"snippets of wealth"
diaries....(see below)
Northern Greenland Wheatear (Oenanthe o. leucorrhoa)
Dryopteris sub-montana (Rigid Buckler Fern) on Hutton Roof, Cumbria
Crossbills (chicks in late December etc)
Sunday 17th May 2020
Checking out the lovely Ajuga reptans - Bugle and other things in Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) and Slape Lane
Small patches of Helianthemum nummularium - Common Rock Rose were showing, and seemed to be struggling with the dry weather, I just hope things will be better by the time the Northern Brown Argus butterfly appears (anyday now). A small piece of Polygonatum odoratum - Angular Solomons Seal (maybe 2ft or so) has now populated to around the 6ft mark. Unfortunately Carex ornithopodia - Birds Foot Sedge has already taken a massive hit this year and is just not showing because of the dry weather, normally just in the small area I checked out today, there would have been a thousand or more clumps. Its been another good year for Paris quadrifolia - Herb Paris which are still showing well, and a super year for the lovely Galium odoratum - Sweet Woodruff, in fact the best I have ever seen it, it really is growing plentiful and in areas creating a lovely carpet within our ancient woodlands. Odd Lysimachia nemorum - Yellow Pimpernel on show.
On way back down Slape Lane just had to check out the hedgerows looking for Prunus padus - Bird Cherry and sure enough the hedge had webs all over holding the caterpillars of the Bird Cherry Ermine Moth.
Finally I managed to capture a photo of the Orange Tip male with wings closed and giving a good display of the underside whilst feeding on the top of a Alliaria petiolata - Garlic Mustard
Looking carefully you can see the Orange showing through
Photo: Slape Lane 17th May 2020
A beautiful crispy creased yellow petal soon to be the foodplant of the
Northern Brown Argus which frequent the area.
One of the best little colonies on Hutton Roof
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) on 17th May 2020
One of the best little colonies on Hutton Roof
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) on 17th May 2020
One of the best little colonies on Hutton Roof
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) on 17th May 2020
One of the best little colonies on Hutton Roof
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) on 17th May 2020
One of the best little colonies on Hutton Roof
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) on 17th May 2020
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) 17th May 2020
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) 17th May 2020
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) 17th May 2020
Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) on 17th May 2020
Photo: Off Slape Lane, Burton In Kendal 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
which will house lots of the little caterpillars
which chose the Bird Cherry tree as their host and
will gorge themselves on the leaves
Photo: Slape Lane on 17th May 2020
Friday 15th May 2020
Dalton Crags and Hutton Roof Common was on the agenda, I wanted to see just how the Polystitchum lonchitis Holly Ferns were doing, in particular I wanted to get a photo of a emerging (last 24/48hrs) frond of a young Polystitchum lonchitis Holly Fern. So that later I could use it in a side by side comparison photo showing a fresh young emerging Hard Shield Fern.
Holly 1 had not really started emerging, although you could just about see croziers starting out from the central rosette - another month!
Holly 2 is as different as chalk and cheese in respect to Holly 1. Although more advanced it is far less robust plant in comparison. Todays measurements were: A deep base rosette of about 10cm (4-5" in diameter), 8 fronds with 7 still unravelling at approx 10cm (4" in height), one fully unravelled frond at 15cm (6" in height), all fronds about 3cm (1" wide)
On the way up I checked out recent emerging Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St. John's Wort, and on the top found two Epipactis helleborine Broad Leaved Helleborines,Sanicula europaea Sanicle now at its best, Trifolium medium zig zag clover, Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort, Polygonatum odoratum Angular Solomons Seal, Minuertia verdi Spring Sandwort, probably one of the best years yet for Pilosella officinarum Mouse Eared Hawkweed which seemed to be everywhere, lots of old Primula veris Cowslips (hundreds) in Dalton etc etc
Bird wise I had 2 pair of breeding Stonechats on territory in Dalton Crags, 2 pair of Linnet, one pair of noisy Redpoll, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Tree Pipits (quieter today) 6 Goldfinch, but the star had to be a solitary Wheatear at the top of Dalton Crags, I got good vision before it flew from one tree to the next and actually sat on the uppermost point on four separate trees, it did eventually come down to sit on the rocks, but what strange behaviour to witness this tree hopping from a Wheatear.....
shows all the new 8 fronds unravelling (one completed)
Photo: 15th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Photo: Dalton Crags on 15th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof on 15th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof on 15th May 2020
Hutton Roof Common on 15th May 2020
Hutton Roof Common on 15th May 2020
Old and new
Photo: Hutton Roof Common 15th May 2020
shows new fronds coming through with this shot of the rear)
Photo: 15th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Todays measurements were: A deep base rosette of about 10cm (4-5" in diameter), 8 fronds with 7 still unravelling at approx 10cm (4" in height), one fully unravelled frond at 15cm (6" in height), all fronds about 3cm (1" wide)
shows a new frond with emergence of only 24/48 hours
Photo: 15th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Todays measurements were: A deep base rosette of about 10cm (4-5" in diameter), 8 fronds with 7 still unravelling at approx 10cm (4" in height), one fully unravelled frond at 15cm (6" in height), all fronds about 3cm (1" wide)
shows a new frond with emergence of only 24/48 hours
Photo: 15th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Todays measurements were: A deep base rosette of about 10cm (4-5" in diameter), 8 fronds with 7 still unravelling at approx 10cm (4" in height), one fully unravelled frond at 15cm (6" in height), all fronds about 3cm (1" wide)
shows all the new 8 fronds unravelling (one completed)
Photo: 15th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Todays measurements were: A deep base rosette of about 10cm (4-5" in diameter), 8 fronds with 7 still unravelling at approx 10cm (4" in height), one fully unravelled frond at 15cm (6" in height), all fronds about 3cm (1" wide)
Photo: Hutton Roof 15th May 2020
Hutton Roof on 15th May 2020
Hutton Roof on 15th May 2020
Hutton Roof on 15th May 2020
Hutton Roof Common 15th May 2020
Thursday 14th May 2020
The agenda was set to check out some of Hutton Roof's Fly Orchids. I found far less and most of the dozen or so I found all had burnt tips to their leaves and some had much deformed appearance. Quite a lot had not come through yet and maybe another week may have a few that would be OK. Without doubt again the dry weather is taking its toll, the heathland is so crunchy has you walk.
I was very pleased to locate a new colony of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder's Tongue) and so far the very best produced on Hutton Roof, the population contained hundreds and stretched intermittently over a metre wide to a linear 18 metre stretch (20 yards approx). Again the ferns were located quite close to a main footpath.
A few Neottia ovata (Common Twayblade) beneath the Gorse on the way up.
Also on the way up I had a Dingy Skipper butterfly and a Tree Pipit, also Garden Warblers, Willow Warblers and Linnets.
Polygala serpyllifolia (Heath Milkwort) was plentiful in all the regular places and came through in blue and all shades through to white.
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: 14th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Photo: 14th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Photo: 14th May 2020 - Hutton Roof
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Photo: Rosette Hutton Roof 14th May 2020
Wednesday 13th May 2020
My plan whilst on exercise was to do a quick survey on the bottom pavement no.1 on Dalton Crags just to remind myself of how much Dryopteris sub-montana (Rigid Buckler Fern) and Gymnocarpium robertianum (Limestone Fern) and to also check out the Polygonatum odoratum (Angular Solomons Seal) populations, for it was eight years since I made a plan and gave the individual populations gps references etc.
As usual surveying any pavement is a sheer joy, and you really don't know exactly what you are going to come up with next! Vast amounts of the rare Dryopteris sub-montana (Rigid Buckler Fern) were coming from almost every gryke on show (hundreds if not a thousand!), covering the majority of the pavement. With regards the Gymnocarpium robertianum (Limestone Fern), there was far less in fact probably only one thirtieth in comparison, but it was all fresh and looked so good (photos showing further down). It just has to be one of the most photogenic ferns on this beautiful planet, well that's my opinion. Also you get a really good count here of Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Shield Fern), today I managed photos showing the new coming up through the old. Also lots of immature aculeatum which made you look twice for the thoughts of Polystichum lonchitis (Holly Fern) running through your mind, but never such luck!! I did have a "branched" aculeatum which had obviously gone wrong somewhere in it's make up.
A little dissapointed in not finding all the Polygonatum odoratum (Angular Solomons Seal), I only found two out of the pre-recorded five sites which I recorded back in 2012, but I am sure they would be there and I was probably missing them.
Occasionally the Cuckoo would call from somewhere midway up on the Dalton Crags (upper or deforested), also whilst surveying, I heard Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, and I feel I heard a Whitethroat.
I found a new clump of carex ornithopodia (Birds Foot Sedge), but not looking great! like all I have seen so far, greatly suffering with the dry weather. I found a lovely little colony of Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rockcress) which I thought was new, but later on checking the plan I had already recorded it back in 2012.
Here and there you got the Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchids) although they appeared to be going over, but you could see they had been a splendid display and surprisingly large.
On my way up I saw plenty of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), they were in the shade with good canopy, but I can't recall ever seeing them so big with leaves measuring 7 1/4" x 5 1/2" (see photo).
And now for some "naturelle" Gryke art......
And so here are some of the most beautiful natural art I can ever imagine, it shows ferns predominently Limestone Fern (or Polypody), Rigid Buckler Ferns, Hard Shield Fern (old and new) Angular Solomons Seal, Early Purple Orchid, Hairy Rockcress etc etc....
Monday 11th May 2020
Whilst on a stroll up Vicarage Lane, I just could not resist taking a photo or two - Vicia sepium Bush Vetch, and several photos of Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicely and some local Cruciata laevipes Crosswort
Sunday 10th May 2020
Checking out the Sedge Warblers on the Canal (Lancaster) from bridge No.142 (southband) in the Lancaster direction towards Tewitfields.
Along a stretch of 1/2 mile I managed to count 10 singing birds (5 pairs) which were seen on the phragmites, also had one Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Common Whitethroat.
I will also need to check out the Sedge Warblers from bridge No.142 heading North
_______________________________________________
Saturday 9th May 2020
A further check out around Lower Dalton Crags, with the splendid sight of the Erinus alpinus Fairy Foxglove at Plain Quarry, and surveying the Convallaria majalis Lily Of The Valley (for comparison photos) and also checking out the existing, and finding a new population of Polygonatum odoratum Angular Solomons Seal bringing my so far total to 91 populations on the whole of Hutton Roof. I was surprised at just how far on these populations were already and some of them were already showing flowers, although only a day or two old and still straightening out before taking on the drooping profile of a more mature flower. We are so fortunate at this site to have such splendid populations of this nationally rare species. Also today I wanted to check out the vast population of LOTV, with many of them already in flower. Their drooping bells show such vivid white definition making it so difficult to photograph, but today I wanted to get some early leaf photos for comparison work against early ASS. Some of the leaves were small yet others were already showing at over 30cm (12")
Photo: 9th May 2020 - Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags
Photo: 9th May 2020 - Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags
Photo: 9th May 2020 - Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags
Just starting to go through the Crags and I always try and take note of how the (Fragaria vesca) "Wild Strawberry" plants are doing. It's a site I can best describe as the base of a fallen tree with all its old dead roots dangling in the air whilst one side of the old tree is resting on a soily bed. The whole area over time as come alive with vegetation, including both Barren and Wild Strawberry, and I use this to show the comparisons side by side. But today I was more interested on two accounts of the (Fragaria vesca)
Wild Strawberry, because for one I had not noticed such large leaves before and these would have measurered up to 8cm (3"), and that each flower had slight variations to the edges of the petals, really interesting and worthy of more study, but no time today I must get on and spend my "hour" wisely and productively. Here below gives a good account of the variations.
Photo: Leaf Size and Petal edge variant profiles within the same colony
Dalton Crags 9th May 2020
And not forgetting the pteriologist, I just had to call in and check out the recently emerging Brittle Bladder Fern, Hard Fern and a young frond of the (polystitchum aculeatum) Hard Shield Fern
Photo showing it growing on verticle escarpment
Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Juvenile showing it growing on verticle escarpment
Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Showing early frond and fronds unravelling
Photo: Dalton Crags on 10th May 2020
Showing early frond (crozier) unravelling
Photo: Dalton Crags on 10th May 2020
can see on the pinnae that the "notches" have not yet formed
Photo: Dalton Crags 9th May 2020
And now for something what could turn out to be
a little bit special!!
I will need to be patient with this and wait until August to see what (and if) the new fronds throw up!
On initial looks It meets the requirements in profile eg: It has that "Delta" look about it and the tip tapering and also the bottom pinnae facing downwards. The location also was similar to our (Polypodium cambricum) Southern Polypody No.1 which lies about 120cm (4ft) down a gryke. If it does turn out to be the "special one" well that will make it the fourth colony I have so far recorded on the whole of Hutton Roof.
Next on was the delightful dangling white bells of the Lily of the Valley
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
In amongst a spiders web
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
And now a few photos of the Angular Solomon's Seal from the five populations we
have on the upper escarps of Dalton Crags (lower)
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags on 9th May 2020
It was nice to see our Dalton Crags Redstart is back and calling repeatedly. Also had 5 Garden Warblers calling, 1 Blackcap and several Willow Warblers.
Also a hatch of Small Heath Butterfly (4), female Brimstone, and 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Orange Tip.
Thursday 7th May 2020
I decided whilst on exercise to re-check on the recent RUST I found Gymnosporangium clavariiforme and what a difference of how it shows today which is five days on.
Also I took note all around the area on Holme Stints and noticed that the Rust seems to be seen on several plants within a very localised area of say 20 to 30 square metres, and also I learned that the Rust also was found on Ulex europaeus (Gorse) as well as Juniperus communis (Juniper).
Here I show the photo from 5 days ago (day of finding) and today which shows just how the Rust has decayed in such a short time.
after 5 days (top photo 2nd May 2020/bottom 7th May 2020)
Click over to enlarge
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
Click over the photo to see just how much the rust has shrunk down in only 5 days
Its got to be a special day when you find the 2nd only Antennaria dioica (Mountain Everlasting) population, this time on Holme Stinted Pastures. A small group with approx 24 flowers contained in a area of approx less than one metre. The flowers are currently between 3 to 5cm (2" to 3")
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 7th May 2020 (new population)
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 7th May 2020 (new population)
My first of the year Dinghy Skipper Butterfly
"I had two Dingys today fluttering in cascadement"
Today I also had a single Neottia ovata Common Twayblade rosette and the very first I have ever recorded on the Stints, very close to the Mountain Everlasting.
Other notes were made on the Polygonatum multiflorum (Common Solomon's Seal) which I always notice near to where I park up. Its one I presume discarded many years ago onto the verge sides, but I like it because it gives me lots of chances to make comparison notes against my beloved Polygonatum odoratum (Angular Solomons Seal).
Notes like the odoratum is only at about 10cm (4" high at the moment) whereby these multiflorum are almost at a metre in height, and here close shots of 3 drooping flowers are shown which you never got more than two on Odoratum..
Shows drooping flowers of three
Supersize leaf of approx 15cm (6")
Also a couple of lovely trees from Curwen Wood (from yesterday)
Sunday 3rd May 2020
Photo: Sandside 3rd May 2020
Exercise today was for the greater part following the old Railway track embankment which was originally the track which lead from Arnside to Kendal.
Oystercatchers and a rare surprise to hear
the Whimbrel echoeing across the still estuary
Scurvygrass and cranesbill and horsetails
Exercise today was for the greater part following the old Railway track embankment which was originally the track which lead from Arnside to Kendal
Photo: Sandside 3rd May 2020
Saturday 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures
Orchids (O.mascula) and Ferns
Lovely views of my garden for today
The knottiest tree ever known
and a fungal rust......
plus early Lily of the Valley
Decided to check out Holme Stinted Pastures on the Farleton side of Hutton Roof Crags to see how the orchids and ferns were doing.
It came as a surprise to note that perhaps some 80% of the Orchis masula (Early Purple Orchids) had obviously faced problems with the likely cause thought to be dehydration through the lack of rainfall. Most of the specimens I noted were very dry and stunted to a growth size of only 2" or so, some already having died premature and some still cased in their shrouding leaves. Only about 15-20% reached reasonable sizes in comparison to past years. I did manage to find a few for photographs shown below. Normally you would expect to see a few hundred specimens on the Stints with some good light varieties.
The ferns were really doing well on the Stints with exceptional amounts of Dryopteris sub-montana (Rigid Buckler Fern) well established growing from within the many grykes and limestone pavements (area covered approx 500 yards x 50 yards). Also within this area there are small pockets of Gymnocarpium robertianum (Limestone Fern) which is well on and can be seen in the following photos.
We hold plenty of Juniperus communis (Juniper) in these parts and today I noticed one of the large plants showed several areas of "A RUST" which is called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme a type of orange fungi which I had never noticed before (see photos).
I noticed today that Potentilla erecta (Tormentil) was coming through and also a very light version of the Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort)
Starting off with todays Orchids then our Ferns and then my Special Garden for today
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
taken on Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
And now our fabulous Ferns! (Dryopteris sub-mantana) RIGID BUCKLER
and (Gymnocarpium robertianum) LIMESTONE FERN.....
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof Crags - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures - 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures - 2nd May 2020
And now before we look at some more interesting things why not have a little look at my garden for today!
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
2nd May 2020
The knottiest tree on earth.....
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
And now for a special RUST that affects JUNIPER which is called
"Gymnosporangium clavariiforme"
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
and called Gymnosporangium clavariiforme
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures on 2nd May 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Here is a good tip straight from my own notebooks! This particular example seen today looks excessive and thats because when I reached it a large stone had been covering the plant and it was necessary for the trapped stems to stretch to get some sort of sun or daylight. TIP: At this stage of growth it can easily be mistaken against Polypodium odoratum (Angular Solomons Seal) but what are the differences.
1) The leaves remain the same colour/shade of green throughout both sides of the leaf. Whereby in the Odoratum the front is a green yet the rear of the leaf will be a more bluey green. And 2) If you go to the far end of the leaf (eg: Tip) the LOTV will have a very sharp pointed tip which in 60% cases the fine tip point will be either upright or turning to the right hand side (and just occasionally turns to the left hand side). Yet if you check out the Odoratum leaf it will be more of a straight (and upright) blunt tip......
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Photo from around the same period taken on Hutton Roof
This photo is so you can get a comparison with shades of green and the blunter more upright tip to the leaf. Also you can see were the LOTV is more tubular
Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures 2nd May 2020
Monday 27th April 2020
Dalton Crags, Hutton Roof Common Circular
Another count of singing Willow Warblers came to 33 with 16 in Dalton Crags and 17 on the Common. On the Common the area is just slightly to the NW for a couple of hundred yards and then double back and about 300 yards to the South of the Trig.
Also the Garden Warblers are doing well with 5 singing birds, also 2 Chiffchaffs in Dalton Crags close to Plain Quarry. 1 Common Whitethroat just has you start to enter Dalton Crags (deforested), 1 Linnet, 1 Skylark, and 3 Stonechat males all on their territories, and 2 Tree Pipits at the top of Dalton Crags. Cuckoo heard with single Cuckoo at 1505 from Crag Farm area
Also hatches of St. Marks Fly, Orange Tip Butterfly (2 male 1 female), 1 Green Hairstreak at new site on Uberash Roughs
(Erinus alpinus) Fairy Foxglove is out now on Plain Quarry, also the (Cystopteris fragilis) Brittle Bladder Fern is showing in the Crags, new croziers on the (Polystichum lonchitis) Holly Fern and the (Asplenium viride) Green Spleenwort.
Photo: Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
Photo: Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
Photo: Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
Photo: Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
Photo: Plain Quarry, Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
Photo: Dalton Crags - 27th April 2020
An absolute stunning hyperchromic specimen Orchis masula (Early Purple Orchid)
Photo: Hutton Roof - 27th April 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof - 27th April 2020
Photo: Uberash Roughs, Hutton Roof Crags 27th April 2020
Photo: Holly Fern No.2 Hutton Roof 27th April 2020
Photo: Holly Fern No.2 Hutton Roof 27th April 2020
Photo: Holly Fern No.2 Hutton Roof 27th April 2020
Close up of young frond unravelling
Photo: Ploverlands, Hutton Roof Crags
Sunday 26th April 2020
Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal
Sweet Cicely
Myrrhis odorata (Sweet cicely)
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Myrrhis odorata (Sweet cicely)
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Myrrhis odorata (Sweet cicely)
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Myrrhis odorata (Sweet cicely)
Photo: Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal 26th April 2020
Saturday 25th April 2020
Slape Lane to Clawthorpe Fell
Singing Willow Warblers produced 2 on the fell, On Slape Ln had 3 Blackcap and 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit x1
Also Speckled Wood Butterfly x 4, Orange Tip Butterfly 6 male and 2 female, Brimstone, Holly Blue Butterfly x 2
Peacock x1, also hatch of St. Marks Fly (Slape Lane)
Did a short survey of Potentilla tabernaemontanai Spring Cinquefoil on Clawthorpe Fell with GPS etc. Certainly the best results over a ten year period, with no change in the lower populations but massive increases in the higher populations which summarized to 35 clumps which had a minimum of 281 flowers, in regular years you would get around the 30-40 flowers
Checked all areas for Carex ornithopodia (Birds Foot Sedge) but none yet showing. I know its a month early, but some evidence should be showing by now and suspect that the constant dry weather has something to do with it. Also found just one clump of Dryopteris sub-montana (Rigid Buckler Fern) on the fell, Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow Rue) present.
Checked out one of the fabulous Bluebell woods on the way back.
"Everywhere is parched
between the limestone flats.
With crunchy steps at every pace
Water please for this special place"
Friday 24th April 2020
Hutton Roof - from Clawthorpe Lane
Central - East - Circular
Counting all the Willow Warblers produced a staggering 61 singing birds on the full circular covering conventional footpaths. Just a single Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warblers (back on regular territory), Blackcap 2, Tree Pipit 3 (all back on regular territory), Redpoll 1, Linnet 2, Bullfinch 1 - also Orange Tip Butterfly 2 males, Speckled Wood Butterfly 2. The Beech Fern is just starting to unravel
"Gorse everywhere, it's having a cracking year,
hawthorn blossom is not so good, as last year,
No Redstarts today,
but lots of Melodious Willow Wrens"
Young ferns just starting to come through
Young ferns just starting to come through
Young ferns just starting to come through
Young ferns just starting to come through
Thurs 23rd April 2020
Farleton Fell
Another rough survey of the singing Willow Warblers produced 19 on the East side of Farleton, covering conventional footpaths. Also of special interest were 10 Wheatear of which I think 8 would have been Northern Greenland type (leucorrhoa). A single bird was on territory and giving out its chat song. 9 Skylarks counted which I think may have all been back on breeding territory, also a pleasure to see two Tree Pipits are back on territory, also 2 Linnets and 1 Meadow Pipit. No overhead birds recorded.
Also checking out Limestone Fern, Early Purple Orchids, Mountain Everlasting (see photos) Some sad news! the Asplenium ceterach (Rusty Back) has not come through in any of the regular colonies on the "old lime kiln" and no signs of it happening either.
"No Ring Ouzel to bamboozle
on my lonely stride
which brought ten wee tears of joy
and Larks ascending high into the sky"
My oh! my.......
Orchard Close, Burton In Kendal
1600hrs return of 3 of our local House Martins.....
Lancaster Canal between Tarn Lane and Longlands
Approx 1300hrs Sandra heard and saw 2 singing Sedge Warblers which have recently returned to their respective breeding areas.
Wednesday 22nd April 2020
Holme Stinted Pastures
A rough survey of the singing Willow Warblers produced 45 which included one just making contact call, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Linnet (one carrying nesting material), 1 overhead Swallow to N, 6 Wheatear (presumed Northern Greenlands), 1 Skylark, also had 4 Willow Warblers and 1 Blackcap and 1 Garden Warbler calling from edge of Hutton Roof. Also 5 Orange Tip Butterly 3male 2 female, 1 Green Veined White Butterfly
Also checked out our other population of Opioglossum vulgatum (Adders Tongue) which seem to be doing OK.
Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry) showing well today.
Also one pair of Swallows back on territory at farm at Clawthorpe.
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof
Photo: Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof
Holme Stinted Pastures, Hutton Roof
if you want to see the full blog on Wild Strawberry please Click here
Views from side of Holme Stints towards Hutton Roof Crags
19th April 2020
From Sandside to Arnside Station, there were thousands of St. Marks Fly which had obviously recently hatched, probably within the past hour or two, I have always called them the poor man's Mayfly.
also had odd Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap
and one Swallow
18th April 2020
Had 45 Willow Warbler throughout Lancelot and Burton Fell (CWT), also 5 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler (Slape Ln) 3 Marsh Tit and 2 Tree Pipits that looked like they may well have been resting up on Burton Fell before setting off on their journey.
Today I was able to find lots of early developing Gymnocarpium robertianum (Limestone Fern)
This photo shows two early stages of development
On the lower left it shows closed croziers, and on the larger one on the right
shows it further on with early opening of the croziers and taking on its true lime green colours.
Photo: Burton Fell 18th April 2020
This photo shows the fern in its early second stages with the croziers now fully open,
yet awaiting straightening of frond. This looks well growing vertical from a open gryke
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) 18th Apr 2020
This photo shows the early tight croziers of the fern before opening
you may note it is a very much darker green
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) 18th Apr 2020
It was also lovely to find even more fronds in early development for the famous Dryopteris submontana (Rigid Buckler Fern). This fern is seen here at it's national home for the species. It is very local with some good populations, some growing from out of the limestone grykes. Here are some of todays photos:-
The Photo shows earlier development with croziers and opening of same
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) on 18th April 2020
The Photo shows earlier development with croziers and opening of same
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) on 18th April 2020
The Photo shows earlier development with croziers and opening of same
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) on 18th April 2020
The Photo shows earlier development with croziers and opening of same
but these are further on in development
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) on 18th April 2020
The Photo shows earlier development with croziers and opening of same
Photo: Burton Fell, Hutton Roof Crags (CWT) on 18th April 2020
And another special from yesterday was this next one. Again early development from Polygonatum odaratum - Angular Solomon's Seal. Just like the earlier mentioned species here we have another one from it's NATIONAL home on Hutton Roof. I have so far been lucky enough to chart at least 90 populations of this beauty, some of which are small of only a couple of feet in circumference, and some will be a couple of metres in a linear length or so.
Interesting that yesterdays specimen which was found at about 500ft asl was showing well at a couple of inches or so, yet checked out another 3 populations, one at 600 asl and two more at 700 asl and none of these were showing as yet.
New shoots just starting to appear on these at 500ft asl, shoots not appearing on
populations above this height.
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) Hutton Roof Crags, 18th April 2020
New shoots just starting to appear on these at 500ft asl, shoots not appearing on
populations above this height.
Photo: Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) Hutton Roof Crags, 18th April 2020
Now we have another fern from yesterday and showing nice emergence photographs, this time the Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders Tongue Fern). To my knowledge so far this is only the 2nd population so far found on Hutton Roof Crags.
Shows nice emergence shoots coming through the rotting down leaves
Photo: Burton Fell (CWT), Hutton Roof Crags 2020
Shows nice emergence shoots coming through the rotting down leaves
Photo: Burton Fell (CWT), Hutton Roof Crags 2020
And now my Orchids from today:
Photo: Hutton Roof Crags 18th April 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof Crags 18th April 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof Crags - April 18th 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof Crags 18th April 2020
Photo: Hutton Roof Crags 18th April 2020
And finally here are a few of the other gems from yesterday:
17th April 2020
Garden Warbler arrived at Dalton Crags, a regular breeding area.
Today whilst vismigging I had a Comic Tern overhead.
"Comic Tern" for anyone who does not know is to which sort of Tern it is, yet at the same time you do know it is either a Common Tern or a Arctic Tern but which? I would presume it to probably be the Arctic because they were moving this morning in several parts of the Country also. SO the first three letters of the COM (represents Common) and the final letters IC (represents Arctic) so there you have it COMIC TERN
Another Swift reported this morning from Bury
16th April 2020
Today was over at Hutton Roof, South West side of the village aligned to Park Wood
Had my first Garden Warbler and singing for ages
Had my first Common Redstart
Also 11 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap
Also great to see the Primrose field
15th April 2020
Informed Yellowhammers are back on territory at 3 separate sites on Holme Park Fell and Farleton Fell areas.
Also today in Dalton Hall Park:
11 Willow Warblers (Near Newclose) plus 1 Chiffchaff
2 Willow Warblers and 2 Chiffchaffs (In the main park)
1 Peacock Butterfly (In the main park)
1 Blackcap in Quarry Wood
also my first Speckled Wood in Quarry Wood,
plus lots of Herb Paris, Wood Sorrell
14th April 2020
Primula vulgaris (Primrose) are now fresh and at their best. Throughout Dalton and Lancelot with the best showing to the lower field on the Hutton Roof side.
11th April 2020
Swallows back on territory at Russell Farm, Dalton, Burton In Kendal.
Vicia sepium (Bush Vetch) is now showing on Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal
Lots of reports that Blackcaps and Willow Warblers are back all over.
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Vicia sepium (Bush Vetch) is now showing on Vicarage Lane, Burton In Kendal
Lots of reports that Blackcaps and Willow Warblers are back all over.
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10th April 2020
Lots of Meadow Pipits heading over both Dalton Crags and Newbiggin Crags. Also 2 Tree Pipits back on territory just above the BAP seat in Lancelot. Stonechat near the three cairns on Uberash, Wheatear recorded above Whinn Yeates and also two singing Yellowhammer on Holme Park Fell. Willow Warblers back everywhere!
(thanks to anonymous contributor)
Swift seen over Rawmarsh (Yorkshire) today
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Sir Lancelot - (8th April 2020)
Exercise by Lancelot's side
without a sword of fire!
for here lies the best, the very best,
his offering lands to bear.....
Which today my applaud, dear Lance,
with Clarky and Miss A Note too,
Your knights have travelled the night,
to seven as bold as told.
(7 Chiffchaffs arrived recently)
And now a confusion of Warblers sing,
with four to heed the chase in conifer flutter and craze,
As bold as will our Sylviidae to wrench another fall,
With six as plaintive a bouquet can be.
(6 Willow Warblers arrived recently)
Blazen and bold the quickening Blackcap told,
Of his travels from distant lands
His search to find his Browncap mate,
in haste, for his race is on
(2 Blackcaps arrived recently)
Other Knights were gathering all around
to prepare their battles with coloured beauty (pageant),
with lots of elevated cascading chase,
included Clan Peacock, Smalltort, and,
old battle torn Comma as well.
(Peacock (3), Small Tortoiseshell (3) and Comma (3)
Within old Pickles, his floor will soon Bluebell,
along with Anemone and Woodruff, but today
belonged to Paris with such "Herb" around...
Her compatriate of Moschatel sits close as well...
(Herb Paris)
In other conquering fields nearby,
were Primrose shone her best,
And just occasional Bluebell,
and Stitchwort came with the rest.
Ramsons (soon), Cinquefoil (rosette),
Dark Red Helleborine Orchid (Rosette)
and more dear Sir.........
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7th April 2020
House Martins are back on territory at Dalton Hall
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