A very wet start to the week transitioning into some nice weather, at last!
Post breeding build up of Lapwing on site with around 160, mostly using Meadow Lake.
Mid July breeding birds and other sightings
Lots of bird activity around the reserve, wildflowers blooming and insect life to be investigated.
Lapwing showing well from the in focus shop
The Common Terns are doing well with at least three young now flying and another 5 getting close to take off!
Young Common Terns begging as the adults fly in.
The Sand Martin banks are active. Many more birds are using the Ribble with over 500 seen hawking insects the other day.
At least one pair of Great-crested Grebe have two young.
Lots of recently fledged birds around including Reed Bunting, Pied and Grey Wagtail, Whitethroat, Sedge and Reed Warbler. Great to hear that at least 2 Cetti's Warbler juveniles are now on the wing, although as usual, not easy to see.
A few more sightings of Kingfisher recently. Also an unconfirmed report of Willow Tit near the visitor village on the 9th July.
A 'parakeet' that flew over the Lookout today was unidentified but not the 'usual' Rose-ringed that can occur locally.
Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum) - 'honey scented' worth a sniff!
Featured plant; Lady's Bedstraw. Also known a Yellow Bedstraw. In the past this has been used as bedding and may have inhibited the presence of fleas. It was also used in cheese making as a coagulant and as a colour additive. The roots and flowers have also been used as a dye.
