Low Moor and Oakenshaw Wildlife

A pair of Pied Wagtails have bred at Toad Holes beck which is good news.  Also at the site I found (due to the cool spring) that Damselflies and butterflies were in short supply.  About 20 Azure Damselflies only were recorded however some were egg laying which was a good sign.  Two species of butterflies were observed a single worn Speckled Wood and 2 Small Whites.

Talking of Toad Holes beck Mark Brookes contacted me to say that he had seen a possible Leech at the pond.  I have not seen one myself but from a pond survey carried out in 2013 the species is present.

34 Jackdaws were at Caldene Fields including many juveniles.

At Raw Nook Nr Azure Damselflies were evident but no Large Reds of Blue-tailed were recorded.  Low numbers of moths were caught again last night which are also been affected by the cool windy weather, 6 Heart & Dart, 1 Flame Shoulder, 1 Small square spot and another male White Ermine.

Azure Damselfly

Last night some unseen youths set alight and destroyed the bench that overlooked the pond at Raw Nook Nr.  This morning I found the remnants of the fire and empty beer bottles.  These mindless people have not only spoilt the enjoyment of genuine members of the public who liked to sit and watch the wildlife but for themselves as youngsters used to sit on the bench as well.

Lately I have noticed the bench was becoming a ‘Meeting Place’ for people who didn’t respect the area.  It is sad for the genuine people who gained enjoyment from sitting at the location but ‘ I now wonder what vandalism would be next? and therefore not replacing the bench may be the way forward.

The cool temperatures are playing havoc with moth recording at the moment with only a male Buff Ermine caught on 18/5. Last night nothing at all was caught…

Last years Swallows are nest building at the horses shed at Caldene Fields with their big black stallion as body guard!

I have been unable to work the patch other the last week so I was looking forward to what was about this morning.  Sadly I was in for a bit of a shock as they were nothing new in apart from a single Swift that flew west.

With the mainly northerly winds there has been little movement of migrants in the last few days.  However, this morning a Common Snipe was at Caldene Fields which is an unusual record for Spring.