First Lesser Whitethroat for the site

David K sent the following update on 13/5/2016:

"Both Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat at Gadespring this morning. Also a really confusing warble that sounded like a cross between a Song Thrush and a Sedge Warbler. I couldn't see it despite standing under it for half an hour."

As far as we know, this is the first Lesser Whitethroat for the site and very encouraging news.

If you'd like to know more about this species, the RSPB info is here.

Grey Wagtails set up home!

In 2014, a pair of Grey Wagtails nested over the River Bulbourne, by the canal, Station Moor. They fledged at least 2 young (details, including video, here). This year, a pair has again chosen to nest by the River Bulbourne, on Trust land, and were spotted by the Trust's longest serving Volunteer, Roland Howard. For obvious reason, I won't publish the location and nest details but it's wonderful that this colourful, river-loving creature chooses the Box Moor Trust as its home and the place where it'll raise its young.

Interestingly, there are 3 adult Grey Wagtails around the nest site. I'm not sure what is the role of the 3rd bird? Perhaps it’s a young adult from last year’s brood, helping with this year’s rearing? I know some species have that type of familial relationship but I’ve no idea if it happens in Wagtails? Anyway, I was able to film the male last week, probably the mate of the pair. He sat in the sunshine and preened for nearly 2 minutes.

[The video is best viewed in 4K: press play then click on the cog, bottom right, and select 2160p^4K quality]

First night's moth trapping of 2016

Ben and Roger set themselves the ambitious task of trapping at 3 Box Moor Trust sites simultaneously on 12/4/2016 (Gadespring, Roughdown and Westbrook Hay). In spite of torrential rain, dodgy electrics and spluttering motors, they had the skill, patience and dogged determination to stick with it. Between them, they trapped and netted some exciting specimens: for the full account, including some superb photographs, head on over to Ben's blog, HERE.

Toads return to breed

David K provided the following update after the Easter weekend Open Day

"I was getting worried but yesterday, a foot or so down on the first pond, up near the feeders,  the other side of the bund next to the scrape, I spotted lots of mating Toads and strings of 'pearls'. They were hard to see but we were able to show a couple of visitors a sight which few have seen.

It rained so hard that we had few visitors to the open day. The toads must have known!!"

For photos and information from last year click, HERE

Newts begin to emerge

In the UK, we have 3 species of Newt: Common (Lissotriton vulgaris), Palmate (Triturus helveticus) and Great Crested (Triturus cristatus). They all hibernate during winter and over the coming weeks will be emerging to breed in nearby ponds. David K spotted this little chap at Gadespring at the end of February.

I’m not sure on species but hopefully a few others will make themselves known very soon.