus in Hawthorn Field;

Huxter Well Marsh had a juvenile Water Rail Rallus aquaticus , a single juvenile Knot Calidris canutus , two Ruff Philomachus pugnax , a Common Sandpiper, one Snipe Gallinago gallinago , a single fourth year Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis , twenty-two Swift Apus apus and five Little Egret Egretta garzetta .

Seen on or from Hawthorn Bank was a Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major , a Buzzard Buteo buteo and a Peregrine Falco peregrinus .

A single moulting adult Common Tern Sterna hirundo flew west.

Piper Marsh held three juvenile and a single adult Greenshank Tringa nebularia plus a single Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus and eight Grey Heron Ardea cinerea .

(all above Richard Scott) .

Derek Bateson and Allan Parker report:-

‘KW, AP and the writer decided that Black Carr Field was likely to be the least windy, so that was our aiming point. Just under the bridge KW spotted a pair of Ladybird, one a 7-spot Coccinella septempunctata , the other a 14-spot Propylea quattuordecimpunctata , both together on a leaf (see image).

Travellers Joy, or Old Mans Beard Clematis vitalba (see image) is flowering in many places around the Reserve.

Quite a few Garden Spider Araneus diadematus (see image) were around plus some Meta species as reported recently, I also photographed this attractive immature Garden Spider Araneus diadematus (see image).

An immature Green Shield Bug was on bramble, and I then spotted an attractive wasp I have tried several times to photograph, nectaring on an umbellifer (see image). I believe it to be probably a Digger Wasp Ectemnius continuus but I need to contact Dr. Michael Archer for confirmation, so watch this space. (now confirmed).

On the same flowers were numerous Tachinids, particularly Tachina fera, which looks rather fearsome in this head-on view (see Image shown above).

Some five species of hoverflies were noted, including the ‘Chinaman’ Myathropa florea .

Green-veined White Artogeia napi plus a single worn Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus were on the Devils-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis , now in full flower, along with a single 'tatty' Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina.

Dragonfly numbers were again very poor with only about ten Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and two Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta noted'

Left, 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata (above) and 14-spot Ladybird Propylea quattuordecimpunctata (below) and right, Garden Spider Araneus diadematus underside © Allan Parker

Left, Travellers Joy or Old Mans Beard Clematis vitalba and right, Garden Spider Araneus diadematus immature © Derek Bateson.

Digger Wasp Ectemnius continuus © Derek Bateson.

Saturday 27th

Derek Bateson reports:-

Better late than never! I actually photographed this Mirid Bug Orthops campestris on 9th August and my keys and references provided this name, but as I have not recorded it myself over the past fifteen years, I needed to check my identification with Jim Flanagan who confirmed it this morning. It has been recorded at Potteric Carr prior to 1970, but when, or by whom, I don't know.

I could easily have overlooked it on several occasions as it is very similar to many 'little green jobs' which are either Mirid or Capsid bugs at a quick glance.

Mirid Bug Orthops campestris © Derek Bateson.

Friday 26th

There were two Ruff Philomachus pugnax on "The Lagoon" on Huxter Well Marsh his morning first thing.  Also present on the Marsh were two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus , two Greenshank Tringa nebularia and three Snipe Gallinago gallinago . (Tony Elliott).

Thursday 25th

Sue and Roger Bird and Ian Heppenstall report:-

Over Rossington tip were three Common Buzzard Buteo buteo , three Hobby Falco subbuteo amongst a large hirundine flock, a single Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and a Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus.

Over Huxter Well Marsh there was a single Hobby Falco subbuteo , a single Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and thirty-one Swift Apus apus.

Down on Huxter Well Marsh were nine Little Egret Egretta garzetta, two Ruff Philomachus pugnax and one Greenshank Tringa nebularia .

Piper Marsh held two Greenshank Tringa nebularia and two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus .

St Catherine's Copse had a Treecreeper Certhia familaris and along Cottage Drain there were two Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula . 

A female Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea was In Childers Wood near to the 'Lighted Crossing', (see image).

Some water is at last flowing into Huxter Well Marsh following last night's heavy rain.

Southern Hawker female © Roger Bird.

Wednesday 24th

Many of the trees, bushes and plants on the Reserve are now fruiting and below is a selection of some the fruits, berries etc. you might see on your travels around the Reserve.

Left, White Bryony Bryonia dioica berries and right Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus © Allan Parker ARP S.

Left, Bramble (Blackberry) Rubus fruiticosus and right English (Pedunculate) Oak Quercus robur acorn © Allan Parker ARPS.

Left, Alder Buckthorn Rhamnus frangula and right, Alder Alnus glutinosa © Peter Dawson.

Tuesday 23rd

Derek Bateson reports:-

'I went to the Reserve today, specifically to photograph the fungus which Ian reported last Sunday this is Allopsalliota geesterani (see image), first found here ten years ago by Carole Hobart and I think this is still one of only three locations in the UK where it has been recorded. Although it is an Agaric, which usually push through the soil before the cap opens to reveal the gills, this species expands and opens beneath the soil surface, remnants of which can be seen on the cap. Four other specimens were seen but had ‘gone over’.

Although overcast, with a little rain, six species of Hoverfly presented themselves, one of which was probably Scaeva albomaculata and is probably a new record for the Reserve. The images (below) interestingly show two different wing positions.

Three Emerald Damselflies Lestes sponsa were seen, with one appearing to be a deep green colour, probably due to the poor light.

The Meta species Spider (see image) was also an attractive colour, and appeared to be eating a prey item.

Many Willow Salix species are carrying galls on their leaves and this appears to be caused by a tiny Sawfly Pontania species .

Finally, Dog Rose Rosa canina fruits are starting to turn red, but my attention was caught by a tiny Glass Snail probably a Vitrina species (see image) nestling among the 'hips'.

Again, various species of Ichneumon, some very small, were observed’

Fungi Allopsalliota geesterani © Derek Bateson.

Hoverfly probably Scaeva albomaculata © Derek Bateson.

Spider Meta species top and underside views © Derek Bateson.

Dog Rose Rosa canina 'hips' and Glass Snail probably Vitrina sp ecies © Derek Bateson.

Sunday 21st

Ian Heppenstall reports:-

I visited Potteric today and I seemed to be the only regular present; wildlife records are as follows:-
Five or six Brown Argus Aricia agestis were over the 'bare patch' near the dried out 'dragonfly ponds' in Loversall Field; plus a singleton on the Huxter Well Marsh central grassland.

A single Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta was near Black Carr Wood.

Two Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea dragonfly were seen and a Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens was reported (Mother Drain). Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum were were flying in the Huxter Well area and also at Loversall Delph.

There were modest numbers of Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina and Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus on the Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis in Back Carr Field and the same butterfly species were also in the Huxter Well area.

It is pleasing to observe the increasing numbers and spread of the Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis plants in this area.

A single Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus foraged under the hedge near the Loversall Field dragonfly ponds.

The fungus Allopsalliota geesterani was breaking through the dry soil of the embankment opposite the Royal Mail compound.
Huxter Well waders included two Greenshank Tringa nebularia (Cells 3a and 3b), and single Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Cell 3b) and Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus (Lagoon). There was also a single Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus on Decoy Lake.

Left, Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea and right, Devilsbit Scabious Succisa praten sis © Allan Parker ARPS.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia © Allan Parker ARPS

Friday 19th

There were four Wigeon Anas penelope on Huxter Well Marsh first thing and the number of Little Egret Egretta garzetta was up to seven. On nearby Doncaster Lakeside there were two Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (see image) Tony Elliott.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe © Tony Elliott

Thursday 18th

Bird news from Sue and Roger Bird:-

Huxter Well Marsh held five Little Egret Egretta garzetta, two Greenshank Tringa nebularia , three Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus four Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flew through, a single Common Tern Sterna hirundo , four Snipe Gallinago gallinago flew over Central Grassland plus a single on the lagoon, a Swift Apus apus flew SW and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea numbered at least nine on the shallow water areas.

Decoy Lake had a single Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus one Snipe Gallinago gallinago.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Whitethroat Sylvia communis were in the Big Hedge.

A Treecreeper Certhia familaris was in a tit flock on Loversall Bank

Also reported by visitors were a Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus over Loversall Pool and a Bittern Botaurus stellaris on Willow Marsh

This Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa with an excess of red colouration was photographed recently along Cottage Drain on the Reserve.

Left, Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa with excess red colouration and right normal colour © Allan Parker ARPS.

A Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens was photographed near the bridge over Mother Drain across from Sedum House and a Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus was also photographed from Willow Bank yesterday morning. (Peter Dawson).

Left, Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens and right, Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Peter Dawson

Wednesday 17th

Two fly species that are on the wing at this time and can be found feeding various flowers are shown below. The very attractive but hairy Tachinid Fly Tachina fera and the Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii are currently fairly common throughout the Reserve.

Left, Tachinid Fly Tachina fera and right, Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 16th

This female Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus with her offspring was photographed last Sunday morning by Glyn Hudson.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Glyn Hudson

Derek Bateson reports:-

'The wind today made photography quite difficult and to a large extent many invertebrates kept under cover. As the undergrowth was wet, I did a circular walk keeping mainly to the paths. On the Main Access Track, Alder Alnus glutinosa was producing a lot of large cones.

Several Harvestman were noted, including Leiobunum rotundum (see image), a commonly seen species. Among the many yellow-flowering umbellifers there were a few plants of what KW and I believe may be one of the Hawkweed family Hieracium agg. of which there are 200 odd sub-species and Ken will check this on his next visit.

Several more unidentified Ichneumon Fly were seen (see image), and a tiny 3/16” long black Weevil Oxystoma species was on Poplar (see image) , and I have asked a couple of experts for their opinion.

Finally, some of the Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria are displaying a bright orange rust (not identified) (see image) .

Hoverflies became quite numerous as it warmed up and this also brought out a few Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum , but no other dragonfly or damselfly were seen.’

Further note from Derek Bateson:-

'During my walk round the Reserve yesterday, like many other volunteers / visitors, I was extremely concerned regarding the abnormally low water levels which have been referred to previously. The effect on the future is extremely serious and fish for Bittern Botaurus stellaris will be almost non-existent over their winter visiting period, judging from recent Heron Ardea cinerea activity.

In the waters at the west end of the Reserve these low levels can also significantly affect stocks of amphibians, and newt efts will be struggling to survive and escape their predators as the water areas shrink. Dragonfly and Damselfly will be similarly affected as some nymphs of the former can take up to five years to develop in the water bodies before emerging and one year’s drought can take five or more years to recover a succession of stocks.’

Left, Harvestman Leiobunum rotundum and right unidentified Weevil Oxystoma species © Derek Bateson.

Left, unidentified Ichneumon Fly and right, Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria with unidentified orange rust © Derek Bateson

Monday 15th

Two of the Icelandic race Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa islandica dropped onto cell 3a at 6.30am early this morning (see image). Also early morning on Huxter Well Marsh were two Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpiper, three Greenshank and five Oystercatcher. (Tony Elliott).

Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limos islandica © Tony Elliott.

There was a dragonfly walk last Sunday led by Glyn Hudson and here is his report:-

A stroll down Loversall Bank produced a couple of Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum plus three Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria .

Arriving at Loversall Delph we noted numerous Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa mostly males and we also found numbers of freshly emerged Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum including one still on its exuviae, three Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum were found all males and two Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans . A single Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis flew through and three male Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum were found.

A steady walk round the Loversall Field square pond produced Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta , more Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and a pair of mated Green-veined White Artogeia napi plus plus two Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus .

Everyone in the group appeared to enjoy themselves and the majority said they would return for next years walks.

Green-veined White Artogeia napi © Glyn Hudson

Chris Bell reports:-

Things were a bit quiet today, although there were at last five Little Egret Egretta garzetta and at least three Greenshank Tringa nebularia , all mobile, the stated numbers being based on simultaneous sightings from the Mitchell Hide where there was also a Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula .
There were two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus on Piper Marsh where there was also a Greenshank Tringa nebularia .
After the working party departed Huxter Well Marsh, a single Greenshank Tringa nebularia , one Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus , one hundred plus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and twelve Teal Anas crecca soon found their way to Cell 1 in front of Duchess Hide.
I have just been trawling my way through dragonfly photographs on the internet, hoping to identify a larger dragonfly that I saw today. Nearest I could see was a Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea , but it didn't seem to be quite right.
My butterfly sightings were limited to Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus and Peacock Inachis io .

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT, 12 AUGUST, 2011

Further moth trapping took place on Friday night, 12 August. The total number of species trapped, at 61, was somewhat disappointing, following a fairly warm, humid night. There were, however, 2 species new to the reserve. Isophrictis striatella is a small Gelechid moth, whose larvae feed in the flower heads of Tansy Tanacetum vulgare and Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica . This is a scarce and local moth in Yorkshire, first recorded as recently as 2000, and with only a handful of records since. So this is a good find.

The other new species is the Pine Leaf-mining Moth Clavigesta purdeyi , a Tortricid moth associated with Scots Pine and other conifers. This is another fairly recent arrival in Yorkshire (1979), one which has become fairly widespread, but only in small numbers. It is one of a growing band of conifer-feeding moths to be recorded at Potteric Carr and which have probably bred in areas surrounding the reserve.

Other species recorded on Friday night included Scalloped Hook-tip Falcaria lacertinaria , Flame Carpet Xanthorhoe designata , Lesser Treble-bar Aplocera efformata , Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula , Gold Spot Plusia festucae , Marbled Beauty Cryphia domestica , Crescent Celaena leucostigma , Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea , Antler Moth Cerapteryx graminis (last recorded in 1982), Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea , Canary-shouldered Thorn Ennomos alniaria , Eudonia pallida, Monopis weaverella, Epermenia falciformis and Cnephasia genitalana.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder

Left, Antler Moth Cerapteryx graminis and right Canary-shouldered Thorn Ennomos alniaria © John Hancox.

Left, Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea and right, Flame Carpet Xanthorhoe designata © John Hancox.

The two images below were taken yesterday in the area near the 'Sensory' garden and are from the camera of Dave Round. Also noted in the same area by Dave were the following butterfly, two Brown Argus Aricia agestis , Common Blue Polyommatus icarus , and Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas .

Left, Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni male, and right Orb-web Spider Meta species © Dave Round

Sunday 14th

Allan Parker reports:-

Following our morning trip with Derek and after lunch, Ken and myself took a walk along Loversall Bank, through Loversall Delph and on to the very sad sight of the totally dried out 'dragonfly' ponds in Loversall Field.

It was fairly quite but several Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were noted, but nothing like the numbers that should be on the wing at this time of year.

Butterfly included one or two Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus , the same for Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , a single Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus and a very cooperative pair of Green-veined White Artogeia napi which had their minds on other things (see image). Again butterfly numbers are dramatically down!!

Several hoverfly species were seen along with numerous fly species which included several Tachinid Fly Tachina fer a, several Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria and Cleg (Horsefly / Deerfly) Chrysops relictus one of which made what turned out to be a suicide attack on the author (see image).

Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris were numerous busy feeding on various flowering plants (see image). 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata were again very common.

The fruits of White Bryony Bryonia dioica are starting to ripen throughout the Reserve (see image)

Left, Green-veined White Artogeia napi and right, Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris © Allan Parker ARPS.

Left, Cleg (Horsefly / Deerfly) Chrysops relictus and right, White Bryony Bryonia dioica berries © Allan Parker ARPS.

John Hancox reports:-

A trip to Black Carr Field yielded a few butterflies, including 23 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus , 4 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , a Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas and a female Brown Argus Aricia agestis . There were a few Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and a female Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum .

Also spotted was a micro moth which proved to be a Bramble Shoot Moth Epiblema uddmanniana (see image).

The butterfly transect along Loversall Bank yielded a meagre total of 10 butterflies (2010: 26; mean: 43) but at least it was better than the previous count on 7th August which totalled only 4 butterflies (2010: 44; mean: 79). The list comprised Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus , Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Small White Artogeia rapae , Large White Pieris brassicae , a Peacock Inachis io and a Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus .

The only dragonfly seen along the Bank was Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea .

Continuing into Loversall Field, there was very little to see: a single Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis , and the strange sight of a male Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum dipping as it would with a female attached when laying eggs – only there was no female! – plus a male Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum .

Bramble Shoot Moth Epiblema uddmanniana © John Hancox

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘Today, AP, KW, JH and myself started off along Hawthorn Field and Bank, then down into St. Catherine’s Field which proved quite productive.

Hoverfly were not as numerous as Tuesday but some six species were noted together with two species of ‘blue’ Damselfly and a total of fifteen Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum , mostly females. One Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea was patrolling St Catherine’s Field.

Various instars of Shield Bug were seen in this area, and these included Birch Shield Bug Elasmosthus interstinctus (one image shows an instar and the second, the erect threat posture adopted when approached by a 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata ). Hawthorn Shield Bug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale instar was also photographed (see image), and the subtle differences can be seen. AP also found a Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum (see image) in this same section, and a Dingy Footman Moth Eilema grisola.

I went on to photograph the Thistle Gall Urophora cardui (see image), which is caused by the attractive Picture-wing Fly of the same name (see image). On the return journey I noted many 7-spot Ladybird , and a very good specimen of a female Scorpion Fly Panorpa sp. (image). Also noted during the course of the morning were several Green-veined White Butterfly Artogeia napi ' .

Left, Birch Shield Bug, Elasmosthus interstinctus and right, with 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata © Derek Bateson

Left, Hawthorn Shield Bug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale instar © Derek Bateson and right, Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Thistle Gall Urophora cardui © Derek Bateson and right, Thistle Gall Fly U rophora cardui © Glyn Hudson.

Scorpion Fly Panorpa species female © Derek Bateson

Saturday 13th

Today at Potteric Carr there were three or four Greenshank Tringa nebularia (see image), three Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus , two Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos and two Snipe Gallinago gallinago (Tony Elliott).

Greenshank Tringa nebularia © Tony Elliott.

Friday 12th

Derek Bateson photographed this hoverfly last Tuesday, thinking it was Syrphus ribesii or vitripennis, but some of the features didn’t add up. He did a bit of work with the hoverfly keys and thinks it is Metasyrphus corollae, a not uncommon species in the UK but one we don’t see very often at Potteric Carr. He thinks he noted it two years ago, and populations tend to come and go.

Hoverfly Metasyrphus corollae © Derek Bateson

Wednesday 10th

Below are three images from the camera of Ken Woolley all were taken in the Loversall Field / Loversall Delph area of the Reserve yesterday afternoon.

They show a late stage instar of the Shield Bug Troilus luridus , Meadow Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus and a male Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum .

Left, Shield Bug Troilus luridus late instar and right, Meadow Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus © Ken Woolley

Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum male © Ken Woolley

Tuesday 9th

Derek Bateson reports:-

AP,KW and DB all started off in Black Carr Field and the first part of the report covers this area and Mother Drain. In Black Carr Field there were four Common Darters Sympetrum striolatum all of which I think were female.

Almost immediately, I then spotted two Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas , but both were rather tatty and by the time I set off back to the Field Centre I had counted about forty Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus .

Several Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria (see image) were around, plus more of the Spider-hunting Wasp Anoplius nigerrimus seen and photographed last Sunday. More Ichneumon wasp were on umbellifers, with lots of hoverfly, mostly Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus, Myathropa florea, Syrphus ribesii, plus my first female Sphaeraphoria scripta of the year (see image). Two completely new wasps were seen and photographed, but the windy conditions and their speed of movement made good photography impossible.

In a period of calm I did find a small fly, or it could be another species of Fungus Gnat (see Image).

By this time AP and KW had departed to another part of the Reserve (see report below), and on my way back to the Field Centre, I decided to take a close-up shot of an immature Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum (see image) which shows the tiny serrated spines on the flower head, before the actual flowers erupt.

Back at the Field Centre whilst having lunch there was a Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea which was camera shy’

Left, Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria and right , Hoverfly Sphaeraphoria scripta © Derek Bateson .

Left, unidentified Fly or Fungus Gnat and right, Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum © Derek Bateson

Allan Parker reports:-

Ken Woolley, Derek Bateson and myself initially visited Black Carr Field and I have no doubt that Derek will produce a report for this area.

Ken and myself left Derek and went along Hawthorn Bank, past St Catherine's Fields and on to Huxter Well Marsh in search of a plant seen by my wife Susan last Sunday after a bit of searching it was located and photographed.

Lamb's-ear Stachys byzantina (see image) is a first for the reserve and is a garden escape. According to the 'Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland', Blamey, Fitter and Fitter, it is closely related to Downy Woundwort Stachys germanica but much more widespread. The seed has probably blown in from the nearby M18 motorway.

Generally it was rather quiet with few butterfly about but two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , a single Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina a fair number of Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus (it is amazing the size variation in this species the smallest appearing to be only half the size of the largest), a single Green-veined White Artogeia napi and two Small White Artogeia rapae .

Damselfly were scarce with less than ten noted mainly Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum .  Dragonfly were initially scarce but by mid-day up to thirty Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum had been noted on the wing.  The highlight of the morning was a fresh male Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea (see images) which was very briefly attacked by an even fresher but totally uncooperative immature male Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta with his slightly opaque wings 'mirroring' in the sunlight.

Up to six more of this species were noted by different observers around the Reserve including one in front of the Field Centre.

A Green Woodpecker Picus viridis was very active in the St Catherine's Fields area and a single Treecreeper Certhia familiaris was with a large mixed tit flock which passed through the trees adjacent to Black Carr Field.

Lamb's-ear Stachys byzantina © Allan Parker

Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea male © Allan Parker ARPS

Dave Carroll reports:-

A three foot long Grass Snake Natrix natrix was in the ring main on Huxter Well Marsh today.

Birds included three Greenshank Tringa nebularia , three Green Sandpipers, a single Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos , four Common Redshank Tringa totanus , one Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious , five Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus , seven Little Egret Egretta garzetta and a Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Greenshank Tringa nebularia © Peter Clelford

Monday 8th

Bird news:-

This morning, two Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa in summer plumage passed over and three Greenshank Tringa nebularia , juvenile Dunlin Calidris alpina , and Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos were all on Huxter Well Marsh (Tony Elliott).

This Spider-hunting Wasp Anoplius nigerrimus was photographed yesterday on Black Carr Field by Derek Bateson but accidently omitted from yesterday's report.

Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum will soon be in full flower and attracting numerous insects including Bees and Hoverfly.

Spider-hunting Wasp Anoplius nigerrimus © Derek Bateson

Left, Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum and right White-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lucorum on Wild Teasel © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 7th

Derek Bateson and Allan Parker report:-

'Ken Woolley, AP and DB all opted for Black Carr Field this morning as the undergrowth along Cottage Drain was probably soaking wet.

It was immediately obvious there had been a large influx of hoverfly ranging from Myathropa florea (The Chinaman), Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus (very numerous), Syrphus vitripennis and ribesii, also Helophilus pendulus, plus at least four other species, all feeding on various Umbellifer, Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea , Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense and Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum .

With them near Mother Drain there was a Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae (see image), numerous leaf beetles plus a single large black hairy fly with a white face which appears to be the Tachinid Fly Tachina grossa (see image).

We wandered down to Black Carr Field in the hope of catching another glimpse of the Small Heath Coenonympha pampphilus which Ken had found earlier in the week. We were out of luck but I did spot a Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas, a lovely specimen except for a damaged wing. Other butterfly were scarce with just one Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , one Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta and circa thirty Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus seen

Several damselfly including Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum were seen plus one, possibly two Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum. DB then noted a pair of Cleg (Horse / Deer Fly) Chrysops relictus, mating on a leaf and managed to get a good shot (image).

Hoverfly again of several different species were very common in this area.

We all found at least four different species of unidentified Ichneumon Fly, (see image of one).

Several Sawfly were also seen, including the all black species with bronze coloured wings Arge ustulata (see imag e) and an all black species that DB was unable to identify. (see Monday's report).

Several Fungus Gnat Sciara thomae (see image) were seen on Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris .

Good numbers of several different species of bee including Red-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lapidarius and White-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lucorum were busy feeding on the various flowering plants including Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis which is now coming into flower.

7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata was common and a single black and yellow 22-spot Ladybird Thea 22-punctata was noted.

Left, Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae and right, Cleg (Horse / Deer Fly) Chrysops relictus © Derek Bateson

Left, Tachinid Fly Tachina grossa and right, Fungus Gnat Sciara thomae © Derek Bateson

Left, White-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lucorum on Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis and right, Ichneumon Fly species © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, unidentified Ichneumon Fly and right, and right, Sawfly Arge ustulata © Allan Parker ARPS

Saturday 6th

Bird news:-

Highlights for today were four Little Egret Egretta garzetta , two Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious , one Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos , two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus , a single Greenshank Tringa nebularia , and a single Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor (Richard Scott) .

Two more images taken yesterday by Ray Collins are of a Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus and a Sawfly Tenthredo species (notha / acuata), (see yesterday's report).

Left, Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus and right, Sawfly Tenthredo species (notha / acuata) © Ray Collins

Friday 5th

Ray Collins reports:-

Four Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were seen along the path near St Catherine's Field and the only other dragonfly seen was a Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum (see image) on the path near the Roger Mitchell Hide.

In Corbett Field there were large numbers of hoverfly including Scaeva pyrastri (see image) and also several Tachinid Fly Tachina fera were seen (see image).

Six juvenile Pheasant Phasianus colchicus were seen around Huxter Well including an obliging trio seen from Hawthorn Bank.

The Latticed Heath Chiasmia clathrata (see image) which was noted along Cottage Drain was very active and didn’t settle for long.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus were seen along Willow Bank and in the adjacent field.

A Sawfly Tenthredo species was noted and photographed in Loversall Delph. (ID'd as Tenthredo notha by AP after very careful 'trawling' of Sawfly ID web pages but doubted by DB who favours T. acuata ).

Butterfly seen were four Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , numerous Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus and one Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus .

Left, Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum and right, Hoverfly Scaeva pyrastri © Ray Collins

Left, Tachinid Fly Tachina fera and right, Latticed Heath Chiasmia clathrata © Ray Collins

Thursday 4th

Taken recently on the Reserve and from the camera of Peter Dawson are two very different images. The first one shows a Knopper Gall on an Oak leaf this strange convoluted growth is caused by the Gall Wasp Andricus quercuscalicis . These galls are common on the reserve along with many other galls of different forms and many are caused by different species of Gall Wasps. Oak leaves are a favourite host to many of these galls.

The second image highlights the very sorry state of the Loversall Field ponds with with several Great Pond Snail Lymnaea stagnalis huddled together in the last tiny remnants of water. This sad state is common throughout the water bodies on the Reserve and the loss of the wildlife that depends on them will be felt in future years.

Left, Knopper Gall ( Gall Wasp Andricus quercuscalicis ) and right, Great Pond Snail Lymnaea stagnalis © Peter Dawson

Wednesday 3rd

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR MONDAY NIGHT, 1 AUGUST, 2011

Monday night (1st August) was a very warm night and, not surprisingly, the trap on Tuesday morning was literally bulging with moths, flies and other insects. A total of 106 moth species were identified and the good news is that 3 of these were new reserve records. The most exciting record was of a small Gelechid, Monochroa suffusella , which, subject to confirmation, is a new VC63 (South and West Yorkshire) record and is only the second record for the whole of Yorkshire. Monochroa suffusella is a wetland species found in very scattered locations in England and Wales, with Yorkshire at the northern boundary. The only recorded food plant is Common Cotton-grass but the moth is known from Wicken Fen, where there is no cotton-grass, so clearly the caterpillar must have an unknown, alternative food plant. It is, certainly, pleasing to record such an uncommon and localized species here at Potteric Carr.

The other two ‘newcomers’, Barred Red Hylaea fasciaria and the Pyralid, Dioryctria simplicella , are both associated with Scots Pine and other conifer species, so may perhaps have bred in areas adjoining the reserve. Both of these moths are reasonably frequent and widespread in Yorkshire.

Other species of note that were recorded included Triple-spotted Pug Eupithecia trisignaria , Bordered Beauty Epione repandaria , Dusky Thorn Ennomos fuscantaria , Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa , Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula , Scarce Footman Eilema complana , Brown-veined Wainscot Archanara dissoluta , Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea , Crescent Celaena leucostigma, Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea and the Pyralids, Calamotropha paludella, Eudonia truncicolella and Eudonia pallida.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder   

Left, Sallow Kitten Furcula furcula and right Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma and right Pebble Prominent Notodonta ziczac © Allan Parker ARPS

Chris Bell visited Potteric PM today and noted the following:-
Two Little Egret Egretta garzetta on cell 3B plus another one on West Scrape
A single Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius was on Cell 3B
Three Greenshank Tringa nebularia and a single Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus were on Piper Marsh
A single Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was on Mother Drain
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla , Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita , Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus are all still around and whilst most were using their contact call, one very yellow Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus used its characteristic descending scale song.
There was no sign of Black Necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis despite scanning Cell 2B for a total of about one and a half hours. (I did see one adult last Sunday).

There was a very dilapidated looking Fox Vulpes vulpes on the bund west of Michel hide.

There were not as many butterflies as I hoped but the following species were noted;
Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus , Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta . Peacock Inachis io (two were inside Hawthorn Hide) and Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni (a splendid looking specimen near Cottage Drain).

Tuesday 2nd

Photographed today, on Black Carr Field by Ken Woolley is this Small Heath Coenonympha pampphilus .  This is the first record of this small butterfly on the Reserve since 1st June 2003!!

Small Heath Coenonympha pampphilus © Ken Woolley

Ian ran his moth trap last night and a full report and images will be posted later this week. There was a good catch with c100 species and with yet another possible new species for the Reserve.

The image below of a colourful Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa just to be going on with.

Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa © Allan Parker ARPS

Monday 1st

After Saturday's adult male Peregrine Falco peregrinus , this morning there was a juvenile male Peregrine Falco peregrinus crossing the marsh in front of Mitchell Hide on Huxter Well Marsh. Tony Elliiott

A female Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus and her single offspring were present on Willow Pool for some ten minutes yesterday (Chris Bell)

The latest umbellifer to flower is Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris and the sheaf containing the flowers can be quite attractive (see image) before the flower head bursts out. The flowers are are a haven for lots of insect species that feed on them.

Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris © Allan Parker ARPS

This image of a Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus was taken by Peter Dawson at the dipping ponds adjacent to Loversall Delph.

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus © Peter Dawson

July 2011

Sunday 31st

Taken by Ian Sexton, on what looks like Piper Marsh, these two remarkable images show a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea catching a Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus and then saturating it in the water before swallowing it. (makes it go down easier).

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea catching a Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus © Ian Sexton

DB and AP report for Sunday

' On a warm and muggy morning, AP, KW, JH and DB all ventured down Cottage Drain, and almost immediately DB found a pale cream / brown moth which proved to be a Fen Wainscot Arenostola phragmitidis (confirmation per Ian).

Yet again, no dragonflies were to be seen, but two or three Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum , fair numbers of Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans and at least six Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa , one of which noted by AP and KW had unusual reddish colouration.

There was a vast influx of the ‘Marmalade’ Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus (see image) , with a dozen or so round Teasel flowers, together with a Peacock Inachis io . Other Hoverflies see included Syrphus vitripennis (see image) and the ‘Chinaman’, Myathropa florea (see image).

Several Cleg (Horsefly) Chrysops relictus were about, this is one to beware of as the females have a very nasty bite which comes up as hard itchy lump after about twenty-four hours.

Large numbers of Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata were note and a single tiny yellow and black Twenty-two Spot Ladybird Thea 22-punctata

Several unidentified Ichneumon flies (or wasps) were seen, but are very difficult to identify without taking a specimen.

Butterfly species seen included Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus , Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni (female), a very tatty Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta , several Green-veined White Artogeia napi , a female Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus and two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria.

DB then spotted a Sawfly (Tenthredo sp ecies) feasting on a leaf beetle (see image), and finally, one of BD's favourite flowers the Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis (see image)’

Left, Hoverfly Syrphus vitripennis and right ‘Chinaman’ Hoverfly Myathropa florea © Derek Bateson

Left, ‘Marmalade’ Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus and right © Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Sawfly Tenthredo sp ecies feasting on a Leaf Beetle and right, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis © Derek Bateson

John Hancox reports:-

On a very warm and sticky day, it seemed a good opportunity to carry out another butterfly transect along Loversall Bank. This kind of weather should favour butterflies being active but the walk yielded a meagre total count of 26 (2010: 39, Mean: 127) comprising a mixture of species with none dominating. The highlight was a female Brown Argus Aricia agestis towards the end of the Bank. Continuing my walk into Loversall Field, again it was disappointing with just 13 Gatekeepers Pyronia tithonus – they should be at their peak numbers now but are at a very low level – and just a few other species seen! The highlight was another female Brown Argus sharing a flower with a female Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus but the former was very active and didn't hang around long enough for a shot! The whole morning, including a short spell at Cottage Drain yielded only four dragonflies, two male Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum and a Common Darter S. striolatum at Loversall Delph and a Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis in Loversall Field plus a very few damselflies. The northern of the two ponds is now dry with the southern pond no more than a puddle!

Left, Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus female © John Hancox and right, Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum male © Barry Wardley

This recently deceased Common Shrew Sorex araneus was placed in this position on a fence and photographed today by Alwyn Timms.  It was found between Sedum House and Loversall Field at the western end of the Reserve.

Common Shrew Sorex araneus © Alwyn Timms

Saturday 30th

An adult male Peregrine Falco peregrinus cruised through Huxter Well Marsh early this morning, putting everything up. (Tony Elliott).

A juvenile Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (photo on front page) feeding from posts in Central Grassland and Rossington Carr Fields from 29th to 31st July had possibly been fostered on Huxter Well. Adult Cuckoos were heard calling from nearby trees in Seven Arches Carr from 19th April. The juvenile Cuckoo fed amongst Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea plants where Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae moth caterpillars were abundant. BoCC red-listed Cuckoo is a summer visitor in rapid decline in England and is one of very few species of birds that can eat the otherwise poisonous Cinnabar larvae.

Thursday 28th

There were fourteen Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa on Huxter Well Marsh this morning in full summer plumage. (Tony Elliott)

Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa © Tony Elliott

John Hancox reports:-

I paid a brief visit to Black Carr Field to look for Purple Hairstreak Neozephyrus quercus and three were seen on the usual oak. A quick exploration of Black Carr Field itself yielded mainly Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus with forty-nine counted along with a few Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina and a Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus (seen by others).

Hawthorn Field yielded only a few butterflies, including just two Gatekeepers. There was also a very small dark coloured darter which would have been a Black Darter Sympetrum danae but it didn’t stay round long enough for a positive identification.

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR MONDAY NIGHT, 25 JULY, 2011

Moth trapping on Monday night (25 July) certainly produced a few pleasant surprises. My initial thoughts were that we had a rather mundane selection of mostly common moths. However, a more detailed examination showed that this was far from being the case. Four out of the total catch of 93 species proved to be new reserve records. Maple Pug Eupithecia inturbata is a local and under-recorded species in Yorkshire, whose larvae feed on the flowers of field maple. The Oecophorid, Agonopterix conterminella , associated with willow, is decidedly uncommon in the county, with few recent Yorkshire records. These were certainly good finds. The same can be said for the third new species, Oegoconia quadripuncta , perhaps even scarcer than A. conterminella. This one is a rather attractive micromoth, one of a small group of similar species whose larvae feed on leaf litter, dead stems and the like. The fourth newcomer, Dingy Shears Parastichtis ypsillon , is, as its name suggests, a brown, rather unexciting looking moth associated with willows. It is a fairly frequent and widespread species in Yorkshire and one which was always likely to occur at Potteric Carr.

Other interesting records were those of White-line Dart Euxoa tritici and Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria . The most recent Potteric Carr records of both these species were as long ago as 1982 and neither are particularly common. White-line Dart is a species more generally associated with coastal habitats but it is also one of those species which has suffered a very significant decline nationally over the last four decades. It is pleasing, therefore, to record it at Potteric Carr.

There were other noteworthy species trapped, including Scarce Footman Eilema complana , Angle-striped Sallow Enargia paleacea , Bordered Beauty Epione repandaria , Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus , Fen Wainscot Arenostola phragmitidis , Crescent Celaena leucostigma and the following Pyralids: Acrobasis consociella, Eudonia truncicolella, Catoptria falsella and Endotricha flammealis.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder    

Left, White-line Dart Euxoa tritici and right Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum © Allan Parker ARPS

Pyralid Moth Phycita roborella © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 26th.

The morning was dull and cloudy starting cool but soon getting warmer and muggy.

The first part of the morning was spent with Ian as he empty last night's catch from the moth trap, a full report and images will follow later this week. None moth species in the trap included Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris (see image) , Sexton Beetle Nicrophorus investigator (see image) and several Caddis-fly.

Ken Woolley and myself then took a short trip down Cottage Drain which proved to be very quiet.

About eight damselfly were seen which comprised mainly Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans and just two Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum .  Yet again not a single dragonfly was seen!!

A few butterfly were on the wing and these comprised three Speckled Wood Parage aegeria , four Green-veined White Artogeia napi , a single Comma Polygonia c-album and two Peacock Inachis io .

About six species of Hoverfly were noted and included 'The Footballer' Helophilus pendulus .

Several Bumble Bee were seen including White-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lucorum .  Also noted were several Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva (see images) and the Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae the latter on Greater Burdock Arctium lappa .

A single Harvestman was recorded which appeared to be Leibunum rotundatum .

Left, Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris and right, Sexton Beetle Nicrophorus investigator © Allan Parker ARPS

Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva © Allan Parker ARPS

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans © Allan Parker ARPS

Monday 25th

Two images below are from the camera of Alwyn Timms and were taken on Huxter Well Marsh yesterday they show a female Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum at rest on one of the notice boards and a Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus .

The third image below of a Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major was taken by Jonathan Marshall at the Willow Pool feeding station.

Left, Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus and right, Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum female © Alwyn Timms

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major © Jonathan Marshall

Sunday 24th

Bird news.

Chris Bell reports:-

Rosie and I visited Potteric Carr late afternoon / early evening and noted the following;
A single adult Black Necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis on 2B, which we viewed on and off for about an hour, but failed to find the rest of the family.
There was a single Little Egret Egretta garzetta on Cell 3A, and Cell 3 and on Cell 1B.
Piper Marsh had three Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus and three Greenshank Tringa nebularia .

John Hancox reports:-

On a warm sunny day, we expected to see more butterflies and decided to carry out a transect along Loversall Bank. This yielded a total of 29 (2010: 125; Mean 134). However, it was strange that this day, which was much warmer and sunny, yielded a lower count than a cloudy, cooler day only five days earlier.

The highlights of the walk were a brilliant male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni spotted by Maureen, and three Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus . The newly emerged Brimstone are now appearing and will be on the wing up to eleven months, easily the longest surviving British butterfly. The Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus are also this year’s second brood and almost certainly don’t breed on the Reserve but elsewhere. Whilst called “holly” blues, they will also use ivy Hedera sp . as a food plant which is present on the Reserve.

The reduction in numbers showed once again just how badly butterflies are faring in 2011 - so far numbers on the transect appear to be around 25% to 33% of the mean!

A walk in Loversall Field produced nineteen Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus , three Peacock Inachis io , this year’s new brood, and a Comma Polygonia c-album , in this case a first of the late summer brood and not of the form Hutchinsoni . Two Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta were also seen, these being scarcer than usual this year as indeed they were last year.

Dragonflies were limited to a few Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and a striking male Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum .

Left, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta © Alwyn Timms and right, Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘On the way into the Reserve today I stopped on the main access track and photographed the Large-flowered Evening Primrose Oenothera erythrosepala (see image) which is flowering in a number of places at the western end of the Reserve.

In the Wardens Car Park there were three, maybe four Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonis and a single co-operative Comma Polgonia c-album (see image).

It was sunny and warm and Cottage Drain produced probably ten Green-veined White Artogeia napi and three Speckled Wood Parage aegeria .

Six species of Hoverfly were noted including the ‘Chinaman’ Myathropa florea.

I didn't spot any Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa but all three ‘blues’ were seen, including this mated pair of Common Blue Enallagma cyathigerum (see image) . Seven Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were counted, either female (see image) or teneral.

I then spent half an hour trying to photograph a pair of what I think may be a Mason Wasp (see image). They were very active and the wind didn't help! ( Now identified as Sawfly Tenthredo amoena )

I was more fortunate with the Conopid Fly Conops quadrifasciata (see image), and two specimens were seen.’

Large-flowered Evening Primrose Oenothera erythrosepala © Derek Bateson

Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and right, Common Blue Enallagma cyathigerum © Derek Bateson

Left, Comma Polgonia c-album and right, Conopid Fly Conops quadrifasciata © Derek Bateson

Sawfly Tenthredo amoena mated pair © Derek Bateson

Another image of a Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus this time by Peter Dawson it was photographed on an Oak tree in Black Carr Field last Friday

Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus © Peter Dawson

Saturday 23rd

John Hancox reports:-

This turned out to be a cool, breezy morning, not conducive to butterflies or much else for that matter.

The highlight was a Stoat Mustela erminea on Willow Bank which almost ran into us before darting into the undergrowth, whilst we were being serenaded by a “mewing” Buzzard Buteo buteo overhead.

Dale Bentham photographed this Kingfisher Alcedo atthis at Willow Pool and the Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus peering out of the Oil-seed Rape field next to Willow Bank before dashing off. He also photographed this immature Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus on Hawthorn bank.

Left, Kingfisher Alcedo atthis and right, Blue Tit © Dale Bentham

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Dale Bentham

Photographed yesterday by Barry Wardley are two the the butterflies on the wing at the present time. The first image is of a Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus 'nectaring' on a Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense flower and The second a Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus feeding on honeydew on an Oak.

Left, Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus and right Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus © Barry Wardley

Friday 22nd

Some butterfly species are proving to be rather scarce this year including Painted Lady Vanessa cardui (I don't think that one as been recorded on the Reserve this year, correct me if I am wrong. Let me know if you see one.) and Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta . The second broods of Peacock Inachis io and Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria are now starting to appear.

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta © John Hancox and right, Peacock Inachis io © Allan Parker ARPS

Wednesday 20th

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR MONDAY NIGHT, 18 JULY, 2011

Moth trapping on Monday night (18 July) produced a modest total of some 60 species, with no real highlights. Species trapped included Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi , Pebble Prominent Notodonta ziczac , Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina , Coxcombe Prominent Ptilodon capucina , Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma , Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa , Shuttle-shaped Dart Euxoa puta , Bird’s Wing Dyptergia scabriuscula , Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe , Dwarf Cream Wave Idaea fuscovenosa , Slender Pug Eupithecia tenuiata , Canary-shouldered Thorn Ennomos alniaria and the Pyralids, Chilo phragmitella, Acrobasis consociella and Endotricha flammealis .

Ian Heppenstall,  Moth Recorder 

Canary-shouldered Thorn Ennomos alniaria © Allan Parker ARPS

Coxcombe Prominent Ptilodon capucina © Derek Bateson

Tuesday 19th

There was a report of a Terrapin possibly a Red-eared Slider, an American species, on Low Ellers, see digiscoped image below, (Harold Barrett et al).

It has obviously been dumped there by someone who as got fed up of it as a pet. They do grow rather large and are a rather nasty predator in the wild and will take small birds and ducklings from the surface of the water.

Terrapin © Harold Barrett

John Hancox reports:-

"On a warm, sunny and still morning, we explored the Loversall area. Not much about, just a few Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus , including my first female of the year, which always seem to emerge about a week after the males. Loversall Field yielded the highlight of the day when the first Brown Argus Aricia agestis of the second brood was seen (see image). Also in Loversall Field was a Large White Pieris brassicae (see image). Although this species is often dismissed as just another "cabbage" white a close view reveals the subtle colouring of white, grey and yellow.

As it was still warm but cloudy, a start was made on the butterfly transect and numbers were looking promising but the weather intervened with rain at which time the butterflies disappeared - as did we for a cuppa!"

Left, Brown Argus Aricia agestis and right, Large White Pieris brassicae © John Hancox

Allan Parker reports:-

Very little to report, very muggy, warm, thundery weather which resulted in DB and myself getting wet in Loversall Delph but thereafter we managed to dodge the showers.

Butterfly numbers were few with just c12 Speckled Wood Parage aegeria , c6 Green-veined White Artogeia napi , two Comma Polygonia c-album and a single Peacock Inachis io noted.

Yet again no Dragonfly were seen and only two 'blue' Damselfly.

A nice find was the first Longhorn Beetle Strangalia quadrifasciata for the year on Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria flowers (see image).

The larvae of the Rose Sawfly Arge pagana had been decimating the Dog Rose Rosa cannina leaves but only two could be found.

Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris (see image) was in flower and with many other plants which included Water Mint Mentha aquatica (see image).

Left, Longhorn Beetle Strangalia quadrifasciata and right,  Rose Sawfly Arge pagana larvae © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris and right Water Mint Mentha aquatica © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 17th

Derek Bateson reports:-

' This morning started off with a little sun, but was muggy and after about an hour it started raining lightly. Before the arrival of the rain I found quite a pretty Leafhopper (see image) which is now identified by Jim Flanagan as Evacanthus interruptus .   Leafhoppers, unlike Froghoppers have a lot of spines on their hind femorae.

More of the Beetle Lagria hirta were seen (see image) , and AP and myself have found them regularly this year.

Six species of hoverfly were noted, and I have included an image of the ‘Marmalade Fly’ Episyrphus balteatus (see image), which has been relatively scarce this year.

The first Harvestmen have appeared and the photograph shows the typical black ‘saddle’ on the abdomen of Leiobundum rotundum (see image).

A few ‘blue’Damselfly were seen, but no Emerald Damselfly or any Dragonfly.

Two Green-veined White Artogeia napi, and four Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus were the only butterfly seen.

A Green Woodpecker Picus viridis was seen ‘anting’ on the main access track’

Left, Beetle Lagria hirta and right, Hoverfly ‘Marmalade Fly’ Episyrphus balteatus © Derek Bateson

Left, Harvestman Leiobundum rotundum and right, Leafhopper Evacanthus interruptus © Derek Bateson

Two more images, taken on the Reserve recently and from the camera of Peter Dawson are shown below. The Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis was photographed in Loversall Delph  and the Shaded Broad-bar Moth Scotopteryx chenopodiata was near the Decoy Lake Hide.

Left, Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis and right, Shaded Broad-bar Moth Scotopteryx chenopodiata , both images © Peter Dawson

Bird news by Dave Carroll:-

Today saw a WeBS count of waterbirds, and there were several good bird records for the Reserve. Little Egret increased to 5 on Huxter Well Marsh (MR, DC) and a HOBBY flew past Hawthorn Bank Hide at 3.30pm (SMB, RWB, DC). A calling CROSSBILL flew over Loversall Pool in the morning (SMB). BLACK-NECKED GREBE remained in the nursery area all day.

A Common Tern and 2 Dunlins went through Huxter Well, where the family party of 5 Oystercatchers were still present. Other waders at Potteric Carr included Ringed Plover with juveniles, 4 Greenshanks, 4 Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper, but all the Avocets had departed. Water Rail was seen at Piper Marsh. A female Gadwall appeared with 4 young on cell 2a (LJD), the first ducklings of this species to be seen at the Carr in 2011. The two large juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls reared on cell 1b were both on the large tern-raft. A new Little Grebe chick was swimming on cell 1b.

Saturday 16th

Between 9 and 11 Greenshank were on Piper Marsh / West Scrape this morning (TE), the largest count recorded at Potteric Carr.

Friday 15th

Black-necked Grebe, adult Mediterranean Gull and 4 Oystercatcher were reported on Huxter Well Marsh. Piper Marsh held a Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Greenshank (HW). Another moth photo from Monday night's survey shows how camouflage patterns work. 14 Gatekeeper were counted at St. Catherine's Field (HW).

The Kingfisher Alcedo atthis below was photographed recently on the Reserve by Dale Bentham.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis © Dale Bentham

Grey Heron at Piper Marsh on 15th July 2011 © Helen Womack

Cabbage Moth, 12th July 2011 © John Hancox

Thursday 14th

Late on the afternoon of 13th July news that Huxter Well Marsh bird surveyors had waited eleven weeks for was the sensational sighting of a Potteric Carr-bred juvenile Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus. Typically, the youngster had been hidden by the nesting pair of gulls until it was full-grown and Steve Furber was the fortunate finder when it emerged from tall vegetation in the middle of the Black-headed Gull colony (photo). Surveyors had monitored the Mediterranean Gull pair's progress since their arrival in late April and had been watching out for this moment. Today, 14th July, other observers witnessed the juvenile as it rested for three hours at the edge of an island in the marsh, before taking tentative flights which left it on the Lagoon by mid-afternoon (SMB, RWB, DC, RCC). Schedule 1 Mediterranean Gull has bred on very few occasions in Yorkshire and this is only the second ever proof in the county that young have successfully reached the flying stage. It is the icing on the cake for the best breeding season ever for Schedule 1 protected birds recorded at Potteric Carr, with Black-necked Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, Avocet and Kingfisher already having produced young in 2011.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Huxter Well Marsh on 13th July 2011 © Steve Furber

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Huxter Well Marsh on 13th July 2011 © Steve Furber

Another exciting discovery was made at Potteric Carr today, when the same lucky observer, Steve Furber, photographed a White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album nectaring on thistle flowers near to the YWT staff overflow offices (photo). This species' elm / wych elm tree food plants are declining on the Reserve and the butterfly itself has always had a tenuous existence here, with very few records in recent summers. Red Admiral and Purple Hairstreak were amongst other butterflies seen today.

White-letter Hairstreak at Potteric Carr on 14th July 2011 © Steve Furber

Other records for today include a large Lapwing chick on Huxter Well cell 2a, at least one Little Egret, 3 Greenshanks and a Common Gull all on the Marsh. Roe Deer was seen as it crossed a footpath (photo).

Roe Deer at Potteric Carr on 14th July 2011 © Peter Dawson

John Hancox reports:

With more suitable conditions, I decided to try and do a transect walk. It still wasn't brilliant - a count of forty-nine (49) In 2010: seventy (70), mean, one-hundred and three (103).

The most numerous were Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus and Large White Pieris brassicae , thirteen (13) each, the rest being Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus , Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , other whites, and a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta . A walk into Loversall Field yielded three newly emerged Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas , first of the second brood, and a newly emerged Comma Polygonia c-album f. Hutchinsoni . Dragonflies were scarce with just two of each Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis and Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea , plus a single Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum .

Left, Comma Polygonia c-album f. Hutchinsoni underwing and right, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta © John Hancox

Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea © John Hancox

Wednesday 13th
Dunlins increased to 3 today on West Scrape and there were 5 Avocets (including juveniles). 2 Green Sandpipers were on Piper Marsh and a Greenshank on Loversall Pool. Huxter Well still had 3 Little Egrets, and Black-necked Grebe was feeding its youngster. Kingfisher fed their young at Piper Marsh.

A moth photo was taken today and Ian's moth report appears below.

Clouded Border at Potteric Carr on 13th July 2011 © Peter Dawson

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT for Monday, 11th July 2011 by Ian Heppenstall, Moth Recorder: 

A slightly disappointing total of 80 species represented the catch at the latest moth trapping session on Monday night, 11 July. The handsome, bright green Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria was greatly admired but refused to have its photo taken! Others were more co-operative, including Buff-tip Phalera bucephala (photo), Angle-striped Sallow Enargia paleacea , Burnished Brass Diachrysia chrysitis (photo), Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae , Yellow-tail Euproctis similis and Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines . A single Blackneck Lygephila pastinum was once again trapped, providing strong evidence that this localized species is present and breeding on the reserve. Other records of interest included Dwarf Cream Wave Idaea fuscovenosa , Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata, Marbled White Spot Protodeltote pygarga , Slender Brindle Apamea scolopacina , White Satin Moth Leucoma salicis and the following reed-specific Wainscots: Fen Arenostola phragmitidis , Southern Mythimna straminea and Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus .

Blending in with a birch log, Buff-tip on 12th July 2011 © Helen Womack

A resplendent Burnished Brass on 12th July 2011 © John Hancox

One of the Avocet families, an adult and three full-grown juveniles on Huxter Well Marsh on 12th July 2011 © Helen Womack

Tuesday 12th

There was some wader interest with 4 Green Sandpipers (plus one on Loversall Pool) and a Black-tailed Godwit on Piper Marsh. Huxter Well had a Dunlin (IH) and retained 2 Greenshanks, Little Ringed Plover with large juv, Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatchers (including 3 juvs) 9 Avocets (including 4 juvs) and 80 Lapwings. There were also 4 Little Egrets Egretta garzetta (IAS) , including a colour-ringed bird which had appeared here last year and was ringed in Norfolk as a nestling in June 2008. 6 Grey Herons hunted fish at Piper Marsh. Black-necked Grebe with one juv and Mediterranean Gull were also on Huxter Well Marsh. Kingfisher brought fish back to the nest at Piper Marsh and Kingfishers were seen on Mother Drain and Huxter Well.

Other wildlife included a Roe Deer with its kid at Piper Marsh.

Gatekeeper, Black Carr Field, 12th July 2011 © Helen Womack

Comma, 11th July 2011 © Peter Dawson

Sunday 10th

Allan Parker reports:-

The Reserve proved to be very quiet with only small numbers of insects and other fauna about.

The first find was in the Field Centre car park in the form of a Snail Monacha cantiana on a Nettle leaf (see image) which is probably new for the Reserve.

Cottage Drain was not very productive with not a single dragonfly noted, damselflies were not much better and only about ten Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans and three Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum were seen.

The commonest butterfly was Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus with about ten seen along with tw o Speckled Wood Parage aegeria (see image), several Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , two Green-veined White Pieris napi and singles of Large White Pieris brassicae and Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus .

Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae were numerous on Greater Burdock Arctium lappa plants with pairs mating. Several species of Hoverfly were about but only in small numbers and included a Sericomyia silentis

(see image).

Two Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae were present, two Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis and a single Horse-fly Chrysops relictus several Bee species and  a total of six of the Beetle Lagria hirta (see image) were on various plants along with numbers of the Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva .

Left, Snail Monacha cantiana and right, Speckled Wood Parage aegeria © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Beetle Lagria hirta and right, Hoverfly Sericomyia silentis © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae and right, mated pair © Allan Parker ARPS

John Hancox reports:-

"On a cloudy but warm morning, a walk down Loversall Bank to Loversall Delph and the small ponds in Loversall Field yielded very little - a dismal total of 22 butterflies!  Ringlet Pyronia tithonus appear to be past their peak but Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus should be reaching their peak in the next two weeks with at present only males being seen. No dragonflies were seen and only two damselflies, a Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans and a male Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa ( see image) were seen.

Other insects found included a few hoverflies, a late instar Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina (see image) and a mated pair of Soldier Beetles Rhagonycha fulva (see image) but there were few other insects about and this appears to be the worst season yet for insects. No doubt the sunny weather in the afternoon would bring out more insects, but the British Grand Prix called!"

Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa © John Hancox

Left, Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina and right, Soldier Beetles Rhagonycha fulva © John Hancox

Derek Bateson reports:-

'Today I took a different circular route, having photographed a juvenile snail which AP found in the Warden's Car Park. I think it is Helix aspersa, but I have asked Robert Cameron for his opinion. Next up was a cooperative Bumble Bee Bombus terrestris on Rosebay Willow-herb (see image).

I saw no dragonflies today and only very few damselflies. Butterflies too were scarce, but included Large White, Ringlet Pyronia tithonus and Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus (see image). Six species of hoverfly were seen including Myathropa florea, the ‘Chinaman’ (see image) because of the face on the thorax.

AP photographed another species which looked a little unusual, and I am awaiting an image to see if this needs identification.

My eye was taken by some attractive grass seed heads, possibly one of the Cat’s-tails (see image). Finally on Willow Bank, Orange Hawkweed (Fox and Cubs) Hieracium aurantiacum (see image) has started to flower’

Left, Bumble Bee Bombus terrestris and right, Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus © Derek Bateson

Hoverfly Myathropa florea, ('The Chinaman’ ) © Derek Bateson

Orange Hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum © Derek Bateson

Grass, possibly one of the Cat’s-tails © Derek Bateson

Saturday 9th

Josephine Bryant visited the Reserve for the first time today and took this image of a Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaea caterpillar on it's food plant Ragwort Senecio jacobaea .

Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaea caterpillar © Josephine Bryant

More images, from Dale Bentham 's camera, of fishing Grey Heron Ardea cinerea taken today from the Piper Marsh Hide.  All I can say is there goes this winter's food for the Bittern Botaurus stellaris , the fish will all have gone before they arrive. The current extremely low water levels mean that the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea will soon clear out what fish there are.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea © Dale Bentham

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea © Dale Bentham

Friday 8th

Two more moth images taken during Ian's last moth trapping session are shown below and these are Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum and the beautifully camouflaged Shuttle-shaped Dart Argrotis puta puta .

Left, Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum and right, Shuttle-shaped Dart Argrotis puta puta © Allan Parker ARPS.

Thursday 7th

There was a single Icelandic form of Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa islandica on the West Scrape still in full summer plumage very early this morning (Tony Elliott)

Derek Bateson reports:-

I sent this image of a mated pair of Longhorn Beetle Rutpela maculata to Bob Marsh for his comments which are below:-

‘Yes, the penis, or perhaps in more current use nowadays the median lobe of the aedeagus, can be of a relatively very large size in comparison with the whole of the abdomen.

In many beetle species I have seen dissected, the aedeagus (which consists of the median lobe - the bit you can see - and one, or two, parameres) almost completely fills the body cavity.’

A paramere is part of an insects’ copulatory organ. (Bob Marsh)

Mated pair of Longhorn Beetle Rutpela maculata © Derek Bateson

Water levels in Piper Marsh are extremely low for the second year running and Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus can be found browsing in the reeds along the edge of the water and again Grey Heron Ardea cinerea are appearing, in numbers, attracted by the low water levels and the resultant easy fishing which again means very little will left for the Bittern Botaurus stellaris that arrive to winter on the Reserve and favour Piper Marsh. This could result in them having to move elsewhere to find food. If this happens a major winter attraction on the Reserve will be lost.

The two images below were taken recently by Dale Bentham from the Piper Marsh hide and show a female Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus with two offspring and a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea that almost seems to say ' look at all this easy fishing'.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Dale Bentham

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea © Dale Bentham

Wednesday 6th

This image, below, of a male Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum was taken on the Reserve yesterday by Helen Womack.

Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum © Helen Womack

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR MONDAY NIGHT, 4 JULY, 2011

The latest moth trapping session took place on Monday night, 4 July. It had been a warm night and the early morning sun had bathed the trap, resulting in a rather lively set of moths and rendering both recording and photography more difficult than usual.

A total of one hundred and three (103) species were identified, about normal for a warm night in July.

Although there were no new records, there were some interesting finds nonetheless. Outstanding amongst these was a single Double Dart Graphiphora augur , the first Potteric record since 1982. The Double Dart has been in serious decline nationally for at least thirty (30) years, although a slight turnaround may have begun, with numbers in East Yorkshire having increased in the last two years. Hopefully, the single Potteric record will represent the start of a similar improvement in the species fortunes in South Yorkshire.

Another pleasing record was a single Blackneck Lygephila pastinum , following one at the previous trapping session on 15 June. These are the first Potteric Blackneck records since 1974. It would seem likely that this species has maintained a breeding population on Potteric Carr throughout and, if this is the case, it represents one of only a handful of known breeding sites in Yorkshire.

Amongst the other species trapped, two (2) Scarce Footman Eilema complana were noteworthy; also two (2) Southern Wainscot Mythimna staminea , five (5) Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus and two (2) Angle-striped Sallow Enargia paleacea . Larger or more colourful species trapped included Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi, Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor , Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa , White Satin Moth Leucoma salicis , Drinker Euthrix potatoria , Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum, Buff-tip Moth Phalera bucephala , Peppered Moth Biston betularia and the Tortricid, Agapeta hamana.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder  

Below are some of the moths from Ian's Monday night moth trapping session.

Buff-tip Moth Phalera bucephala © Allan Parker ARPS

Buff-tip Moth Phalera bucephala showing 'face' © Allan Parker ARPS

Peppered Moth Biston betularia © Allan Parker ARPS

Drinker Moth Euthrix potatoria showing antenna © Derek Bateson

Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa © Derek Bateson

Derek Bateson reports:-

I spent two hours photographing this Crawling Water Beetle Haliplus obliquus today as part of the Potteric Carr series!  Although only one eight of an inch long, it has a fair turn of speed and rarely stays still!

It was first noted when I wrote my Loversall Delph paper in 2002, and identified by Bob Merritt and is a ‘Local’ or relatively uncommon species. Last week I think he found them in the Ring Main.

Crawling Water Beetle Haliplus obliquus © Derek Bateson

Tuesday 5th

John Hancox reports:-

2nd July

On a very warm day, the first visit was to Black Carr Field, but there were few butterflies, including only six (6) Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus , four (4) Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina and one (1) Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus .

The butterfly transect on Loversall Bank yielded a count of forty-eight (48) (2010: 118; Average 2000-2010: 92) including twenty-eight (28) Ringlets (2010: 117) . 

Unfortunately a section of the bank which had yielded a large number of Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus and generally supported a good count of “browns” has been cut prematurely, thus reducing the butterfly count.

Loversall Field produced a count of fourteen (14) Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus and Loversall Delph another five (5) but everything else was in very small numbers.

Maureen saw a Stoat Mustela ermina on Loversall Bank. The southern of the two ponds is quickly drying out and without substantial rain both ponds will be dry within a few weeks.

3rd July

Loversall Field produced a count of forty (40) Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus , the only other item of interest being the emergence of a number of Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum .

5th July

Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus once again dominated the butterfly sightings with thirty (30) in Loversall Field and twelve (12) at Loversall Delph. However, the count of Loversall Bank produced only around twelve (12).

At Loversall Delph there was a Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis (see image), the first of the year, and a single Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus (see image).

A Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta, which have been scarce up to press this year, was in the area behind the Field Centre (AP)

Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum © John Hancox

Left, Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus © John Hancox and right, Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

'Much of the morning was spent watching IH emptying his moth trap, which contained numerous moths of many species, see his separate report to follow.

In addition, in the moth trap, there were some five different species of Caddis Fly, including three specimens of Phryganea grandis, probably our largest species, all have collected been sent to Stuart Crofts for ID.

Also in the trap was a very long and large beetle (see image), which may be a large Click Beetle probably Melanotus villosus , and hopefully Bob Marsh can ID this from the image.

One other Ground Beetle species and a small Diving Beetle species were found together with an Ichneumon Wasp species.’

Click Beetle probably Melanotus villosus species © Derek Bateson

‘About three years ago, Bob Merritt an expert on water beetles, who identified many specimens for my paper on Loversall Delph, embarked on a project to produce an Atlas of the Water Beetles of Yorkshire and asked me to illustrate this.

Some work has been done, but up to now, there have been no beetles from Potteric Carr. I have now photographed two of these, one is Dytiscus semisulcatus, (see image) which is one of our large diving beetles, it is relatively common on the Reserve

The other is quite a large Whirligig Beetle Gyrinus paykulli, (see image) which is not as common as the usual Whirligig Beetle species found on the Reserve which is Gyrrinus natator.

Both of these beetles do not often stay still enough for a photograph, but when they do they produce quite an interesting shot’ (Derek Bateson)

Diving Beetle Dytiscus semisulcatus © Derek Bateson.

Whirligig Beetle Gyrinus paykulli © Derek Bateson.

Monday 4th

This male Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa was photographed today by Dave Round in Loversall Field on the Reserve.

Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa © Dave Round

This Yellow Shell Moth Camptogramma bilineata was photographed by Peter Dawson near the Decoy Lake hide today.

Yellow Shell Moth Camptogramma bilineata © Peter Dawson

Late news:- A Grass Snake Natrix natrix was near the fenced-off steps at the start of Hawthorn Bank last Saturday (via IH JH)

Sunday 3rd

Bird reports:-

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus one on Piper Marsh along with a single Greenshank Tringa nebularia . The pair of Kingfisher Alcedo atthis were feeding young in the nest on the island in Piper Marsh.  A single Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa was on Huxter Well Marsh and three Common Buzzard Buteo buteo were over the Reserve (SP KW)

Derek Bateson reports:-

' Today was very hot and humid, but it induced the writer, JH, KW and AP to venture down Cottage Drain where KW spotted the first Gatekeeper Pyronia tithanus of the year. I later found three more, presumably all males.

The Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae (see image), was about in numbers, together with several ‘Blue’ Damselflies, including a teneral male Ischnura elegans (see image). One Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa was seen but not photographed.

Numerous Longhorn Beetles Rutpela maculata were seen and I took an interesting image which is too intimate to show on this page, or so am told!

I also photographed a Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata (see image) but Ian was not able to determine this without a reference book.

I wandered down to Loversall Triangle where Common Centuary Centaurium erythraea (see image) had started to flower.

Finally in the Warden's car park, numerous Soldier Beetles were populating flower heads. The ones in the image are a mated pair of Rhagonycha fulva. ’

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans teneral male © Derek Bateson

Left, Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae and right, Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva © Derek Bateson

Left, Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata and right, Common Centuary Centaurium erythraea © Derek Bateson

(Also along Cottage Drain were good numbers of Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus , plus odd ones of Large White Pieris brassicae , Small White Artogeia rapae , Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus , and several Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina . A single Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum, a teneral male, and good numbers of Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans including females of the forms rufescens and violacea were also seen. (AP)

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans violacea feeding on a small fly © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum teneral male and right, Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva © Allan Parker ARPS

Allan Parker reports:-

After DB and JH had turned back along Cottage Drain I carried on and continued along Willow Bank to the ponds in Loversall Field returning back to the Field Centre via Loversall Delph and Loversall Bank.

Willow Bank had a good range of flora including Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium , St. John's Wort Hypericum species , and White Bryony Bryonia dioica (see images) along with many more.

Two Comma Polygonia c-album , numerous Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus , several Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , and a single Speckled Wood Parage aegeria were also noted here.

The western end of Loversall Bank had another Green-veined White Artogeia napi , a Large White Pieris brassicae and two Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus .

The 'dragonfly ponds' in Loversall Field were notable for their complete lack of any Dragonfly!! 

A single Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus was noted along with several Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaea caterpillars on Ragwort Senecio jacobaea and in the larger of the two ponds numerous Greater Water Boatman Notonecta species were seen with two of them in some form of territorial dispute. The water levels continue to decrease and soon the ponds could be dry!!

Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, St. John's Wort Hypericum species and right, White Bryony Bryonia dioica © Allan Parker ARPS

Reports from other areas of the reserve:-

A Grass Snake Natrix natrix was again visiting the Field Centre Cafe (KW)

Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus at least four present on an Oak tree in Black Carr Field (KW AP)

Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea a single was in flight in front of the Field Centre in the afternoon, first for this year (AP)

Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum three males seen on the path along side the dyke that runs parallel to the M18 motorway on Huxter Well Marsh (SP)

Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa one female perched near the 'Iron Bridge' over Mother Drain (IH JH)

A Weasel Mustela nivalis was along the main access track in the afternoon (SP AP)

Saturday 2nd

Steve Furber reports at least two Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus were around an Oak tree to the right of the Duchess Hide on Hawthorn Bank yesterday (Friday).

Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus © Allan Parker ARPS

Images taken recently on the Reserve include three from Peter Dawson; an adult Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus with a large chick on Huxter Well Marsh, Common Centuary Centaurium erythraea growing along the path past Old EAA and a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta near St. Catherine's Hide along Hawthorn Bank. The fourth image a Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva is from the camera of Sheila Jones

Left, Oystercatcher with large chick and right Common Centuary Centaurium erythraea © Peter Dawson

Left, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta and right, Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva © Shelia Jones

June

William Peter Wilson 1943 – 2011

Volunteer at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve

It is with great sadness and sorrow that William Peter Wilson (Pete - to all who knew him) passed away on Sunday the 5th June 2011.

For over thirty years Pete served in the Supply Squadron of the RAF and he also ran the joinery club at Finningly where he made full use of his City and Guilds qualification.

On his retirement from the RAF Pete looked for something to do and became a valued member of the Potteric Carr volunteers. He initially worked as part of the habitat management conservation team for about two years.

His full potential as a volunteer however started to be realized following the Lottery Fund development of the reserve, which commenced in 2004. At this time a purpose built workshop was under construction. The building was left as just a shell but, together with his very good friend Alan Mckee, Pete, using his now well known joinery skills, soon transformed the open building into an enclosed weather proof wooden structure, now a ‘proper workshop’. From that time on it became known as ‘Pete's place’. Many of us have often since been thankful for the shelter provided by Pete and Alan and will continue to do so in the future. 

Late in 2008 I thought it would be a good idea if we could put more bird nest boxes up at Potteric Carr and asked for Peter’s help. As my brother will confirm I have a history of not being a very practical person but Pete being the helpful person he is took me under his wing and let me loose with screw-driver, hammer, saw and even an electric drill. I even made him his oxo!

In the workshop over recent years, Pete, with a little help from friends, has made well over 1000 nest boxes for birds and bats. Around 170 are now sited at Potteric Carr and are regularly used by the birds such that around 500 nestlings now fledge each year, including Owls, Robins, Wrens, Treecreeper, Jackdaw and Tits. Many of the remaining nest boxes have found their way into schools, gardens and other nature reserves so goodness knows how many fledglings he is responsible for in total!

Give Pete an idea and without complicated drawings, just like magic, would appear the finished article of what you asked for; a tern raft, hide or cupboard door, bracket for hide shelves, cabinet, the list is endless.

Pete’s legacy will be long standing at Potteric Carr and everyone who came into contact with him will remember him for being a most helpful, kind, modest and considerate bloke.

I am sure everyone would like to offer sympathy and condolences to Pete’s wife Vron, also a valued volunteer at Potteric Carr and to all his family.

Roger Bird

Potteric Carr Volunteer

Pete on the day of the launch of one of his rafts 28th April 2009

Wednesday 29th

Cottage Drain proved to be nicely sheltered but fairly quite with a mix of sunshine and cloud before it clouded over completely and it was raining by late morning.

Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus (see image) was again about in good numbers along with six Green-veined White Artogeia napi , two Comma Polygonia c-album form hutchinsoni , a few Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina and a single Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus .

The Longhorn Beetle Rutpela maculata (see image) totalled about six along with a single Longhorn Beetle Agapanthea villoviridescens (see image) .

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans were common, both males and females were noted and the female forms rufescens and violacea  were seen, along with smaller numbers of Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella again both males and females were present. At least two female Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum (see image) were also noted. No other damselflies or any dragonflies were seen.

A least two Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae , numerous Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris plus at least one Tree Wasp Vespula sylvestris (see image) and at least three species of Bumble Bee were on various flowers.

Several different Hoverfly species were about, numerous Pollen Beetle and various Fly species including Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria , Bluebottle Calliphorora vomitoria and Greenbottle Lucilia caesar .

Left, Longhorn Beetle Rutpela maculata and right, Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum female © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Longhorn Beetle Agapanthea villosoviridescens and right, Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus © Allan Parker ARPS

Tree Wasp Vespula sylvestris © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 28th

Bird news from Tony Elliott. 

T here was a certain four (4) Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus (three (3) were present on Sunday) and possibly five (5), two (2) Greenshank Tringa nebularia and a newly arrived, in summer plumage, Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa.

Photographed today near Sedum House by Peter Dawson is Musk Mallow Malva moschata

Musk Mallow Malva moschata © Peter Dawson

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘The morning was very dull which meant various camera adjustments, but I was first attracted to the Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense (see image) which is always attractive. Black Knapweed Centaurea nigra is now flowering, and populated by Pollen Beetle species and Potato Capsid Bug Calocoris norvegicus (see image).

On a Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare, I noticed some small orange-spotted beetles which appeared to be Glischrochilus hortensis (see image) which I am hoping Bob Marsh will confirm later (now confirmed) as it is possibly a new species for the Reserve.

The 'march' of the Cinnabar Tyria jacobaea caterpillars (see image) has now started on what is left of their Ragwort Senecio jacobaea food plants.

A frustrating half an hour was spent in Black Carr Field trying to pin down a very attractive Soldier Fly Stratiomys potamida or Stratiomys chamaeleon which just kept out of camera range so I was unable to determine which of the two species it was.

Finally as I came back over Hawthorn Bank I disturbed a young Roe Deer on the path’

Left, Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense and right, Pollen Beetle species and Potato Capsid Bug Calocoris norvegicus © Derek Bateson

Left, Beetle Glischrochilus hortensis and right, Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaea caterpillars © Derek Bateson

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Derek Bateson

Monday 27th

Another recent image taken on the Reserve shows a pair of Snipe Fly Chrysopilus cristatus mating, notice the difference between the male and the female with the her swollen abdomen, she almost looks like a different species.

Snipe Fly Chrysopilus cristatus pair mating © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 26th

John Hancox reports:-

Once again we surveyed Loversall Bank, Loversall Delph and Loversall Field. The stiflingly hot weather meant that the butterflies were mostly very active.

The butterfly transect along Loversall Bank yielded a count of fifty-four (54) comprising mainly Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus (36) and Green-veined White Artogeia napi (13). The total is up slightly on 2010 (40) mainly due to increased numbers of Green-veined White Artogeia napi , but is substantially down on the long term average seventy-eight (78).

Other species seen, not necessarily on the transect, included Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae , Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus and Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus , Comma Polygonia c-album and Large White Pieris brassicae .

The total number of Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus seen was sixty-eight (68), including the transect count. This species reach their peak in late June / early July.

There were relatively few damselflies and the only dragonflies seen were a Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata and a female Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum .

Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata © John Hancox

Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina © John Hancox

Allan Parker reports:-

A very hot and humid morning with a south easterly breeze meant that my planned walk along Cottage Drain was soon terminated as it was to breezy for photography.

Everything was very active and presented little opportunity for photos to be taken.

In the short distance I covered Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus proved to be numerous and was the only butterfly species seen apart from two Green-veined White Artogeia napi .

Longhorn Beetle Rutpela maculata were very active around Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria flowers hardly settling at all, at least a dozen were seen.  A single Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae (see image) was present along with several different species of Hoverfly.

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans were common including at least to females of the form rufescens but only about six Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella were noted.

Several Brown-lipped Snail Cepaea nemoralis (see image) were on damp vegetation (from the overnight rain) and several Thunder Fly (Horse Fly / Deer Fly) Chrysops relictus (see image) were active along with the Mosquito and Midge clans only kept at bay by liberal coatings of insect repellent.

I then called it a day and returned to the Field Centre and met up with JH and in the company of Maureen we went along Loversall Bank, through the Delph to the Loversall Field Ponds. Having not seen the ponds for about a month I was shocked at the reduction in water levels. A report from JH will follow.

Left, Thunder Fly (Horse Fly / Deer Fly) Chrysops relictus and right Brown-lipped Snail © Allan Parker ARPS.

Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae © Allan Parker ARPS

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans © Allan Parker ARPS

Saturday 25th

John Hancox reports:-

I had a walk today with Maureen down Loversall Bank to the Loversall Field ponds. We counted over forty (40) Ringlets Aphantopus hyperantus on Loversall Bank itself with a few more at Loversall Delph.

In Loversall Field there was a Comma Polygonia c-album form hutchinsoni . Also at Loversall Field, there was a female Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum (see image), the all-black legs and the black "T" shaped mark on the thorax are diagnostic.

Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum © John Hancox

Below are three images, taken on the Reserve and from the camera of Peter Dawson. The first image shows a Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus at Willow Pool, the second a mated pair of Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus in Corbett Field and the third a Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis in the Decoy Marsh area. The later making a welcome return to the Reserve after a very long absence.

Left, Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and right, Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus mated pair © Peter Dawson.

Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis © Peter Dawson.

Derek Bateson reports:-

' A very warm and humid day and the Mosquitoes were very active!

The sun had coaxed out a good crop of Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus, which allowed me a decent shot with the wings open (see image). I counted up to fifteen specimens and there were probably two or three more.

I then found a large female spider Nursery Web Spider Pisaura mirabilis, guarding her large egg cocoon (see image), a structure 3” by 2” sheathed in silken threads.

The female Pheasant Phasianus colchicus then appeared, but only one chick seems to have survived (see image). Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and other flowers held some six or seven Longhorn Beetles Rutpela maculata, and I have included two images to show the wide diversity in markings. At first, I thought the darker of the two was Strangalia quadrifasciata but that as all black legs .

A Beetle Lagria hirta (see image) with very hairy elytra, not dissimilar to a Cardinal Beetle was photographed, and I asked Bob Marsh if he could identify this.   He came up with the ID and also stated that :- ‘It's usually a very common thing in May and June in damp places - it's been very prominent this year after a few years of not being very noticeable. The Beetle often comes to light on warm evenings.’

Also a black Mirid Bug Caspus ater was seen, but I can’t ID this yet (see image).

Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria is now flowering.’

Left, Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus and right, Pheasant Phasianus colchicus © Derek Bateson .

Nursery Web Spider Pisaura mirabilis © Derek Bateson.

Longhorn Beetles Rutpela maculata  © Derek Bateson.

Left, Beetle Lagria hirta and right, Mirid Bug Caspus ater © Derek Bateson.

Friday 24th

More images from yesterday along Cottage Drain are shown below.

Left Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca and right St. John's Wort Hypericum species © Allan Parker ARPS.

Left, Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans rufescens female and right, Crane-fly Tipula oleracea © Allan Parker ARPS.

Thursday 23rd

Allan Parker reports:-

With a morning that was cloudy with a quite strong breeze the sheltered Cottage Drain area was the best choice though it was very wet in the long vegetation and somewhat quiet though. I did have two species that were new for myself on the Reserve.

The first appeared as a green lump on a Greater Burdock Arctium lappa leaf which on close examination proved to be a Tortoise Beetle Cassida viridis and the second was a tiny bright yellow fly with iridescent emerald green eyes and patterned wings which proved to be the Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae.

Numerous other fly species were resting on various leaves due to the cool weather which thank goodness seemed to be keeping the Mosquito and Midge populations quiet.

Several Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis were seen.   The Cranefly Tipula oleracea was noted in several different places along the Drain.

Good numbers of Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus were about but these were the only butterfly species seen.

Up to thirty Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans were noted including a female of the form rufescens but only three Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and just a single dragonfly which proved to be a female Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum .

Other invertebrates noted included Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae , up to six different Hoverfly species were noted and Bumble Bee species included a Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum and several Bombus terrestris .

Various flowering plants were proving attractive to the insects many of which had large numbers of Pollen Beetle species on them. These included Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium , St. John's Wort Hypericum species , Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris , Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare various Vetch species and many others.

A male Blackcap Sylvia attricapilla was singing in competition with a very noisy loud Wren Troglodytes troglodytes (I think the Wren was winning) and a family party of Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula were in the trees along the Drain

Left, Tortoise Beetle Cassida viridis and right, Picture-winged Fly Chaetorellia jaceae © Allan Parker ARPS.

Left, Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum and right, Bluebottle Calliphorora vomitoria © Allan Parker ARPS

Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium flowers © Allan Parker ARPS

Bird news from Susan Parker:-

A single Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa was on Piper Marsh where a Cuckoo was also noted and the Kingfisher Alcedo atthis pair were feeding, judging by the size of the fish taken into the nest hole, small young.

A Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia was singing out in the open on Huxter Well Marsh. Also present on the West Scrape was a second Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa , a Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula , a Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius and a Common Tern Sterna hirundo was also seen.

Michael Bird reports:-

One Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis was still on Cell 2b but was hard to see among the short reeds.   Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus and Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis were on Cell 2a.

Along the path and in the fields in the St Catherine's area were several Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus , all low down in the grass along with at least two Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris plus one unidentified dragonfly, the only one I saw today. More Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus were seen in Hawthorn Field.

Several Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita were singing along Willow Bank and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula were seen at the Division Drain bridge.

Wednesday 22nd

Derek Bateson reports:-

' The forecast promised mixed weather and there were a couple of light showers, but there were quite a few invertebrates around, also a number of Toad Bufo bufo 'toadlets' were seen.

Seven, possibly eight Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus (see image) were on the wing together with singles of Green-veined White Artogeia napi and Speckled Wood Parage aegeria .

On Nettle, there were large numbers of various Mirid Bug species and a Tree Damsel Bug Himacerus apterus (see image).

After the first rain shower, I watched a tiny snail, probably a Cepaea species (see image) enjoying the damp leaves.

A Cucumber Spider Araniella concurbitina was seen guarding her egg cocoon (see image). Figwort Scrophularia nodosa is now coming into flower, so I took a shot of the tiny but pretty flowers (see image). I next noticed a Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium flower starting to emerge, and this too seemed worth a shot (see image).

Next up was a single Thick-headed Fly Sicus ferriugineus, sheltering from the rain (see image). Several Bumble Bee were resting on leaves including a Bombus terrestris (see image), and one or two Buttercup flowers were heavily populated with one of the Pollen Beetle species (see image).

'Blue' Damselflies were present together with teneral Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa which kept out of camera range.’

Left, Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus and right, Tree Damsel Bug Himacerus apterus © Derek Bateson

Left, Snail probably a Cepaea species and right, Cucumber Spider Araniella concurbitina © Derek Bateson

Left, Figwort Scrophularia nodosa and right, Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium © Derek Bateson

Left, Thick-headed Fly Sicus ferriugineus and right, Bumble Bee Bombus terrestris © Derek Bateson

Pollen Beetles on Buttercup flower © Derek Bateson

Tuesday 21st

John Hancox as asked me to make aware to visitors to the Reserve that young Toad Bufo bufo ('Toadlets') are currently leaving the water and are everywhere so please take care not to tread on them. It can sometimes be almost impossible not to tread on them due to the extremely large numbers but please take care as they can be all over some of the paths as they migrate away from the water. This move from the water can involve thousands of young 'toadlets'.   PLEASE TAKE CARE.

Sunday 19th

During the period I have been away Ken Woolley made counts of the three Orchid species that are currently flowering on the Reserve. Counts were made on the 7th and the 14th and the following totals were recorded:-

Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa  a total of two-hundred and fifty-five (255) flower spikes

Common Spotted Orchid  Dactylorhiza fuchsii  a total of two-hundred and seventy-nine (279) flower spikes

Bee Orchid  Ophrys apifera a total of eight (8) flower spikes plus a possible single (1) in the Old Decoy Marsh area

Quite amazing totals for the first two species.

Please note that most of these orchids are in conservation areas not accessible to visitors so please view only from the paths.

Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Common Spotted Orchid  Dactylorhiza fuchsii  and right, Bee Orchid  Ophrys apifera © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘The morning started dull, but warm, and then about 11.00am there was a fine drizzle.

First of all I noticed a few nuts developing on one of our few Hazel Corylus avelans bushes (see image) which seemed to make a nice picture.

Midge and Mosquito species were very active, and I managed this close-up shot of Culiseta annulata, (see image), showing the long proboscis.

Several Crane-fly were about and JH spotted the attractively winged Ptychoptera contaminata (see image), and close by, was one of the Tipulidae species (see image) for comparison.

Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris is now starting to show well (see image).

This year there have been lots of small Damsel Bug species (see image), but I have not yet identified these with any accuracy. These have generally been accompanied on nettles with various Mirid Bug species, particularly Deraeocoris ruber (see image), an attractively marked species.

I then spotted a 'march' of the Aphids, on a Stinging (Common) Nettle Urtica dioica stem (see image), before the rain made it a little wet.

Several 'blue' Damselfly species were about, plus a couple of Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis , and near the Field Centre a single butterfly which could have been either a Speckled Wood Parage aegeria or a Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus .

Left, Hazel Corylus avelans developing nuts and right, Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris © Derek Bateson

Left, Culiseta annulata and right Aphids on Stinging (Common) Nettle © Derek Bateson

Left, Cranefly Ptychoptera contaminata and right Cranefly Tipulidae species © Derek Bateson

Left, Damsel Bug species and right Mirid Bug Deraeocoris ruber © Derek Bateson

Sue Bird reports: "On Piper Marsh there were 3 juvenile Redshanks and a Black-tailed Godwit that later moved to Huxter Well. The Kingfishers are on a second brood and a female Shoveler had 8 young. Greenshank, LRP, Ringed Plover and the Avocet and Oystercatcher families are still present. Four Common Buzzards were seen, one over Huxter Well and 2 over Piper Marsh, and later one was hunting on Rossington Carr Fields. HOBBY was also over Huxter Well in the afternoon. MEDITERRANEAN GULL was seen on cell 2a. A new brood of 3 Lapwings was on the Lagoon."

Allan will be updating the Wildlife News page from tomorrow (20th) and I would like to thank all those who have continued to send in reports and photos in the past two weeks (DC).

Emerald Damselfly at Potteric Carr on 18th June 2011 © Melissa Ollier

Saturday 18th
Today’s records were provided by Brian Buckle and Mick Bird:

Huxter Well was, as usual, the best place to see a good show of birds. The 4 adult and 4 juvenile AVOCETs remained feeding on West Scrape. From the Roger Mitchell Hide, 3 Oystercatcher adults including the pair with young (at least one), Little Ringed Plover, the pair of Mute Swans with 4 cygnets and 2 Redshanks. BLACK-NECKED GREBE, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Little Grebes were on one of the cells. Cell 2a held Pochard with 6 young, also MEDITERRANEAN GULL, and the Lagoon had 2 Lapwing chicks and Mallard with 6 small ducklings. A HOBBY was over St. Catherine’s Field and a Common Buzzard flew overhead. Also, the latter species was seen at Willow Pool. Kestrels appeared at Huxter Well and near the Field Centre.

Piper Marsh had Kingfisher, Ringed Plover and a Pied Wagtail with four young. A Kingfisher was also seen along the Mother Drain and several times at WillowPool. A faamily party of 4 Willow Tits were seen atop umbellifers beside Cottage Drain. Song Thushes were seen near Cottage Drain Hide and on a lamp post on the A6182 link road. There was a report of Red-legged Partridge with newly hatched young on Willow Bank during this week, and late news for yesterday morning was a Black-tailed Godwit on bank between the Lagoon and cell (TE).

Other wildlife included toadlets crossing a number of Reserve footpaths. Hares at West Scrape and the edge of Beeston Plantation. Mullein moth caterpillars were on figwort beside Cottage Drain path. 7 Ringlets were counted (5 in Hawthorn Field, 1 Mother Drain and 1 in front of Decoy Lake Hide), see new photo below. Odonata were very scarce today.

Little Egret at Potteric Carr on 17th June 2011 © Ray Schofield

Ringlet at Potteric Carr on 14th June 2011 © Alwyn Timms

Friday 17th
The breeding pair of Mediterranean Gulls present for over seven weeks remain at the Huxter Well nest-site island, where their young are evidently hidden from view by tall vegetation. A nesting attempt by a pair of Black-necked Grebes appears to have failed, with neither adult accompanied by any young. Huxter Well hosted a female Marsh Harrier and a Greenshank (SMB, RWB). Little Egret was photographed (RS) and a Kingfisher was at Willow Marsh.

More bird photos taken at Potteric Carr this week...

Mediterranean Gull at Huxter Well Marsh, 16th June 2011 © Ray Schofield

Kingfisher © Ray Collins

Blackcap © Alwyn Timms

Thursady 16th
The just-published YNU Yorkshire Bird Report 2009 is now on sale at the Potteric Carr Shop. Great value at £10 for a full report on the status of all birds in Yorkshire, including some Potteric Carr records for that year.

Report on moth trapping for the night of 15th June 2011 by Ian Heppenstall, Moth Recorder:

"The moth trap was operational once again on Wednesday night, 15th June, and produced a decent haul comprising 77 species, nothing new but one particularly interesting record was of a single Blackneck Lygephila pastinum. The only previous Potteric Carr example was recorded as long ago as 1974! The moth, whose larva feeds on Tufted Vetch, is certainly scarce in Yorkshire. The average annual countywide total is generally less than 5. So it’s good to know that the species is still present on Potteric Carr. Other species recorded last night included Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae , Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor , Drinker Euthrix potatoria , Blotched Emerald Comibaena bajularia , Poplar Grey Acronicta megacephala , Figure of Eighty Tethea ocularis , Purple Clay Diarsia brunnea, Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata and Epermenia falciformis."

A field note from Alwyn Timms: "The two photos (below) are part of a series that I took at Potteric Carr recently, of Azure Damselflies attacking an Emperor Dragonfly. The first photo was taken on 2nd June of an Emperor Dragonfly which finally came to rest after two hours constant patrolling over the pond. After relentlessly bombarding the Emperor Dragonfly, one of the Azure Damselflies then had the audacity to land on the Emperor's back,  causing it much irritation. Look at the size difference! The second photo of Azures attacking a female Emperor whilst she was busy ovipositing was taken 12 days later on 14th June. Both photos were taken at the Loversall Field Ponds."

An Azure Damselfly on the back of an Emperor Dragonfly at Loversall Field Ponds © Alwyn Timms

Azure Damselflies 'buzzing' an Emperor Dragonfly on 14th June 2011 © Alwyn Timms

One of the fast-growing Avocet youngsters on West Scrape, 15th June 2011 © Peter Clelford

Magpie and Jay in a squabble at Willow Pool on 15th June 2011 © Ray Collins

A mating pair of Large Skippers, Potteric Carr, 15th June 2011 © Ray Collins

Common Spotted Orchid, Potteric Carr, 15th June 2011 © Peter Clelford

Wednesday 15th
The appearance of an adult Roe Deer and kid at the edge of the Reserve this week resulted in two fantastic photos (below). Anyone visiting Potteric Carr will notice that the A6182 link road widening from the Potteric Carr Roundabout and going over the East Coast Main Line has started. This is affecting the overflow car park near the main entrance to the Reserve. Every effort will be made to ensure that enough parking areas are available to visitors on busy days. There is some good news for all YWT members concerning the Spurn National Nature Reserve, East Yorkshire. Members now have a concession to drive along the peninsula and park without having to pay a vehicle entry fee.

Roe Deer © Ray Schofield

Roe Deer kid © Ray Schofield

One of two hairy caterpillars of the Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa moth found at Loversall Delph © John Hancox

Kingfisher at Potteric Carr this week © Ray Schofield

Tuesday 14th
A nice sunny day saw the temperature rise to 25ºC later in the afternoon.

Update on breeding birds: The Mediterranean Gull was again seen at the nest-site island today (BGAB). A new brood of 8 Pochard ducklings were on the Lagoon, however, two had disappeared a short while later. The pair of Oystercatchers actually have 3 chicks (one more than originally seen) and were on Huxter Well cell 1b. An interesting observation has been sent in by John Evans as follows: 'On Monday evening (13th June) at 8.30pm  an Oystercatcher was observed gathering food (not feeding) at Willow School playing fields, Bessacarr. The bird was observed with a group of Woodpigeons for several minutes, probing the ground softened by recent rain before flying off in the direction of Potteric Carr carrying an earthworm in its beak. Ten minutes later one was seen flying in again, viewed from Stoops Lane, back towards Willow School.' Bird recorders at the Reserve are aware of a feeding pattern which takes Oystercatchers over to Short Lane Fields, but this observation adds to the areas they use and further corroborates that the green open spaces/ buffer areas around Potteric Carr provide important feeding sites for breeding species like this Ed. A third adult Oystercatcher visited Huxter Well Marsh today. The Lagoon held a newly hatched Lapwing chick and also an almost full-grown juvenile. The two pairs of breeding AVOCETs remained on West Scrape with their growing 4 juveniles. On a cell 1b island the nesting pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls emerged from the nest-site with 2 small chicks, the second successive year they jave producing young at Potteric Carr. A Water Rail juvenile was photographed on Willow Marsh from Cottage Drain Hide (PKG). A family party of Bullfinches (pair and 3 young) appeared near Piper Marsh Hide. The two pairs of Mute Swans on Huxter Well still have 10 cygnets (broods of six and four). A family party of 16 Long-tailed Tits flew over Mother Drain.

A rarely photographed juvenile Water Rail, Willow Marsh, 14th June 2011 © Pete Greaves

One of the juvenile Avocets on West Scrape, 14th June 2011 © Helen Womack

Other birds today: An adult male White Wagtail showed on Piper Marsh late afternoon (DC, SMB, RWB, HW) and was photographed. A Common Tern spent most of the day on Huxter Well Marsh (RWB, SMB, DC). There were single Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers on the marsh and 50 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present. Common Buzzards were seen over Beeston Wood (3) and Seven Arches Carr. Two different Kestrels were seen to carry off voles from Huxter Well, one in the direction of Rossington Carr Fields and the other towards Willow Marsh. A Kingfisher showed in several locations. Song Thrush was noted, also Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Stock Doves. A Grey Heron took a number of fish from Piper Marsh which is now 20cm below its normal summer level.

Derek's report for today: "Today I took a circular walk to see if anything new turned up, and on the butterfly front this produced five Large Skippers, a Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta , the first I have seen this year [one was also seen in front of Duchess Hide Ed .]. Quite a common moth today was Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendula , but they were very flighty in the warm sunlight. On the Main Access Track I photographed the attractive flower of Goat’s Beard Tragopogon pratensis (image). There were many Common Green Capsid Bugs Lygocoris pabulinus (image). Lacewings too were plentiful, also in several locations the Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosea (image). The dragonfly ponds produced an Emperor Dragonfly, also a Broad-bodied Chaser, plus another in Loversall Delph. All three ‘blue’ damselflies were seen, also two, possibly three teneral Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa. Along Loversall Bank on an umbel of Hogweed was a hoverfly which caught my eye. I managed a couple of not very good images, but this appears to be another new species for the Reserve, Leucozona laternaria (image). This will be difficult to determine as the image is not of top quality. Finally, along Loversall Bank the striking Beech tree Fagus sylvatica was covered in mast (image) which prompted me to try a shot of the attractive case"

Goat’s Beard Tragopogon pratensis 14th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Common Green Capsid Bugs Lygocoris pabulinus 14th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Hoverfly Leucozona laternaria 14th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosea 14th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Beech mast developing 14th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

A further image from Sunday was a Digger Wasp Ectemnius continuus which, as far as I [DB] can see, is a new Reserve species record.

Digger Wasp Ectemnius continuu at Potteric Carr on 12th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Other wildlife news a Roe Deer, and last Saturday a good number of toadlets were seen. An Emperor Dragonfly was photographe by Pete Greaves (image).

A magnificent Emperor Dragonfly at Potteric Carr on 14th June 2011 © Pete Greaves

Monday 13th
An adult Mederranean Gull was photographed on cell 2a this morning (TE).

Adult Mediterranean Gull, Huxter Well Marsh, 13th June 2011 © Tony Elliott

A female Emerald Damselfly around the ponds in Loversall Field yesterday is believed to be the first for this year (JH). The species is illustrated below with an image from John's Potteric Carr photo collection.

Emerald Damselfly © John Hancox

Derek Bateson's report for Sunday 12th:

"I started early today because of the weather forecast and as I arrived I saw my first Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus (image), this was soon followed by a Speckled Wood, also Green-veined White Artogeia napi . Several Common Wasps Vespula vulgaris (image) were getting drunk on nectar, and a number of bees (species unknown) had full pollen baskets (image). An interesting Digger Wasp Ectemnius continuus was then spotted and this may be new to the Reserve. The three ‘blue’ damselflies were all present in numbers, plus a Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula , which had caught a Mirid Bug, with discarded elytra on nearby. Several Lacewings Chrysopa perla (image), both male and female were seen, also numerous predatory Damsel Bugs, species not determined, and later one was seen sidling towards a Mirid Bug Deraeocoris ruber with evil intent. One of the most difficult sawflies to photograph Tenthredo livida (image), paused its antennae waving long enough for me to get a decent shot. Many other inverts were seen plus an unidentified egg mass on a Phragmites leaf, and lots of galls on Field Maple, probably Aceria sp ."

Large Skipper, 12th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Common Wasp, 12th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Bee sp., 12th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Lacewing Chrysopa perla , 12th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

The sawfly Tenthredo livida on 12th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Sunday 12th

A fine morning but the afternoon turned cooler when much needed rain showers lowered the temperature. The morning produced 3 Kingfishers at Willow Pool. The 4 adult and 4 juvenile AVOCETs remained on West Scrape and two additional adults were on cell 1b. A Greenshank was seen during today's WeBS count on cell 3a (GF, LF) as well as a Reserve total of 162 Gadwalls logged. Black-headed Gull chicks were numerous at the Huxter Well colony, but unfortunately there was no sign of the nesting pair of Mediterranean Gulls. The Oystercatcher pair was, however, on the nesting island in cell 1b and 3 juv Pied Wagtails frequented the West Scrape. A female Pheasant with 3 young and Gadwall with 6 young on Decoy Marsh were new. 3 Redshanks were noted, and a single LRP was on West Scrape. 2 Common Buzzards were seen over the Field Centre. A Weasel ran along the main drive.

Grypocoris stysi at Potteric Carr on last Sunday's Springwatch Event day © Nicola Stables

Thistle Gall Fly on Oxeye Daisy at Potteric Carr on 5th June 2011 © Brian Spence

Late news from yesterday, 11th June, observed by Mick Bird and Brian Buckle:

Piper Marsh had  a cream-crown MARH HARRIER, Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Swifts and House Martins, but no sign of any nesting Sand Martins this year. Huxter Well Marsh had 2 Common Buzzards over, with West Scrape still holding the 4 adult and 4 juvenile AVOCETs. Oystercatcher with 2 young is good news. Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Mallard with 6 new young, Great Crested Grebes with young and Pochard with 3 young on cell 2b. A Black-tailed Godwit was present on cell 1a. Kestral was in St. Catherine's Field.

Near the observation screen a male 4-spot Chaser was eating a large blue damselfly. Only a very few other dragonflies were seen today. The only butterflies seen were single Large Skipper along the St. Catherine's Field path, Large White near the pumping station, and 3 Speckled Woods.

Saturday 11th
Last Sunday's Springwatch Event at Potteric Carr attracted a record number of over 400 visitors. Yesterday, a Kingfisher was photographed with a fish at Willow Pool (image below).

Kingfisher at Willow Pool on 10th June 2011 © David Roberts

Friday 10th
The summary of May's birds at Potteric Carr by RWB is linked to (33 KB PDF).

Meadow Brown at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Peter Dawson

'Hairy Pea Gall'  on Salix species, probably caused by the Sawfly Pontania pedunculi © Peter Dawson

Thursday 9th
Common Spotted Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid and Bee Orchid are all in flower on the Reserve.

Bee Orchid at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Helen Womack

Derek Bateson reports:

"Although rain was forecast for later, it was quite warm and sunny for most of the morning and a lot of invertebrates were noted including our three 'blue' damselflies, but no 'Red-eyes' were seen. This year seems to be good for carpet moths and two species were seen today, together with a good specimen of Bloodvein Timandra griseata (image) .

Bloodvein at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Next up was a Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis, quickly followed by an unidentified fly and a small bee, but both quite interesting (images when IDs known). The Thick-headed Fly Sicus ferrugineus was photographed (image), and on an adjoining plant, two entirely different Harlequin Ladybirds Harmonia axyridis, one being f. spectabilis (one image shown).

Harlequin Ladybirds Harmonia axyridis at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Thick-headed Fly Sicus ferrugineus at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Nine different hoverfly species were seen and the least common were Anisimya sp. and Epistrophe nitidicollis (image) .

The hoverfly Epistrophe nitidicollis at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

We have been noticing a number of very fat Leaf Beetles, Chrysolina polita this year , and I am wondering if these are females about to lay eggs, or specimens which have been parasitized, maybe by ichneumons? The first Longhorn Beetle to be spotted toda y was Agapanthea villosoviridescens, followed quickly by my first of the Strangalia group this year, now re-named Rutpela maculata (image) . Again no butterflies or dragonflies were seen"

The longorn beetle Rutpela maculata at Potteric Carr on 9th June 2011 © Derek Bateson

Amongst the birds a Kestrel was seen over Rossington Carr Fields. Breeding figures for Huxter Well Marsh are being estimated but already we have a provisional number of pairs for some species that bred on this part of the Reserve, and these include (all given as pairs): Mute Swan (2), Great Crested Grebe (6), Avocet (3), Ringed Plover (1), Little Ringed Plover (3), Oystercatcher (1), Lapwing (9), Redshank (3), Mediterranean Gull (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Black-headeed Gull (70), Skylark (1). Common Whiethroat, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting were all up on last year but their numbers/territories are still under assessment.

Kestrel (FOPC library image)

Following an enquiry by RWB, it has been discovered that the UK Ruddy Duck cull has been extended for at least another year as FERA's newsletter describes (476 KB PDF). The cull has reduced the British population of Ruddy Ducks from over 4000 to circa 90. Since there are birdwatchers both for and against the eradication, it seems that the species' fate is sealed.

Tuesday 7th
Huxter Well Marsh produced most of today's bird interest. LITTLE EGRETs had increased to 3 (KL), a cream-crown MARSH HARRIER was watched for about five minutes in the morning (TF) and 3 Dunlins and a HOBBY were logged. What was probably the same Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit found a few days ago were still present on the marsh. Other waders included the 4 AVOCETs with 4 young on West Scrape, Little Ringed Plover (2), Oystercatcher and Redshank (3).

One of the Little Egrets on the Lagoon on 7th June 2011 © Pete Greaves

Three Common Buzards, Sparrowhawk carrying prey and a Kestrel added to the day’s raptor list. New broods of Pochard (5yg), Tufted Duck (8yg) and Mute Swan (4yg) all appered on Huxter Well. Amongst the smaller birds a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER at St. Catherine’s Copse was the best find (RWB, AMc). Song Thrush and Willow Tit were noted and there were 2 Green Woodpeckers at Beeston Plantation and 1 near Hawthorn Field. Provisional results of this year’s Potteric Carr survey of Willow Tits indicates that four to five pairs held territories around the Reserve. Therefore, the site remains an important stronghold for this declining, UK red-listed tit. However, planned building developments around Potteric Carr could completely isolate the population. A super set of photographs were taken by Robin Mokryj of Willow Tit feeding young at Potteric Carr, including the images below.

Willow Tit adult feeding fledged young at Potteric Carr © Robin Mokryj

© Robin Mokryj

Non-bird news included a Common Blue along Willow Bank and a number of Banded Damselflies on Mother Drain. A couple of rain showers followed KW’s rain dance but this only freshened up the vegetation and was not enough to improve on the falling water levels.

Monday 6th
Late spring sunshine for most of the day, with many flying insects providing a food source for lots of birds feeding their young. 30 Swifts performed an air display over Huxter Well Marsh, where Black-headed Gulls were also in pursuit of airborne insects. The nesting pair of MEDITERRANEAN GULLs' behaviour has changed and one regularly took flight from the concealed nest-site (occupied since late April) — this is a new breeding bird for Potteric Carr, the 102nd species to have bred at the site since it became a nature reserve in 1968. Further tremendous news is that four young AVOCET chicks have so far survived the threat from predators on West Scrape.

Juvenile Kingfisher at Willow Pool on 5th June 2011 © Robin Mokryj

Avocet (FOPC library image)

With three months of probably the driest spring ever recorded in our region, water levels on parts of the Reserve may be causing stress to certain aquatic species. For example, East Scrape has dried out, West Scrape and the Lagoon at Huxter Well Marsh are at well below optimum levels and other water-bodies are lower than desired. Cell 4, which had been stocked with Rudd several years ago, is seriously low and attracting hunting Grey Herons. Unfortunately, the Environment Agency has had to prevent YWT from abstracting any water from the Mother Drain to conserve the SSI watercourse itself. Plenty of rainfall is therefore the only solution.

A juvenile Kingfisher was again seen from Willow Pool Hide. There was a newly hatched Lapwing chick on the Lagoon and single Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, with another on cell 1b. Female Pochard appeared with three new young. Oystercatchers are still attempting nest, with a pair on cell 1b, the sitting Lesser Black-backed Gull remains, and Mute Swans with six cygnets were still on cell 2a. Two Wigeon present and 2 Common Buzzards were observed from Hawthorn Bank Hide. Three Tawny Owl young have fledged.

Sunday 5th

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘ Another cool start to the morning and initially not much invertebrate life was on the move so I wandered over to a large group of Ox-Eye Daisy near the Pumping Station, where several flowers contained the Malachite Beetle Malachius bipustulatus, (see image) which is a metallic green colour with two red spots at the rear of the abdomen.

I then went down Cottage Drain out of the wind and was soon joined by JH. We continued down the drain and found a web of Peacock Inachis io caterpillars (see image) on Common (Stinging Nettle) Urtica dioica . Close by was the commonly found Cranefly Tipula oleracea and this was a female (see image).

Seven, maybe eight species of Hoverfly were noted, one of which was an undetermined Cheilosia species, (see image). By this time, several Snipe-fly Chrysopilus cristatus (image) were sunning themselves on leaves.

One small, but quite attractive spider was seen, guarding its egg-mass, but I was unable to identify it, hopefully Richard Wilson may be able to.

We then noticed some Dock Rumex species leaves that had been almost decimated and we found several 1/4” long, black shiny Green Dock Beetle Gastrophysa viridula larvae (see image) which I have referred to Bob Marsh to see if he can identify them.

Damselfly today were very sparse, but we did see all three 'blue' species. Only one butterfly, a Speckled Wood Parage aegeria, was seen on our way back to the Field Centre.

Scorpion-fly were still around plus at least three species of Sawfly.

Moths, in particular various species of Carpet Moth were quite numerous, plus a few Micro-moths.’

Left, Malachite Beetle Malachius bipustulatus and right, Peacock Inachis io caterpillars © Derek Bateson

Left, Cranefly Tipula oleracea and right, Snipe-fly Chrysopilus cristatus © Derek Bateson

Left, Hoverfly Cheilosia species and right unidentified Spider with egg mass © Derek Bateson

Green Dock Beetle Gastrophysa viridula larvae on Dock leaf © Derek Bateson

Saturday 4th

BGAB/MAB news:-

A Green Woodpecker Picus viridis was seen at the laid hedge near Adams field. Two Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa were on the Lagoon. The Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus was still on the Cell 2a island and a Little Egret Egretta garzetta was on Cell 3a.

We were told that four Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta chicks were still on the West scape and two Buzzard Buteo buteo were seen over M18 motorway.

A buck and a doe Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus were seen in the Oil-seed Rape field next to Willow Bank.

Several Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera were out along Willow Bank and also here was Orange Hawkweed (Fox and Cubs) Pilosella aurantiaca .

Only a few dragonfly were seen which included Four spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata in front of the Cottage Drain hide plus Emperor Anax imperator and a male Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa on the left of the Decoy Marsh hide. A pair of Large Red Damselfly P yrrhosoma nymphula and a male Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens were near the footbridge over Mother Drain.

A Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus was seen on Vipers Bugloss near Sedum House and single Peacock Inachis io , Speckled Wood Parage aegeria and Small White Artogeia rapae were only other butterfly species seen.

Left, Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera and right Orange Hawkweed (Fox and Cubs) Pilosella aurantiaca © Allan Parker ARPS

John Hancox reports:-

Went down to the Reserve this morning since it was a nice day. However, not much about, very quiet including people. The only interesting thing was a number of Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus which I think are the first for the year but to quick for me to manage a photograph.

Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus © Allan Parker ARPS

Thursday 2nd

There was a single Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa in front of the Duchess Hide at 5.30am this morning. Tony Elliott.

Jessica Patterson aged fourteen took this image of a Jay Garrulus glandarius from the Willow Pool Hide, she says it is her first bird photograph.

Jay Garrulus glandarius © Jessica Patterson

Peter Dawson, on a recent visit to the Reserve, took this image of a Small Magpie Moth Eurrhypara hortulata to show its undersides.

Small Magpie Moth Eurrhypara hortulata © Peter Dawson

Wednesday 1st

More images from yesterday are below and they show an unidentified Sawfly larvae, a male Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and a probable Early Bumble Bee Bombus pratorum . Also below is an image of a female Longhorn Moth Nemophora degeerella photographed by Derek Bateson and mentioned in is report from yesterday along with the Mirid Bug Calocoris stysi also mentioned.

Left, unidentified Sawfly larvae and right, Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella male © Allan Parker ARPS.

Probable Early Bumble Bee Bombus pratorum © Allan Parker ARPS

Left,  Longhorn Moth Nemophora degeerella female and right, Mirid Bug Calocoris stysi © Derek Bateson

May

Tuesday 31st

'Quite an interesting morning with three of the usual photographers keeping out of the wind along Cottage Drain. As it was much warmer, the three 'blue' damselfly species were much evidence, but again no dragonflies were seen

Midges were biting and the first few Horse-fly Chrysops sp. appeared.

Hoverflies of seven or eight species were seen, and the most interesting of these (see image), could be another new species for the Reserve as it appears to be Brachypalpoides lenta, normally a southern species, but who knows?

Ladybird of four species were seen, including Harlequin, but a pair of 14-spots, Propylea 14-punctata (see image), were intent on their own business.

A colourful Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosae, (see image) was next to appear and another differently coloured instar of the Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes.

A Mirid Bug Calocoris stysi was seen by the three of us, and I then found a Potter (Mason) Wasp Ancistrocerus antilope (see image).

Several spiders were sunning themselves on leaves and a Large-jawed Orb Web Spider Tetragnatha extensa (see image) was stretching out its legs in the familiar pose. A Longhorn Moth Nemophora degeerella was quite cooperative. This is a female with considerably shorter antennae.

One Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines butterfly together with a Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni and two Green-veined White Artogeia napi were also noted.

At least seven Bumble Bee species were seen , and the Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum was again seen in several locations.

Left, Hoverfly Brachypalpoides lenta and right, 14-spot Ladybird Propylea 14-punctata © Derek Bateson.

Left, Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosae and right, Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes instar © Derek Bateson.

Left, Large-jawed Orb Web Spider Tetragnatha extensa and right, Potter (Mason) Wasp Ancistrocerus antilope © Derek Bateson.

After Derek left us to return along Cottage Drain, Stuart and myself continue further along but not seeing anything different until we turned back when we had a freshly emerged female Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum that was very cooperative. The close-up image clearly shows the 'facial mask' on the thorax. (AP)

Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum © Allan Parker ARPS.

After lunch we took a walk from the Field Centre along Loversall Bank through Loversall Delph to the ponds in Loversall Field.

Eight flower spikes of Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii were counted, Dog Rose Rosa cannina and Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare were prolific. The ponds had a total of five patrolling male Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata and numerous mated pairs of mainly Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans were busy egg laying along with a single pair of Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula.

Good numbers of Common (Smooth) Newt Triturus vulgaris were seen but no Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus. There were lots of Whirligig Beetle Gyrinus natator, Pond Skater Gerris species, Water Boatman Notonecta species and various Diving Beetle Dytiscus species all present. On our way back through the Delph we came across a rather lethargic Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum on an Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare and a Longhorn Beetle Agapanthea villoviridescens.

Left, Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii and right, Dog Rose Rosa cannina © Allan Parker ARPS

Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Longhorn Beetle Agapanthea villoviridescens and right, Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum © Allan Parker ARPS

Below are two images of a female Sabre Wasp (Giant Ichneumon Fly) Rhyssa persuasoria taken today on Hawthorn Bank by Peter Dawson.

Sabre Wasp (Giant Ichneumon Fly) Rhyssa persuasoria female © Peter Dawson

Sunday 29th

Derek Bateson reports:-

' Today was still very breezy and a little cool so for the first hour only a few damselflies were seen and I was looking for examples of the Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas, but without success.

Many of the Ox-Eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare held Pollen Beetle Oedemera lurida (see image) one of two similar species, this being the duller of the two.

Next up was a Brown-lipped Snail, Cepaea nemoralis (see image).

Some eight Hoverfly species were noted, but perhaps the most unusual of these was Cheilosia illustrata showing its distinctive dark wing cloud (see image).

Three Sawfly species, Tenthredo livida, Tenthredo mesomelas, and the Wheatstem Borer Cephus pygmaeus were all photographed (see images).

A Forest Bug instar Pentatoma rufipes (see image), might be compared with that taken by Peter Dawson a few days ago.

Finally, what I think is another Cranefly probably Ptychoptera species, a female (see image) with what appears to be a vicious ovipositor at the end of the abdomen.’

Left, Pollen Beetle Oedemera lurida and right, Brown-lipped Snail, Cepaea nemoralis © Derek Bateson

Left, Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes instar and right, Sawfly Tenthredo livida © Derek Bateson

Left, Sawfly Tenthredo mesomelas and right, Wheatstem Borer Cephus pygmaeus © Derek Bateson

Left Hoverfly Cheilosia illustrata and right Cranefly probable Ptychoptera species a female © Derek Bateson

Andy ? reports:-

St. Catherine's Field had both Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum and Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans plus one Green-veined White Butterfly Artogeia napi .

On Huxter Well Marsh, Cell 1a had one Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Cell 1b had one Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious, one Dunlin Calidris alpina , one Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus and two male Wigeon Anas penelope.

The West Scrape had one Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula and two pair of Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta both with young.

Piper Marsh had one Redshank Tringa totanus and a pair of Tufted Duck Athya fuligula still with two young.

In Loversall Field there was a singing Garden Warbler Sylvia borin.

An adult Coal Tit Periparus ater with two fledglings was near the South Yorkshire Joint Railway bridge.

Saturday 28th

Bird news:-

Not much news but one pair of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta have three chicks today, (maybe none tomorrow). Expect other pair expected to hatch their eggs in the next few days as both pairs laid about same time.

Five Dunlin Calidris alpina, Redshank Tringa totanus and three Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius were seen on Cell 1b.

Pochard Athya ferina with six young were in Mother Drain and Tufted Duck Athya fuligula with two young were on Piper Marsh.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis seen at Piper Marsh and under the footbridge over Mother Drain. Reported pair of Water Rail Railus aquaticus noted with two young on Low Ellers last Wednesday before Low Ellers water level was pumped up. (Michael Bird)

The images below were taken at various sites on the the Reserve recently by Ray Collins. The Midge Chironomid species was taken in Childers Wood, the Mirid Bug Dryophilocoris flavoquadrimaculatus and Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosae in Corbett Wood, the Sawfly Dolerus species in Corbett Field, the mating Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria in Loversall Delph and the Sawfly Tenthredo arcuata along Cottage Drain.

Left, Midge Chironomid species and right, Mirid Bug Dryophilocoris flavoquadrimaculatus © Ray Collins

Left, Sawfly Dolerus species and right Sawfly Tenthredo arcuata © Ray Collins

Left, Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosae and right, Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria pair mating © Ray Collins

Friday 27th

Dog Rose Rosa cannina bushes are in full flower on the reserve at this time and can produce very attractive images as well as attracting many insect species.  Zooming in close with a macro shows the delicate colour and veining of this very pretty flower. Its a bonus when a pair of Longhorn Beetle Rhagium mordax decide to mate inside one of the flowers, note the tremendous difference in size between the male and the female. I will leave you to decide which is which but I guess he's not going to win many arguments. (Allan Parker ARPS)

Dog Rose Rosa cannina © Allan Parker ARPS

Longhorn Beetle Rhagium mordax mating pair on Dog Rose Rosa cannina © Allan Parker ARPS

Peter Dawson took the two images below on the Reserve today.  The Common Toad Bufo bufo was in Loversall Delph pond and the 16-spot Ladybird Halyzia 16-guttata was close to the Field Centre.

Left, Common Toad Bufo bufo and right, 16-spot Ladybird Halyzia 16-guttata © Peter Dawson

Thursday 26th

This image below was taken by John Shepherd in Loversall Delph Copse during the late afternoon of Tuesday 24th and shows a Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum a species that was first noted on Sunday 22nd by John Hancox along Cottage Drain. He appealed for any one seeing one on the Reserve to try and get an image. This superb photograph confirms, without doubt, that John wasn't hallucinating.

This is another new species for the reserve.

Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum © John Shepherd.

Wednesday 25th

John Hancox reports:-

Rob Mokryj sent me this image of a damselfly that he took on 24th May on Mother Drain. I have checked with the VC 63 recorder Tom Hubball and he confirms that it is an immature Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas.

This is a new species for the Reserve and a good addition to the Reserve list.

Status:- This Damselfly is said to be restricted to Central and South-east England but as outposts in Devon, Wales and Yorkshire.

Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas immature © Rob Mokryj

Peter Dawson took the images below yesterday along Hawthorn Bank and they show what is probably the final instar of a Forest Shield Bug and a pair of Nettle Weevil Phyllobius pomaceaus mating, notice the much larger size of the female.

Left, Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes probable final instar and right, Nettle Weevil Phyllobius pomaceaus pair mating © Peter Dawson

Taken recently on the reserve by Derek Bateson, but only just identified, is this Hoverfly Xylota segnis. It is, according to Derek, rarely recorded on the reserve and as only been seen about twice since it was first noted in 2000

Hoverfly Xylota segnis © Derek Bateson

Tuesday 24th

Below are two very nice orchid images taken on the reserve yesterday by Peter Clelford. They are Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa and Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera (see images).

Left, Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa and right, Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera © Peter Clelford.

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘Although occasionally sunny, the cool gusting breeze made photography difficult as can be seen from a hand-held shot of the Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum, (see image) first reported by JH last Sunday. Several specimens were seen today, but proved flighty.

Out of some nine Hoverfly species seen, one of these is very common this year and is Tropidia scita (see image). This is distinguished by the large swollen femorae, which also carries a small triangular projection.

Several Birch Shield Bug  Elasmostethus interstinctus (see image), were in evidence, together with instars of Common Green Capsid Bug Lygocoris pabulinus (see image), and a rather attractive chestnut coloured, Birch Catkin Bug Kleidocerys resedae (see image), which as now been identified by Jim Flanagan.

A Green Tortoise Beetle, Cassida sp. (see image) was photographed. This species is difficult to see as it pulls itself tightly to the leaf.

A Harlequin Ladybird was spotted and this was a black sub-species with red spots Harmonia axyridis f. spectabilis. (see image).

Many ‘blue’ damselflies were noted together with a rather fearsome Tachinid Fly Tachina fera (see image).

Butterflies included Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria, Green-veined White Artogeia napi, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta and Peacock Inachis io, but I couldn’t find the Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae caterpillars we photographed a week ago.’

Left, Tree Bumble Bee Bombus hypnorum, centre, Hoverfly Tropidia scita and right, Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis f. spectabilis © Derek Bateson

Left, Tachinid Fly Tachina fera and right, Birch Catkin Bug Kleidocerys resedae © Derek Bateson

Left, Green Tortoise Beetle, Cassida sp. and right, Common Green Capsid Bug Lygocoris pabulinus instar © Derek Bateson

Birch Shield Bug Elasmostethus interstinctus © Derek Bateson

Monday 23rd

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR SATURDAY NIGHT, 21 MAY, 2011

Moth trapping on a rather breezy Saturday night (21nd May) produced a reasonable haul of some 42 species, including an increasing proportion of microlepidoptera (smaller moths) which is normal for late May.

There were no new records but two of the species trapped had not been seen for a few years, specifically Phyllonorycter harrisella and Coleophora albicosta.

The more interesting ‘macros’ (larger moths) included Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica, Marbled White Spot Protodeltote pygarga, Vine’s Rustic Hoplodrina ambigua, Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus, Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma and Sandy Carpet Perizoma flavofasciata.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder

Left, Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica © Derek Bateson

Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 22nd

A female Pheasant Phasianus colchicus was on Loversall Bank with ten chicks totally unconcerned with passing visitors (AP).

John Hancox reports:-

Along Cottage Drain, I observed a number of possible Tree Bumblebee Bombus hypnorum.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a photograph of them - they were very actively feeding.

However, this bumblebee is fairly distinctive having a thorax which is all orange and a black abdomen with a white tail - on the ones I saw the thorax was dark orange with a darker spot in the centre, and the white tail was more of a dirty white. There should be no yellow on the abdomen.

If anyone sees a bee answering this description, please try to get a photo so that the species can be confirmed. This bee started appearing in Britain about 10 years ago.

For more information check http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/tree_bee.htm .

Derek Bateson reports:-

'The day started early as IH was running the moth trap so I first set out to look for Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens and I saw several males, and one female. Many ‘blue’ damselfly were around, but low down in the grass.

Across the track I could see a ‘blue’ butterfly and this was a female Common Blue Polyommatus icarus, (probably the first for this year JH), (see image).

The moth trap produced quite a few specimens but the only moth I pictured was a rather tatty Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae.  IH will no doubt report on the catch later but some six species of Caddis Fly were also taken, ready to be determined by Stuart Crofts.

Probably three species of Ichneumon Fly were also caught and the largest of these was probably an Ophion sp. (see image).

Many mosquitoes were in the trap, but one was carrying a red mite under its wing (see image).

I then walked to Loversall Delph, and counted three Longhorn Beetle Rhagium mordax on Dog Rose Rosa cannina, the chosen image also features another, smaller Longhorn Beetle which I was unable to identify. I counted five Hoverfly species but there were probably more. The Viburnum Leaf Beetle Pyrrhalta viburni, first photographed by Peter Dawson is still decimating Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus in Loversall Delph.’

Left, Common Blue Polyommatus icarus female and right, Ichneumon Fly probably an Ophion sp. © Derek Bateson.

Left, Mosquito sp. with mite and right, Longhorn Beetle Rhagium mordax © Derek Bateson.

Below is an image of a Mother Shipton Callistege mi moth taken on a Guelder Rose flower by Peter Dawson. This is a day flying moth which is sometimes confused with the Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae butterfly. (Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae doesn't occur on the reserve).

Mother Shipton Callistege mi © Peter Dawson

Saturday 21st

This image, taken yesterday on the reserve, of a Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa clearly shows the 'face' on the thorax between the wings.  If you look closely you can see a large forehead, two eyes, a nose, a mouth with a moustache, then a chin complete with a straggly beard.  All the chasers plus the skimmers have similar face like 'markings' on the thorax (AP).

Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa male close-up showing 'face' on thorax between wings © Allan Parker ARPS

Below are four images from the camera of Glyn Hudson taken during visits to the reserve yesterday and today. The fighting Coot Fulica atra was taken today from the Decoy Marsh Hide.

Coot Fulica atra males fighting with female looking on © Glyn Hudson.

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens female © Glyn Hudson.

Left, Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa male and right, Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata © Glyn Hudson.

Friday 20th

Bird news included a Peregrine Falco peregrinus over Seven Arches Carr, a male Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina on Cell 3a seen from the viewing screen and a pair of Common Tern Sterna hirundo on the larger nest raft on Cell 1b seen from the Mitchell Hide.  A Weasel Mustela nivalis was in the Piper Marsh area. (all curtesy DC).

Ten male and two female Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens were along the Mother Drain by the Access Track early this morning along with a Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata (GH)

Allan Parker reports:-

A walk down to the 'dragonfly ponds' in Loversall Field via Loversall Delph resulted in the following sightings.

The Delph and Loversall Field 'dragonfly ponds' area had a Hairy Dragonfly (GH), several Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa a female and a male Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa, good numbers of Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans plus several Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula including a mated pair. Up to six dragonfly exuviae were counted on vegetation in the smaller pond all appeared to be Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator (see image) except for one possible Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata or Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa.

The ponds had up to ten Smooth (Common) Newt Triturus vulgaris, both males and females and three Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus, a male and two females plus all the usual water insects including Pond Skater Gerridae species, Whirligig Beetle Gyrinus natator, Water Boatman Notonecta species, and several Diving Beetle Dytiscidae sp.  Good numbers of Great Pond Snail Limnaea stagnalis were also present. Also present was a single Common Frog Rana temporaria.

Butterflies included two Peacock Inachis io, a male Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines, a Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria, a single Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus (BW) and several 'white' butterflies that were not all identified but included Green-veined White Artogeia napi.

The red and black Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata was still present in good numbers.  Several Sawfly Tenthredo mesomelas were seen including a mated pair, the male being considerable smaller than the female. Both male and female Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis were seen .

Clusters of the Longhorn Moth Nemophora degeerella were in the Delph. This moth as the longest antennae of any British moth (see image). The bluish-green Lacewing Chrysopa perla was about in good numbers (see image).

Numerous flies were sunning themselves on leaves and these include good numbers of Dance Fly Empis tessellata (see image).

Left, Longhorn Moth Nemophora degeerella and right Lacewing Chrysopa perla © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator exuviae and left Dance Fly Empis tessellata © Allan Parker ARPS

This larvae of the Viburnum Leaf Beetle Pyrrhalta viburni seen on a Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus and photographed in Loversall Delph by Peter Dawson. This species is considered to be a garden pest in some areas, skeletonizing the leaves of viburnum species. Repeated infestations can eventually kill the plant.

Viburnum Leaf Beetle Pyrrhalta viburni larvae © Peter Dawson

The two images below were taken on the reserve recently and are from the camera of Ray Collins.

Left, Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes instar and right Banded Demoiselle Agrion splendens male © Ray Collins.

Thursday 19th

Eight Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa dropped onto West Scrape at 6.10am this morning and left at 7.05am (see image). They varied from almost winter plumage, to almost full summer plumage.

Two Dunlin Calidris alpina were also on the scrape as were six Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, and the "resident" first summer female Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus was hunting over the marsh. (Tony Elliott).

Five of the eight Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa © Tony Elliott

Report from Wednesday by Glyn Hudson:-

Two female Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa and one male were by the side of dipping ponds (see image). The 'dragonfly ponds' area in Loversall Field had two Brown Argus Aricia agestis which were found by BW and myself (see image).  A Grass Snake Natrix natrix was at the side of the 'basin pond'.

A Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata which had just emerged was found by BW (see image) and a Thistle Gall Fly Urophora cardui was photographed (see image).

A Little Egret Egretta garzetta was on Willow Pool.

Left, Thistle Gall Fly Urophora cardui, centre and right, Brown Argus Aricia agestis © Glyn Hudson.

Left, Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata and right, Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa © Glyn Hudson.

Wednesday 18th

More images from yesterday include the rather striking, lime-green and black, Sawfly Tenthredo mesomelas, Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum and female Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis.

Left, Sawfly Tenthredo mesomelas, centre, Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum © Allan Parker ARPS and right female Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis © Derek Bateson.

Tuesday 17th

Bird news from Dave Carroll:-

The moulting cream-crown Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, probable second-year non-breeding female, remained on Huxter Well Marsh for its sixth day and spent most of the time settled out of sight. Waders included Dunlin Calidris alpina (1), Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta (4), Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula (2) and Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious (2) which were with Redshank Tringa totanus, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus at Huxter Well.

Two pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus remained and an adult Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus was present; Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus had small young on the Low Ellers tern-raft.

Meanwhile, the raft in Cell 1b had nesting Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (2prs), Canada Goose Branta canadensis (1pr) and Coot Fulica atra (1pr). A pair of Common Tern Sterna hirundo were settled at Cell 1b for some time in the afternoon.

Kingfisher Alecdo atthis carried small fish to the Piper Marsh nest-site. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major and Green Woodpecker Picus viridis were in the woods. There were still lots of Swift Apus apus over the site today.

A Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, heard from the Cottage drain area, was singing from the direction of Old Eaa during the morning. (AP & DB)

Derek Bateson and Allan Parker report:-

'Allan P and the writer again opted for Cottage Drain which currently seems one of the Reserve's 'hotspots'. This quickly proved to be the case and one of my first subjects was the Common Green Capsid Bug Lygocorus pabulinus (see image).

We had both previously photographed an iridescent Leaf Beetle, Chrysolina polita, which was extremely swollen, maybe with eggs.

Allan then found the colourful green and black Sawfly Tenthredo mesomelas and I went on to photograph a non-biting Midge Chironomid sp., showing the plumed antennae and complicated mouthparts (see image).

Butterflies we saw included a Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria, several Green-veined White Artogeia napi and a single Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta, and we found more Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae caterpillar on nettle, two sites about 10 yards apart.

Moths included three different ‘Carpet’ species,  three Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae, and a Micro-moth Glyphipterix simpliciella on Ox-Eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare (see image).

I then happened upon a black spider, flecked with brown (see image), but I am awaiting an identification from Richard Wilson. Know identified a a Pardosa species.

Looking down at my tripod legs I noticed a small, very long insect which proved to be a Snake-fly Rhaphidia sp. (probably Rhaphidia notata which is associated with Oaks most of the others seem to be associated with Conifers AP) and it has not been recorded here, on the reserve, previously. Despite the best efforts of two of us, it flew away before we could photograph it.

I then found a pale orange Crane Fly Limonia nigropunctata, (see image) a female. I sent an image of it to John Kramer and he identified it by return, to be a ‘local’ species, quite uncommon, which again had never been recorded previously at Potteric Carr.

On the way back to lunch we found two species of Click Beetle and the image below shows the larger of the two, Athous haemorrhoidalis, which can be seen from time to time.

Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis were numerous and now more females are appearing along with numbers of Snipe Fly Rhagio scolopaceus. Hoverflies again numbered at least eight species and one of the hoverflies presented itself head-on, and I couldn’t resist taking a shot (see image).  Many more Cercopsis froghoppers were noted.

AP saw a two Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata, the only dragonflies seen, but ‘Blue’ damselfly mainly Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and Blue-tailed Ischnura elegans were in abundance again, plus a few Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula including a mated pair (see image).

Bumble Bee species busy mainly around the flowers of Bramble Rubus fruticosus included good numbers of Common Carder Bee Bombus pascuorum.

Also noted were four Ladybird Propylea 14-punctata including a mated pair. Three species of Shield Bug were seen and these were Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum (see image), Common Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina and a mated pair of Hawthorn Shield Bug Acanthosoma haamorrhoidale.

A different Snail-killing Fly probably Euthycera fumigata was seen and photographed (see image).

Several Large-jawed Orb Web Spider Tetragnatha montana were waiting by their webs for any unlucky damselflies that got caught in them.

On the way back a quite worn (lots of the green scales missing) Nettle Weevil Phyllobius pomaceaus was noted and photographed by AP (see image)

Again another very productive day’.

Left, Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum, center, Nettle Weevil Phyllobius pomaceaus and right, Click Beetle Athous Acanthosoma haamorrhoidale © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella pair mating watched by a Ladybird Propylea 14-punctata centre, Snail-killing Fly probably Euthycera fumigata

and right, Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula pair in tandem © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Common Green Capsid Bug Lygocorus pabulinus, centre Non-biting Midge Chironomid sp. and right Crane-fly Limonia nigropunctata © Derek Bateson

Left, Hoverfly sp. centre, Micro Moth Glyphipterix simpliciella and right Spider Pardosa sp. © Derek Bateson

Monday 16th

More images from Sunday are shown below.

Left, (playing dead) and right, Rose Sawfly Arge pagana © Allan Parker ARPS.

Left, Hoverfly (Marmalade Fly) Episyrphus balteatus © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Snipe Fly Rhagio scolopaceus © Derek Bateson

Left, Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata © Derek Bateson and right, Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae caterpillars © Allan Parker ARPS.

Sunday 15th

Bird news:-

The 'cream-crown' Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus was still present for the third day and was noted at different sites on the reserve.

Also present were Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus, Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (S & SC), a Little Egret Egretta gazetta which dropped onto Piper Marsh (PT) and a singing Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia (SP).

Derek Bateson and Allan Parker report:-

‘DB and AP decided to ‘blitz’ Cottage Drain as the likeliest area to be out of the wind, but as we unloaded our gear in the car park I noticed a Spotted Crane-fly Nephrotoma appendiculata,(see image) which started the day well, followed by a Totricid Moth.

We saw and photographed a Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata which was the only dragonfly seen, although hundreds if not thousands of ‘blues' were everywhere and a few Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula were noted one of which drew attention from AP as it was smaller than some of the nearby 'blues', must have been the 'runt' of the hatch.

Other Crane-fly included Ptychoptera contaminata and several Tipula cava (see images) were seen, These were confirmed within an hour by John Kramer of the Crane Fly Recording Scheme.

My first Longhorn Beetle Agapanthea villosoviridescens (see image) which appeared to be newly emerged, another Longhorn Beetle, identified, was a Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis.

At least a dozen or more Froghopper Cercopsis vulnerata were in evidence, plus lots of Hoverfly of maybe eight species including Leucozona lucorum (see image) and Marmalade Fly Episyrphus balteatus, but some of the others are causing me a headache to identify (DB).

Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis totalled six, and we then happened upon several small groups of Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae caterpillars feeding on Common or Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica.

Next up was a Snipe Fly Rhagio scolopaceus, quickly followed by a Silver-Ground Carpet Moth Xanthorhoe montanata and also noted were several Common Carpet Moth Epirrhoe alternata. There was also what appeared to be an Ichneumon Fly (see image), which as not been identified yet.

Also noted were several Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis, a Soldier Beetle Cantharis livida on it's back playing dead, several Rose Sawfly Arge pagana, a Mirid Bug Miris striatus. Good numbers of fly species were seen, many of them unidentified but including Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria, Muscid Fly Mesambrina meridian, Alder Fly Sialis lutaria and Tachinid Fly Tachina fera.

The Cuckoo Bee Nomada flava was also noted along with good numbers of Bumble Bee of at least three different species.

A male Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella was seen to fly into the web of a Large-jawed Orb Web Spider Tetragnatha montana which immediately attacked but after a struggle the damselfly managed to extract itself.

Despite the sometimes persistent light rain, this was a good day and because of the cool weather the invertebrates were very docile and easy to photograph, they were reluctant to move even when the foliage they were perched on was disturbed.’

Left, Hoverfly Tropidia scita and right, Hoverfly Leucozona lucorum © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Soldier Beetle Cantharis livida playing dead and right, Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Flesh Fly Sarcophaga carnaria and right, Mirid Bug Miris striatus © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Crane-fly Tipula cava and right, Spotted Crane-fly Nephrotoma appendiculata © Derek Bateson.

Left, Crane-fly Ptychoptera contaminata and right, Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis © Derek Bateson

Left, Longhorn Beetle Agapanthea villosoviridescens and right, probable Ichneumon Fly species © Derek Bateson.

Saturday 14th

Three more images from the camera of Peter Dawson, taken on the reserve, are the Micro-moth Micro-moth Pyrausta aurata, photographed on a Nettle in Childers Wood, a Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata quite a common species on the reserve and a Tachinid Fly Tachina fera near the Loversall Field 'dragonfly ponds'.

Left, Micro-moth Micro-moth Pyrausta aurata and right, Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata © Peter Dawson

Tachinid Fly Tachina fera © Peter Dawson

A Knot Calidris canutus in breeding plumage was on Huxter Well Marsh, you can see from the image below why the Americans call this species Red Knot.  A Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, which had apparently roosted overnight was also present.

Left, Knot Calidris canutus and right, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus © Richard Scott

Thursday 12th

Below is an image of another of the moth species collected from Ian's moth trapping session on the 9th. This is a Pebble Prominent Notodonta ziczac.

Pebble Prominent Notodonta ziczac © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 10th

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR MONDAY NIGHT, 9 MAY, 2011

Moth trapping on Monday night, 9th May, produced a rather mundane assortment of some twenty-eight moth species. Amongst these were Nematopogon swammerdamella, a micro-moth with extraordinarily long antennae; four Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi; Scorched Wing Plagodis dolabraria; the cryptically marked Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina which, at rest, mimics a piece of rotten wood; Scalloped Hook-tip Falcaria lacertinaria; White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda; Shuttle-shaped Dart Agrotis puta; the common but attractive Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria; Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica; and Clouded-bordered Brindle Apamea crenata.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder

Left, White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda and right, Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Clouded-bordered Brindle Apamea crenata and right, Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria © Derek Bateson and right, Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi Allan Parker ARPS

Allan Parker reports:-

After photographing some of the moth species as Ian emptied his moth trap (report by Ian to follow) I walked down Loversall Bank to the Loversall Field 'dragonfly ponds' returning back through Loversall Delph to the Field Centre.

Butterfly species noted included Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines, Green-veined White Artogeia napi, Small White Artogeia rapae, Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria and near the ponds a single male Brown Argus Aricia agestis.

A Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata was patrolling each of the two ponds and between the ponds and the Delph up to ten more were noted along with a single male Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa. To numerous to count teneral damselfly were every where and adults, both male and female, of the three 'blue' damselfly species to be found on the reserve were also seen along with several Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula.

In the Delph Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus is in flower along with Dog Rose Rosa cannina and a Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus was seen by RM and BW.

Good numbers of the black and red Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata were seen along with several Alder Fly Sialis lutaria.

Left, Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata and right, a male Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa © Allan Parker ARPS

Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

' First off today AP and I watched Ian empty the Moth Trap of quite a number of species, and Ian's report will follow later. There were four Poplar Hawk Moth Laothoe populi (see image), two or three Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina (see image) and a Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria, two White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda, amongst others.

There were at least three species of Caddis Fly which are yet to be determined by Stuart Crofts.

AP then went to Loversall Delph and the Loversall Field 'dragonfly ponds' and found both Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa and Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata whilst I investigated the Access Track where there were many multi-coloured Pollen Beetles Oedemera lurida (see image) on Ox-Eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare. I have one image which also includes a micro-moth which Ian is going to identify for me.

Several Crane Fly Tipula oleracea (see image),were seen, also two Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis which again wouldn’t perform in front of the lens, also two more Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum and a Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis, which appear to me quite numerous this year.

Several Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata were noted, plus a first for me this year, a male Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens which settled briefly once and then disappeared on the bank of Mother Drain. I waited half an hour but it didn’t re-appear. I think this is probably the earliest date this species has been recorded at PC, but JH will no doubt be able to confirm or disprove this.’

Left, Pollen Beetle Oedemera lurida and right, Crane Fly Tipula oleracea © Derek Bateson

Left, Poplar Hawk Moth Laothoe populi and left, Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina © Derek Bateson

Monday 9th

It as been suggest by Allen Holmes that the unidentified Algae (see images May 4th) in the Loversall Field 'dragonfly ponds' may be Ophrydium versatile.  I quote Allen Holmes ' Years ago I had some in my garden pond, it turned out to be colonies of harmless bacteria and is actually a symbiotic relationship between 2 species'.  Also see page 122 of Collins 'Field Guide to Freshwater Life' R. Fitter and R Manuel (AP). 

Thanks for the information Allen.

Rod Rolt found and photographed a Brown Argus Aricia agestis in the Loversall Field 'dragonfly ponds' area this morning (1st for the year?). Further sightings by Rod included Broad bodied Chaser Libellula depressa both male and female in the same area and just past the Piper Marsh Hide he found and photographed the Micro-moth Pyrausta aurata.

Brown Argus Aricia agestis © Rod Rolt

Left, Broad bodied Chaser Libellula depressa and right Micro-moth Pyrausta aurata © Rod Rolt.

The image below of a Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis was taken by Stuart Pike when he visited the Reserve yesterday. He also saw the following moth species Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria, Water Carpet Lampropteryx suffumata, Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata, Cinnabar Tyria jocobaeae and the Micro-moth Adela reaumurella the two later species being day flying moths.  He also noted a Black or Walnut Orb-weaver Spider Nuctenea umbracatica (see image).

Left, Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis and right, Black or Walnut Orb-weaver Spider Nuctenea umbracatica © Stuart Pike.

Sunday 8th

Derek Bateson reports:-

'Although a bit breezy, it warmed up gradually during the morning, and as it did, more and more invertebrates started to enjoy the sunshine although I started off by photographing some colourful galls on Dock Rumex sp. leaves.

Two Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis were basking on Nettle Urtica dioica, as were several Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica, and along Cottage Drain a queen Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris was seen, a much brighter yellow than the Median Wasp Dolichovespula media, (originally mistaken by me for a Hornet Vespa crabro), I photographed on April 12th. At least fifteen of the colourful Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata were noted, also two Alder Fly Sialis lutaria.

Nine species of Hoverfly were seen and two of these are as yet undetermined.

Flesh-fly Sarcophaga carnaria and the my first Tachinid Fly Tachina fera, of the year were also seen, together with a young adult Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum, plus a Muscid Fly Mesambrina meridian. At the end of my walk I was lucky enough to spot my first Mirid Bug Miris striatus, of the year.

Two Speckled Wood Butterfly Pararge aegeria, two Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines and two pairs of another of the ‘Whites’ were spotted but not determined.

By the end of the morning all three of the ‘blue’ Damselfly were in abundance together with a dozen Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula, but no dragonflies at all.

A small yellow flower caught my eye, which may be St John’s Wort Hypericum sp., but it may be another genus altogether.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin and Blackcap Sylvia  atricapilla were singing during the morning.’

Left, Alder Fly Sialis lutaria and right, Flesh-fly Sarcophaga carnaria © Derek Bateson

Left, Muscid Fly Mesambrina meridian and right, Sloe Bug Dolycoris baccarum © Derek Bateson

Mirid Bug Miris striatus © Derek Bateson

Saturday 7th

Two Sanderling Calidris alba one in two thirds towards summer plumage and the other just off winter plumage dropped onto Cell 1B at 6.45am this morning. Earlier at 5.40am three Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola had dropped onto West Scrape (see image) but only stopped for 20 minutes and after constant aggression from a very protective Lapwing Vanellus vanellus protecting young they left. (Tony Elliott).

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola © Tony Elliott

Friday 6th

Bird news:-

A first summer Mediterranean Gull was in front of the  Duchess Hide on hawthorn Bank early this morning. (Tony Elliott)

A Hobby Falco subbuteo was over Cottage Drain in the morning, and a Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe was in front of the Mitchell hide in the afternoon. An Osprey Pandion haliaetus flew North-west at 13.45. (Sue Bird)

A Garden Warbler Sylvia borin was photographed by Barry Wardley as it sang near the the 'dipping ponds' on the reserve today. This is a species that normally sings from cover so it is not a bird that is easily photographed.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin © Barry Wardley

Thursday 5th

A Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus flew over Huxter Well Marsh early this morning. Two Dunlin Calidris alpina were on Cell 1B with the Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, that as been here since last Tuesday, was still present. (see image) Tony Elliott.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola moulting into breeding plumage © Tony Elliott

This adult Bronze Shield Bug Troilus luridus was photographed on the reserve yesterday by Peter Dawson. The instars of this species are quite colourful, hence the luridus part of the scientific name, where as the adult in the image below though bronze in colour is quite 'bland'.  Also photographed by Peter was a Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum of the 'brown' form (see image)

Bronze Shield Bug Troilus luridus © Peter Dawson

Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum of the 'brown' form © Peter Dawson

Wednesday 4th

Can anybody out there come up with an identification for these Algae type growths clinging to other plant material in the Loversall Field 'Dragonfly Ponds'.  Nearest I can guess at is one of the Chroococcales Blue-green Algae species (Allan Parker).

Unidentified Algae growth © Allan Parker ARPS

Found today and photographed by Peter Dawson on an Oak tree at the edge of Corbett Field was this Looper Caterpillar of the Mottled Umber Erannis defoliaria moth .

Looper Caterpillar of the Mottled Umber Erannis defoliaria © Peter Dawson

Following the discovery, by Sue & Roger Bird, of Harestail Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum on the ring-main drain at Huxter Well Marsh, (see images from 24th April), Ken Woolley discovered, yesterday, Common Cotton-grass Eriophorum angustifolium growing in the same area. This another plant in the same family that as been absent from the reserve area for many many years (see notes from 24th April).  The current line of thinking is that seed from both these Cotton-grass species may have been introduced to the reserve on the feet or plumage of birds as both these plants are common on the nearby Hatfield Moors complex.

Also noted and photographed by Ken were Russian Comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum, this a cross between Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale and Rough Comfrey Symphytum asperum and Water Violet Hottonia palustris now in flower (see images).

Common Cotton-grass Eriophorum angustifolium both images © Ken Woolley

Left, Russian Comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum and right, Water Violet Hottonia palustris both images © Ken Woolley

Tuesday 3rd

This image of a female Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa (a first for the year ?) was taken on the reserve today by David Roberts.

Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa © David Roberts

There was a different Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola on Huxter Well Marsh this morning and three Greenshank Tringa nebularia, the image below shows two of the three with a Redshank Tringa totanus. (Tony Elliott).

Two Greenshank Tringa nebularia and in the centre a Redshank Tringa totanus © Tony Elliott

Sue Bird reports:-

A Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola was on Cell1B all day and there was a continual movement of Swift Apus apus through the area. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus were displaying and another second pair on Cell 2b had two young. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus were feeding young in front of Hawthorn Bank Hide and the pair of Kingfisher Alcedo atthis were bringing in fish to the nest site at Piper Marsh.

Derek Bateson reports:-

'I made an early start due to afternoon commitments in Sheffield and initially it was quite cold, meaning not many inverts were on show, however turning a few leaves over revealed examples of the three blue damselfly species that can be found on the reserve and a couple of Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula.

By about 10.00am the sun was peeping through and the first find was the red and black Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata (see image), and five were seen in two hours.

Some six Hoverfly species were noted, one a white and black specimen (see image), was Cheilosia illustrata.  Another one was a female Sphaerophoria scripta (see image) which is a small, but attractively coloured grassland species.

Several Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis (see image) were seen and five Scorpion Fly, probably Panorpa communis (see image), another first for me this year.

A large Weevil, probably Otiorhynchus singularis (see image) also caught my eye.

I could not find any dragonflies and the only butterflies were a single Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria and a two Green-veined White Artogeia napi.  However, not a bad day for the time I was on the Reserve’

Left, Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata and right, Scorpion Fly, probably Panorpa communis © Derek Bateson

Left, unidentified Hoverfly Cheilosia illustrata and right, Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis © Derek Bateson

Left, Hoverfly Sphaerophoria scripta and right, Weevil probably Otiorhynchus singularis

Monday 2nd

Four Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica in a mixture of breeding and non-breeding plumages were seen on Huxter Well Marsh and photographed by Richard Scott (see image).

 Damselfly

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica © Richard Scott.

Found and photographed today, by Peter Dawson, on one of it's food plants, Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, this is the very attractive caterpillar of the Yellow-tail Moth Euproctis similis.

Yellow-tail Moth Euproctis similis © Peter Dawson

Sunday 1st

John Hancox reports:-

Another day with cloudless skies and warm sunshine with a fresh easterly breeze though the study area, Cottage Drain, was well sheltered.

There had obviously been a major hatch of blue damselfly with numerous teneral (newly emerged) insects, too many to count but probably in excess of one hundred of each species. There were also some mature examples with around thirty each of Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans counted. In comparison, only two Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum, a male and a female, were seen, though they do tend to emerge slightly later. However, it was possible to photograph the females of both the Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella and Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum which often cause problems with identification. From the two images below, the differences can be clearly seen, with more blue visible on the Common Blue Enallagma cyathigerum. However, the key is the marking on segment 8 of the Common Blue which is in the shape of a triangle whereas the Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella is just all black. There were also good numbers of male and female Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula.

A total of eleven Four Spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata were recorded along Cottage Drain (plus one at the Field Centre) and interestingly one that was photographed also had a slightly shortened left hind wing though not so much as the one posted on Saturday’s report, and a different sex!

The majority of butterflies were 'whites', and most of these were Green-veined White Artogeia napi with just a few Small White Artogeia rapae, Large White Pieris brassicae and Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines. There were also a few Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria but none of the larger Vanessids.

Entertaining us were at least three singing Garden Warbler Sylvia borin, two Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and a Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca which was heard only briefly."

Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella female © John Hancox

Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum female © John Hancox

Four Spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

'A lovely warm morning, but quite breezy for photography although AP, KW, JH and DB all opted for Cottage Drain which was already alive with all three 'Blue 'Damselfly, plus Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula, all in abundance. As we turned the corner we saw our first Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata, of which counts in the morning differed between six and fifteen from the four observers. KW and the writer were also sure they saw a much brighter yellow Broad-bodied Chaser, Libellula depressa, probably an immature male, but it didn't show again.

Butterflies included Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria, Green-veined White Artogeia napi, Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines and back at the Field Centre a Large White Pieris brassicae, and at lunchtime KW spotted a Cinnabar moth which escaped photography. Hoverflies were numerous, and probably exceeded eight species of which the most interesting was a Cheilosia sp.(see image), also 'The Chinaman' Myathropa florea (named because of the face on the thorax), (see image). The day-flying moth Adelia reaumurella,(see image) appeared in several places, and some more Cuckoo Bee Nomada flava were active see (see image). Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, Garden Warbler Sylvia borin, and I think Whitethroat were singing. The female Mallard Anas platyrhynchos recently sitting on eggs near the Field Centre has disappeared and we think the nest may have been predated’

Left, Cuckoo Bee Nomada flava and right, Hoverfly Cheilosia sp. © Derek Bateson

Left, Hoverfly 'The Chinaman' Myathropa florea © Derek Bateson and right, Micro-moth Adelia reaumurella © Allan Parker ARPS

Also noted along Cottage Drain were two Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica, a Common Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina , several Crane-fly Tipula sp. and several 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata (AP)

Left, Soldier Beetle Cantharis rustica and right, Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula both © Allan Parker ARPS

Allan Parker and Ken Woolley report:-

After JH and DB turned back along Cottage Drain KW and myself headed along Willow Bank to the 'Dragonfly Ponds' in Loversall Field before returning along Loversall Bank to the Field Centre.

Willow Bank was quiet but six emerging Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera were noted along with carpets of Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca plants in flower and numerous Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara and Dandelion Taraxacum offiinale now mainly gone to seed. Just a single Green-veined White Artogeia napi was seen.

The 'Dragonfly Ponds' in Loversall Field were not as productive today but several Common Newt Triturus vulgaris were noted but only a single Great-crested Newt Triturus cristatus.

Water Boatman (Backswimmer) Notonecta glauca, Pond Skater Gerris lacustris and Whirligig Beetle Gyrinidae sp. were all present along with at least four of the larval stage of one of the Water Beetles.

A single Common Toad Bufo bufo was seen submerged in the smaller pond and several Great Pond Snail Lymnaea stagnalis were on the surface of both ponds.

Loversall Delph had two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria and a Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis.

Along Loversall Bank we noted three patches of Crosswort Cruciata laevipes which seems to be well established and spreading. A Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaeae was outside the Field Centre along with a female Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni (per Lee Adcock). There was a Red Admiral Vanesa atalanta noted flying near the Field Centre.

Two Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas butterfly were noted in Loversall Field by Lee Adcock

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas © Lee Adcock

Birding highlights included, all on Huxter Well Marsh, a Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola moulting into breeding plumage (RS KW), a Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos, four Dunlin Calidris alpina in breeding plumage, a Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, and good numbers of Common Swift Apus apus moving through and feeding over the area. An adult pair of Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus were present plus a 1st summer bird

A Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca was singing behind Piper Marsh hide.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola © Richard Scott

April

Saturday 30th

John Hancox reports:-

Maureen and I made a brief visit to the Reserve this morning. The first highlight was my first sighting of Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata (see image) I noticed that the rear left wing is much shorter than the right wing but it didn't seem to cause it any problems!

Damselflies included Azure Blue Damselfly Coenagrion puella and Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans .

Butterflies included Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines , Small White Artogeia rapae , Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Peacock Inachis io and another highlight was my first sighting this year of a Red Admiral Vanesa atalanta , which looked to be in pristine condition and didn't look like it had flown all the way from North Africa! Where had it come from?

The bird song around Loversall Delph was very good with Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita , Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus , Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla , Whitethroat Sylvia communis and three Garden Warbler Sylvia borin were all in song.

Four-spot Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata © John Hancox

Friday 29th

This image of Rust Puccina phragamitis on a Dock leaf was taken today by Peter Dawson.

Rust Puccina phragamitis on a Dock leaf © Peter Dawson.

Wednesday 27th

This Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis was photographed in Loversall Delph, today, by Ray Collins. This is the Cardinal Beetle with the all red head, a similar species Pyrochroa coccinea as a black head.

Cardinal Beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis © Ray Collins

A Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus was photographed on the Huxter Well Marsh, West Scrape to day by Richard Collis today.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus © Richard Collis

There was a Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica on Huxter Well Marsh, Cell 1B, first thing this morning (see image). A female Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus had drifted over the marsh a little earlier. (Tony Elliott).

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica © Tony Elliott.

Tuesday 26th

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna blossom is now in all it's glory throughout the reserve attracting many insects.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna (May Blossom) © Allan Parker ARPS

Monday 25th

Susan and Allan Parker report:-

Birding highlights included a Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola , a pair of Garganey Anas querquedula and a Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious all on the West Scrape. The Garganey Anas querquedula moved to the area in front of the Mitchell Hide later returning to the West Scrape.

A Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos was noted from the Mitchell Hide and a Hobby Falco subbuteo was reported flying over Huxter Well Marsh

A Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia was reported singing near the Decoy Lake Hide.  Two possibly three female Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus were around the reserve, two were over Willow Marsh and another (or possibly one of the previous two) was over Huxter Well Marsh.

This Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was photographed, amongst the  'May Blossom', on the reserve today by Garry Pollington

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita © Gary Pollington

Allan Parker reports:-

A walk along Cottage Drain produced the following.

Butterflies included up to ten Green-veined White Artogeia napi including a mated pair (see image), Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines totalled four, three males and a single female, four Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria and a single Peacock Inachis io .

Damselflies of three different species were noted these included five Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula , four Azure Blue Damselfly Coenagrion puella (see image) and seven Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans (see image) including a female of the form violacea . There were also numerous teneral damselfly that were not positively identified but were nearly all 'blues' either Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans or Azure Blue Damselfly Coenagrion puella .

A single Nursery Web Spider Pisaura mirabilis was noted and photographed (see image).

Hoverfly of at least six different species were seen including 'The Footballer' Helophilus hybridus . The Cuckoo Bee Nomada flava was also seen along with St Mark's Fly Bibio marci and the  Micro-moth Adela reaumurella

The margins along Willow Bank were covered with Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca flowers, Dandelion Taraxacum offiinale and Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara many of these having gone to seed. Butterflies along here included Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , Green-veined White Artogeia napi and Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines plus a single Small White Artogeia rapae

The 'Dragonfly Ponds' in Loversall Field proved to be very productive with numerous male and female newts of two different species Common (Smooth) Newt Triturus vulgaris and Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus active in both ponds.  Also noted were five Common Frog Rama temporaria , four in the smaller pond and one in the larger.  A small Grass Snake was noted in the larger pond swimming deep under water.  Also noted were Whirligig Beetle Gyrinidae sp. , Pond Skater Gerris lacustris , Diving Beetle probably Agabus bipustulates and Water Boatman (Backswimmer) Notonecta glauca an d several Great Pond Snail L ymnaea stagnalis.

Butterflies here included a male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni .

Returning to the the Field Centre through Loversall Delph and along Loversall Bank produced more of the same butterflies plus a single Comma Polygonia c-album .

Hawthorn Field had the following, up to four Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines, two males and two females, all around the numerous flowers of Cuckooflower (Milk Maid / Lady's Smock) Cardamine pratensis , two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria ,  a single Peacock Inachis io and a single Green-veined White Artogeia napi .  Many of the Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna are now in full flower (May Blossom)

Four more Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , all males were along the path to Piper Marsh and a single Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus ran along the drain bank past 'Butterfly Alley'.

Left, Green-veined White Artogeia napi and right Nursery Web Spider Pisaura mirabilis © Allan Parker ARPS

Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans © Allan Parker ARPS

Azure Blue Damselfly Coenagrion puella © Allan Parker ARPS

This series of images was of a Stoat Mustela erminea was taken by Dale Bentham near the pond dipping area

Stoat Mustela erminea © Dale Bentham

Sunday 24th

Ken Woolley reports:-

SB and RB recently came across what they thought was possibly a Cotton-grass on Huxter Well Marsh. DC later agreed with this conclusion but no positive identification was made.

I was subsequently  informed and after investigation came to the conclusion that the plant was Harestail Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum to be doubly sure I took my evidence, photographs and a sample of the plant, to Louise Hill a professional ecologist who agreed with my identification.

I have found only two previous records of Cotton-grass at Potteric Carr.  The first is in a 'Botanical Report 1969 to 1983 compiled by A. M. Allport' which notes Cotton-grass Eriophorum angustifolium in Seven Arches Carr.

The second and more interesting, as it is the same species ( Eriophorum vaginatum ) and a much greater distance back in time, is in the booklet 'Thomas Tofield of Wilsic, Botanist and Engineer1730 to 1779' by P. Skidmore, M. J. Dolby and M. D. Hooper, where Eriophorum vaginatum is mentioned on page fifty-four.

So it is quite some time since it was last recorded at Potteric Carr and an excellent find by SB and RB.

Harestail Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum © Ken Woolley

Saturday 23rd

Ian Heppenstall reports:-

We met Brian and Mike and Brian who told Janet and I about a possible Purple Heron Ardea purpurea .  Janet and I had a Purple Heron Ardea purpurea from the Mitchell Hide on cell 3b it was in the channel in between the reeds.

A number of visitors also saw it. It then flew over to Cell 1a and became difficult to see.   We then walked around Huxter Well onto Hawthorn Bank but didn't see it again.

We did, however, see the Red- crested Pochard Netta rufina from the screen on Cell 3a.

Two Avocet Recurvirosta avosetta were on West Scrape with two Redshank Tringa totanus and two Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious were on Cell 1b.  Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus was on East Scrape.

We met Lance Degnan who had seen a Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola on the West Scrape along with two Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula , also I think on West Scrape. He had missed the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea but was still watching from Duchess Hide when we left.

A Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula was seen at Piper Marsh. Also a cream crowned Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus was over Low Ellers at about 14:00hrs (BGAB/MAB)

Thursday 21st

This large Great Pond Snail L ymnaea stagnalis was 'swimming ' on the surface of one of the 'dragonfly' ponds in Loversall Field.

Great Pond Snail L ymnaea stagnalis © Allan Parker ARPS

Wednesday 20th

A male Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus spent some time hunting low over Willow Marsh before climbing out to the west and disappearing high up in the sky (Ken Woolley)

Pete Greaves noted a Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula , yesterday 19th, the first of the year

Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula © John Hancox (2010 image)

Tuesday 19th

Allan Parker reports:-

A walk from the Field Centre along Loversall Bank, through Loversall Delph to the 'dragonfly' ponds in Loversall Field and then back along Willow Bank and Cottage Drain produced the following

Several Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria (see image), Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines , Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Small White Artogeia rapae , a single male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , Peacock Inachis io and a single Large White Pieris brassicae (see image) my first for the year.

The 'dragonfly' ponds held both Great Crest Newt Triturus cristatus and Common Newt Triturus vulgaris , numerous Whirligig Beetle Gyrinidae sp. and Pond Skater Gerridae sp. and single large Water Snail probably L ymnaea stagnalis.

More butterfly along Willow Bank and Cottage Drain included all the previous mentioned species plus a single Comma Polygonia c-album .

There were plenty of flowers including numerous Dandelion Equisetum arvense , Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca , Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata , Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis and Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara plus smaller numbers of Cuckooflower (Milk Maid / Lady's Smock) Cardamine pratensis .

Good numbers of Hoverfly (several different species), Bumble Bee Bombus sps. (three different species noted) and several Cranefly Tipula sp .

A visit to Hawthorn Field proved fruitful with numerous Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines and Green-veined White Artogeia napi present along with two Peacock Inachis io and a male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni .

Cuckooflower (Milk Maid / Lady's Smock) Cardamine pratensis (see image) was growing profusion along with Dandelion Taraxacum offiinale (see image) and Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense (see image) to name just three.

Left, Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria female © Peter Dawson and right Large White Pieris brassicae © Allan Parker ARPS

Dandelion Taraxacum offiinale left, flower and right, seed head © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Cuckooflower (Milk Maid / Lady's Smock) Cardamine pratensis and right, Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense © Allan Parker ARPS

Ten Days after being photographed (see previous image on the 7th) the Chicken of the Woods (Sulphur Polypore) Laetiporus sulphureus as grown considerably and was re-photographed by Peter Dawson

Chicken of the Woods (Sulphur Polypore) Laetiporus sulphureus © Peter Dawson

Dave Carroll reports:-

“A rewarding day for birders at Potteric Carr was centred around Huxter Well Marsh. A pair of Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis were on cell 1b all day. A drake Garganey Anas querquedula was first seen on cell 3b (TF) but remained elusive thereafter and was finally relocated on a secluded part of cell 3a late afternoon (SMB).

A Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe spent most of the day on Central Grassland where it favoured a post to perch on, but was also seen in front of Mitchell Hide for a short time (TF).

A Cuckoo Cuculus canorus was heard in Seven Arches Carr for the first time this year (DF) and Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia was heard in Seven Arches Carr ‘reeling’ on and off all morning.

Another distinctive wildfowl drake and scarce visitor to Potteric Carr, Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina , was an unexpected find on cell 3b ((DF, BGAB), seen from Mitchell Hide and stayed all day.

Waders included 2 Dunlin Calidris alpina , 2 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta and 4 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus and Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius , all appearing at some of the time on West Scrape.

1, possibly 2, Lesser Whitethroats Sylvia curruca sang between Piper Marsh Hide and cell 4 and was the first arrival of this species in 2011.

A Water Rail Rallus aquaticus gave its characteristic breeding call at Piper Marsh, something not often encountered on the Reserve in the daytime.

The Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus remained in the company of Greylags and could be seen from the observation screen.

On Rossington Carr, 3 Linnet Cardeulis cannabina were on the overhead power lines and a Carrion Crow Corvus corone was nesting in trees nearby. Starling Sturnus vulgaris called from the Big Hedge where it was picking off insects.

Away from Huxter Well, a Willow Tit Poecile montanus was at Loversall Delph. A number of Greenfinch Carduelis chloris were present."

Left, Dunlin Calidris alpina and right Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius © Pete Greaves

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina © Helen Womack

Monday 18th

This Vole sp. probably Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus was photographed by Dale Bentham on one of his recent visits to the reserve.

Probable Bank Vole © Clethrionomys glareolus Dale Bentham

Sunday 17th

Raptors were active in the good weather with up to eight Common Buzzard Buteo buteo in the sky at one time. A Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus was over Sedum House with a Common Buzzard Buteo buteo in the morning (RB) and in the afternoon a large female Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus was watched from Hawthorn Field as it soared up into the sky and disappeared to the north east (AP KW RB SB et al). A pair of Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubious on Huxter Well, Cell 1B (SP)

Derek Bateson reports:-

' A lovely warm sunny morning had brought out more flowers and my first shot was of Red Campion Silene dioica (see image) which is now at its best.

Along Cottage Drain were at least ten of the Cuckoo Bee Nomada flava (see image), which at first proved very flighty. This bee parasitizes another small mining bee, Adrena sp.

Butterflies included maybe six or seven Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines , two Peacock Inachis io seen by AP, a Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , two male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , one with a torn wing, a Green-veined White Artogeia napi and a possible Small White Artogeia rapae .

AP preceded me along the Drain and came across two Alder-fly Sialis lutaria, and another was found by Stuart Lowe later.

In the meantime I was watching for hoverflies, and at least six species were on show. These included more Melanastoma scalare , with this shot showing the distinctive triangular spots on the abdomen. Both Eristalis pertinax and Eristalis tenax were plentiful, and the first Syrphus ribesii (see image) , were seen. Many 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata were sunning themselves on leaves and a single 14-Spot Propylea 14-guttata (see image ) was seen. This is the geometric form, but others may have black spots. Several species of Bumble Bee were also seen, and the Blackcap was singing at the usual spot’.

( Also noted along here was a Common Green Shield-bug Palomena prasina a first for the year and several Crane-fly. AP )

Cuckoo Bee Nomada flava © Derek Bateson

Left, Red Campion Silene dioica and right 14-spot Ladybird Propylea 14-guttata © Derek Bateson

Left, Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii © Derek Bateson and right Common Green Shield-bug Palomena prasina © Allan Parker ARPS

Report for 16th / 17th by John & Maureen Hancox:-

"The warm sunshine brought out many butterflies with Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , Green-veined White Artogeia napi , Small White Artogeia rapae , Peacock Inachis io , Comma Polygonia c-album , Small Tortoiseshell Artogeia rapae and Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria . But the most numerous were the Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines with many males and females, in particular, on the Cuckooflower (Milk Maid / lady's Smock) Cardamine pratensis in Hawthorn Field with the males chasing and harrying the females.

On the wing somewhat earlier than usual were good numbers of one of the British micro-moths with the longest antennae, Adela reaumurella , but only females were seen flying around Hawthorn bushes.

Also out in advance of St. Mark’s Day (25th April) were lots of St. Mark’s Fly Bibio marci , which were also flying around Hawthorn bushes with legs dangling.

A youngster with us, John Lindsay McGeown, spotted a small rodent in the undergrowth, which was possibly a Field Vole (Short-tailed Vole) Microtus agrestis but it disappeared too quickly for us to identify it."

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni © Allan Parker ARPS

Saturday 16th

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR FRIDAY, 15 APRIL, 2011

The latest moth trapping session took place on Friday night, 15 April. fourteen species, all macro ( larger ) moths were recorded. They included the first 2011 records of the attractive Purple Thorn Selenia tetralunaria , Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica , Powdered Quaker Orthosia gracilis , Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa and 2 Pugs, Oak-tree Pug Eupithecia dodoneata and Common Pug Eupithecia vulgata . Most of these species are normally first seen here in May. The recent spell of unseasonably warm weather has brought their emergence forward by a couple of weeks.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder

Left, Purple Thorn Selenia tetralunaria & right, Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica © Allan Parker ARPS

Left, Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa and right, Lunar Marbled Brown Drymonia ruficornis © Allan Parker ARPS

Oak-tree Pug Eupithecia dodoneata © Allan Parker ARPS

Also in Ian's moth trap were at least two, thankfully docile, Queen Common Wasp Vespa vulgaris .

Common Wasp Vespa vulgaris © Allan Parker ARPS

Ian Heppenstall reports:-

Following the moth recording, DC and I walked up to West Scrape Hide where two Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta were on the Scrape. A further single Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta was on Cell 1b seen from the Mitchell Hide.

However, the star bird of the day was spotted by Pete Greaves in the Mitchell Hide just as DC and I were leaving the hide. A Common Crane Grus grus was observed circling fairly high over the reserve, accompanied by a Common Buzzard Buteo buteo . We watched it for about 15 minutes shortly before noon. The bird then flew off in a westerly direction.  BB and MB reported a Garden Warbler Sylvia borin at Loversall Delph.

Roe Deer are still favouring the Piper Marsh area and can be seen most mornings.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Dale Bentham

Friday 15th

On a recent visit to the reserve Peter Dawson photographed this mated pair of Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines on Cuckooflower (Milk Maid / Lady's Smock) Cardamine pratensis. This is one of the food plants for the caterpillar of this species.  He also noticed the prevalence of 'Rust' on Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis .  Peter says it is a Melampsora sp and probably Melampsora populinea as Dog's Mercury is a host plant for this rust.

Mated pair of Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines © Peter Dawson

Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis showing Rust probable Melampsora populinea © Peter Dawson

Thursday 14th

This image of a pair of Green Woodpecker Picus viridis mating on a reserve path was taken by Ray Collins on a recent visit to Potteric Carr.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis pair mating © Ray Collins

Wednesday 13th

Three Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus were again on Piper Marsh and Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis are now in full breeding plumage and setting up nesting territories in all suitable sites throughout the reserve.

Left Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis and right Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Dale Bentham

Tuesday 12th

This Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus was photographed on the reserve by Helen Womack. These small mammals are now much more active with the onset of Spring.

Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus © Helen Womack

Canada Goose Branta canadensis are very territorial now, with lots of squabbling going on at all suitable sites, as they set up nest sites.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis territorial dispute © Dale Bentham

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘Today’s weather was a mixture of cloud and a little sun which wasn’t too encouraging for the invertebrates, so my first shot was of White Dead-nettle Lamium album ( see image) which is now in flower.

Several 7-spot Coccinella 7-punctata a and a single 2-spot Ladybird were sunning themselves on nettles or other large leaves.

Hoverfly species including Eristalis pertinax, were hovering everywhere, and there were also some Melanastoma scalare on Cottage Drain.

A single Crane-fly Coccinella 7-punctata (Yamatoipula) Lateralis (see image) was seen but the wing venation has me puzzling as to its ID, now identified by John Kramer. I spotted a Median Wasp Dolichovespula media queen (see image), but only managed two shots. (ID by Giles King-Salter)

Instead of the Bluebottle Calliphora vomitoria I photographed on Sunday, today’s Calliphoridae species was a Greenbottle Lucilia caesar (see image).

Of the butterflies, the rather tatty specimen of Peacock Inachis io turned up again and there was a single Comma Polygonia c-album. A total of 5-7 Orange-tip A nthocharis cardamines, both male and female, passed and re-passed me without settling until just before lunch when I spent 30 minutes photographing a female (see images of upper and lower sides of wing), which was briefly approached by two males, but didn't allow me the opportunity of a shot. Note the very attractive colouration on the wing undersides, and the green eyes with black refraction dots.

All in all, quite a good day and more and more species are starting to appear in the warm weather’.

Left White Dead-nettle Lamium album and right Cranefly Tipula (Yamatoipula) Lateralis © Derek Bateson

Median Wasp Dolichovespula media queen © Derek Bateson

Greenbottle Lucilia caesar © Derek Bateson

Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines © Derek Bateson

Monday 11th

Two more images from yesterday show a 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata and a Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara which as already gone to seed.

7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata © Allan Parker ARPS

Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara seed head © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 10th

Bird highlights included twelve Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta on Huxter Well with three birds nest scraping, a single female Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe in front of the Mitchell Hide, a Whitethroat Sylvia communis (first for the year) on Rossington Bank near the Iron Bridge and the East Scrape had single Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula and Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius .

A Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi was reported on Piper Marsh

Derek Bateson reports:-

'Today, Cottage Drain was again our target area and AP, JH and I enjoyed the warm sunshine, later joined by DC.

Spring has really sprung and we were treated to several butterfly species including four, maybe five Orange Tip Anthocaris cardamines , both male and female, a Green-veined White Artogeia napi , plus Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria and a very moth-eaten Peacock Inachis io .

A number of different Hoverfly species included Eristalis pertinax (see image), Helophilus hybridus (see image), and the slimmer Melanostoma scalare (see image), all showed well.

AP and I both saw what we thought was a Bee Fly, Bombylius major; another had been seen by AP and KW a week ago but as we have no images we can’t really claim it as a record.

(I am one hundred percent sure of the ID for this species having recently seen one in Hawthorn Field. I guess I had much better views than DB and I will count it, image or not.  AP)

Several Bluebottle Calliphora vomitoria (see image) were sunning themselves, as was a Weevil Otiorhynchus singularis (see image).

A large Queen Bumble Bee, Bombus terrestris was exhausted during the course of nest-hunting.

We all had a stab at photographing the emergent Apple Malus sp. blossom (see image), and finally I watched a pair of quite small spiders going through a courtship procedure, with the male on the right in the image, awaiting his opportunity!

There was plenty of bird song with a Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla in the usual spot, plus a couple of Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita and Great Tit Parus major . Cowslip Primula veris, were in flower near the Field Centre and Pumping Station’

Left Green-veined White Artogeia napi and right Apple Malus sp . blossom buds © Allan Parker ARPS

Left Hoverfly Eristalis pertinax and right Helophilus hybridus © Derek Bateson

Left Hoverfly Melanostoma scalare and right Bluebottle Calliphora vomitoria © Derek Bateson

Weevil Otiorhynchus singularis © Allan Parker ARPS

Cowslip Primula veris © David Carroll

Saturday 9th

The first Garden Warbler Sylvia borin   for the reserve this year was recorded by John Hancox with a singing male.

Three Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus were on the island in the middle of Piper Marsh this morning at about 10.30 am. They all walked / swam across the water and behind the island on the right, where the Kingfisher Alcedo atthis can sometimes be seen.  I happened to arrive in the hide just as they were setting off.  I don't think they were alarmed or frightened by anything. (Steven Fennell)

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Steven Fennell

A Treecreeper Certhia familiaris was sunbathing for about five minutes on the old railway truck in Childers Wood,
A Grass Snake Natrix natrix was noted in Corbett Field and a Peacock Inachis io butterfly landed on one of the observers' hat in Corbett Field.
Two or threes female Orange Tip Anthocaris cardamines were with males alongside Cottage Drain, and two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria were also alongside Cottage Drain,
Seven Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta at 18:30 (five were on Huxter Well Marsh south of the Michel Hide and two on were West Scrape). Two Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula at 18:30 were also on the West Scrape and one hundred plus Sand Martin  Riparia riparia were over the West Scrape at 17.00 (Chris Bell)

Two Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius were on Cell 1b, a pair, seen being very friendly!!   Four  Redshank Tringa totanus were also here.

A Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus was near St Catherine's Field and a Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was in St Catherine's Copse.

A Orange Tip  Anthocaris cardamines was seen in Hawthorn field on Cuckooflower (Milk Maid) Cardamine pratensis , Peacock Inachis io and Small Tortoiseshell Agiais urticae were also seen. (Michael Bird)

Friday 8th

A Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia was singing in Seven Arches Carr and a Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus was also singing at Loversall Pool (SMB, RWB, DC).  

A Woodcock Scolopax rusticola was noted and two Tawny Owl Strix aluco were calling during the morning (MR).

Thursday 7th

Peter Dawson found and photographed this emerging Chicken of the Woods (Sulphur Polypore) Laetiporus sulphureus on the reserve today.

Chicken of the Woods (Sulphur Polypore) Laetiporus sulphureus © Peter Dawson

A Brown Hare Lepus capensis was on the bank between Cells 3b/1b.

Three Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta were on Cell 1b. A large flock of Sand Martin Riparia riparia were over one hundred plus were in one tight flock.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita both seen and heard in several places.

Butterflies seen included, Peacock Inachis io , Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria , Comma Polygonia c-album , Small Tortoiseshell Agiais urticae , Small White Artogeia rapae , Orange Tip Cardamine pratensis , and Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni . All were along Cottage Drain / Willow Bank except for the Speckled Wood which was along on Rossington Bank. (Michael Bird)

Wednesday 6th

Tony Elliott found and photographed a pair of Black-Necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis were on Huxter Well Marsh this morning.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis © Tony Elliott

Tuesday 5th

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘ Today, although the weather wasn’t brilliant, I made my first foray of the season along the ‘wrong’ side of Cottage Drain. Several queen Bumble Bees were seen, including Bombus terrestris, Bombus Lucorum and another which I was unable to determine.

Two Hoverfly were seen plus Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata and on the emerging buds of apple blossom, a single Orange Ladybird Halyzia 16-guttata (see image).

Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara (see image) was everywhere and now Ground Ivy, Glechoma hederacea, (see image), was carpeting several areas.

Several swarms of unidentified Midge frequented this bank and I was treated to a glimpse of a male Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla in full song. At least three Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita were also along this stretch.

Finally, on the way back to the Field Centre a Ground Beetle Nebria brevicollis , was out exploring holes in the bank (see image)’

Left Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara and right Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea © Derek Bateson

Orange Ladybird Halyzia 16-guttata © Derek Bateson

Ground Beetle Nebria brevicollis © Derek Bateson

This Grass Snake Natrix natrix was photographed in Loversall Delph today by Barry Wardley

Grass Snake Natrix natrix © Barry Wardley

A nice image of a singing Wren Troglodytes troglodytes photographed on the reserve today by Dale Bentham. It's good to see so many Wren survived the harsh winter period.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes © Dale Bentham

Sunday 3rd

Ian ran his moth trap on Friday night and here is his report which includes a new species for the reserve.

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR FRIDAY, 1 APRIL, 2011

Further moth trapping took place on Friday night, 1 April, and the warm conditions produced a new species for the reserve, the Grey Shoulder-knot Lithophane ornitopus. Two examples of this distinctive Noctuid were recorded. The Grey Shoulder-knot Lithophane ornitopus is yet another species that appears to be spreading northwards due to global warming and over the last five years it has been recorded quite widely, albeit in small numbers, across Yorkshire.

Other interesting species recorded in the trap included the tiny purple and gold micromoth, Eriocrania unimaculella , whose larvae mine the leaves of birch; also Digitivalva pulicariae , Early Tooth-striped Trichopteryx carpinata , Brindled Pug Eupithecia abbreviata , Water Carpet Lampropteryx suffumata , Lunar Marbled Brown Drymonia ruficornis , Early Grey Xylocampa areola and Satellite Eupsilia transversa.  

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder.

Left Grey Shoulder Knot Lithophane ornitopus and right Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica © Helen Womack

Allan Parker reports:-

After lunch it had warmed up some what and more butterfly were on the wing and these included four Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni all males, one Peacock Inachis io though I am sure there were more about, two Orange-tip Anthocaris cardamines both males one of which chased a Small White Artogeia rapae .  There were also reports of Comma Polygonis c-album and Small Tortoiseshell Agiais urticae .

Flowers included lots of Violet Viola sp. , Ground Ivy Glechoma hedaracea , Lesser Celandine Ranunculas fichara , Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara , White Dead Nettle Lamium album , Primrose Primula vulgaris and Cowslip Primula veris .

The birding scene was very quiet and I only saw a total of five Sand Martin Riparia riparia passing over Huxter Well. In front of Duchess Hide there were two immature Herring Gull Larus argentatus one a first summer and the other a third summer.

Violet Viola sp . © Allan Parker ARPS

Field Maple Acer campestre leaf buds © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

' Quite a pleasant warm morning with a slight breeze which was enough to make photography a little difficult. AP and I ventured along Loversall Bank where I photographed the attractive green flowers of Field Maple Acer campestre (see image), which appear at the same time as the leaves. Allan was also photographing leaf buds on another tree.

On reaching Loversall Delph I also took a shot of Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perenis (see image) in flower. This is the male flower, and sometimes these can be found together with female flowers on the same plant, but often the flowers are on separate male and female plants.

Observing the various waters at the western end of the Reserve, it was noticeable that leaves of some water plants were folded together, a sign that Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus were breeding. Sure enough, on examination, each folded leaf contained a gelatinous egg of this species. As these were just below the surface, I was able to turn one over to show the egg sac (see image).

In the 'Dragonfly Ponds' in Loversall Field Allan soon spotted two Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus and two Common Newt Triturus vulgaris , all on the pond bed. We also saw several water beetle species, including two Water Boatman Notonect sp. several Pond Skater Gerris sp . , and several Whirligig Beetle Gyrinus sp .

Returning along Willow Bank, there was one Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , and later another near the Pumping Station. On our walk, several Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita were seen and heard and in St Catherine's Copse, Allan saw a single female Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla , a Treecreeper Certhia familiaris , and two Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis along Cottage Drain.'

Field Maple © Derek Bateson

Dog's Mercury © Derek Bateson

Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus egg on water plant leaf © Derek Bateson

Friday 1st

Ian Sexton visited the reserve today and photographed this Grass Snake Natrix natrix near the Loversall Delph small bridge near the pond dipping platforms.

Grass Snake Natrix natrix © Ian Sexton

March

Thursday 31st

Chris Bell reports:-

High winds made birding a disappointment , with the only special sighting being 200+ Starling Sturnus vulgaris that were mainly located south of West Scrape Hide.
Between 1540 and 1640 there was Orange Tip Anthocaris cardamines and Comma Polygonis c-album in the dip west of Black Carr Wood and Small Tortoiseshell Agiais urticae east of Willow Marsh and a  few
Peacock Inachis io at both locations, these butterfly redressed some of the balance.
Then with in the same time frame a Grass Snake Natrix natrix was noted on Green Route west of the Field Centre and was the finishing touch that dispelled the birding disappointment .

There was also a report by the 'Bird Clan' of a Small White Artogeia rapae butterfly along the path near the Pumping Station (SB) and mated Common Toad Bufo bufo were noted by Pat Wood.

Tuesday 29th

Ken Woolley and Allan Parker report:-

A cool cloudy start to the day not really warming-up till lunch time meant no butterfly were seen during the morning period.

A morning visit to the 'Dragonfly Ponds' in Loversall Field produced a single Common Newt Triturus vulgaris , two Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus , one in each of the two ponds, up to ten Whirligig Beetles Gyrinus sp., four Water Boatman Notonect sp. coming up for air and a single Pond Skater Gerris sp.. A Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus was in the Loversall Pool area (DB ) .

Butterfly species noted , all after lunch, included up to six Comma Polygonis c-album , two Small Tortoiseshell Agiais urticae , four Peacock Inachis io and four Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni all males and a single Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias moth was in Hawthorn Field.

A single large Hoverfly sp . was noted along with numerous Midges.  A single Bee Fly Bombylus major was feeding on Ground Ivy Glechoma hedaracea flowers near the steps into Hawthorn Field. Also present here was a tiny Two-spot Ladybird Adalia bipunctata var. black with red markings. Up to three Red-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lapidarius were seen along with several other unidentified Bumble Bee.

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa trees were in full flower and also noted in flower were Primrose Primula vulgaris , Cowslip Primula veris , Violet sps., Hairy Bittercress Cardamine hirsuta , Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara , Dandelion Taraxacum officnale, Field Speedwell Veronica persica , Dog's Mercury Mercuialis perennis , Lesser Celandine Ranunculas fichara and  Ground Ivy Glechoma hedaracea . Goat Willow Salix caprea trees were in flower with the male trees looking stunning.

In the afternoon a Grass Snake Natrix natrix was seen along Loversall Bank (MB).

It was rather quiet on the bird scene but there were reports of two singing Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus up to four singing Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla , two Little Ringed Plover Charadruis dubius on the East Scrape and a Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe behind the Mitchell Hide, one or two small groups of Sand Martin Riparia riparia and the Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus was still on the Huxter Well grassland with Greylag Anser anser .

Goat Will Salix caprea male flowers © Allan Parker ARPS

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa flowers © Derek Bateson

Though he kept it quiet Ken Woolley Woollii ageius was SEVENTY last Friday 24th so its a belated happy birthday and congratulations from all the Friends of Potteric Carr.  As you can see from the image below he can often be found lurking harmlessly in the undergrowth.

Ken Woolley Woollii ageius © Stuart Lowe

Sunday 27th

Lakeside had a single Swallow Hirundo rustica and seventy plus Sand Martin Riparia riparia .

Derek Bateson reports:-

'The temperature today had dropped considerably from earlier in the week, so there was not much life on the invertebrate side although I did manage an image of our commonest midge (see image). This is a male of Chironomus plumosus showing the finely plumed antennae from which its name derives. It was perched on a daffodil flower, and was very reluctant to move.

Horse Chestnut, Aesculus sp. had started to open its sticky buds (see image), and I also took a further image of a twig to show the heart-shaped area where one of last years’ leaves was attached (see image). The Reserve is gradually coming into life with more and more bird song, and many signs of nest-building’

Midge Chironomus plumosus © Derek Bateson

Horse Chestnut Aesculus sp. leaf bud and leaf scale © Derek Bateson

Saturday 26th

Michael Bird reports:-

A much colder cloudy day with not a single butterfly seen.  Only non bird news was a Stoat Mustela erminea in front of Decoy Marsh hide.

Thirteen Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus were on Cell 1b, two Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula , one with leg ring were on West Scrape, four Redshank Tringa totanus were moving about between Cell 1b and the West and East scrapes. Two Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus were on the Lagoon.

Up to 50 Sand Martin Riparia riparia and a few House Martin Delichon urbicum passed through. A male Pintail Anas acuta on Piper Marsh was associating with a pair of Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, The male Garganey Anas querquedula was still present on Low Ellers.

Three Snipe Gallinago gallinago in front of Beeston were very hard to spot.

C.30 Sand Martin Riparia riparia at 16:45 were over Piper Marsh with some of them feeding over the water and two Woodcock Scolopax rusticola were flying north at 18:45 over Decoy Marsh. (Chris Bell)

110+ Sand Martin Riparia riparia were over Lakeside (Darren Wozencroft)

Friday 25th

The single drake Garganey Anas querquedula remained on Low Ellers, but the pair of Garganey Anas querquedula and the Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis were not in evidence. We did see the single Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus , a few Redshank Tringa totanus , the pair of Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus all on Huxter Well marsh. Four Snipe Gallinago gallinago that fed in an area of recently cut reed in Willow Marsh were seen from Beeston Hide. (IH)

Another Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus image taken by Helen Womack on the reserve recently.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Helen Womack

Thursday 24th

Another warm sunny day with all the signs of Spring

Highlights were a pair of Garganey Anas querquedula on the West Scrape (IH) and a single drake of the same species on Low Ellers (Chris Bell, IH et al).  A single Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis (IH et al) was on Willow Pool, best viewed from the Cottage Drain hide.

The Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus was still with Greylag Anser anser grazing on the grassland area of Huxter Well Marsh. Up to four pair of Redshank Tringa totanus. a single pair of Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus and a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus were also present.

Around twenty Sand Martin Riparia riparia were over Huxter Well around 5pm and a Green Woodpecker Picus viridis was also present (Chris Bell)

A second pair of Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus were still on the nest raft at Low Ellers along. Low Ellers also had two immature Common Gull Larus canus.

Peacock Inachis io , Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae, Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , and Comma Polygonia c-album were all on the wing along with several queen Bumble Bee hunting for nest sites in the ground.

A mated pair of Common Toad Bufo bufo were on the boardwalk to Willow Pool Hide doing their best to get stood on.

Three different Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus were noted two by IH and one by AP.

Garganey Anas querquedula male of pair on West Scrape © Allan Parker ARPS

Greylag Anser anser pair mating © Allan Parker ARPS

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis © Allan Parker ARPS (2005)

A Roe Deer was being harassed by a Canada Goose on Piper Marsh (images below). The deer appears to stick it's tongue out at the goose and gets chased off!!

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus and Canada Goose Branta canadensis inter action both images © Gary Pollington

Wednesday 23rd

Two more images from Ian's last moth trapping session.

Left, Diurnea fagella and right March Moth Alsophila aescularia © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 22nd

A female Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus flew through Low Ellers this afternoon, disturbing all the gulls and left east after being mobbed by a Carrion Crow Corvus corone (see image) (P. Greaves et al)

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus mobbed by Carrion Crow Corvus corone © Pete Greaves

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR MONDAY, 21 MARCH, 2011

Moth trapping on Monday night, 21st March, produced an absolute bumper haul of common moths. Common Quaker Orthosia cerasi (67) led the way, followed by Small Quaker Orthosia cruda (42), Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta (20) and Oak Beauty Biston strataria (14) (see images). There were smaller numbers of Early Thorn Selenia dentaria, March Moth Alsophila aescularia, Twin-spotted Quaker Orthosia munda, Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica and Agonopterix alstroemeriana, plus singletons of Yellow-horned Achlya flavicornis, Engrailed Ectropis bistortata, Satellite Eupsilia transversa, Chestnut Conistra vaccinii, Shoulder Stripe Anticlea badiata (see image), Diurnea fagella, Caloptilia stigmatella and the first adult Winter Moth Operophtera brumata recorded for some years. This species appears to be extremely under- represented in the Potteric moth trap as it is, perhaps, the commonest British macro- moth. Winter Moth larvae are abundant at Potteric Carr in the Springtime, feeding on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs.

Ian Heppenstall, Moth Recorder

Oak Beauty Biston strataria © Allan Parker ARPS

Oak Beauty Biston strataria close-up of head © Allan Parker ARPS

Shoulder Stripe Anticlea badiata © Allan Parker ARPS

Janet and I also saw male and female Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , along 'Butterfly Alley' and two more males in Hawthorn Field, plus a single Comma Polygonia c-album near the pond dipping platforms and single Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae along 'Butterfly Alley' and near the Mother Drain Bridge at Huxter Well.  Single adult Toad Bufo bufo were seen at Loversall Delph and the pond dipping platforms.

BGAB spotted two Comma Polygonia c-album by the boardwalk in Corbett Wood. They were flying in an upwards spiral so we think male / female pair. (MB)

Ken Woolley & Allan Parker report:-

A beautiful warm early spring day proved to be productive.

Good numbers of Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara were in full flower throughout the reserve (see image) along with Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria , Primrose Primula vulgaris, Violet Viola sp., Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea and a further three leaf rosettes of Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera were found making a total of nine.

Good numbers of butterfly were about and our totals were seven Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , four Peacock Inachis io , three Comma Polygonia c-album , a single Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urtecae and a Small White Artogeia rapae. Other visitors were reporting more of the same species.

At least eight Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias were noted in flight and Bumble Bee were very active with four different species noted.

There was also a reported eight Grass Snake Natrix natrix at site within the reserve (RM / BW)

Common Toad Bufo bufo were still in front of the Cottage Drain hide, they appeared to be males looking for females and Whirligig Beetle Gyrinus sp. were whizzing around and across the surface of the water.

Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

'A glorious Spring day started with Ian Heppenstall running his moth trap (see separate report). AP, KW and I, all took shots of some seventeen species of which I was only really happy with one, the Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica , aptly named because of the wing markings (see image).

We then split up because Sue Bird had told me of a small colony of 'black' bees in a bank. I went down to look and there were some 12-15 smallish bees exploring holes in the sandy bank. They were extremely active in the sun and after shooting some 80 images, I managed to get a few clear shots. The bee turned out to be one I’ve photographed at this site before,  a wasp-like 'cuckoo' bee Nomada flava which is quite attractive with rich chestnut coloured thorax and yellow striped abdomen (see image). From a distance they do look very dark.

On the way to this location, I logged a Comma Polygonia c-album butterfly, a Peacock Inachis io and two Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni plus one of the ‘whites’ which I was unable to determine.

Other visitors / volunteers had also seen several more Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni , a Comma Polygonia c-album and Peacock Inachis io in other locations on the Reserve

Close to the bees, several Violet were in flower (see image) and a pair of Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus were lining their nest with feathers'.

Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica © Derek Bateson

'Cuckoo' Bee Nomada flava © Derek Bateson

Violet species © Derek Bateson

Monday 21st

Susan Bird reports:-

A large bat hawking over Black Carr Wood.

Common Toad Bufo bufo are now out of hibernation and at least twenty were in front of Cottage Drain Hide and more in Cottage Drain itself. (see image).

Butterflies are starting to appear and three Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni and two Peacock Inachis io were noted.

Common Toad Bufo bufo © Susan Bird

Sunday 20th

Susan & Allan Parker report:-

Three Sand Martin were over Huxter Well Marsh in the morning and two were over the Warden's car park at lunch time.

Several Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita were singing and a non-singing bird was seen in Hawthorn Field.

Huxter Well had a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus and a second pair were on the raft at Low Ellers Marsh moving nest material around and being mobbed by several Black-headed Gull Larus riddibundus.

The pair of Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus on Huxter Well were nest scraping and also present was a single Avocet Recurvirosta avosetta .  Other waders were thin on the ground with only Redshank Tringa totanus and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus being recorded.

A Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was on Mother Drain and a second bird was at the Piper Marsh site.  A Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus was still present on Huxter Well Marsh

Derek Bateson reports:-

' Definite signs of Spring in the air, with more birds singing and the first Blackthorn flowers appearing. AP and I did a circular route to the west, looping back along Willow Bank and St Catherine's Copse.

Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara (see image) was in bloom in a number of places, but as a sun-lover, none of the flowers were fully out.

Several clumps of Primrose Primula vulgaris were showing (see image) and three Queen Bumble Bee were noted ( at least another eight were noted later AP ). One was certainly Bombus terrestris, but I couldn’t be sure of the other two.

AP spotted what appeared to be the nest of Long-tailed Tit, but no birds were around although we saw them elsewhere. Some of the willows looked attractive and I pictured what appear to be female catkins of Goat Willow Salix caprea (see image). Trees of this species can be male or female with the males producing the gold ‘Pussy Willow’, and the females, more silvery and downy.

In St Catherine’s Copse we noted more specimens of Scarlet Elf Cup Sarcoscypha austriaca , and on Willow Bank four or five emerging leaf rosettes of Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera found by KW a week ago.

Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara © Allan Parker ARPS

Primrose Primula vulgaris and left Goat Willow Salix caprea female flowers both images © Derek Bateson

Goat Willow Salix caprea male flowers © Allan Parker ARPS

Saturday 19th

Dave Carroll reports:-

At least five Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita were in song around the Reserve today, a further increase. A pair of Pintail Anas acuta were on Piper Marsh. Two Common Buzzard Buteo buteo were up including one which was harassed by two Carrion Crow Corvus corone over Piper Marsh.

A Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was along Mother Drain. Huxter Well had a Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus and three Redshank Tringa totanus.

Two Stoat Mustela erminea were in front of the Duchess Hide and two Brimstone Gonepteryx rhaemni were seen in flight.

The South Yorkshire Police helicopter a McDonnell Douglas MD 900 Explorer registration G-SYPS was in flight over the reserve.

Pintail Anas acuta pair on Piper Marsh © Dave Carroll

Thursday 17th

There are now good numbers of Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria in flower along the path past Old Eaa and else where on the reserve (MB)

Wednesday 16th

There were a pair of Avocet Recurvirosta avosetta on the West Scrape early morning, and three Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica flew onto cell 1b also early morning (see image). A Woodcock Scolopax rusticola flew over pumping station very early. (Tony Elliott)

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica © Tony Elliott

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR TUESDAY, 15TH MARCH, 2011

Trapping last night yielded a total of almost 100 moths of 11 species, the bulk being comprised of Small, Common and Twin-spotted Quaker, Clouded Drab and Hebrew Character.

A couple of Yellow Horned plus a single Engrailed, March Moth, Oak Beauty, Chestnut and the year’s first Water Carpet made up the remainder of the catch.

Ian Heppenstall, Moth Recorder.

Yellow-horned Moth © Allan Parker ARPS

March Moth © Allan Parker ARPS

After sorting the moth trap out, I paid a brief visit to Huxter Well and was rewarded with three Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica on West Scrape. Richard Collis had found them initially on East Scrape where a disturbance led them to fly over onto the West Scrape and where Richard and I were able to observe them quite close. A good find.

I only managed to find two Avocet Recurvirosta avosetta today on the Lagoon, at Huxter Well, although visibility over Huxter Well was very poor, so I could have missed others ( there were eight yesterday). Later, I learnt that Mark Roberts had searched Huxter Well earlier and had also only seen two, so maybe the others have moved on.

Two Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus , Redshank Tringa totanus and Kingfisher Alcedo atthis were all seen at Huxter Well and at least eight Lapwing Vanellus vanellus were on the Central Grassland with display flights in evidence.

Tuesday 15th

The highlights for today were eight Avocet Recurvirosta avosetta ( Brian Buckle ), three Redshank Tringa totanus, a single Ringed Plover Charadruis hiaticula, and two Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus all on Huxter Well Marsh.

A single Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was past the Piper Marsh hide and a single Sand Martin Riparia riparia was over Willow Marsh at 15.30. (SB)

Sunday 13th

A cold dull and wet morning brightening up by lunchtime.

A Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was heard singing and seen at nearby Lakeside around lunchtime (12.30), first of the year ? (GH & AP)

The first Sand Martin Riparia riparia flew through Huxter Well at 11.15am (IH, JH, DC).

A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was seen from Cottage Drain Hide on Willow Marsh (LF, GF).

Two Dunlin Calidris alpina were on cell 1b at Huxter Well Marsh with a Curlew Numenius arquata, and a pair of Redshank Tringa totanus early this morning. (TE)

A Mink Mustela vison was seen on Loversall Bank (GF, DC, IH).

Ian Heppenstall reports:-

More signs of Spring today. This morning, a single Sand Martin Riparia riparia was spotted over Huxter Well 1b (IH, also seen by JH and DC).

This afternoon, a Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was heard singing and then seen well in the sun at Piper Marsh Scrub (IH/JH).   What may have been a second bird (see above GH and AP) was heard singing this morning at Lakeside by Louise Hill and partner, Tim.

A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was seen this morning at Willow Pool from the Cottage Drain Hide by LF/GF.

There were two Redshank Tringa totanus at West Scrape, two Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus on Huxter Well Marsh (cell 2a) and what may later have been the same birds, or a second pair, on Huxter Well Marsh (cell 1b). Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was seen by various observers about the nesting area on Piper Marsh.
A definite two Mink Mustela vison were seen together near the feeding station at Willow Pool, early afternoon, by Louise Hill and partner, Tim. Single Mink Mustela vison (see above for Loversall Bank) had been seen a little earlier by GF, LF,DC, Janet and myself near to Beeston Hide.  
Janet and I spotted a single Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias moth near the reserve entrance in the afternoon.

In Black Carr Wood the daffodils were still in tight bud and covered in raindrops (see image) and out on Black Carr Field there was some interesting Mosses and Lichens (see image).

Daffodil flower bud and raindrops © Allan Parker ARPS

Moss species probable Brachythecium rutabulum © Allan Parker ARPS

Derek Bateson reports:-

' AP and the writer set off in drizzling rain today, more in hope than in expectation. We found one or two mosses and lichens, and I imaged two of these. The first is Cladonia coniocraea,(see image) which is growing on rotting wood, mainly in Black Carr Wood, but also in other places on the Reserve. The curved, pointed, hollow stalks are covered in a greyish-green powder which are the reproductive structures (soredia).

The  second species, Cladonia fimbriata (see image) is quite common on old tree stumps, and also has similar soredia, but the stalks bear wide cup-like structures on the top, and on their rim, dark brown spore producing areas which can be clearly seen. The first daffodils are beginning to colour and AP took the opportunity to take an image, with raindrops.

As there wasn’t much else to see, we decided to call it a day’

Lichen Cladonia coniocraea © Derek Bateson

Lichen Cladonia fimbriata © Derek Bateson

Below is another image from Saturday by Irene Oxley

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris © Irene Oxley

Saturday 12th

Today we saw a large bat was flying around the pumping station, Hawthorne field, Huxter well Marsh and Piper Marsh. Seen by a few different people and seen to fly just above the water at Piper Marsh. between 12 and 1.30pm. It was large and appeared gingery underneath, so we assumed it to be Noctule Nyctalus noctula? (SMB et al)

Two more images from yesterday a Brown Hare Lepus capensis and one of the Hebridean Sheep that graze St. Catherine's Fields.

I think with the Hebridean Sheep image the look and the 'bad hair day' says it all!!

Hebridean Sheep © Irene Oxley

Brown Hare Lepus capensis © Irene Oxley

Friday 11th

Long-tailed Tit are busy nest building at various sites throughout the reserve.

Brown Hare was noted at the West Scrape.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus © Irene Oxley

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus partially built nest © Dale Bentham

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo © Irene Oxley

Brown Hare Lepus capensis © Dale Bentham

Thursday 10th

A Grass Snake was seen on the reserve today (IH)

Ian also ran is moth trap last night but only six species came to the trap below is the report.

MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT, 9 MARCH, 2011

The latest moth trapping session took place on Wednesday night, 9 March. The weather overnight was mild but rather too windy and, although a healthy number of moths were caught, there were only six individual species. The wind was responsible for the complete absence from the catch of any of the more delicate species, such as microlepidoptera or the Geometridae. The bulk of the catch consisted of Clouded Drab (11 of these), Small Quaker (11) and Common Quaker (10). There were 5 each of Hebrew Character and Twin-spotted Quaker, plus a single Yellow Horned.

Ian Heppenstall  Moth Recorder

Clouded Drab © Allan Parker ARPS

Tuesday 8th

Derek Bateson reports:-

‘ On this lovely sunny day, I think I was the only serious photographer on the Reserve, but the signs of spring are around with some half a dozen Seven-spot Ladybirds enjoying the sunshine in St. Catherine’s Fields. At the same spot, Elder leaves are emerging quickly. Finally, I came across this rather fearsome (but small at ¼ inch) spider (see image) in the Duchess Hide.   Unidentified at the time I asked Richard Wilson for help and he came up with a probable Jumping Spider Salticus cf. cingulatus.

There was nothing much else to report’

Probable Jumping Spider Salticus cf. cingulatus © Derek Bateson

This Bittern Botaurus stellaris was photographed in front of the Beeston Hide on Sunday.

Bittern Botaurus stellaris © Craig Storton

Monday 7th

Reported from yesterday 6th was a single Curlew in front of the Mitchell Hide on Huxter Well, c40 Fieldfare were seen heading north and the Pink-footed Goose was still with the Greylag flock (Chris Bell).

Also from yesterday a Mink was on Huxter Well early morning terrorizing everything including about 150 Black-headed Gull it eventually disappeared into the reed bed to the left of the Mitchell Hide and a Little Egret was present at 8.00 am (Tony Elliott).

Below are two more images from yesterday taken on the reserve.

Lichen Xantharia parietina on Elder tree © Allan Parker ARPS

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 6th

Derek Bateson reports:-

'Today I paid a flying visit to the Reserve which turned out to be fortuitous as I spotted a flash of red on a mossy log in St.. Catherine's Copse. On closer examination this proved to be a fruiting body of Scarlet Elf Cap Sarcoscypha austriaca (see image). These four specimens formed one group and not far away was another smaller group of two, with two more specimens partly hidden. As far as I am aware, this is the first time they have been found in this location, probably 1km from the area where they are regularly found.

On the edge of this wood I saw and heard a Green Woodpecker Picus veridis calling, with another responding at the far end of Willow Bank, and yet another from Beeston Plantation.’

Scarlet Elf Cup Sarcoscypha austriaca © Derek Bateson

Allan Parker & Ken Woolley report:-

A day that started cold and grey developed into a bright if still somewhat cold almost spring like day.  A walk round the 'Willow Triangle' produced little other than some attractive lichen on Elder and fresh leaf buds on Dog Rose Rosa cannina (see image). On meeting Derek we were informed of a new site for Scarlet Elf Cup Sarcoscypha austriaca and we also photographed them.  After lunch we photographed Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis in flower (see image) and also the Artist's Fungi on it's Silver Birch stump. The path past Old Eaa reed bed had a small Gorse bush in full flower (see image).  Coltsfoot was in flower at one or two sites and a Primrose Primula vulgaris plant near the Pumping Station Compound was showing flower buds.

In the afternoon a Stoat was seen along the Access Track (KW).

Bird records included a sighting of Bittern Botaurus stellaris early morning (9:15) from the Beeston Hide. A Bittern Botautus stellaris was also recorded on the 3rd and 5th at the same site. A Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea (AP KW) was feeding on the ground with a Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret at the extreme south end of Cottage Drain were it meets Willow Bank.  A small flock c6 Siskin Carduelis spinus were in the Willow trees next to the Field Centre and a pair of Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus were busy nest building elsewhere.

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis © Allan Parker ARPS

Gorse Ulix europaeus © Allan Parker ARPS

Dog Rose Rosa cannina leaf bud © Allan Parker ARPS

Friday 4th

Derek Bateson reports:-

I can now confirm that the purple fungus on the willow trunk along Rossington Bank is definitely Silver Leaf Fungi, Chondrostereum purpureum.  The fungi next to the Piper Marsh path which we though originally was Lacquered Bracket is in fact the Artist’s Fungus, Ganoderma applanatum, which is somewhat, if not exactly similar.  Spores were obtained from each which confirmed the ID. 

(‘These were determined microscopically by Steve Clements, Sorby Fungi Recorder’ )

Artist’s Fungus, Ganoderma applanatum © Allan Parker ARPS

Thursday 3rd

Two images taken by Irene Oxley, on Wednesday 2nd at the Willow Pool feeding station, of a Blue Tit with a deformed bill.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus with a deformed bill both images © Irene Oxley

Wednesday 2nd

Signs of Spring?

Hawthorn bud emerging © Derek Bateson