Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Rodley Nature Reserve

I've spent a couple of mornings at Rodley recently, on the bank holiday Monday (rain, cool and a little sun!) and this past Sunday (2nd) (a little brighter and definitely warmer!). It works out nicely as my husband is training for a charity bike ride (Liverpool to Leeds along the canal in a day) so he drops me off to wander around and he goes off for a long cycle by the canal.

The verges along the road into the reserve are full of flowers at the moment and looks very inviting! I heard Chiffchaff and Blue Tits calling here both visits.


Crow



The first visit I walked down to an empty car park - I've not seen that before!


A lone Canada Goose in the field by the car park


The Sand Martins were constant, over the water and overhead with a few Swallows too. 


Gadwall


The view from the Reedbed hide on the first visit, blue sky one way, grey the other!



It couldn't have been more different on the second visit!




A Kingfisher was showing well on the second visit


As were Reed Buntings, this one was around the dragonfly ponds



The rain was not good for the Dragonflies the first time around but they were out all over the second time.

Common Blue Damselfly


Large Red Damselfly


Still checking the ID for this one



This Blackbird was sunning itself in a break from the showers


Both visits I managed to see a few Butterflies

Small Copper



Speckled Wood


Green-veined White


Small Tortoiseshell



Green-veined White


And after a little help with the ID a Brown Argus, a new Butterfly for me!


Small White (I think)



Small Copper





Greenfinch


Bullfinch, Blue Tit


Greenfinch, Reed Bunting


Sung out of the reserve by this Whitethroat


14 comments:

  1. Good morning Pam: Perhaps best of all was the empty car park! To get to walk alone these days is increasingly rare and I am sure you relished the opportunity. And the rewards were obviously ample.

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    1. I think the weather had a hand in the quietness around the reserve, it was appreciated!

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  2. A fab set of images Pam and how lovely that you got the place to yourself :)

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    1. Thanks Sharon, it's a rare thing for it to be so quiet :)

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  3. ...excellent shot of the Kingfisher, and I love the Bullfinch such beautiful color...and I enjoyed seeing all the butterflies and damsels...and glad you had a good warm day with sun on Sunday. Have a good week.

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    1. Thanks Sondra, Bullfinch are lovely aren't they. You too :)

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  4. Lovely photos Pam.. love the kingfisher one. I've never managed to see one 'in the flesh'.. I am hopeful I will one day.

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    1. Thank you :) fingers crossed you do, they are beautiful!

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  5. Super photos. You saw some lovely butterflies and damselflies on your second visit, great to see a kingfisher too:)

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  6. What a great reserve and lovely photos. The Small Copper is lovely - I haven't seen one yet this year and well done on the new butterfly tick :)

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    1. Thank you! It's still a bit quiet butterfly wise at the moment of course....too much rain!

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  7. There was lots to see, so many butterflies and other insects!

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