Potteric Carr Wildlife News (September to December 2011)
December 2011
The Friends of Potteric Carr (FOPC) would like to wish all the people who sent in reports and images during the last year, along with all those that have visited the website, a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Please keep sending your reports and images during the coming year, we will look forward to receiving and publishing them.
Frosted leaves © Allan Parker ARPS
Tuesday 27th
A Stoat Mustela erminea was seen on the path through St Catherine's Copse this morning. Unfortunately far too quick for me to photograph.
(Peter Dawson)
Tuesday 20th
A Weasel Mustela nivalis crossed the path in St Catherine's Copse (Michael Bird).
Ken thought it was that quiet on the bird watching front that he took to photographing some of the remaining fungi along Hawthorn Bank, with his small compact camera, below are the results. The first three images show various stages of what is possibly Birch Mazegill Lenzites betulinus and the other two show two different stages of C hondrostereum purpureum .
Possible Birch Mazegill Lenzites betulinus © Ken Woolley.
Possible Birch Mazegill Lenzites betulinus © Ken Woolley.
C hondrostereum purpureum © Ken Woolley.
Monday 19th
Taken at the Willow Pool feeding station by Glyn Hudson is this image of a Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis .
Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis © Glyn Hudson
Sunday 18th
Ken Woolley and Allan Parker report:-
On a very cold, but sunny, morning with Derek winging his way to a hopefully warm and sunny Italy Ken and myself set off to see if any fungi was still present in St. Catherine's Copse but nothing new was found. The clump of Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda at the start of the Cottage Drain path was still present but looking a little past it. In the Copse we found Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae , Stag's Horn (Candlesnuff) Xylaria hypoxylon , Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes , Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare , Netted Crust Byssomerulius corium , Blotched Woodwax Hygrophorus erubescens , C hondrostereum purpureum, good numbers of Blushing Bracket D aedaleopsis confragosa and several small Mycena species which we didn't manage to identify. It would seem that the fungi season is now virtually finished, it was good while it lasted but the cold frosty weather as taken it's toll.
We even took to photographing frosted leaves as we made our way along Willow Bank before returning via Loversall Bank, (where it was sad to see Loversall Delph still without the slightest sign of any water in it) to the Field Centre passing the dead tree trunk with it's crop of Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus which was photographed despite the sun in the wrong direction. Ken also went for the Christmas theme and photographed the berries on a Holly Ilex aquifolium bush next to the compound.
Frosted Wild Strawberry leaves © Allan Parker ARPS.
Frosted leaves © Allan Parker ARPS.
Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus © Allan Parker ARPS.
Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus © Ken Woolley.
Holly Ilex aquifolium © berries © Ken Woolley.
Thursday 15th
Michael Bird reports:-
Seen from Duchess Hide were three Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus on the bank between the Lagoon and Cell 1a. Also reported, by RS were two more Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus on Piper Marsh.
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Helen Womack
Wednesday 14th
Below are more images of fungi / lichen photographed yesterday.
Lichen species, Cladonia coniocraea Cladonia fimbriata © Derek Bateson.
Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes © Ken Woolley.
Mycena species © Allan Parker ARPS.
Tuesday 13th
DB, KW and AP report:-
‘ The Three Musketeers set off, initially to view the cluster of Sheathed Woodtuft (originally misidentified by DB last week as he hadn't taken an image). On the way we paused at the junction of Cottage Drain path with Mother Drain where DB noticed a clump of fungi which we think may be Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda (see image). I then photographed a colourful Bramble (Blackberry) leaf (see image) and some very young fruiting bodies of Jew’s Ear (see image) followed by a tiny Mycena species. KW then unearthed, pruned and tidied some Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare, which we both photographed (see image). Further along the path we all photographed Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes which contrasted well with some dusty lichen on a Willow stump. On retracing our steps AP noticed a ‘gone over’ large brownish fungus which we both photographed (see image). In my opinion it was a Wood Blewit Lepista nuda, well past its ‘sell by’ date. It was along here that AP photographed Candle Snuff (Stag's Horn) Xylaria hypoxylon growing out of a mossy tree stump and Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae in its dehydrated state. We all then headed to Black Carr Field to inspect what I had thought from a photograph was Phaeolus schweinitzii , but obviously it wasn’t as it had gills! The shape wasn’t very good and I didn’t take a specimen so we are no wiser as to its identity. KW and AP then found a darkish brown fungus with a halo of ice which we all photographed (see image), but we didn’t manage to identify it. I finished my morning’s photography with some nice lichen specimens. These were Cladonia coniocraea, formed as hollow spindles, and next to it, ripe cups of C. fimbriata showing the brown spore masses). By this time I was needing sustenance, but Ken and Allan later found other fungi as follows, a group of five Wood Blewit Lepista nuda were on Black Carr Field along with Earth-fan Thelephora terrestris, and several large Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius on dead Silver Birch trunks. On our way back to the Field centre KW and AP found Yellow Brain Fungi (Witch's Butter) Tremella mesentarica on a pile of cut branches along side the path plus what we think is either Crepidotus epibryus or Crepidotus variabilis' (see image). See tomorrow for more images.
Left, Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda © Allan Parker ARPS and right Bramble (Blackberry) leaf © Derek Bateson .
Left, dehydrated Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae and right, Stag's Horn (Candlesnuff) Xylaria hypoxylon © Allan Parker ARPS.
Left, fresh, young hydrated Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae © Derek Bateson and right Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare © Ken Woolley.
Wood Blewit Lepista nuda © Derek Bateson.
Left, unidentified fungi with ice ring on cap © Allan Parker ARPS and right possible Crepidotus epibryus or Crepidotus variabilis © Ken Woolley.
Sunday 11th
On a cold and windy morning Derek and myself set off to check on the Earthstar near the Royal Mail building (Ken the third musketeer was missing after overlaying following a night of debauchery feeding his face and dancing to the early hours). Derek took some spores from what Ken thinks is Striated Earthstar Geastrum striatum but Derek as doubts, me I'm not getting involved. (Now Identified by Steve Clements as Geastrum pectinatum ).
From here we headed via Loversall Field and along Willow Bank, where Derek found an Oak leaf with raindrops irresistible, to St. Catherine's Copse. Here we found Sheathed Woodtuft Kuehneromyces mutabilis and probable Blotched Woodwax Hygrophorus erubescens growing with freshly emerging Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes . We also came across another very attractive white fungi Netted Crust Byssomerulius corium growing up a Willow twig and looking not unlike a Christmas tree decoration. Finally there was C hondrostereum purpureum growing on a cut Willow trunk.
It seems that the main flush of fungi is now over but it was good while it lasted even if it was about a month late (AP).
Left, Striated Earthstar Geastrum pectinatum and right probable Blotched Woodwax Hygrophorus erubescens plus Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes © Allan Parker ARPS.
Oak leaf with raindrops © Derek Bateson.
Sheathed Woodtuft Kuehneromyces mutabilis left, © Allan Parker and right © Ken Woolley.
Netted Crust Byssomerulius corium left, topside and right, underside © Allan Parker ARPS.
C hondrostereum purpureum © Allan Parker ARPS.
Saturday 10th
We had a call from Dave Carroll at 10:30 while we were near the Roger Mitchell hide to say that steam locomotive 'Oliver Cromwell' would be coming through Potteric Carr 15 mins later so we made our way to the Rossington Bank seat to wait. A container freight train held 'Oliver Cromwell' up. The freight train stopped on the loop line while 'Oliver Cromwell' was stopped somewhere near the big green bridge, we could see smoke / steam and hear it. Both moved a little later and we had good views of the steam locomotive. The freight train spooked three Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus which were seen running in the reed bed below the bank ( BGAB/MAB).
Friday 9th
Below are some very true observations from a grumpy old man:-
By Ken Woolley
Autumn and early winter is the best time to observe these species wandering around, singularly or in small groups, as they seek out their fungi prey. In this article I hope to enable observers to identify the individual species of the Fungi Photographer.
(1) The Casual aka. The Au Naturel
Some consider this species as the origin of the family. Equipment carried is minimal and consists of a compact or basic bridge camera and only rarely a simple tripod. This light-weight equipment enables them to move rapidly from fungi to fungi. Disturbance around the prey is nil to minute, with only the odd decorative coke can, crisp or fag packet being removed. These items are only displaced as this species believe that to leave them in situ would in effect, gild the lily.
(2) The Gardener
The current consensus is that this species has two or more sub-species. Two of which they call The Sympathetic and The Enthusiastic, however the author considers these to be merely variants. His personal observations have noted how quickly they can switch their attack strategy, depending on the location and or the density of the vegetation around the targeted fungi.
Choice of photographic equipment for this and subsequent species is a DSLR plus a macro-lens, preferably one to one; i.e. true macro. In addition a sturdy tripod; one that can be lowered to near ground level, also a reflector and a diffuser are de rigueur. As an aside it is amusing to listen in to the squabbles that take place, ad nauseam, between individuals in each species. These disputes are always about which make or model of camera is the best or the best make or model macro lens etc. etc. The Casual is the one species that is possibly immune to such quibbles and seems to treat them as beneath its notice.
Tools that are carried, varies between the tiny scissors on a Swiss army knife or a pair of small, nail type, scissors. It has been known for this species to use a small pair of secateurs at times. These tools are used to clear the attack line to the victim and to aid the attackers focus. The secateurs are useful in overcoming an obstinate bramble which quite vigorously defends its territory.
(3) The Clear Feller
This name is derived from the forestry term “to clear fell”. If you don't know what that means b****y look it up yourself as this article is overlong already (chunter over with). Dependent on your point of view this species is a step forward or backwards on the evolutionary scale. An area on all sides of the prey is cleared down to ground level. Semi decomposed leaves are usually left in place but on occasion clearance to bare earth takes place. Cutting equipment is similar to The Gardeners but of heavier duty.
(4) The Excavator
The modus operandi is a la The Clear Feller regarding site clearance. This species however then proceeds to excavate down into the earth to expose and lay bare the base of the stipe; stalk to you and me. This is usually done with care as the intention is to photograph the undamaged leg; oops, sorry, stipe. I do apologize but all this talk of bare and naked focused my mind on a totally different subject. Additional tools used by The Excavator could be a small trowel or a stout stick of suitable size and even at times a small brush.
WARNING
Only those with strong constitutions should read about the grisly antics of the last two species in this family.
(5) The Exhumer
The entire seeding body of the prey is exhumed intact by The Exhumer. Only sufficient ground clearance is done so as to enable the lifting of the naked body (concentrate on what you are doing boy) of the victim clear of the ground in pristine condition. Photography of the complete body then takes place from every conceivable angle. Normally no attempt is made to re-inter the innocent fungi; “not much point is there”. Clearance equipment would be similar to that used by The Excavator.
(6) The Surgeon
In an even more gruesome act The Surgeon goes a step further than The Exhumer and, heaven forfend, proceeds to slice open the body from apex to base or vice versa for all I know. Thankfully I have not witnessed this process. All this so as to take 'pictures' of the prey's insides. YUK. I refuse to write any more regarding this species as my stomach is churning.
In Summary
Species such as The Gardener can take no moral high ground over The Exhumer or The Surgeon as taking advantage of the actions of others is normal in this Family. Observers should take this trait into account when trying to identify these species. Further unscientific investigation could and indeed should take place on the morals and in some cases voyeuristic nature of these species; but not by me I have had enough.
In Conclusion
If you have reached the end of this report you must have a similar quirky humour as the writer or be stark staring bonkers. My friends (?) may, nay will, have other opinions as to the nature of my humour.
Above are examples of the art of the various species described above. The photographers' (species) names have been removed to keep them anonymous but © remains with them.
It was that quiet during our bird walk with the Sorby members that Ken took to photographing fungi and lichen. Below are the results all taken on his small compact camera.
The Lichen Xanthoria parietina was taken along the path past Piper Marsh but it is common throughout the Reserve particularly on Elder bushes.
The Striated Earthstar Geastrum striatum was along the path next to Decoy Marsh and the Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes was on a dead Birch stump along Hawthorn Bank.
The possible Dyers Maze Gill Phaeolus schweintzii and the Apricot Club Clavulinopsis luteo-alba to were both on Black Carr Field.
Lichen Xanthoria parietina © Ken Woolley.
Left, Striated Earthstar Geastrum striatum and right, Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes © Ken Woolley.
Left, possible Dyers Maze Gill Phaeolus schweintzii and right Apricot Club Clavulinopsis luteo-alba to © Ken Woolley.
Monday 5th
Below are three more images from yesterday taken in the rain in Corbet Field Wood they are from the cameras of Derek Bateson and Allan Parker. They show the unidentified yellow fungi in Corbet Field Wood referred to in yesterday's report. Fairly f resh Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum also in Corbet Field Wood and another image of an attractively patterned Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius again on Silver Birch Betula pendula .
Unidentified fungi © Allan Parker ARPS.
Left, Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum © Derek Bateson and right, Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius © Allan Parker ARPS.
Sunday 4th
Derek Bateson reports:-
'The Three Musketeers, after a fortifying coffee (paid for by AP!) set off in a drizzle this morning (it was much more than a drizzle and showed either our total dedication or as Ken put it more likely stupidity) and made for Childers Wood, having first checked the Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, on the large log near the Field Centre and also photographing some autumn coloured Elder leaves (see image).
We had hoped for Stinkhorn Phallus impudicus in Childers Wood , but found none, although near last years’ site I found a varicoloured Turkey Tails (Many-zoned Polypore) Trametes versicolor (see image), which made a start to our fungi photography. By the time I had caught up with KW and AP they were busy photographing Olive Oysterling Panellus serotinus (see image) on the same fallen Willow tree as last year. Close by were some tiny Mycena species possibly Mycena leucogala and the three images below show considerable variations in colour and structure.
Behind this tree were two erect specimens of what Steve Clements thinks are Snakeskin Brownie Hypholoma marginatum (see image), which are proving to be quite common this year. In this same area was a toadstool with a yellow cap, but as it wasn’t in pristine condition I have been unable to identify it.
Also present were several colourful Blushing Bracket D aedaleopsis confragosa and a large number of often attractively patterned Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius growing Silver Birch Betula pendula . KW then found three prime examples of Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum and AP found others that were at an older stage which we all photographed (see images) before the rain drove us back to the Field Centre for nourishment’
Left, Oyster Fungi Pleurotus ostreatus © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Elder leaves © Ken Woolley.
Left, Turkey Tails (Many-zoned Polypore) Trametes versicolor © Derek Bateson and right, Olive Oysterling Panellus serotinus © Allan Parker ARPS.
Mycena species possibly Mycena leucogala both images © Derek Bateson.
Left Mycena species possibly Mycena leucogala and right, Snakeskin Brownie Hypholoma marginatum © Derek Bateson.
Left, Blushing Bracket D aedaleopsis confragosa and right Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius © Allan Parker ARPS.
Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum , left © Allan Parker ARPS and right © Ken Woolley.
November 2011
Tuesday 29th
Ken Woolley reports:-
Still not a lot around, the wind seems to have dried everything up, so the fungi have stayed underground. The following fungi found and photographed included Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum and Fairy Ink Cap Coprinus (Coprinellus) disseminatus both in St Catherine's Copse. Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus was again, appearing this year, on the fallen tree trunk across from the outside toilet and Stump Puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme was near the Cottage Drain Hide (see images).
Fairy Ink Cap Coprinus (Coprinellus) disseminatus © Ken Woolley.
Left, possibly Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum but could also be right Stump Puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme both images © Ken Woolley.
Both images, Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus © Ken Woolley.
Sunday 27th
Ken Woolley reports:-
Had a couple of hours at PC this morning. A lot of fungi seemed to have vanished; three may be of interest (see images).
First is what could be Alder Scalycap Pholiota alnicola in Corbett Wood, second is a Cep or Penny Bun Boletus edulis in Black Carr Field which is about eleven inches across the cap and the third is the previously photographed probable Wood Mushroom Agaricus silvicola showing the underside, courtesy of it being top heavy or angled over because of the extremely strong winds.
Left, possible Alder Scalycap Pholiota alnicola and right, Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis © Ken Woolley
Wood Mushroom Agaricus silvicola © Ken Woolley
Friday 25th
Ray Collins was on the Reserve today and below are some of his sightings and images:-
In Childers Wood fungi included Stag's Horn (Candle Snuff) Xylaria hypoxylon , Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae , Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum and Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum .
A Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes was seen on Rossington Bank and Common Ink Cap Coprinus atramentarius was in St Catherine's Copse along with some unidentified fungi
A Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta was a pleasant surprise for late November it was in Black Carr Field.
A Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis was photographed at the Willow Pool feeding station.
Left, Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum and right Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum © Ray Collins
Left, Common Ink Cap Coprinus atramentarius and right, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta © Ray Collins
Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis © Ray Collins
Peter Dawson states nothing new to report but here is the resultant image of the chance capture of a running Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus at Piper Marsh this morning.
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Peter Dawson
Wednesday 23rd
More fungi images from the Reserve this time from the camera of Mike Pullan. They show Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare , Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex , Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria, showing four different stages of growth (the fourth one is just breaking through to the left of the smallest one) and Wood Blewit Lepista nuda showing a second fruiting body growing on the cap of the main fruiting body, quite strange. He also photographed the Dung Beetle possibly Aphodius rufipes or possibly the Dor Beetle Geotrupes stercoparius (see image). The image as now been sent via Derek Bateson for expert ID.
Left, Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare and right Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex © Mike Pullan.
Left Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and right Wood Blewit Lepista nuda © Mike Pullan.
Dung Beetle possibly Aphodius rufipes or possibly Dor Beetle Geotrupes stercoparius © Mike Pullan.
Below is an image which Steve Clements has sent me, where he has included an image of the spores which helped with the determination. The scale is in 10µ (micron) intervals making the spores 5.5-7.0 X 3. (Derek Bateson)
C hondrostereum purpureum © Derek Bateson with insert showing spores © Steve Clements
Below are more images of some of the wealth of fungi now showing across the Reserve. What initially looked like being a bad year as turned into a very good year even if it was a long time coming. If any of you reading this have any records or images of fungi or any other wildlife for that matter please let us have them. Just send them to the email link at the top of this page.
Left, Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae and right Bolete species probably Boletus calopus © Paul Morgan.
Left, Wood Blewit Lepista nuda and right, fungal growths on a dead tree stump © Allan Parker ARPS.
Tuesday 22nd
Before the scheduled 10.30 am meeting Derek and myself set off to check on the probable Wood Mushroom Agaricus silvicola but it hadn't developed as much as we had expected and so we are still not 100% sure. We then moved on to Black Carr Field where we found several Penny Bun (Cep) Boletus edulis including one extremely large specimen which measured between nine and ten inches across the cap (see image) . Derek found some yellow Waxcap species possibly Hygrocybe quieta (see image) and I noticed the first of the Apricot Club Clavulinopsis luteo-alba to to appear this year. (It would seem that most of the fungi species are about a month later than normal).
We also found several good examples of Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria (see images) . We then continued into Black Carr Wood to photograph the Wrinkled Crust Phlebia radiata that Ken Woolley had found last Sunday. Also noted were lots of Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis (very common this year) and a single Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes . By then it was time to head back to the Field Centre for the meeting.
Left, Penny Bun (Cep) Boletus edulis and right, Apricot Club Clavulinopsis luteo-alba and right © Allan Parker ARPS.
Waxcap species possibly Hygrocybe quieta © Derek Bateson.
Left, Fly Agaric Amanita muscari a and right close-up of cap © Allan Parker ARPS.
Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes © Ken Woolley
Monday 21st
Paul Morgan was out with his camera in all the fog and damp yesterday and came up with these fungal images mainly from the path past Piper Marsh with the exception of the Aniseed Toadstool which was near the Old EAA hide.
Left, Blushing Bracket D aedaleopsis confragosa and right, probable Fragile Russula Russula fragilis © Paul Morgan.
Left, Honey Fungi Armillaria mellea species and right, Aniseed Toadstool Clitocybe odora © Paul Morgan.
Sunday 20th
Derek Bateson reports:-
‘Today, on a very misty Potteric Carr the ‘Three Musketeers’ opted for Hawthorn Bank, on the way AP photographed the fallen leaves of Field Maple which was adding a splash of colour on this very grey morning, we then found a wide variety of fungi in and around Loversall Triangle. We all photographed a range of specimens which we felt were probably Shaggy Pholiota, but on reflection, I now think they are the chunky form of Honey Fungus (Bootlace Fungus) Armillaria mellea (see image). In the same area we met a colleague, Glyn Hudson minus his camera so he spent his time amusing himself by 'helping us' which proved to be a very mixed blessing!!
Moving along the path bordering the wooded section of Hawthorn Field we encountered various fungi which so far I have been unable to determine accurately, Here we also met Dave Carroll and Helen Womack who pointed out several more specimens. These included what may be an Agaricus species probably Wood Mushroom Agaricus silvicola which we will return to check on Tuesday. I then found an attractive group, probably Mycena species on a black log see image). On closer examination the caps were infected with another fungus showing spore cases on long stalks (image).
Close by GH had found examples of Netted Crust Byssomerulius corium which we had seen here earlier in the year. Turning round and looking at a dead twig we noticed another fungus which on checking appears to be Crepidotus species forming small brackets (see images which also show the underside).
We then lost KW who had wandered off to Black Carr Field, whilst AP and the writer started down Hawthorn Bank where there were many Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria , Clouded Agaric and Wood Blewit Lepista nuda . We then found a pristine specimen of Aniseed Toadstool, Clitocybe odora (see image), and we were able to prove this by the distinctive aniseed smell from a damaged specimen alongside. It is very easy to confuse this species to the Blue Roundhead which we all photographed last week. Hawthorn Bank also had several Sulphur Tuft
It is possible that AP/KW may be able to add to this report’ (Derek's report as been added to by AP)
Ken Woolley escaped the clutches of Glyn and ended up on Black Carr Field / Wood where he photographed Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis, Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum , Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and Wrinkled Crust Phlebia radiata . (see images)
Field Maple autumn leaves © Allan Parker ARPS.
Left, Honey Fungus (Bootlace Fungus) Armillaria mellea and right, Pseudotrametes gibbosa © Allan Parker ARPS.
Left, Fungal growths on a dead tree stump © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Mycena sp ecies infected with another fungus showing spore cases on long stalks © Derek Bateson.
Fungi Crepidotus species showing left, topside and right, underside © Derek Bateson.
Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis © Ken Woolley.
Left, Wrinkled Crust Phlebia radiata and right, Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum © Ken Woolley.
Saturday 19th
Two Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were sunning on the slope of Hawthorn bank and a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta was nectaring on flowering Hawkweed plant at the beginning of Cottage Drain. (Michael Bird)
Thursday 17th
Two Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were on Black Carr field late this morning. (Michael Bird)
I was delighted to see a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta yesterday on the path from the Pumping Station to Cottage Drain, and in such good condition for mid November. Perhaps it's an individual from a late summer brood. (Peter Dawson)
Left, Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum © Sue Richardson and right, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta © Peter Dawson
Tuesday 15th
Sue Bird reports:-
Roger had a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta on Mother Drain Bank at the steps after Piper Marsh and we had a Brown Hare Lepus capensis on Cell 1.
Derek Bateson reports:-
'Our plan today (AP, KW and DB), was to photograph the excellent specimens of the rarity Allopsalliota geesteranii (see image), which we all did, (sadly it had been badly over gardened by a previous unknown photographer) but on the way to this we had noted numerous fungi of several species which had erupted after the wet weather.
Allopsalliota geesteranii © Derek Bateson
Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis was in some profusion with several large ‘rings’ being noted. Brown Roll-rim Paxillus involutus (see images) was also numerous, with some very large specimens, so I have included a close-up to show the typical rolled rim of this species.
Brown Roll-rim Paxillus involutus © Derek Bateson
Next to be photographed was Stump Puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme growing at the base of a Willow tree on the bank next to the path (see image).
Stump Puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme © Allan Parker ARPS
We were then attracted to a disparate group of Shaggy Ink Cap (Lawyer’s Wig) Coprinus comatus which were all in good condition, (see images which show three stages of the fruiting body). AP and KW then photographed Wood Blewit Lepista nuda (see image) and I went on to photograph the seed capsules of Caper Spurge Euphorbia lathyrus (see image) which Ken had photographed as flowers, some weeks earlier.
Shaggy Ink Cap (Lawyer’s Wig) Coprinus comatus © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Wood Blewit Lepista nuda © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Caper Spurge Euphorbia lathyrus © Derek Bateson
I then took a shot of the two Lichens which Ken photographed on Sunday. These are young specimens of Xanthoria parietina and a Physcia species, (determined by Steve Price).
Large clusters of Common Ink Cap Coprinus atramentarius were growing on the bank near the steps down from the entrance at Sedum House.
Common Ink Cap Coprinus atramentarius © Allan Parker ARPS
As reported earlier, there are many examples of the plasmodium stage of the Slime Mould Mucilago crustacea appearing on grasses and thistles around the Reserve and three quite different examples are shown (see images).
Close by was a tall, almost transparent fungus (see image) which is difficult to determine.
Near the Dragonfly Ponds KW spotted some excellent examples of what initially was thought to be the Aniseed Toadstool Clitocybe odora (see image) (consultation by Derek with his mycological colleagues would indicate they are actually Blue Roundhead Stropharia caerulea ) which more or less finished off our morning which proved quite interesting’
The plasmodium stage of the Slime Mould Mucilago crustacea © Derek Bateson
Left, Unidentified fungi possibly a Bonnet Mycena species and right, Blue Roundhead Stropharia caerulea © Ken Woolley
Allan Parker and Ken Woolley report:-
After lunch Derek went home no doubt to sleep off all the food he put away, whilst Ken myself went in search of the two Tundra Bean Geese on Huxter Well Marsh completing a round trip going via the 'Iron Bridge' to the Roger Mitchell Hide and returning along Hawthorn Bank. Not only did we see the Bean Geese but also Peregrine (see Bird Page news).
Along the path that runs parallel to the motorway we had two all white fungi which at the time remained unidentified, but now identified as probably White Dapperling Leucoagaris leucothites (see image)
Left, probable White Dapperling Leucoagaris leucothites © Ken Woolley and right the plasmodium stage the Slime Mold Mucilago crustacea © Allan Parker ARPS
Further along in the St Catherine's Field area many more examples of the Slime Mold Mucilago crustacea that is currently common in the Decoy Lake / Hawthorn Field area were noted.
Hawthorn Bank proved to be excellent for fungi with lots of Wood Blewit Lepista nuda , Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis , Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria , Aniseed Toadstool Clitocybe odora , Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare , Honey Fungi Armillaria mellea , Brown Roll-rim Paxillus involutus , Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae , Turkey Tails (Many-zoned Polypore) Trametes versicolor , and several other unidentified species.
Wood Blewit Lepista nuda Ken Woolley
Sunday 13th
Ken Woolley reports:-
I went for a quick visit to Potteric Carr yesterday in the hope of seeing the Jack Snipe reported on Decoy Marsh yesterday (see bird news page) but with no luck, though I did see some fungi and lichen, which I photographed with my compact camera and which may be of interest.
The Lichen species possibly a Squamulose species was on the brickwork next to the steps down from Sedum House and the fungi Allopsalliota geesteranii and a Resupinate species possibly C hondrostereum purpureum were along the Green Route path.
Lichen Xanthoria parietina © Ken Woolley.
Left, Fungi Allopsalliota geesteranii and right, Resupinate species possibly C hondrostereum purpureum © Ken Woolley.
Derek Bateson reports:-
'Early on Sunday morning I received a telephone call from AP our local photographic expert, warning me that Doncaster was foggy and wet so I raided my files and the following fungi MIGHT have been visible through the mist today for any intrepid naturalists.
It's been a strange fungi season due to the early very dry weather with many fungi late in appearing.
We have seen no Clavulinopsis species (see image) in Black Carr Field, and only a single Waxcap Hygrocybe species (see image).
The Deceiver Laccaria laccata , (see image), False Chanterelle Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (see image) and Fragile Russula, Russula fragilis (see image), should all be around now but we have no sightings yet.
We have seen Penny Bun (Cep) Boletus edulis (see image), and Stag's Horn (Candlesnuff) Xylaria hypoxylon (see image) and some rather indifferent specimens of Wood Blewit Lepista nuda (see image).
The Collared Earth Star Geastrum triplex has also been slow in appearing with Childers Wood being the best place up to press,
To date we have seen no Orange Peel Fungus Aleuria aurantia (see image), or Common Stinkhorn Phallus impudicus (see image) but other observers may have had more luck’
Left, Clavulinopsis species and right, Waxcap Hygrocybe species © Derek Bateson .
Left, The Deceiver Laccaria laccata and right, False Chanterelle Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca © Derek Bateson .
Left, Fragile Russula Russula fragilis and right, Penny Bun (Cep) Boletus edulis Derek Bateson .
Left, Stag's Horn (Candlesnuff) Xylaria hypoxylon and right, Wood Blewit Lepista nuda © Derek Bateson .
Left, Orange Peel Fungus Aleuria aurantia and right, Common Stinkhorn Phallus impudicus Derek Bateson .
Saturday 12th
A few Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were seen in front of both Old Eea and Decoy Marsh hides in the afternoon. Fungi are in abundance all around the reserve. (Michael Bird)
Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum © Allan Parker ARPS
Friday 11th
Three more images taken last week on the Reserve show a Lichen species on the same dead tree stump as the Earth-fan Thelephora terrestris and a large fruiting body of Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis from the Black Carr Field area and finally a Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum found in Childers Wood. The current damp weather conditions should result in more fungi showing on the Reserve.
Left, Lichen species and right, Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis © Allan Parker ARPS
Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum © Allan Parker ARPS
Sunday 6th
'AP and DB report
I can now confirm that the Earth-fan Thelephora terrestris found by Ken Woolley last week, is yet another new species for the Reserve, despite the fact that it is not uncommon.
Earth-fan Thelephora terrestris © Allan Parker ARPS
We jointly photographed a late instar and two adults, found by AP, of the small Shield Bug Eysarcoris venustissimus on Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica and this somewhat rare species to Yorkshire is another new record for the Reserve (see report and images for Tuesday 25th October).
As the third Musketeer was missing today, AP and the writer made for Black Carr Field to look for more fungi after the rain and by the side of Mother Drain we found what we think was a flowering Hogweed ( Cow Parsnip) Heracleum sphondylium (see image).
Hogweed or Cow Parsnip Heracleum sphondylium © Derek Bateson
Just under the railway viaduct we found a large dispersed clump of Common Ink Cap Coprinus atramentarius and managed an photograph of a small group (see image). Close by, Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis was in some profusion and again we isolated a small group (see image).
Left, Common Ink Cap Coprinus atramentarius © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis © Derek Bateson
In Black Carr Field I found my first Blackening Wax Cap Hygrocybe nigrescens (see image) of the year, and not far away was Brown Roll-rim Paxillus involutus . Several Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria had erupted, enabling good views of the stipe (stem) with the attached veil (see image).
We both photographed the Earth Fan Thelephora terrestris , referred to earlier. Also here we found four different Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis (see image), a single large Shaggy Parasol Mushroom Macrolepiota rhacodes and lots more Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis . We also checked the Artist's Fungi Ganoderma applanatum which had yet another variation of colour looking quite grey, underneath the main fruiting body several new growths were showing (see image)
At this stage AP continued on while I returned to the Field Centre, but on the way back I found a tiny white (3mm) fungus on a rotten twig which is one of the Marasmius sp. (see image).’
Left, Blackening Wax Cap Hygrocybe nigrescens and right, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria © Derek Bateson
Left, Penny Bun (Cep) Boletus edulis © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Fungi Marasmius sp ecies © Derek Bateson
Artist’s Fungus Ganoderma applanatum © Allan Parker ARPS
After Derek set off back to the Field Centre I carried on through Black Carr Wood and past Piper Marsh eventually returning to the Field Centre via Corbett Wood / Field, and through Childers Wood (The Yellow Route).
The wetter conditions had brought a flush of fungi which included Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae , Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebularis (very common), Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria, Blushing Bracket Daedaleopsis confragosa noted on several Willow trees, Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum , Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum , Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum and Penny Bun (Cep) Boletus edulis , good numbers of the former were in Childers Wood along with more Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex , Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum Butter Cap Collybia butyracea and Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum plus several other unidentified species.
A single late Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum was on the boardwalk leading from Corbett Field the only other insects noted were a few small flies and mosquito, some of which were still after blood. A few 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata were also noted.
Left, Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum and right, Butter Cap Collybia butyracea © Allan Parker ARPS
Saturday 5th
With somewhat wetter weather conditions more fungi are starting to appear across the Reserve. Please look and admire the ones on show but do not pick them and be careful with children around them as quite a few are poisonous when eaten. Below are a few examples of the fungi fruiting bodies now showing.
Jew's Ear (Jelly Ear) Auricularia auricula-judae underside © Ken Woolley
Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria fresh fruiting body right and emerging fruiting body left © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebulais and right Turkey-tails (Many-zoned Polypore) Trametes versicolor © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum © Derek Bateson and right, Artist's Fungi Ganoderma applanatum © Ray Collins
Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus © Derek Bateson
Wednesday 2nd
Autumn Birch woodland Corbett Field © Allan Parker ARPS
The Shieldbug Eysarcoris fabricii that was found on Hedge Woundwort in St. Catherine's Copse (25th October) has apparently had a name change and the new name of this bug is Eysarcoris venustissimus.
Shieldbug Eysarcoris venustissimus © Derek Bateson
Tuesday 1st
AP, KW and the writer decided on Childers Wood to see if any more fungi had erupted after the rain. We were not disappointed as KW spotted a fine example of the Aniseed Toadstool Clitocybe odora (see image) which we all photographed, but unfortunately my images I have scrapped! Close by there were a number of Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebulais very common around the Reserve at the moment, plus a couple of Common Funnel Cap Clitocybe gibba (infundibuliformis) (see image). On stopping to photograph these and other specimens, we noted that there had been some earth disturbance around these and other fungi, in some cases exposing the mycelium which is the actual fungus, as the visible toadstool or mushroom on the surface is only the fruiting body. It is worth noting here that on an SSSI like Potteric Carr, some judicious and careful ‘gardening’ around specimens is permissible, but foliage, dead leaves and soil should be carefully replaced by photographers afterwards. Although we know that the photographer was only just ahead of us we didn't manage to catch up and explain our concerns.
Corbett Field was our next stop and we spent time photographing raindrops on Typha leave, these produced quite a pleasing ‘cockleshell’ pattern where the raindrops acted as a magnifying glass (se image). I then retraced my steps back to the Field Centre but AP and KW continued on and their notes follow. On my way back I looked under several pieces of dead bark and was rewarded with a small group of Spotted Snake Millipede together with a Black Snake Millipede ( see image). Back home on the computer I then found an image of a spider from the same log which I have asked Richard Wilson to ID now identified as Tetrix denticulata (see image) .’
After Derek turned to wend his weary way back to the Field Centre Ken and myself headed into Corbett Field finding several good specimens of Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria which had been badly over 'gardened' by a previous photographer and we spent sometime repairing the sites before we could take our photographs (see image). We also came across, still in Corbett Field, a late flowering Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris plant (see image).
Also noted were several lots of Turkey Tails (Many-zoned Polypore) Trametes versicolor and Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara berries making for a splash red in a dull wooded area.
We returned to the Field Centre via Rossington Bank, the path past the Piper Marsh hide, then along 'butterfly alley' and through Hawthorn Field.
At the 'iron bridge' over Mother Drain there was a single Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and a Hawker species dragonfly probably a Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta with the report, by a visitor, of a second in front of the Piper Marsh hide.
Hawthorn Field had several Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and a single Speckled Wood Parage aegeria butterfly.
A large female Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus flew through Corbett Field
A
Left, Aniseed Toadstool (Blue-green Clitocybe) Clitocybe odora and right, Common Funnel Cap Clitocybe gibba (infundibuliformis) © Allan Parker ARPS
Raindrops © Derek Bateson
Left, Spider Tetrix denticulata and right, Spotted Snake Millipede and Black Snake Millipede © Derek Bateson
Left, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and right, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris © Allan Parker ARPS
October 2011
Sunday 30th
Ken Woolley and Allan Parker report:-
After following Derek and Barbara to Black Carr Field and Wood we then carried on along the path past Piper Marsh meeting them on their way back. We then turned left on to Rossington Bank, across the railway line and down through Corbett Wood and Field and into Childers Wood before again crossing the railway at the 'lighted crossing' and returning past Old EAA to the Field Centre and Cafe.
More fungi have started to appear due to the recent rain. On Black Carr Field a large bright red Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria was found minus it's white spots which the rain had washed away (see image). Ken also found growing, on a rotten stump, an example of Earth-fan Thelephora terestris a rather woody looking fungi (see image).
Next we noted several Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum in Black Carr Wood plus the usual Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus and Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius . The path past Piper Marsh had more Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria , lots of Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus (see image) and growing with the previous species a small very delicate as yet unidentified fungi (see image). Also found along this stretch was several Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum (see image).
We also noted here a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and two Little Egret Egretta garzetta flying along Mother Drain
Along Rossington Bank the Gorse Ulex europaeus was in flower (see image) and near the railway crossing we found White Dead-nettle Lamium album also in flower (see image).
In Corbett Wood there were some good examples of Jew's Ear Auricularia auricula-judae and in Childers Wood we had brief views of a Sexton Beetle Nicrophorus vespillo on a Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum . Childers Wood also had good numbers of Clouded Agaric Clitocybe nebulais .
At the 'lighted crossing' there were two Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum sunning themselves near the seat.
Left, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and right, Earth-fan Thelephora terestris © Allan Parker ARPS
Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, unidentified fungi and right, Common Puffball Lycoperdon perlatum © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Gorse Ulex europaeus and right, W hite Dead-nettle Lamium album © Allan Parker ARPS
Sexton Beetle Nicrophorus vespillo © Allan Parker ARPS
Close to three thousand ( 3,000) Starling Sturnus vulgaris left the roost on Huxter Well Marsh at 6.50am this morning, (see image) Tony Elliott.
Starling Sturnus vulgaris leaving roost at sunrise © Tony Elliott
Derek Bateson reports:-
'The day started unpromisingly as it was very dull first thing. I was accompanied by my minder (Barbara) (for minder read wife) so we set off separately from KW and AP whom we met again later.
This year has seen an increase in Old Man's Beard or Traveller's Joy, Clematis vitalba (see image) in many places, but it is sometimes difficult to get a decent shot, although it is an attractive plant in many hedgerows.
Rain in the past few days had induced quite a number of fruiting bodies of Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria (see image). This small newly emerged group were on the path to Piper Marsh, and when we returned from Piper Marsh, KW and AP were jockeying for position to photograph the same group.
On Black Carr Field I found a group of three tiny, but relatively tall fungi with deep cap striations. Probably one of the Mycena species (see image), but difficult to determine to species level without microscopy.
On our walk there were several quite large groups of Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus (see image), showing some of the typical white veil remnants.
In Black Carr Wood itself, there were several examples of what I think are Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum (see image).
There were a few spiders in various locations and a Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was using Mother Drain as a flight path. It’s possible that the above notes can be added to by KW and AP’
Traveller's Joy (Old Man's Beard) Clematis vitalba © Derek Bateson
Left, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and right, Mycena species © Derek Bateson
Left, Glistening Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus and right , Common Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum © Derek Bateson
Saturday 29th
Michael Bird reports:-
Just spent a couple of hours at Potteric Carr today so not much to report.
A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was in front of the hide at Decoy Marsh at about 9:15. Two were seen there on Friday by RM.
A Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was seen under the railway bridge over Mother Drain from the footbridge.
A Fox Vulpes vulpes was noted on the bank of Stilling Pond.
A Lawyer's Wig (Shaggy Ink Cap) Coprinus comatus was seen alongside the Cottage Drain path last Thursday.
Lawyer's Wig (Shaggy Ink Cap) Coprinus comatus © Michael Bird
Friday 28th
Ray Schofield reports that Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus were again on Piper Marsh and the two images below are from his camera.
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus images above © Ray Schofield
Autumn is here and many plant species have gone to seed but a few plants can still be found in flower one of which is Yarrow Achillea millefolium . Some of the flowering plant seed heads can be very attractive and one is the seed spike of Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica .
It as been a very poor year for fungi, probably because of the drought conditions suffered in our area, but Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus and Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius continue to thrive on dead and dying Silver Birch Betula pendula trees.
Left, Yarrow Achillea millefolium and right, Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica seed spike both images © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus © Derek Bateson and right, Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius © Allan Parker ARPS
Tuesday 25th
‘AP, KW and DB set off along Loversall Bank, on a better day, but nothing much was showing until I spotted a Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum (see image) which we all photographed. AP imaged a late flowering Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare covered in raindrops (see image) and a couple of autumn leaves including Bramble Rubus fruiticosus (see image) , but there was nothing much else except for a Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum , spotted by AP, until we reached St Catherine’s Copse where AP found several insects on a Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica seed stalk. Two of these were the Shield Bug Eysarcoris venustissimus fabricii, one at a late instar stage, and the other a small adult see (see images) This may be a species new to the Reserve which I need to check, but I haven’t found them before.
Several Ladybird were secreted on the same stalk, including 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata , but I was more interested in a Cream-spot Ladybird Calvia quattuordecimguttata (see image).
I then found an attractive Leaf Beetle Chrysolina polita on the same flower head (see image). These specimens kept us occupied for some time and then as we returned along Cottage Drain KW spotted two groups of fungi which we photographed, but I am not sure of the ID at present ( now identified as Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda by AP and confirmed by Steve Clements).’
Left, Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare and right, Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum © Allan Parker ARPS
Left autumn Bramble Rubus fruiticosus leaf and right autumn Silverweed Potenilla anserina leaves © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Shield Bug Eysarcoris venustissimus , late instar © Derek Bateson and right, adult © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Cream-spot Ladybird Calvia quattuordecimguttata and right, Leaf Beetle Chrysolina polita both images © Derek Bateson
Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda © Allan Parker ARPS
Monday 24th
With water levels still extremely low on Huxter Well Marsh the Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus r oost this morning, on Cell 1b, numbered two thousand and seven hundred (2,700) up from Saturday when it was one thousand and five hundred (1,550). With them were two (2) Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus , a single Herring Gull Larus argentatus , two (2) Yellow Legged Gull Larus michahellis and Black-headed Gull Larus riddibundus numbered three hundred and forty (340).
Also of note was a juvenile Dunlin Calidris alpina which first noticed on Saturday was still on Cell 1b.
Also there was a small roost of three hundred and forty (340) Starling Sturnus vulgaris . (Tony Elliott).
Sunday 23rd
' Again, I was on my own as AP and KW were away photographing aircraft. Although it was quite warm, they didn't miss a great deal, and apart from mosquitoes, the only flying insects seen were two Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum , one on the Access Track, the other in Black Carr Field, where on the edge of the Black Carr Wood, a single specimen of Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes (see image) had pushed through. In previous weeks some ten or more specimens had been noted.
Close by, several groups of the Lichen Cladonia fimbriata were on a rotten stump (see image), clearly showing the brownish spore masses on the cup rim.
Whilst talking to MR a few minutes later, there was a crash as a Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus hit a Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus and chased it into the wood, screeching as it did so.
My last find was a tightly coiled, Black Snake Millipede Tachypodoilus niger (see image), beneath some dead bark. The antennae can be seen at the head end in the centre, together with the distinctive white legs.
I had hoped to image a large group of Trooping Crumble Cap Coprinus disseminatus fungi which appeared last week on an old log, but by this week they had ‘gone over’ and were not worth a photograph. ’
Left, Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes and right Lichen Cladonia fimbriata © Derek Bateson
Black Snake Millipede Tachypodoilus niger © Derek Bateson
The two images below were taken today and are from the camera of Mike Robinson. The Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major was obviously taken from the Willow Pool Hide no information on where the Goldcrest Regulus regulus was photographed.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major and right Goldcrest Regulus regulus both images © Mike Robinson
This year's acorn crop has been heavy at Potteric Carr and many have fallen on the Reserve's footpaths (image). Bitterns were seen at both Willow Marsh (GJ, DR) and Decoy Marsh. 150 Fieldfares flew over. A Little Egret was on Loversall Pool, and 16 Wigeon were on Huxter Well Marsh.
Fallen acorns on path © Dave Carroll
Saturday 22nd
Today I had good views, from the hide, of a single Bittern Botaurus stellaris on Decoy Marsh. Several visitors were lucky enough to watch it and a close-up photo was taken. Single Little Egret Egretta garzetta were seen on Loversall Pool and Old Eaa Marsh. (Dave Carroll)
Bittern Botaurus stellaris © Allan Parker ARPS
Peter Dawson took this image of an immature Grass Snake Natrix natrix sunning and sloughing its skin near Old Eaa today.
Immature Grass Snake Natrix natrix © Peter Dawson
BGAB/MAB report:-
A lovely sunny day, with wind picking up in the afternoon.
There is a nice bit of hedge laying at the start of the Green Route near the Porta Cabins.
Three Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus , a stag plus two hinds were on the bank between cells and another stag was seen on Loversall Carr in the small field not long after.
Six Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula were in Loversall Field and a Little Egret Egretta garzetta was in Loversall Pool.
All the usual small birds were at feeding station but no Willow Tit Poecile montanus were seen today, three Redwing Turdus iliacus and a few Siskin Carduelis spinus were briefly in big Alder in front of the hide.
Huxter Well Marsh from the Roger Mitchell Hide, three Buzzard Buteo buteo were over Wadworth Carr, one then perched on a T-bar utility pole, two Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus noted nearby displaying.
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus totaled three hundred plus with the same number for Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria.
Other bird noted included two Shelduck Tadorna tadorna , twenty Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus , four Common Gull Larus canus , three Grey Heron Ardea cinerea all on the Lagoon and on Cell 1b was another Grey Heron Ardea cinerea , fifty plus Teal Anas crecca, two Wigeon Anas penelope. Cell 3b had a single Snipe Gallinago gallinago and two Shoveller Anas clypeata.
Cell 2a had sixty Gadwall Anas strepera , seventy Coot Fulica atra , and two Wigeon Anas penelope .
On Cell 2b there was a single Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and four Pochard Athya ferina .
A single Linnet Carduelis cannabina and four Skylark Alauda arvensis were noted on the Central Grassland area. The Central Grassland has been cut nearly all over, but there is still some hay to gather it looks like a good job.
Hawthorn Field has also been strimmed, another good job.
Old Eea held sixty plus Mallard Anas platyrhynchos .
Decoy Marsh held a Kingfisher Alcedo atthis , a Snipe Gallinago gallinago in front of the hide and a Little Egret Egretta garzetta over. A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was seen at about 1:30, we saw it fly from the left into the area near the new boardwalk and a short while later it flew back to the left towards Old Eea and out of sight. (A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was seen in front of the hide in the morning before it flew into the far reedbed and fed along the reeds see above report by Dave Carroll),
Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were everywhere in the warm spots, we must have seen twenty plus. One or two Hawker species were in front of Decoy Marsh hide.
A single Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta was in front of Duchess Hide.
More Bulrush Typha latifolia has been pulled from Loversall Delph near dipping platforms. Still dry everywhere.
A JCB was working on Low Ellers Marsh today, working, it seems, on the drain that runs along side the East Coast railway line.
Thursday 20th
Below is an image from the camera of Barry Wardley taken on Black Carr Field and it shows a rotten pine stump that as formed into the shape of a toadstool. Barry sent it in betting that I couldn't identify the it so I have named it as the Pine Stump Rot Toadstool Pinus rottus . Nice one Barry well seen!!
Rotted Pine tree stump in shape of a toadstool © Barry Wardley
Dave Carroll reports:
An occupied Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus colony of nests was accidentally discovered in a grassland conservation area of the Potteric Carr reserve on 18th October by a grass cutting team led by YWT Field Officer, Mark Roberts.
Harvest Mouse is the smallest British mouse at just six (6) grams in weight and has a prehensile tail to help climb herbaceous stalks and hang upside down. It is rarely seen in the Doncaster district and generally at the northern limit of its UK distribution here.
Potteric Carr has been a known site for this golden-pelaged small mammal since they where first found in the mid-1970s. Subsequently, these mice have rarely been seen on the Reserve, occasionally found unoccupied nests the only evidence of their continued presence.
The woven grass nests found this week are at a new location and are a significant find since live animals are very elusive (see photo © Sue Bird / YWT).
Harvest Mice prefer annually growing vegetation, so the yearly cutting regime practiced at this field is very suitable, including heaps of cut vegetation left over winter.
The colony is in a conservation area not accessible to visitors, but still good to know these animals are at Potteric Carr.
Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus © Sue Bird / YWT
Today (20th) four Common Buzzard Buteo buteo were up in the sunshine and two flocks of Fieldfare Turdus pilaris totalling some four hundred (400) flew southwards.
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was also noted and a single Grey Partridge Perdis perdis was on the central Grassland area (RM)
A Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta was seen near the Field Centre.
Tuesday 18th
BGAB/MAB news for Tuesday which was cold and windy with a few showers.
Loversall Pool had a Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus early in the morning and two Little Egret Egretta garzetta were reported there by DH at lunchtime.
Hawthorn Field / Bank had a Goldcrest Regulus regulus among a tit flock.
At Huxter Well Marsh there were reports of Kingfisher Alcedo atthis in flight several times and a few Snipe Gallinago gallinago disturbed by the hay making on the Central Grassland flew into Cell 1b but landed out of sight. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria numbers fluctuated as birds were disturbed or flew off to feed over the M18.
A Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus was seen in St Catherine's copse feeding on Hawthorn berries.
A few hardy Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were seen in front of Cottage drain hide and along Willow Bank.
Sunday 16th
Derek Bateson reports:-
'The three Musketeers, KW, AP and DB again opted for Black Carr Field and Wood in the hope of finding more fungi after the rain. The first specimen I saw was a mould (unidentifiable) just after the 'under-bridg e ' over Mother Drain. (see image). It is possibly a Slime Mould which needs expert determination.
A log along the path held two or three tall slender fungi (see image) which I tentatively think might be one of the Brittlegill species.
Ken and Allan also photographed a Spider Meta species feeding on a prey item (see image).
In Black Carr field there were several dew-laden sheet spider webs, clearly displaying the access tunnel for the spider (see image), but virtually impossible to identify the spider species they belonged to.
I did my usual investigation under the bark on various logs and found a small conglomeration of Shiny Woodlice Oniscus asellus together with a very small snail, probably Discus rotundatus (see image).
Lagging behind ( as usual AP ) in the Wood, I spotted a very small whitish fungus which appeared to be a Marasmius species and also what I think is a very young fruiting-body of a Phlebia species, which is yet to develop the typical antler-like formation (see image).
We all photographed a previously undiscovered specimen of Artist’s Fungus Ganoderma applanatum, and close by was a well-developed specimen of Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes (see image).
AP and the writer left at lunchtime so we don’t know if Ken had any other finds.’
Two views of probable Brittlegill fungi species left © Allan Parker ARPS and right, © Derek Bateson
Left, Spider M eta species © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Shiny Woodlice Oniscus asellus and Snail probably Discus rotundatus © Derek Bateson
Left, Fungus probable Phlebia species and right, Dew covered sheet spider web © Derek Bateson
Left, Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes and right, Artist’s Fungus Ganoderma applanatum , both images © Allan Parker ARPS
Saturday 15th
Two Tawny Owl Strix aluco one twitting one wooing at 6.15am were near Willow Pool.
Close to a thousand Black Headed Gull Larus riddibundus roosted on Cell 1b on Huxter Well Marsh and six Redwing Turdus iliacus were in the hedge next to the Mitchell Hide.
Not on the Reserve but of note were one hundred and thirty (130) Pink-footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus which flew south east over my garden at 10am. (Tony Elliott).
BGAB/MAB bird and wildlife news.
Loversall Field had Redwing Turdus iliacus and a pair of Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula in a Hawthorn tree. Redwing Turdus iliacus were also noted flying over west.
Six Pheasant on Loversall Bank and a Wren Troglodytes troglodytes in front of the hide.
Willow Pool had all the usual small birds after we put a hand full of food out but they had to share it with the local Pheasant Phasianus colchicus .
Another flock of fifty plus Redwing Turdus iliacus were seen on Huxter Well Marsh near the 'iron bridge', they were in the Silver Birch trees and didn't seem to be feeding. They were closely followed by a fifty plus flock of Fieldfare Turdus pilaris in the same trees. Neither flock seemed to stay on the reserve as we didn't see or hear them again.
Around three hundred Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria and four hundred Lapwing Vanellus vanellus were on Cell1b and Cell 3b but numbers fluctuated a lot. Also on Cell 1b were three Wigeon Anas penelope , two Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo , two Little Egret Egretta garzetta , two Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis and a flock of fifty plus Starling Sturnus vulgaris plus the usual duck species but numbers of these seem to be down.
A Buzzard Buteo buteo was seen perched on a utility pole over the M18 motorway.
A male Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major was seen near the 'iron bridge' and a Green Woodpecker Picus viridis called near Piper Marsh hide.
A Grass Snake Natrix natrix was seen sunning outside its hibernation hole on Hawthorn Bank.
Three pairs of Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were ovipositing on Willow Marsh, ten or more were also seen along the Willow Bank path in the sunshine.
Two plants of Orange Hawkweed (Fox and Cubs) Pilosella aurantiaca are in flower along Willow Bank.
A Peacock Inachis io butterfly was in Sedum House car park.
Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria was emerging among the wood chippings in Adam's Field together with another unidentified fungi.
Left, Peacock Inachis io © Tony Smith, centre Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum © Sue Richardson and right, Orange Hawkweed (Fox and Cubs) Pilosella aurantiaca © Allan Parker ARPS
Friday 14th
Potteric Carr Visible Migration Watch 9.45am to 12.45pm (SMB, RWB, DC, HW).
Movements were continuous through the observation period but ended soon after. The main direction was between compass points South and West, unless otherwise stated, and records are for birds overflying the site unless otherwise stated.
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 142 (all South), Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 46 (1500 grounded), Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria (grounded birds increased to 1000), Skylark Alauda arvensis 13 (mixed directions), Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 34, unidentified finch species 27, Snipe Gallinago gallinago 3, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 2, Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 2, Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii 4, Linnet Carduelis cannabina 30, unidentified passerines 18, Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 4 (East), Swallow Hirundo rustica 8 (South) and 10 (East).
Other records: 4 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo , Little Egret Egretta garzetta , Redpoll Carduelis flammea and Siskin Carduelis spinus.
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricaria
© Allan Parker ARPS
Spiders of various species are common on the Reserve at this time and the damp early morning conditions make their webs easy to see. There is a amazing variation in size, colour
and markings to be found even on spiders of the same species
these images below show some of these differences. The images are all of Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
.
Garden Spider Araneus diadematus web © Allan Parker ARPS
Garden Spider Araneus diadematus left, © Allan Parker ARPS and right, © Derek Bateson
Garden Spider Araneus diadematus left, © Derek Bateson and right Barry Wardley
Garden Spider Araneus diadematus left ( underside) © Barry Wardley and right © Derek Bateson
Thursday 13th
Roger and Sue Bird report:-
We had a walk round the Reserve hoping to see some thrush movements and we were not disappointed.
Redwing Turdus iliacus numbered one hundred and Eighty-three (183) south in small groups and Fieldfare Turdus pilaris fifty-four (54) South-east again in small groups. There were ten Blackbird Turdus merula in St Catherine's Copse (probably migrants).
Skylark Alauda arvensis totaled thirty (30) counted through the day and Swallow Hirundo rustica totaled five (5) flying South-east.
Huxter Well Marsh held the following;
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus totalled c one thousand five hundred (1500), Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria numbers were up to eight-hundred and twelve (812) (yes I counted them but could have missed a few!), two Dunlin Calidris alpina , three Snipe Gallinago gallinago, three Little Egret Egretta garzetta (two were seen on Old Eaa later but were probably two of the three seen earlier) and three Shelduck Tadorna tadorna .
Piper Marsh had two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus . A Water Rail Rallus aquaticus was calling in Willow Marsh.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major was in Black Carr Wood.
Two Goldcrest Regulus regulus were seen along Willow Bank and two more in Hawthorn Field.
Raptors included Kestrel Falco tinnunculus , Buzzard Buteo buteo and Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus.
A visitor reported Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus along Willow Bank.
At least two Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta were along Hawthorn Bank
Two Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus were in Loversall Carr Fields near the M18 this morning and two more were near the Square Pond in Loversall Field at noon (Michael Bird).
Left, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta © John Hancox and right, Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus © Peter Dawson
Tuesday 11th
Fresh in this morning two hundred and thirty (230) Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria on Huxter Well Marsh. Tony Elliott.
BGAB/MAB bird news for today.
Loversall Pool had two Little Egret Egretta garzetta , a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and six Teal Anas crecca .
Willow Pool all the usual small birds including three Willow Tit Poecile montanus seen together on the bird table, both male and female Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major , a male Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula in the big Alder tree, seven Pheasant Phasianus colchicus , plus a dozen or so Mallard Anas platyrhynchos , a tit flock flew in front of Willow Pool hide bringing several Long-tail ed Tit Aegithalos caudatus into view.
In the afternoon Old Eea also had a Little Egret Egretta garzetta which then flew over and into Loversall Pool, we are not sure if it was a third bird or one of the two we saw earlier in the morning.
Also on Old Eea were good number of Mallard Anas platyrhynchos , Gadwall Anas strepera , a few Shoveller Anas clypeata and Teal Anas crecca , three Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis , some must of come off Decoy Marsh because of the habitat work being carried out there.
With the habitat work finished a few duck were returning to Decoy Marsh, in front of the hide were three or four Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum or Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum not sure which and a single Hawker Aeshna species dragonfly was seen near the islands. Another Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum / Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum was seen on the boardwalk where the reed fringes have been cut.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major female © Allan Parker ARPS
Monday 10th
There were four Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus on Huxter Well Marsh, Cell 2a early this morning, but they left at 8.30am heading west. Two Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (3rd and a 2nd year birds) with two hundred and sixty (260) Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus on Cell 1b.also early morning. (Tony Elliott).
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus © Tony Elliott
Sunday 9th
Derek Bateson reports:-
‘On this warm, but overcast Autumn morning, i was the only photographer on parade and I decided to concentrate on Loversall Bank
Just outside the Field Centre near the compound, are two Field Maple Acer campestre trees but both displayed differently coloured seed ‘keys’, I wondered if they are two separate species (see Images), and I don't whether KW knows the answer to this?. Almost alongside was a small Holly Ilex species. sapling, complete with berries to show that winter is not far away (see image) .
I was then attracted to a Beech Fagus sylvatica tree, and one of the nut cases which had not shed its ‘mast’ contained two 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata (see image), and many more were seen this morning.
Further along the Bank I found a tiny snail probably Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemorali s (see image). The same applies to the two species of Millipede, Flat-backed Millipede Polydesmus sp and Snake Millepede Cylindroiulus sp. (see images).
I looked at water level in Loversall Delph but there was no water, only mud as some volunteers were removing Bulrush Typha latifolia.
I then went along to the 'Dragonfly Ponds' in Loversall Field and was pleased to find some four inch of water in them following the rain, and in one pool I counted six Diving Beetle, but no other life was visible!
Field Maple Acer campestre seeds © Derek Bateson
Left, Holly Ilex species berries and right 7-spot Ladybird
Probably Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemorali s © Derek Bateson
Left, Flat-backed Millipede Polydesmus species and right, Snake Millipede Cylindroiulus species © Derek Bateson
Roger and Sue Bird report:-
Here are some of our sightings for today. A flock of sixty Redwing Turdus iliacus were near the Old Eaa hide they then flew towards the Loversall area, six more were also seen by Mark Roberts. Ten Blackbird Turdus merula were near the Decoy Marsh hide feeding in Hawthorn trees, obviously migrants.
Siskin Carduelis spinus numbered twenty-two in the Old Eaa area.
A single Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was along the Piper Marsh Drain.
Forty Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria and two Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago were on Huxter Well Marsh.
Two hundred and thirty ( 230) Rook Corvus frug ilegus were going to roost heading towards Doncaster centre.
A juvenile Buzzard Buteo buteo sitting in Birch tree in Black Carr Wood was seen from the Piper Marsh hide. Two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus were on Piper Marsh.
At least four Goldcrest Regulus regulus were around the Reserve.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago © Allan Parker ARPS
Saturday 8th
Tony McCormick reports:-
I was walking from the Roger Mitchell hide back to Piper I saw a Devil's Coach-horse Staphylinus olens on the footpath attacking a caterpillar. It had a good go at the caterpillar but the caterpillar fended it off for a good while. After having a second attempt the Devil's Coach-horse Staphylinus olens pulled the caterpillar into the long grass. Sorry for the quality of the photo, difficult with a 400 mm lens in pouring rain.
(The Devil's Coach-horse Staphylinus olens is a member of the Rove Beetle family and they are predators and omnivorous scavengers hunting their prey on the ground. Image looks good considering the conditions well done. AP)
Devil's Coach-horse Staphylinus olens predating caterpillar © Tony McCormick
A RED KITE Milvus milvus with no wing tags flew low west over Huxter Well Marsh at 7.50 am this morning, putting everything up. There was an adult Yellow Legged Gull Larus michahellis with four hundred and thirty (430) Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus in the gull roost on Cell 1b early this morning.
A Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea flew over car park at 9am. (Tony Elliott).
There was a report of a Nuthatch Sitta europaea seen at Loversall Delph and a Goldcrest Regulus regulus was heard at same spot.
Loversall pool again had two Little Egret Egretta garzetta , a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea was perched on the depth marker and six Gadwall Anas strepera.
Willow Pool had on the feeders, Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus , Great Tit Parus major , Coal Tit Periparus ater , Willow Tit Poecile montanus , Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs , Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus , Dunnock Prunella modularis, Robin Erithacus rubecula and both male and female Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major . Also seen from the hide were nine Mallard Anas platyrhynchos , several Pheasant Phasianus colchicus , Moorhen Gallinula ch loropus , Coot Fulica atra , Kingfisher Alcedo atthis , Grey Heron Ardea cinerea . A Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus flew in front of the hide on an failed sortie. At least two Willow Tit Poecile montanus were on frequent visits to the bird tables.
On Huxter Well Marsh, at Cell 1b a single Shelduck Tadorna tadorna was still present along with two Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo . The Lagoon had twelve Wigeon Anas penelope , two more Grey Heron Ardea cinerea , Teal Anas crecca , Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis . A Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus was seen to fly out of the Stilling Pond.
Old Eea had over 100 duck, mainly Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Gadwall Anas strepera plus a few Shoveller Anas clypeata , and singles of Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis , Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, and a male Pochard Aythya ferina.
Low Ellers had a few duck, three Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and a single Grey Heron Ardea cinerea .
Decoy marsh held only a hand full of Teal Anas crecca and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos plus another male Pochard Aythya ferina.
(BGAB/DF/MAB)
Willow Tit Poecile montanus © Allan Parker ARPS
Friday 7th
Bird news from Sue and Roger Bird:-
Huxter Well Marsh had the following, three Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus on cell 1b, three Swallow Hirundo rustica were going south west, a single Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla in front of Duchess Hide, one Shelduck Tadorna tadorna two Snipe Gallinago gallinago , Lapwing Vanellus vanellus numbered some one-hundred and thirty plus with Starling Sturnus vulgaris at seventy plus and a single Common Gull Larus canus . Two Skylark Alauda arvensis were flying north and west! Kingfisher Alcedo atthis flew over and there was a single Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis , two Stock Dove Columba oenas and a Carrion Crow Corvus corone dropping fresh water mussel onto mud trying to break them open!
At Piper Marsh three Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula a single Goldcrest Regulus regulus were noted.
Loversall Pool had two Little Egret Egretta garzetta .
Low Ellers ( never seen the water level so low) had two Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and two Grey Heron Ardea cinerea mopping up the fish in the low water!
Two Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and at least three Buzzard Buteo buteo were around and two Siskin Carduelis spinus flew over the Warden's car park.
Buzzard Buteo buteo © Irene Oxley
Thursday 6th
Bird news from Michael Bird:-
Not a lot of birding news on a cold, blustery and showery day.
Decoy Lake only two adult Mute Swan Cygnus olor , a few Blackbird Turdus merula were along the path near Division Drain, a Treecreeper Certhia familiaris was heard and a Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis was seen by DF.
Loversall Pool had two Little Egret Egretta garzetta but nothing else.
Lots of Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus and Carrion Crow Corvus corone were on Loversall Carr Fields where the crop (Winter Wheat?) is now showing.
A second Treecreeper Certhia familiaris was heard in St Catherine's Copse but very few small birds about anywhere.
Cottage Drain Hide had nothing at all except for distant views of birds at the Willow Pool feeding station.
At Piper Marsh only two duck were seen.
Cell 1b had a single Shelduck Tadorna tadorna and a few each of the usual duck.
Cell 3a had a pair of Mute Swan Cygnus olor with three young.
Cell 2b had a few Pochard Aythya ferina , many Coot Fulica atra and the only two Lapwing Vanellus vanellus seen all day.
On Cell 2a there were thirteen Widgeon Anas penelope , thirty plus Gadwall Anas strepera , twenty plus Coot Fulica atra , another pair of Mute Swan Cygnus olor with four young.
On the Lagoon were sixty plus Teal Anas crecca and three Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. A female Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla was feeding on Elderberries in front of the hide.
A Kestrel Falco tinnunculus was seen over Huxter Well Marsh.
Old Eea had good numbers of duck with most of them sheltering from the wind and a single Grey Heron Ardea cinerea .
Low Ellers had a single Grey Heron Ardea cinerea , a few duck and Black-headed Gull Larus riddibundus plus a further pair of Mute Swan Cygnus olor with three young.
Decoy Marsh had usual duck but again most were sheltering in the reed bottoms.
There was a welcome, for some, drop of rain but not enough to make any difference to the Reserve water levels which remain critically low.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea © Allan Parker ARPS
Tuesday 4th
Derek Bateson reports:- (with additions by AP)
‘On a much cooler morning AP, KW and DB decided to look along Cottage Drain which had been freshly flailed / strimmed, but the outcome was very poor. We returned through St, Catherine's Copse hoping for some fungi.
I did see one Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii (see image) , which was quite happy to pose in the sun, as were three female Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum along with a single male, one of which Ken photographed. I then noticed a green fly and took several images, I think this is the less common Muscid Fly Dasyphora cyanella (see image), not Greenbottle Lucilia Caesar which we usually see. Also noted were few 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata (see image) and several other unidentified fly species.
In St Catherine’s Copse there were several clumps of what I think was the Honey (Bootlace) Fungus, Armillaria mellea. There is a great deal of variation in this species, and without examining the spores microscopically, it is difficult to be certain, particularly in dry weather. Also herein this area were clumps of Black Bryony Tamus communis berries (see image)
Left, Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii and right, Muscid Fly Dasyphora cyanella © Derek Bateson
Left, Common Reed Phragmites australis leaf with autumn colours and right, Black Bryony Tamus communis berries © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata and right Honey (Bootlace) Fungi © Allan Parker ARPS
Bird news from Michael Bird:-
Low Ellers had five or six Wigeon Anas penelope to right of hide but near railway line so very hard to see, three Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo , about sixty Teal Anas crecca and a male Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus flew over.
Old Eea had three Little Egret Egretta garzetta , three Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis , a Buzzard Buteo buteo was overhead and Shoveler Anas clypeata numbers seem to be increasing on the reserve where there is deeper water.
Huxter Well Marsh; at the Lagoon a Greenshank Tringa nebularia flew in from the Stilling Pond, seven Heron Ardea cinerea . A Tit flock that passed in front of Duchess Hide included a Treecreeper Certhia familaris . Cell 1a had two Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus . Cell 1b a single Shelduck Tadorna tadorna and four Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo .
A Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta butterfly was feeding on blackberries in front of Duchess hide.
Monday 3rd
Three more images from yesterday. The first two are from the camera of Allan Parker and show Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus leaves in their autumn colours and a female Meta species Spider with a prey item. The third is from the camera of Derek Bateson and shows the remains of a fly probably caught by a small rodent and partially eaten. It was under the bark of a Birch log.
Left, Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus autumn leaves and right Spider Meta species with prey © Allan Parker ARPS
Fly remains after predation © Derek Bateson
Sunday 2nd
Derek Bateson reports:-
‘AP, KW and DB all opted for a walk through Childers Wood to Corbett Field as due to the dry conditions we were not hopeful of many fungi although we did encounter quite a few poor specimens of Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria plus Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum, a large mass of Sulphur Tuft on a fallen Birch stump and Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus (see image) .
However, first of all AP noticed a large spider web within five yards of the Field Centre, and this was occupied by a magnificent, beautifully marked, female specimen of Araneus marmoratus var. pyramidatus, the Fen Orb-web Spider (see images). This is now the fourth location where this species has been found on the Reserve. Close by was another large web this time that of a large female Garden Spider Araneus diadematus which made a nice comparison (see image). During our walk good numbers of Spider Meta species and several more Garden Spider Araneus diadematus were noted.
We progressed to Childers Wood where I started to explore under the bark of dead logs, and found the remains of a fly which had been a feast for something see. A log further along the path produced Club-tailed Snake Millipede Cylindroiulus punctatus (see image), probably our commonest species of millipede, but the next log produced a Smooth Newt Triturus vulgaris (see images), which posed happily while I called back my colleagues who had gone on ahead.
In Corbett Field I turned over a bramble leaf and chanced on a mass of spiderlings with a dead male spider along side, probably Meta species (see image). I then spotted a mated pair of Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta which KW photographed.
On the board walk we came across a single Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria, the only butterfly we encountered.
There was not a lot else to see until we got back to the Pumping Station where KW pointed out a group of galls on Dog Rose Rosa cannina leaves , these were the spiked form of Diplolepis nervosa (see image), which made a nice picture.
After lunch AP and KW went off to other areas and may have captured other images’
Left, Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus and right Garden Spider Araneus diadematus female © Allan Parker ARPS
Fen Orb-web Spider Araneus marmoratus var. pyramidatus © Allan Parker ARPS
Club-tailed Snake Millipede Cylindroiulus punctatus © Derek Bateson
Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris © Derek Bateson
Left, Spiderlings probably Meta species with dead male along side and right , the spiked form of Diplolepis nervosa galls on Dog Rose Rosa cannina leaves © Derek Bateson
Saturday 1st October
Bird news:-
At Decoy Marsh a Green Woodpecker Picus viridis was on dead trees between marshes, a Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was perched on Willow in from of hide and a single Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita was to the right of hide. A party of Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus were foraging in base of reeds in front of hide and several Blackbird Turdus merula were also seen going in and out of reedbed. All the usual duck plus Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo , Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea were present.
Old Eea Marsh had five Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo perched on the dead trees in the water. Single Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis were noted along with good numbers of duck.
The reeds have been cut in front of both the Decoy and Old Eaa hides so viewing is better.
At Low Ellers three Little Egret Egretta garzetta flew in as we watched but there was not a great deal else as the water is very low.
At Willow Marsh Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major was on the feeders and a Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was perched on the Reed Mace. All the usual small birds were present and included at least two Willow Tit Poccile montanus .
Huxter Well Marsh Lagoon had a Greenshank Tringa nebularia . At Cell 1a a sandpiper species was near the little raft, possibly a Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola but we were not sure. At Cell 1b Little Egret Egretta garzetta , we think totalled four. At Cell 2a a single Snipe Gallinago gallinago dropped in. No more than twenty Lapwing Vanellus vanellus were seen along with twenty Wigeon Anas penelope. A Kestrel Falco tinnunculus was over high over the area being mobbed by three crow. A Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus was high over Piper Marsh and beyond.
Only two butterfly were seen, a Comma Polygonia c-album and a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta . Dragonfly were quite numerous over Willow Pool looking from the Cottage Drain Hide.
(All above per Michael Bird)
September 2011
Thursday 29th
A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was reported as seen from the Cottage Drain Hide
MOTH TRAPPING REPORT FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT, 28 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Another moth trapping session took place on Wednesday night, 28 September, the trap located, as it always is, in the Reserve Compound. A total of 32 species of moths were recorded and the catch had a distinctly autumnal feel about it, with species such as Sallow Xanthia icteritia, Pink-barred Sallow Xanthia togata, Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra, Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis, Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxyacanthae, Red-line Quaker Agrochola lota, Satellite Eupsilia transversa, Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata and Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria, all of them very much species of the autumn months. Although there were no rare or unusual moths recorded, there were four species new to the reserve: Brindled Green Dryobotodes eremita, Lunar Underwing Omphaloscelis lunosa, Pyralis farinalis, a rather pretty Pyralid moth and Acleris variegana, a Tortricid moth. None of these could be described as uncommon and, despite the reserve moth total now reaching a remarkable 741 species, I have no doubt that there are plenty more species awaiting discovery.
Ian Heppenstall (Moth Recorder)
Left, Pink-barred Sallow Xanthia togata and right, Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxyacanthae © Allan Parker ARPS.
Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata © Derek Bateson.
A Kingfisher Alcedo atthis perched and fished, for a long time on depth marker post in Loversall Pool. (Michael Bird)
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis © Allan Parker ARPS
Wednesday 28th.
More images from yesterday taken by Derek Bateson and Allan Parker. They show fallen, autumn coloured, Elder Sambucus nigra leaves on the Rossington Bank path, a large female Garden Spider Araneus diadematus on vegetation next to her web in Corbett Field, another image of the female Meta species spider with her recently killed male in this case before 'packaging' and finally an image of a tiny yellow fly which is currently remains unidentified both were along the path to Black Carr field.
Elder Sambucus nigra trees are worth checking out at this time of the year for late warbler species such as Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Garden Warbler Sylvia borin which love to feed on the ripe Elderberries.
Left, Elder Sambucus nigra leaves and right, Garden Spider Araneus diadematus © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Spider Meta species female with dead male and right unidentified Fly species © Derek Bateson
Tuesday 27th.
Ken Woolley and Allan Parker report:-
We set off, in the company of Derek Bateson and headed to Black Carr Field on what was a warm, sunny morning with a southerly breeze that made spider and insect photography slightly difficult as it moved the spider web around making sharp focus difficult to achieve.
Spiders included Meta species and Garden Spider Araneus diadematus and we came across a female Meta species who was just 'packaging up' a male which she had killed probably after mating with him!! (see images).
Black Carr Field contained several species of fungi some of which remain unidentified but those that were identified included Artist's Fungi Ganoderma applanatum now increased in size from a fortnight ago (see image), Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria (see image) and Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus .
We parted company with Derek who headed for the seat and a sit down and continued into Black Carr Wood were we found Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum, Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius (see image), more Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus and two good examples Beefsteak Fungi Fistulina hepatica (see image).
From Black Carr Wood we headed past the Piper Marsh Hide turning left onto Rossington Bank, then across the railway crossing and down along side the East Coast Main Line through Corbett Wood and into Corbett Field, then along the board walk and through Childers Wood, across the 'lighted crossing' and back past Old Eaa to the Field Centre for a welcome cuppa.
Butterfly noted included two Green Veined White Artogeia napi and singles of Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria (Rossington Bank), Peacock Inachis io (railway crossing) and Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta (Black Carr Field).
Dragonfly were mainly Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum which were present in small numbers throughout but we also had three male Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta and a single Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea, the later and two of the 'Migs' in Corbett Field.
Hoverfly numbered two species both single individuals these were Helophilus pendulus (The Footballer) and Eristalis pertenax . A further 'fly' thought to be a 'hoverfly' at the time was photographed but at this stage is unidentified (see image). (Now identified, via Derek Whiteley, as a Hoverfly Sphaerophoria species almost certainly a new species for the Reserve )
Fungi noted during our round trip included all the previously mentioned species plus Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare, Blushing Bracket Daedaleopsis confragosa growing on Willow and in Childers Wood there was Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis and Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum .
In Corbett Field we came across a Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina instar and an adult parasitic Shield Bug Picromerus bidens which feeds on moth, butterfly and leaf beetle larvae (see images).
Left, Spider Meta species female and right female with dead male © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Artist's Fungi Ganoderma applanatum and right, Beefsteak Fungi Fistulina hepatica © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and right, Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius © Allan Parker ARPS
Hoverfly Sphaerophoria species © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina instar and right Shield Bug Picromerus bidens © Allan Parker ARPS
Sunday 25th.
Derek Bateson reports:-
‘The weather forecast last night appeared better than it turned out. It was a dull and blustery day with some rain showers.
There was not a lot about except a few spiders, mostly Meta and Araneus species. I ventured along Cottage Drain which I hadn’t visited for a couple of weeks and came across a single fungus (see image), but it wasn’t in very good condition, although it is probably a Cortinarius species, but difficult to tell without spore examination (now identified as Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda ).
I was just about to turn back when I noticed a shiny black dome, which on a closer look turned out a Kidney-spot Ladybird Chilocorus renipustulatus and as I set the camera up, another appeared from below the leaf (see image). Usually, this species often appears in small groups and as I looked around I spotted several late larvae / pupae on an adjacent leaf (see image). The larvae are matt coloured, with the four shiny pupae in the centre of the image. Quite a good find for an otherwise uneventful day.’
Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda © Derek Bateson.
Left, adult Kidney-spot Ladybird Chilocorus renipustulatus and right, pupae and larvae © Derek Bateson.
Saturday 24th.
A Weasel Mustela nivalis was beside the slope at the southern end along Hawthorn Bank. (Richard Scott)
Michael Bird reports:-
A small Grass Snake Natrix natrix was noted sunning on the path through St Catherine's Copse. Butterflies included Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta seen on Bramble in front of Duchess Hide and along Willow Bank, also on Willow Bank was single Comma Polygonia c-album and a Peacock Inachis io . Dragonfly were scattered throughout the reserve, mostly Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum but two Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea were in front of Cottage Drain Hide.
Birds.
One hundred plus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus were on Huxter Well Marsh, most of them on Cell 1b. One hundred plus Starling Sturnus vulgaris and three Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria were also on Cell 1b plus a single Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola and later on the Lagoon there was also a Greenshank Tringa nebularia . Little Egret Egretta garzetta were seen twice, one flew onto Cell 4 and one was on the Lagoon later which may have been the same bird. Two Snipe Gallinago gallinago dropped into Cell 2a. Three Buzzard Buteo buteo were over Beeston Plantation together and a Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and a Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus were seen. A few Swallow Hirundo rustica and House Martin Delichon urbicum were over the area.
(all above MAB / BGAB)
Tuesday 20th
Recent bird news: Today included 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Greenshanks, 8 Golden Plovers and 300 Lapwings on Huxter Well Marsh, and a Lesser Whitethroat at Willow Pool. Yesterday, there were 2 Red-crested Pochards on the latter marsh (P.Clelford), photographed. Late news for Sunday was a Marsh Tit at Willow Pool (G.Jarvis).
Derek Bateson managed some good photos on a rainy Tuesday morning: "Despite a very dull and rainy morning, There were a few things worth recording although light levels were very poor. Just outside the Field Centre I spotted a Harvestman on Field Maple which is
Paroligolophus agrestis
(det. Paul Richards), which we have seen before but not very often (image 1). Almost alongside, I found three other Harvestmen, this time
Dicranopalpus ramosus
(image 2), a species I found here for the first time in 2005. This clearly shows the ‘tuning fork’ pedipalps, and the very long legs, characteristically displayed at right angles to the body. Walking along Loversall Bank, several Earth balls,
Scleroderma verrucosum
(image 3) were pushing through the earth, and the underside of a Raspberry leaf was providing some shelter for a group of 7-spot Ladybirds
Coccinella septempunctata
(image 4). Mats of the Lichen
Cladonia portentosa
(image 5) were covering patches of bare ground alongside the path, and several Alder leaves carried evidence of ‘mines’(image 6) and these are probably Dipterous (fly) larva." Black Slug
Arion ater
with eggs on Loversall Bank (image 7). All images © Derek Bateson.
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Sunday 18th
Bird news: At 8.30am a Bittern flew from reeds in front of Mother Drain to the reedbed to the right of the Roger Mitchell Hide (Dave Round).
Derek Bateson reports: "A very pleasant warm day and I was the only one of the usual photographers, as the others were away photographing metal ‘whirlybirds’.
My day started in Hawthorn Field where, on investigating the log piles, I came across two Black Snake Millipedes Tachypodolulius niger (image). These are quite easily found by gently lifting dead pieces of bark. Under bark on another log I found a dormant earwig, which I now see is out of focus, but alongside was a shed skin from which it had probably recently emerged. The earwig is Forficula sp. probably auricularia, but I can’t be sure (images). The Drain close by had several well-formed heads of Bulrush Typha latifolia (image). Then on the emergent Alder, I spotted a white patch which on closer examination proved to be the larva of White Alder Sawfly Eriocampa ovata (image). I looked in Black Carr Field for Dragonflies but only saw one female Common Darter. The Devils- bit Scabious held a Comma and two Small Copper butterflies. Perhaps my most interesting find today was a single Araneus marmoratus var pyramidatis spider (image) on a bramble. Unless the recent sighting by RC was here, there are now four sites on the Reserve where this uncommon species has been found since I first discovered in 2009.
I next turned my attention to fungi and there were several new specimens of Amanita muscaria, several Bolete, including a large Penny Bun which had ‘gone over’, and some half a dozen Shaggy Parasol, Macrolepiota rhacodes (image), in various stages of growth. Finally, on a stump was a large new growth of the bright yellow fungus Hypholoma fasiculare (image)"
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All photos © Derek Bateson
Saturday 17th
More fungi are staring to appear, throughout the reserve, and include Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus , Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum, The Blusher Amanita rubescens and Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum .
Please do not pick or let your children pick any fungi many are poisonous and it requires knowledge to sort them out.
Collins 'How to Identify Edible Mushrooms' by Patrick Harding, Tony Lyon and Gill Tomblin, ISBN 0-00-219984-X is a good starter book to identifying some of the more common species. It also covers some poisonous 'look a like' species.
Left, Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus and right, Earth Ball Scleroderma citrinum © Allan Parker ARPS.
Left, The Blusher Amanita rubescens and right, Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum © Allan Parker ARPS.
Michael Bird reports:-
A Weasel Mustela nivalis was seen near Decoy Lake crossing the footpath.
A Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta was along Hawthorn bank and a Comma Polygonia c-album near Mother Drain bridge and around ten more were feeding on blackberries at the slope up on to Willow bank.
Good numbers of dragonfly were seen all over the Reserve, mainly Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum but a mated pair of Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea were seen at Piper Marsh and a another was in front of Cottage Drain Hide.
A single Orange Hawkweed (Fox and Cubs) Pilosella aurantiaca was flowering on Willow Bank.
Birds:-
A tit flock on Loversall Bank included Willow Tit Poecile montanus and several Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula .
Good numbers of Swallow Hirundo rustica were over all day plus a few Sand Martin Riparia riparia in the morning all going south.
A Green Woodpecker Picus viridis was near Sedum House
200+ Lapwings Vanellus vanellus numbered 200+ on Huxter Well Marsh where we saw one attacked by Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and it dropped into Cell 3b where it struggled to the bank the Sparrowhawk A. nisus then picked it up and plucked it.
A Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola was in front of the viewing screen, two Greenshank Tringa nebularia were on Piper Marsh, also there was a report of another one plus a Redshank Tringa totanus on the Huxter Well Marsh Lagoon. Two Little Egret were also on the Lagoon.
Six Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and six Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo were on Cell 1b.
A total of six Snipe Gallinago gallinago were seen, one on Decoy Lake, three on the Lagoon and two flew into Cell 1b. Also seen were three Wigeon Anas penelope on Cell1b and a Kingfisher Alcedo atthis flew over. Buzzard Buteo buteo was over Black Carr Wood and was seen from the Roger Mitchell Hide.
Another Sparrowhawk A. nisus was seen over Loversall bank from the Cottage Drain Hide. Teal Anas crecca numbers on the Reserve seemed to be up.
A flock of over one hundred Starling Sturnus vulgaris was seen near Sedum House.
Friday 16th
A Bittern Botaurus stellaris was reported on Willow Pool by Glyn Hudson this morning.
This Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas aberrant form caerulapunctata was photographed today by Barry Wardley o n Black Carr Field. The silvery blue markings can be clearly seen on the rear wings.
Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas aberrant form caerulapunctata © Barry Wardley
Thursday 15th
Derek Bateson states whilst wandering around the other day, I collected a raft of Mosquito eggs from one of the excavation holes by the Pumping Station. These have now hatched and have I’m been trying to get some shots of the larvae and below are some of the results .
At least they don't bite at this stage of their life cycle (AP).
Mosquito Culex pipiens larvae © Derek Bateson
Tuesday 13th
These Spotted Flycatcher Musicapa striata were photographed by Helen Womack from St. Catherine's Hide on Hawthorn Bank today. There was a total of three in the same Elder Sambucus nigra bush.
Spotted Flycatcher Musicapa striata © Helen Womack.
Derek Bateson reports:-
'Despite a very blustery wind, it was very warm and Dragonflies were in good numbers everywhere. Apparently there were several Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta around the Loversall Field area according to Barry Wardley. At least five were in Black Carr Field and I photographed both mature and immature males, plus a close-up. (see images). Common Darters Sympetrum striolatum were also numerous as were several spider species.
Three Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas were nectaring on Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis and two pristine Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta proved elusive although I think BW managed some shots.
A Cranefly, probably Tipula oleracea (see image) showed up next, and I then turned my attention the large specimen of Artists’ Fungus Ganoderma applanatum (see image) which AP referred to last week. In wet conditions this appears a shiny dark chocolate brown, but when dry it is a more milk chocolate colour, as today. New brackets are appearing below this large specimen which has dropped large quantities of rust coloured spores.’
Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta © Derek Bateson
Left, Cranefly probably Tipula oleracea and right, Artists’ Fungus Ganoderma applanatum © Derek Bateson
Monday 12th
REPORT ON MOTH TRAPPING ON FRIDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Moth trapping last Friday night, 9 September, had a distinctly autumnal feel about it, with only 36 species trapped and total numbers fairly modest. Nevertheless, it was pleasing to record one species new to the reserve, Stenolechia gemmella , an oak-feeding Gelechid ( micromoth ). Stenolechia gemmella is a scarce moth in Yorkshire, with only a handful of recent records, and so is a valuable addition to the reserve’s moth fauna. Also of interest were two examples of the Treble-bar Aplocera plagiata . Although the very similar Lesser Treble-bar Aplocera efformata is quite common on the reserve and in South Yorkshire generally, the Treble-bar is something of a local rarity, although a single example was recorded here last year at about this time.
Vine’s Rustic Hoplodrina ambigua and Pinion-streaked Snout Schrankia costaestrigalis were also noted. An indication of the onset of autumn was provided by such species as Sallow Xanthia icteritia, Centre-barred Sallow Atethmia centrago, Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra, Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea and Frosted Orange Gortyna flavago.
Ian Heppenstall Moth Recorder
Sunday 11th
Allan Parker reports:-
Having left Derek in the Field Centre carpark heading for Childers Wood and Corbet Field I set off in the opposite direction and headed for Black Carr Field and Wood, then along the path past Piper Marsh, continuing along Rossington Bank, across the railway line, down the steps and along the path through Corbett Wood and into Corbett Field. Here I met up with Derek again and we returned through Childers Wood back to the Field Centre.
Near to, but just before the Mother Drain under-bridge there was quite a lot of Yarrow Achillea millefolium in full which is quite attractive to various insects at this time of the year when many other flowers have gone to seed (see image).
On the way to Black Carr Field I noted numerous Meta species spider and lesser numbers of Garden Spider Araneus diadematus (see image). On Black Carr Field and along the edge of the Wood numbers of fungi were staring to appear. I noted Birch Bracket (Razor Strop) Piptoporus betulinus , Artist's Fungi Ganoderma applanatum , Plums and Custard Tricholomopsis rutilans (see image), Shaggy Parasol Mushroom Macrolepiota rhacodes (see image), Earth Ball Sceleroderma citrinum and Hoof Fungi Fomes fomentarius .
Along the path past Piper Marsh were a good number of Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria including some very large examples, mainly past their 'sell by date' and others with their white spots washed of by the recent rains. It was along this path that reasonable numbers of Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum were on the wing. Up to circa forty were noted along with just a single Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta although two more of this species were in the Corbett Field area.
Just two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria were seen and along with a single Green-veined White Artogeia napi were the only butterfly seen
I call in at the Piper Marsh and not having been in the hide for a while was totally shocked by the lack of water I never seen the levels so low in some thirty-five years of visiting Potteric Carr.
Corbett Wood had several Bolete fungi including Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum and Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis . On our way back through Childers Wood were more of the same fungi species.
Yarrow Achillea millefolium © Allan Parker ARPS.
Garden Spider Araneus diadematus and right, Shaggy Parasol Mushroom Macrolepiota rhacodes © Allan Parker ARPS.
Plums and Custard and right, probable Cep (Penny Bun) Boletus edulis © Allan Parker ARPS
Derek Bateson reports:-
'AP and DB went separate ways today to see who could find the most sheltered spot. I aimed for Corbett Field, but as I left the Wardens’car park I found some Roe Deer 'slot' (footprints) in the mud being excavated from Mother Drain (image). Several late flowers of Bladder Campion Silene vulgaris were alongside Old EAA.
Near the Lighted Crossing I noticed an Oak on which nearly all the leaves were 'galled'. On turning a leaf over I found both Silk-button Gall Neuroterus numismalis , and Smooth Spangle Gall, N. albipes, both on the same leaf (see image) and produced by tiny Gall Wasp.
Childers Wood produced several fungi including Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria, Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum (see image) and what I think is Bay Bolete Boletus badius .
On emerging into the sunshine of Corbett Field I counted eight Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria . Various spiders, including Meta species, also Nursery Web Spider Pisara mirabilis (see image) were seen, but my day was made when I watched two Shield Bug Picromerus bidens, (see image), in a courtship dance (the male is probably the smaller of the two). This is the rarest of the Shield Bug found at Potteric Carr, and unlike most of the other species here, is carnivorous, predating caterpillars, and previous to this I had not seen any for some ten years.
By the time I had finished photographing them, AP approached having done a round trip of the site and we returned together through Childers Wood to the Field Centre’.
Left, Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus foot print and right, Silk-button Gall Neuroterus numismalis and Smooth Spangle Gall N. albipes © Derek Bateson.
Left, Nursery Web Spider Pisara mirabilis and right, Shield Bug Picromerus bidens pair © Derek Bateson.
Friday 9th
Although it was a very warm day, a strong breeze made photography difficult.
Four Scorpion Fl y P anorpa species were seen along Willow Bank including a male (see image) along with several Hawker dragonfly Aeshna species patrolling an area at the edge of Cottage Drain.
Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata were present in good numbers across the reserve as were small spiders (mainly Garden Spider Araneus diadematus and Meta species).
I also found a Orb Web Spider Araneus marmoreus v. pyramidatus (see image) and numerous Shield Bug including a Hawthorn Shield Bug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (see image)
Of the butterfly species Speckled Wood Parage aegeria and Small White Pieris rapae were present in modest numbers, I also noted a Comma Polygonia c-album in Loversall Field and one Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas holding onto Ragwort at the edge of Black Carr Wood (see image).
Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria (see image) has made an appearance and on a tree stump near Black Carr Wood is an Artist's Fungi Ganoderma applanatum (see image).
Scorpion Fl y P anorpa species and right, Orb Web Spider Araneus marmoreus v. pyramidatus © Ray Collins.
Left, Hawthorn Shield Bug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale and right, Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas © Ray Collins.
Left, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria and right, Bracket Fungi Ganoderma applanatum © Ray Collins
Thursday 8th
Bird news:-
I visited Potteric for a half-day this morning, where a single Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia was present for the second day, on Huxter Well Marsh. Richard Scott has confirmed that this is a juvenile bird, with black wing tips observed in flight.
Another rarity, a Wryneck Jynx torquilla , has been on the hill area of Lakeside for the past two days. This was first discovered, I believe, by Chris Robinson and has since been seen by several other observers ( but not me).
(reported by Ian Heppenstall).
Wryneck Jynx torquilla photographed in Norfolk © Allan Parker ARPS.
Wednesday 7th
An image, taken last Sunday, by Derek Bateson shows that dedicated wildlife photographers never give up even in adverse conditions!! The image shows Ken Woolley Kenius woollii in action with the appropriate head-wear for the rainy conditions last Sunday.
Ken Woolley Kenius woollii © Derek Bateson.
Tuesday 6th
Left, Click Beetle Athous haemorrhoidalis and right, Click Beetle Stenagostus rhombeus © Derek Bateson.
‘These two images show two Click Beetles which are very similar in appearance except for size. The first, Athous haemorrhoidalis was straightforward as it’s a species we often see here. I was a little unsure of the second species and on asking for a second opinion, this was originally named by a local expert as Melanotus villosus, but the determination was queried by another expert who had visited our website and knows me.
I decided to send both images to another friend who is a Senior Curator at the NHM in London. One of his specialist colleagues has now named the image as Stenagostus rhombeus using voucher specimens of such beetles from their vast collection. It is much larger (22mm) than Athous haemorrhoidalis, is somewhat hairier, and like the one in the above image sometimes appear in moth traps. This again demonstrates quite clearly, that even experts are not always able to determine colour images to species level if all the identifying characters are not visible.’ (Derek Bateson)
Monday 5th
The large patch of Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis on Black Carr Field is in flower and attracting lots of insects. If you go to enjoy the flowers please keep around the outer edges and don't go into the patch.
Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis left flower and right seed head © Allan Parker ARPS
Sunday 4th
Allan Parker reports:-
On a very cloudy dull day, with most of the time heavy drizzle, the only saving grace was the lack of any wind Derek Bateson, Ken Woolley and myself headed to Black Carr Field.
Things were very quiet but spiders were quite numerous mainly Garden Spider Araneus diadematus (see image) and Meta species with both their webs and the spiders themselves covered in rain drops.
(Derek photographed a female Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
(see image)
and states 'the image is interesting as it shows the epigyne or female sexual organ quite clearly in the centre of the abdomen. The male, using one of his palps, pushes the sperm package into the epigyne. I've never managed to get a clear image before').
A nice find was a Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis which was on the move in the damp conditions (see image).
The Devilsbit Scabious Succisa pratensis on Black Carr Field had numerous Bumblebee which were mainly White-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris and some Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius many of them were very wet and torpid making photography some what easier. (see image of an old worn and faded Red-tailed with a white instead of red / orange tail. Apparently the effects of sun or rain can fade the colour on older individuals a bit like us going grey!!)
I also photographed a very pale Bumblebee which according to expert advice from Michael Archer via DB was an old faded Common Carder Bumblebee Bombus pascuorum not the rarity I was hoping for (see image).
Only two hoverfly were seen and not a single butterfly !!!
A single Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum and a Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta were on the wing.
Derek photographed a couple of unidentified fungi and I found growing on a Birch stump two large fresh Birch Bracket Piptoporus betulinus and a large Artist's Fungi Gandoderma applanatum .
Derek managed to photograph a moth which which was identified by Ian Heppenstall as a Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata (see image).
The Pendunculate (English) Oak Quercus robur in the area seemed to be fruiting heavily this year with numerous acorns on them (see image).
Left, Garden Spider Araneus diadematus female from above © Allan Parker ARPS and right, Garden Spider Araneus diadematus female from below © Derek Bateson.
Left, Spider Meta species underside and right, Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis © Allan Parker ARPS.
Left, Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius worn and faded individual and right, Common Carder Bumblebee Bombus pascuorum again a faded individual © Allan Parker .
Left, Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata and right, Pendunculate (English) Oak Quercus robur acorns © Derek Bateson.
Saturday 3rd
Hoverfly species are numerous and on the wing at this time of the year and below are four of the more common species you may see on a visit to the Reserve.
Episyrphus balteatus is nick-named 'Marmalade Hoverfly' because of its colouration and markings; Eristalis pertinax is a hive (honey) bee mimic; Helophilus pendulus is nick-named 'The Footballer' because of its striped thorax and Syrphus ribesii is just Syrphus ribesii .
Left, Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus and right, Hoverfly Eristalis pertinax © Allan Parker ARPS
Left, Hoverfly Helophilus pendulus and right, Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii © Allan Parker ARPS
Friday 2nd
Ray Collins reports:-
Around Loversall Delph there was quite a good number of hoverfly, mainly Syrphus species including Syrphus ribesii (see image) but I also noted two Sphaerophoria scripta (see image). There were also numerous Tachinid Fly Tachina Fera .
Along Cottage Drain there were fewer hoverfly but I managed to get a couple of images of Eristalis pertenax .
Black Carr field was fairly quiet until the sun came out, when I saw at least four Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina , one Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae , one Comma Polygonia c-album , a Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta (see image) and a Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas (see image) . Speckled Wood Parage aegeria were also seen throughout the reserve.
A final instar of Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina was also photographed (see image).
On Piper Marsh there were three Grey Heron Ardea cinerea , a single Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo carbo and a Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos .
Two Little Egret Egretta garzetta were seen on Decoy Lake.
Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas © Ray Collins.
Left, Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta and right, Hoverfly Sphaerophoria scripta © Ray Collins.
Left, Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina final instar and right, Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii © Ray Collins.
Thursday 1st
Taken today at Piper Marsh by Gary Pollington. Piper Marsh seems to be a favourite haunt for Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus recently.
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus stag, © Gary Pollington