Granta Park wildlife

Whilst out on a lunchtime walk in Sluice Woods on Granta Park this week, Andy M heard a persistent mewing from one of the big trees - and looking up saw an adult Kestrel with prey feeding a recently fledged youngster - close to a decaying branch that may have been the nest until very recently. The adult retired to a spot further along the branch, and shortly afterwards, the young also ventured out a little further along the same branch.

Adult Kestrel

Young Kestrel just outside the possible nestsite

Young Kestrel a little further along the branch

Alongside the lake, a number (maybe 10-20) skimmer dragonflies were living up to their name - skimming just above the water, as well as resting occasionally on the damp lake edge - like this Black-tailed Skimmer.  Note the yellow spots on the side of the abdomen, and golden-coloured 'costa' or front wing edge (thanks Darren!)

 Black-tailed Skimmer on the damp edge of the lake

In the woodland edges around the meadow near Sluice Wood, this female Banded Demoiselle was sitting prominently in the dappled sun.  (Thanks again to Darren for the id)

 Female Banded Demoiselle in trees around the Sluice Wood meadow