The farm also has other rarities such as Pygmy Rush
and Yellow Century. The first few weeks of June should welcome the arrival of
Green Winged Orchids.
For reptile lovers there are many Adders, Slow Worms
and Common Lizards to be found. Many live under the reptile sheets that I have
put down over the years. Be careful when lifting the sheets as the Adders will
be more scared than you!
As the temperature rises the reserve comes into its own
in terms of Dragonflies. Windmill Farm is an excellent site for many species of
Dragonfly (18 species have been recorded). I am leading a Drogonfly walk on
Sunday the 28th July at 10am. It is free and as long as it is not
raining I guarantee you some fantastic Dragon and Damselflies. 4 Spotted
Chasers and Large Red Damselflies are already on the wing at the Farm. This
picture (of a 4 Spotted Chaser) was taken on the 10th May.
May is a great month for migrant birds at Windmill Farm
and most of our visitors have arrived. There are up to 3 Cuckoos around and
good numbers of Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and
Chiffchaff. There are also a few pairs of Grasshopper Warbler about. A Lesser
Whitethroat and a Garden Warbler have also recently been present. Hobby’s hunt
over the heath and ponds and there are often visits from Wheatear, Marsh
Harrier and Short Eared Owl. The latter two may have moved out by now.
Pictured below are: Sedge Warbler, Whimbrel and
Grasshopper Warbler.
In addition to all the above there are many other great
animals to be encountered including; toads, frogs, common newts, field voles,
common and water shrews, mice, stoats, fox, rabbits, the occassional Roe Deer
and lots more. So come on down. See you there! Dougy.
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