Snakes Alive

So, having threatened to return to Fire Beacon Hill with intent, that is to find a quarry I had yet to add to my archive, I decide to take the leap and revisit this well endowed reserve.

With Buzzards soaring on the early morning thermals rising from the steep sided hills surrounding the site, my ears filled with the song of the warblers and Stonechat, I trudged my way up the hill into the reserve. The early stages of my search were less than fruitful, but perseverance paid off, I stumbled near literally upon a stunning looking Grass Snake soaking up some much needed sunshine, unfortunately my change of luck lasted only a few moments before the meeting was called off and she slunk away into the undergrowth.

In continuation of my search I started to wade through heather and gorse near enough up to my waist, a technique I'd like to take this opportunity of not recommending, A acupuncturist may cost more but they know where not to cause pain!!! This endeavour however did pay off and I soon found myself looking down upon a perfect male specimen Adder, he decided to allow me a few shots before departing for possibly breakfast or maybe just to be alone again!

Having completed my task, though I did stop for a Slow Worm shot on my exit, I took to Devon's meandering lanes for a trip to the nearby Seaton Marshes site. On arrival I was greeted to the sight of a Migrant Hawker flying off to munch on it's newly acquired lunch - a Red admiral.

My next face to face encounter was with a Damselfly which shortly after announcing itself to me decided it to wished to dine and in the blink of an eye grabbed a drone fly and devoured it with equal rapidity. I spent some time following the countless Hawkers hunting along a drainage ditch with the occasional shot being taken.

My main source of material however had decided to be a "no show" and so further visits will be made, but that's another story for another day.

Bug Hunting

Once again I feel that I should start with a warm vote of thanks to the EDDC team for a fantastic day - Charlie is bound to be reviewing those salaries shortly!!!

Seaton Marshes is a well managed and stocked Nature Reserve set adjacent to the equally impressive Axe Estuary. It hosts a large water filled pit with an island for the local wildlife to enjoy some privacy! The site is choc full of Flora and Fauna delights, and every step you will find something - if you are looking. You can dip the pond for an introduction to yet more minibeasts, of which there are many. There are wildfowl at the pond and a hide from which to observe those on the estuary. Should you wish to, it is equally adept for a nice summers day walk and maybe even a picnic

We started off with a quick peek to see what was about before the hoards decended and were instantly met by Common and Bluetail Damselflies, before walking on and bumping into a Ruddy Darter.

The verges were full of Fleabane, Knapweed and Willow Herb which in turn were covered with a multitude of nectar collecting hoverflies and butterflies, most notably Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Large White.

Shortly after, the Pond dipping began in earnest and we soon had quite a collection of Waterboatmen, Screech Beetles, Mayfly Larvae, Diving Beetles, Hog Louse, Saucer Bugs and a fantastic Dragonfly Nymph, a later sweep would see Stick Insects pulled in as well.

Following the dipping, sampling of the meadow wildlife was undertaken and many finds were quick to come in, an assortment of Grashoppers including the pictured pink one, a Silver Y Moth, Spiders, Bush Crickets and other inverterbrates swiftly ensued for expert identification.

All in all a very productive day with some great finds from a very well managed and furtile spot, I for one shall be returning with my youngsters to investigate further what we can find and just for the sheer joy of the surroundings.