Back to .... Homepage ---------------------------------------------------- FRIENDS OF EMSWORTH WILDLIFE This is a community web site dedicated to the observation, recording and protection of the wildlife of the Emsworth area Please send your observations and photos to Brian Fellows . . . brianfellows at tiscali.co.uk LOCAL WILDLIFE DIARY June 1-16, 2010 Photo Gallery 2010 . . . The best wildlife photos through the year DIARY ARCHIVES February, 2010 . . . March 1-15, 2010 . . . March 16-31, 2010 . . . April 1-15, 2010 . . . April 16-30, 2010 May 1-15, 2010 . . . May 16-31, 2010 Wildlife News Summaries . . . Fortnightly summaries of the local wildlife news WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 BRIDGE ROAD WAYSIDE I logged several plants to the Bridge Road Wayside list this morning: Wall Lettuce, Petty Spurge, Prickly Sow-thistle, Red Valerian, Broad-leaved Willowherb, Scented Mayweed, Creeping Thistle and most surprising of all Marsh Foxtail. This takes the total plant list on the Bridge Road Wayside site for 2010 to a magnificient 101. In addition some of the Narrow-leaved Water-plantains are also flowering in the stream. Ralph Hollins reminded me of another plant to look out for on Bridge Road - Wall Speedwell which he found last year by the northern entrance. Ralph had it in his driveway today. The distinctive leaves of Wall Lettuce on Bridge Road - 16 June 2010 BROOK MEADOW Birds The regular Whitethroat was singing on the north meadow. The Cetti's Warbler was blasting out its song on the Lumley Stream. This bird moves up stream as it sings. Butterflies A Small Tortoiseshell was flying on the north meadow this morning. This was the second I have seen on successive days and my 4th sighting this year of what had become quite a rare butterfly. Could they be making a come back? The only other butterfly seen was a Common Blue. Plants I found a Bee Orchid in flower on the north meadow, only the second on Brook Meadow so far this year. TUESDAY JUNE 15 HAYLING OYSTERBEDS It was a fine morning, but with a very chilly north wind, for my regular Tuesday wardening session at the Oysterbeds. I had an unusually sociable morning with several birdwatchers to chat to. They had inevitably come hoping to see Little Terns, but I encouraged them to enjoy the great spectacle of breeding Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns. Birds The Black-headed Gull chicks are growing fast with many stretching their small wings and some venturing onto the water. It should not be long before they take to the air. I was really pleased to see so many Common Tern chicks on the south island being tended to by their parents. Jason said the numbers had gone up to 80 pairs in the past week with about 100 chicks now hatched. Most are on the south island, but three pairs are amongst the Black-headed Gulls on the north island between markers N and O. A digiscoped photo of Common Terns and chicks - 15 June 2010   I did not see anything of the Oystercatcher family with two chicks from the south island nest that Jason mentioned last week. Jason said they were still around, but had lost one chick. Three Oystercatchers are still sitting on nests on the north island, by markers M, Q and S. There was no sign of the Little Tern pair that were on the new shingle island last week, having abandoned their first nest. Just the perky decoys, that I had to warn visitors about. Jason said they do come and go, but thought they were unlikely to return to nest. However, good news from Chris Cockburn is that over 60 pairs of Little Terns are nesting on the RSPB islands and many with chicks. While I was looking at the new island, the local Kestrel flew into a nearby channel and went off with something in its claws. A Buzzard was soaring and calling over the north meadow. Ten Shelduck were on the northern beds. No sign of any Black-tailed Godwits this week. Butterflies Although there were not many butterflies on the wing, I did have the good fortune to spot some nice ones. I saw my first Large Skipper of the year on the Hayling Billy Line. Then as I was walking back to the car park at the end of the wardening stint, I happened to meet a birdwatching friend from Emsworth (Sid Davies and his wife) and as I was talking to them a Small Tortoiseshell flew onto the Slender Thistles right beside us and, even better, perched long enough for a photo. This was probably the first of the summer brood. Small Tortoiseshell feeding on Slender Thistle on Hayling Oysterbeds - 15 June 2010 It was my third sighting this year of what has become quite a rare butterfly, the others being in Marlpit Lane, Woodmancote on April 20, and in my back garden on April 25. As I was pursuing the Small Tortoiseshell, I happened to see a Painted Lady on the thistles, my first of the year. Jason told me he had also seen some Small Tortoiseshells in the past week, so hopefully, they are making a come back. Jason also saw some Painted Ladies on the thistles last week. Plants I think the poppy flowering in the car park is Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) from the rounded flat-topped capsule (or possibly a garden version of it). There is another poppy on the shore on the way to the lagoon, not yet open, but looks red, with grey hairless leaves which might be an Opium Poppy. I had a good look at the Oraches on the shingle beach, but I am pretty sure they are Spear-leaved with the triangular shaped lower leaves. I have looked at the Bittersweet bushes on the beach many times, trying to make them into Bittersweet ssp. marinum, but I don't think they are fleshy enough. What does anyone else think? The Milk Thistles behind the mound are looking better this year and have just started flowering. The mass of Common Ragwort is not quite in flower. Common Sea-lavender is just starting to flower on the muddy shore of Stoke Bay. New plants for this year on the Hayling Billy Line included Selfheal, Hedge Bedstraw, Restharrow, Curled Dock, Goat's Beard, Rough Hawkbit, Corky-fruited Water-dropwort, Field Bindweed, Hedge Bindweed, Crested Dog's-tail and Yellow Oat-grass. These take this year's plant list for the Hayling Oysterbeds reserve to 139. My overall total is 177, so still plenty to find. MONDAY JUNE 14 EMSWORTH Slipper Millpond An astonishing 8 adult Mediterranean Gulls with 4 juveniles were on the Slipper Millpond raft this afternoon, the most I have ever seen there. Probably from the large breeding colony on the RSPB islands in Langstone. RSPB Warden Chris Cockburn says the juveniles are not this year's brood from Langstone. They are mostly c2 week-old chicks at present with no juveniles expected until mid July. The birds in the photo are 4 1st summer birds (no black hoods), 2 2nd summer birds (black in primary tips) and 2 2nd summer/adults (difficult to make out any black on primaries). Adult and juvenile Mediterranean Gulls on Slipper Millpond - 14 June 2010 The Mute Swan was sitting on her nest on the west bank of the pond, probably with only one egg remaining. The Coot family of 2 adults and 5 young chicks from the second brood, plus one mature youngster from the first brood, was active on the northern part of the pond. Large shoals of Grey Mullett were swimming around in the pond. Common Orache is flowering along side Lesser Swine-cress on the rough ground at the end of Queen Street. Emsworth Marina The Mute Swan family with 3 young cygnets was on the marina ponds this afternoon, previously only seen in Dolphin lake. A forest of Hemlock was in full flower on the marina western seawall. Socrates eat your heart out!   I confirmed the identity of the Black Mustard with its long beaded seedpods without a waist (which they would have if they were Hoary Mustard). Large Bindweed and Wild Carrot were both flowering on the seawall for the first time this year. I was surprised to find Slender Thistle in flower behind the marina buildings, the first I have recorded in this area. The first Wild Carrot of the year was in flower on Emsworth Marina seawall - 14 June 2010   Thorney Island north Eleven Bee Orchids were flowering at the foot of the slope down to the northern track. Smooth Tare (with 4 seeded pods) was growing in a tangled mass at the foot of the Wickor Bank where plenty of Corky-fruited Water-dropwort was flowering. Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler and Sedge Warbler were singing along the old ERA track, but no Cuckoo or Turtle Dove. A bright clump of Hop Trefoil was flowering on Thorney Island (north) - 14 June 2010   SUNDAY JUNE 13 EMSWORTH Plants Water Figwort - Flowering in the Westbrook Stream beneath Victoria Road. Greater Celandine - A rather sad looking plant is just flowering on the path near Lumley Mill. Skullcap - Flowering as usual on the brick wall of the Lumley Stream in front of No 3 Raglan Terrace Rough Chervil - Flowering well on the east bank of Peter Pond in front of Gooseberry Cottage. Feverfew - On the edge of Lumley Road. Biting Stonecrop - Excellent clumps of yellow flowers on the millpond wall. Jointed Rush - flowering on the Lumley area of Brook Meadow, but no sign of Sharp-flowered Rush which we had for the first time last year. Festulolium Hybrids - abundant along the southern path of the north east path through the north meadow. Butterbur - A new site for Butterbur on the railway embankment side of the river. LORDINGTON PARK Following a tip off from Lesley Harris, Jean and I paid a visit to Lordington Park just north of Walderton (Grid Ref: SU 7814 0973) this morning to have a look at the House Martins nesting there. . The matron Mrs Rutland told us the House Martins nested under the eaves every year. She liked them coming, but they did make a mess on the walls and windows! I counted 22 nests around the house, about half of which were probably active. Very good to see them. What a pity we do not have any left in the Emsworth area. Where the House Martins nest NORE DOWN We went onto West Marden and walked to Nore Down where we had a picnic with wonderful views across the hills and valleys. I shall be leading a walk here on July 2 for the Havant Wildlife Group but today we were a bit too early for many of the flowers. In the woodlands I noted Yellow Archangel in flower and the leaves of Woodruff and Nettle-leaved Bellflower. Nore Down itself was covered in the yellow flowers of Crosswort along with clumps of Bladder Campion and patches of Wild Thyme. The rounded flower heads of Salad Burnet were dotted around the down along with the tiny white flowers of Fairy Flax. Of the more interesting grasses I noted Quaking Grass and Glaucous Sedge. Despite the warmth of the morning the only butterflies were saw were a couple of Large Whites and a Common Blue on Nore Down. At least 4 Skylarks were singing in the large arable fields above West Marden. Common Milkwort? One flower was puzzling. It had a spike of bright pink bell-like flowers and alternate pointed narrow leaves up the stem. I think it must be Common Milkwort, though I had never seen one that colour and on close examination the plant covered in tiny hairs which appeared to be curled back. The field guides say that Milkwort is hairless! Ralph Hollins comments: "Your plant looks just like Common Milkwort on which the flowers are often pink but I am puzzled by the hairs as you are." Common Milkwort? FRIDAY JUNE 11 REED WARBLER NESTING I did not get out until this evening when a walk around the local area produced some interesting observations. I saw a Reed Warbler carrying insects into the northern reedbeds of Peter Pond, confirming breeding of at least one of the three Reed Warblers on the pond. Two other Reed Warblers were singing from the reedbeds in the south west corner of the pond. The Cetti's Warbler sang from the northern reedbeds. COOT CHICK RESCUED When I arrived at the Hermitage Bridge I found a small gathering of people watching a Coot chick that had got trapped near the wall of the Chequers Quay houses. Local resident David came to the rescue by wading through the muddy waters of the pond to release the chick from a tangle of wire coat hangers and fishing line. The Coot chick, apparently unharmed by its experience, swam off to its parents where it was greeted with food. Well, done David. Coot chick trapped near Chequers Quay on Slipper Millpond - 11 June 2010   David sets off to rescue the Coot chick   David releasing the Coot chick   The chick back with its Mum and being fed HEDGEHOG IN GARDEN We had a Hedgehog in the garden this evening, the first for many months. That solves the mystery of the droppings that we have seen on the grass for several days. Hedgehog in the garden - 11 June 2010 PLANT NEWS Yarrow and Perforate St John's-wort were flowering on the southern embankment of Peter Pond. THURSDAY JUNE 10 EMSWORTH Little Egret in garden A Little Egret was investigating the Westbrook Stream at the bottom of my garden this morning. It perched briefly at the top of a tree, but it was off before I could get my camera out. It is very unusual to see a Little Egret here at this time of the year. They are always winter visitors. Bridge Road Wayside Rob Hill of HBC has removed one of the bars from the barrier around the car park to allow easy access to the new information board on the wayside. He has also built a ramp over the curb. The flowers are starting to open on the verge at the southern entrance to the car park where Rob sowed wild flower seeds earlier in the year. The first ones to show are large orange 'poppies'. Not sure what species. Plants The first Common Ragwort of the year is opening up its flowers on the roadside at the eastern end of the Lillywhite's path. BROOK MEADOW Lesser Stitchwort is flowering well on the 'cross path' through the south meadow of Brook Meadow. I found another three Common Spotted Orchids on the north meadow, just north of the twiggy barrier. That makes eight in all so far this year, the most we have ever had. I have marked all of them with twigs. SEA MILKWORT I asked Ralph Hollins what he thought about the Sea Milkwort on field W on Warblington Farm on June 7. I see he found it flowering in the marshy SSSI at Warblington Farm on June 3 2009, so clearly it is not unusual in this habitat. Ralph replied that he was not surprised as Sea Milkwort is a regular component of short salty grassland and can be found annually in the Warblington SSSI along with Subterranean Clover in the drier areas. NEWS UPDATE FROM LANGSTONE HARBOUR Chris Cockburn reports In the harbour on Baker's Island there are now several Little Tern chicks - please do not expect exact details, but the ones seen were probably c2-days old - monitoring is limited by tide heights and wind direction/strength (the telescope -viewing site is an intertidal shingle ridge some 500m from the nest sites and which is only accessible by boat and unusable when the tide covers it!). Evidence from several visits to the ridge suggests that there may be c57 little tern nest sites on Baker's Island plus 3 on South Binness Island. So, things look promising for the Little Terns - all that's needed for the next three weeks or thereabouts is reasonable weather (gentle breezes, no heavy rainfall/hailstorms etc); no tides higher than those predicted; no predating by foxes, crows, kestrels, gulls etc; no clumsy Canada geese trampling through nest areas.........!! IMAGES FROM HAYLING OYSTERBEDS . . . http://www.imageinuk.com/ Here are some great images from Peter Drury, one of the volunteer wardens on the oysterbeds. JASON CROOK'S NEWS UPDATES FROM HAYLING OYSTERBEDS I have decided to use my 'old' Langstone Harbour Wildlife blog, which I started last autumn but had to abandon for a while as other matters took over my life from mid-winter, to host some of my observations from the Oysterbeds this summer. I hope you find them of interest. . . . http://langstoneharbourwildlife.blogspot.com/ Read more about the following on Jason's web blog. Common Terns with chicks at the Oysterbeds - Tuesday 08 June Fate of the Little Terns on the new shingle island Oystercatcher chick brooded by Black-headed Gull - Wednesday, 09 June WEDNESDAY JUNE 9 EMSWORTH Slipper Millpond The poor Mute Swan nesting on the west bank of the pond is in a sad state, though it probably does not appreciate the fact! I found it off the nest this morning, which had just one egg in it with another 5 eggs in the water nearby, clearly having been washed out of the nest by high tides. I suppose it will carry on sitting so long as there is something to sit on, but there seems little prospect of any cygnets being produced. This is her second try after the first nest was also washed out by the tide. As I noted before the swan is a 'Polish' variety with pink legs and feet, probably from a brood on Peter Pond in 2005. Mute Swan with 5 lost eggs on the west bank of Slipper Milllpond - 9 June 2010 Better news is that the Mute Swan family with 3 cygnets from the nest on the marina seawall looked well and happy in the upper reaches of Dolphin Lake. The Coot family with 5 small chicks from the northern raft are still intact and looking healthy. Another Coot family with 2 small chicks was in the centre of the pond. I am not sure where they nested. Coot chicks on Slipper Millpond. Where has Mum gone? - 9 June 2010 Peter Pond The Mute Swan pair that nested on the island are still patrolling the pond with no further attempt to nest after their clutch of eggs were stolen, probably by foxes. One Coot family is on the pond with one mature chick. Three Reed Warblers were singing from the reedbeds on Peter Pond this morning, the first time we have had three this year; two were singing from the northern reedbeds and another singing from the SW reedbeds. There is a fine display of Sea Club-rush on the western side of Peter Pond.   I also found three plants of Blue Water Speedwell in flower on the west bank for the first time ever. I think there were more than 20 flowers per spike which means the plants were not the rare pure version of Blue Water Speedwell, but the hybrid Veronica x Lackschewitzii. Blue Water Speedwell (hybrid Veronica x Lackschewitzii) on the west bank of Peter Pond - 9 June 2010 Other Plants Lesser Swine-cress and Scented Mayweed are flowering on the patch of rough ground at the bottom of Queen Street just outside the new Lillywhite's building. BROOK MEADOW I found another two Common Spotted Orchids on the north meadow, making a total of 5 on Brook Meadow this year so far. There are still three Southern Marsh Orchids and one Bee Orchid. The Bee Orchid on the Lumley area now has two flowers open. One of five Common Spotted Orchids flowering on Brook Meadow - 9 June 2010 Celery-leaved Buttercup is flourishing this year in the south eastern corner of the south meadow. I counted 13 flowering plants along the southern edge near the Bramble. There are another two in the area above the causeway. A fine Brown Trout in the River Ems below the south bridge on Brook Meadow - 9 June 2010 BOSHAM Jean and I walked round the harbour at Bosham this afternoon. Common Sea-lavender and Greater Sea-spurrey were in flower on the saltmarshes. I also noted Corky-fruited Water-dropwort on the seawall plus a splendid patch of Crow Garlic in full flower. It is unusual to see it in flower, usually, one just finds the plant with bulbils. Crow Garlic in full flower on Bosham Harbour - 9 June 2010 House Martins were nesting under the eaves of the cafe overlooking the harbour, as they were last year. Amazingly, these are the first I have seen anywhere local this year. Do they still nest in Stansted House? FISHBOURNE Appledram Lane verge I had another look at the wild flower verge in Appledram Lane (south) where the rare Spiked Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum) grows. I found Georgie from the Chichester Harbour Conservancy busy replacing the notices about not cutting the verge, which had been removed by someone unknown. This was probably done by the same person that strimmed the verge last year when the Spiked Star-of-Bethlehem was in full flower. Georgie said this was a persistent problem, even though most of the immediate householders were in support of the non-cutting scheme. Georgie told us that this year's count of the Spiked Star-of-Bethlehem plants was 108, which was well up on last year's maximum of 86. However, as with most plants this spring they were very late flowering and only a few were open; last year the plants were all in full flower on this date. I also pointed out to Georgie the unusual Hairy Bindweed (Calystegia pulchra) which was flowering in the hedge at the southern end of the verge. She promised not to do any more cutting in that area too. When I first saw it last year my first thought was that it was a large Sea Bindweed in the wrong place. However, the leaves of the plant were not kidney-shaped, as they should have been for Sea Bindweed, and the plant also has inflated bracts completely enfolding the sepals, rather like Large Bindweed. All was revealed when I examined a flower stalk with my microscope which was distinctly hairy. Hairy Bindweed was a new plant in my experience. The rare Hairy Bindweed in Appledram Lane (south) in Fishbourne - 9 June 2010 Fishbourne Meadows We then went over to have a look at the Southern Marsh Orchids on the meadows, which Georgie said was a bumper crop this year. Although I did not venture deep into the vegetation, from what I could see there was not so many orchids showing as I would have expected. Maybe, there are more to come. It will be interesting to hear about this year's count. While on the meadows we walked along the stream where we noticed a rippling in the water near the bank which I am 95% certain was made by a Water Vole. This is the exact spot that the Havant Wildlife Group saw a Water Vole at this time last year. RALPH HOLLINS NEWS A short walk to the southern end of the Old Town Hall carpark on the Billy Line this morning found the ususal mass of Sweetbriar in full flower (and giving off its apple scent from crushed leaves) on the west side of the carpark at the southern end near Grove Road. Also seen were my first Bristly Oxtongue, Nipplewort and Hairy Tare plus Knotgrass. Yesterday we had drama in the garden when the local Magpie pair brought their three fully fledged young onto the lawn. I think the young were eating slugs from the grass and maybe it was jealousy over a food find that caused a prolonged and violent fight between two of them (one bird down on its back). The fight brought all five birds into a melee. This fighting went on for a couple of minutes and started again a few minutes later - no permanent damage. Also with young out of the nest are the Jackdaws which nest in St Faith's church tower - a cloud of them milling about in the air on recent days. No sign of any Swifts in Havant this month. TUESDAY JUNE 8 HAYLING OYSTERBEDS I did my regular Tuesday wardening session a bit later today, from 11am to 2pm. As it happened, this turned out quite well as I missed the early rain. All I had to contend with was a chilly SW wind. Birds The Black-headed Gull chicks are growing fast and I could see some flexing their tiny wings. One was taken onto the lagoon with a parent. All 65 Common Terns were sitting tight on their nests on the south island, with others variously lounging around or flying to and from. I looked for chicks, but did not see any. However, Jason told me that one pair hatched one chick yesterday (June 7) as he had predicted. I was pleased to see the Oystercatcher pair nesting near marker C on the south island with one fairly active chick, which was running around while I was watching. Less pleasing was the ongoing friction with the neighbouring Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls, which dive-bombed the Oystercatchers from time to time. There were two more Oystercatchers sitting on nests on the north island, at markers Q and S.     I was surprised to see the Little Tern pair on a new site on the new shingle island, to the left of the decoys as you view them from the Bramble bush. One bird appeared to be sitting on a nest while the other one was standing and preening nearby. Jason told me that their first nest had failed, but he was unaware of further nesting. The only other birds of interest were about 12 Shelduck on the northern beds plus one snoozing Black-tailed Godwit, maybe one of the four I saw here last week. Plants Weld is now fully in flower around the reserve. There is a good growth of White Bryony, spreading onto the path, behind the wooden seat to the east of the lagoon. The small yellow flowers of Cinquefoil with crinkly petals are dotted around the paths. Newly flowering since last week were Slender Thistle (pink flowers) on the path from the car park to the lagoon, Viper's Bugloss, Wild Privet and Dogwood on the north path and Common Cat's-ear on the Hayling Billy Line and Oriental Poppy (?) in the main car park. Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) was a new addition to my Hayling Oysterbeds plant list. Its bright yellow daisy flowers are prominent on the west side of the Hayling Billy Line with a basal rosette of grey furry leaves (like Mouse ears). But best of the day were three pale flowered Common Spotted Orchids growing together on the east side of the Hayling Billy Line just north of the gate to Pete's cattle feeding area. No sign of any Bee Orchids as yet. BROOK MEADOW Plants I had a walk through Brook Meadow this afternoon where I found Hedge Woundwort, Water Figwort and Reed Canary-grass flowering for the first time this year. Fool's Water-cress was flowering in the river in the usual place beneath the south bridge. The handsome Timothy grass was just opening up to show its long tubular panicles. Sea Arrowgrass I planted a Sea Arrowgrass on the eastern edge of the south eastern corner of the south meadow opposite the pair of Ash saplings on the Lillywhite's patch. I got it from the Warblington Farm field yesterday. Sea Arrowgrass has not been recorded on Brook Meadow since 1998. I would hope the habitat in this area will allow it to grow. The area is regularly flooded during the winter with brackish water from Peter Pond. Insects Several Banded Demoiselles were flying over the dense vegetation on the south meadow. Fish I got talking to a young lad named Jacob, who was fishing from the south bridge with a simple line and hook with garden worms as bait. In 15 minutes we were chatting Jacob caught a Brown Trout and a small Pike, both of which he threw back into the river without my prompting. He pointed out another large Pike in the river to me. These were the first Pike I have ever seen or heard of in the River Ems on Brook Meadow. JOHN TAGG NEWS Southbourne Copse Thanks for your update emails about "Southbourne Copse" it will be interesting to see replies. As well as all the paintwork on the trees, the route was also marked with posts (photo attached), every 30 feet, although most have been removed by local youngsters who have been using the copse for scrambling, hence the well defined paths. Tree No. 173 On the wildlife news, the Woodpecker has flown, hopefully back next year. That tree No.173 has done well, there are three holes that have been used, all within 12 feet of each other, one with the Woodpecker one with a Blue Tit family, (also fledged), and another still ongoing with Wild Bees in it, (I think, ? it may be Wasps I have not got too close! to find out), although this year the entrance is covered with ivy. Young Robins In our back garden this year we had a Robin nesting, which we were able to watch, as I had a camera over the nest from the time they built, laid, hatched and right through to leaving the nest. They had four young who all left successfully, and I have attached a photo of the last one to leave, sitting on our trellis still with his wispy coat that kept him warm, waiting to be fed. Roe Deer And while walking the dog on Monday in the field between Lumley and Bourne School, I just saw two ears above the corn (which is only 18 inches high). By walking out into one of the tractor tracks, I managed to photo this Roe Deer Hind, it all seems to be happening at the moment. MONDAY JUNE 7 WARBLINGTON FARM I went over to Nore Barn this afternoon mainly to have a look around the wet field to the west of the woods. This is Field W on Ralph Hollins's map of the fields of Warblington Farm. Last year, Ralph found the rare Sea Clover on this field. I went over then to have a look at it on June 6. However, I was surprised to find no trace of it this afternoon. This is strange as it looked so well established last year. Other plants I noted included Sea Arrowgrass and Saltmarsh Rush. I expected to find Lesser Sea-spurrey which was here last year, but instead found what I am fairly sure was Sea Milkwort which I did not see last year. I was surprised to find it in this relatively wet and marshy habitat as my only other sighting of this plant was on the sand dunes at Poppit Sands in West Wales. Sea Milkwort that I brought home with me from Warblington Farm - 7 June 2010 NORE BARN WOODS I found my first local Field Bindweed in flower on beach to the south of the woods. The Hairy Garlic has flowered again on the path to the north of Nore Barn Woods, though the flowers were well past their best. I found two sedges in the woodland, False Fox Sedge and Grey Sedge. Hairy Garlic is flowering in Nore Barn Woods - 7 June 2010 BROOK MEADOW Tony Wootton saw a Water Vole swimming in the River Ems near the sluice gate at 7.15 this morning and got a nice photo of it. This was sighting number 55 for the year. As usual, all the Water Vole news, sightings and photos can be found on the BMCG web site at . . . . http://www.brook-meadow.hampshire.org.uk/bm-water-voles.html   SUNDAY JUNE 6 BROOK MEADOW I went over to the meadow this morning, mainly to take some photos of the conservation work session. I also had a number of interesting wildlife observations. Water Vole I was pleased to see a Water Vole swimming beneath the west bank of the river, about half way between the north bridge and the north bend, before disappearing into a burrow above a wooden bank support. It was too quick for a photo. This was the 54th sighting of the year, all being well spread along the length of the river. With the burgeoning of the bankside vegetation on Brook Meadow, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see the river, which probably accounts for the fact that this was only the 4th sighting over the past 2 weeks, the other three were on the river beneath the gasholder Damselflies Damselflies appear to be more numerous than usual on Brook Meadow, with lots of Banded Demoiselles, along with a good number of Large Red, Blue-tailed and Azure Damselflies. I have also seen a female Broad-bodied Chaser in the past week, while Graham Hoggarth has seen Hairy Dragonfly and a possible Beautiful Demoiselle. This morning I also saw male and female Common Blue Damselflies. Thanks to Graham Hoggarth for confirmation of their identification. Male Common Blue Damselfly . . . . . . . Female Common Blue Damselfly Other insects Butterflies are rather scarce at the present, though I did spot the first Common Blues on Brook Meadow this morning, though I have seen them elsewhere. They are about 2 weeks later than usual. First Common Blue butterfly of the year on Brook Meadow - 6 June 2010   I disturbed a number of brown moths as I walked through the vegetation on Brook Meadow. I got am image of one with a distinctive white Y mark on its wing, probably a Silver Y Moth. Thanks to Graham Hoggarth for the ID. I disturbed several Silver Y Moths on Brook Maedow - 6 June 2010 Orchids I had a query during the past week from a lady about whether orchids grew on Brook Meadow. The answer was yes, though not in any great numbers. Three different species have regularly flowered over the past few years, all of which are now on show. Three pale flowered Common Spotted Orchids are out on the north meadow; three Southern Marsh Orchids are out, two on the north meadow and one near the causeway. This morning Graham Walsgrove found the first Bee Orchid of the year on the Lumley area, in exactly the same place as he found one last year. We should have more of these coming up. We also had a Pyramidal Orchid in 2008, though I recall that one was planted and has not been seen since. First Bee Orchid of the year on Brook Meadow - 6 June 2010 Other plant news Broad-leaved Willowherb is flowering under the south bridge - east side. Blue Water Speedwell (hybrid - Veronica x lackschewitzii) is flowering again, in the same place as last year, on the west bank of the Lumley Stream close to the Water Dock, at Grid Ref: SU7515 0605. This is about the same time as last year. Blue Water-speedwell in flower on the west bank of the Lumley Stream on Brook Meadow - 6 June 2010 NESTING NEWS The Mute Swan family with 3 cygnets from the nest on the northern seawall of the marina was in Dolphin Lake this afternoon. The Mute Swan family with 5 cygnets from Thorney Island are now settled in Emsworth Harbour near the quay. There seems little hope for the swan nesting on the west bank of Slipper Millpond. It is still sitting, but has already lost 4 eggs out of the nest. The new Coot family from the northern raft nest box Slipper Millpond was out on the water this morning, comprising 2 parents, one mature chick from the first brood and 5 young chicks from the 2nd brood. Coot family with 5 new chicks on Slipper Millpond - 6 June 2010 SATURDAY JUNE 5 EMSWORTH It was a bit too hot to do much today. Four Swifts were flying around the houses in Bridge Road this morning, but they had disappeared by the evening, even though it was still warm. Insects all gone? There are very few butterflies on the wing at present, apart from the usual Holly Blue in the garden and the odd Peacock and Comma elsewhere. Surprisingly few whites. Brook Meadow I noticed what I assume was Broad-leaved Willowherb was in flower under the railway arch at the end of Seagull Lane. Marsh Foxtail is now showing in the dried up Lumley puddle area on Brook Meadow. The hairy stems of False Brome grass are showing on the edge of Lumley Road but no sign of any spikelets as yet. Sedges are abundant this year, particularly Divided Sedge, Distant Sedge and False Fox Sedge. However, the rushes appear not to be doing so well. I have not been able to find any Sharp-flowered Rush as yet. This was new to Brook Meadow last year. Also, Jointed Rush is not nearly so abundant as usual. Jean and I had a look at the Lillywhite's Garage exhibition in Emsworth Museum this morning. Interesting, but what really caught our attention was the superb original artwork by Marian Forster for the Brook Meadow interpretation board which was displayed above the staircase. This original painting was donated to the museum by the Brook Meadow Conservation Group in 2005. FRIDAY JUNE 4 EMSWORTH Swifts Swift numbers are still below normal over Bridge Road, but 4 birds were continually sweeping low over my back garden and up over the house this morning, occasionally stopping to investigate the Starling nest hole under my neighbour's roof. I have seen them doing this in previous years and have put it down to young birds sussing out possible nesting sites for next year, but I am not sure. Cetti's Warbler I spent the afternoon updating the three signcases on Brook Meadow, so I did not have much opportunity for wildlife observations. However, I could not help but hear the amazing Cetti's Warbler almost everywhere on the meadow. It seems to sing almost non-stop. Is he desperate? Hopefully, he has got a mate. A passer-by asked me what the bird was with such a loud voice, which he can never see. He told me that he often heard it at 5am in the morning when he took his dogs for a walk. Record Ragged Robin count I did another count of Ragged Robin plants today since I realised I had missed some large areas in yesterday's count. The new figure is more astonishing at 625, which is not only a new record for Brook Meadow, but almost twice the previous highest count of 332 in 2006. This follows a similar record count of Butterbur flower spikes earlier in the year. Clearly, something unusual is happening this year, probably due to the severe winter we had and the lateness of all the plants. Maybe, we shall get a bumper orchid crop as well? Millpond news The Mute Swan is still on her nest on the west bank of Slipper Millpond. This evening I noticed a pair of Tufted Duck fishing on the pond, an unusual sight. Two Reed Warblers were singing in the small reedbeds to the SW of Peter Pond. Buzzard Nest in Lumley I was interested to learn from Richard Denman (who works for HBC) that Buzzards nest on his father's Lumley Mill Farm in Mill Lane, Lumley. A pair nested there last year producing two youngsters and this year there are two pairs on the farm. That probably explains the presence of the rather tame juvenile Buzzard on Brook Meadow this year from Feb 12 to Mar 31. Richard also said the Swallows were back again nesting in the farm buildings. THURSDAY JUNE 3 RACTON BBS This morning I did the final BBS count for SU7808 around Racton Park Farm. It was a smashing morning and the countryside was glorious. What a beautiful country we live in. I started and finished at Marlpit Lane, but there was no sound of Nightingales. Maybe, they have stopped singing? However, I see Trevor Carpenter heard a good number over at Botley Wood today. The absence of a Nightingale was compensated by the song of a Corn Bunting from a tree top along Hare's Lane Funtington. Just as I got my camera on the bird, he flew, but got quite a nice shot anyway. Corn Bunting in flight at Hare's Lane, Funtington - 3 June 2010   Nothing else of special interest on the survey, apart from the masses of Rooks around the farm where there is a big Rookery. I have not done the results so I shall report them later. Wild Radish flowering along the edge of a field of Oil-seed Rape near Funtington BROOK MEADOW I had a late afternoon mooch around the meadow in very warm sunshine. It was snowing Willow seeds as I went through the Seagull Lane gate. An amazing experience, though the fluffy seeds from the Crack Willow trees usually do collect like snow on paths at this time of the year. Snowing Willow seeds on Brook Meadow - 3 June 2010 Whitethroat problem I heard just one Whitethroat singing on the north meadow. This is all I have heard for the past 2 weeks, so it looks as if we are down from the usual three singing males that we have had in most previous years. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs are here as normal. The Cetti's Warbler was blasting out its song from the Lumley Stream area. Ragged Robin count - SEE CORRECTION JUNE 4 I have been doing an annual count of Ragged Robin flowering plants on Brook Meadow since 2002. I did the usual count this afternoon and, as I thought, it has been a bumper year for them. I counted 348 plants, which beats the previous record of 332 in 2006. Broad-bodied Chaser I had my first Broad-bodied Chaser of the year on the north meadow, a female which perched nicely for me in the sunshine. Graham Hoggarth also had what was probably the same female Broad-bodied Chaser on Brook Meadow yesterday. Let's hope there is a male in the area for breeding. Female Broad-bodied Chaser on Brook Meadow - 3 June 2010 Banded v Beautiful Demoiselle Graham Hoggarth said my 'possible Beautiful Demoiselle' yesterday was in fact a male Banded Demoiselle. I agree, but it was a try! Graham indicated that in Beautiful Demoiselles both immature and mature males have wholly dark wings, darkening with age. In Banded Demoiselles mature males have a conspicuous dark 'band' on the wings. MUTE SWAN NEWS Ros Norton went through Emsworth marina today and noticed that the Mute Swan nesting on the north marina sea wall had at least 3 cygnets. That is very good news. I wonder what has happened with the other swan nest on the west side of Slipper Millpond? MYSTERY CRANESBILL Ralph Hollins agrees with Martin Rand about the mystery Geranium with tiny white flowers that I found on Eastney Beach on May 31. Ralph points out that Francis Rose uses the hairs on the flower pedicels as his distinguishing feature. Ralph has found this an easy and convincing way of identifying Small Flowered Cranesbill. The hairs on the pedicel of the Small Flowered are all very short and even in length (like a beard stubble) where as the Dove's Foot always has some long hairs. Unfortunately, my photo does not show the hairs, so clearly another visit to Eastney is required to clinch its identification. HAYLING OYSTERBEDS NEWS - from Jason Crook Common Tern chick With a niggling doubt in my mind after yesterday's announcement of a tern chick I had the opportunity today for further study and all became clear. The 'common tern chick' was in fact a gull chick being brooded by a tern. I have seen this behaviour once before, but it is clearly rare. In fairness I only really saw less than 50% of the chick briefly under the common tern late in the evening, although I did make a mental note of its size and brown downy tones... Conclusive evidence was provided today by the fact that the common tern in question (also joined by its mate) was in fact still on eggs. Presumably the same lost gull chick was, again today, being attacked by an adult black-headed gull when it strayed into a neighbouring territory. Sadly, the outcome wasn't too good. Just as a reminder (although I don't wish to patronise anyone) common tern chicks can (given a clear view!) be readily identified from small gull chicks by their clear white belly. They are also a tad smaller when first hatched (!) and have subtly different markings .... Tern chick shelters Today I put out a total of nine chick shelters on the south island. It took just 15 minutes. Thanks to colleagues and partners who assisted me with this endeavour, the last such disturbance to the colony I plan to make this year. I checked all the common terns this evening to make sure that they were all happy with the shelters and can report that there are now 66 on nests (including all 65 that I recorded on Monday) on the islands. You may ask why I don't put them out before the birds have settled. In the past I have put shelters out before the gulls have started nesting and most of them have been commandeered by pairs of gulls as markers for their nests (some nesting ON the shelters, others next to them). Clearly, this invalidates the purpose of having them on the island. They also use up potential nesting space, so by putting them out when all the terns have settled I'm not inadvertently placing shelters in locations which would otherwise be used by terns. Finally, by leaving it to last minute I can place the shelters in positions which are close to actual tern nests, therefore increasing the chances that they will be used. This year it was important that we tried the shelters again as, unlike last year, there isn't going to be a forest of annual vegetation growing up on the south island to provide cover for the chicks and therefore they will be more exposed to predation sources and poor weather. I apologise to the photographers out there who would prefer things more natural-looking, but in reality the islands are very artificial anyway (albeit more aesthetically pleasing than previously). WEDNESDAY JUNE 2 BROOK MEADOW Orchids I found the first orchids of the year on Brook Meadow this morning. Two very pale flowered Common Spotted Orchids are open on the west side of the north meadow, south of the main orchid area, in the same area as last year. These are about 2 weeks later than in the previous 3 years when the first flowers were seen between May 12 and 16.   One of the Southern Marsh Orchids that were planted on the east side of the orchid area on the north meadow in 2007 (marked by a cane) is showing its pink flowers. There is no sign of the other one. However, another spike is almost fully open about 3 metres to the NW of the original. Last year we had 4 Southern Marsh Orchids in total on Brook Meadow. There is no sign of any Bee Orchids as yet though they are usually a bit later coming through than the other two. Please keep looking out for them, but they are not easy to spot in the long grass. We also had a Pyramidal Orchid in July 2008, but did not get one last year. Insects Graham Hoggarth was on the meadow with his camera at the ready. He had two particularly significant sightings:. First he saw two Hairy Dragonflies which are firsts for Brook Meadow Then he saw what he thought was a Beautiful Demoiselle, which would be the first since Caroline French's sighting of one on 02-Aug-08 - though that one also was a bit unsure. Graham did not get a photo of the latter to confirm, but he was 95% certain. I later got a photo of a damselfly which I thought at first was a male Banded Demoiselle, but I wonder if this could be Graham's Beautiful Demoiselle? A possible Beautiful Demoiselle on Brook Meadow?   Here is a real Beautiful Demoiselle I took at Hook Heath NR last summer for comparison Graham also saw Azure Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Broad-bodied Chaser. Graham did a butterfly transect for his college course and logged Red Admiral 3, Peacock 1, Large White 2, Orange Tip 5, Small White 2, Green-veined White 2, Holly Blue 2. I also met a young man named Glenn from West Leigh, whom I have not seen before. Glenn was also interested in photographing damselflies and got a nice one of a Broad-bodied Chaser while I was with him, the first on Brook Meadow this year. Water Vole Jim Berry phoned to say he saw a Water Vole emerge from a hole on the west bank of the river below the gasholder at about 2pm this afternoon and move into the vegetation. This is sighting number 53 for the year so far. PLANT QUERIES I had a reply from Martin Rand about the two plant queries I sent to him yesterday. 1. Eastney Geranium Martin agrees the Geranium on Eastney Beach could be Small-flowered Crane's-bill (G. pusillum). He said to look for stem hairs all of the same length and sometimes curved in; Dove's-foot Cranesbill (G. molle) has a mix of long and short hairs. Also only 5 of the 10 stamens with anthers; molle has all 10 with anthers. Unfortunately I do not have the sample I brought home, so will need to have another look at the plant when I in next in Southsea. 2. Hayling Grass Martin thought the grass I found on the Hayling Billy Line looked a lot like Upright Brome (Bromus erectus). The hairy stems are uncharacteristic, but do sometimes occur. Longish spreading hairs on the margin of the lower part of the leaf blade would be characteristic. Given all the other chalk-loving plants introduced into that area, Martin thought it wouldn't be too surprising. This is a new plant for my Hayling Oysterbeds list taking the total to 174. TUESDAY JUNE 1 HAYLING OYSTERBEDS My luck ran out weather-wise for my regular Tuesday morning wardening session at the Oysterbeds. Light rain fell steadily for the whole session, so I spent longer than than usual in the relative comfort of the bus shelter. Birds Black-headed Gull chicks were very evident on the two islands in the lagoon, with many other snuggled under their parent's wings. There were a good number of families of 3, so it looks like a successful year for the gulls. I spent some time watching a family of one adult and 3 chicks which spent the whole morning on the shore of the south island to the right of the large white rock. Most of the time the chicks were snuggled under their parent's wings, venturing out occasionally to look for food.   I counted 61 Common Terns sitting on nests, many of them with their heads slightly tilted up, on the look out for mates arriving with food. Jason reported 65 on nests - see his report below. All were on the south island, none on the north island where I noticed a couple last week. I did not see any chicks - though Jason reported a chick this evening being brooded by a pair of birds, with a couple more pairs with chicks in the next couple of days maybe. The solitary Oystercatcher was still sitting on its nest on the south island and Jason says the eggs should be hatching by next week and I may be lucky to see it happen! The Oystercatcher is still on its nest on the north island near marker Q. I did not see the other one. The solitary Little Tern is still sitting on the far end of the new shingle island, surrounded by its 7 stuffed companions. Shall we be seeing chicks in the next week or so? Wow! There was no serious sign of any predation this morning. The islands on the lagoon were visited by a pair of Mediterranean Gulls, but they did not stay. A Carrion Crow paid a couple of visits, but was swiftly driven off by the gulls. There has ben no obvious aggressive interaction between the gulls and the terns. The only other bird sighting of interest was the presence of a group of 4 Black-tailed Godwits feeding on the shore off the north beds. They flew SW towards Stoke Bay as I was watching them, showing their white wings bars. They were not in summer plumage, and Jason thinks they were probably last year's youngsters remaining here over the summer. Plants Newly flowering plants this week included Weld and Hemlock on the path from the car park and White Bryony in the hedge to the east of the lagoon. All four of the Yellow-horned Poppy plants on the Stoke Bay beach are now in flower and Wild Privet and Traveller's Joy are almost there along the north path. Mystery grass I took a few samples of the tall grasses from the north side of the Hayling Billy Line to have a closer look at at home. I have previously put them down tentatively as Red Fescue, but today, I saw they had slightly hairy stems, which rules out Fescues and puts Bromes in the frame. But which one? It was not nearly floppy enough for Barren Brome and Hairy Brome and it lacked the bristles on the upper leaves of Upright Brome. The compact nature of the panicle led me to consider Compact Brome (Bromus madritensis), which does grow on banks, like where I found it, but is listed in The Hants Flora as "very rare"! So I shall consult Martin Rand, the BSBI Recorder for this region. Spiderlings There were very few insects about on the wet morning, certainly no butterflies. However, I noticed a nest of what appeared to be spiderlings on the east side of the Hayling Billy Line. I have no idea what they are, so I have sent a photo to Bryan Pinchen for his opinion.   JASON CROOK'S NEWS UPDATE ON HAYLING OYSTERBEDS Distributed to all volunteer wardens As you will all be aware the Trust, working closely with Havant Borough Council and the RSPB, and with some money 'left over' from the Environment Agency-funded RSPB Langstone Harbour Little Tern project, made some habitat improvements to the Oysterbeds in April. Work has taken place in two areas. At the lagoon we have recharged (augmented) with shingle and topped with ballast approximately 50% of the length of the southern island, while at the same time re-profiling the sides. At the northern end of the reserve we have made a completely new area of bare shingle habitat, using the same materials used at the lagoon, on the highest 'finger island'. This replaces most of the sea couch grassland that was previously there. Black-headed Gulls Fast forward to this weekend…. Typically, late May or early June sees a late spring peak in the number of concurrent first nesting attempts by all species. This year is no different. Currently, we have 461 pairs of nesting Black-headed Gulls, a total arrived at by a one-off nest count undertaken by myself in fine weather on 24 May. On this day the first major hatching of eggs was taking place after the first had hatched the previous day, with a total of 35 broods (or partially hatched clutches) noted. Subsequently many more clutches have hatched and the islands are bristling with small gull chicks and attendant adults. The total of 461 compares with 450 nests counted on 21 May last year. Common Terns On Monday I confirmed the presence of 65 pairs of Common Terns on nests, with at least four other pairs displaying and nest scraping. The majority of these are on the new shingle recharge area on South Island (between markers A and E), with some up to posts F, and a further three on the south-western slope of North Island between markers N and O. There have also recently been interest by up to two pairs on the northwest embankment to the lagoon, c.10 metres northeast of the 'south' fence line, but they haven't yet settled. The first eggs are due to hatch on South Island on about 07 June but the majority of the clutches were not laid until just after the last of the frosty nights in the third week of May. So, hopefully, it will become busy with tern chicks during the middle two weeks of the month. Little Terns Little Terns have again chosen not to nest on the lagoon islands. However, one pair has found the new shingle area at the north end of the reserve, joining the seven decoys which I expertly (some may say deceptively!) placed in a 'colony' towards the furthest end of the island. The real McCoy (not the decoys…sorry I couldn't resist) is slightly closer to the landward path on the Oysterbeds (i.e. in front of the decoys) and can easily be found by looking from the big bramble bush next to the pile of large 'reject' stones. However expert or not I was in the placement of the decoys (which were provided by Chris Cockburn - thank you Chris) it has worked and one pair of Little Terns is a 100% increase on last year. They are just about to enter their third week of incubation. They typically take 21-22 days at the Oysterbeds to hatch. The stones under the decoys may take a bit longer…. Oystercatchers Oystercatchers are having a bumpy ride again this year. Three pairs are nesting on the lagoon islands, one on the south and two on the north. The one on South Island, between markers C and D, is a relay after a previous nesting attempt failed on account of Black-headed Gulls taking over the nest scrape! As I carried out the gull nest count last week I confirmed that these gulls are still incubating Oystercatcher eggs!! Who knows what happens when (if) the eggs hatch. One of the two pairs on North Island has now failed twice, the first attempt was hijacked by gulls (who may well still be sitting on Oystercatcher eggs as well) and the second was washed away by high tides last week. The other pair on North Island is on a nest at marker Q, easily seen from the eastern path around the lagoon, and is (I think) a first attempt. The pairs at C/D and Q are due to hatch on about the 07 June and 18 June assuming a full incubation period of 27 days for each. Nine other pairs are scattered about the reserve, including several on the northwest embankment. Two of the pairs on the outer embankments at the north end of the reserve are currently on nests, but they take their chances with fisherman out there! The species can be extraordinarily uncanny in their choice of nest site however, and some of you will remember the pair that nested and successfully raised one young to fledging on the shingle spit just south of the lagoon a few years ago. It can be done! Ringed Plover Single pairs of Ringed Plovers have settled on both the northwest embankment of the lagoon (currently sitting on a nest, although difficult to see even through a telescope) and on the northern embankments/islands. The latter pair had previously tried to nest on the new shingle area but failed (nest robbed of eggs) but I think are trying again. At least one new male has been present this weekend but is constantly being chased around by the resident bird. Visitors Visitors to the reserve have mostly been well behaved this year so far. One notable exception was the young chap who rowed an inflatable dinghy out to south island in the lagoon one evening just over a week ago. Luckily, although I wasn't on site, a local was on hand to point out the error in his ways, and after a short while the offender left. I should point out that no damage was done to the birds, nests or colony (apart from some disturbance) and that I will shortly have photographs to identify the young chappy if he happens to show up again! Waders The spring migration of waders though the reserve has been very slow this last few weeks and I only really have tales of one evening this month which was worth the trouble of looking for migrants: on 26 May a nice mixed flock of 16 Ringed Plovers, 10 Sanderlings and four Dunlin were along the shoreline just south of the lagoon, and a late Greenshank was along one of the outer embankments. One or two Whimbrel and Grey Plover continue to be seen throughout. BLACK OR HOARY MUSTARD? Martin Rand commented as follows on the Black Mustard that I found flowering on the Emsworth marina seawall on May 28 "Your Black Mustard could well be that (i.e. Brassica nigra). But from the photo there's also a good chance it could be Hoary Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana). Is this something you checked out? "By their fruits shall ye know them." Blamey, Fitter and Fitter (p.88) describe Hoary Mustard as "An increasing alien, tiresomely similar to Black Mustard from which it differs in being paler green, with coarse whitish hairs all over the lower stems and leaves." I had another look at the plants and there was no sign of the coarse whitish hairs. However, I shall be interested to look at the fruits which are waisted 2-segmented pods, in contrast to Black Mustard which has several seeds in the pod with a thin beak.