Sightings and Wildlife
o1/07 /2009: – Ranger Oliver found a dragonfly larvae in Pike Pond
Ranger Oliver found this dragonfly larvae in the pond Female dragonfly lay eggs in or near by the water, often on floating or emergent plants. When laying eggs, some species will submerge themselves completely in order to lay their eggs on a good surface. The eggs then hatch into nymphs. Most of a dragonfly’s life is spent in the naiad (that is, nymph) form, beneath the water’s surface, using extendable jaws to catch other invertebrates or even vertebrates such as tadpoles and fish. The larval stage of large dragonflies may last as long as five years. In smaller species, this stage may last between two months and three years. When the larva is ready to metamorphose into an adult, it climbs up a reed or other emergent plant. Exposure to air causes the larvae to begin breathing. The skin splits at a weak spot behind the head and the adult dragonfly crawls out of its old larval skin, pumps up its wings, and flies off to feed on midges and flies. The adult stage of larger species of dragonfly can last as long as five or six years
Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands because their larvae are aquatic.
DID YOU KNOW? a dragon fly must hang on to a tree stem for 2 hours so its body and wings can harden
by Callum Bartle E2E
A shy Roe Deer shortly before disappearing into the undergrowth The Roe deer has been native to Britain for thousands of years but numbers are now only a fraction of what they once would have been. Human activity has led to depopulation through over hunting and reducing of natural habitat. Deer prefer wooded and forest areas where they can use their natural stealth and agility to escape danger. Whilst Roe deer are no longer threatened by natural predators (since the extermination of British wolves) numbers are now steadily increasing. DID YOU KNOW? Roe deer were hunted to near extinction in England in the 1700s but were re-introduced in the 1800s.
A female deer is called a Doe 18/05/2009: – Ranger Vicky today spotted a Grey Heron enjoying the sunshine at Lindum Pond.
Herons are mainly fish eaters who can often be found at lakes, estuaries, ponds and rivers hunting for food. They are resident all over Britain and fly up 25km to hunt their favourite spots.
A Grey Heron by Lindum Pond DID YOU KNOW? The Grey Heron is Britains tallest bird.
06/05/2009: – Today a Grass Snake was spotted by Ranger Helene by Lindum Pond. Unfortunately we didn’t have a camera with us this time, but next time we see it we’ll make sure we get a picture.
Grass snakes are harmless and are common to Britain, Most often grey-green in colour they sometimes have black spots and an orange/cream collar. Grass snakes also have black forked tongues which they use to taste the air around them.
The Grass snake we found was found near the pond, this is because they prefer damp habitats but can also be found in hedgerows, meadows and farmland.
Grass snakes like to eat tadpole, frogs and toads and sometimes mice, although they normally hunt underwater where they can stay for up to one hour.
DID YOU KNOW? Grass snakes play dead when they are under attack.