It’s been noticeably cool on the reserve during this month well perhaps that is to be expected now we are approaching one of the most colourful months on the reserve – autumn! But fear not, summer is still hanging in there and this week has been a glorious week for wildlife on the reserve; the birds are still tweeting; butterflies are fluttering and the bees are buzzing! Here’s a few highlights of what’s been spotted this week…
Common Hawker Dragonfly
Whilst out down by the brook I came across this fast flying hawker which I later identified as the Common Hawker. These dragonflies are typical for the reserve with the mixture of meadows it makes it an ideal feeding ground for these fast fliers as they catch their insect prey on the wing – an amazing spectacle of nature (although not for the insect!) Did you know they can even fly backwards?
Fly Agaric
This iconic and distinctive fungi which has been depicted on children’s books and Christmas cards around the world has put on a great appearance at Coombes. The bright red cap warns anything that wants to take a nibble to perhaps think twice – as it is highly toxic! This fungi also holds another dangerous secret it has hallucinogenic properties which have been used widely in religious rituals for many centuries so don’t get too close..!
Fly Agaric by Carl Capewell
Linnets
A small finch which was spotted taking advantage of the wide variety of seeds from the wildflower meadows is certainly not a regular sighting on the reserve. Linnets feed their chicks on nothing but seeds; around 46 species of which many are from the cabbage family. The name “Linnet” comes from its favourite food source, flax seeds of which linen is made.
Speckled Wood Butterfly
With the recent increase in temperature on the reserve this week the butterflies have made an amazing comeback one of these is typical for our woodland reserve – the Speckled Wood. Unlike most other butterflies the Speckled Wood does not feed off flowers but from the sugary substance (honeydew) made by greenflies. You can often see them on the edges of our woodland – have you seen one on our reserve?
Speckled Wood by Carl Capewell
Common Carder Bumblebees
Bumblebees are still taking advantage of that last minute array of flowers before the colder temperatures kill off the remaining colony. Common Carder Bees nest on the surface, unlike other species which often nest underground. They are known for being carders for their habitat of combing (carding) moss or dead grass. On a warm sunny day just stop and take a moment and listen to the sound of the bees – it’s the sound of summer don’t you think?
Goldfinches
This “clown looking” finch seems to be everywhere you look at the moment with its brightly coloured face it certainly cheers you up on a dull day. Much like the Linnets the goldfinches are feeding off seed heads, for example Black Knapweed. A collection of goldfinches is called a charm.
Ladybirds
These greenfly munching machines seem to be taking shelter from the cooler nights by hiding in the dead seed heads of giant hogweed. These little bugs can be helped in your our garden by making your very own bug hotel, visit http://homes.rspb.org.uk/ for more information.
Ladybird by Jodie Randell (RSPB Images)
So while the sun continues to shine it’s off with the winter clothing and back out into the reserve to discover the many wonders it has to offer! But whatever the weather there is always something out there to be discovered, sometimes it’s just a matter of looking hard enough…