Little Egrets settle in for the winter - November survey

 Wednesday 24th November 2021 was a cold day with a cloudy sky but bright as the cloud layer was thin and there was no wind. The ground was quite dry as there had been no rain the previous day but a slight frost. The river was low, with fallen Oak leaves floating on the surface. The young Oaks retain their leaves which were turning a subtle shade of brown - no stunning golden colours as these leaves will last on the trees until the late spring. The old Oaks still retained plenty of leaves, brown and gold, ready to fall in the next gale. New nettle growth had halted, the strong stems falling across the banks forming structure for winter habitat for small mammals and insects. The fruit trees had shown very different characteristics throughout the year and one young tree still had fresh green leaves, a second set after the first leaves disappeared during bad weather in the summer.

Looking at the very old trees along the river became easier and it was interesting to observe how younger trees had established themselves at the foot of each of the old trees, with stems emerging from spaces between the old roots. They would invariably be completely different trees, smaller, as found in old hedgerows. Old Oaks and other old trees harboured Hawthorn, Hazel, Blackthorn and Spindle for example, all easily distinguished from their protective tree. Spindle is a good example and suddenly shows itself in the winter by producing vivid red and pink fruits often on thin branches against a huge old live tree trunk. The presence of a Spindle tree is often a sign of ancient woodland or old species-rich hedgerows which is certainly possible in our location. The berries have bright orange seeds which do not usually last long on the tree which is often closely guarded by a Robin. 

Spindle berries on a small bush at the foot of an old tree,

probably part of an ancient hedgerow near the river Arun.

Looking up from such a tree I noticed a brilliant white bird flying across along the river. It was easily identified by its trailing legs, beak colour (blue-black) and brilliance and in an area where at least one had been seen in previous years. It was a Little Egret. They have appeared at about the same time of year each year, even during major  bridge construction works. The trigger for its short-range migration always being the first frosts of the winter. Another sighting about an hour later later was of two Little Egrets flying together upstream, almost certainly a pair. They only have a short flight up from the Sussex coast, not a real migration but it's a good sign that they are still present after being becoming extinct as a result of human misuse. They survived in Northern France and gradually established a colony on the south coast of England when the fashion for outrageous designs in hats abated.

They were the highlight of this November Survey but the other birds seen (no butterflies! not even a Red Admiral) were reassuring after a very strange year weather-wise. Twenty-six Blackbirds were seen, most foraging on the ground or uttering alarm-calls from the hedges and a single Redwing. No Song-Thrushes!

There were 23 Robins most giving loud outbursts of song with a pair occasionally answering each other.

Two Dunnock were seen on a path, and only two wrens,  many more probably present but invisible.

Large numbers of Goldfinches have been seen on other days but only four visible today. No Greenfinches of Chaffinches seen - as is often the case these days. A single Bullfinch was present in a thicket and at least 60 House Sparrows with thirty at least in the bramble hedge, some taking the last of the dried-up blackberries and others in Hawthorn hedges.

A single Goldcrest was seen very busy in a pine tree and a single Great-Spotted Woodpecker was  pecking at the bark of an Oak tree then calling. A Green Woodpecker was calling from a grassed area. Nuthatches have been quiet but 4 were seen with one calling. With visibility improving as the leaves fall, Blue t numbers are increasing again with 32 seen today and 12 Great ts fast-foraging on mulched ground around newly planted trees. Five Long-tailed ts were visible high in the trees.

Two groups of Starlings were visible, 21 in total, and 32 wood pigeons in various places, eating ivy berries being the most popular activity at present with bathing in the river a close second. 

Ivy berries, a feast for early winter

Three Carrion-Crows, seven Jackdaws, one rook, 17 Magpies, 34 Herring Gulls and 12 Back-headed Gulls were present with the Black Headed Gulls trying to land on the football field. They are courageous and persistent and will win in the end! 

Finally a female Sparrowhawk, now established on site, was seen flying over its territory.

The Day of the Green Woodpeckers - survey for 26th October 2021

 Tuesday 26th October was semi-cloudy, and damp, continuing the pattern of weather for the whole of October this year. October started with cloud and rain becoming even darker after the first week with still and misty weather, even foggy, certainly not fresh and breezy. By the second week the sun had hardly appeared but Common Darter and Migrant Hawker dragonflies were seen and a Brown Hairstreak butterfly was spotted dropping down into a Blackthorn bush alongside the river during a sunny interval. The signs of autumn are late this year.

A Migrant Hawker dragonfly waits patiently on a Bramble with ripe Blackberries

in the sun - maybe a Southern Hawker, as it wasn't small.

On Tuesday 26th, the ground remained free of the usual carpets of fallen leaves, some trees were still green, with only Hazels showing yellowing leaves and Ash tree leaves fell almost unnoticed. Areas of mud were covered in small holes, signs of birds such as blackbirds foraging. Other small birds foraged largely unseen in the dense tree canopies, given away only by their intermittent contact calls.

Blue ts (21) and Great ts (8) were visible when they descended to fly across to the next tree, not hurrying as insects were plentiful, especially over the river banks and water or high in the honeydew on tree leaves in the tree canopies where 3 Long-tailed ts were following each other. Wrens (12) were seen again after the summer and now heard again too, They are always present in good numbers but not easily detectable during the summer months. Just one Dunnock was seen in the undergrowth but remained quiet. It was good to see 10 Goldfinches in a small flock flying across to feed on the bountiful seed heads of Teasel, Thistle and Dock plants. A single Bullfinch called from the Willows but there was no sign of either Greenfinches or Chaffinches. House Sparrows (65) made up for the absence, but they are Red Listed Birds, as are the Starlings , with falling populations. There were 45 starlings, some catching aerial insects in the low cloud above the river, others flying in small groups.

Sixteen Blackbirds were seen, most on the ground, quiet apart from the occasional alarm call but no Song thrushes, migrant Fieldfare or Redwing were seen.

Robins (33) were present in good numbers having finished moulting, now ready to defend their territories. Some were practising their winter songs.

The most notable bird of the day was the Green Woodpecker, possibly 3 individuals yaffling' loudly in several different locations indicating the onset of rain. It's not called the Rainbird for nothing! They have been calling almost every day recently with alerts increasing just before 21st October when prolonged rainfall events caused some natural short-lived 'water out of bank' incidents. They nest in trees in the same areas as Great Spotted Woodpeckers, but feed on ants and other ground-based insects. Nuthatches favour the same habitat as the Great Spotted woodpeckers, with 4 seen today. in different old oak trees,  with pairs establishing their winter territories.

A Grey Heron flew across, getting away from noisy Herring Gulls (total 23) whilst Carrion Crows (14),  a single Jackdaw  and 2 Rooks flew at a higher altitude in different directions, some Crows landing in the Oaks joining some of the 30 Woodpigeons resting on the branches or others feeding on the grass.

Also present in the same area were 9 Magpies in separate groups of two or three.

Another highlight of the day was a kestrel flying apart from the other birds, hovering, surveying an area of grasses and scrub then suddenly dropping down out of sight.

Still Summertime for the Mighty Oaks -September survey

 Some autumn changes have been rapid but the Oaks are notably slow to change this year. The day of the survey, 29th September 2021 was cold at first warming up later. Some hedges held abundant Hawthorn berries, but most vegetation remaining green with Oaks standing strong with no brown leaves and no acorns, The lack of acorns has been explained as being caused by  torrential rain on the Oak flowers earlier in the year. The effects of the recent gales could be seen from the Ash leaves scattered on the ground and the fast running river but leaving most other trees untouched.

There were still strong-flying insects about such as four Red Admiral butterflies, seven Large White butterflies, a Comma butterfly and a Small Copper butterfly; Brown Hawker, Migrant  Hawkers and some active Common Darter dragonflies about in the sun together with numerous small insects in amongst the grasses and remaining flowers, Craneflies were very visible.

Small Copper butterfly and Hoverfly on Fleabane flowers

Most flowering plants had gone to seed, with Thistle and Knapweed attracting the birds, together with Dock.

The most numerous birds seen today were House Sparrows (54) in groups in the hedgerows, Blue Ts (32) and Great Ts (16). Earlier in the week there had been a large 'Roaming Flock' of small birds ranging along the riverbank thickets answering the question: "where have all the small birds gone?" Robins, now becoming more obvious and therefore appearing more numerous, do not normally flock together but defend their chosen territories, usually heard first and then seen (27 today). Three Dunnock, also non-flocking were seen along the verge of a pathway. Four Chiffchaff were present along a hedge merging now and again with groups of other small birds and a single Blackcap heard calling not far away. Blackbirds were now reappearing and 8 were seen, one together with three Songthrushes which have been quite scarce over the late summer. No sign of the migrant thrushes such as Fieldfare or Redwing here yet.

Nine Starling were seen, most in an audible group.

Seven Magpies, one Jay, two Jackdaws, and two Carrion Crows were seen in the air at various times

with the clouds gradually thickening, not a suitable time for basking although 28 Woodpigeons were seen amongst the dense leaves of the Oaks along the banks. and a pair of Collared Doves amongst old Ivy branches. Distant calls revealed a Grey Heron in the air and a Buzzard was seen banking north in the wind then turning south. Seven Herring Gulls flew in all directions over the school and not far away a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across into an Oak.

The smallest birds seen today were three silent wrens, a Long-Tailed T,  one Goldcrest in a conifer and a single Goldfinch on its way across to join a group hidden in a thicket.

Lastly a Sparrowhawk was seen in the air dashing along a conifer tree margin. House Sparrows had already dropped silently down into the safety of a bramble patch.

Will the survey  for the end of October see autumn's touch on the Oaks?

All change on the riverside - the survey for 29th August 2021

 It seemed as if only a few days ago there were very few birds to be seen and heard and most wildlife was seen by crawling around amongst the grasses at grasshopper height - but now, at the end of August, looking up to the sky could again be rewarding.

The 29th August 2021was fine and sunny, not much wind with the blue sky sparsely scattered with cloud. Immediately, on looking up through the branches of an old oak, a large roaming flock (or is it roving?) of BlueTs, mixing with a few Chiffchaffs, Robins, and Great Ts was visible and audible, the crowd flowing into the tree seemed never ending, the vast tree canopy accepting more and more without any emerging. Sudddenly a Nuthatch gave loud protesting warning calls looking down at an oblivious dog-walker. The Nuthatch was unmoved by the flocks around it however. Most of the birds were juveniles, indicating a successful late breeding season. Field Maples were full of seeds but not ready to spiral down from the branches, Oaks held few acorns in contrast to the previous year. Some Blackthorn trees already held plenty of fruits. There was a strong scent of mint from some large clumps of flowering wild mint growing tall as most other flowering plants have done this year.

The Mint Moth (Pyrausta aureate) flies at night and in bright sunshine, the male sitting on the Mint leaves. Fortunately this beautiful small moth is still quite common, the caterpillars having a choice of Mint, Majorum, Thyme and Clary mostly growing in amongst waterside vegetation.  

Climbing Ivy was already full of flower buds which will attract late summer insects, especially bees and late butterflies. Fleabane was still flowering strongly and there were now plenty of Dog Rose hips changing colour to vivid red as were the Guelder Rose berries and Hawthorn berries at various stages of ripening.

Hoverflies have been numerous this year and this one is the biggest on the riverside:

Volucello inanis or zonaria? This one is very large - sometimes known as the Hornet Mimic which is unfortunate as it's harmless. This one is a male (not much of a gap between the eyes).

Back to the birds -

Chiffchaffs (5) were flying with the other small birds, mixing with the flock and identified by their characteristic contact calls. One was calling to it's young. Robins were now 'chinking' a prelude to their winter song, each individual taking up its own territory, occasionally making very loud calls from close range usually along a path (25). Visible House Sparrows were increasing in number (60) although many were still preferring dense bramble patches to the more open hedgerows. Blue ts were the most numerous birds in the roaming flock (78) most still 'yellow cheeked' young indicating a late start this year. Great ts were more elusive with only 7 seen.

Goldfinches mostly kept to themselves using the very top of the tree canopy (only 4 visible). The formidable singers of the banks, the wrens were also still few in number, most visible but silent (6).

The Blackbirds seen (only 10) were obviously still feeding young, or showing the last signs of moult, with none 'sunning'. A single Dunnock called and a Goldcrest flew into a conifer and out on the sunlit side. No buzzards were seen but there were signs of a typical Sparrowhawk kill with a pile of wood pigeon feathers on a path verge. Across the field a Kestrel flew down from where it had been hovering but it's prey was not visible. The Stars of the Day, at least in numbers, were the Starlings (88), with 40 flying in a group (quite a rare sight here) and others in smaller groups all heading north. In a copse with plenty of Ivy, whistles and calls came for a traditional roost. A tapping Great Spotted Woodpecker was busy very close to a tree where in the spring several young were raised, near a path but well hidden.

Corvids were quite scarce with 4 Carrion Crows, 2 rooks flying across, a single Jay,  and 7 Magpies. Our guardians, the Woodpigeons were distributed evenly along the river, berry-hunting and chasing (29).

Finally it was good to see and hear the Nuthatches in the oaks (5) including 3 juveniles.

Back to insects:

Butterflies were still numerous, but mostly Large Whites, a few Small Whites and Green-veined Whites along the banks and verges and Speckled Woods in the dappled shade under the trees and some very bright and fresh  Red Admirals. Two Brimstone butterflies were also flying along hedges. Many types of bees and Hoverflies were amongst the flowering plants.

Small Meadow Grasshoppers were numerous together with small 'grass moths'.

 Common Darter female (Sympetrum striolatum) basking on a gravel path

They are far more visible when flying!

Common Darter dragonflies were numerous along the tree-lined river margin and basking on a nearby path with several strong-flying Southern hawkers hunting insects in the sun along hedgerows.

Gatekeepers and Goldfinches - the survey for July 29th 2021

 The survey for 29th July 29th 2021 revealed butterflies and dragonflies outnumbering birds, not unusual for high summer. This is of course what is seen and heard which is not indicative of what is actually present along the river.

It was windy and sunny, with a few clouds scudding across, The breeze was cool, from the south-west and the ground damp underfoot, with large puddles and good numbers of insects over the water. Grasses going to seed have been delayed this year due to the cold spring but Goldfinches were now happy with seedheads appearing, at least in sunny areas. The river was quite high with mud indicating that levels had been at least 0.5 meters higher. Comparing the presence of fruit now more visible on the trees, it was clear that some had been exposed to freezing winds, hail and late frosts when in blossom whilst most had escaped and were producing strong fruits. This depends each year on the timing of the different varieties coming into blossom and the location of the trees on banks and slopes. As with the the fruit trees, there are different varieties of Bramble and each hedge or clump was at a different stage of producing blossom and fruits. with instant attention from bees and butterflies. There was a good selection of grasses and wild flowers, with Knapweed, Thistles, Meadowsweet, Fleabane, Willowherbs, Vetch, Clovers, Seneecio jacobaea, Bird's Foot Trefoil and many more.

Fleabane has done exceptionally well this year, suddenly flowering after a few hot and damp days:

A Hoverfly on rain-battered Fleabane which attracts many butterflies.

This time the survey begins with butterflies: over 100 Gatekeepers were seen, chasing, being chased by other  species, along hedges and over grasses, nectaring on many of the wild flowers, rather late this year.

One Brimstone female was present and over 30 Large White and 4 Small White butterflies were seen, most in flight.

Two Comma butterflies were present in different areas, and only two Meadow Browns but 9 Ringlets in damper  areas. Two Holly Blues and one Small Blue were flying near one of the ponds with a single Speckled Wood in the shade. Four Red Admiral butterflies were on thistles near one of the drainage basins, one of them chased off by an aggressive  Gatekeeper.

Above - a female Meadow Brown butterfly in a faded condition having survived torrential rain. wind and sun. The upper sides are usually darker when young.  The low number seen may be due to the Meadow Brown butterfly sometimes roosting in the tops of trees and being exposed to this summer's bad weather.

Note that there were several Marbled White butterflies in the same area in mid July first seen here last summer 2020.   It's good to observe that they have reappeared this year!

Next, Dragonflies:

One strong-flying Brown Hawker, a Large Red Damselfly and three Migrant Hawkers were present

and very active.

The most numerous by far were the Banded Demoiselle Damselflies, many in the shelter of the steep  Arun river banks typically in the area shown in the photo on the previous post.

It was interesting to see several males clinging upside-down on different levels on a single reed peering onto the water surface below. More were perched on a tree log, coming and going, dashing out for passing insects.

Grasshoppers:

Largely unseen unless disturbed were hundreds of small Meadow Grasshoppers low down in the thick layers of the grasses on the river bank meadow, jumping to the top then falling back down under cover.

Bees of many types, Bumblebees and Honey bees were numerous as were Hoverflies.

Birds

Most numerous by far were the Goldfinches, more than 60, which were heard then seen in several groups, some flying across and landing in trees and thickets, where  they would sing together, juveniles included.  Along the river, Blue Ts (19 )and Great Ts (5) were moving amongst the trees mostly selecting insects as they went, a few calling. A call from a single Willow warbler was heard (not the song) and more than 20 Chiffchaffs were heard calling and most seen, making continuous contact with others. Perhaps they were forming flocks before migrating, although some will be overwintering here locally.

They are usually the first migrant birds to arrive here in the spring. A single Whitethroat was seen amongst the branches of a young tree.

Blackbirds and Song Thrushes had been late to commence their spring song this year but made up for in volume but have been very quiet during their moult season, only uttering alarm calls. Only 13 Blackbirds were seen and no song thrushes.

One or two were 'sunning' on the bramble verge while some were obviously still feeding young.

Usually the most numerous of birds heard singing along the river - the wrens were remaining very quiet - only 6 were heard or seen. Even fewer Robins were counted - three, they have not left but are in hiding still.

Three Blackcaps were visible in the thickets over the Arun where they are usually seen when they first arrive in the spring and are heard singing. They will probably leave soon, to be replaced with 'winter Blackcaps'-it is still thought that the birds that are seen here in the winter are not summer migrants which have decided to remain rather than migrate.

We have all seen large flocks of House Sparrows about but only 23 were seen today, quite vocal, but well hidden in the hedges. Starling numbers can vary a lot but 6 were counted and only three Herring Gulls seen flying across. 27 Woodpigeons were scattered in old oak trees and on the grass under them . There were 4 Magpies, 5 (moulting) Carrion Crows and one Jay in the same trees.

Finally a single Great Spotted woodpecker and two calling Nuthatches were seen.

There were signs of early plundering of Hawthorn berries and Hazel nuts neither being fully ripe at the time, but very plentiful.

More about Dragonflies and their habitat

 In the previous post the dragonflies described were Damselflies which are usually more commonly seen in late spring and mid summer whereas Dragonflies are more often seen later in the summer and into early autumn. The Damselflies in this area frequent slow moving rivers or slow-moving meandering sections, usually with plenty of green aquatic plants, green banks bordering green grassy areas. The most important features of their habitat are old and new branches dipping into or crossing the river water, slowing it down and providing warm sunlit surfaces to perch on - large old fallen branches are perfect for both damselflies and dragonflies, with hedges providing the ' hanging ' dragonflies with lookout locations. There are many suitable places  for river dwellers and fewer locations for pond dwellers unless the drainage basins retain water during the summer.

A perfect example of Dragonfly and Damselfly river habitat with sunlit perches - the fallen branches connecting the steep bank with the river. When the sun is at its highest the area can be quite crowded with active Odonata whilst the grassland and wild flowers at the top of the banks supports many butterflies in the height of summer flying together with exploring Odonata.

Other Odonata prefer ponds but as this area has no natural marshland and bog the ponds are restricted to 'created' ponds and drainage basins with planting to encourage wildlife.

It is here that we find the Skimmers - Dragonflies such as the Black-tailed Slimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) in habitat with broad-leafed plants and usually stoney paths nearby. On hot days leafy perches are preferred! This Black-tailed Skimmer can just be seen flying low over a broad leaf at the top left, it's shadow more visible on the leaf below, wings outspread. 

In semi-shade this pond does not usually dry out and harbours frogs which translocate to many other areas nearby via vegetation and long grasses, escaping the attention of Grey Herons which also frequent the area. This Dragonfly also frequents the area of the river (see above) , coming back again and again to the same perch whilst hunting. The presence of butterflies can attract it to marginal grasses where it will catch and eat them. They will eat many types of insect, even Damselflies.

Often overlooked, unlike butterflies, Odonata are very fragile and their presence is completely missed in even slightly cloudy weather which leads to their habitat being lost to river and pond clearance work, summer mowing of wild grasses and plants, draining damp areas and allowing drainage basins to dry out.

The habitat that supports them is also vital for the survival of many other species. Complete colonies of these Odonata species can be destroyed in a few minutes, not just for that year but permanently. They will survive normal flooding after torrential rainfall but not the work of a machine such as a digger.

The river supplies its own diversity with meanders, shallows, slow flows, fast areas, clear water and muddy water, a variety of aquatic plants, a stoney bed and a soft muddy bed, steep banks and grassy banks, marginal trees old and young, sun and shade.

Dragonflies and their Habitat here

 Exceptionally erratic weather this summer (and it's not over yet) meant that the first sightings of some species were delayed or made in slightly different locations. As usual the first dragonflies to be seen however were the Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies in May (see the post for the survey of 27th May 2021). The sightings of Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies was followed almost immediately by the Banded Demoiselle damselflies : 

Here is a male Banded Demoiselle perched on a leaf with an excellent view over the river.

It is a spectacular electric blue with translucent wings marked with a black 'thumb print' which identifies it wherever it is seen.

Males are often seen in groups flying and chasing just above the river surface or perched on fallen branches, plants and twigs but occasionally fly off overland,  whilst the metallic green females spend most time away from the water  unless ovipositing (depositing eggs) on floating plants.

Here is a female Banded Demoiselle damselfly moving on a Nettle leaf   29th July 2021

The females have greenish wings unlike the female Beautiful Demoiselle damselfly which has dark brown wings:

 see below for an example which captures what you would see if you spotted a female Beautiful Demoiselle in flight!

(A photo of the male on a Dock leaf is on the post for the Survey for 27th May 2021).

What do you see in common on all these photos?

A variety of lush green vegetation which is essential for the survival of dragonflies and damselflies - both aquatic and bank/field plants. These are essential  for the whole life-cycle of these insects, providing climbing stems and shelter for dragonflies when in larva form in the river and their emergence from the water, then providing platforms for watching for passing insects, then for ovipositing.

In bad weather the plants will be used for shelter, in common with most other insects such as butterflies, grasshoppers and moths.

NB Damselflies are in appearance more fragile than 'Dragonflies', perching with wings held closed over the back in most. rather than held out at right angles to the back. Both wings, from and back are the same basic shape and the eyes are separated (see first photo on this post -  male Banded Demoiselle). 

Dragonflies (common name for all Odonata) but separated by the name Anisoptera (unequal wings) from the Damselflies Zygoptera (equal wings) have a sturdier heavier body shape and powerful flight, wings held out from body when perching, with hind wings a different shape from front wings.

More on habitats and dragonflies in the next post.....

Summer on its way - the survey for 23rd June 2021

 Wednesday 23rd June was fine from the start, a glimpse of summer after the dense cloud and rain of the past few days and probably just a glitch in the general trend...The rain and warmth had caused amazing growth, vegetation growing twice s tall as usual. Oaks were now in full leaf. Hazels had produced huge leaves and new branches extending outwards and upwards, even wild flowers such as buttercups followed the pattern, reaching for the sky, was the sun still there? Flowering wild Roses (Rosa canine) are always a sign that all's well and summer has arrived, but this year their flowering was brilliant but  short-lived:

6th June 2021 Bumblebee on wild rose.  and below, also 6th June -  Red Clovers and Buttercups:

A dense mix of natural ground cover, thankfully unmown, which would attract a good diversity of insects now that the weather had improved. Hoverflies and bees most prevalent as the sun became hot.

The numbers of birds in full song on 23rd June was a surprise but they were responding to the brightness of the sun and the length of the day. House sparrows were again most numerous  in various hedgerows and brambles (70) and goldfinches (13) were also singing but much less visible in the thickets.

The prevailing weather had suited blackbirds(23) and song thrushes (9) with perfect conditions for foraging for invertebrates in soft layers of damp leaf-litter in the undergrowth. The variations in the songs of the song thrushes was unprecedented, some being very close and loud, the presence of a human was not tempering their calls - they were not identifying me as a  human threat. Chiffchaffs were the next most prolific singers, their song cannot be compared with the thrushes but it is nevertheless affective as are their contact calls. Thirteen were identified. Willow warblers have a distinctive song and three were heard today, with 4 garden warblers singing. These were spread out along the river course mostly in dense damp habitat near the willows. There were 12 unmistakable blackcaps - all singing too, also in willows and mixed thickets, and 2 common whitethroats nesting in bramble shrubs with a probable lesser whitethroat in taller vegetation.

Wrens (18) were singing but the actual number is probably higher, with those nesting unseen. Three Dunnock were visible along the paths. Fewer robins are seen and heard at this time of the year with 12 today most singing. 

Delayed broods of Blue ts (15) and Great ts (7) were doing well with adults still feeding fledged young in some locations. Two goldcrests were seen flying across to a dense conifer.Twenty wood pigeons were seen in various places, some up from bathing in the river and just one collared dove. Two nuthatches were present but keeping low profiles as usual this summer. Only 4 starlings were present - most still nesting - we have yet to hear the noisy calls of the fledged young.There were 8 herring gulls in the air,  eleven carrion-crows, two silent magpies and a single jay in the trees.

A kingfisher was seen flying fast and low over the river Arun and a Cetti's warbler was heard not far from where the first one for this location was heard (loudly) and seen last spring  - but not as close up this year.

A common buzzard was heard calling, then appeared directly above me. Two more buzzards joined it, all three flying closely together, the group being chased by a carrion-crow. The crow soon dropped away and the buzzards drifted south with the northerly breeze.

It was very good to see an adult male grey wagtail which flew out from the steep river bank (Arun) to land on a partially submerged branch across the river where it could be seen catching flies with the female of the pair just upstream. A grey bird with striking black and white tail feathers flew low across the bankside nettles above them - this was one of the fledged juveniles, still being fed by the adults.

Butterflies seen were:

Meadow Browns - fresh, not yet faded, flying low over the tall grasses, Ringlet, several, Large Skipper, Small Skippers, Large White.

Dragonflies seen:

Banded Demoiselle damselfly, Large Red damselfly, White-legged damselfly, Azure damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser.

Reptiles seen:

A surprise - a fine Grass Snake in a small pond - it was snatching at insects on the surface of the water and in the air,  it's head and body showing the distinctive Natrix natrix markings. It was possibly watching the movements of dragonfly perched and flying to and from a broad leaf.

There will be a separate post on the dragonflies soon.

Damseldflies First - the Survey for 27th May 2021

Summer seemed to be approaching with even small changes very noticeable today 27th May, after a long winter-like spring. It was a fine clear morning with May blossom now visible everywhere, and some just going over to be replaced by adjacent trees coming into leaf in the full sun. There was no wind just a thin layer of high cloud and numerous pollinating insects. Cow Parsley was growing very fast now forming shelter for young birds  newly fledged. Birdsong was echoing along the river which was flowing well after having been quite high after previous rain. Fresh new growth has rapidly displaced the Wild Garlic, with nettles springing up,  promising good conditions for most butterflies. Buttercups were flowering everywhere too, attracting more pollinating insects,  growing tall for easy access to red and white clovers this year. Bright green Oak leaves were unfurling in the sun and even a sapling, browsed by deer was casting out new shoots. Wild Honeysuckle was full of new shoots too.

Birdsong was loud and wild with no control over volume. The variety and mix of sounds and songs seems magnified this year - perhaps young birds last year learnt how to adjust their songs to the ambient sounds in those confusing times but their continuous song did not detract from what could be seen on the river below:

The first sighting of Damselflies and Dragonflies in a quiet sunlit part of the river where conditions were just right for their emergence. This will be covered in a separate post.

A male Beautiful Demoiselle Damselfly perched on a Dock leaf in the midday sun, watching out for passing insects. They have dark translucent wings and an electric blue/green body.

Clinging to the edge of the Dock leaf - Just to get a better view.

The same Beautiful Demoiselle damselfly male showing the shadow

cast in full sun through the layers of wings.

There were good numbers of both Beautiful Demoiselles and Banded Demoiselle damselflies in this area 

mostly low down above the water but some ranging further afield over the long grasses on the bank.

There were also Large Red Damselflies, usually the first to be seen in the spring.  The surrounding land is almost as important as the aquatic environment for dragonflies. When Banded Demoiselle damselflies leave the river they can often be found some distance away. flying over the long grasses-  but when the weather turns cloudy and it starts to rain they simply drop down under the shelter provided by vegetation, and re-emerge as soon as the sun appears, as do butterflies. A a sufficiently tall layer of mixed grasses and wild flowers is required.

Back to the birds present:

Over eighty very vocal house sparrows were seen in their usual hedges- and being a warm dry day dust bathing on several of the paths. Robins were less numerous (18) but nesting continues with first broods of young well fledged and assuming their adult plumage.Wrens (25) were especially vocal all along the river as usual, fortunately not affected by higher water levels after the rain. 5 Dunnock were seen, four singing, their numbers increasing slightly from year to year. Blue ts (15) and great ts (8) were clearly occupied in nesting which was most likely delayed this spring). and two goldcrests were seen in a conifer.

Blackbirds(33) and song thrushes (9) have dominated the soundscape this spring giving louder and more prolonged song cycles than previously.They appear more confident and more numerous too.There has been no lack of available food along the banks with invertebrates thriving amongst the vegetation and the  river provided the required  damp conditions and mud even during weeks when there was no rain.

Carrion crows (7), woodpigeons (25 ) starlings (36)magpies (7) jackdaws (2)  were present with starling numbers improving, possibly due to the proliferation of invertebrates.

Good numbers of goldfinches ( 42) were present, most singing in small groups or flying over.

On to the warblers, mostly spring migrants:

Providing a continuous background chorus whatever other birds were doing, made it a memorable day with only a glimpse of a sparrowhawk dashing into some brambles. The Cetti's warbler was still present this year but had chosen to establish a territory further away across the river probably whilst the weather was still cold.

Blackcaps (18) were present and still visible in the Willows and Hazels in various places with about ten singing. Chiffchaffs (18) could certainly still be heard but some not singing were nesting. Two willow warblers were heard and five common whitethroats were seen and heard near where they were nesting in bramble patches along the length of the riverside. There were three Sedge warblers too singing their characteristic song in different areas.

A swallow was seen flying low over Basin 5

Finally heard but not seen, the quacking of a mallard duck down on the river.

Here is a female Orange-tip butterfly perched on fresh Bramble leaves.

Orange-tips have been numerous this year, all flying in their own areas they are not seen in large crowds.

The females do not have the characteristic bright orange tips to their wings but have mottled hind wings as do the males - visible when the wings are closed. Garlic Mustard has been flourishing along the verges and hedgerows and is one of the main food plants of the Orange-tip caterpillar. The other plant is the Cuckooflower which flowers earlier and was more extensive this year.

More  Butterflies seen this day :

Orange tip, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Red Admiral. 

A Wild Start to May 2021

 This May  was more like March, with rain, hail and wind but blossom appeared as soon as there were warm and sunny intervals. Some flowers however did not survive the elements after two or three attempts at flowering. There was very little shelter from other trees.most of which had yet to come into leaf. 

What a change from last year.... 

Fruit tree on the river bank fully in blossom

attracting bees. 11th May 2021

Tuesday 11th May started fine  and warm but breezy from the south with some varieties of fruit trees suddenly in blossom. A buzzard was circling overhead with blackbirds, whitethroats, blackcaps chiffchaffs, willow warbler, goldfinches, robins, wrens, dunnock, song thrushes and a mistle thrush all singing and most quite easy to see through the bare branches of Oaks, Maples, Ash and Willows low and high.

The bank with a leaning fruit tree in blossom and daisies in the background

and Hawthorn in a sunlit location - one of the first trees to come into leaf and 

then come into blossom:

Close up  - May flowers awaiting insects on 11th.

The following days became dark again with drizzle and rain but with the welcome sight of swifts flying under the clouds, catching insects.

Even the early butterflies disappeared for a while:

This Peacock butterfly was the first seen -here  on 4th April 2021

warming up in the sun on a warm bed of straw - last year's  dry long grasses.

See the next post for the May Survey on 27th May 2021...

What! April without chiffchaffs?

No! there were 23 chiffchaffs at least along the riverside on the day of the survey - 27th April 2021 

Their characteristic song forming a background to other migrant warbler song which filled the river banks.

When they first arrive  -  and they really are the first to arrive in the spring, their song is a very welcome sound, If chiffchaffs are heard singing - it's a sign that  blackcaps, whitethroats and more will be following in a few days. They are not just passing through, as winter migrants do, but will usually settle here for the summer and raise at least one brood of young. When a pair of chiffchaffs nest they will make 'hweeet ' contact calls to each other so their usual 'chiff-chaff. chiff-chaff' song will not be heard for a while.

 

Arctic April - an unusual Sussex Spring

 April 2021 will be remembered for the relentless block of high pressure over the land, fighting off the weak areas of low pressure bringing warmth and rain. It remained cold with prevailing dry north easterly winds. The surface of the earth was too hard for the usual green shoots to grow and buds on the fruit trees   were mostly small and brown, whilst leaf buds on deciduous trees were hardly visible.

The survey for April took place on 27th April with no signs of rain - a bright clear cool start, no wind and hazy high cloud. The lack of wind was welcome allowing some warmth from the sun to touch the surface. The river was still low but flowing well providing a damp habitat along its course and banks, attracting birds, small mammals and insects. Open Willow catkins attracted many Bumblebees and small birds too.

Cuckooflower was growing extensively along the banks together now with Garlic Mustard and more Lesser Celandine . Wild Garlic was flowering everywhere between the trees . It has been a record month for wild flowers growing under trees both in the amount of growth and the long length of time they are lasting. This is most likely due to the delay in trees and shrubs coming into leaf, allowing sunlit glades to last far longer than usual before they become too shady for the flowers to last.

Wild Garlic or Ramsons (Allium ursinum) in flower under bare trees near the river where the ground remained damp.

Later their somewhat overpowering scent would give way to an amazing mixture of scents from various blossoming plants along the river.

Listening to and identifying birds was possible today without any wind roaring through the trees.

Blackbirds (36) were the first to be heard, with most in trees and shrubs whilst many more were foraging on the ground and carrying food to young in the nest. Many House Sparrows were nesting in various sites and taking time out to bathe down low on islands of twigs in the river or take dust baths on the pathways. There were more than ninety (counting the colonies in hedgerows and flying across the river).

Woodpigeons were as numerous as Blackbirds (36), some carrying twigs for nest-building, others bathing in the river which has become a magnet for all wildlife. Eleven carrion crows, one jay and five magpies were visible in the Oaks (not yet in leaf) whilst starlings (25) were for the first time this year circling overhead, catching insects which had formed clouds over the river area between the trees. These would be fed to their young. Herring gulls (8) were in place over the school whilst 5 jackdaws were seen in trees near the copse where a single stock dove was cooing.

Brambles were now throwing out new shoots and a Field Mouse was seen looking out of a dense patch of old brambles.

Garlic Mustard (Allaria petiolara)  flowering, quite different from Wild Garlic, with the scent of garlic only when the leaves are crushed.

This is a food plant for the Orange-tip butterfly, as is the Cuckooflower.

Loud calls came from an old Oak, still leafless. This was a nuthatch, very visible as were three others in  different oaks, their individual territories settled for the spring (4). There were no signs of chaffinch but today a single greenfinch was seen and heard having been seen the previous days well. These are still uncommon, having suffered a population crash some year ago when they were common garden birds.

Fortunately goldfinch  numbers are increasing although today only a small colony was present (10).

They are not finding much cover for nesting in the leafless trees.

About the same numbers of robins (25 and wrens (28) were seen today but with several fledged young robins now exploring not far from attentive adults. Many wrens were singing loudly,  still guarding their territories on the banks. Four Dunnock were seen, also low on the banks.

Song thrushes (9) were present, some  still singing loudly with others seen low down in the as yet sparse undergrowth, foraging for young in the nest. It was interesting to hear 2 mistle thrushes singing, their song carrying far along the riverside.

A single goldcrest was seen flying across to a conifer, and a lone male mallard was seen paddling its way upstream on the Arun.

Blue ts (21) and Great ts (12), some singing, were ranging along the trees and especially the riverside Willows with some swinging on the ends of Hazel branches.

Most of the summer migrants are now here, also ranging along the Willows, with 8 blackcaps, 3 whitethroats, 2 willow warblers and a single garden warbler seen, singing.

The sun had brought out the butterflies, with 6 Peacock butterflies over the dandelions, a Holly Blue around the Lesser Celandines, three Speckled Wood butterflies in a copse and last but not least, at least 26 Orange-tip butterflies-  bright males and more subtle females ranging singly along the bramble banks,  clumps of Cuckoo flower and Garlic Mustard.

Chiffchaffs Lead the Way - the survey for March 2021

 The March Survey was done on 23rd  March 2021 - a cloudy dry day with no wind, with the prospect of a warmer, brighter day to come.

The ground was becoming drier with many signs in the mud made by birds such as blackbirds and song thrushes foraging in the mud on previous days.The river was flowing well, the water no longer muddy and furious but now the colour of the millpond water upstream, a fresher grey/blue/green, translucent. It was clear enough for sharp-eyed birds to spot small fish and amphibians.

Signs of regrowth were everywhere amongst roots and piles of last-years fallen leaves washed to the banks during 'water out of bank' events.  Old bramble fronds support the new growth whilst providing continuous shelter for small mammals and birds during what is sometimes the hardest month for wildlife - March. The fruit trees all have buds, remaining closed whilst Blackthorn blossom staged a graduated appearance, the shaded areas still in bud. On the grassed areas, daisies Dandelions and Ground ivy had started to flower but brilliant Lesser Celandine flowers were spreading rapidly across the verges now.

Given the chance, Lesser Celandine ( Ranunculus ficaria) a type of buttercup, will be the first wild flower to brighten banks and verges in spring as it tolerates partial shade in addition to thriving in bright sunshine.

Chiffchaffs - the first of our migrant warblers:

The first bird of the day was also the first of our spring migrants - quite an amazing 'fall' of many birds arriving together and filling the riverside with their song, an unmistakable 'chaff - chaff' or interesting variations thereof. Fifteen were present  where the previous day there had been none. They were easy to see as they  worked their way through the bare trees feeding on insects, occasionally stopping to contact each other. Their song was definitely the dominant song of the day.

One other song was significant - the song of a blackcap in the willows, just one which may have been one of our winter migrant blackcaps which has decided to stay here rather than fly off to the continent to breed.

As well as sightings of new spring birds, another first sighting of a spring flower was also seen today:

Wood Anemone ( Anemone nemarosa)

A well-known sign of mature or ancient woodland, this was probably seen in swathes on the woodland floor when West Sussex was forest. It still exists in clumps but is very slow-growing and needs undisturbed ground  to flourish.

Blackbirds were seen in many different places today, 34 in total which included two males fighting loudly in a ditch. Often the only calls made at present are alarm calls with birds already nesting, although a few were still singing. Five song thrushes were present, taking advantage of shady areas where the mud is still soft. They run into cover rather than fly low like the blackbird when alerted. A single redwing flew across to some old ivy on a tree where it stayed to eat ripe ivy berries. It will be leaving very soon for it's summer breeding grounds probably in  the north east of Europe.

There are so many robins here that although most are now nesting under cover, some are still preparing. 24 were seen today, many of them singing, ever watchful. Dunnock (6) were still more easily seen than during the summer and appear to be doing well under the base layers of hedges

Almost the same number of wrens were seen today (22) but we have to remember that wrens make themselves almost invisible when nesting along the banks and are less easily seen throughout the year.

Four goldcrests were seen, a good view of one perched on a mossy branch, picking at the moss and filling its beak - an obvious sign of nesting activity whilst another two were seen chasing in a conifer.

No chaffinches or greenfinches were seen or heard today in this area but there are a few in other places not far away.  There were 23 goldfinches, most active flying across the river whilst others were singing almost out of sight in thickets. They nest in secret and don't advertise their presence at this time of the year.

A single bullfinch was calling but unseen amongst the willow catkins.

Large numbers of house sparrows (over 90) were seen and heard in most places where there are hedgerows and thickets - safety in numbers - they outsmart the local sparrowhawks which are far more successful in catching wood pigeons. The resultant piles pigeon feathers provide good nesting material for the house sparrows. 23 wood pigeons were seen today along the river.

The crow family is not large here and numbers are few.  Seven magpies, twelve carrion-crows and four jackdaws were seen. 

In the tree canopies, still mostly bare,  about forty blue ts were very active with seventeen great ts mostly lower down and amongst tree roots and a pair of long-tailed ts were busy nesting under a bramble bank.

Woodpeckers are doing well in the old trees, usually oaks, with one great-spotted woodpecker flying across and calling to its mate, with  another heard drumming and a green woodpecker heard yaffling on a grassy slope under some old oaks. Starlings (54) were more numerous than usual today, mostly around their ivy roost or seen foraging in pairs. Nuthatches (6) change their calls in spring but they mostly keep to their traditional nest sites, adapting where there are changes. It is reassuring that they are present in good numbers here, sending out youngsters into the wider landscape to establish new territories each year.

Finally :

The bird flew up into a tree from the river onto a branch overlooking the water where it perched for some time intent on surveying the river. I had a good view this time as had seen it on several days recently but only glimpsed distanced views. It was a Little Egret . It is usual for a few of these birds to move inland along the Arun each winter at the first frosts, preferring to choose areas with trees over the warm river  which doesn't freeze over rather than stay on the freezing windswept coast.They then return to the coast to 

nest after the winter. Perhaps the March weather had proved too cold to encourage the little egrets to return to their summer habitat.

A Cold Winter - but signs of Spring

The survey for Sunday February 21st 2021

 In recent years we have become accustomed to signs of spring early in the new year but February this year 2021 has been cold - as it used to be in the previous century....but at least this weekend showed that spring weather was a possibility after all. 

There had been a shower overnight but it was becoming brighter and the wind had dropped. High cloud allowed the light through, at least for a few hours.The river was running lower and muddy with paths churned up by the leaden feet of weary joggers seeing only numbers of miles and minutes - well kms sounds more impressive. The green leaves of Wild Garlic were shooting up above last years dry grasses and flower stalks. Insects were now gathering around the soft crab apples and Hazel catkins marked out the presence of Hazel trees along the riverbanks - their stages dependent on the site location - shade or sun, north or south. Bird song provided a continuous background chorus. 

Dog rose hips continued to provide colour along the fencing, failing to tempt most birds, although eventually they will be eaten if food is scarce in early spring.

Larger birds with powerful beaks are always good survivors , such as the characterful Carrion Crows which are always seen in small numbers along the river. Today there were 11 seen and heard in various locations. Woodpigeons too are always present  with 30 seen either singly or in small groups, spread out. Seven magpies, three rooks, two jackdaws, six herring gulls and one black-headed gull were also seen. Starlings have their own rules and are rarely seen here in large flocks although large number can hide away in dense Ivy roosts where one can only guess their numbers by their calls. Today there were about twenty seen, mostly around a green with a dense bramble margin. Two jays, probably a pair were seen flying into a small copse where they remained out of sight.

House sparrows were numerous as usual and very audible, in several colonies about 85 in all whilst more than ten goldfinches had gathered in a tangled thicket of dense bare twigs and branches, flying off and returning now and again. Others were seen flying across the river in small groups.A chaffinch was heard calling but no greenfinches were detected and only one calling bullfinch was heard in bare willows.

Frog spawn in one of the ponds. The erratic  and often very cold weather has not been ideal this spring, but this patch survived, with lively adult frogs very visible. Grey herons have been patrolling the river and ponds recently, searching out food to take to their young some distance upstream.

A smart single male pied wagtail was busy on the shorter grass at the river bank, perhaps one of a pair that has been seen recently on another meander of the river. Blackbirds (35) were seen just about everywhere, with song thrushes (16) usually in the same damp areas when foraging, They do seem to be more numerous now than a few years ago - perhaps more winter migrants make the journey and perhaps more migrants decide to stay all year.  A single migrant - a redwing was seen amongst ivy and berries - this bird definitely returns to breed mostly in  north and east Europe  - they are only here for the winter berries! Dunnock were visible today (6) two chasing in the undergrowth  with others on the margin of the pond where a common toad was heard.

Wrens were singing loudly  in many mossy places, warming up after the freezing days (21) . There is no sign that the number of small birds has been reduced by the winter weather in this particular location. Its diversity means that there is always shelter, unfrozen flowing water and undergrowth cover for all.  Robins have certainly prospered with 28 mostly singing and preparing to nest. Blue ts (over 50) too seemed to be preparing to nest as were long-tailed ts (3), whilst great ts were very vocal (32) and active, searching for spiders and prospecting for possible nest sites. One of the smallest birds, the goldcrest is usually resident  - three were visible and very active in the conifers.

It gradually became warmer and brighter for a while and Buff-tailed Bumblebees appeared, ranging slowly over the banks.

Two nuthatch were seen in the old oaks - one quietly tapping, probably refurbishing a nest,  then calling with the other calling from a more distant tree. In a different location a great-spotted woodpecker called and flew across to an Ash whilst some distance above a common buzzard was gliding, followed by two carrion-crows. Another gliding buzzard looked down at me.(2).

Finally there was a very good view of a mistle thrush singing loudly from the top of a tree.