Saltmarsh Delph

We enjoyed a recent visit to Saltmarsh Delph, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve where the greenspaces were brimming with interest. The most abundant species were these Ringlets that appeared wherever we paused to look.

There were a number of Dragonflies zipping around, this was the only one I managed to photograph. Thanks to Warren who suggested a Southern Hawker.

Passing through the gate, on the approach to the hide were a noisy gang of Long Tailed Tits, Marsh Tits and Warblers (I'm guessing a Reed Warbler). Nearing the hide we caught a glimpse of a Marsh Harrier through the overhead branches, just a few metres above the reeds.

Comma butterflies stood out against fading vegetation.

I enjoyed my first Gatekeeper sighting of the year, identified by the double white eye spot.

We carried on a few miles down the road to Blacktoft and stopped for a half at the pub situated on the opposite bank to Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve. Strong winds kept the numbers of airborne birds to a minimum although we did see a couple of Grey Heron and 2 or 3 Marsh Harriers.