Milton Keynes Natural History Society Blog: Summer Wildlife
Summer is a busy time for wildlife and wildlife watchers. There’s a race on, whether for animals and birds and insects to raise another generation or for plants to flower and set seed. Members of Milton Keynes Natural History were out and about to enjoy the summer wildlife spectacles at a variety of beautiful locations in and around Milton Keynes. The focus varied depending on the habitat and timing.
Some highlights during May and June included the magical sound of a nightingale singing while at the same time being treated to views of a fox and a Barn Owl hunting; visiting flower-rich meadows, loved by butterflies and other insects, and helping each other to identify as many of the vast range of species as possible; seeing stag beetles and several species of bat flying at dusk; and enjoying orchids and Pasque Flowers at a chalk grassland site. In the middle of July, the group held a mothing evening at a wood near Milton Keynes managed by the Woodland Trust. The warm summer nights were excellent for moths!
Pasque Flower (Photo © Matt Andrews)
Apart from Society meetings, members have been out recording more of the amazing wildlife that can be found in and around Milton Keynes and sending details and photos to their Recent Sightings page. If you want to get out and look for yourself, the website has information about a range of local sites which are good for wildlife and what you can expect to see there under Wildlife Sites along with some self-guided walks that you can try.
The society is a friendly group and welcomes new members of all ages and experiences. Details of how to join can be found on their website.
Meadow Saxifrage and Field Wood Rush (Photo © Julian Lambley) – Stony Stratford Nature Reserve
