On Saturday 17th June, nine of us met at Heathfield Prep for a birdwatching ramble in the Rishworth area, taking in Booth Dean and Turner Clough with its breathtaking views of the River Ryburn. Some of the terrain was a tad challenging but the rewards were worth it - wild and untamed areas of woodland where we spotted some fascinating moths as well as birds. Steve did his usual half-hour count of bird species which totalled 17. Later, we saw two Buzzards, the first of which was of such a size that Charlie said he would possibly have identified it as a Golden Eagle had we been in Scotland! Out of the woods, we were treated to more butterflies and moths, with a possible first for Calderdale identified by Charlie as
Grapholita compositella, or the Clover Seed moth. There were a good number of Speckled Wood butterflies and I was very excited to see a Yellow Shell moth for the first time in two years! Julian took an excellent shot of it, shown here, which was no easy task on such an extremely bright and sunny day. As for mammals, one young Roe deer was spotted, one rabbit and one squirrel. There was also evidence of moles in the form of molehills.
Plant species were also noted; Julian photographed a Southern Marsh orchid - identity now verified by Peachysteve.
On our way back down the road, Steve and Charlie spotted a Ruby-tailed wasp, which Steve managed to photograph very well in spite of the insect buzzing around at high speed.
It was a great ramble despite the heat, and - as always - it was a wonderful privilege to be walking with experts!
(Possibly) Southern Marsh orchid Julian Birkhead
One of the many exquisite scenes we saw along the Ryburn Julian Birkhead
Yellow Shell moth
Julian Birkhead
Ruby-tailed Wasp Chrysis ignita SB
Charlie Streets explains it would have been searching the cracks in the wall for other wasp nests or those of mining bees to parasitise. Only about the size of a bluebottle fly, it must qualify as one of the most superbly-coloured insects in Britain.
Thanks for the write-up Annie. The half-hour survey was productive on 17th June as we noted 17 species. (Listed at the end.)
ReplyDeleteThe half-hour survey is a way of sampling the birds present; every bird seen or even just heard if the id of the song/call is unmistakable.
These lists should add up to a useful archive of what is most common. When we make lists we often forget to include the commonest birds.
It may be something like the BTO "BirdTrack" but I've yet to get to grips with that.
After the half-hour we can stop noting the everyday species, and concentrate on finding the more exciting ones !
Of course there is always the chance of finding a rarity in the first half-hour, but this won't happen very often unless we are following up a lead from someone who has given good directions.
Half-hour survey Rishworth Mill area 17th June 2017 10.40 to 11.10 : Jackdaw, Song Thrush, Feral Pigeon, Wren, Blackbird, Dipper, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Robin, Blackcap, Swallow, Magpie, Moorhen, Great Tit, Collared Dove.
17 is a good count in the first half-hour (unless you're surveying a wetland area in spring.)
We encountered another ten species on the rest of the walk, the newest colonist in our area being Oystercatcher. The only raptor was Buzzard.
Sounds like a good walk. Turner Clough is a great place.
ReplyDeleteThe Orchid is Southern Marsh. The area around Boothwood Dam is a good site for them.
Thank you Steve! I knew there was something missing when I wrote 'Southern'! I shall edit it now.
ReplyDeleteGreat write up, fab photos - and thanks for helping me identify a ruby tailed wasp which is now living on our garden wall - the colours are brighter than traffic lights!
ReplyDelete