Saturday 28th May 2016

Ramble with a ranger.....

Today was the second in the series of guided walks at Pembrey but the fourth event (two other events were combined with the Llanelli naturalists Society).

Attendance was low, in fact it was more of a staff meeting as I was joined by Veronica. We had a great walk though with plenty to look at with Birds, Butterflies, Beetles and Flies as well as a range of plants.

A couple of  "to be determined later" were a fly and a beetle, as well as confirming a few of the plants, ( [post script] with the great network of naturalists in the area my initial identification has been confirmed)

Chrysotoxum cautum no common name

Female Swollen-thighed Beetle Oedemera nobilis

On the beach there were at least six stranded/dead Barrel Jellyfish all at least 60cm across as well as quite a few tiny Jellyfish types the Comb jellies, I think Beroe cucumis

Barrel Jellyfish

Comb jellies Beroe cucumis

You never know what you may find and the carcass of a Swan spp was most unexpected...

Here are some enlarged photos of the beetle and the fly.....

Wednesday 25th May 2016

7000 visitors can't be wrong?

My blog has received over 7000 hits since I started which is pretty good.

Things have been a bit quiet of late with most birds getting on with breeding and the ups and downs of the weather making getting out unpleasant.

Signs of breeding are all about and today I found a Skylarks nest with four "warm" eggs, and a Redshank egg which I hope had hatched as opposed to having been predated. Stonechats seem to be feeding young with at least six pairs on the reserve, and when I was cutting the ringing rides in the reed bed a Grasshopper Warbler was "reeling" from nearby scrub.

Common Redshank ? egg

Skylark nest

The Green Winged Orchids are past their best now but still make a lovely show the next round of Orchids are beginning to push up their leaves with Common Spotted and Southern Marsh the next in line.

Southern Marsh Orchid basal leaves

Common Spotted Orchid basal leaves

Reptiles seem to be doing ok with more young Slow worms seen today as well as a few young Common Lizards.

Slow Worm

There's a guided walk this Saturday (28th May) if you would like to find out more about this great reserve.