May soon becomes a month of “firsts” as reports of the first
damselfly and dragonflies emerge, the first marsh orchid appears and the first
hobby is seen. Butterflies are now being seen around the reserve and there is a
vast array of some spectacular insect life. Bird sightings this month have
included a couple of sightings of osprey on the D reservoir, a bar tailed
godwit stayed for several weeks on south marsh, two male garganeys have been
reported also on south marsh and a pair of pintail have been present all month.
The little ringed plovers hopefully will breed again this year and the marsh
harriers have been seen carrying branches earlier in the month again indicating
breeding. The barn owl that is in the nest box that can be viewed from the
camera link into reception hide is sitting on four eggs so that has proved
exciting and will get better as the young hatch. The pair of tawny owls are active even during the day around the reception hide and have been spotted on a number of occasions out in the open. It won't be long hopefully before we see young of both owl species. A black tern and Mediterranean
gulls were noted over D reservoir and when the weather was very wet thousands
of hirrundines (sand martins, house martins and swallows) were feeding low over
the water on the reservoir.
Tawny owl reception woods by Maurice Dowson
All positive signs of a rich biodiversity on site that
continues to draw interest from a range of enthusiasts, whether they are bird
watchers, photographers, entomologists, lepidopterists, botanists or families
out to just enjoy a lovely walk. If you haven’t yet visited the reserve and so
many people who live close by have yet to make their way down that long and
windy road, then on Sunday 9th June we are having our annual open
day. The reserve will be open from 10am – 4pm with no admission charge. There
are a number of exhibitors coming along to the reserve on the open day to
inform you of various wildlife organisations in the local area. People from the
RSPB, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, East Yorkshire Bat group,
Hedgehog Rescue, Humberside Police & Wildlife Crime Unit, East Yorkshire
Archaeology will be able to give details on their activities. Birding with
Flowers and Yorkshire Coast Nature along with the Cranedale centre also have
exhibits about the services they offer. There will be a tombola and membership
detail with proceeds going to local conservation charities. The reserve’s
education service will be running activities throughout the day so that
families can investigate the reception pond and the woodland area as well as
providing craft activities. A catering stall will be run by local Beswick farm
whose cattle help on the reserve by grazing different areas. Sorry but no dogs are allowed on the reserve.
This is a great opportunity to visit Tophill Low and find out about not only
the reserve itself but the abundance of events and activities that are going on
in our area all linked to conservation.
Meanwhile you may be wondering how to occupy children during
the half term week. The next family event at the reserve is during the May half
term holiday on Wednesday 29th May from 10am -12 noon and the theme
will be wildlife arts & crafts. We will be exploring the nature trail and
getting inspiration for our very own natural masterpieces. This event is FREE
with standard admission and booking is advised on 01377 270690
