How is it nearly July? The passage of time has certainly flown by, for me, but then the growing season is in full swing and has kept me busy.
In April, a few weeks of unusually warm weather for the time of year ended with April showers. Since then there have been occasional periods of heavy rain, however it remained largely dry here in southern England. A couple of weeks ago (as well as this coming Monday) we had another very hot period of high temperatures. The weather remains warm, so colder mornings are refreshing. It was the sunniest spring on record and continues to be incredibly dry here in the south.
Early warm spring weather has meant that fruit picking this year has been very good. So far the strawberry, currants, gooseberry and raspberry harvests have been great. There are plenty of apples and plums developing too.
The allotment is coming along, we had to hold out planting for a while due to the drought we had early spring. I took advantage of that to add another wildlife area. The shed casts a shadow so I have been unsure what to do with it; now there is a dead hedge, stumpery, log pile and hedgehog house along with nettles and a few other plants to encourage insects, beetles and other invertebrates.
I have noticed a variety of insects this year. Lots of Brimstones (Gonepteryx rhamni) in spring have now been replaced by Commas (Polygonia c-album), Speckled woods (Pararge aegeria), Large whites (Pieris brassicae) and Peacock (Aglais io) butterflies.
Bees have been evident too; Ashy mining bees (Andrena cineraria) in particular. I saw a group of about 20 in one garden.
A buff tailed bee (Bombus terrestris) snoozing in a foxglove.
Juvenile ladybirds have also been evident, arriving soon after aphids show up, now becoming adults.
Mullein Moth (Cucullia verbasci) caterpillars were around one week in April and then disappeared in early June, presumably eaten by birds.
These vibrant caterpillars turn into a brown coloured moth.
Although the caterpillars had eaten a lot of the leaves, the plant survived and has begun to bloom now. It never ceases to fascinate me how the moths found the plant in the first place and how the birds found the caterpillars with no need for chemicals to control so-called pests. The adult Mullien moths are nocturnal, flying in April and May.
I have also learnt about another spider, the Cucumber spider (Araniella cucurbitina); named because of their vibrant green abdomens they are commonly found in the UK, especially in woodlands and hedgerows.
Larger than actual size. Males are about 3.5- 4mm while the larger females are between 4- 6mm.
In May, we met friends at Black park in Slough. It was wonderful to see the emergence of adult dragonflies from their nymph form, species unknown.
Spring is in full swing now. The Spring equinox has passed, clocks have been changed to welcome in British summer time, april showers often appear (and disappear just as quickly) and the Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) season has begun. It has been a while since my last post and a lot has happened since then. Back in early march, I noticed lots of frogspawn appear, they have since developed into tadpoles and some now resemble small versions of the adults. Male Smooth newts (also called Common newts- Lissotriton vulgaris) were undertaking courtship displays, swishing their tails to waft pheromones towards the females. The video below shows this courtship display; I managed to capture it back on the 7th of march.
Newt eggs are laid individually wrapped in the foliage of aquatic plants and therefore not as obvious as frogspawn. I haven’t noticed any Efts (young newts) yet though but hopefully I will soon.
Hawthorn (Crataegus) blossom has replaced those of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) now. Plus alongside the flowering Bluebells, many more spring flowers are currently blooming including, Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), Lesser stitchwort (Stellaria graminea) and Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris).
Butterflies are more noticeable these days. Recently I have seen Holly blue (Celastrina argiolus), Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) and Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) butterflies, as well as plenty more Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni).
More bee species have emerged over the past month; even the Leafcutter (Megachilidae) bees from the bee hotel on the allotment. Together with Red tailed bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius), Buff tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), a Common carder bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum), and an Ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria) I also noticed a Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva)- The latter (shown below) was seen carefully exiting a hole on the side of the Wrekin.
I visited the Wrekin in Shropshire last weekend. A woodland surrounds the base of the hill which is quite a contrast from the more open areas at the top. Here Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), an ancient forest indicator, could be seen blooming alongside ferns and moss. It was lovely to see patches of bluebells while listening to water trickling down the hillside (from the previous nights downpour).
Wood sorrel
At the summit of the igneous bedrock, Common heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) are seen growing. Both plants grow on nutrient poor acidic soil. The Bilberries (also called Whinberry or Wimberry in Shropshire) were flowering but the edible fruit will be ripe in the summer.
Bilberry shrubs in flower.
It was also wonderful to see a couple of Buzzards (Buteo buteo) soaring and hovering around, ignoring us humans that had completed the ascent.
Lastly, since the Spring equinox, I have been watching the Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) at St Albans cathedral on the live webcam here. Once again the pair have three eggs, the same as last year. Currently we are all waiting to see if they all successfully hatch and fledge. It is far more entertaining than any tv drama.
August disappeared quickly and September is zooming by, even the Autumn equinox has been and gone. Apart from the heatwave a few weeks ago (with the highest temperatures of the year being reached) it is beginning to feel autumnal. Fungi has appeared, leaves have started turning, plus nights are drawing in and cooler misty mornings have returned highlighting once hidden spiders and their cobwebs.
Foraging blackberries had begun early this year but the extreme heat meant that the remaining flowers and berries dried up; the same is true of elderberries, although sloes, haws, rosehips and rowan berries are abundant. Unlike last year, apple and pear trees, that I see regularly, have struggled with the weather this year as well. Thankfully harvesting on the allotment is still going strong; potatoes, kale, beetroot, radishes, chillies, courgettes and rhubarb have been keeping us fed. The popping corn will soon be ready too. I have also been harvesting calendula, lavender and other herbs recently.
There has been a few changes on my plot. I had finally collected enough items to be able to construct ‘the bug snug’.
It is an addition to the wildlife section containing wildflowers and long grass (which also links to a pond on the adjoining plot). I know we have a couple of frogs visiting us so hopefully it encourages more to inhabit our allotment (to help keep slug and snail population down). I still hear the grasshopper when we are nearby too. There has also been evidence of a fox visitor; random toys get left near the water I leave out, along with poo on the grassy paths between plots.
Last week I also noticed that the Bee house, at the opposite end of the plot, was finally being used.
I found it hard to contain my excitement as it has been there for a few years and I was beginning to think it would never be used. There is evidence that it has been used by a Leaf-cutter bee and Mason bees too. Although it is difficult to know which ones specifically, the most commonly found in gardens are the Patchwork leaf-cutter bees (Megachile centuncularis) and Red mason bees (Osmia bicornis). As the name suggests Leaf-cutter bees used leaf particles to plug one piece of bamboo while those used by the Mason bees were plugged with soil. Each cell contains larvae as well as some pollen and nectar for the developing young. Male bees fly out before the females as they are near the entrance. The developing bees will remain there over winter and emerge as adults next spring, at the around April.
In other news… While clearing a gravel footpath of wildflowers at work, I accidentally disturbed a Devil’s coach-horse beetle (Staphylinus olens). I stopped weeding that section to enable it to hide for the rest of the day.
Devil’s coach-horse beetle
These beetles can raise their abdomens (resembling a scorpion), release an odour and even bite when they need to defend themselves (thankfully it didn’t feel threatened by my presence). They grow up to 2cms 8mm in length and are commonly found in gardens from April till October (when accidentally disturbed as they are active at night). The young overwinter in the soil as pupae until the following spring when they emerge as adults. The adults can fly but usually quickly run away from danger or to catch prey eating larvae, insects, spiders and slugs.
The Big butterfly count results came out this month. The long term trend of many species of butterfly and daytime flying moths recorded continue to fall, although the numbers were the highest since 2022 (with an average of 12 butterflies being spotted compared to 9 back then). The most commonly recorded were Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus), Small and Large whites (Pieris rapae and Pieris brassicae) as well as Holly blue (Celastrina argiolus). While those which are in significant decline are Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus), Common blue (Polyommatus icarus) and Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria). Over the last few days I have seen several Red admirals and even one Speckled wood making the most of the Autumn sun.
Upon visiting the Chiltern Open Air museum on the last bank holiday weekend, we walked through the meadow and woodland that is there. In the woodland, a couple of Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia) butterflies fluttered in amongst the brambles (the flowers of which give nectar for these fritillaries along with thistle blooms.
Silver-washed Fritillary
There were lots of Dog violets (Viola riviniana) on the woodland floor too, which is the food source for their caterpillars. The wingspan of this butterfly is between 7.2cms and 7cms 6mm. They are found in most areas of the UK (apart from Scotland) and often in oak woodland.
The meadow was full of wildflowers, but it was particularly lovely to see Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) and Wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare) amongst them.
Harebell
The delicate looking Harebells bloom from late summer into autumn. They can be used as an indicator of dry nutrient poor chalky limestone soil which they require to thrive. Along with dry undisturbed grassland and heathland Harebells will flower in walls, cliffs and even on sand dunes.
Wild basil
Wild basil is a mound forming perennial which also likes the same soil conditions as the Harebell. This wildflower can be seen blooming in July, August and September.
It was lovely to see Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) growing in the wild too; found in a few areas including near the iron age roundhouse located on the museum grounds.
Tansy
It starts flowering in July through to October. While used as an insect repellent to keep ants and flies away, some insects, especially the Tansy beetle (Chrysolina graminis) are resistant to the toxins produced by the plant. Tansy beetles are endangered in the UK; only found in two places in York along the River Ouse and in Cambridgeshire at the Woodwalton Fen nature reserve. We are at risk of losing this once common beetle due to habitat loss (wetlands), where their entire lifecycle occurs, and loss of suitable food source (mainly Tansy); however in the Fens its been seen eating Water mint (Mentha aquatica) and Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus) too. It’s conservation status is known to be Nationally Scarce and is a UK BAP priority species that is Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. More can be found on this beautiful beetle on the Buglife website (see web pages below), including how to help with its conservation.
Daffodils (Narcissus) began to bloom at the beginning of March, in time for St David’s day, together with Hellebores. Since then wildflowers including Red dead nettle (Lamium purpureum), Speedwell (Veronica), Celandine (Ficaria verna), Dandelions (Taraxacum), Primroses, Cowslips (Primula veris), Daisies (Bellis perennis), Dog violets (Viola riviniana) and Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) have joined them. It’s lovely to see all the colour developing, taking over from the Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and early flowering Crocuses that have started to whither. I have even noticed Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) leaves showing now too, it wont be long before they flower.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), the first trees of the year to bloom are putting on a show, their blossom resembling white clouds lining the roads. Willow (Salix) aren’t far behind, their buds ready to burst open. Even Magnolias, Camelias and Forsythia (in gardens) are beginning to flower as well. The male catkins on Poplar trees are noticeable now too.
Red male Poplar catkins on a twig fallen in the strong winds.
I have also witnessed the first queen Buff-tailed (Bombus terrestris) bumblebees venturing out on the few warmer sunnier days that we have had. Seeking energy sources as the venture out from hibernation. I also noticed a Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) butterfly flutter passed me last week while the previous Friday a Peacock (Aglais io) butterfly flew passed as I worked. It was also lovely to see lots of Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) in a garden pond last Wednesday. The newts were almost full sized and looked fully developed already.
Although 20th of March was the Spring equinox we experienced a cold northerly blast of weather a few weeks ago. The wintery showers that arrived brought snow. During this transitional time, March weather can be very mixed. Although spring has sprung, winters grasp still holds on; It was strange to see Daffodils poking above snow for a day.
During a few of the snowy days, I witnessed a wonderful sight of a female Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) perched on top of a tree and later in flight as it swooped towards a smaller bird in a more wooded area of town. Presumably the weather had forced it out into the open to search for food. It’s size, together with its dark brown head back, tail and wings together with a pale breast made it clear to identify. Males are a bluey grey colouring with pale breasts and orange highlights. Males are about 25% smaller than the females, the size of a Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto).
These birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because they are Amber Under the Red List, Birds of Conservation Concern 5: (2021).
Often found in woodlands or open ground nearby, as well as gardens in urban settings, Sparrowhawks are the most commonly seen bird of prey in the UK. They can be seen throughout the year eating smaller birds, rodents and also rabbits when their regular food is scarce. In fact many years ago I witnessed a male Sparrowhawk take down a city pigeon (Columba livia). Although similar in size, and although the feral pigeon was doing its best to escape the Sparrowhawks clutches it didn’t win the fight.
Sparrowhawk breeding will occur between May and the end of July, laying 4-5 eggs.
Although mostly silent, these birds do have a call which can be heard on the RSPB website here.
It might be the start of meteorological autumn but it’s still too early for leaves to start falling from trees; yet over the past few weeks this has been occurring. Referred to as false autumn, this leaf (and acorn) drop is occurring as a result of the extreme temperatures and drought we’ve experienced this year. It is a sign of stress as trees attempt to conserve water and energy. Current lower morning temperatures have also lead to an autumnal feeling. Thankfully we are now experiencing rainfall so perhaps this will prevent trees from showing further signs of stress even though it doesn’t stop us being in drought. Hopefully autumnal colour won’t be affected too much and we will still witness the spectacular seasonal colours this year.
A couple of weeks ago my partner and I went for a walk to spot Saturn ascending in the sky at dusk; we visited the local woodland park. At nine o’clock, on one of the hottest days of the year, the temperature was quite pleasant. As we walked through the woodland to an open area, where we could view the planet, we got to experience bats flying close by (the following videos is of some footage I managed to obtain).
Without a Bat detector, I have no way of correctly identifying the species out of the 18 that roost in the UK. According to the information I found on the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Bat Group website, the ones we most likely encountered in the area are either the Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) or Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus). Regardless of the species, just experiencing the creatures flying nearby to capture insects was amazing. I haven’t witnessed bats in fight since I was a child.
It’s still possible to see some butterflies and bees at this time of year so late year flowering plants are essential.
A Common carder bee visiting a group of Aster flowers.
White tailed bumblebees (Bombus lucorum), Buff tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), Red tailed bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius), Common carder bees (Bombus pascuorum) and even some Honey bees (Apis mellifera) still forage in September. The Butterfly Conservation charity produced a photo (see below) of common butterflies and moths to see at this time of year.
During the previous week I was still noticing several Hummingbird hawk moths (Macroglossum stellatarum) too. These moths have been quite prevalent this year.
On one occasion I managed to get a video of a Hummingbird hawk moth visiting a Buddleia.
Bee in the Moment 