Newt Surveys are underway....

It is always good to get the first newt surveys of the year in the bag.  Having been delayed by a couple of weeks with overnight temperatures just a bit too low for comfort, Huckle Ecology has completed its first great crested newt survey of the year.

....and what a good one to start with - with four species of amphibians in total.  

A few GCN were recorded at the site in central Norfolk, using both bottle trap and torch survey methods.  In addition, smooth newts were recorded in reasonable numbers.

But perhaps the highlight was the chorus from a good population of mating toads and frogs!  The sight of numerous pairs of little eyes in the light of the flashlight is always a joy to behold.  A few bats were also foraging over the ponds - I will make sure to take my bat detector on the next survey visit!

​Finally, the morning was topped off with my first chiffchaff of the year!