Beautiful weather helped to make this a great day, with a very interesting tour of the orchards led by owner Andrew Jamieson, and two wildlife walks led by Estate Manager Sue Hall, and NOA Warden Sophie Barker.
The NOA welcomed visitors to displays about moths and caterpillars, feathers and nests, ringing and migration, and a slideshow of the wildlife to be found on the estate was running throughout the day.
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Two moth traps were run in the reedbeds on the north side of the estate, producing a superb catch of moths. A total of 71 species were recorded including Webb's, Brown-veined, Fen and Silky Wainscots, Saltmarsh Plume, Oak Hook-tip, Pine Hawk Moth, White Satin Moth and Garden Tiger to name just a few.
Bird highlights included over 2000 gulls flocking over the south side of the marshes during the afternoon to feed on hatching insects, a Peregrine which came up to join them, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and Kestrel out over the marsh, Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker and Jay around the orchards, and at least 20 Swallows around the farm shop.
Eleven species of butterflies were also recorded including Large and Small Skipper, Ringlet, Wall Brown, Speckled Wood and Common Blue. Common and Ruddy Darter dragonflies were also plentiful, with Southern Hawker also seen.
The wildlife walks also drew attention to the varied and valuable habitats on the estate, much of which is in Higher Level Stewardship, and features a wonderful array of different trees, shrubs and wild flowers. One of the highlights was flowering Grass Vetch found on the route of the walk, and extensive patches of Fleabane which attracted lots of butterflies.
On the second wildlife walk a young Swift which had become stranded on the ground was rescued and later taken to the RSPCA wildlife hospital at East Winch. Staff there confirmed the bird was not injured and needed feeding for about another week, then it should be fit for release, and the bird was left in their care.
The NOA would like to thank Drove Orchards for making this event possible, for all their support in organising and running the event. And thank you to everyone who came to take part, it really was a special day. See you next year!