Discover the hidden worlds this summer
Our new wildflower area is proving a magnet for bees, butterflies and a host of other insects of all shapes and colours. There are tiny bees maybe 2mm in length, large round bumblebees and all manner of sizes in between, vying for space with hoverflies and soldier beetles as they gather pollen from the daisies and thistles gently swaying in the light summer breeze. Exquisite ruby tailed wasps scuttle across wooden rails. As their name suggests they have iridescent red abdomens and a metallic green head and thorax. On the bee bank digger wasps make short work of burrowing into the sand where they will lay their eggs and leave a food provision of paralysed prey. Mining bees work alongside but provide their offspring pollen to feed on. Flitting through the tall stems, meadow brown and gatekeeper butterflies pick their way, while small and large whites dance above. Basking in a bare sunny patch is one of my favourite butterflies, the small copper. When open, the forewings of this
pretty little butterfly are bright orange with dark edges and spots, while the hindwings are dark with an orange edge. Beetles scurry across the ground and the sound of chirruping grasshoppers emanates from within, reminding me of the hours I spent as a child trying to catch them during my summer holidays.
Summer is a time for inquisitive minds and fascinating creatures. A chance to discover hidden worlds and intriguing lifecycles. Throughout the summer we are bug hunting, pond dipping, butterfly counting and much, much more. Check out our events listing at www.rspb.org. uk/paghamharbour
Meanwhile, all five kestrel chicks fledged successfully and have been seen around the visitor centre area. They are still dependant on their parents the first month or so after fledging as they learn how to hunt and fend for themselves. There is more good news from our tern colony as the majority of chicks have survived and are now fledging too. However, our nest cameras are still running with stock doves and beecam!