Grey Wagtail Survey

Each year I join a Grey Wagtail survey.   Five of us visit several sites along the River Darent from Horton Kirby to Shoreham.

Each year we look for evidence of breeding.   This year we ended up doing two surveys.   The first on 30th May was very disappointing, with only two sites giving us sitings, and potential breeding.   We were quite concerned that recent flooding had affected the nest sites, but were hopeful that if the birds had been flooded out, there was a chance that would try again.

At the first site we found a couple, who were feeding themselves, but didn't seem to be interested in nest building or feeding young.   As the adults were feeding on a local playing field, dogs running around forced them onto a roof where they kept careful watch on both the dogs and human traffic below.

At one of the two successful sites we had great views of an adult feeding a young bird.   Enjoy watching for yourself here.

The final thrill of the day was seeing a Grey Wagtail dealing with a Banded Demoiselle.   You can see a wing of the demoiselle floating off down river.  

Green Tiger Beetles - Cicindela campestris

Just looking through the photographs from a trip to Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, earlier this year and found this of Green Tiger Beetles Cicindela campestris, it may be showing a pair copulating or the male defending the female.   They prefer clear heathland and brown sites which lie undisturbed to help them find their prey.   The clear land is warmed by the sun and this helps young to grow quickly, and also encourages strength in the adults so they are more efficient hunters.


These beetles lead a fascinating life underground, feeding on spiders ants caterpillars and other invertebrates - anything small enough to fit down their burrow!   This is a great example of the co-dependency of species and the need for all creatures to be protected.
For more information see below:


They, in turn are parasitised, by solitary wasp Methoca ichneumonoides.   Once the wasp larva emerges it feeds on the beetle whilst still in the burrow.    



https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/green-tiger-beetle