Wildlife update – Late June at Lackford Lakes

It is now feeling like summer on the reserve, with lots of action to be found all around the reserve.  Butterflies, dragonflies, birds, flowering plants, and other insects.

Birds

• Marsh harriers – still feeding young at both nest sites.  Hopefully the young marsh harriers will start attempting to fly in the next week or so.
• Swifts – currently sitting on eggs in our boxes.  The one on our camera in the centre should hatch this coming week.
• Young birds – lots of warblers and tits now flying around the reserve, a family group of 7 young tufted ducks appeared on the slough, some grebes down the eastern end of the reserve and young woodpeckers have been seen around ash carr.
• Returning birds after the breeding season – this is already happening with a build up of teal and lapwing on the slough.  Around 15 of each are now present there.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

These are the stars of the show right now, with lots to be seen around the reserve.  Look out for:

• Emperor Dragonfly – on most smaller pools so try the centre pool, the raised pond and the water in front of Bernards hide.
• Four-spotted chaser – found on most areas of water on the reserve.  Good views on the sailing lake and from Bernard’s hide.
• Black-tailed skimmer – look around the trails as you walk around the reserve.
• Banded demoseille – Best around the metal bridge near Bess’s viewpoint.
• Brown hawker – can be seen by the trails.
• Southern Hawker – just beginning to be seen about the reserve.
• Blue-tailed, common and Azure Damselflies can be found almost anywhere on the reserve. 

Butterflies

These have been a bit quiet so far this month, but things are looking better on the reserve now.  Look out for:

• Small heath – follow the red trail to our breckland fields for these.
• Common blue – follow the red trail.
• Brown argus – follow the red trail.
• Meadow brown – found in areas of grassland throughout the reserve.
• Large skipper – found in areas of grassland.
• Red admiral – a few now about on the reserve
• Speckled wood – best to look around ash carr for these.

Flowering plants

The breckland fields by following the red trail are best for looking at flowering plants currently.  In particular vipers bugloss is making some areas look blue.

Other insects

Look closing in the shrubs, bushes and plants by the trails and you will discover a whole host of insects.  Look out for caterpillars, bees, grasshoppers  and more.

Summer is a great time to visit lackford lakes to see the mix of wildlife that make the reserve their home.  Remember to bring your binoculars or hire some when you next visit to get a closer look at all the different wildlife mentioned in this update from dragonflies to flowering plants.

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