The Marmite Bird!

There are, I know, mixed feelings out there about visits to the garden by Sparrowhawks and taking the birds that we are attracting to the garden bird feeders. My wife is very much set against them and, although she wishes no harm to the Sparrowhawks, she insists on banging on the window or waving her arms to discourage them. I, however, am pleased to see them, and regard them as magnificent creatures and an indicator of the state of the environment  - although I'd prefer it if they'd not take some of our less common birds!

The male Sparrowhawk, with its orange tinged frontage, is somewhat smaller than the female, and confines its prey to the smaller species of bird.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (male) - our Ashby garden on 9th October, 2020

The larger female of the species, which has the orange replaced by brown on the frontage, will take larger birds, such as Collared Doves, as prey. The one below is, I believe, a young female, having pale edges to the wing coverts and yellow, rather than orange, eyes.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (female) - our Ashby garden on 23rd October, 2020

I would be interested to hear whether you see Sparrowhawks in your garden, and what your attitude towards them is!

Until the next time - take good care and stay safe - - - Richard Pegler

Shieldbugs

I'm no expert, but I have a passing interest in shieldbugs, sometimes referred to as 'stinkbugs' with good reason!

There are, I believe, 32 species of shieldbug to be found in UK if you exclude the Coreidae (which includes the common Dock Bug). Of these, I think that 23 species have been recorded inVC55 (Leicestershire and Rutland vice-county).

An excellent guide to shieldbug identification can be found here:-  https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/idcards/life_stages.html

There are still some to be found at this time as I write this and this is one I found recently sitting on top of my garden waste recycling bin.

Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) (adult) - our Ashby garden on 22nd October, 2020

If you have any information or photos of local wildlife interest, please contact me at blackfordbywg@btinternet.com

Best wishes to all - - - Richard Pegler
 

A Caterpillar and Some Fungi

Our Chairman, Brian, has recently had a short break in Suffolk, where he visited Sutton Hoo, and also took some photos of a caterpillar and some fungi. Brian asked if I thought it appropriate to put up non-local material, and I certainly do in this case as it has relevance to the local area too as it is a good time for fungi. However, I know virutally nothing about fungi, other than that the Parasol Mushroom is said to be excellent eating - provided you are confident in your identification!

Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) - Sutton Hoo

Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus comatus) - Sutton Hoo

The Fox Moth caterpillar is a fully-fed individual, which will bide its time without further feeding and pupate in the spring.

Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi) (larva) - Sutton Hoo

Thank you, Brian for these, which are much-appreciated. 

Please, folks, don't hesitate to send in your photos and observations. In the meantime, take great care and stay safe - - - Richard Pegler

 

Toadlet Rescue!

Our Chairman, Brian, found this baby toadlet in his dog's drinking bowl. It had managed to get itself in, but couldn't get out again as the sides of the bowl were too slippery. Brian rescued it and it hopped away again. Well done Brian - see you in the honours list for services to young toads!