Back Into The Swing Of It

 A gentle return back into the county wildlife scene saw Shozzer and I head to the New Workings near Earls Barton for a saunter around. In pleasantly warm and sunny conditions we had an entertaining meander around the site enjoying a few good birds and rather a lot of interesting insects.

Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Common Blue Damsel and broad-bodied Chaser

Four Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper and a Grey Partridge were the pick of the reportable species and at least two male Cuckoos were heard calling. A Common Blue Damselfly was my first of the year, we saw many more during the day. My first dragonfly of 2026, a Broad-bodied Chaser followed soon after and gave good views. Next up was a Painted Lady near the lock and at least one more was seen during our walk, after last year's blank this was quite encouraging development. Several Small Coppers were noted next to the river and at least one Holly Blue. More new damsels for the year were also seen with both Blue-tailed and Red-eyed being noted. Alan found several  Hairy Dragonflies and also a Small Tortoiseshell while I picked out yet another year first - a Small Heath. With plenty of Banded Demoiselles flitting around the waterside vegetation it was all in all a very good morning.

Hairy Dragonfly,  Red -eyed and Blue-tailed Damselflies and Small Heath

Next up on the agenda was Summer Leys where we made a briefish stop on our way to the Coach and Horses in Wellingborough. Best birds were a trio of Avocets and a Whimbrel in Wader Bay which though distant showed OK in the scope. Although there were quite a few insects about the only new species for the year was a Red Admiral at the Toad Pond. With the heat now becoming a little oppressive we headed off for that well deserved pint that I alluded to earlier.

Small Copper, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Avocet and Whimbrel