While temperature holds up to about 10C after dark.
Those who would like to help at toad patrols can contact me by mobile/text.
Roads are much busier than they used to be and hi-viz or light coloured clothing is essential. Also a torch, bucket and gloves.
Due to increased risk from speeding traffic, I would not recommend it for families with young children, sadly.
07715005379
Saturday, 11 March 2017
Friday, 10 March 2017
Local Geology Sites tour postponed
Unfortunately this outing will not take place tomorrow as the leader needs an emergency knee operation.
We will try to re-arrange it soon, and the details will be posted here.
We will try to re-arrange it soon, and the details will be posted here.
Thursday, 9 March 2017
Tree diseases compounded
Tree Health event today 9th March, hosted by the Forestry Commission, to provide information on the risks that trees in London may soon be, or already are, subjected to.
Asian Longhorn Beetle (outbreak has already occurred in Kent in 2012)
3,800,000 trees could get affected with replacement cost of a staggering £23,000,000,000
Ash Dieback (already everywhere throughout the country) In London alone could kill a possible 374,195 ash trees. It is projected that it would cost £447,345,251 to replace the dead ash in London.
Plane Wilt, which currently plagues parts of continental Europe, its emergence and impact would lead to 121,000 plane trees being felled / dying and an attributed replacement cost of £351,623,660.
Don't forget, these are estimates for London alone. It doesn't take much imagination to see the effect it would have throughout the country.
With Ash Dieback I think we will see much more evidence of this in Calderdale this year, following many early signs in the valley last couple of years.
Asian Longhorn Beetle (outbreak has already occurred in Kent in 2012)
3,800,000 trees could get affected with replacement cost of a staggering £23,000,000,000
Ash Dieback (already everywhere throughout the country) In London alone could kill a possible 374,195 ash trees. It is projected that it would cost £447,345,251 to replace the dead ash in London.
Plane Wilt, which currently plagues parts of continental Europe, its emergence and impact would lead to 121,000 plane trees being felled / dying and an attributed replacement cost of £351,623,660.
Don't forget, these are estimates for London alone. It doesn't take much imagination to see the effect it would have throughout the country.
With Ash Dieback I think we will see much more evidence of this in Calderdale this year, following many early signs in the valley last couple of years.
Monday, 27 February 2017
Do Ladybirds damage trees
Pehr Kalm (the Genus Kalmia is named after him) was the favourite disciple of Carl Linnaeus of Sweden and he was sent on a botanical mission to North America in 1748, subsequently writing a book of his travels there.
Kalm was delayed for 5 months in England whilst waiting for a ship to America and during this time recorded many observations, one of which referred to a Coccionella which damaged trees in Ireland.
The Coccionella are the Ladybird family. I always thought they just ate aphids but it seems some species do eat vegetation and the larvae graze the undersides of leaves whilst the adult beetle grazes the upper side.
The 24 spot Ladybird is listed as eating leaves but seems mainly recorded in East Yorks and the South. Has anyone ever noticed damage to trees locally by any leaf grazing Ladybird species?
Kalm was delayed for 5 months in England whilst waiting for a ship to America and during this time recorded many observations, one of which referred to a Coccionella which damaged trees in Ireland.
The Coccionella are the Ladybird family. I always thought they just ate aphids but it seems some species do eat vegetation and the larvae graze the undersides of leaves whilst the adult beetle grazes the upper side.
The 24 spot Ladybird is listed as eating leaves but seems mainly recorded in East Yorks and the South. Has anyone ever noticed damage to trees locally by any leaf grazing Ladybird species?
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Feral Cat ?
We went up to Swalesmoor early this morning to try and see the Snow Bunting that has been found there (we failed to find it early on - though it was showing later,) and among the skips and containers at the waste meat factory we saw a dark, mottled cat. (Annie points out it was tortoiseshell.) It rapidly slunk off under the metalwork, reminding me very much of feral cats I've seen in Scotland, in colouration and behaviour.
I've never heard of true feral cats getting established in this area.
I've never heard of true feral cats getting established in this area.
Saturday, 25 February 2017
140,000 trees to be felled on the moors
The above title to this post is premature and may be an underestimate of numbers. But they do say you should plan ahead.
To explain and offer musings consequent on this:-
I suppose you have all seen the headlines about planting 200,000 trees on species poor grassland on Yorkshire Water land at Gorpley Reservoir Todmorden. As usual, these reports are copied from one news media to another without giving a clear idea of what is to happen.
The Lancashire Telegraph may have a better handle on it when it says that an initial 3,000 trees will be planted at Gorpley to begin the exercise. Then it goes on to say the magic figure of 200,000 may eventually be planted across the wider South Pennines area.
But I am not sure that is true either. All media reports say there will be 3,000 trees planted per hectare, so has the Lancs Telegraph got confused and used that number as a total? Who knows.
What may be a better number to look at is the spacing of 2 metres between saplings which the 3,000 per hectare represents.
For sound woodland management, prevention of soil erosion and excess water run-off due to shading, 140,000 of these trees will have to be felled/coppiced in the early decades if the new woodlands are to function as intended.
I would suggest a plan to pollard some of the suitable species. They would resist the wind on these high grounds, would not get eaten by deer and more importantly--survive.
To explain and offer musings consequent on this:-
I suppose you have all seen the headlines about planting 200,000 trees on species poor grassland on Yorkshire Water land at Gorpley Reservoir Todmorden. As usual, these reports are copied from one news media to another without giving a clear idea of what is to happen.
The Lancashire Telegraph may have a better handle on it when it says that an initial 3,000 trees will be planted at Gorpley to begin the exercise. Then it goes on to say the magic figure of 200,000 may eventually be planted across the wider South Pennines area.
But I am not sure that is true either. All media reports say there will be 3,000 trees planted per hectare, so has the Lancs Telegraph got confused and used that number as a total? Who knows.
What may be a better number to look at is the spacing of 2 metres between saplings which the 3,000 per hectare represents.
For sound woodland management, prevention of soil erosion and excess water run-off due to shading, 140,000 of these trees will have to be felled/coppiced in the early decades if the new woodlands are to function as intended.
I would suggest a plan to pollard some of the suitable species. They would resist the wind on these high grounds, would not get eaten by deer and more importantly--survive.
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Anyone got an interest in world habitat conservation ?
A new report is shining a spotlight on some of the most ruthless destruction of elephant habitat we’ve ever seen. And the massive forest clearance is linked to the suppliers of snack foods sold by companies like PepsiCo across the world.
A field investigation by our partners at Rainforest Action Network uncovered the devastating clearance of already endangered forests in the Leuser Ecosystem. The only place on earth where elephants, tigers, orangutans and rhinos live in the same forest, Leuser is considered one of the world’s top priority conservation areas. It’s also the source of drinking water and livelihoods for millions of people in the Indonesian province of Aceh.
But Leuser’s critical importance is apparently of no concern to rogue palm oil producer PT. ABN. The company has been illegally -- and rapidly -- turning lowland forests into palm oil plantations despite being ordered out by the Indonesian government. So who has been buying PT. ABN’s conflict palm oil? Wilmar palm oil refineries, supplier of brands like PepsiCo, McDonald’s, and Nestlé.
We can’t let mega-corporations like PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and McDonald’s sweep the destruction of this priceless ecosystem under the rug -- Watch and Share.
Monday, 20 February 2017
Cuckoo?
There have been reports of a cuckoo being heard near Hebden Bridge. Any thoughts? http://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/forum/2017/018.html#p2
Thursday, 16 February 2017
State of Nature Invitation : 16th March
I have been asked to circulate this invitation - please do come! Please let Katie Aspin (katrina.aspin@rspb.org.uk) if you would like to attend and would like the official invitation (I'm so sorry, I have failed miserably in uploading the scenic invite it to the Blog!) Charlotte
'The South Pennines Local Nature
Partnership, working with RSPB and Moors for the Future, invites you to an
evening of presentations and discussion about the State of Nature in the South
Pennines, on the 16th March in Marsden.
There will be an introduction to
the South Pennines Local Nature Partnership from Robin Gray, Development
Manager. The evening will also include presentations from Sarah Proctor (Moors
for the Future) and Tim Melling (RSPB) who will give talks on what threats
species in the South Pennines face, and what is being done to help. Tim’s
presentation will include a case study of Twite, and an update on the Twite
Recovery Project. You will also have the opportunity to join discussions about
how we protect and enhance nature in the South Pennines in the future.
Please feel free to distribute the
invite to people who you think may be interested in attending, the more the
merrier!'
Katie Aspin
Twite Project Officer (working hours Monday - Thursday)email : katrina.aspin@rspb.org.uk
Twite Project Officer (working hours Monday - Thursday)email : katrina.aspin@rspb.org.uk
South Pennines Local Nature Partnership: The State of Nature 2017
Using modern Red List criteria, which identify species of the highest conservation concern, the State of Nature report published last year assessed 8,000 species. Of these, 15% are extinct or threatened with extinction from Great Britain. The South Pennines is an area of internationally important habitat for rare species, including birds of prey and waders. For example, this is home to the last outpost for breeding pairs of Twite ( our own ‘Pennine Finch’) in England and native species such as the Bilberry Bumble Bee.
What is happening here in the South Pennines to these populations ...and what can we do to help ?
Speakers include :
Tim Melling, Senior Conservation Officer, RSPB
Sarah Proctor, Community Science Project Manager, Moors for the Future.
Links
RSPB State of Nature
Using modern Red List criteria, which identify species of the highest conservation concern, the State of Nature report published last year assessed 8,000 species. Of these, 15% are extinct or threatened with extinction from Great Britain. The South Pennines is an area of internationally important habitat for rare species, including birds of prey and waders. For example, this is home to the last outpost for breeding pairs of Twite ( our own ‘Pennine Finch’) in England and native species such as the Bilberry Bumble Bee.
What is happening here in the South Pennines to these populations ...and what can we do to help ?
Speakers include :
Tim Melling, Senior Conservation Officer, RSPB
Sarah Proctor, Community Science Project Manager, Moors for the Future.
Links
RSPB State of Nature
Moors for the Future South Pennines Local Nature Partnership RSPB Twite Recovery Project
Thursday, 9 February 2017
Our next meeting - as usual on the second Tuesday of the month
__________________________________________________________
Our activities don't consist entirely of these interesting talks, we also meet up for walks. They are of differing lengths, which we call ambles, rambles and hikes, and they are open to visitors just like the talks.
To see our programme click on the "Welcome to Walks, Talks and Joining" tab at the top. This is also available in printed form at Halifax Central Library and various other points throughout Calderdale.
Wednesday, 8 February 2017
Another imported fungi
DEFRA has found the pathogenic fungus Cryphonectria parasitica in Sweet Chestnut Trees in Devon. Oak trees can get infected but they only suffer superficial damage (we hope) although they can spread the disease.
This is the same disease that arrived in America in 1904 on imported plants from Japan. In 40 years the disease had killed 5 billion American Chestnuts and the tree is now classed as 'technically extinct'.
The hyphae of the fungus produce toxic compounds, including Oxalic Acid. This lowers the PH of the affected tissue from normal 5.5 to 2.8 which is toxic to plant cells.
There are good populations of Sweet Chestnut - Castanea sativa in England, and many centuries old trees in the North of England. Below is a photo of 3 of them at Levens Park, near the Lake District.
Let's hope the containment notices stop the spread of this disease.
Sweet Chestnut Trees
This is the same disease that arrived in America in 1904 on imported plants from Japan. In 40 years the disease had killed 5 billion American Chestnuts and the tree is now classed as 'technically extinct'.
The hyphae of the fungus produce toxic compounds, including Oxalic Acid. This lowers the PH of the affected tissue from normal 5.5 to 2.8 which is toxic to plant cells.
There are good populations of Sweet Chestnut - Castanea sativa in England, and many centuries old trees in the North of England. Below is a photo of 3 of them at Levens Park, near the Lake District.
Let's hope the containment notices stop the spread of this disease.
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
Soil is the key to healthy woodland
In one acre of a typical British woodland system there are:
• 110 tons of trees
• 1 lb of birds
• 21 lb of large animals
• ½ ton of plants
• 1½ tons of fungi
• 4½ lb of small mammals
• 500 lb of earthworms
• 9 lb of beetles
• 50 lb of spiders
• 90 lb of slugs & snails
• 4 tons of bacteria
• 340 lb of protozoa
Or: “Each shovel of soil holds more living things than all the human beings ever born.”
“Soils often have between 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 bacteria per gramme.”
“A teaspoon of forest soil may hold more than 10 miles of fungi and 1 gramme of garden soil can contain around one million fungi.”
• 110 tons of trees
• 1 lb of birds
• 21 lb of large animals
• ½ ton of plants
• 1½ tons of fungi
• 4½ lb of small mammals
• 500 lb of earthworms
• 9 lb of beetles
• 50 lb of spiders
• 90 lb of slugs & snails
• 4 tons of bacteria
• 340 lb of protozoa
Or: “Each shovel of soil holds more living things than all the human beings ever born.”
“Soils often have between 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 bacteria per gramme.”
“A teaspoon of forest soil may hold more than 10 miles of fungi and 1 gramme of garden soil can contain around one million fungi.”
Sunday, 5 February 2017
Plants, a fungus and creatures around Elland
On cut oak branches, maybe a form of Turkeytail ? More pics on Calderdale Fungi (tab at top.)
Best picture I've got so far of a pair Goosanders which are becoming so numerous. (We saw 5 females with 2 males at Lee Dam, Todmorden last Sunday being very vocal.)
I predicted the Autumn Crocus Crocus nudiflorus leaves might be beginning to show as it has been a mild winter so far. These are at the Park Nook Lock site.
At this site they grow right down the bank towards the River Calder
After missing it once, we found the other site along the Calder banks at Elland which I discovered (I suppose re-discovered) a few years ago. They are about 475 metres East from the Park Nook Lock site.
Though it is very grass-like, the white stripe up the inside the stiff, folded leaf shows it is a Crocus.
This Great Diving Beetle had died in the top pond on Tag Loop at Cromwell Bottom Local Nature Reserve. It was about 3cm (an inch and a quarter) long. Picture of the upper side was blurred. We left it in the water near the edge, so it might still be there.
Common Whitlow Grass Erophila verna at Elland Lock (side nearest the road by the Crematorium entrance.) Previously known in this area only 2 locks down at Cromwell Lock, where it also grows between the cobbles. One of the smallest flowering plants we have.
At the Calderdale Trees Strategy pre-consultation morning last Wednesday where Charlotte our President and I represented the Society, I made a strong case for favouring and establishing totally unobstructed trees allowed to grow with no other trees anywhere near them. This oak is throwing out its lowest branches within a metre of the ground. It is already a perfect climbing tree for kids and hopefully will be for hundreds of years - near Park Nook Lock. Though tall straight trees in thick woodland are also beautiful, the great thing about trees like this one above is that there are open, sunlit glades around them which are so good for sun-loving plants and creatures.
Saturday, 4 February 2017
One sunny afternoon in Todmorden
I saw 7 Roe deer today in woodland only a few minutes from the centre of Todmorden. Ivy is the main preferred food source in winter and this photo shows a stone stoop, which only a few weeks ago was covered in bushy Ivy right to the ground.
You can now see it is eaten away to a definite browse line. Roe seem to be very lazy browsers and don't make much effort above nose level.
Ivy browse-line
Nearby was a good number of Scarlet Elf Cup, Sarcoscypha austriaca. In fact I haven't seen as many in one place before (there were many others nearby) and all are on decaying Sycamore branches.
You can now see it is eaten away to a definite browse line. Roe seem to be very lazy browsers and don't make much effort above nose level.
Nearby was a good number of Scarlet Elf Cup, Sarcoscypha austriaca. In fact I haven't seen as many in one place before (there were many others nearby) and all are on decaying Sycamore branches.
Scarlet Elf Cup
For an attractive winter grass, Miscanthus sinensis is lovely with its old seed heads. It is very hardy and needs no managing. It is a good substitute for Common Reed, which does not flower in Todmorden. Originally from Eastern Asia.
Miscanthus sinensis
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Siskins at Todmorden
There were about 40 females/males about equally mixed of these dainty finches, below Cross Stone Church this morning. There are lots of mature conifers around which they prefer to nest in so it's possible they breed here.
They love these Alder seeds but can be found feeding on Birch seeds as well.
female
male
I once picked up a male at Greetland, probably exhausted, with its crop so stuffed with Birch seeds they were spilling out. I kept it in a cage for a while where it would eat all sorts of small seeds and peanuts. I didn't know it was illegal at the time. I soon let it fly free but I missed its cheery singing for a while. They are known for being attracted to peanuts in gardens, and there was a belief that if the nuts were hung out in a red mesh bag, this would attract them quicker. Nobody seems to bother with this now, but bird habits, and people habits, change.
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Sunday, 22 January 2017
Dramatic finale to the evening's murmuration.
I captured this video clip of Starlings at Brighouse this evening, many others had just gone down:
Other observations of the day included: 7 - 8 Meadow Pipits beside Ringby Lane, Ploughcroft.
13 Common Gulls included 3 juveniles at Ploughcroft
Herring gulls among the crows on Swalesmoor, Ploughcroft
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Shibden Valley despite light snow falling.
Mistle Thrush and 2 Goldfinches in Bradford Old Rd. Claremount.
Other observations of the day included: 7 - 8 Meadow Pipits beside Ringby Lane, Ploughcroft.
13 Common Gulls included 3 juveniles at Ploughcroft
Herring gulls among the crows on Swalesmoor, Ploughcroft
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Shibden Valley despite light snow falling.
Mistle Thrush and 2 Goldfinches in Bradford Old Rd. Claremount.
Saturday, 21 January 2017
Starling Murmuration at Brighouse
This large flock of Starlings has been gathering together in small parties to make one huge group to roost together in central Brighouse for at least a few weeks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA5rKP3rmjY
Thank you to Annie Honjo for posting her video on You-tube.
We were there this evening 4.15 to 5.00pm, along with eleven other people amazed by the spectacle.
A Sparrowhawk appeared twice but didn't seem to catch a Starling, though it was definitely trying!
A spontaneous round of applause went up when the birds finally settled into the trees.
The finale is when the trees appear to suck the flock out of the sky.
If you want to see it, go to the car parks at the bottom of town near the double-towered old flour mill.
Monday, 16 January 2017
Invitation to help a group interested in Nature on Roils Head Moor
Hi Steve We have completed a baseline survey of the moor with Chris Sutcliffe (Calderdale MBC Countryside Officer). Chris Sutcliffe has recommended the Halifax Scientific Society may be able to help us complete a more detailed survey. In the long term we would like to have all the species of wildlife and plants on the moors listed, in which areas and which seasons, food webs and food chains etc however, we lack the knowledge to do this. We have contacted Calderdale MBC to see if the area could be made into a Local Nature Reserve. Would the Society be interested in helping us with the survey? I have attached the survey and a general map of the area. Regards Kelly Reid Secretary
From Steve: this is a large open area above Halifax Golf Club, north of Halifax.
Do we have a member living near there, who would like to take a lead on this? You
don't have to be an expert on species, just organise an initial visit, show us round,
keep notes, and correspond for us with Kelly; that sort of thing.
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Celebrating our Woodland Heritage - volunteers needed!
Want to get out into our local woods and help survey them?
During the excellent talk last night given by Craig Best, Countryside Manager of the National Trust, Craig mentioned the project which one of our previous speakers, Chris Atkinson of Pennine Prospects had also discussed with us - 'Celebrating our Woodland Heritage - an Archaeological Survey'. The surveys are taking place at a number of woods in the area - full details plus dates are given in the link below. Training will be given. The surveys have started - so please do have a look now to see if there is a wood near you which you could help survey!
http://www.celebrate-our-woodland.co.uk/archaeological-survey/
The list of woodlands to be investigated during the projects first year are listed below. In order to fully record the woodland heritage of the South Pennines we need you! Whether as an individual, family, group or organisation we welcome you to get involved, to learn new skills and to enjoy our woodland heritage.
If you are interested in attending any of these archaeological events, either for a day or multiple days please contact Chris Atkinson, Woodland Heritage Officer at Chris.Atkinson@pennineprospects.co.uk for further details.
During the excellent talk last night given by Craig Best, Countryside Manager of the National Trust, Craig mentioned the project which one of our previous speakers, Chris Atkinson of Pennine Prospects had also discussed with us - 'Celebrating our Woodland Heritage - an Archaeological Survey'. The surveys are taking place at a number of woods in the area - full details plus dates are given in the link below. Training will be given. The surveys have started - so please do have a look now to see if there is a wood near you which you could help survey!
http://www.celebrate-our-woodland.co.uk/archaeological-survey/
The list of woodlands to be investigated during the projects first year are listed below. In order to fully record the woodland heritage of the South Pennines we need you! Whether as an individual, family, group or organisation we welcome you to get involved, to learn new skills and to enjoy our woodland heritage.
| Name | Location | Easting | Northing | Dates of Survey |
| Hirst Wood | Bradford | 412719 | 438232 | 6th – 7th January 2017 |
| Hardcastle Crags | Hebden Bridge | 397310 | 430152 | 11th – 14th January 2017 |
| Knotts Wood | Todmorden | 391757 | 426025 | 18th- 19th January 2017 |
| Park Wood | Keighley | 407143 | 440977 | 22nd & 24th January 2017 |
| Castle Clough Wood | Hapton | 378756 | 431342 | 3rd – 4th February 2017 |
| Callis Wood | Hebden Bridge | 397908 | 426556 | 6th & 8th February 2017 |
| Middleton Woods | Ilkley | 412074 | 448764 | 15th – 18th February 2017 |
| Ogden Plantation | Ogden | 405798 | 431077 | 2nd – 3rd & 5th March 2017 |
| Roddlesworth | Tockholes | 366076 | 421538 | 8th – 10th March 2017 |
| New Field Clough (Smithills Estate) | Bolton | 367469 | 412492 | 15th – 17th March 2017 |
| Jagger Park Wood | Low Bentley | 413587 | 428061 | 20th – 22nd March 2017 |
| Redisher Woods | Ramsbottom | 377396 | 415657 | 23rd – 25th March 2017 |
| North Dean Wood | Copley | 408485 | 422212 | 26th – 29th March 2017 |
If you are interested in attending any of these archaeological events, either for a day or multiple days please contact Chris Atkinson, Woodland Heritage Officer at Chris.Atkinson@pennineprospects.co.uk for further details.
All equipment such as a hand held GPS
for recording the location, recording sheets, pens/pencils, clip
boards, tape measures and camera will be provide.
As we will be outdoors and the
weather is likely to be cold and probably a bit damp at times, please
wear sturdy foot wear and warm/wet weather gear. A packed lunch and
drink is also advisable. As for the timings, each day of survey will
last between 10am and 3pm.
Lost and found
At our HSS meeting last night at the Library, the follwing were left behind:
If they are yours, please let me know and I'll arrange to get them to you - or bring them to our next meeting on 14th Feb!
Thank you, Charlotte
- One small thermos flask
- One DVD 'A Bird for All Seasons'
If they are yours, please let me know and I'll arrange to get them to you - or bring them to our next meeting on 14th Feb!
Thank you, Charlotte
Monday, 9 January 2017
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
This is not local but I'm sure we have all seen photos of this amazing Giant Sequoia with its incongruous and sad road tunnel drilled through it. Well it is now no more, having been blown down by recent storm. Read about it here:-
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/09/508919216/iconic-sequoia-tunnel-tree-brought-down-by-california-storm
"Tunnel trees were created in the 19th century to promote parks and inspire tourism". As if ancient trees were not inspiring enough.
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/09/508919216/iconic-sequoia-tunnel-tree-brought-down-by-california-storm
"Tunnel trees were created in the 19th century to promote parks and inspire tourism". As if ancient trees were not inspiring enough.
Thursday, 5 January 2017
Our first inside meeting of the year !
All welcome to this talk. After it there is a short refreshments break, then the very informal meeting of the society, when we talk about upcoming events, and collect any
Natural History sightings, etc. to go in the records.
We just ask for a small donation to offset the cost of hiring the room.
Don't forget your chequebooks or cash if you are wishing to join or renew your membership.
(See Welcome to Walks, Talks and Joining tab above.)
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
Brain Fungi
I saw this Yellow Brain fungus Tremella mesenterica, near Foulridge in November. It was growing on a dead Ash twig.
It is very common and only seen on dead wood. I thought it actually fed on dead wood but apparently it feeds on crust fungi, which are themselves feeding on the wood. It is therefore classed as parasitic and not saprobic.
Note the very small fly which is feeding on the 'brain'!
It is very common and only seen on dead wood. I thought it actually fed on dead wood but apparently it feeds on crust fungi, which are themselves feeding on the wood. It is therefore classed as parasitic and not saprobic.
Note the very small fly which is feeding on the 'brain'!
Monday, 2 January 2017
Todmorden Waxwing Update 02 01 2017
Just an update on the Waxwings in Todmorden,numbers built up to 71 ,although the berries have all been eaten on Myrtle Street and most at Lidl car park today 02 01 16 there are still berries in the bus station on a single tree,and near the houses adjacent the open ground where the old health centre used to be,only saw 2 today,feeding with a few Redwing and Blackbirds,and no doubt they will soon move on as the berries run out, Regards and Happy New Year.
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