Could this be the true first sign of spring?

spotted on site early morning January 16th.

… too cold to be enjoying the view though ….

This is a trial of a new approach to recording sightings on the reserve, so everyone can join in and see what others have to say.

Please leave a comment on this post with your sightings and be sure to include the following details if at all possible.

• What  you saw – species (sex, numbers or other details are useful but not essential)
• When you saw it – i.e. the date
• Name of observer
• Where you saw it within the site, e.g. bird was overhead, in the Mere, on alders

Thursday November 17th

and the marsh marigold is in flower.

Normally the first sign of spring, the continuing mild weather is responsible for the appearance of these yellow flowers in the mere.

and a recent contribution from Derrick Davies …..

‘you can’t blame it on the wasps’

these colourful and noisy creatures are becoming regular visitors. Love ’em or loath ’em…?

Here is a Grey wagtail picking through the mud on the edge of the spit when the water level was very low ten days ago (it’s since shot back up). It’s the first time I’ve seen one on the reserve. Not to be confused with the Yellow wagtail, which is much yellower than this!

This is the longest centipede I have ever seen! On an elder stump …. must have been 50 – 75mm long when stretched out .. and unusual sight  as they’re generally nocturnal

I think I’ll adopt it as my

Signature photo!

and at last a shot of the heron in flight, but almost missed it…

DON’T FORGET  

 – 10 days left to vote for the WWA

on the natwest community awards scheme……

Meg has spotted the kingfisher! It may be fuzzy, but unmistakeable resting on a suitable perch over the mere ……

and our old friends the parakeet and heron, keeping an eye on things….

and don’t forget … vote for us at

http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/1865

Common English Alder – alnus glutinosa

male (the long thin ones) and female catkins on the recently planted trees….

and whirligig beetles (gyrinidae) in the boggy area:

….. alarm these little chaps and they swim around rapidly in circles, click  whirligig below for live action!

whirligig

It’s a typically pleasant view, spot the heron….

In the willow top right:

 and lurking in the backwater……

Monday morning: new family makes the overland trip to see the willow sculpture