MSQ....

Brown Argus

Male Brimstone

My second visit in two days to this super reserve,didn't dissappoint,with some great sightings logged.Starting with birds,the best sighting went to 2 Spotted Flycatcher watched in the pine plantation,giving great views of this now scarce summer visitor.Also in the plantation were several juv Goldcrest, Coal Tit,Willow Tit,Chiffchaff,Blackcap and Treecreeper.A bonus while we were waiting for the Flycatchers,was a flyover Hobby,seen briefly as it passed over.Insects where in abundance today,with good numbers of Butterflies,which included my first Painted Lady of the year,20 Brown Argus,Holly Blue and 14 Peacock.Dragonflies where in good numbers also and were represented by 8 species,the commonest being the lovely Brown Hawker.Mammal sightings included a single Stoat and some positive signs of Otter,with some fresh spraints found and they do smell like Violets!.An excellent 4 hours on this brilliant reserve.