Holland Haven Birding: Haven Wildlife

8th Oct 25

It's been a good year for Clouded Yellows at the Haven this year as it has locally.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

30th Sept 25

Clouded Yellow by the pillbox above the scrape, early afternoon. Mike O'Hanlon

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

2nd Sept 25

A Gt. G Bush-cricket was on the path on the way to the hide and Richard & Mike had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth on the way back to the carpark

Photo Richard Jeffree©

8th Aug 25

Nice to see another Clouded Yellow this morning, also 30+ Wasp Spiders around the site.

22nd July 25

A walk around the site for Richard & Mike this morning gave good views of the Wasp Spiders (now two between the sluice and the hide) plus a nice Jersey Tiger on the sewage works hedge.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

17th July 25

A good assortment of butterflies this morning including a nice Painted Lady plus the first Wasp Spider of the year.

16th July 25

Loads of Gatekeepers around this morning, plus Small & Essex Skipper, Red Admiral, Small & Large White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, also a couple of NB 5-spot Burnet moths.

13th July 25

Southern Migrant Hawker over the golf course pond this morning.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

Photo Richard Jeffree©

30th June 25

A Marbled White butterfly was the sighting of the day, seen in the same area as Pete Loud's in July 23 and I think just the second record for the site

20th June 25

The first Essex Skipper butterfly & 6 Spot Burnet Moth of the year today.

17th June 25

A good morning for butterflies with the first Small Tortoiseshell of the year plus Small Skipper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, and lots of Whites, also a big increase in 5 spot Burnet moths and a Emperor Dragonfly

12th June 25

A few Butterflies around today, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, and the first Large Skipper of the year.

11th June 25

A nice Scarce Chaser seen at the Haven this afternoon.

10th June 25

The first 5 spot Burnet Moth was seen today and lots of Peacock caterpillars on the nettles outside the hide.

2nd June 25

Following on from yesterdays signs of Burnet moths, a Burnet Companion moth was a first for me at the Haven, two Latticed Heaths were also seen and the first two Meadow Brown butterflies were added to the site year list.

1st June 25

Not just the first Avocet chicks this morning but the first 6 Spot Burnet moth cocoons, not long before they will be on the wing, and sadly a super little Mole who didn't make it back underground.

20th May 25

Butterfly numbers were good again today with Small & Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Red Admiral & Small Heath, Speckled Wood plus a nice Latticed Heath moth.

Plus a female Emperor from yesterday

12th May 25

9 species of butterfly today including Holly Blue (new for year), Small & Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper, Common Blue, Red Admiral & Small Heath plus 2 Hairy Dragonflies, 1 Azure Damselfly and a Hornet.

11th May 25

The warmer weather of late has led to an increase in butterfly numbers, with 11 Species noted this morning, Brimstone (2), Small White, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak (4), Common Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood & Small Heath.

29th Apr 25

Another good day for butterflies with the Green Hairstreak showing well outside the hide along with Peacocks, Speckled Wood, and lots of whites. A Small Heath was again in the area near the wind pump and an Angle Shades moth was seen in the approach road wood. Still loads of St Marks flies around.

26th Apr 25

The first Green Hairstreak butterfly of the year was seen just outside the hide today

18th Apr 25

The first Grass Snake of the year was seen in front of the hide today by Pete Loud

17th Apr 25

Seven species of butterfly seen this morning, 2 Brimstone, 2 Large White, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Peacock, Comma, and Speckled Wood plus 2 Muntjac Deer (inside the electric fence ?)

4th Apr 25

Our first Speckled Wood butterfly this morning plus two Adders & two Slow worms, Mike O'Hanlon

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

6th Mar 25

The first Brimstone butterfly seen in the Dell this morning plus the Adder seen again and a Muntjac up on the arable

28th Feb 25

Two Adders seen again this morning, one a bootlace the other an adult, assume a late last year addition that has over wintered below ground.

And a nice Muntjac out in the sunshine

25th Feb 25

The Hares are going 12 rounds on the marsh just to the north of the hide

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

17th Feb 25

Surprise of the morning was my first Adder of the year, about the right time for us but a bit on the chilly side.

2nd Jan 25

The start of a new year with Chinese Water Deer, Red Fox and Brown Hare seen from the hide.

2025

30th Aug 24

This 6in long Grass Snake was making its way across the track on my way back from the hide today.

Seen earlier a Blackneck Moth and a Migrant Hawker.

13th Aug 24

12th Aug 24

Several Wasp Spiders between the Sluice and the hide this morning, plus Latticed Heath moth, 3+ Common Blue butterflies, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and lots of Whites

10th Aug 24

Richard Jeffree 10 Aug 24

Jersey Tiger on Ragwort

Photo Richard Jeffree©

24th July 24

Lots of Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Skippers, Small & Green-veined Whites today plus Red Admiral & Small Copper butterflies, Shaded Broad-bar & Latticed Heath moths and my first Migrant Hawker of the year. Also noted was my first Cinnabar Moth caterpillars of the year on Ragwort

17 July 24

Simon Cox

Emperor, Ruddy Darter, Banded Demoiselle (don’t recall seeing one at HH before) & Blue-tailed Damselfly.

11th July 24

Richard Jeffree had a brief view of a Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly between the wind pump and the hide this morning.

24th June 24

2 Emperor Dragonflies seen this morning, plus a good number of Meadow Browns, 5 Spot Burnets, Small Heath and Holly Blues plus Speckled Wood.

17th June 24

The first NB Five-spot Burnet moths of the year were seen today along with a lot more Meadow Browns, Holly Blues & Small Heaths, 1 Common Blue and a Yellow Shell moth.

2nd June 24

Quite a few Small Heath butterflies around this morning along with Common Blues, Holly Blues & Small Copper also 1 Adder, 4 Slow Worms and a Common Lizard

19th May 24

Lots of butterflies around this morning, incl Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Small Heath & Speckled Wood, plus Latticed Heath & Silver Y moths.

17th May 24

A picture posted on X today showed a Swallowtail butterfly apparently taken at Holland Haven, very little other info. The only other sighting I know of was by Pete Loud on 25th May 2020 so the right time for a visitor from over the water?

15 May 24

It brightened up a lot on the way back from the hide and several Small Heaths were along the track, also 3 Latticed Heath moths were in the longer grass down toward the brook along with 2 Silver Y moths. Also noted was what I think was a N B Five-spot Burnet moth caterpillar so the adults shouldn't be very long.

13 May 24

A good day for butterflies with 12 species seen this morning, Large, Small & Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, & Speckled Wood.

10th May 24

Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac today plus Green Hairstreak, my first Small Heath of the year and a super bootlace Adder tucked up in a warm nest.

9th May 24

Lots of Butterflies around today including the first Small Heath, a female Hairy Dragonfly and a Blue-tailed Damselfly.

7th May 24

Another nice Green Hairstreak outside the hide today plus Green-veined White, Orange Tips, Peacock, Speckled Wood and a couple of Small Coppers. Also Chinese Water Deer (which seem to be well established around the site nowadays) and Muntjac (well established everywhere).

1st May 24

Mike O'Hanlon had the first Green Hairstreak butterfly of the year this morning and 2 Chinese Water Deer were seen from the hide

18th April 24

A few more butterflies around today with a pair of mating Green-veined Whites, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip & Speckled Wood

14th April 24

A bit of an increase in butterflies today with 5 Comma, 4 Peacock, Orange Tip, Small White seen plus a Chinese Water Deer in front of the hide

6th April 24

3 Peacock butterflies and the first Green-veined White of the year this morning.

20th March 24

At last a bit of warmth in the air and a few butterflies were on the wing with 3 Peacocks, 2 Small Tortoiseshell around the site plus a Brimstone along the approach road for PL

19th March 24

My first Slow worm of the year showed up this morning.

16th March 24

The first Peacock butterflies for the year were seen today with Matt having 3 on his way down from the farm and another in front of the hide.

4th March 24

The first Adder of the year was enjoying the sunshine on the Mounds this morning and another Chinese Water deer was seen around the scrape.

27th Jan 24

Chinese Water Deer two days on the trot, yesterday one on the marsh to the right of the hide and today two on the island.

2024

2nd Oct 23

Wasp Spider with her newly completed egg case, they look so fragile how they make it through the rain, wind & snow of the winter I will never know.

18th Aug 23

The wasp spiders are feeding well at the moment and another Southern Migrant Hawker from earlier in the week.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

30th July 23

Richard Jeffree

Essex Skipper, Brown Argus + Southern Migrant Hawker from this morning.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

17th July 23

No sign of the Marbled White this morning but the walk around gave a good return with Small & Essex Skippers, Large 7 Small Whites, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Emperor Dragonfly, Silver Y, Six-spot Burnet & Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Gt. Green Bush-cricket, Wasp Spiders.

16th July 23

Lots of butterflies around over the last few days, but it was a great surprise when Pete Loud found a Marbled White between the sluice and the hide. Unfortunately it could not be re-found later in the morning in the very windy conditions.

Photo's Pete Loud©

26th June 23

A notable increase in Small Skippers & Large Whites this morning, plus Large Skipper, Meadow Brown & Small Heaths.

The number of grasshoppers and crickets is also building but no sign of wasp spiders yet.

21st June 23

A big increase in the number of 5 spot Burnet Moths today, good numbers of Red Admirals and the first Small Skippers of the year. A Blackneck moth was also a surprise. A couple of Bee Orchids and three Pyramidal were also nice to see.

16th June 23

The first 5 spot Burnet Moths were seen today, looking very bright in their newly emerged state. Plus a Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn, new for me!

11th June 23

The first Large Skipper and Meadow Brown of the year today. Also noted on a short walk around the car park bushes and orchard area were 2 Cinnabar Moths, 1 Marbled Minor agg. plus Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & lots of Holly Blues.

24th May 23

With the sun out and the wind light it was great to be out today, 10 Spieces of butterfly noted today, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Heath.

23rd May 23

Another butterfly for the year list with the first Brown Argus this morning, also the first Asure Damselflies. Lots more insects about with the warming weather, some more superb camouflage from what I think is the micro moth Notocelia cynosbatella.

21st May 23

Quite a few butterflies about considering the amount of wind again today, also noted 1 Slow Worm and Silver Y & Latticed Heath moths

18th May 23

A good day for insects today, I started the morning with an Oak Eggar caterpillar, at least 6 Green Hairstreaks around the site, a nice micro moth (Pammene rhediella), the first Common Blue butterfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Broad-bodied Chaser of the year.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

17th May 23

Another Painted Lady this morning

16th May 23

Lots of butterflies around today with Brimstone, Small White, Painted Lady, Orange Tip, Small Copper, Comma, Peacock, Holly Blue (NFY), all noted plus a Common Lizard, two Slow Worms a Grass Snake (NFY) and a Brimstone Moth.

11th May 23

Green Hairstreaks were still around the Dell this afternoon and also at the back of the hide, Orange Tip, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and new for year Small Heath were all noted.

10th May 23

Fantastic camouflage from this Garden Carpet moth sitting on a lichen covered branch this morning.

Photo Richard Jeffree©

Lots more butterflies about as well with 2 Brimstones, Small White, Green-veined White, Comma, Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Copper, Speckled Wood & Orange Tip all noted.

8th May 23

Today Richard found the first Green Hairstreak of the year around the Dell, the third year in a row our first has been on the 8th May.

29th Apr 23

A much warmer and calm day brought out the butterflies with lots of Peacocks, Whites & Small Tortoiseshell all noted.

26th April 23

A nice Adder on the mounds this morning

15th April 23

Peter Newton

Female Brimstone on the mounds .

14th April 23

A Slow Worm was seen yesterday and today, plus the Adders seem a bit more active

12th April 23

Although a couple have been seen before, this was my first of the year at the Haven, also noted was a Muntjac in the Dell

25th Mar 23

The Water Vole showed up again this morning as did a Chinese Water Deer at the back of the scrape.

24th Mar 23

A single Muntjac Deer was at the back of the scrape for a while today and 8+ Brown Hares were up on the arable. The Water Vole got a bit of help with the mealworms from a Moorhen as well.

18th Mar 23

The Water Vole was showing well again this morning and Peter Newton had a Red Fox that showed well a couple of times in front of the hide.

17th Mar 23

2 Chinese Water Deer were seen to the right of the hide this morning and the Water Vole was on good form again today.

14th Mar 23

2 Muntjac Deer, 7 Brown Hare and the Water Vole seen from the hide this morning.

4th Mar 23

The Water Vole is still showing most morning in front of the hide

28th Feb 23

Two Muntjac Deer were at the back of the scrape this morning and lots of very active Brown Hares were up on the arable. The Water Vole showed well, feeding on apple & meal worms before nipping off to hide some apple for later.

23rd Feb 23

The Water Vole seems to have a taste for our apple offerings and shows up most morning lately.

18th Feb 23

The Water Vole is becoming a regular in front of the hide and seems to like the apple I put out for it as well as the meal worms.

16th Feb 23

The Water Vole showed well again this morning.

14th Feb 23

4 Brown Hares were up on the arable this morning and a Water Vole was feeding in front of the hide.

10 Feb 23

A Muntjac and a Chinese Water Deer were on site this morning.

3rd Feb 23

The first Water Vole of the year was seen in front of the hide this morning.

1st Feb 23

Two Red Foxes in super condition round the scrape this morning, plus a Muntjac on the arable.

27th Jan 23

6 Brown Hares were up on the arable this morning and 1 Muntjac Deer was on the marsh behind the scrape.

19th Jan 23

A nice Red Fox was seen by Mike O'Hanlon near the wooden hide.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

2nd Jan

Two Chinese Water Deer have been seen in a beet field west of the B1032 for the last couple of days, looks like spring is in the air with some attempted mating.

Photo Mike O'Hanlon©

2023

7th Oct 22

Clouded Yellows still with us.

4th Oct 22

Clouded Yellows still in the same place this morning.

3rd Oct 22

Two Clouded Yellows near the TDC compound this morning.

30th Aug 22

A lot of Large & Small Whites around this morning plus a nice Painted Lady, several Small Heaths and a small Grass Snake swimming across the brook near the raised platform.

28th Aug 22

Two Terrapins on the Brook behind the sluice this morning

3rd Aug 22

Thanks to the minimal mowing leaving good stands of long grass there were lots of Wasp Spiders around this morning, 30+ noted in just a short walk and some now a good size.

Looks like this one could have caught a Wasp

5th July 22

Lots of Butterflies around again today with Large, Small & Green-veined Whites, Small Skipper, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Ringlet and Gatekeeper all seen, plus Cinnabar Moth. Lots more Grasshoppers getting about now so the Wasp Spiders should be putting some weight on, and at least 5 Gt. Green Bush-crickets and a Roesel's noted.

4th July 22

Lots of Ringlets and Small Skippers around to join the Meadow Browns today, plus Whites, Comma's, Large Skipper and Small Tort's. Five-spot Burnets are still showing on the marsh and now Six-spots are on the drier area around the carpark. Lots more Grasshoppers and at least three Gt Green Bush crickets this morning.

Cinnabar caterpillars on Ragwort

1st July 22

An Otter on the brook this morning was a great surprise, and a brilliant few moments spent with it. You will have to take my word for it but that is it in the middle of the photo pushing through the weed, best I could do.

30th June 22

The first 2 Wasp Spiders were seen this morning, very small a this stage but it won't be long before they put on a bit of weight.

27th June 22

Quite a few 5 spot Burnet Moths around today with lots of Small Skippers and Meadow Browns, a smart Latticed Heath moth was a nice surprise

21st June 22

The first 5 Spot Burnet Moths were seen this morning between the Sluice and the Hide.

7th June 22

Another good morning for Butterflies with 11 Spieces noted this morning + 2 Moths

Large Skipper, Green-veined White, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood + Common Carpet & Silver Y.

31st May 22

A good morning for butterflies this morning with several Small Heaths around the walks and a sheltered small bank of flowers and nettles held 5+ Green Hairstreak, 4 Holly Blue, Small White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Orange-tip & Speckled Wood. Also in the same area was a Broad-bodied Chaser.

17th May 22

A good morning for butterflies with 5+ Green Hairstreaks, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock & Speckled Woods, Brimstone Moth & Silver Y and loads of other interesting insects.

16th May 22

Lots of white butterflies around today along with Orange-tips but at least 3 Green Hairstreaks on the Blackthorn around the hide was "best of day".

14th May 22

Pete Loud

Of interest today, a big hatch of Orange-tip butterflies, plus 1 Small Copper, 2 Small Heath, 2 Holly Blue, Green-veined White and 4 Hairy Dragonflies.

12th May 22

Lots of Butterflies around this morning Whites, Peacock, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Brown Argus and Red Admiral all noted plus the first Asure Damselfly of the year for me.

20th April 22

A few more butterflies around this morning with Speckled Wood, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Whites and Commas all noted. Slow-worm and Adder sharing the same hot spot was a first for me, plus another group of Slow-worm in a different location.

A single Chinese Water Deer was out on the marsh and a few Brown Hares on the arable.

9th April 22

Adders were out enjoying the sunshine this morning, and 2 Muntjac Deer were seen for the hide. Pete Loud also had 2 Speckled Wood butterflies.

23rd Mar 22

Lots of Brown Hares on the arable this morning and one or two butterflies, mainly Comma and Peacocks.

22nd Mar 22

Several Adders around now with 4 seen this morning, and 10+ Brown Hares were up on the arable. My first Haven Comma was also nice to see.

16th Mar 22

Not often seen at the Haven, a Chinese Water Deer was on the marsh to the right on the hide this morning.

15th Mar 22

Simon Cox had a Comma butterfly this morning and I managed to find a couple more Adders.

14th Mar 22

Another Adder enjoying the sunshine today, hopefully a few more will be out and about with the added warmth promised this week and a nice Muntjac Deer on the marsh to the right of the hide.

12th Mar 22

The first Adder and Slow Worm of the year were seen at the Haven this morning with Richard Jeffree having an Adder near the TDC compound first thing and me having an Adder & a Slow Worm on the mounds later in the day.

25th Feb 22

Four Brown Hares were up on the arable today and a second Red Fox was showing well in front of the hide.

"I know it's here somewhere"

"Are here it is"

17th Feb 22

My first Red Admiral the year this morning.

6th Feb 22

Very strong winds and heavy rain showers this morning so I was surprised to see 4 Brown Hares up on the stubble field and a cracking Red Fox out on the marsh.

2022

22nd Sept 21

Wasp Spiders doing well, 4 new egg cases found this morning and some good size spiders around the site. Also a Clouded Yellow was a nice surprise.

10th Sept 21

After a poor start for Wasp Spiders at the Haven this year things are looking up with good numbers where the grass is not too thick and matted, I saw the largest I have ever seen this morning plus the first egg case of the autumn.

24th Aug 21

At last I managed to get a Migrant Hawker to sit still for a moment, quite a lot of butterflies in sheltered spots around the site, a few more Holly Blues this week, lots of Whites, Gatekeepers, Red Admirals and a couple of Painted Lady's, plus Dark Bush-crickets from Sunday.

13th Aug 21

My first Willow Emeralds of the year at the Dipping Pond today.

11th Aug 21

Managed to dig out a dozen Wasp Spiders this morning, they seem to have been very thin on the ground so far this year at the Haven but today was much more promising. Quite a lot of Butterflies around, even got a brief view of a fly-by Clouded Yellow.

1st Aug 21

A good day for Butterflies today with Pete Loud having the first Clouded Yellow of the year and a good selection of others, Large & Small White, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Gatekeeper & Meadow Brown + Six-spot Burnet Moth.

Photo Pete Loud©

19th July 21

The first Six-spot Burnet moths were seen yesterday and were still busy in the orchard area this morning. Also noted were Small Skipper, Small & Large White, Comma, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Meadow Brown butterflies.

10th July 21

I had a bit of a hunt for Wasp Spiders this morning with Pete Loud but only one small web was found and no spiders, we did manage a Gt. Green Bush-cricket and a couple of Roesel's.

4th July 21

A good number of butterflies after very heavy rain this morning including a new for year Small Skipper + Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Small White and Silver Y moth. Another Bee Orchid was found along the front between the pillbox and the wooden hide

28th June 21

After having the first Five-spot Burnet moth of the year yesterday they didn't waste any time getting down to business.

24th June 21

Another good day for Butterflies with the first Large Skipper of the year plus Common Blue, 3 Small Tortoiseshell and 10+ of both Meadow Brown & Small Heath. Moths included Silver Y, Cinnabar and Yellow Shell and Gt. Green Bush-cricket was also the first of the year.

23rd June 21

A few more Butterflies around today, new for year was Meadow Brown, plus Brown Argus, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Heath, Small Copper, Azure & Blue-tailed damselflies, Hairy & Four-spotted Chaser Dragonflies were also noted.

Sun 20th June 21

A few more insects around after the rain, several Small Heaths, 3 Red Admirals and a Painted Lady + lots of Bees and Flies.

Wed 16th June 21

10+ Hairy Dragonflies and 2 Four-spotted Chasers, Blue-tailed and Azure Damselflies + lots of Small Heaths, 2 Small Copper.

Tues 15th June 21

I wonder how far this very tatty Painted Lady has traveled or has it just got caught in a downpour. Also noted today Several Small Heaths, Small Copper & Holly Blue.

Mon 14th June 21

A few more butterflies around today with Small Heath, Red Admiral, Small White & Small Tortoiseshell + Four-spotted Chaser, several Hairy Dragonflies, Azure & Blue Tailed Damselflies and a cracking Cream-spot Tiger moth.

Three Bee Orchids are now flowering over the road.

Thurs 10th June 21

Nice to see these two Slow Worms this morning only the second for me this year.

Sat 5th June 21

Good number of Small Heaths this afternoon plus Red Admiral, Speckled Wood & lots of Whites. A smart Hairy Dragonfly was along Kirby Brook.

Thurs 3rd June 21

Just a few Butterflies seen today with Small White, Small Heath, Small Copper, Orange Tip & Red Admiral, also lots of Azure Damselflies.

Two day flying moths Cinnabar & Silver Y were new for the year.

Tues 1st June 21

I stopped off over the road this morning on the way into the site and what a difference a bit of warm weather can make. I had Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Large White, Small Heath, Azure Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser & Broad-bodied Chaser all in an hour in a very small area.

Mon 31st May 21

Two Brown Argus (NFY) were over the road this morning along with Orange Tip, Peacock, Small White & Small Copper. A single Hairy Dragonfly and a Muntjac Deer were also seen

Sat 29th May 21

Pete Loud

Insect front a lot better today with 2 Hairy Dragonflies and 3 new Butterflies for the site year list. Large White, Green Hairstreak and Small Heath.

Photo's Pete Loud©

Thurs 27th May 21

Quite a lot of Orange Tips around again today.

Wed 26th May 21

A Brown Hare was very obliging this morning as we watched a Spotted Flycatcher coming quite close before he realised he was being watched.

Also seen today were my first Slow Worm of the year, quite a few Small Whites and a few Orange Tips.

Wed 12th May 21

Just popped to the Haven for an hour this afternoon as the temperature was higher and there was plenty of sun, and was rewarded with lots of Orange Tips all around the site, another two Painted Ladies on the mounds, plus Red Admiral, Peacock, Small and Green-veined Whites, Speckled Wood and Angle Shades moth.

Mon 10th May 21

A nice Painted Lady was a first for the year this morning, nice to see at anytime.

Wed 5th May 21

Not much to get excited about over the last few weeks but a Brown Hare and a Red Fox around the scrape was a start today (not good news for the ground nesting birds), also a couple of Peacock butterflies and 5+ Small Whites.

Wed 31st Mar 21

The first Brimstone butterfly of the year was seen this morning and a couple of new Adders around the site

Tues 30th Mar 21

A lovely sunny day brought out a few new faces with a Red Fox, Muntjac Deer and a few Brown Hares up on the arable, plus half a dozen Peacock butterflies and 2 Small Tortoiseshell's.

Sat 27th Mar 21

A new Adder this morning plus the first Common Lizard of the spring.

Fri 19th Mar 21

Mon 15th Mar 21

Sorry it's another Adder but not much else to photograph at the moment

Thurs 11th Mar 21

My second Adder of the year today out enjoying the sunshine.

Fri 26th Feb 21

The first Adder of the year was out in the sun this morning, four days later than last year.

2021

Wed 4th Nov 20

After the exceptionally warm temperatures of the last few days today's light winds and sunshine brought out at least 2 Red Admirals and 3 Common Darters.

Mon 21st Sept 20

A Water Vole was showing well at the Dipping Pond again this morning.

Sun 20th Sept 20

This week at the Dipping Pond

Mon 14th Sept 20

A few butterflies around today incl. Small Whites, Small Copper, Common Blue (very tatty), plus a lot more Migrant Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies and a few Willow Emerald damselflies.

Sat 12th Sept 20

The first Wasp Spider egg cases of the year were located this morning, no where near as many spiders this year so lets hope these are successful.

Lots of Small Whites, a few Small Coppers and Small Heaths around and a Water Vole was seen in the Dipping Pond.

Sun 6th Sept 20

Pete Davis reported seeing a Clouded Yellow along the front on Wed 2nd Sept and this morning Pete Loud got this great photo of one on the bank of the sluice today, his first for 2 years.

Wed 2nd Sept 20

A few Migrant Hawkers around today and Willow Emerald at the Dipping Pond.

Fri 28th Aug 20

Not sure if Chinese Water Deer has been seen at the Haven before, seem to think it has but not often, one seen on the 17th with a miss ID from me and Dave Cummings was sure he saw one last week to the right of the hide, thanks to Liz Huxley all sorted now.

Photo's Liz Huxley©

Sun 23rd Aug 20

A few Butterflies around today, several Small Heath between the sluice and the hide + Holly & Common Blues, Gatekeeper, Small Whites, a Migrant Hawker was along the sewage works hedge.

Photos Max Martin©

Tues 18th Aug 20

A Muntjac oop's Chinese Water deer dropped in for a drink at the hide pond this morning.

Wed 12th Aug 20

A good number of Wasp Spiders located this morning and some are putting on some weight

At the Dipping Pond a Southern Hawker, Ruddy & Common Darters & Small Red-eyed Damselflies were seen and the Water Vole was again busy.

Mon 10th Aug

A report via Simon Cox of a very rare sighting at the Haven, a Harvest Mouse. I think I had the last one in 2009.

Harvest Mouse at Haven taken last Wed by Alison Tew.

Not Quite as rare but just as cute was a Water Vole at the Dipping Pond this morning + Willow Emerald, Small Red-eyed Damselflies and Common Darter. MM/MR.

Fri 7th Aug

A great 90 mins spent beside Kirby Brook this afternoon paid dividends with both the Norfolk Hawker & the Southern Migrant Hawker seen along with 2 Emperors and several Common Darters.

Mon 3rd Aug

No sign of the Norfolk Hawker this morning but a Southern Migrant Hawker was in the same area as were 2 Emperors, lots of Common Darters and Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Sun 2nd Aug

Bit of excitement on the Dragonfly front this morning when Pete Loud and I found a Norfolk Hawker in Kirby Brook close to the location of one 2 Years ago. Also noted were several Emperors and lots of Common Darters.

Sat 1st. Aug

The first Willow Emerald Damselfly was seen at the Dipping pond this morning along with Small Red-eyed Damselfly and Common Darter + a lot of Whites, Gatekeeper & Meadow Browns around the site and a few Common Blue, Brown Argus & Small Copper.

Thurs 23rd July

A Latticed Heath moth was a nice surprise this morning, along with some fresh Brown Argus & Common Blues.

Full list:

Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown.

Mon 20th July

Butterflies noted today were Small Skipper, Small White, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Gatekeeper & Meadow Brown. Dragonflies Emperor, Common Darter and Blue-tailed Damselflies. Short-winged Conehead, Roesel's & Gt. Green Bush-cricket and 3 more Wasp Spiders,

Sun 19th July

After seeing my first Six-spot Burnet moths on the 17th a few more were on the wing behind the sluice this morning. This is unusual as this is an area favored by Five-spot Burnets most years. Also noted this morning were a Wasp Spider along the front and an Adder in the mounds area.

Sat 11th July 20

14 species of butterfly seen on site this morning, Small Skipper, Large & Small White, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Ringlet all noted in good numbers, also 1 Roesel's Bush-cricket & 8+ Wasp Spiders & quite a few Cinnabar Moth caterpillars.

Thurs 2nd July 20

I managed to find my first Wasp Spiders of the year this morning, between the Dell and the Badger Set, around 10 were seen but still very small, lots of weight to put on over the next few weeks.

Wed 1st July 20

The first Gatekeepers of the year were seen at the Dipping Pond this morning and around the site Small & Large White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Meadow Brown, & Ringlet were all noted along with 5 spot Burnet Moths, Blue-tailed Damselflies, Emperor, & 4 spotted Chasers.

Sun 28th June 20

Lots of Small Skippers today but also noted were Large Skipper, Small White, Holly Blue, Peacock, Meadow Brown and Ringlet + Latticed Heath and 5 spot Burnet Moths, Roesel's Bush-cricket and Common Lizard.

Thurs 25th June 20

Pete Loud

The hot weather is bringing all the Butterflies out with a few Ringlets, Small Coppers, Small Heaths, Common Blue, Red Admirals to name but a few. Skippers and Meadow Browns everywhere. Banded Demoiselle was new, plus several Emperors and 4 spot Chasers.

Tues 23rd June 20

Hundreds of Meadow Browns around the site again today along with Large & Small Skipper, Small White and Common Blue + a lot more 5 Spot Burnet Moths.

Asure and Blue-Tailed Damselflies, Four-Spotted Chaser and Emperor Dragonflies were also seen in small numbers.

Wed 17th June 20

3 Emperor Dragonflies (NFY), 2 Four-spotted Chasers, 1 Cinnabar Moth, 1 Yellow Shell, and 5+ Five-spot Burnet Moths were noted this morning and a lot more Large Skippers were around, along with Common Blue, Speckled Wood and Meadow Browns.

Sat 13th June 20

Pete Loud

Plenty of Butterflies and Dragonflies today, several Meadow Browns were 1st for year, as was the Large Skipper. 2 Green Hairstreak, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral all noted. Also 3+ Four-spot Chasers and 1 Hairy Dragonfly, 1 5 Spot Burnet moth (ffy).

Sun 10th May 20

Quite a few Butterflies about this morning. Lots of Orange tip (both sexes), singles of Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Brimstone & Holly Blue, 2 Green Hairstreak, 3 Peacock and lots of Small White. 2 Hairy Dragonfly & 1 Azure Damselfly.

Thurs 23rd April 20

Pete Loud had a nice surprise to get within a few feet of a Fox sunbathing in the clearing over the road today.

Wed 18th March 20

Pete Loud had a Stoat run along the bank of the drainage ditch outside the hide this afternoon.

Sun 15th March 20

A bit of sunshine around mid-day tempted three Adders out in the open, two of which were new additions for the year, a very dark one and a much smaller individual, along with the one from four days ago.

Fri 13th March 20

A brilliant few minutes watching a Water Vole tucking into some nice fresh green shoots in front of the hide was today's high point for me, great little creatures.

Wed 11th March 20

On the way to the hide 3 Adders were seen in two different locations.

Sun 8th March 20

Pete Loud had a Peacock butterfly over the road this morning and an Adder on the mounds. A bit later I had an Adder near the TDC compound and a first for the year Grass Snake on the mounds.

Sun 1st March 20

Two Adders seen again today along with the first butterfly of the year a Peacock on the mounds.

Sun 23rd Feb 20

Two Adders seen again today one in a new location

Sat 22nd Feb 20

A good morning on the Wildlife front with the first two Adders of the year, just two days later than last year and the year before.

A super little Water Vole spent a minute or two nibbling a reed stem in front of the hide and two Short-tailed Voles were seen whilst looking for the adders.

2020

Wed 6th Nov 19

Two Butterflies seen around the site this morning one was a very nice looking Red Admiral, the other was a bit distant ?.

Fri 18th Oct 19

A few butterflies about this morning with Small White & Speckled Woods seen also several Migrant Hawkers and a Com. Darter.

Two Water Voles were on the Brook near the wind pump, always good to see.

Tue 1st Oct 19

I spent a few minutes at the Dipping pond this morning as a Willow Emerald Damselfly was showing well along with Migrant Hawker, Com. & Ruddy Darter & a Speckled Wood.

Fri 27th Sept 19

Despite the wind there were a few butterflies around this morning including Red Admirals, Speckled Woods, & Small Whites + Migrant Hawker & Common Darter.

Also this Adder had found a sunny spot out of the wind

Mon 23rd Sept 19

Willow Emerald damselfly & Migrant Hawker at the Dipping pond again this morning.

Thu 19th Sept 19

A couple of cracking Small Coppers today along with S/L Whites, Comma, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral. Migrant Hawkers and Willow Emeralds. Good number of Wasp Spiders & two Adders.

Wed 18th Sept 19

Lots of fresh Large Whites around today plus Small White, Small Copper, Speckled Woods.

Tue 17th Sept 19

Lots of Migrant Hawkers, Comm & Ruddy Darters around this morning.

And a Pair of mating Willow Emeralds at the dipping pond.

Also a few butterflies with Large & Small White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral & Painted Ladies.

Fri 13th Sept 19

Matt Lonsdale had the first Clouded Yellow of the year in the Dell this morning.

Tue 10th Sept 19

Wasp Spiders seem to be doing well again this year with numbers found in most areas of the site with standing grass. This morning the first egg case of the year was found near the moth sanctuary.

Fri 23rd Aug 19

Lots of Painted Ladies, Whites and Speckled Woods today + a few Red Admiral's. Several Southern & Migrant Hawker Dragonflies were noted & the first Willow Emerald Damselflies of the year were seen at the dipping pond.

Mon 19th Aug 19

A few Butterflies about today with Large & Small White, Common Blue, Holly Blue (6+), Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Gatekeeper & Speckled Wood.

Common Darter, Southern & Migrant Hawker dragonflies

Also noted 14 Wasp Spiders along Manor Way between the Dell & the Badger Set

Thu 15th Aug 19

Lots of Painted Ladies about this morning, also Red Admiral, Com. Blue, Brown Argus, and Speckled Woods.

Three Adders were making the most of the gaps in the cloud basking together in the morning sunshine and a Slow-worm was not far away.

Wed 7th Aug 19

A few Painted Ladies around today along with Gatekeepers, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, and a lot of very fresh Speckled Woods.

My first Southern Hawker of the year looked good in the morning sun.

Thu 1st Aug 19

Quite a few butterflies about today with Small White, Small Skipper, Com. Blue, Red Admiral, Comma, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood & Meadow Brown + a Six-spot Burnet Moth

Reptiles included 3 Common Lizards & 2 Adders one of which was showing a milky eye, an indication it will shortly shed it's skin.

Fri 26th July 19

Good numbers of Butterflies today with loads of Small Whites & Gatekeepers + Meadow Brown, Peacock, Small Copper, Small Skipper & Common Blues.

Dragonflies included 4 Emperors & the first Brown Hawker of the year at the Dipping Pond + Azure, Blue-tailed & Small Red-eyed Damselflies

Thu 25th July 19

The Wasp spiders are putting on a bit of weight, lots of butterflies around + 4 Emperor, 1 Four-spotted Chaser, Ruddy and Common Darters, Blue-tailed, Azure and Small Red-eyed Damselflies.

Fri 19th July 19

3 Emperor dragonflies were seen on Kirby Brook this morning, lots of Gatekeeper butterflies + Small & Essex Skippers, Small White, Peacock, & Meadow Brown.

Another Six-spot Burnet moth was near the first pillbox.

Very few Five-spot Burnets seen this year normally prolific in this area.

Tue 16th July 19

Lots of Butterflies, Grasshoppers and Crickets around today. As soon as the Grasshopper no's increase the Wasp Spider take advantage, four more were found over the road this morning.

Fantastic colour match camouflage from this Gt. Green Bush-cricket.

Mon 15th July 19

Quite a few butterflies about today considering the lack of sunshine incl. Small & Essex Skipper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Peacock, Speckled Wood and a nice Shaded Broad-bar Moth.

Sun 14th July 19

A few bit and pieces about this morning, a single Emperor Dragonfly was on the Kirby Brook, 4 Wasp Spiders were seen along the front near the wooden hide, several Blue-tailed Damselflies were egg laying in the meadow in this area.

The first Small Red-eyed Damselflies of the year were seen at the dipping pond.

Tue 9th July 19

This 6 Spot Burnet Moth was a surprise today in an area where normally they are 5 Spot's

A couple more Wasp Spiders found today, still quite small but with the amount of small grasshoppers about I'm sure they will soon put some weight on.

Sun 7th July 19

The first Darters of the year were seen over the weekend by Pete Loud.

Fri 5th July 19

A nice Banded Demoiselle at the dipping pond along with another egg laying Emperor.

Otherwise much the same, lots of Whites, Small Skippers and Meadow Browns around.

Thu 4th July 19

The open water area of Kirby Brook near the concrete bridge held 3 Emperor (2 males + egg laying female) and 2 Four-spotted Chaser Dragoflies along with Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Wed 3rd July 19

12 Species of butterfly seen around the site this morning, Large & Small Skipper, Large & Small White, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortioseshell, Peacock, Comma, Gatekeeper (NFY), Meadow Brown & Ringlet.

This new for year Gatekeeper has not yet got it's wings fully inflated I guess.

Cinnabar Moth caterpillars are starting to show on Ragwort all around the site.

Tue 2nd July 19

The wildflower edges to the hide meadow are looking good at the moment with loads of insect taking advantage in the sunshine, lots of Small Skippers and Meadow Browns in this area.

The Butterfly year list hit 20 today with the first Ringlets of the year in the area beside the orchard.

Sun 30th June 19

Another new Butterfly for the year list today with lots of Small Skippers around. Also noted, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Comma, Meadow Brown, Small & Large White.

The first Wasp Spiders of the summer were also located this morning along the front between the Gropper bridge and the wooden hide. PL/MR

Wed 26th June

Two new for year Bush-crickets this morning with Gt. Green Bush-cricket & Roesel's Bush-cricket both seen in the meadow behind the sluice.

Tues 25th June 19

Another good day for butterflies with Large Skipper, Small White, Holly Blue, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Meadow Brown.
Quite a few more Five-spot Burnet moths seen + Cinnabar and Silver Y

Best of the day were 2 Banded Demoiselle's along the front near the sea-watching hide.

Others :- 2 Emperor, 2 Hairy dragonflies and Azure and Blue-tailed damselflies.

Sun 23rd June 19

Two First of Years today with the first Five-spot Burnet moths of the year in the area between the TDC compound and the mounds, no sign of any in their normal stronghold behind the sluice so far.

Also the first Slow worm in the same area

Also noted today, Large Skipper, Brown Argus (very tatty), Common Blue, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and along with the Burnet Moths there were 2 Cinnabar Moths and a Yellow Shell

Fri 21st June 19

30+ Meadow Browns and 14 Painted Lady's on site today.

Thu 20th June 19

At least 6 Painted Lady Butterflies today all on the same bush just outside the hide, along with 7 Meadow Browns and a Red Admiral.

Also noted Large Skipper and Small Heath.

Wed 19th June 19

Another new for year for the site with our first Painted Lady butterflies, 3 noted today (2 by me between the main hide and the wooden hide, 1 for John Hall on the mounds).

Also noted Meadow Browns, Com. Blues, Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies and a Water Vole in Kirby Brook near the concrete bridge.

Tues 18th June 19

Butterflies and Dragonflies much the same today but a Mother Shipton moth was a nice addition to the day list.

Mon 17th June 19

Lots of Meadow Browns today all over the site, still 1 Brown Argus, 1 Small Heath, a couple of Com. Blues, 6+ Holly Blues, Speckled Woods, a Small White, the first Small Tortoiseshell for a week or two and the first Large Skipper of the Year.

Also noted were Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies, 1 Hairy Dragonfly, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer and 1 Emperor + 1 Yellow Shell Moth.

Fri 14th June 19

A lot more sunshine today brought out a few more butterflies, with a good number of Holly Blues, Speckled Woods and Small Whites around. Also my first Meadow Brown of the year (first for site seen by Pete Loud on the 8th June).

Sun 2nd June 19

Another good day for butterflies with Orange Tip, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Com. Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Green Hairstreak all showing well + the first Four-spotted Chaser of the year and a White Crab Spider a new one for me.

Thu 30th May 19

Quite a windy day but a few butterflies around incl. Small White, Small Heath, Com. Blue, Holly Blue, Small Copper & Green Hairstreak (2) also noted were Azure, Blue-tailed & Large Red Damselflies & my first Black-tailed Skimmer of the year.

Tues 28th May 19

A couple of nice Holly Blues and a super Brown Argus today

But definitely a first for me mating Bumble Bees

Mon 27th May 19

A cold wind today but nice in the sun several young Rabbits around at the moment.

4 Green Hairstreak above the raised platform out of the wind along with Brown Argus and a Silver Y moth. Lots of Red & Black Froghoppers at the dipping pond.

Sun 26th May 19

Considering the lack of sunshine there were a goodnumber of Butterflies around this morning with Red Admiral, Green Hairstreak (3), Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange Tip + 2 Hairy Dragonflies, Azure & Blue-tailed Damselflies.
A dead Mole was found along side the brook between the sluice and the hide.

A stop at the Dipping Pond on the way out gave a very brief view of a small Grass Snake at the back of the pond

Sat 25th May 19

Pete Loud had lots of butterflies today incl. Red Admiral & Small Copper + a Hairy Dragonfly and the first Blk-tailed Skimmer of the year.

Thurs 23rd May 19

A good selection of butterflies again today with 2 Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Heath, Small Copper, Orange Tip, Small & Large White, Peacock seen around the site + 1 Cinnabar & Latticed Heath Moths.

Quite a lot of Azure Damselflies around + a few Blue-tailed and my first Hairy Dragonfly of the year.

Tues 21st May 19

Three new butterflies added to the site list today with Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Heath seen around the open grassland this morning

Wed 15th May 19

A Lifer for me today, while looking for Dragonflies on Kirby Brook 2 Water Shrews were seen working their way along the opposite bank into the reeds where they were lost to view.

At least 4 Green Hairstreaks on site today along with Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Small White.

Also today my first Damselfly at the Haven this year, an Azure seen in the area behind the hide and first Dragonfly seen in Kirby Brook but not seen well enough for proper ID.

Mon 13th May 19

A good day for Green Hairstreaks with at least 5 on site, 4+ in the area just around the main hide along with Small Copper and Peacocks and another in the ringing compound.

A Red Fox was on the main island in front of the hide early on this morning keeping everything on it's toes.

Thurs 9th May 19

Considering the heavy rain over the last couple of days there were a good number of butterflies looking in great condition today.

Tues 7th May 19

A good day for Butterflies today with my first Green Hairstreak at the Haven this year.

Also on site today were Large White, Orange Tip, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Peacock & Speckled Wood.

The Red Fox was behind the scrape again this evening

Wed 1st May 19

While watching the Spoonbill this evening we were treated to a visit from a Red Fox.

Tues 30th April 19

The blossom is on the trees but the cold N/E wind made it feel nothing like spring on the front this morning.

This Speckled Wood was was so cold it let me take its picture without any movement what so ever.

Nice and sheltered on the brook where the Water Voles have been quite active of late

Sat 20th April 19

The warmer weather is bringing out a lot more butterflies with lots of Peacocks and Whites around + 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Speckled Woods, a cracking Brimstone outside the hide and the first Orange Tip of the year.
Also seen at the back of the scrape was a Muntjac Deer and 4 Brown Hares were up on the arable.

Fri 19th April 19

The wind today was still chilly but more sunshine is getting things on the move with 20+ Peacocks, 8+ Whites a Brimstone and new for the year were 1 Small Copper and a Speckled Wood.

A later afternoon visit added Comma and Green-veined White

Wed 17th April 19

A few butterflies were on the wing today with 4+ Peacocks and 2 Small Whites seen, also a very smart Adder after recently shedding his skin.

On the brook a Water Vole was going about his business as Max and I watched from the bank

Mon 15th April 19

Still a biting wind coming in off the sea but a couple of Adders had found some shelter in the sun, lots more Common Lizards around today, a couple of Peacock butterflies and loads of Ladybirds in the nettles. Also noted quite a few Bumblebee's mostly Buff-tailed I think

Mon 1st April 19

Only 1 Adder seen today but 3 Water Voles on the brook below the raised platform were superb to watch for a few minutes TS/MR.

Fri 29th March 19

Several butterflies about today mostly Peacocks but Small Tortoiseshell and my first Brimstone of the year at the Haven also seen.

A couple of video's showing what's going on when we are tucked up in bed, taken over the last two days.

Thurs 28th March 19

A few more butterflies about today with 10+ Peacocks, 4 Small Tortoiseshells and 2 Small Whites + 1 Adder and 1 Common Lizard.

Tues 26th March 19

Two new Butterflies for the year this morning with Small Tortoiseshell and Small White + 3 Adders

Sat 23rd March 19

A single Adder seen today but the wind direction was not good for their usual haunts, 2 Common Lizards were also seen the first of the year for me.