The First Days of Spring

One of our many recorders has sent in this report about a visit to Stanton Park and spotted some of the signs of early spring.

"It is the 8th of April; spring has finally arrived with glorious sunshine with just a hint of a breeze. I have visited Stanton Park near Swindon with my children remembering that at this time last year large numbers of toads (Bufo bufo) were breeding in the lake. They are back again this year and getting friendly (amplexus) as the photo shows although not as many as previously; perhaps the harsh winter has had an effect on the population. There was also some frog Spawn in the lake which was close to hatching, the unhatched tadpoles looking like little Cs.

The warm weather has brought large numbers of insects, pond skaters (Gerris lacustrus) are common around the edge of the lake and various types of bees are out in force, both large and small. The bright yellow Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) and Peacock (Inachis io) Butterflies were seen. However the highlight of the day was finding a large queen hornet (Vespa crabro) which we rescued from a ditch. She did not seem too pleased about this however, but soon recovered and flew away!

Many birds are breeding now and the Mute Swans (Cygnus olar) are nesting on the lake. Keep a look out for migratory birds that arriving in Wiltshire, the first Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) should be heard soon. Some have already arrived; a Chiffchaff was in my garden towards the end of March."

Please send us your sightings and interesting wildlife stories.