Spring 2020 - May

Now the May is over, it’s time to reflect on what sort of spring it has been. Apart from being the driest and sunniest on record we’ve all had to endure lockdown, particularly those of us of a certain age. I’ve got so used to not carrying any money that when I did happen across a small cafe that had just re opened, I couldn’t buy anything as they only take cash. On the drive back from Grannies Attic, I did pop into Trophy to pick up some food and treats for Daisy; fortunately, I was able to use my ‘phone for the purchase. Not being able to see family members has not been as onerous for me as for most people as my family is scattered in Spain, Ripon and Barnet. However, we do have a weekly No Pub Quiz every Saturday evening via Zoom which is great fun. The lengths some go to produce questions is extraordinary including dressing up to perform iconic scenes from films (complete with music), devising devious cryptic clues, anagrams for mammals and also sweets (that really had me stumped as ~I don’t eat sweets!), rearranging well-known songs as sea shanties; the list is almost endless. They’ll all geniuses as far as I’m concerned. Although I have a few apps on my ‘phone for butterflies, dragonflies and bird identification, I have picked up my plant gall guide and the new insect field guide by Paul Brock which is very comprehensive though the photographs are a little small for dragonflies. Walks with Daisy have been either to Westwood (Newbegin Pits and a couple of trips to Burton Bushes) or along Rosemary Walk around the field and then onto the route of the old railway line (Hudson Way). These walks have been quite productive if you take your time to observe rather than rushing on. I’ve managed to photograph many organisms and sights which I will share with you here. I have split this into two sections, Westwood and Rosemary Walk and Railway line.

Westwood I’ve seen Newbegin Pits transformed from an open wooded area, where the spring flowers thrive, to a closed-canopy wood with (sometimes) dense leaf cover effectively stifling off light for the early flowerers except for those at the edges of open areas. In the open areas Bulbous Buttercups thrive and form the carpet that everyone loves to see particularly the view towards Willow Grove. Early Dog Violet is relatively common as is Bugle and Red Dead Nettle while Tufted Vetch started to emerge. As it has been so dry, very few fungi have been seen apart from a large specimen of Dryad’s Saddle in the cemetery next to Bleach Yard (on the way to Westwood). The cemetery was also the place where we saw Harlequin Ladybirds, two of which were mating. The fact that the mating pair were of different forms made it look quite strange. On the south side of Burton Bushes a Turkey Oak’s branches hangs over the fencing. Looking at these branches and leaves I saw a plant gall I’d not seen before so I posted a

photograph on the Plant Gall Facebook page. I suggested an identification and this was confirmed by Peter Shirley of the British Plant Gall Society so I was chuffed to say the least. A singing Dunnock caught my eye as it sang from the hedge and a Magpie patrolled the ground while a Willow Warbler sang, a Comma Butterfly landed on Bramble and an Orange Tip sunned itself.

A Small White was also enjoying the sun.

The Wood Anemone flowers were wonderful too

Germander Speedwell gems amongst the grass.

White Dead Nettle

As it has been so dry, very few fungi have been seen apart from a large specimen of Dryad’s Saddle in the cemetery next to Bleach Yard (on the way to Westwood). The cemetery was also the place where we saw Harlequin Ladybirds, two of which were mating. The fact that the mating pair were of different forms made it look quite strange.

On the old wall at the side of Bleach Yard, Hart’s Tongue Fern grows from the joints.

Rosemary Walk and Old Railway Line.

Apple blossom. This shot shows the value of looking behind as you are walking. This was the only blossom which had a dark background.

Bird’s Foot Trefoil has a variety of common names including Bacon and Eggs

Field Maple, a member of the Sycamore (Acer) family but native to this country.

Blackthorn blossom emerges before the leaves. How many of us collect the Sloes and add to gin?

Red Campion is common along the old railway line.

Rowan (Mountain Ash

The Robin’s song can be heard in many places, sometimes late at night and around lamp posts.

Wood pigeons have become much more common in recent years and can be seen more frequently than Collared Doves

I saw this Blackbird on a house roof next to the railway line. As I tried to take a second it launched itself from the roof.

So, keep your eyes open and happy watching.

Mervin Nethercoat