Diary --- April 2005

Weather

April was the wettest month of the year so far but the total rainfall for the month was still only fractionally above the average. The year up to the end of April was still only about two thirds of the average. The wettest day was the 24th with 14mm of rain.

Temperatures were generally very similar to the average throughout the month. Frost was recorded on 3 days with the minimum temperature being -6°C on the 9th.

Birds

April saw the arrival of the first of the summer migrants to the beds with Chiff chaff and Swallow seen on 11th and Blackcap, Swift and House Martin on 29th. Other noteworthy observations included regular sightings of Long-tailed Tits, single records of Linnet and Kingfisher, a couple of records of Red-legged Partridge and, on one occasion, five Buzzards together high over the site.

The first young Mallard of the year was seen on 24th.



May should see the arrival of the last of the summer migrants and lots of nesting activity and we always hope for something unusual slightly "off course".

Butterflies

The species tally for butterflies reached 8 by the end of the month with Green Veined White, Orange Tip, Holly Blue and Speckled Wood being added to the four species seen in March. The Holly Blues put on a particularly good show.

Etc.

Activity of Water Voles went through a lull during the first half of the month but picked up towards the end. No sightings of other mammals have been reported to me.

No spectacular new flowers though the "seed" head of a Horsetail had me flummoxed for some time. Some of the Insects were rather special with large numbers of Ladybirds of at least three species and some good views of Shield Bugs and spiders.



Some of the other "bugs" spotted.