Red tipped clearwing moth, June 2023 by Henry Stanier
June proved to be an interesting month, with variable weather, but some good opportunities to enjoy the best of the Fen.
The wildflower meadows on the Northern Loop Trail are stunning and as the northern section of the path runs amongst the flowers, you can really experience the diversity of species and colours resulting from the restoration works there.
Wildflower meadow at Engine Farm on the Northern Loop Trail by Henry Stanier
Musk mallow at Engine Farm on the Northern Loop Trail by Henry Stanier
Wildflowers with oxeye daisy at Engine Farm on the Northern Loop Trail by Henry Stanier
Oxeye daisies at Engine Farm on the Northern Loop Trail by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Field scabious at Engine Farm on the Northern Loop Trail by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Take a closer look at the flowerheads there and elsewhere in the Fen, carefully of course, and it’s been a good time to check them out for insects, especially when looking for longhorn beetles. Closer inspection may reveal caterpillars, such as those of burnet moths, in the wildflower meadows, or the drinker moth and emperor moths in the wetlands. Two highlights for me, during my 30 days Wild, were the first red tipped clearwing moth I have ever seen and the first Norfolk hawker dragonfly I have seen in the area, outside of Paxton Pits.
Red tipped clearwing moth, June 2023 by Henry Stanier
Black and yellow longhorn beetle by Henry Stanier
Four-banded longhorn beetle by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Golden-bloomed grey longhorn beetle by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Burnet moth caterpillar by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
The drinker moth caterpillar by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Emperor moth caterpillar by Rowan Wilkinson, June 2023.
The dragonflies have finally come out in force, with the common four-spotted chasers regularly encountered, as well as our biggest, the emperor. The spring species, such as the hairy dragonfly and scarce chaser are still being seen, but then it was a late start for them this year. While wandering in the shadow of the scrub and woodland, you may encounter the southern hawker; its long, dark body has paired spots along the abdomen, fusing into two bands. Ruddy darters are also around, as are the black-tailed skimmers, whizzing along the droves and trails, always landing on the bare ground ahead of you. We are also very pleased that white-legged damselflies are being reported, near the larger drains and rivers.
Four-spotted chaser dragonfly by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Male emperor dragonfly on Great Fen restoration land by Marta Dobrowolski, June 2023.
Mating pair of black-tailed skimmer dragonflies by Henry Stanier, June 2023.
Our summer raptors are out and about, with hobbies hunting the dragonflies of the open water and ditches. Various bird species are already flocking, with groups of lapwing frequenting the pool edges and arable fields, while the late breeding species such as corn bunting are still displaying. Other species are moving around, with sightings of common sandpiper and oystercatcher coming in from the land under restoration.
As the livestock moves back on to the grassland, the views will open up, and later, once the meadows begin to be mown, more birds of prey will be visible, perched on the hay bales.
In the meantime, the fenland nightlife beckons, so why not join us for more beetle watching, in this case, for a glow-worm hunt?
Henry Stanier (Great Fen Monitoring & Research Officer)
