This Blog covers nature sightings and related news in the Calderdale area.
It includes all groups - Plants, animals and fungi with links to specialist sites.
Anyone wishing to become a member of this Blog and post sightings please contact us.
If you would like to join the Halifax Scientific Society either email me or come along to the next meeting.
All welcome:
calderdalewildlifeblog@gmail.com
Please contact us about any sensitive records before posting on the blog

Saturday, 30 June 2012

Moth Night Tonight Saturday 30th


Hi all
Notice from Andy, the moth night is on for tonight. Meet in the main car park at Cromwell Bottom at 21:30hrs

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Found at Lightcliffe

Mike Sykes took these pictures today near the golf club at Lightcliffe of Bee Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid
Many thanks for the Post Michael.
Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid

Common Spotted

New bat found in Wales

Interesting  Bat info. Grey long-eared bats have been discovered in Wales for the first time by researchers...

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Soil Hill Insects

I found this Moth at 1335hrs today on the N slope havin a kip; it's approx 2.5 cms long and I have never seen this species before.
Prior to this I had my third run-in in about as many years on the top field with a fleeting glimpse of a Fritillary type species. This time was the briefest encounter ever so it's perhaps prudent to pretend I haven't typed this.
The pool at the end of the track where the mounds are has matured; let's hope it don't dry up. The best indicator of this was a male Broad Bodied Chaser which wouldn't allow for a photo unfortunately. Also seen were two Pond Skaters and a Water Beetle.
Other species: young Roe Deer bottom of N slope.

New threat to our Woodland


Not again! There are worrying signs that the government might be trying to revive plans to sell off England’s woodlands. We may have less than a week to stop them and keep our forests safe for future generations.

Next week, the government panel will publish a new report on the future of our woodlands. [DEFRA] Insiders have started warning that the government is trying last minute lobbying to convince the panel to back another sell-off. We’ve got a few days to persuade them resist the pressure and stand up for our beautiful woodlands.

Please add your name to the urgent petition now, and then forward this email to your family and friends. We’ll do an emergency delivery to each of the panel members before next Wednesday: LINK to petition

Sunday, 24 June 2012

Fairy Ring








Marasmius oreades


Seen and photographed at Aachan way, King Cross St, Halifax, today 24/6/2012 by Michael Sykes.





This mushroom is often called the "fairy ring mushroom", since it frequently fruits in rings on lawns, in meadows, and in other grassy places, although other species such as Chlorophyllum molybdites, (which is poisonous and unlikely to be encountered in the UK) and Agaricus campestris, (field mushroom) can also form rings.

Saturday, 23 June 2012

MOTH NIGHT CANCELLED TONIGHT SAT 23 06 12.although the Floods have abated rain is expected to come in this evening,with heavy showers predicted .we are hoping to try maybe next Sat,we will keep you posted,regards Brian/Andy and team.

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Garden Carpet


Seen in the potting shed this morning, Holmfield.

Garden Carpet, Xanthorhoe fluctuata. Thanks for confirming the ID Brian.

Monday, 18 June 2012

WOOD TIGER MOTH 18 06 12

This superb Wood Tiger Moth emerged today 18 06 12 from a Caterpillar found on Whiteholme Drain on 05 05 12,very few recent records for Calderdale,watch out for these fast day flying   moths,hopefully a few more will be seen.regards Brian Leecy

Sunday, 17 June 2012

Orchid ??


Today I was up at batings dam on the road that goes over the res and up over towards Rishworth.In the roadside verge lots of Pignut and one Orchid sp.?never seen one before this high up any one know what it might  be .?..

Thursday, 14 June 2012

Hoofstone Heights Walk Invitation

Hoofstone Heights is the highest point in Calderdale.There will be a walk through upper Colden Dale and Noah Dale to Hoofstone Heights on Saturday, unless the rain is very heavy. I think I have worked out why one of the stones is called the Hoofstone. It has an interesting link with another high point just outside the area.

If any naturalists want to get to know some of the footpaths that weave through, they are welcome to join us.

Meet outside New Delight at Jack Bridge, Colden. 10.30 for a 10.45 start. Colden is through Heptonstall, through Slack, but not as far as Blackshaw Head. Map ref. SD963283
Bring packed lunch. No charge.

This is one of the monthly Halifax Scientific Society rambles, but distance and available time means we won't be stopping to look at every blade of grass.

Butter Flower

Soil Hill approx 1015hrs. Here's an easy quiz:
Q1 I know what the Butterfly is and I am positive the experts do but does anyone else?

Q2 I do not know what the plant is and the colours only caught my eye on composing this photo. Does anyone know?

Meanwhile over on the NW edge of Ogden Res while watching the Tree Pipits from 1 metre away on Tussock Grass for 2 seconds, hence no photo - Common Lizard!

Monday, 11 June 2012

Caterpillar id help

Upper Gorple Sunday  id help please

Moth Night 23rd June 2012

Angle-striped Sallow



The annual celebration of moths and moth recording, takes place on the 23rd of June 2012 at Cromwell Bottom. Meet at 9:30pm in the car park.


For more information click here


Sunday, 10 June 2012

Small Copper

Seen on Soil Hill this morning at approx 0855 hrs - my first this year. The only other Butterfly fluttered by and I couldn't nail the id. but it looked very much Tortoiseshell ish.

Friday, 8 June 2012

Oats Royd Nature Reserve

 A pleasant summers day (remember them) walk to Oats Royd 28th of May 2012
My usual track to Oats Royd

A field of Buttercups

Stitchwort

Broom in full flower

One of the many Ponds on the Reserve

♂ & ♀ Large Red Damselfly

Amphibious Bistort?

Water Starwort

Pond Skater

A very young frog

Fungus among us


White-nose syndrom (WNS) fungus has been confirmed in endangered grey bats

(Photo: Ann Froschauer/USFWS, creative commons license)
More bad news for bats, I’m afraid—the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has confirmed that white-nose syndrome (WNS) has now spread to the endangered grey [more...]

(little brown bat with WNS, Ryan von Linden:NYDEC, ccl)
The Situation in the UK. With the discovery of the fungus in Europe, the issue of WNS is high on BCT's agenda. With [more...]

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Blind Rabbit

Ogden - Back Lane. I walked into the plantation to find an immature Rabbit about 4 metres in front of me struggling to get off the footpath and over a small wall. I got very good views of  it and could clearly see both eyes were shut. Myxamatosis strikes again methinks.

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Withens Clough Tuesday



Bilberry

Butterwort


Seen today in Withens Clough, Cragg Vale.


                                                           Post from Michael Sykes
Butterwort