Steve Curtis and I enjoyed a most pleasurable 3 hour amble around Blackmoor NR, from 3pm on 25/05/2024.

Our main hope had been to see Common Redstarts. We managed 4, with 3 singing males heard, of which 1 was seen and 1 female was seen, too.

We were both struck by the number of birds that were still singing. We counted 10 of each singing : Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Chaffinches and Robins.

We also heard 4 singing Whitethroats, of which 1 was seen and Steve saw a Lesser Whitethroat, when he ventured further into Ubley without me.

Prior to our visit I had said it would be good to see my first Spotted Flycatcher of the year there and we were not disappointed with 3 seen well.

Owls and woodpeckers are 2 of my favourite bird families, so it was great to see both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and to hear a Tawny Owl several times.

In addition to the 38 different species of bird that we saw, I spotted a pair of Roe Deer . Butterflies seen were Orange-tip, Small and Green-veined White and Steve’s first Wall Brown for the year. Also Common Red Damselfly and a stunning, male Beautiful Demoiselle.

A great visit to one of our favourite Somerset reserves . Hopefully next time we visit there will be more sunshine , bringing out more Butterflies and Odonata.