kirkstall creatures great and small

Jersey sightings - more butterflies

2011-09-25T19:02:00.000+01:00

A few more butterfly sightings from our trip to Jersey, Wall Brown, Grayling, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper and Common Blue.

Jersey sightings

2011-08-21T20:54:00.000+01:00

On a recent trip to Jersey, one of our best sightings has to be this Map butterfly (Araschnia levana) that we discovered quite by chance in a bramble hedgerow at east of the island.

Dragonfly on the allotment fence

2011-07-12T19:37:00.000+01:00

Passing by the side of the Headingley Station allotments at lunchtime , my attention was drawn to a cluster of tiny raspberries peeping through the fence. Reaching for a berry, I was surprised to see a dragonfly perched on the foliage. On closer inspection I think its a Brown Hawker, looking a little lop-sided. There's a small stream that runs the length of the fence on the allotment side, I've seen damselflies here before but never a dragonfly, they can be seen in numbers in certain spots along the canal.

Not having a camera on me I had to resort to a pic on my phone, so apologies for the awful quality.

Allotment and garden sightings

2011-07-10T23:38:00.000+01:00

After the excitement of the Kirkstall Festival, we popped over to the allotment to weed, water and harvest, returning home with broad beans, turnips, gooseberries and raspberries. Lovely to see a Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) in the herb patch, feeding on Marjoram flowers.

The broad beans were lightly steamed and served alongside a nice piece of Salmon, the gooseberries transformed into a gooseberry cheesecake, the raspberries sat on top of a generous dollop of fresh cream on top of a fruit scone purchased earlier at the festival. Yum!

Back in the house, from the back door I spotted this Comma sunning itself on a potted hosta in the back garden.

Rodley Nature Reserve

2011-07-05T21:51:00.000+01:00

A weekend trip to Rodley Nature Reserve offered the first dragonfly sighting of the year in the form of this Four Spotted Chaser, accompanied by a restless Brown Hawker and a female Broad Bodied Chaser.

On our way out we popped into the Lagoon Hide where we bumped into Chloe, Gav and Jackie, visiting the reserve for the first time. In a welcoming display of impeccable timing a Kingfisher flew into view to settle on its post before moving to another perch, focussing intently on the water below before propelling itself underwater and emerging triumphant with a fish.

Twenty+ Ringlets fluttered amongst the long grasses of the embankment running alongside the Access Road. A handful of Meadow Browns evaded our attempts to photograph them in the Hay Meadow. Five Small Tortoiseshell settled amongst nettles around the Dragonfly ponds where we saw a female Kestrel fly overhead.

Brockadale Nature Reserve (II)

2011-06-28T21:55:00.001+01:00

In addition to the virtually monochromatic Marbled Whites at Brockadale Nature Reserve we saw a variety of more colourful butterflies. Ten Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) first sightings of the year, the underside of the forewing an orangey-russet colour, its head and thorax look as furry as a fox.

30+ Six-Spot Burnets, this one feeding on nectar rich Centaurea which along with Red Clover appeared to be the popular dishes of the day. In a similar fashion to last year's visit, Yellowhammer called out from the treetops around the reserve, and a Buzzard circled skyward for a few minutes before soaring out of view.

A friendly chap pointed us in the direction of previously sighted Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja) and it wasn't long before a couple appeared, then another, where they tirelessly dashed above the grassland, occasionally stopping to feed on Red Clover. Disappointingly this was the least blurred photo I managed to get, but good enough for a record pic. This is the second time Ive seen one, the first being two years ago at Druridge Pools Nature Reserve in early August.

A faded Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus), one of four spotted in shorter grass.

A good excuse for yet another Marbled White pic, this male sharing space with a Six-Spot Burnet.

A Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), one of twenty+ on the reserve, often in groups of two and three, this one of the few to remain still just long enough to grab a pic.

Brockadale Nature Reserve (I)

2011-06-27T18:46:00.000+01:00

After reading about recent sightings of Marbled Whites at Brockadale Nature Reserve we decided to take advantage of good weather with a follow up to last year's initial visit. Glimpses of Ringlets, Meadow Browns and whites on from the path was a good start and once on the reserve we counted over 15 Marbled Whites (Melanargia galathea), feeding predominantly on red clover and centaurea.

This one is a female, slightly larger than the male, the underside has a brown tinge as opposed to the black and white markings of the male.

Five-Spot Burnets and one Meadow Brown

2011-06-23T22:12:00.001+01:00

On Kirkstall Hill I found lots more Burnets amongst the grasses and Red Clover. The constant breeze made for tricky pics, but it didn't deter the moths from going about their business. If anybody could help confirm whether these are Five-spot or Narrow Bordered Five-Spot Burnets I'd be very grateful.

On this visit I discovered a caterpillar and about 10 chrysalids, constructed on Buttercup and Ribwort Plantain.

Another first of the year on the hill, heading upwards, amongst the brambles, my first Meadow Brown of the year, not a great pic but enought to confirm my sighting.

The Small Tortoiseshell basked in the early evening sunshine, on a wooden palette.

Large Skippers on Kirkstall Hill

2011-06-20T20:55:00.001+01:00

My previous sighting of a solitary Large Skipper on Kirkstall Hill got me thinking that there must be more nearby. With time to explore I was delighted to discover the rest of the colony, approximately twelve in all in a more sheltered spot in a patch predominated with brambles.

In this picture you can just about make out the hooked antennae, which is a characteristic of Large Skippers.

A view from Kirkstall Hill, looking down over the grassland to the Aire valley beyond. The Church spire of St Stephens, Kirkstall is visible far right.

A view from the bottom margin of the grassland towards the top of Kirkstall Hill. The trees and shrubs on the upper section provide shelter in an otherwise exposed grassland area. The Cricketers flats are just peeking out behind the birch, far left.

Demoiselle in my garden

2011-06-19T23:24:00.000+01:00

Dropping in to the front garden this weekend was this female Banded Demoiselle where it settled on the foliage of a Mexican Orange Blossom for a few minutes. Up until a couple of weeks ago I'd never knowingly seen one, then one turns up right outside my door, luckily Andrea was on hand to mark the occasion with a photo.

Here's another female, this one taken on the banks of the River Aire, next to Kirkstall Abbey. Both have the metallic green body colouring, with a distinctive white pseudo-pterostigma near the tip of the wing.

Kirkstall Hill sightings

2011-06-16T22:40:00.001+01:00

Earlier this evening I discovered Five-Spot Burnet moths (Zygaena trifolii) in the short grasses near the top of Kirkstall Hill. I counted eight in total, dotted around on flower heads of Ribwort Plantain and Red Clover. Its a distinctive day flying moth with metallic looking black forewings coloured with red dots and black clubbed antennae.

The larvae feed on Bird's Foot Trefoils, located nearby. I've yet to develop the knack of spotting butterfly and moth eggs and chrysalis, so I was happy enough with my discovery of a Five-Spot chrysalis, the moth still inside the semi opaque papery yellow casing.

Also on the hill, this well worn Small Tortoiseshell soaking up some early evening rays. Altogether a pretty good bounty for such a brief stroll-io-lio.

Kirkstall Creatures in St Stephens churchyard

2011-06-15T17:54:00.006+01:00

Back to nearby St Stephen's churchyard in Kirkstall, amongst the headstones settled this Red Admiral, looking like it had seen better days. Despite extensive damage to both its hindwings and forewings it appeared to fly freely.

Blue Tit fledglings bounced around in the Hawthorns overhead.

A couple of fresh looking Speckled Wood engaged in a series of aerial tussles, the victor returning to pride of place amongst a heap of what looks like Wood Pigeon feathers.

A Song Thrush settled on the upright of a wooden bench, eyeing me from a distance, by the look of the bench its a popular birdy perch.

St Stephen's Churchyard, Kirkstall

2011-06-11T23:46:00.001+01:00

In the corner of St Stephen's churchyard in Kirkstall, there's a well established patch of Honey garlic (Nectaroscordum siculum ssp bulgaricum), a tall, shade tolerant, perennial whose upright flowerheads open into dainty hanging umbels.

The plant is a native to the Mediterranean and is related to the Allium family. Its nectar rich flowers are much loved by bees, which was apparent as I watched twenty or so working their way around this patch.

Kirkstall Hill Large Skipper

2011-06-07T19:47:00.001+01:00

After work I strolled over to nearby Kirkstall Hill where I spotted this male Large Skipper feeding on Red Clover, a first for this year, and a super sighting so close to home. Previously I've struggled to distinguish between the Small and Large Skippers but this pic clearly shows the mottled wings of a Large Skipper rather than the cleaner golden wings of a Small Skipper, and the prominent diagonal black mark on the forewing indicates the male of the species.

Kirkstall Hill is adjacent to the busy crossroads of Kirkstall Lane and Morris Lane, and forms a steep south west facing grassland area. The tall growing grasses are dotted with patches of red and white clover, buttercups, common vetch, birdsfoot trefoil, ribwort plantain, dandelion. Despite the discarded cans and bottles, the top path offers a great view towards Kirkstall Abbey and the Aire valley beyond, but I have to admit that this golden winged wonder was the highlight of my evening stroll.

Kirkstall creatures - Banded Demoiselles

2011-06-05T23:44:00.000+01:00

Walking along the riverbank by Kirkstall Abbey, I encountered my first Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens). Yipee! On a sunny, south facing bank males and females settled amongst the leaves of tall growing nettles and Himalayan Balsam. The males were easily identifiable, with their dark banded wings and appeared more restless than the females (pictured above) which lack the coloured wing band. The body colouring of the male (below) is a metallic blue green, the females are a metallic green with a bronze coloured tip.

More information about Banded Demoiselles on the Yorkshire Branch of the British Dragonfly Society.

Small Copper in the Churchyard of St John the Baptist, Adel

2011-05-30T23:28:00.000+01:00

During this weekend's variable weather we made the most of periodic sunshine and dropped in to the churchyard of St John the Baptist, Adel to see what was around.

Amidst the grassland, in sunny intervals, we were delighted by five or six Small Copper (Lycaena phlaes). Showing their bright copper coloured forewings, this pair headed towards us from the centre of the grassland to settle arms length away and feed from a buttercup. The churchyard contains patches of other foodplants, Hawkweed, Daisy, Dandelion, and Common Sorrel the larval foodplant of the butterfly.

A Robin settled on a gravestone, accompanied in the churchyard by Blackbird, Wren, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Crow and Magpie.

A common moth Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata) settled in the grass.

Fairburn Ings

2011-05-24T22:56:00.001+01:00

Our first damselflies of the year appeared in numbers at Fairburn Ings RSPB. This pair of Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula), an early and widespread species, settled on the roughly painted edge of the boardwalk while a dozen zipped around a bank of vegetation adjoining the stream. It provided a good opportunity to dust off my copy of the 'Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland, S Brooks', where I read that the adults live on average between five and seven days, so they're unlikely to be around on my return.

Throughout our wander we heard the call of a male Cuckoo, settled just far enough away to remain out of view. At one point a blue butterfly, more Common Blue than Holly Blue darted past, the only exception to four or five Whites, the number of butterflies limited as a result of blustery winds.

In the hedgerow surrounding the car park, we noticed hundreds of these tent making caterpillars, Spindle Ermine Moth perhaps?

We parked ourselves down by the pond for a few minutes to enjoy the view, surrounded by an abundance of fresh and vibrant, vertical green reeds, lit up by the afternoon sun.

Hosta leaf

2011-05-13T21:47:00.001+01:00

The large ribbed leaves of a variegated hosta, potted up in my back garden seem to retain raindrops more effectively than the surrounding plants. Undeterred by the failing light I snapped away to catch the quartet of glistening raindrops before they disappeared.

Urban nature - Kingfisher over Leeds City Station

2011-05-10T11:19:00.000+01:00

Standing on platform 3 at Leeds City Station waiting for the Harrogate train, I spotted a small, short tailed, long billed bird fly from the direction of the River Aire, way above the station platforms and power lines towards the Leeds Liverpool Canal. As it crossed overhead I caught the flash of blue and recognised a Kingfisher. My previous encounter with a Kingfisher viewed from the Whitehall Road Bridge in autumn was, or so I thought, likely to be the closest proximity to the city centre but this one is going to be hard to beat.

Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds

2011-05-04T22:30:00.003+01:00

Strolling through Lawnswood Cemetery, I stood beneath the canopies of a row of Copper Beech and was drawn to the vibrancy of colour present in the spring leaves, more than equal to the saturated warmth of their autumn foliage. High levels of anthocyanin mask the green color of the chlorophyll and are responsible for making the leaves appear as a copper or purple color. Here their colour is further enhanced by early evening sun.

We continued down the path and disturbed a Red Admiral butterfly, a few metres away from the location of our previous sighting a week or two ago. As it took to the wing, I stood still to watch it loop around and return to the exact same spot at the edge of a headstone. The striking butterfly with its orange banded forewings stood out against the contrasting stone and shadow.

Breary Marsh

2011-05-02T23:24:00.005+01:00

Up at Breary Marsh earlier today, Bluebells, Ferns and Greater Stitchwort were all in fine display, enjoying patches of intermittent sunlight prior to the thickening of the canopy. We heard Warblers, Bullfinch, Chaffinch Robin and Blackbird in the trees, and saw Tufted Duck, Canada Geese, Moorhen and Grebe on Paul's Pond.

Greater Stitchwort appeared in patches around edges of the woodland. Less abundant than those posted by Phil Gates (Cabinet of Curiosities) but equally eye catching.

Speckled Woods and Large Whites were the butterflies of the day. Although present in comparatively smaller numbers the former proved far more obliging than the latter.

Bolton Percy Station - Holly Blue

2011-05-01T12:20:00.006+01:00

A trip out to one of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's smaller reserves - Bolton Percy Station, near Tadcaster provided further Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) sightings and this year's first glimpse of a Small Copper.


Male Holly Blue (Bolton Percy)	Female Holly Blue (Adel)

The Holly Blue that we saw at Adel churchyard was a female (see the black border to the upperside forewing in the pic above right), by the lack of a black border on the upperwing of this one (above left) I'd say its a male.

Also at Bolton Percy Station, our first Small Copper sighting of the year.

A Green Veined White (Pieris napi)

Green Hairstreaks on Otley Chevin

2011-04-27T18:44:00.002+01:00

Having read reported sightings of Green Hairstreak in Otley, we headed straight for the heather and bilberry field as suggested in the Friends of Chevin Forest Wildlife Spotter Guide. On arrival, we noticed an animated binoculared group wandering around the heather, and knew instantly we'd found the spot.

Within a few minutes we spotted our first Green Hairstreak on the margins of the field. Tricky to spot as they're so small and well camouflaged against the surrounding foliage.

Once we became accustomed to their appearance, flight patterns and their habit of returning to the same vantage point we hunkered down to observe them and try for a few pics.

This one with damage to its hindwing.

The field of heather and bilberry from the lower path, where two Red Kites soared overhead.

Can anybody help me to identify this moth please? Edit - Thanks to Dean for his idenitification of this day flying Common Heath.

Two Meadow Pipits perched on the lichen covered stone wall at the bottom of the field, we've seen lots of Meadow Pipits before at Otley Chevin and also further up on Ilkley Moor.

Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds

2011-04-25T21:50:00.002+01:00

A wander around the grounds of Lawnswood Cemetery on a sunny afternoon gave us a view of the first Red Admiral of the year. I was pleased with this one because I've previously seen them much later in the season. This one (one of two) proved to be pretty bold and a bit of a show off, and I'm happy to have captured the detail on the underwing.

Bringing new meaning to 'a butterfly on the wing'.

On our return to the same sunny spot the Red Admiral was still there, the sun had moved round by this point so it was sunning itself with open wings on a bed of crisp, golden oak leaves.

A metre or so from the Red Admiral we watched a Holly Blue (two in two days!) flit around the upper branches of a sun drenched holly tree, too restless and too far out of reach for a pic. Within closer viewing distance, we spotted 6 Peacock (Inachis io), along the route, this one showing a little damage to its hindwing.

We must have seen over 30 Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) butterflies throughout our wander, bathing in pools of light, and then spiralling high up into the canopies whenever a second butterfly invaded its patch.

Jays are a frequent sight, and today was no exception (10), other feathered inhabitants included Wren (5), Robin (4), Mistle Thrush (2), Wood Pigeon (12) Blackbird (6) Chaffinch (4) Great Spotted Woodpecker (1) Great Tit (10) Blue Tit (8) Long Tail Tit (2) Chiff Chaff (2) Magpie (7) Treecreeper (1) Crow (5).

Ending with a splash of colour, the pink blossom of Sargents Cherry (Prunus sargentii) enhanced by the backlit leaves of a Copper Beech in the background.

Adel churchyard butterfly sightings

2011-04-24T18:23:00.002+01:00

During a previous visit to St John the Baptist churchyard in Adel, we caught a brief glimpse of a blue butterfly on the wing a few metres away for no more than a few seconds before it disappeared. Convinced that with good weather and a bit of patience we might manage a better sighting, on our return visit we were chuffed when it eventually appeared in the holly tree nearby.

It's a female Holly Blue, identified by the black margins to the upper forewing which are lacking in the males. It appeared to favour the newly emerged flowerbuds, flying to one bunch, settling for a minute or so before seeking another.

The next couple of pics indicate its intentions more clearly, it appears to be in the process of laying eggs, Thomas, J & Lewington, R (2010) The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland, refers to the Holly Blue depositing eggs 'laid singly at the base of flowerbuds. In spring, by far the commonest host-plant is Holly, whereas most midsummer eggs are laid on the flowers of Ivy.'

The egg hatches after approximately two weeks, at which point the caterpillar attaches itself to the fruit, making a hole in the surface to eat the contents. Must remember to look out for signs of the caterpillars in a fortnight or so.

Another highlight was this male Orange Tip, one of five in the churchyard. Although its a common butterfly I really struggled to photograph one last year as they appear to be constantly on the go but this one took a more relaxed approach to life, languidly feeding on dainty forget-me-nots.

This one viewed from the opposite direction, where you can clearly see the green mottled pattern on its underwing.

Its a great spot for butterflies, we spotted a Green Hairstreak here last year and will be looking out for their return over the next few weeks, Small Coppers are regular visitors too. Other butterflies on the wing included Green Veined Whites x 5, Small White x 4, Large White x 2, Peacock x 3, Speckled Wood x 3, Small Tortoiseshell x 1.

Adel churchyard bluebells

2011-04-22T23:40:00.001+01:00

Adel Churchyard has a fine display of bluebells at the moment. Just as the daffodils have faded, bluebells, forgive-me-nots, honesty and wild garlic, take their turn to flower in the grounds of the churchyard. The afternoon sun filtering through the emerging canopies to create patches of dappled sunlight on the native bluebells.

Nan Whin Woods, Tong

2011-04-10T20:00:00.001+01:00

We visited Nan Whin Woods at the weekend, near Tong. Once we headed out of the woodland and into the valley I was amazed at the number of butterflies on the wing. Approximately 8 x Orange Tips, 12 x Peacocks, 5 x Small Tortoiseshell, 7 x Comma, 5 Whites and my first Brimstone of the year, I'm guessing a male because of its bright yellow colouring.

The only ones that stood still for a moment were this Comma.

A dainty White on a dandelion

This striking Comma in profile, the white comma visible on the underwing. Yes it is sat on a piece of poo.

We heard a few familiar 'chiff chaffs' throughout our wander and eventually spotted two birds in a hawthorn, its not a great pic but enough to show that its a ChiffChaff, we watched it fly up into the air and floated down on spread wings which I read is common behaviour for courting males.

Having underestimated how warm it was, at this point we were a little parched, and made our way out of the valley and headed towards Goodalls ice cream parlour on Tong Road. Due to our in built foody sat nav we ended up joining the main road a mere 10 metres from the entrance to the farm! Kerching! Andrea had Chocolate and Pannacotta and I had Chocolate and Hokey Pokey then we turned around.

From my window

2011-04-09T17:48:00.002+01:00

This morning, from an upstairs window we spotted a Peacock butterfly settle on the back of the house in full sun, where it remained for 5 minutes. It's the first butterfly to add to this year's list of sightings from the window, which is pretty good considering its a very small garden near a busy main road.

Other sightings include Goldcrest, Waxwing, Kestrel, Jay, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Long Tail Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon, Magpie and a Pipistrelle Bat.

Waxwing and other things at Kirkstall Abbey

2011-04-03T22:31:00.000+01:00

Walking along the riverbank by Kirkstall Abbey I heard a familiar trilling in the treetops, and looked up to see a flock of 20 Waxwing. Up until a couple of months ago I'd never knowingly seen Waxwing but was confident of a sighting having heard reports of flocks appearing in previous years in the urban parks of Leeds to feed on winter berries.

I consider myself lucky to have spotted them in Leeds on 4 separate occasions. Firstly in January from my bedroom window (15), then half an hour later in the centre of town (50) and then my previous sighting during a coffee run at work (15) in a beech tree beside the Students Union just over a week ago. I'd read that they visit from November to March so I assumed that would be the last opportunity of the year to see them before they head back up to Scandinavia .

Walking on, I spotted them again in the treetops overlooking the rugby pitch, next to a busy Kirstall Road, Kirkstall Abbey is visible in the background.

Looping back down by the River Aire, on the opposite riverbank this Fox strode purposefully throught the grass, stopping to watch us for a few minutes before heading into the scrub. If I happen to see it again it'll be easily identified as it appears to have half a tail.

Other wildlife included a couple of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel, male and female Goosander, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Moor Hen and two Treecreeper's going about their business in this riverside willow.

Spring Catkins

2011-03-11T20:28:00.000Z

Willow catkins taken on a recent trip to Wheldrake Ings.

Alder catkins at Askham Bog near York.

Frost pockets

2011-02-08T20:33:00.001Z

Earlier today in Queenswood, tucked away from the warmer, sunnier margins, the temperature dropped and a dusting of frost covered the low lying plants. These Ivy leaves caught my attention, the edges highlighted with a fine outline of frost.

This spot marked the transition between the clear and frosty vegetation.

Settled on top of the ivy and brambles, were an assortment of last season's leaves made up of Oak, Beech and Maple.

A couple of metres on these deeply veined green Bramble leaves dusted with frost stood out against the muted terracottas of Beech leaves and colourless dried stems.

Bramhope and Weardley

2011-01-31T20:38:00.001Z

On Sunday afternoon, on the way from Goldenacre Park out to Weardley we spotted 8 Red Kites in the skies above us, this one settled in the treetops, just long enough to grab a couple of pics. Nearby a female Kestrel surveyed the adjacent field and swooped down behind the hawthorn hedgerow into the field, presumably in pursuit of Sunday dinner.

A couple of miles away near Goldenacre Park we passed a field of Fieldfare, over 100 in number, with approximately 20 Starlings amongst the flock. We parked up to get a better view and count the numbers, here's approximately one fifth of the flock.

In the distance you can see Leeds Bradford Airport, the planes visible to the left of the picture.

Although last year's Fieldfare sightings in Park Square, Leeds City Centre gave us better views, I'd never seen quite as many in one flock. Seems like a good opportunity to dust off one of the Fieldfare pics that we took last year.

In fields nearby we noticed that Lapwing have returned in good numbers 2 x 50+ plus a big flock of Pink Footed Geese 80+.

I also noticed four bracket fungi growing on a deciduous trunk which I think is Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket). A common fungi found all year round, with pores on the underside, Roger Phillips' Mushrooms describes its upper surface as "radially wrinkled and concentrically ridged" which sums it up nicely.

As if Sunday's sightings weren't enough to keep me going through the week, on my way back into work at lunchtime, out of the corner of my eye I spotted a movement in the laurel hedgerow, expecting a Robin or a Dunnock I was surprised to see a Goldcrest, just the ticket to get me through a Monday afternoon.

Rodley Nature Reserve

2011-01-30T22:00:00.002Z

A visit to the Manager's Garden at Rodley Nature Reserve on Saturday gave us our first Brambling sighting of the year, the bare branches of nearby shrubs allowed for clearer views of the Brambling than at Fairburn Ings in November last year.

Around the feeding stations, and in adjacent hedgerows I counted 12 Reed Bunting at one point. Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tail Tit, Bullfinch, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Jay, Magpie, Wood Pigeon appeared the garden during our visit.

The shrubs to the left of the hide provide good cover for the birds as they wait their turn to visit the feeding stations and it was here I managed to get a few pics of Reed Bunting, Chaffinch and Bullfinch.

Waxwings fly into town

2011-01-26T20:23:00.001Z

Over the past couple of years Ive followed fellow blogger reports of Waxwings sightings with a tiny amount of envy. If I had a bird list Waxwing would be vying for top spot, in close contest with a Bittern and a Jack Snipe, all unlikely candidates for sightings from my bedroom window. Unlikely that is until this afternoon.....

On opening the bedroom window to check the weather I heard a chorus of trills, and was astonished to see 15 Waxwing in the tree at the end of the terrace. A frantic camera search ensued, one had no lens, the other no card, a quick rummage produced only a medium lens and barely enough time to rattle off a couple of shots before they disappeared. Although gutted that they're all blurred/too distant, I was still chuffed with my garden sighting. Ive included a couple for reference and as a reminder to myself to always keep the camera ready for action, doh! The tiny blurry dots in the topmost branches are indeed Waxwing. The second pic shows the last bird to fly off, at least you can just make out the distinctive profile and my window frame top left.

After all this excitement I had to rush out of the house to catch a bus into town, and assumed that would be the last I'd see of the Waxwings.......That is until I got off the 49 bus at the bottom of the Headrow, beside the Crown Court building. I imagined I was hearing things when I caught the sound of trilling for a second time and gazed upwards to see 40/50 Waxwing in the uppermost branches of a Plane tree. This time, I was armed only with my camera phone I apologise once more for the shots which require a certain amount of zooming in, squinting and goodwill, but I assure you they wereWaxwing, and they were there. I chuckled at the appropriate backdrop and moved round for a better shot.

15 or so on the bottom right branches and a few top left.

Looking up towards the Headrow, the Waxwing are sat at the top of the tree, not to be confused with the remaining Plane tree fruits.

Perhaps next time I might get a decent shot?

Queenswood fungi

2011-01-25T19:32:00.001Z

On a walk around Queenswood I found a cluster of eyecatching Flammulina velutipes 'Velvet Foot' growing on a tree stump. The pumpkin coloured convex caps flatten out with age, its one of few mushrooms to appear in winter.

Beech leaves in Queenswood

2011-01-23T17:41:00.001Z

During a lunch time wander through Queenswood, the afternoon light streamed through the woodland to light up last season's persistent beech leaves. Marcescence is the term used to describe the retention of autumn leaves.

The juvenile Beeches provide a welcome sprinkling of colour to the shrub layer of the bare woodland.

Queenswood, Beckett Park

2011-01-19T18:16:00.001Z

On my way in to work, I walked along the outskirts of Queens Wood adjacent to Beckett Park. Sunlight began to illuminate the woodland edges. The tall smooth trunks and papery golden leaves of Beeches began to glow below the jumble of twisted Oak branches.

Butterfly Review 2010

2011-01-16T21:38:00.000Z

A weekend of pretty poor weather coincided with having just completed Patrick Barkham's 'The Butterfly Isles' and I decided to take the opportunity to review my butterfly sightings for 2010. My interest began in 2009, with the aim of expanding my limited knowledge to encompass more than just the most common butterflies such as the Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way but am pleased with how much I've seen and can identify confidently without the aid of a guidebook. So here's what I saw during 2010, and I look forward to the coming year.

Fairburn Ings

2011-01-13T20:59:00.001Z

A couple of weeks ago, while the snow and ice was still with us we enjoyed a trip out to Fairburn Ings RSPB. On the lakeside margins reedheads stood out against the frozen water, with tiny bursts of hedgerow colour provided by these Rosehips.

Not the best pic, but worthy of inclusion, this here is a Long Eared Owl. We saw a few of them at Fairburn last year, but this year we only managed the one sighting.

A group of 20 Cormorants settled on a pylon.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T19:29:00.002Z

After a period of festive inactivity I'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year. What better than to start the year with a garden sighting, this lovely looking Goldcrest, as well as being a little bird its also a little blurred, as it was taken through double glazing. As Pete kindly pointed out, the bird is ringed, but unfortunately there isn't enough detail in the pic, doh! How great it would have been to discover where it had flown in from.

Its not the only one seen in Kirkstall over the festive period, on Christmas day morning we spotted three in the conifers in front of Kirkstall Leisure Centre. A pretty good addition to our list of Kirkstall Christmas sightings.

An apple a day

2010-12-08T18:47:00.000Z

I pass by this apple tree on the way to work, and have wondered whether I'll catch sight of any birds tucking into the remaining fruit as I go by. A couple of days ago I spotted this Blackbird enjoying a healthy breakfast, and this morning it appeared again, joined by a companion. A handy source of energy at a time when food supplies are limited.

Beckett Park winterscapes

2010-12-07T20:29:00.000Z

A view of Beckett Park taken on my way into work this week. As the sun rises it filters through this copse of deciduous trees, primarily beech, but with some oak, elder and ash. The trunks and near bare branches appear silhouetted against the sunlight with long shadows cast on the snow covered ground.

Although I have to admit to being a bit fed up of the snow now, all the trudging, slipping and sliding, and the severe effects of weather extremes on the local wildlife, I can't say I tire of how it transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland.

Adel Dam Nature Reserve

2010-12-06T00:47:00.001Z

On Sunday afternoon we jumped on the bus to Goldenacre Park, how cold it was or rather how cold I was, words cannot convey. Discomfort aside we headed for Adel Dam, a local Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve. The Marsh Hide feeders were busy with smaller woodland birds including of a pair of Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Robin, Blue Tits, Long Tail Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, along with a sorry looking Magpie, Blackbird, a pair of Moor Hen, and 6 Squirrels, though sadly no sign of the Great Spotted Woodpecker today.

From the second hide, overlooking Adel Dam, only the far reaches of the dam remained unfrozen, kept clear by the current of the inflowing Adel Beck. An assortment of footprints were visible across the frozen surface.

From the left, flying low, heading directly for the unfrozen patch of water zipped the electric blue of a Kingfisher, our first ever sighting of the bird here at Adel Dam. This pic is taken at a distance, but its plumage colouration is unmistakable, it perched here for a few minutes before heading off, hopefully with better luck elsewhere, according to the RSPB website they're particularly vulnerable to hard winters.

As the Kingfisher made its exit, on the far bank we could just make out the profile of a Roe Deer, well camouflaged amongst the snow and bare branches.

Having endured enough of the cold temperatures made worse by sitting still in the hide for a few minutes, we followed the woodland trail back through the reserve and found this fungi. I'm guessing its Pleurotus sp. Buff coloured, convex cap, the gills are cream coloured and decurrent, growing in abundant clumps on a deciduous stump. Any help with the ID would be greatly appreciated.

Kirkstall Abbey & the banks of the River Aire

2010-11-28T22:46:00.001Z

On Saturday afternoon we wandered down to Kirkstall Abbey stopping off at the Abbey House Museum Cafe for a mid-walk lunch which was delicious as ever. The park was uncharacteristically empty, covered with a layer of snow that had fallen in the early hours of Saturday morning. Following the curved path down towards the river a pair of Pied Wagtail bobbed around thawed patches of ground and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker flew overhead.

On the River Aire were 6 Goosander, familiar winter visitors to this stretch of the river, a group of 4 upstream and a pair further downstream that eventually joined the main bunch. Whilst gazing along the river, a Kingfisher zipped upstream a metre or so from the near bank.

Suddenly the two Great Spotted Woodpecker re-appeared, noisily chasing each other from tree to tree.

The cold started to kick in so we headed back towards the Abbey, in the branches of a Sycamore a mixed group of small birds were feeding, comprising Blue Tit, Long Tail Tit, Dunnock, Chaffinch and the first time I've seen a Wren in such a group.

A Nuthatch flew into view and landed at the base of this trunk making its way upwards in a spiral motion.

As we were about to leave the park we spotted movement in a Yew tree situated at the boundary wall next to the gate. We counted approximately 8 birds, a mixed bunch of Thrush and Blackbirds were feeding on the berries, we managed a few pics and quickly left them in peace to continue feeding on the berries, no doubt a welcome source of food in these wintery conditions.

Fairburn Ings Sunday stroll

2010-11-21T22:16:00.002Z

At Fairburn Ings, the majority of leaves have now fallen and the birches take their turn to provide pointillist splashes of colour, less saturated than those of beech and maple that glowed brightly earlier in the month.

As the surrounding vegetation dies back, the more sombre tones serve to enhance the papery white birch trunks and their dark, thin lateral branches that still retain the small serrated yellow leaves.

There was plenty of bird activity, at one point over forty Goldfinch flew into view and alighted in the treetops (left and centre), a minute or so later a similar number of Redwing circled the area, coming to rest in the uppermost branches of the tree to the right.

Another pleasing sighting were 4 Brambling feeding on the topmost branches of a Birch, although sadly I only managed this record shot. Plenty more sightings included a male and female Bullfinch, a Fieldfare, Kingfisher, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Long Tail Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Moor Hen, and two Red Kites near Garforth.

Otley Chevin

2010-10-31T22:48:00.002Z

This weekend we ventured out to Otley Chevin Forest Park to experience the fresh air and autumn woodland views. Parking in East Chevin Quarry Car Park we walked in the direction of the White House & within a few minutes encountered these colourful vistas of the crags, the old quarried areas of Millstone Grit of the Upper Carboniferous age, seen through the golden autumn foliage of broadleaf trees. In the foreground the golden leaves of Birch and Beech, the rusty shades of bracken, and rich greens of grasses and ferns.

Stunning views, provided by a colourful combination of the underlying geological features and the surrounding vegetation tinged with an autumnal glow .

The Friends of Chevin Forest maintain a very good website, and the West Yorkshire Geology Trust (pdf) have more information about the geology of the area.

Another spectacular view, across the valley overlooking Otley town centre and the surrounding Wharfedale countryside.

Towards the end of our walk, on joining Miller Lane we heard birdsong in a treetop overhead and could just make out the silhouette of a small bird, moving on a few steps for a better view it turned out to be a Goldcrest, whoop whoop, a first for me & a lovely conclusion to the walk.

Having worked up an apetite, we headed up the road to the Cheerful Chilli, a nearby cafe and restaurant, and what a treat! I opted for the Chocolate Nemesis a chocolate extravaganza whose texture was half choc brownie and half choc torte. Needless to say I defeated my nemesis, selflessly saving just enough room to tuck into half of Andreas sandwich, packed with Stilton and Apple and Pears, oh my! Possibly the best post walk grub we've ever encountered, which might just mean that we'll become a little more familiar with Otley Chevin in the months ahead.

Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve 2

2010-10-28T00:24:00.000+01:00

On our recent visit to Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve, Guelder Rose shrubs(Viburnum opulus) provided an abundance of ruby red fruits worthy of a pic or two.

Beckett Park

2010-10-26T19:38:00.000+01:00

Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve

2010-10-25T17:30:00.001+01:00

On Sunday afternoon we visited Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, it's YWT's closest reserve to Leeds City Centre. Clear sky and afternoon light illuminated the golden canopies and shrubby layers. The backdrop of still green foliage not yet transformed by the processes of leaf senescence served to emphasise the richer autumn foliage.

The reserve is located on the site of a former power station which opened in 1930 and demolished in the mid 80's, the Leodis database features images of the land's previous use.

Bird sightings included Jay, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Magpie, Long Tail Tit, Wren, Robin, Wood Pigeon.

The 25.5 acre site is situated between the River Aire (pictured here) and the Leeds Liverpool canal is a valuable resource in the green corridor of habitats along the Aire valley.

There'll be more pics from our visit to Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve in my follow up post.

Autumn colours

2010-10-22T09:20:00.000+01:00

Maples and cherries providing today's autumn update.

Leeds City Centre, autumnal views

2010-10-19T13:16:00.000+01:00

Its impossible not to notice the current seasonal change even on the outskirts of Leeds City Centre. In the urban planting schemes and roadside verges the signs of autumn are all around.

On Sunday we spent half an hour wandering around sections of the riverside that we'd never really paid too much attention to before. Looking back towards Bridgewater Place, I'd never noticed this apple tree before which was heavily laden with fruit. Across the road there's a line of Small Leaved Limes, the leaves are turning rich yellows.

In the culvert that runs alongside Water Lane that carries the Hol Beck into the River Aire we spotted tiny fishes feeding on vegetation which I didn't expect to see. Trying to find out more about this watercourse I came across Phil D's Flickr pages where has a collection of pics from a stroll along this section of the Hol Beck that are well worth a look.

On the culvert bankside, leaves, stems and berries of a thicket of well established shrubs provide a tapestry of colour and no doubt plenty of cover for urban birds.

Fungi on the grassland near Whitehall Road overlooking the River Aire.

Near St Paul's Street next the site of the demolished Leeds International Pool this Stag's horn sumach (Rhus typhina) looking towards the Call Credit building.

Clusters of teeny-tiny cap and stem fungi growing on a grassy verge amongst fallen Sycamore leaves, near Whitehall flats.

River Aire sightings

2010-10-17T23:03:00.001+01:00

On the River Aire, between Whitehall Bridge and the Dark Arches of Leeds City Centre I noticed this beautiful Black Swan, more than likely an escapee but nonetheless a striking character . They're native to SW/E Australia and were brought to Britain as an ornamental bird. I remembered that Paul (Little Brown Job) spotted one at RSPB Fairburn last year. These two shots upstream and downstream indicate how close to the City Centre it was.

Continuing our wander around Granary Wharf we stumbled upon the Leeds City Cruise boat and hopped on for a £3.00 return trip to Clarence Dock, what a great way to travel through the city. It was a much gentler journey than my last boat excursion which was to the Farne Islands where I suffered a humiliating bout of sea sickness, all for the love of nature! Another bird (this time more ornament than ornamental) was this Grey Heron sculpture near Brewery Wharf.

Other wildlife sightings included two female Goosander on the river to the rear of the Yorkshire Post building. They're frequently visitors as they overwinter on the river, previously they've appeared further upstream, in December last year by Kirkstall Abbey and also near Redcote Lane. The unexpected surprise of the day was the appearance of a Kingfisher as it zipped upstream and out of view.

Shaggy Ink Cap

2010-10-16T17:24:00.001+01:00

Growing in the grassland near Headingley Train Station these Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus comatus). I enjoyed Phil Gates (Cabinet of Curiosities) post from last year about the Carnivorous Inkcap which is well worth a read.

Here are two more from a cluster of five that I found growing amongst brambles on the edge of a copse on Beckett Park. They're great illustrations of how the cap shrinks as it gradually dissolves itself releasing a black inky substance which contains the spores.

Sweet Chestnut fruit

2010-10-15T13:43:00.000+01:00

From my desk, if I crane my neck to look out of the window I can see the tops of four Sweet Chestnut trees (Castanea Sativa), between 3-6m tall. Underneath the autumn canopy is an abundance of fruits, encased in a sea urchin like spiny husk. The case opens into four sections on maturity to reveal up to three nuts, the tufted end being the remains of the flower stigma.

The leaves are leathery, elliptical, pointed with a serrated margin and turn a crisp golden brown at leaf fall. The Sweet Chestnut is more closely related to the Oak and Beech than the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) which produces the more familiar inedible conker. The fruit are popular with jays and squirrels.

Autumn Beech Leaves on Beckett Park

2010-10-12T23:30:00.003+01:00

More rich autumn leaf colour, this time courtesy of the Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica). On my way into work each morning I pass by these trees on Beckett Park, Headingley, where today the leaves vary from green to yellow to gold to fiery orange.

Here's how these trees looked in January and April last year, and some previous posts about the emerging spring leaves and resilient winter leaves of the Beech.

Autumn colour in Park Square, Leeds

2010-10-11T20:33:00.001+01:00

In Park Square, Leeds City Centre, ornamental trees in particular are aglow with autumn colour, no more so than this beautiful Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum located next to the Mayors for Peace Monument. The monument was unveiled by the Mayors of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Leeds in 2003 and remembers all the innocent civilian populations killed in conflicts since the atomic bomb blasts of 1945.

The foliage of another tree in Park Square is suffused with slightly more golden tones, and is possibly a Red Oak, Quercus Rubra (although a second opinion would be most welcome). The commemorative plaque associated with it reads, 'Presented to the City of Leeds to mark the Christian Celebration of the Centenary on Sunday 4th July 1997'

Leeds Light Night

2010-10-09T22:41:00.014+01:00

Leeds Light Night took place on Friday evening as the city was transformed by performance, installations and exhibitions to shed new light on buildings and locations in Leeds. For me the great thing about Light Night is the opportunity to look upon the city from a fresh perspective as you would if visting a city for the first time. On our tour of St George's Field, Leeds University, an unexpected bonus was the sight of bats circling the Chapel seemingly unperturbed by the visitors. Whilst walking through the university grounds I caught sight of these two illuminated climbers, Virgina Creeper and Clematis Montana that could have been worthy exhibits for Light Night.

Elsewhere, on the Headrow, a passing flock of migrant winged creatures appeared in front of Oxford Place Methodist Centre, perhaps on their way to winter feeding grounds.

This piece of work is entitled Flocks by Pyramid of Arts who run arts groups for people with learning disabilities and non-disabled people throughout Leeds.

What a stinker!

2010-10-08T18:00:00.001+01:00

This week I discovered the aptly named Stinkhorn fungi (Phallus impudicus) found on campus near the Victorian Monument on the edges of Queens Wood, amongst leaf litter and clipped rhododendrons in dappled shade. The unpleasant odour, one smelt never forgotten, alerts you to its presence before setting eyes on it.

The above pic shows how it looked 24 hours after emerging from the initial egg-like structure (below). I'd read how quickly they grow, so returned the next day to check on its progress. Surprisingly it had grown to full size and the insects of the manor had busily removed all of the spores, quick work!

The fruitbody begins as an egg-like structure from which the stalk grows rapidly, the stalk tip is covered in a stinky slimy spore mass known as the gleba. This thoroughly malodorous slime is what attracts the flies, who ingest and cover themselves in the substance to deposit the spores elsewhere. The fungi examples I found the slime has already been removed revealing the pale off-white honeycombed top.

Here's the spot where I found it, in a cleared verge in dappled shade amongst rhododendrons. Unfortunately I managed to crack my head on the diagonal branch which wasn't quite what I had in mind for a lunchtime fungi foray but luckily I have a resonably dense head so no damage was incurred.

Here are two more spotted in the vicinity earlier in the week, with a minimum of spores still visible.

Mist on Beckett Park

2010-10-04T12:47:00.000+01:00

A heavy mist hung in the air this morning which made for some atmospheric views as the sun shone through the copse on Beckett Park.

Meanwood Ridge, Leeds

2010-10-03T23:05:00.000+01:00

This weekend we walked up to Headingley and onto Meanwood Ridge which forms part of the Meanwood Valley Trail. Having not been for a while it was apparent that the Meanwood Ridge Action Group working in association with Leeds City Council are doing a thorough job of managing the woodland.

Broadleaf species such as Oak, Beech, Sycamore and Ash predominate with some ornamental species such as Rowan, Laburnum, Sweet Chestnut, Viburnum which are a throwback to its previous incarnation as a public park in late Victorian times. Images of the park feature on the interpretive boards installed along the Ridge.

On the edge of the woodland the fruits of the Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) shine like jewels and the serrated leaves turn a wonderful rich red colour. The berries are popular with Mistle Thrush and Bullfinch which we saw for ourselves on a visit to Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve last September.

On our wander we saw Jay, Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpies, Wood Pigeon, a Moor Hen on Meanwood Beck, heard a Nuthatch, and spent some time dodging acorns from Grey Squirrels overhead.

A view of backlit bracken stems attached to the branches of a Hawthorn

As befits this time of year, we encountered a number of interesting fungi which I'll follow up in my next post. I thought I'd try to give the fungi a rest for at least one post!

Fungi Friday - Post Hill, Pudsey

2010-10-01T20:44:00.001+01:00

A few more fungi from last Sunday's visit to Post Hill Wood, Pudsey, a Leeds City Council designated Leeds Nature Area. Its a steep sloping area of birch and oak woodland rising up between Pudsey and Farsley with marshland at the base adjoining Pudsey Beck. It has an interesting history, in 1926 it was opened as an area for motorcycle sport, where it was named after the Yorkshire Evening Post, and it continues to be used by West Leeds Motor Club. Apparently during WW2 it was the site of an anti aircraft post and a POW camp.

As well as the scarlet red Fly Agaric we found a few more fungi, such as this damaged Earthball (Scleroderma) which was worth a snap, it was surprisingly weighty & covered in a tough scaly skin.

A cluster of cap and stem fungi growing underneath Hawthorn and birch.

A purple tinged cap and stem fungi growing amongst leaf litter under a Hawthorn

Growing in clusters through dense leaf litter, Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum), their surface is covered with tiny spines that wear away as they mature. The darker area is where the pores develop and the spores released.

Finishing with a splash of colour, Stag Horn fungus (Colocera viscosa), bright orange-yellow tiny fungus, 2-3cm tall, growing through moss on a conifer stump.

Post Hill is worth a visit, if you do go I recommend clambering to the top of the hill where the views are worth the effort. Leeds Countryside Volunteers Newsletter pdf (1.8Mb) includes an article on Post Hill.

Super Fly Agaric

2010-09-27T17:32:00.004+01:00

The Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) is one of the most recognisable British toadstools. This weekend I found a few at various stages of development and it was interesting to note the variations in both form and colour. Post Hill, Pudsey and Goldenacre Park both offered some great examples.

When they emerge, the young are rounded and covered by the universal veil, like the one above. These two have suffered a bit of slug damage but it provides a useful view through the surface layers. The white patches on the cap are remnants of the universal veil.

The bright scarlet caps start to flatten out as they mature, the colouration gradually turning to a more orange hue. The white patches gradually wash away over time. These next two grew on a patch of steep grassland near birches, and overall I counted 5 in this spot.

The gills are large and white, and the spores have a white print, the universal veil is visible on the underside.

Elsewhere at Spot Hill, two more mature Fly Agaric on the fringes of a patch of bracken, the green fronds provide a lovely contrast to the spotted scarlet caps.

At Goldenacre Park this parched looking Fly Agaric grew directly under the canopy of a Birch, the flattened cap and orange colour suggests a mature fruitbody, the remaining white patches may be a result of the cover provided by the canopy overhead.

The roots of the fly agaric have a symbiotic relationship with a variety of trees, pine, spruce, fir and birch, attaching themselves to tree roots to siphon off nutrients in a way that does not damage the tree.

Beckett Park

2010-09-24T15:18:00.011+01:00

Having been offline for a few weeks, I'm please to report that I'm back up and running and here's a few recent sightings from Beckett Park. Lots more fungi have started to appear on the grassland and in the woodland, here's a wee selection.

Grasses left unmown underneath the canopy of a Common Beech.

This week I spotted 4 Speckled Wood butterflies on the woodland perimeter of Queens Wood and despite having only the little camera, managed to get near enough for a couple of pics.

On the way into work, near the train station I discovered this feather (pictured). The black ground colour and white spotted margins suggested a Great Spotted Woodpecker. After wandering around the web and I came across Michel Klemann's website Feathers, which is a really useful resource. Here's the link to the Great Spotted Woodpecker page. The first illustration, Example 1 Leftwing (primaries and secondaries), confirmed my initial guess and left me feeling pretty pleased with myself.

Ive heard a Woodpecker a few times in the vicinity of St Stephen's churchyard & the opposite side of the road between the old alloments and the railway track, so I'm going to pay a little more attention as its only a minute or so from home.

Even closer to home, last night, from the doorstep, we watched a bat fly above the back gardens at approx. 7.30pm. Having attended a couple of bat walks at Rodley Nature Reserve I'm pretty confident it was a Pipistrelle, and its the first time Ive seen it this year. If I kept such a thing as a list of garden sightings I'd stick it at the top of my list.

Dersingham Bog

2010-09-05T19:45:00.001+01:00

This is the last of my posts from our trip to Norfolk, on the homeward leg of our journey where we stopped at Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve. An interesting landscape of mire, heathland and deciduous and coniferous woodland. The reserve was mentioned in Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain as a good spot for dragonlflies and we did see Common Darters and Southern Hawkers but what caught my attention the most were the numbers of orange topped cap and stem fungi.

A Small Copper

A great end to a really fantastic trip, made all the more enjoyable by the availability of online information provided by the websites of Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Leicestershire and Rutland's Wildlife Trust and the wonders of satnav.

Little Snoring, Norfolk

2010-09-03T14:56:00.000+01:00

During our week in Norfolk we stayed a few nights at a wonderful B&B in Little Snoring by the name of Jex Farmhouse. We chose it because their website mentioned their resident Barn Owls and Little Owls. We weren't disappointed, spotting the Little Owl almost immediately as it sat in the Oak tree in front of the house.

Knowing that we were keen to see the owls, Stephen kindly offered to take us out in his truck to look for the Barn Owl and within 5 minutes we were sat in the back of the open truck like a couple of kids on a fairground ride, what fun! We spotted it a little later and had even better views the next evening as the Barn Owl hunted over the meadowland to the side of the house for a good 20 minutes, wonderful.

The field in front of the garden has been sown with a wildflower mix, the cornflowers and daisies, were in full bloom while we were there and provided an irresistable draw for Common Blues and a mixture of Whites.

Just a few minutes up the road is Thursford Wood , a Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve with some of the oldest oaks in the county where
we spotted a load of fungi growing amongst the leaf litter and heard the familiar tap tap tap of a Great Spotted Woodpecker captured here silhouetted in profile.

Spout Hills, Holt, Norfolk

2010-09-02T13:10:00.000+01:00

The town of Holt, North Norfolk provided another interesting stop off point, and after a cup of coffee and a wander round the town centre we explored the area known as Spout Hills, awash with late summer colour. The area is managed green space just outside of Holt which used to provide the town with its water supply.

When the sun broke through there was an abundance of butterflies, Painted Ladies, Green Veined Whites, Small Coppers and Common Blues.

And lots of fungi amongst the bracken and grassland.

Later that evening on the way back from Cley Next the Sea, after having watched a Barn Owl on the reserve where it as too dark for a pic we spotted this owl on the telegraph wires, a Little Owl perhaps? With a little gap in the clouds light we managed a quick pic from the car.

Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve, Norfolk

2010-08-30T21:00:00.002+01:00

Our next visit was to Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve, another Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve consisting of open water, reedbed, fenland, grazing marsh and woodland. On arrival, the visitor centre volunteers were very helpful in suggesting the best site to spot Swallowtails and we set off in anticipation. To our right, large numbers of dragonflies and Gatekeeper butterflies, whilst hobbies hunted over the fields to our left.

On approach to the first hide Andrea saw what she thought was a Crane which was confirmed by a gentleman already in the hide who said it was the only bird of note he'd seen all day. We continued on, reaching the spot we'd been recommended as a popular haunt for Swallowtails.

On first pass there was no sign, but on our return a Swallowtail butterfly alighted on Hemp Agrimony and settled low on the flowerhead open winged as the breeze picked up. It was the only one we saw during our visit but what a treat.

I couldn't resist making the most of the persepective with this one, the littlest Little Egret and the most monumental Mute Swan in the Broads. No photoshopping tomfoolery took place I assure you, its straight out of the camera, I just got lucky.

From one of the hides we watched three Common Snipe in the grassy margins

A male Black Tailed Skimmer tucks into a juicy meal.

A Brimstone backlit on thistles.

I think this is an Emerald Damselfly

During our visit to the reserve we also enjoyed a boat trip around the broad, bookable from the visitors centre. Not known for my sea legs I have to admit that it rates as one of my most enjoyable boat trips with no unpleasant side effects whatsoever. Our captain for the journey was knowledgable and friendly and we enjoyed sightings of Ruddy Shelduck, Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plove, Ruff, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck. Another great place to explore...

Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, Norfolk

2010-08-29T21:40:00.009+01:00

During our week away we ventured east from Rutland to Norfolk. Our first port of call was Barton Broad on an overcast, cold and windy afternoon which meant an absence of sightings other than a very striking Alder Moth and a few fungi but still an enjoyable stroll around the fenland boardwalk. The following day we headed to Cley to Cley Marshes Nature Reserve managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

We stopped by the Visitors Centre to pay for entry to the reserve and on arrival at the shingle beach the clouds began to recede and blue skies hugged the coastline for the remainder of the day. The reserve comprises of shingle beach, reedbeds, saltmarsh, saline lagoons which makes for an interesting landscape and one of the first specimens of vegetation to catch the eye were these striking Yellow Horned Poppy (Glucium flavum).

The long thin seedpods resemble horns, hence the name.

The waxy leaves have a hairy surface which enables the plant to retain moisture.

The wind was pretty strong so we were surprised to spot this female Grayling, as it lanaded on the shingle, a first for me, it settled into a hollow, its forewing tucked tightly into its hindwing as it sheltered from the wind.

Then a smaller butterfly stopped by, a female Common Blue sheltered down to bask amongst the shingle.

It wasn't just the butterflies that were making the most of the weather.

From the nearby hide, at a distance we saw 10 Spoonbill, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Shelduck, Lapwing, Teal, Ringed Plover.

On the raised path between the marshy pools the flanking vegetation provided shelter for plenty of Common Blues, Gatekeepers and 10 or so Common Darters.

The moment we turned back we were confronted by a hobby or sparrowhawk flying along the channel next to us and in an instant it dove down into the reeds, according to the listings both birds are regularly spotted on the reserve.

After a pitstop return to the visitors centre we crossed the road to visit more hides. On crossing a bridge we heard a plop in the water below and spotted a Water Vole unconcerned by the attention and remained for approximately 5 minutes until the bridge was full of people before it decided to disappear.

A few metres away I got my first female Wall Brown together with the first Painted Lady of the year.

A few metres further a male Migrant Hawker at rest on vegetation.

To top it all off we popped into Cookies Crab Shop in Salthouse for a crab and crayfish salad, where two Marsh Harriers were spotted on the way.

As we were heading to Sheringham for an ice cream we spotted a number of birders with scopes heading down a lane, needless to say the ice cream took priority but on our return Andrea popped down to check out the fuss and caught a distant glimpse of a Lesser Grey Shrike, the talk of Norfolk birder for the rest of the week. Phew!

Rutland visit

2010-08-26T21:41:00.013+01:00

This is the first chance Ive had to properly catch up with the blog since returning from our week away, which started with a couple of days in Rutland, Leicestershire followed by a few more days in Norfolk. This was a return visit to Ashgate Annex in Oakham, Rutland where we enjoyed yet another relaxing weekend in Isabel & David's lovely self catering luxury accomodation. Its such a great place to stay, ideal for exploring Rutland Water & the surrounding countryside. Here follows a few sightings from the Rutland portion of our trip.

Just after arriving I spotted this female Common Blue on the driveway feeding on Lavender flowers.

Despite the overcast weather at times, we still enjoyed some great sightings. We dropped into Egleton reserve at Rutland Water Nature Reserve and watched this Kingfisher appear in a flash of blue, disappear and reappear once more where it sat for a good 5 minutes.

We sat it out in this hide during a downpour, where even the Hebridean sheep decided to congregate while the heavens opened. Apparently they were introduced to the reserve back in 2001 to help control coarse grasses around the edges of the water.

Through the binoculars we had a good view of the Ospreys, we watched as an adult consumed its share of a fish whilst sat atop platform on the left, before depositing it on the nest on the right for the juveniles to finish off.

During this visit we ventured to some new sites that we'd found via the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust website. One of the most interesting was Prior's Coppice, to quote the website "is an ancient ash-maple ash-wych elm woodland, probably a relic of the wildwood which covered all of Leicestershire and Rutland before prehistoric peoples started to clear it".

Here's a couple of pics of the wide rides that contain woodland marshy grassland surrounded by lush canopies, it was a treat to explore and well worth a visit.

On entering Priors Coppice we were amazed to see well over 50 Common Blues, I'm used to seeing them singly or maybe in two's if I'm lucky, so this was a rare treat for me. Here are a few favourites.

There were lots of dragonflies around and about, zipping above our heads following the rides, occasionally we spotted one or two resting on nearby vegetation, I think these two are immature Male Southern Hawkers, but I'm happy to be corrected.

There were plenty of Damselflies too, they really stood out against the foliage and stems, I think these are Common Blue Damselflies, single stripe on side of thorax, mushroomy mark on segment two.

Beckett Park fungi (2)

2010-08-13T16:40:00.002+01:00

As mentioned in yesterday's post, Ive noticed a large number of fungi on Beckett Park this week. With so many pics I decided to make up a few composites featured here.

Dotted around the edges of this tree stump (used creatively by students as a barbecue area) are the fruitbodies of Giant Polypore and inside a small cluster of cup fungi.

From this point on and with so many examples Ive struggled to identify them, although I think bottom left and top right might be a Blusher.

I like the pic on the right in particular as I noticed the jogger heading into the frame as I knelt down to take the photo.

More views of the Blusher fungi posted previously.

Beckett Park fungi (1)

2010-08-12T13:50:00.004+01:00

This week on my way to and from work Ive noticed an abundance of fungi on Beckett Park, growing on open grassland and under the canopies of Beech trees.

The area is predominantly grassland with a handful of Beech trees, South facing, on a steady incline and with a small underground spring nearby it can quickly become damp in patches. I'd guess the warmth and rain has provided ideal conditions for the fruitbodies to appear. Ive counted over 7 species so far so here are the first couple growing underneath a Common Beech. Would I be correct in assuming that they're all Blusher fungi , Amanita rubescens?

This one is a more mature specimen.

Kirkstall canal

2010-08-10T14:10:00.002+01:00

On Sunday we wandered down to the Leeds Liverpool Canal, joining at Wyther Lane car park near Kirkstall Brewery, it wasn't too long before the first dragonflies appeared. I'd guess they were Common Darters (12), constantly on the wing and all managing to evade the camera. Luckily I was more successful with this Male Brown Hawker resting briefly on nettles along the canal pathway.

A brief wander, with more pausing than wandering took us almost as far as Forge locks before returning, enjoying numerous sightings of Common Blue and Blue Tailed damselflies along the way.

Rodley Nature Reserve

2010-08-08T22:37:00.003+01:00

This weekend I took my mum and dad along to Rodley Nature Reserve where an overcast sky cleared unexpectedly to reveal glorious sunshine, and some enjoyable sightings.

Male and female Gatekeepers

A fresh looking Peacock butterfly

At the dragonfly ponds a female Brown Hawker.

A male Common Darter

Another Female Brown Hawker

Tim's Field is planted with a mix of cereals, quinoa, kale and sunflower to provide cover and an abundance of seeds. Here's a view of the mixed vegetation.

Kirkstall sightings

2010-08-04T22:07:00.001+01:00

On the way to work I pass by an old stone wall, that forms part of a railway embankment overhanging with brambles, ragwort, bindweed, grasses, Ash and Sycamore. I noticed a number of caterpillars feeding on ragwort, closer inspection revealed the beasties as the caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth. Up at Druridge Bay last year we saw huge numbers of these Cinnabar caterpillars.

Here's the spot, the crevices are a haven for snails and spiders.

On the grassland beyond lots of these tiny cap and stem fungi have sprung up, ranging in size from 5p to 10p. This first one looks like its been trampled, the second two are more indicative of the fruitbodies dotted throughout the grass.

I spotted this fungi growing near the base of a hedge, possibly from the remnants of a tree stump, ochre in colour, growing in fan-like brackets and approx 40cm in length, maybe a Giant Polypore, and there's a smaller cap and stem fungi growing to the left.

Whilst recycling my empties at the bottle bank near Morrisons in Kirkstall, I noticed a cluster of Cellar Cup fungi growing through the paving stones, sadly no camera so you'll just have to take my word for it.