Pholcus phalangioides

This spider also known as the daddy longlegs or sometimes the "skull spider" due to it markings, is spreading north throughout Europe and Britain. It has been in Yorkshire a while now but only recently been seen in Calderdale. It is generally found in ceiling corners. The spiders body is around 7 mm long and the legs can be 70mm long so it is quite distinctive. If anyone sees one please let me know (grid ref + date).

Redwing

Not had Redwings in my garden before but within 5 minutes of putting out food and de-icing the bird bath 2 arrived at once.

Brambling next? I live in hope!

Sika Deer

According to this link there are Sika deer in Luddenden and they are under threat from a venison farmer.
I didn't realise there were Sika in Calderdale. Is this good or bad?

Soil Hill. 8:30 am

This was the west path to Soil Hill Saturday morning. Just a light dusting for us. The temperature was -3c. We are getting away with it so far!

Bumble Bees - Journal of Applied Ecology.

Gardens are able to sustain a greater number of bumblebee nests than farmed land, a study involving genetic analysis and modelling has suggested.

DNA samples were taken from two species by UK researchers in order to build up a picture of nest density and how land use affects the creatures.

More info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11822844

Sudden Oak Death

Hugh Firman Cheif Conservation Officer has requested help from us in a press release since this disease was confirmed recently at Shibden Park.

There is a page on it on the web put up by the Forestry Commission. I found it by searching for "Sudden Oak Death, Phytophthera ramorum."     Link to article:-  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum

Interestingly, the scientist who wrote it does not think that our two native oaks will be in great danger from the disease, though Rhododendrons are one of the most important sources of it, and we have as great many of those, both in cultivation and the wild.

TEST

Looks like I'm a 'blogger' now!

Waxwings

Hi

On "Autumn Watch" there was a mention of Waxwings. I saw some myself at the top of King Cross last week. I understand there is a link to some pictures in the Shetlands?

Sue just testing

Looks like I can post!

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Bruce