As the breeding season draws to a close, Ptolemy, McKinnon one of the assistant rangers at the Long Nanny tern site reflects on some of the wildlife highlights of the season.
As
well as terns and plovers, the site attracts an array of other wildlife. I have
been lucky enough to see Arctic skua, curlew sandpiper and white-winged black tern
on site. Stonechat and reed bunting are resident, adding to the variety of bird
species seen here. The terns have been disturbed by the usual suspects such as
kestrel and gulls, but three disturbances stand out: little egret, great white
egret and short eared owl. Once discovering the cause, watching the Arctic terns
chase the innocent bird flying by has left me and the other rangers stunned.
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©Ptolemy
McKinnon
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Botanically,
the area is fantastic. On site, pyramidal orchids are currently in flower. They
are beautiful plants and add to the wide spectrum of colour summer brings. The
salt marsh has provided lovely pink tones with thrift growing there. Bird
foot's trefoil, red clover and bloody cranesbill also add to the wonder of the
site. Many offer food for insects. Narrow bordered 5-spot and 6-spot burnet moths
feed on the ragwort and common blue butterfly on the bird's foot trefoil.
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Five-spot burnet moth on a pyramidal orchid ©Ptolemy
McKinnon
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On
sunny days when topping up the sun cream, common lizards can be seen sun bathing
along with plenty of insects. Some of the highlights include cinnabar moths,
red-tailed bumblebee, drinker moth caterpillars and heather shieldbugs. Even at
night, there are interesting insects. Recently, a moth trap on site attracted a
fantastic selection despite it being a clear, cold night. The highlights were
golden spangle, garden tiger, single-dotted wave and drinker, all great to see,
even with bleary eyes.
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Drinker moth from moth trapping ©Ptolemy
McKinnon
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When
wanting time away from the site or in particular to get a shower, the walk to
the office through Newton Links has produced some great spectacles. There are
many common bird species such as linnet and sedge warbler which are a joy to
listen to on the way. I have also seen species which I did not see growing up
in Perthshire such as wall butterfly and yellow wagtail. The most amazing sight
was one warm day earlier this month, as I was stopped in my tracks by the sight
of a hummingbird hawkmoth hovering around white campion. This was the first
time I had ever seen one and this sighting plus the others mentioned has added
to the magic of the area.
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wall butterfly at Newton Point ©Ptolemy
McKinnon
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