Slow Worm



Our nest boxes are now empty except for one which now contains a roosting Pipistrelle bat! Both pairs of Pied Flycatchers (mention in previous blogs) successfully raised 6 chicks each; the last chicks leaving their box on the 14^th June. Activity on the bird feeders has dramatically increased during the past few weeks as the young birds (mainly Bluetits) become aware of the food source. Another food source which has been attracting feeding birds are the hundreds of Garden Chafers (beetles) swarming over the lawns and fields. Birds seen feeding on them include Magpies, Jays, Blackbirds and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. At this time of year if you look under large flat stones, logs or sheets of old corrugated iron laying in the garden you might be lucky and find a Slow Worm. This creature is neither a worm nor snake but a legless lizards that looks like a small snake (grows up to 50 cm in length).Best not to handle them as this can cause them to shed their tail! A good spot to find slow worms at Dol Y Moch is the sunny bank and stone wall above the Labyrinth.

Finally returning to our roosting Bat, it must be very well fed at present as tasty midges are out in force due to the recent damp weather……..good news for bats but not so good for us!