A visit to the Local Nature Reserve at Sutcliffe Park. The LNR was created as a flood defence to allow the Quaggy River to flood here rather than in a built up area.
Due to the recent dry weather the river is quite low. There was a Grey Wagtail by the sluice where the river enters the park and Blackcaps and Robins singing in the trees as I made my way along the course towards the lake.
there was more activity around the lake where Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Moorhen were all present. Reed Warblers were singing in the reed bed and a group of Swifts fed over the water. A pair of Little Grebe in their smart breeding plumage patrolled the far side of the lake. Common Blue Damselfly and an Emperor Dragonfly were also present.
From the lake I continued onto where the river leaves the park and enters into a channel.
I now turned my attention to the grassy area of the park which have been left to grow for now to promote invertebrates,
Highlights here were a number of Common Blue Butterflies and a Small Copper along with Small White and Speckled Wood Butterflies. Also found was a Latticed Heath Moth which was a new species for me.
Pete's Favourite Things 