Bee in the Moment

A Rare Sighting of Hares

Posted on 22/05/202122/05/2021 by BITM

While I mostly witness nature in amphibian, insect or plant form, just occasionally I get to see mammals too.

Last week I briefly observed two adult Hares (Lepus europaeus) as I traveled from a job; a garden at a house surrounded by farmland.

They were out in an open field some distance away from the driveway, yet close enough to be able to appreciate their size as well as distinguish the black tips on their long ears along with their distinctive hind legs.

As Hares are usually seen alone, I’m guessing these two were a pair. Perhaps aware of the movement of the electric vehicle, one suddenly crouched down as the other sat bolt upright alongside it. It was lovely to witness these two together in this way. Previously, I’ve only ever seen one Hare far in the distance running across an open field, presumably after being disturbed.

Hares are the UK’s fastest mammal, when disturbed they have a top speed of 45 mph and move in a zig zag formation.

While mostly solitary, these mammals occasionally live apart from one another in loosely connected groups. This explains why, in early spring, when two Hares are seen ‘boxing’ they’re not two males fighting for dominance but actually a female fighting off a male.

Their preferred habitat is a combination of farmland or undisturbed grassland surrounded by woods; enabling easy access to grass and crops for food while giving some protection.

Rather than burrows, Hares live in a form (an exposed depression on the ground). They remain close to their form during the daytime, becoming more active and feeding at night. The two I saw must have been in their form. I wonder if they had a litter? Hares can have three to four litters within a year (between March and July) giving birth to two- four leverets each time. Hares can live for up to four years.

There was one other prominent sighting from last week, that of a Angle shades Moth (Phlogophora meticulosa). I noticed it on Thursday, resting on the milk bottle carrier as I collected my milk delivery.

This is the moths I see more than any other, perhaps because I am surrounded by the perfect habitat for them; a mixture of gardens, parks, woodland and hedgerows containing an abundant food source for their caterpillars. Angle shades caterpillars will feed upon Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Bramble (Rubus fruiticosus) and Hazel (Corylus avellana).
As this is a night flying moth, I carefully transferred it to the nearby wall where it could gain shelter from the daylight.

nature

Delayed April Showers in May

Posted on 15/05/202115/05/2021 by BITM

Rain showers continued to fall, reviving the ground at last. Between the downpours I noticed Cuckooflowers (Cardamine pratensis) begin to bloom last week.

So named because it flowers from late April, around the time male Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) are heard in the UK once the birds return from Africa; signs that spring is well underway.

The last time I heard Cuckoos was in Shropshire many years ago. At the time, I only heard the males call of “cuck-oo’ in the distance. I have never witnessed the females call which can be heard here (Garden birds). I have never seen these birds either; perhaps one day, although their conservation status in the UK remains red (reasons for this is explained by the BTO website).

I love witnessing wildflowers being pollinated; yet more proof that patches of wildflowers are essential for pollinators. Last Sundays walk resulted in such a sighting. As I walked past an area where White dead-nettles (Lamium album) were blooming I became aware of a gentle buzz. A solitary Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) was visiting the patch of flowers.

These long-tongued bumblebees require deep flowers to collect nectar (a pollen basket can be clearly seen on it’s leg).

An insect that I became aware of later in the week was a Violet ground beetle. I have never seen one of these beetles before; it was so mesmerising as it glistened in the daylight.

This shiny insect is one of our largest beetles in the UK at 20-30mms. (Photo enlarged to show detail more clearly.)

It could have been one of two species of Violet ground beetle, either Carabus violaceus or Carabus problematicus, as they are difficult to tell apart (it’s all down to the amount of dimples and ridges apparently). As both can be found in gardens, if I had to make an educated guess, I would say it was a Carabus violaceus ground beetle (the more common of the two, especially in gardens). The Carabus violaceus can also inhabit farmland and meadows where as Carabus problematicus is predominantly found in woods and heathland.

Active at night, it doesn’t fly but will rely on running fast to capture pray and find shelter if disturbed. During the day, it predominantly hides under logs or stones; however I noticed this one when I moved a clump of soil. I was very conscious of taking its photo as quickly as possible before I covered it up once again. This adult beetle, along with their larvae, feeds on other insects alongside slugs, snail and worms.

nature

Flowers Bloom in Spite of the Weather

Posted on 06/05/202106/05/2021 by BITM

Much needed rain arrived last Wednesday evening, lasting through the night; followed by another short downpour later in the week. Unfortunately, these weren’t enough to replenish the parched ground which currently resembles crazy paving. It’s hard to believe we experienced a cold damp winter when cracks in the earth are so deep.

Somehow, even with of the lack of rain, wildflowers still bloom regardless. Buttercups (Ranunculus), Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and Stitchwort (Stellaria) have joined the early spring bloomers; replacing the faded Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna). Unlike the pinks of the ornamental Cherry trees (currently blooming), the predominant colours lower to the ground are blue, yellow and white.

Forget-me-nots *(Myosotis)* and Cowslips (*Primula veris*) around the edge of a woodland park.

Green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) mixed with yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) in a garden border.

Another plant I noticed was Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea).

Usually found on damp ground, amongst woodlands, hedgerows, wasteland and in lawns, It’s violet flowers appear between March and June. Surprisingly, it was flowering last week, even with the current dry conditions.

The common name, Ground ivy, is rather misleading as it belongs to the same family as dead-nettles (Lamiaceae) and isn’t ivy. This evergreen perennial most likely obtained the name due to its spreading nature, which occurs overground, rooting from stolons. In fact this plant has numerous common names including, Alehoof, Gill-over-the-ground, Creeping Charlie, Run-away Robin and even (during medieval times) Our Lady’s Vine. A more comprehensive list can be viewed on the RHS website, along with how to grow it if you want to introduce it into your garden.

This herb releases a scent when disturbed. As I crushed some leaves, the smell reminded me of a slightly medicinal thyme aroma, actually quite pleasant.

In times past Ground ivy was used to flavour beer, thanks to its bitter taste (before it was replaced with hops) and as a rennet substitute in cheese making.

I am always intreagued at a plants ability to thrive in unusual places or difficult situations; I love spotting plants growing in such circumstances. Last week I was amazed to see a foxglove (Digitalis) growing without soil on an old wall.

Normally I would only see plants such as Buddleja, Ferns or Yellow corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea) thriving in this way; their shallow root systems able to anchor themselves amongst the bricks.

Last week wasn’t solely dominated by plant observations. After the previous weeks sighting of the Tawny Mining bee (Andrena fulva), see Auburn Beauty Spotted, it was nice to follow up with sightings of some Mining bee nests. Unfortunately I don’t know whether these nests had or were housing Tawny or Ashy Andrena cineraria) mining bees.

This nest was found on a lawn by my partner.

This nest was spotted on a once grassy area in my local woodland park; the “volcano” like mound partially washed away after a short downpour.

The second nest was spotted on Saturday, while going for a lovely walk with friends. On that sunny day we also witnessed three Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) butterflies flitting about; clearly enjoying the sunshine and great company as much as I was.

nature

Flowers to Lift the Spirit

Posted on 28/04/202128/04/2021 by BITM

Last week the Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) were just beginning to open. I always look forward to seeing these delicate flowers appear; it brings such joy to see their destinctive shade of blue on mass. Although not yet in full bloom, as I knelt down to take photographs I caught their delicate aroma.

Then later the same day, I got my first sighting of a Common carder (Bombus pascuorum) bee of the year, as it took advantage of the apple tree blosom.

I will never tire of hearing birdsong, it’s a wonderful soundtrack to have as I work. Not only is birdsong relaxing to me but it gives me the opportunity to keep learning too. The bird I became most aware of last Tuesday was the Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). Amongst all the birds I could here on that day, this was the clearest (it can be heard here on the RSPB website).

Unfortunately I didn’t get to see it. Having never seen one before I would have loved to see it’s mostly bluish grey and chestnut plumage (with hints white along with a black stripe across the eyes).

Similar in size to a Great tit (Parus major) these birds resemble a small Woodpecker as they climb trees. Nuthatches can be seen clinging to trunks or branches, as they climb up or down headfirst (the only British bird to descend trees in this way). They forage for insects and invertebrates, as well as feast on seeds and nuts (including beechmasts, hazel nuts and acorns) using tree crevices to store food for later. They also bury food and hide it beneath stones.

Nuthatches are found in mixed broadleaf woodlands, parkland or urban gardens which have sufficient tree cover; occasionally eating from bird feeders. They particularly like areas with mature Oak (Quercus) trees. There was an established Oak nearby where I worked, so perhaps that’s where it was singing from.

They remain close to the nesting site where they fledged and are mostly seen in England and Wales; although their range is expanding into Scotland. Nests are holes in trees such as old Woodpecker nests.

nature

Amazing Auburn Beauty Spotted

Posted on 22/04/202122/04/2021 by BITM

Annual honesty (Lunaria annua), Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) and Hedge garlic (Alliara petiolata) were all blooming last week, which is great for the increasing numbers of pollinators I saw flying around.

Some flowers began to open up on a Crab apple (Malus spectabilis) I saw in in one garden too.

As alluded to above, more insects were prominent throughout last week compared to earlier in the month. I saw my first male Orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) and undisturbed Seven-spot ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata) of the year.
Yet more species of bee were buzzing about too; I observed female Early bumblebees (Bombus pratorum) one Hairy-footed flower (Anthophora plumipes) bee queen, along with several female Red-tailed (Bombus lapidarius) bumblebees.
A great Bumblebee ID guide can be viewed at Blooms for Bees; this website also includes ways to encourage bees into your garden.

Then on Thursday, as I was clearing wildflower seedlings from a path, I noticed a beautiful redhead resting next to me.

This photo doesn’t do the vibrant colouration of this bee justice.

I recognized it was a bee but was initially unsure of the species. Upon further investigation, via Google lens, I discovered it was a female Tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva).

Given the place I saw the bee, I was unable to locate it’s nest, in fact it may have flown in from another garden anyway. Their burrow is usually located in lawns (sometimes flower beds); identifiable from a mound of earth with a hole at the top for the entrance. Often described as having a volcano like appearance it can be differentiated from ants nests which are flatter and have no distinguishable hole at the summit. After several weeks these mounds are no where to be found, so they can be left undisturbed without any worry of damage to lawns.

These solitary bees (which do not sting) can be seen between April and June in gardens and parkland as well as along the edges of fields and orchards.

The appearance of these beautiful bees coincides with the flowing of Cherry (Prunus), Pear (Pyrus), Hawthorn (Crataegus), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Maple (Acer), Willow (Sallows) and Apple (Malus) trees, along with other plants such as Buttercups (Ranunculus) and Dandelions (Taraxacum). Nectar and Pollen from these blooms is collected for the bee larvae that develop in the nest beneath the ground. Once the young become pupa, they continue to hibernate through winter to eventually emerge the following spring.

Males are smaller than the female Tawny bees and are a dull brown colour. They do not take any part in creating nests or rearing the young, the females will undertake these jobs alone.

nature

Hints of Summer with Winter Showers; Must be April.

Posted on 14/04/202114/04/2021 by BITM

Last week had very mixed weather. Easter Sunday was sunny and warm (a hint that summer isn’t far away) replaced by snow showers and frost on Monday and Tuesday; eventually cold days with occasional sunny spells remained.

I took advantage of the glorious weather last Sunday and went for a walk around my local woodland park. More Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) butterflies were flitting about, along with one Comma (Polygonia c-album) and several Peacock (Aglais io) butterflies too.
Blackthorn was still blossoming in earnest, attracting these butterflies as well as bees and hoverflies.

Pollinators weren’t the only wildlife noticeable; lots of Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) were running between and up the surrounding trees while birds were singing.

I even noticed a couple of Blackcaps (Sylvi atricapilla). I’m not sure if these birds are resident to the woodland or migrated from Europe or northern Africa. Since the 1960’s records of these Warblers remaining in the UK all year round exhist and since then numbers have increased. Those not living the UK full time visit from April or May and remain until September or October.

It is the first time I have ever seen Blackcaps (presumably a pair given how they were interacting with each other).
As they were so high up in the tree, completely unaware I was watching from below, I was unable to actually see their caps (males have black caps while females have a chestnut colouration to the top of their head) however I was able to identify them from their bird song. An example of this can be heard on the RSPB website.

This wasn’t the only amazing experience I had with a bird last week. On the following Tuesday I was privileged to witness a Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) flying around me as I worked, singing as it did so. At one point it landed on a shrub within a few feet from me; I remained as still as I possibly could, watching this amazing spectacle. Usually remaining near cover Wrens are usually heard but not seen so this was lovely to see; plus I managed to obtain footage.

nature

Tuesday was a School Day

Posted on 07/04/202107/04/2021 by BITM

The lovely sunshine we’ve had on and off recently has encouraged lots of wildflowers to start blooming over the past week. Amongst the Daffodils were Daisies (Bellis perennis), Snake’s head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris),

Snake’s-head fritillary has become naturalised in the lawn of this woodland area of the garden.

Dandelions (Taraxacum),

Perfect for pollinators, especially bees but also butterflies.

Cowslip (Primula veris),

Primroses on my allotment adds a little colour at this time.

Green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) and Forgot-me-nots (Myosotis). Even brave Tulips were beginning to open up.

Last Tuesday I learnt another plant, the Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris).

This particular plant was in a raised water feature made from an old rectangular metal container which replicated it’s natural growing conditions. In the wild, Marsh marigold grows in damp conditions such as ponds, marshes and wet woodland and flowers from March to July. It’s common name ‘Kingcup’ is a reference to the large buttercup like flowers resemblance to large golden cups (therefore cup of the kings); Even the latin Caltha means goblet.

A wonderful addition to ponds in gardens, this perennial provides shelter for amphibians as well as nectar for pollinators (Bees, beetles and flies).

However, one word of warning, the sap can be an irritant as it contains glycoside protoanemonin, especially in the older growth.

Magnolias and Ornamental cherry trees, including my Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ on the allotment, joined the wonderful display of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) blossom.

Sunny blue skies are the perfect backdrop to this huge Magnolia and Ornamental cherry (see below).

Along with the Cowslips, this ‘Kojo-no-mai’ cherry provides some pollen and nectar on my allotment.

I also noticed that Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees were showing evidence of flower development alongside recently unfurled leaves; although they won’t bloom until May.

Will it be a good year for playing Conkers?

With all these flowers appearing, it was wonderful to see more bees take advantage of all the pollen and nectar available. On the sunniest days I even caught glimpses of the first Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Peacock (Aglais io) butterflies of the year; venturing out of hibernation when it is warm enough too.

nature

A Splash of Purple

Posted on 27/03/202127/03/2021 by BITM

The Common Dog Violet (Viola riviniana) has begun to bloom, both in the wild (in woodlands, heaths and amongst hedgerows)
as well as gardens.

This splash of purple usually arrives in April and lasts until June. If you are lucky, you may notice certain Fritillary butterflies feed from and lay their eggs on this plant (a spectacle I’ve yet to witness).

Willows were blooming last week too. There is one mature Goat Willow (Salix caprea) that I see regularly as I work. Another common name for the Salix caprea is Pussy willow, due to the male catkins resemblance to cats paws before they bloom.

Only males catkins turn yellow once they open.

Willow trees are dioecious; therefore females catkins, grow on separate trees to the male ones. Unlike the male catkins shown above, female ones are green and longer in length. Catkins appear on the trees before the leaves do.

So many catkins were open that the tree seemed alive with the sound of bees.

I am not sure how old this specific tree is but the species can live for about 300 years and grow up to 10 meters tall. The specimen in the garden I work at has definitely reached it full height.

The Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) is a much smaller version of the Goat willow tree (grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock). I often see this tree in gardens and they were blooming last week too.

Unlike its larger counterpart, the Kilmarnock willow is a great addition to the average sized garden as it too is loved by bees.

The pollen covered Buff-tailed bumblebee pictured here clearly enjoyed visiting the male catkins on this Kilmarnock willow.

Goat willow trees are usually found in woodland, hedgerows and scrub, especially near waterways such as lakes, streams and canals.

Willows are a fantastic source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. They’re also a good food source for Sallow kitten (Furcula furcula), Sallow clearwing (Synanthedon flaviventris), Dusky clearwing (Paranthrene tabaniformis) and Lunar hornet clearwing (Sesia bembeciformis) moth caterpillars too. Even birds forage for insects amongst their branches.

As the wood burns well it is used to make charcoal. Plus it’s also used for wattle in timber frame houses.

My favourite fact is that the words witch, wicked and Wiccan are derived from Willow.

Traditionally, it was used to help treat toothache by chewing the bark and used to relieve diarrhoea, arthritis, sore throats, stop bleeding and clean wounds. In fact Aspirin, derived from salicin, was sourced from Willows.

The bacteria Brenneria salicis can cause Watermark disease in Willows which causes dieback and eventual death to the trees if left untreated.

If you are looking to add a small tree to your garden, the Kilmarnock willow is definitely worth looking into; unless you have a large garden then choose a mature male Goat willow instead (the bees will thank you for it).

Allotment, nature

New Life

Posted on 16/03/202116/03/2021 by BITM

What a week; variable weather (rain, sun and strong winds), new life (in the form of frogspawn) was evident and the Primroses (Primula) finally began to bloom.

After three weeks, the frogspawn of the Common frog (Rana temporaria) become tadpoles. Initially they eat algae before feeding on leaves, moss and small insects.

From about fourteen weeks they metamorphose from tadpoles into froglets (young frogs). The rate of metamorphosis depends on environmental factors. Tadpoles can delay their transformation, for several months, if there isn’t enough food, there are lots of predators to escape or the weather is too cold (they are also susceptible to frosts). When they become Froglets they start to eat invertebrates such as snails, slugs and flies just as mature frogs do.

Frogs can live between five and ten years (if they manage to avoid being eaten by snakes, owls, herons, otters, badgers and weasels) reaching sexual maturity at two or three years of age. Frogspawn can become food for fish, beetles, newts, dragonfly larvae, rats, foxes and hedgehogs.

I became aware of another trees lifecycle last week, the non-native Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua). This is of my favourite ornamental trees along with Gingko biloba, Magnolia stellata, Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula) and Acers.

Although I noticed this tree last Friday, it really comes into its own during autumn when the leaves produce a brilliant display of crimson, oranges and purples.

I love the first part of it’s name, Liquidambar, named by Carl Linnaeus, who combined the Latin ‘Liquidus’ with the Arabic ‘Ambar’ (for amber); it refers to the gum that the tree exudes when the trunk is wounded.

The mature fruit remain on the trees throughout winter and can be seen as the the leafbuds appear.

Elsewhere last week, the Rhubarb on the plot continued to grow and one of my houseplants, the Small-leafed spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis) began to bloom.

I am salivating just looking at this photo; looking forward to harvesting it when ready.

I almost missed these small delicate flowers as they blend in with the leaves. Tradescantia are so easy to look after and propagate.

Allotment, nature

A Spring into New Beginnings

Posted on 09/03/202109/03/2021 by BITM

The first of March, meteorological spring along with St Davids day all took place last Monday. Even the first grass cut of the season took place last week (albeit only a high cut to level off uneven growth).

Blackthorn was fully blossoming and spring flowers still bloomed as the birds, amphibians and insects continued to become more active. There were a few new observations; I noticed a single Two-leaf squill (Scilla bifolia) growing in a lawn and, in the same garden, saw a male Ring necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) strutting his stuff.

Things are moving on at the allotment. Sweetpea and Vegetable seedlings are doing well as are the seeds sown for cut and wild flower areas on the plot. The beds are ready for direct sowing which I hope to undertake within the next few weeks and I wait for Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) to germinate. I also hope to get the shed painted, install a water conserving system and build a bigger greenhouse sometime in the future.

While I am looking forward to the new growing season to begin in earnest I am also mindful to enjoy this moment; to stop, observe, reflect and plan and allowing nature to dictate the speed when things need to begin.