Site Manager Chris Rose has found a Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) nest at Thames Road Wetland (10th June), which will constitute only the second confirmed record of the species in the Borough of Bexley. GiGL, the London biodiversity records centre, has one previous submission, from Crayford Marshes near Erith yacht club, made in 2007. Remains identified by a student as being from Harvest Mice have been found in a Barn Owl pellet at Crossness, but it is felt that further verification is needed to be confident of presence.
This Harvest Mouse nest found at Thames Road Wetland is only the second confirmed record on the species in the Borough
The nest was about 8 cm in diameter, which could mean it was a breeding nest and not a shelter nest, although it was fairly low down despite the taller vegetation favoured for breeding structures being available all around. The nest did not appear to be in use, which is just as well since it was only spotted in the midst of re-cutting a pathway along a ditch. Breeding nests are in any case only used once.
The nest was about 8 cm in diameter and fairly close to the ground, so it’s not clear whether it was a shelter or breeding nest
Harvest mice are a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) species because they are thought to have become much scarcer in recent years, and there are captive breeding and re-introduction schemes being carried out. Distribution is not well known, and the Mammal Society is running a nest recording operation. They may have been widespread in Bexley when it was still a largely agricultural area, and before anyone bothered to keep details of such things.
A pair of spiralling Small Tortoiseshell butterflies, and a probable third different individual, maintain TRW as one of the places in the Borough where you’ve still got a good chance of seeing one of these once abundant insects. A few Cinnabar moths were in flight and a female Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly was also noted.
The male Reed Bunting was singing incessantly, as 5 days ago. He obviously thinks it’s good habitat or he might have moved on by now. The species bred here for the first time last year, so perhaps it’s one of those individuals.
A Cetti’s Warbler, which hasn’t been heard here for quite a while after arriving last year, called briefly.
Reed Warblers were chuntering away as usual, and a Common Whitethroat was seen. Marsh Frogs (Rana ridibunda) were calling loudly at dusk when one of the local Song Thrushes started singing.
So just another day and yet another BAP species at this small but incredibly wildlife-rich site ……..
The River Wansunt crosses Thames Road Wetland on its way to Crayford Marshes
