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Friday, 26 May 2017

Strumpshaw Fen: hotter than St Tropez!

Always worth a look round the Fen, especially if you can arrive before 7.30: that's particularly true at the moment, given that birds seem just as uncomfortable with the sudden high temperatures as we are!

This morning an early start provided good views of Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier and Hobby, while Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Cetti's and Chiffchaffs were still in good voice! Lots of interesting insects, including this smart longhorn beetle and several species of dragon and damselfly. No Swallowtails while I was there: I think the low numbers of caterpillars last year may have resulted in a poor hatch of these splendid butterflies...

By the way: worth mentioning that birds appreciate you providing water more than they do food when it's hot: we have a pond, a splash pool and two bird-baths, all of which are receiving steady custom at the moment! Having said which, this greedy juvenile Starling took some extricating from the feeder: I'm pleased to report he flew off none the worse for wear!









 


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