With the height of summer very much upon us now and temperatures, for the most part, well into the 30s during the day, it would seem that the majority of the Avian community at Ashburnham have fallen into something of a slumber. The more energetic species amongst them - I'm thinking particularly of the Coal Tits and Treecreepers who I still see frantically flitting between branches - are rearing second broods, making the most of the long days and abundance of insects. Unsurprisingly, this quiet spell has seen my attention at times, directed towards other fauna on site and I have been enjoying the odd spot of Lepidoptera and Odonata hunting.
A lack of time and a lack of knowledge means that I'm probably only scratching the surface of what is around. However, a couple of lunchtime strolls have given me a wonderful introduction to some of the more striking insects at Ashburnham Place.
A brief stroll up to the Grove last week, via Reservoir Lake, afforded me great views of Black Tailed Skimmer, an aptly named common species of Dragon Fly sporting a distinctive blue abdomen which blackens towards the tip. Fortunately, this frenetic flyer posed just along enough for me to capture it on camera.
A ramble down the overgrown path in Target Wood earlier on in the week, revealed the presence of several Beautiful Demoiselle Damselflies. These attractive, almost neon coloured Zygoptera, flutter nonchalantly in a similar fashion to how one might expect a larger butterfly to move. Though usually found on the edges of streams, these electric looking insects were congregating in the lower branches of several trees lining the path; perhaps seeking shade from the relentless sun overhead.
(Notice the closed wings at rest compared to the open wings of the Skimmer species above. This is one of the distinguishing features between Dragonflies and Damselfies).
It wasn't just the Odonata that were attracting my interest as I explored Target Wood for the first time. A distinctive and hoarse 'cronking' overhead meant that I was able to add Raven to my patch list. Though I wasn't able to pick out the usually conspicuous broad, black wings above the canopy, I was graced with several good views of presumably the same bird later on in the week.
One of my highlights from the last few days was finding a colourful Cinnabar Moth. The bright red spots seemed almost gratuitous against the duller green of the leaf surround and got me wondering as to the purpose of such decorative adornment. Clearly this isn't about camouflage! Perhaps the vivid colours serve as something of a deterrent to any potential passing predators?
Equally beautiful but not quite as striking, I've managed to photograph several butterflies. The stifling temperatures and still air have brought many out of their papery sarcophagi, and the abundance of wild flowers and shaded glades provide the perfect habitat for these erratic yet elegant fliers.
(From left to right: Gatekeeper, Large White, Comma).
With Autumn not too far away and many migratory birds already beginning to move Southwards, I anticipate an increase in passage species over the next few weeks. I'll be scanning the fringes of Broadwater in the hope of locating a visiting Common Sandpiper or two. It'll also be worth studying the mixed tit flocks, which are beginning to form up in Burrage Wood, for the presence of something rarer; a wood warbler or yellow-browed warbler for example. Here's hoping