Yellow wagtail on Chat Moss. Credit K D Bradshaw
One of our regular visitors shared this striking image of a yellow wagtail on one of our Manchester based reserves this month.
Yellow wagtails like damp marshes, meadows and farmland, and spends much of its time running about on the ground, chasing insects disturbed by the feet of livestock.
It's bright breast against a blue sky makes this a beautiful summer sighting by K D Bradshaw.
Two grey partridge credit K D Bradshaw
Grey Partridge
A brace of grey partridge were also spotted on Chat Moss this month! These stunning birds are found on farmland and grassland. Sadly, they are under threat from loss of habitat.
Grey partridges breed in open scrub and farmland, close to hedges or other vegetation, laying its eggs on the ground in a grass-lined scrape. Sighted by K D Bradshaw.
Two mating common toads at Lunt Meadows Credit Bob Hurrell
Bob Hurrell took this super sharp photo of two mating common toads at Lunt Meadows.
Common toads live in Grassland, Heathland and moorland, Freshwater, Farmland, Wetlands, and Woodland, so the mixed habitats at Lunt Meadows provides the perfect breeding ground for them.
Common toads mainly feed on slugs, snails and other invertebrates, but larger toads have been known to eat small slow worms and grass snakes, and even harvest mice.
Two mandarin ducks Credit Simon Middleton - Southwest Lancashire Nature Notes
Simon spotted this stunning mandarin duck at Mere Sands Wood this month. These pretty and distinctive waterbirds are almost ornamental with their elaborate plumage.
The beautiful mandarin duck was introduced from the Far East, where it can still be found in China, Japan, Korea and parts of Russia. It escaped, or was deliberately released, from captivity in the UK. Mandarin ducks are actually quite shy birds, often hiding beneath overhanging willows and usually only forming small flocks.
Roe deer at Brockholes Credit Steve Liptrot Photography
We can't resist including roe deer sightings from Brockholes each month- especially when the images are this striking!
Steve Liptrot photographed this beautiful deer cheekily glancing back at him at Brockholes.
Roe deer tend to be solitary in summer, but form small, loose groups in winter. They eat buds and leaves from trees and shrubs, as well as ferns, grasses and heathers.
A sparrowhawk at Brockholes. Credit InfocusOptics
This sparrowhawk was caught checking out the Sand Martin boxes at Brockholes.
The sparrowhawk is one of our smallest birds of prey, the male being somewhere between a blackbird and a collared dove in size. Sighted by @Infocusoptics
Bluebells at Boilton Wood. Credit Laura Cronin
Bluebells
Bluebells are in full bloom this month at Boilton wood!
Laura Cronin has captured one of the best sights of spring -a carpet of delicate blue cascading down and carpeting the woods.
In folklore, bluebells are called ‘fairy flowers’ and are said to summon fairies to woodland gatherings.
Remember: Common bluebells are a protected species in the UK. Picking the flowers and digging up the bulbs carries a heavy fine.
Beautiful bluebells. Credit Laura Cronin
Bluebells at Boilton Wood. Credit Laura Cronin
Bluebells at Boilton Wood. Credit Laura Cronin
Have you seen some wonderful wildlife at one of reserves recently? Share with us on Facebook, X or Instagram!
Don't have social media? You can email your snaps to us at comms@lancswt.org.uk.
Alternatively, you could enter our photography competition
