Epipactis Atrorubens and Schmals and Pale Variants (7th July 2016)

Specimen No.57 atrorubens albiflora or pale variant No.2a (Click over to enlarge)

On Hutton Roof today, this is probably one of my best finds of the year so far.  The photo here shows just how far its on this morning and you can see it presents itself with very creamy coloured bosses and epichile and does hold many "albiflora" features. Although just like Variant Palens No.2 from 2014 you will see if you look very close odd particles of purple stain. In Palens No.2 the purple presents itself with just little specks or dots which are present on the epichile or bosses.  Whereby on this Specimen No.57 Pale variant 2a it shows purple staining on the sepals and petals. I would imagine if things run to form with this type of variant it will also gain burnt edges to the petals, sepals and bracts within the next couple of days.  A better photo will hopefully be presented very soon.

Specimen 9a this morning which I now think more than likely to be a offspring to fertile Schmal No.9 (Click over to enlarge)

This is getting really exciting for me, let me try and explain. Back in 2014 I had two confirmed schmals which were No.9 and No.10, here below is a photo showing the two super hybrids (Epipactis schmalhauseneii) which have a specific colouring and build relating only to that pair.  No other schmal or atrorubens which I have recorded on the whole of Hutton Roof have ever featured this specific colouring and detail. Up until last year, when No.9a appeared on the scene and above is a photo of the specimen as it appeared this morning.  So here next is the original pair from a photo back in 2014 when the hybrids were first discovered.

Photo shows hybrids Schmals No. 9 and 10 from back in 2014 (Click over to enlarge)

Since 2014 these specimens have been so special of Schmals because of their fabulous "green" stems and ovary features.  In 2014 No.9 the smallest of the two stood at 20" high and held 50 flowerheads (more than its sibling) whereby No. 10 stood at 21 3/4" and held 40 flowerheads.

Although we decided to cage the rare plants in readiness for 2015 it soon became apparent that on early inspection that they had already fallen victim to either a deer nip or a hare cut even with the cages present the unknown predator succeeded.  So we lost the pair of them for that year.   In 2016 the original parents have not shown, or should I say they have not shown in the same place as they were in this photograph.  Rather than thinking that perhaps the plants have moved areas eg: 9a is approx 14ft away from the original No.9 area.  And this years 10a is approx 4ft away from the original No.10, I am now feeling more and more confident that the 2014 schmals were without doubt fertile and have sown seed all around their particular area.

Last year (2015) Although like I have already said the parents did try to come through prior to predation, but sadly no flowerheads got chance to mature. It soon became noticeable that some of the local new plants were coming through that had this same colouring as the original 2014 adults.This year there are even more specimens coming through which again have this same colour feature, although now it makes sense that there are plenty of offspring in the local vicinity.  This year already I would presume we have up to about six specimens which take on this feature and they are perhaps no more than 10 to 15ft in distance away from where the original pair had set.

The New No.9s and 10s will form references of 9a,9b,9c and 10a,10b and 10c and so on, so to give them some sort of family tree reference.  Already the newish specimens are certainly stronger than they were last year, however some of the 2016 specimens are very weak and fragile specimens and I dont think you would ever consider at this time that they could well be the offspring of those beautiful Schmalhauseneii's.

Specimen No.9b (Click over to enlarge)

Another one found today in the same vicinity is Specimen No.9b which again I feel could well be a offspring from Schmal 9 because purely of its colouring etc.  I do intend over the coming days to try and locate all which could fall within this category.

Until next time please enjoy. 

Epipactis Atrorubens with lots of variety (from 4th July 2016)

Dark Green Fritillary (Click over to enlarge)

Wednesday 6th July 2016 - Hutton Roof

A nice dry morning (for a change) so I headed to the far side today to check out a couple of fruitful pavements to see how the Schmals were going on. On the way had many butterflies on the wing and I saw three of the lovely Dark Green Fritillaries, Common Blue (male), Ringlets and several of the lovely limestone Graylings

Grayling – (1^st July 2011)

Graylings must have hatched today,

On the limestone pavements and on the scree,

You watch them flutter, fanciful and free.

Then they come down to settle on the ground,

With wings not open but tightly bound,

Rest for a second but soon he falls upon his side.
As if struck down to die

The bird situation has now gone really quiet for most species and I heard small family groups of Willow Warblers calling with "hou whit" contact calls, also a party of tits and another party with young Nuthatches.  The most striking calls I seem to be getting at the moment on Hutton Roof are Common Whitethroats and had two singing away from different sites. It always intrigues me how they seem to be fairly quiet in the early part of the season and come to as time goes on!

A Common Lizard ran across my path and I managed to view it for over five minutes.

A couple of areas of Angular Solomon's Seal (gone over) were recorded, noted the beautiful Squinancywort had starting lining the edges to some of the pathway, also Meadowsweet and Dropwort were showing. Checked out our only population of Northern Bedstraw which is quite rare in these parts. 

Northern Bedstraw (Click over to enlarge)

First I checked out Schmalhauseneii No.5a ( may have been original No.5 but more likely a new plant this year and subsequently now called 5a.  It certainly has come on over the week and looks really well has you can see in the following photo.  It has come through as tandem which is very common with Schmals although if you look at the subordinate you wonder if that will ever make the category of Schmal, so its just a question of keeping a eye on that one, but I am sure at the end of the day it will have the same genes!

The Schmal measures 21" and lies well down in the gryke.  It bears a collossal 68 flowers (although most of these are still in bud. Purple wash twisted stem.

This years beautiful Schmalhausenenii No. 5a come through in tandem (Click over photo to enlarge)

I had almost given up on Schmal No.4 this year, but sure enough its has come through again this year and plenty of evidence of this years growth but sadly it has been predated and all thats left is part of the stem and lower leaves which are further down within the gryke. 

The only other Schmal that has survived at this side of Hutton Roof is No.19 and 20 (see photo below)

Photo shows Schmal No.19 and 20  (Click over to enlarge)

Yes Schmal 19 and 20 are within about 10 yards of No.5a and when they came through back in 2014 they came through as a trio and throughtout the season they heads were bowed over because they could not stand tall because of the very large quantity of flowers on their heads.  The photo above on the left shows from 2015 when they again came through in tandem and the photo on right is as they were today.  You can still see two plants but just look how much they have weakened down.

Not too far away I found another interesting plant which I have added to my agenda of which I have shown a photo below.  Its interesting because this particular area always produces lovely coloured atrorubens and I am sure the reason for this is because they are close to canopy, but what makes this interesting is the light green stem. 

Specimen No.56  (Click over to enlarge)

A beautiful atrorubens (Click over to enlarge)

Beech Fern (Click over to enlarge)

Monday 4th July 2016 - Hutton Roof

No.55 Epipactis atrorubens  (Click over to enlarge)

As part of my Epipactis rounds this morning, this lovely speciman is usually the first plant I make for, I have it on record for the past three years (2014,2015,2016).  When I first found the plant in 2014 it was only about 10" high, and by last year it came through at 14" whereby this year it has increased even further in size to 18" and bears 21 fabulous looking flowers.  It is a very special plant with many very light features especially the striking lemon coloured petals.  In 2014 I labelled it of the "Lutescens" variety (or palens which could be correct) however because of the continuing growth of the plant I have decided it best for now at least to relabel it to Specimen No.55 and classified it as a "Lemon Petalled Variant".  It has now been showing at its very best and been out for over one week. Close by to this plant are several more which are also likely to take on this "Lemon Petalled" feature which may or may not be just has strong has in this particular specimen. These other plants are estimated to be about one week off their best.

I have only found the Lemon Petalled variety on Hutton Roof since 2014 and since then it seems to be spreading throughout the area. I thought at first it had something to do with a local mineral situation but I am finding these in several different areas and not in just one particular area (although one area does have far more than the rest), although I have found specimens on at least three separate pavements over a area of some one mile apart in distance.

 (Click over to enlarge)

There are several suspect epipactis in the close vicinity to this area which I will be keeping my eye on over the next three weeks. Already in the surrounding area I am currently studying at least ten confirmed hybrids (Epipactis schmalhauseneii). 

It's nice now and again to show a photo of a "almost" straight forward Atrorubens (Click over to enlarge)

Yes it may at first glance look like a straight forward atrorubens and it probably is! (still being researched), yet within one metre of this is a confirmed Schmal (see the next photo showing it in a cage).  

Another Schmal in progress - first recorded last year (2015) and this is how it is so far this year
(Click over to enlarge)

Hopefully more news on Epipactis and the Schmals over the coming days, please come back

Holly Ferns and Rigid Buckler Ferns and lots more (3rd July 2016)

Photo: Holly Fern No.1 on the left and No.2 on the right  (Click over to enlarge)

Sunday 3rd July 2016 - Visits to some of Hutton Roofs special ferns

On Sunday my friend Alec Greening bestowed the great honour for me to lead two separate parties (one am and one pm) of fern experts who had assembled from all points of the globe to celebrate 125 years of The British Pteridological Society and part of their 7 day agenda was to come to Hutton Roof and check out in particular its rare Rigid Buckler Ferns (Dryoperis submontana), its two rare Holly Ferns (Polystichum lonchitis), plus lots of other fern specials dotted along the route.

Other ferns of particular interest were a small colony of nine individual groups of the lovely Green Spleenwort (Asplenium viride), and also some of the fine Brittle Bladder Ferns (Cystopteris fragilis) which were set within beautiful limestone settings and many photographs were taken.

Rigid Buckler Fern  (Dryopteris submontana) Please click over to enlarge

Getting away from ferns we had other additional species whilst on route which included a nice slightly "lemon petalled" variety of the Dark Red Helliborine (Epipactis atrorubens), quite a few of its cousin the Broad Leaved Helliborines (Epipactis helliborine).  Also some (well gone over) but nice remnants of the other Hutton Roof speciality the Angular Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum).

Dull overcast weather for most of the time during the walks but occasional sunny outburst which made it possible for us to get odd glimpses of the Dark Green Fritillary Butterfly, Meadow Browns and Ringlets Butterflies.

Limestone Fern (Gymnocarpium robertianum) Please click over to enlarge

Epipactis and Hypericums - from 28th June 2016

Atrorubens starting to come through today (28th June 2016) (Click over to enlarge)

Wednesday 29th June 2016 - Hutton Roof - Checking out Epipactis - 0900hrs to 1100hrs

Absolutely drenched! but always worth it, I just had to get out knowing I am busy tomorrow and would not get another chance, so needs must....

First of all checked out Schmal No.2 which has already failed in the past two years because of slug predation.  Well this year nothing showing at all, although there are close atrorubens coming through but dont have any of the Schmal signs.  Also the small hazel bush has taken over.  This is a very interesting site because here you do have the atrorubens within 14" of the helliborine.  See the photo below which I took back in 2012.

Shows Helliborine and Atrorubens within close proximity (14") which did also have a Schmal (which I named No.2) within two metres of these parent plants. Sadly this Schmal has been predated by slugs in two of its past four years (first recorded in 2012, slug predation both 2014 and 2015), and this year completed failed to show. This photo taken in 2012 and highlights just how close the mixed parents can be.

I checked out other closeby areas which proved very disappointing with several Schmals not showing at all this year.  Example: No.6 has failed, No.20 failed, 20 and 21 predated (probably slug) and 23 and 24 (probably slug).  But the good news is that a specimen No.5 has possibly re-appeared or more likely a new specimen No.5a has come through within one metre of where No 5 was (see photo below)

for now this will be called specimen 5a  (Click over to enlarge)

Another interesting plant I found today is a specimen showing quite a lot of lemon even on closed buds, this should be showing in another week or so.  Could the lemon Colour specimens be spreading to other parts of the roof? (see photo below)

Atrorubens already starting to show lots of "lemon colour" (Click over to enlarge)

Little patience to take a good photo today, after all raining cats and dogs! so we will have another bash in a few days time when the plant is fully developed.

**********************************

Tuesday 28th June 2016 - Hutton Roof - Checking out Epipactis and Hypericums

Already you can see from the above photo that odd Atrorubens are coming through on Hutton Roof. Although most specimens are not yet flowering, just odd ones here and there.

I checked out the lonesome Schmalhauseneii (hybrid) No.1 and the good news is that at least it has come through yet again, making this its fifth year! although sadly the bad news is that again its already been cut by the local deer and will not reach fruition this year which is a repeat performance of last year.  We are left with just the two large basal leaves being supported by a superthick lower purple stem.

It is now my fifth year of recording these fabulous hybrids and it seems to becoming more and more clear that the majority of hybrid plants seem to be dying out after their third or fourth years. So it was great to see Schmal No.1 having crossed over that four year barrier.

Looking at the general picture of these hybrid superplants it does not take a lot of working out to see how the possibility could be that they are simply burnt out after three or four years.  Obviously the records will confirm this over the coming years but for now its certainly is looking like this could be the position.

Besides checking out more epipactis I thought also I should check out a area which supports a good population of Pale St John's Wort (Hypericum Montanum).  The best group we had which contained in past years up to 14 individual plants has today lost its best group which did have between 6 to 10 flowers, unfortunately these just have not come through this year.  So we are left with a new plant which is already in flower, a two party, and two more singles about.  I also need to check out a further two single plants in other areas.

Chiffchaffs are still singing in either broken or shorter verse, but the Willow Warblers are just now calling with their "hou whit" contact calls.  I had a family group party calling with alarm.  Also the Blackcaps and Garden Warblers have already gone into silent mode.

I did not expect butterflies on the wing today because its been so cloudy, but sure enough odd Ringlets and Meadow Browns were seen and one male Common Blue.

Flowers: Dropwort, Hypericum Pulchrum

Hypericum Montanum's beautiful leaves catching water droplets (flowers not out yet)

Epi(c) not far away NOW !

Photo taken today of this which may have been leaning towards a "Palens" last year  (Click over to enlarge)

Saturday 25th June 2016 - Hutton Roof Complex  (0900hrs to 1200hrs)

Shortly after parking up I was to be serenaded with a very close Lesser Whitethroat, who sang for some twenty minutes or so and moving across within his territory, I also heard another one singing some two hundred yards away. New for the records for this year.

Also had my first of the year Ringlets butterflies of which several were seen, lots of Meadow Browns and my first Large Skipper.

I was really surprised to see how well the Epipactis where doing with some only a week away from full bloom but the majority still two to three weeks away..

Already Schmal No.8 this year has been got at with either slugs or hare.  Can't see how a Hare could have got to it which almost convinced me that perhaps slugs where the culprit, but closeby other plants had already had a Harecut!  Pity this because Schmal No. 8 (see photo below which shows it a beautiful show in 2014 but last year 2015 it had been attached by black aphids

Epipactis Schmalhauseneii No.8  - photos 2014 and 2015 (Click over photo to enlarge)

Wasn't No. 8 a beauty back in 2014, then look at what happened in 2015 when Black Aphids were being farmed by Black Ants which all literally sucked the life out of the plant, and in 2016 she again has run victim to either slugs or a local Hare.

Also did a check today on Schmal 15 and 16 which were beauties in 2014 (see photo below), but fell victim of a harecut last year and this year No.15 is maturing well (left hand side of photo), but No.16 seems rather stunted at the moment.

The following photo shows how it is today, together with a photo of how they looked back in 2014.

Epipactis Schmalhauseneii Nos 15 and 16  (Click over to enlarge)

Here below is the progress of Schmal No.9, last year both 9 and 10 had a harecut, but this year we are just seeing No.9 progress without its mate No.10.

Epipactis Schmalhauseneii No.9   (Click over to enlarge)

This one on the left is hopefully No.9 as seen today and it shows the flower how it was back in 2014 when then it came through with its mate which we called No.10, unfortunately in 2015 both orchids fell victim to a Harecut, but this year we are so far managing to see progress with No.9.  This particular plant was like no other on Hutton Roof in that it contains such light features throughout in particular to the green intake.  A definate one off Schmal this one and we just do not want to lose them. So fingers crossed....

And here below we have more specials on their way.

All these "specials" seem to be coming through OK  (Click over to enlarge)
a definite week to fortnight off!

Dawn Chorus over at Hutton Roof Village

Plenty of handkerchiefs to go around - The Handkerchief Tree (Click over to enlarge)

Thursday 23rd June 2016 2030hrs to 2115hrs  Swift Watch on Main Street, Burton In Kendal

We counted in total around 13 birds hawking the skies at points along Main Street.  We did record Swifts entering two nest sites on the rear of the Royal Hotel Cottage.  Also we confirmed a bird entering the North Gable on the Coaching House, near to the corner drainpipe.

We thought perhaps there may have been fewer birds showing tonight and now wondering if some of the immature birds will have already set off back to Africa.

Tonights Observers were: David Craig, Branwen Kilburn and Bryan Yorke

Why not check out this Polish "Swift" webcam by clicking here

NEXT SWIFT MEETING: THURSDAY 30th JUNE 2016 - 2030hrs BURTON MEMORIAL HALL - EVERYBODY WELCOME


Thursday 23rd June 2016 (EU Referendum Day or "Fledgling Day") - Hutton Roof and Farleton. (0830hrs to 1100hrs

A really interesting morning but becoming dire in relation to Yellowhammers, because again today, I covered there known territories but still no song, or evidence of the birds.

Lots of general species were seen but of particular special interest was witnessing a party of four young Willow Warblers with their adults, and quickly the birds became alarmed and calling with their general "hou whit" contact calls.  Also closeby to them I had a fledgeling party of Great Tits who also showed their displeasure at me walking through their territory. Also just behind Whin Yeats a young recently fledged party of Swallows were perched on the barbed wire above the wall and only decided to move off when I was within two metres of them. Without doubt today would probably be better being called "Fledgling Day" because further on towards the wall boundary of Holme Park Fell I had a pair of Wheatear adults on the wall and some 75 yards away, was a young immature bird, plus others nearby which I could hear with their "chat" singular contact calls.  I got very close to one of the young birds which still had a long way to go before it got the full head and facial features which for now were more greeny cream coloured although much of the lower part of the bird seemed fully developed.

Also whilst crossing over from Whin Years and over Newbiggin Crags I witnessed a party of 25 Starlings (some adults and some immatures) which I think had been based over on Whin Yeates farm somewhere, but today they seemed happy trying to mob a Buzzard crossing over and without doubt seeing (him or her off!). Earlier I had also seen and heard Linnets, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Skylarks. Some beautiful song was coming from the Goldfinches.

The butterflies were doing great with large amounts seen of male Common Blues (between 15 and 20) but no females! these where my first of the year and it looked like in every case they were feeding on Birds Foot Trefoil, Also today and my first of the year, I had at least three large fritillaries which would more than likely have been of the Dark Green Fritillaries, but they were just far too flitty for me to be able to get close enough for a proper identification to check whether they were Dark Green or High Brown! Several seen of the Small Pearl Bordered species, lots of Small Heaths and my very first of the year Meadow Brown. Lots of Chimney Sweeper Moths on the Hutton Roof side. 

The first of the year "Common Blue" Butterfly (Click over to enlarge)

Small Pearl Bordered seen today plus showing underside (Click over to enlarge)

Saturday 18th June 2016 - "Dawn Chorus" party over at Hutton Roof (0430hrs to 0700hrs)

Wow! not done this for a long time, but it was great meeting up with friends old and new at the Hutton Roof Village Hall.  Our host was one of the elders of the village Richard Challoner and he had manage to attract at least ten or so to the event.

Straight away on the car park we met a deluge of tinkling Goldfinch which singing together was quite a beautiful earful which at times seemed overpowering and yet so cheery!  I also managed to hear the odd challenge of a nearby Redpoll who just about came in with the shortest of flurry.  Blackbirds who are always leaders in these events were calling from some 50 yards away with there "harsher" rich and varied repertoire. Before long we would also be graced with the masters the good old Song Thrush which were also adding to the chorus from at least three separate areas.

We went down by Richard's paddock, with no sheep present today but lots of evidence of recent.  We saw lots of House Sparrows which had taken residence on the North East elevation of The Old Vicarage and a little further on we got a sample of the part crescendo call of the resident Willow Warbler. We did manage to get a more fulfilled call from this little "leaf explorer" as we came back through its territory.

Our agenda today was hoping to be able to include a very special sighting of the fabulous "Spotted Flycatcher" which we know resides near to Compost Heap No.2 at the bottom corner of Richard's vegetable plot and which we had the pleasure of seeing only a few days ago when we did the part recce.  But sadly not! this morning we never even heard him although there were lots of flitting "Spotted Flycatcher" sized birds in and out of the tall matured canopy, so maybe we had seen it without us knowing it.

I nearly cried at the site of the beautiful "Hankerchief Tree" (no not really!), which adorns the Old Vicarage grounds, the very place where over 100 years ago the Rev Theodore Bayley Hardy -V.C would have walked past that very spot whilst he created his Sunday sermons. Although the late reverend would not have seen this most special of "chinese origin" trees because it was much later when Mr and Mrs. Challoner introduced it to their collection.

We left the grounds of the Old Vicarage and headed further up the lane to enter a lovely haymeadow, area which just reminds you of good old days with Ox eye daisies, Red Clovers and Docks amongst others which were just managing to peep through the many lovely upright grasses which had shades of greys for seed heads, and many shades of greens and occasionally you would see where maybe a local Roebuck or a Badger or other mammal had been lying up or having a gay time leaving a flattened grass imprint. It was so nice to see so many bees flitting about in haste and so excited to reach their next flowers.

It could not have come at a better time! we were all suffering from a serious starvation of Warblers this morning having only had the previous mentioned Willow Warbler, but soon we were to hear a close up fabulous display from at least one pair (probably two pair) of Garden Warblers singing their little hearts out with that mixed bubbly explosion of sounds. The close proximity from us made all the party stop in their tracks to listen and absorb the sounds coming from this most welcome of migrants.

Nearby we had further pleasure witnessing a family group of Nuthatches which were up and down the thick branches of a Ash whilst learning the skills of hunting from their parents. The birds seemed quite undisturbed by our nearby presence and just continued about their work.

It was lovely to hear a Chiffchaff calling his repetitive ditty, and also to hear the calls from nearby Goldcrest exploring the small nearby trees.

On our way back a Blackcap broke into song with his much harsher calling, but it was so nice to also have a Garden Warbler not too far away and it gave chance for some of us to be able to hear both birds singing away for comparison.

A good early morning I would say and well worth setting the alarm clock for 0330hrs.....

Thursday 16th June 2016 - Some belated nature records for Dalton, LCS and Burton Fell and Hutton Roof kindly sent in by my friend Robert Ashworth of Kendal. 

Cuckoo (s) more elusive today and calling heard from SW of Dalton deforested and also from NE of Burton Fell.

Butterflies: - Meadow Brown and Large Skipper - both new for the year.  Several Small Pearl Bordered Fritillarys, also 3 Painted Ladys (2 in Dalton deforested and 1 in open woodland near to Plain Quarry.

Also Orchids: Dark Red Helliborine in bud on Burton Fell.

Hollys, Limestones, Rigids and Scollies all doing well!

Lovely fresh Limestone Fern all snuggled up within their den! 9th June - Dalton Crags  (Click over to enlarge)

Thursday 16th June 2016 - In search of the elusive Spotted Flycatcher - Plain Quarry 0900hrs to 1100hrs.

Acting on a recent tip off I ventured to the East side of the Plain Quarry Car Park and checked out all the wooded areas and clearings in the hope I could track down another Spotted Flycatcher, but to no avail, although it was very pleasent and interesting and did manage to check out a Blackcap site which has been long established. I got some good views of the beautiful brown capped female.

Its becoming more and more worrying by the year with the demise of the poor Spotted Flycatcher, to which I can only now find five sites in the whole of Hutton Roof and its surrounding areas, I am sure there will be more but still need to get out and find them.  But what was very interesting, was a posting this morning on the Cumbria Bird Group's Facebook site, where this guy has had all his Spotted Flycatcher chicks and nest plucked out by his local Greater Spotted Woodpecker, and this got me thinking and yes it all seems to add up!  The rapid decline of the Spotted Flycather in my opinion coincides exactly with the rapid increase in Greater Spotted Woodpeckers!  Maybe there is something in this.

Lots of Hedge Woundwort starting to come through and the wild strawberries are looking well. The strawberries are only about 1/4" to 1/2" in size.

Four photos showing the Wild Strawberries (Click over to enlarge)

Report from Thursday 16th June 2016  - Swift nest sites - Burton In Kendal (2030hrs to 2145hrs)

To be honest at 2010hrs you would have thought it would have been a no goer! with heavy rain showers, but by 2015hrs it cleared up and we managed to have some great Swift Watching.

It started whilst observing the Cottage on the Post Office row, and we witnessed a bird enter the eaves at a totally different point to the first site, so it does look very much like we do have another nest site bringing it to two sites here, which is the norm on this building.

Moving on to the rear of the Royal Cottage annexe and we finally observed the larger hole at the top being used this year, although it was our first sighting, Hugh had actually seen birds entering this site earlier in the week.  Also tonight we saw birds entering all the other holes on this area as well as the site on the return wall.

Total birds seen at once in the sky totalled 18 birds with lots of small screeching parties.

It was getting darker quickly and so me moved on to the Coaching House and Manor House.  We got some good results here with two more sites added on the North facing gable wall. We confirmed the old site to the corner where the drainpipe is was being used, also a new site about 8ft along the gutter eaves from the far corner (this is a new site in total), also the site above and to the left of the small porthole window was seen to be used.  We are still hoping that the front elevation site between the two windows on the left maybe being used but so far not accounted.

A new site was witnessed on the North facing gable at the Manor House with the birds using a small triangular hole just below the well established site which is close to the third purlin up the rake of the roofline.

Our party were suddenly alarmed to take a look to the skies were a very large party of mixed Swifts and House Martins were present and all screeching and clicking with alarm, we noticed a large bird of prey emerging out of the cloud of birds having just seized either a Swift or Martin (not sure which) and which it held firm within its talons and then made off to the South West following the line of Main Street. The large bird was not immediately identified and some were left wondering was it a Peregrine or was it a large female Sparrowhawk. The bird by far too large for a Hobby.  On exit the bird was seen to triple wing flap glide and triple wing flap again before the glide. Although at first it seemed appropriate for the Falcon, I did notice it seemed more rounded to the outer edge of the wing which made me then give thought to the female Sparrowhawk. I guess we will never know for sure.

So tonight having recorded five new for the year sites, this brings our total to 22 nest sites so far. This is the highest number of nest sites we have ever recorded in any previous years.

Observers tonight were:  Reg Hesketh, Branwen Kilburn, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

Cottage on Post Office Row (Click over to enlarge)
The red marker on the left above the door is the new site recorded this year, although the site does have history with it being used also in 2014.

Royal Cottage rear annexe  (Click over to enlarge)

The larger hole site to the top left was confirmed being used last night - plus the other three here were also witnessed being used as well.

The Coaching House - North facing gable elevation (Click over to enlarge)

Activity last night was confirmed from the old 2015 nest site near the drain pipe and also a new site (never before recorded) was midway along the eaves from the drainpipe to the small round window

Manor House - North facing gable elevation (Click over to enlarge)

Last night we recorded another new site being used (shown above with red arrow and marked 2016), a very tiny triangular slot and just below the already established nest which is located above it and next to the timber purlin close to the verge. Also birds were seen to use other sites on the Manor House. 

NEXT SWIFT MEETING: THURSDAY 23rd JUNE 2016 - 2030hrs (Please note new starting time!!) BURTON MEMORIAL HALL - EVERYBODY WELCOME

Tuesday 14th June 2016 - Top of Clawthorpe - Whin Yeates and over to Newbiggin

My project for today was to check out and count the Yellowhammers, sadly I never had one calling bird at two of their local strongholds, It could well be that I went at the wrong time of day (1100hrs), but usually they are calling at whatever time you go.  I will plan another visit next week!  I did have at least 3 Linnet pairs, also 5 Swifts and 1 House Martin hawking the skies near Whin Yeates plus a beautiful male Bullfinch "peeu" calling and also a local Starling already mimicking the opening line of a Curlew.  Also Greenfinch heard and local Swallows putting in aerial performances.

Small Pearl Bordered Butterflies where flying over the bracken with 5 recorded, also 1 Small Heath Butterfly.  Never let down and out in full force were the Black Chimney Sweeper Moths which were recorded at several places along the main footpath from Whin Yeates to the summit behind Kelker.

Probably one of the best colonies of Lesser Meadow Rue was well on its way.  Checked out the old lime kiln on the Farleton side which already had quite a collection of ferns within that small pile of stones eg: Maidenhair Spleenwort, Ceterach, Brittle Bladder Fern, Wall Rue, and soon the Black Spleenwort. Its a proper fern feast!

That fabulous Old Lime Kiln (that was) a Pteriologist Dream!  (Click over to enlarge)

Sat on the Turtle Stone for at least twenty minutes hoping to hear the "little bit of bread and no cheese", but NO, nothing today. Nem mind we will try on another day soon.

The Turtle Stone (Click over to enlarge)

Monday 13th June 2016 - Hutton Roof Village

Managed to locate a (new to me) Spotted Flycatcher which means I now have two pairs showing within Hutton Roof Village and 3 pairs for the Dalton/Clawthorpe areas to press.




Thursday 9th June 2016 - Dalton Crags and Hutton Roof Common, Lancelot (0900hrs to 1300hrs)

Butterflies were doing OK today, but quite breezy so met them in the more sheltered areas. Surprisingly NO Painted Ladies today! had about half a dozen Small Pearl Bordered, lots and lots of Small Heaths (scores), 4 Wall Browns, several Speckled Woods, A couple of Brimstone heading in a Southerly across the Memorial Seat area on Lancelot. Brilliant to hear the Lesser Whitethroat although it was purely a sampler, but at least enough to mark off its position.  I have noticed with these birds they are singing all morning long and you can't shut them up (not that I would want too!), or they are just so quiet going about their business. Lately though they have taken on the second option.

Tree Pipits, Garden Warblers and Willow Warblers all calling. New records for a Tree Pipit on both the Common and on Lancelot, also a new Garden Warbler recorded on Lancelot.  Redpoll heard and showing on the Common where now I strongly suspect breeding having taken place.

Whilst climbing up through the Crags it was lovely to see the fresh Limestone Ferns and the Rigid Buckler Ferns all doing well as expected.  Also did a check on the Holly Ferns with No.1 doing extremely well with nine fronds which is usual, but No.2 this year only has 4 fronds and 1 runt (always does put up this runt!) plus attached to the same space were two fronds of the Aculeatum (Hard Shield). Photos showing here:

Holly Fern No. 1 (with 9 fronds) and showing here together with last years dying fronds  (Click over to enlarge)

Holly Fern No. 2 (with 4 fronds) plus the small "runt" fern, plus two aculeatum fronds (Click over to enlarge)

I also checked out most of the Lily Of The Valley and the Angular Solomon's Seal, but most had started to go over.  Also in places the ground was heavily "parched" and in desparate need of a downpour.  This was so noticeable with some of the Common Rock Rose, some was doing OK like you see in the next photo, but only yards away another patch was almost burnt out before it had chance to flower. No signs of any Northern Brown Argus today. Wild Thyme now showing throughout.

A nice patch of Common Rock Rose, but within yards a same size area already burnt out!

Broad Leaved Helliborines are starting to show  (Click over to enlarge)

The Dalton Cuckoo was calling throughout and more or less holding on to the regular territory.  Thats not to say he does not move about, but so interesting to get some belting bird records this week which includes a Cuckoo having been seen regular over on the Farleton side, also a Cuckoo calling from the back of Fern Bank, also another Hawfinch sighting over at Dalton hamlet, a Ring Ouzel sighting between Kelker and Henridding, a Firecrest sighting in Dalton hamlet, Lots more Painted Lady butterflies recorded throughout Hutton Roof, also sightings of Cinnabar Moths in Lancelot and a rare sighting also of a Silver Y moth in Lancelot. 

Thanks to the following for kindly helping out with their sightings: Alec, Calum, Charlie and Robert, 

Photos of the Dalton Cuckoo along with a close up of the beautiful Painted Lady and showing its underwing  (Click over photo to enlarge)  
Photo: Kindly contributed by Robert Ashworth (Kendal)

Also here we have a summary of activities from Thursday last (9th June 2016) Swift Observations

but if you want a more comprehensive record please go to the Swift blog by clicking here

Summary of our Swift sightings last night 9th June 2016 (Click over to enlarge)

Saturday 11th June 2016 - Informed of Swift Poster at Burton In Kendal Motorway Services

Our group would like to thank the students of Burton Morewood C of E School for creating this beautiful poster which adorns the walls to the entrance of Burton In Kendal Motorway Services. Well done for such a brilliant poster and also for getting it shown in a place where thousands will see it.

Swift Poster at Burton Motorway Services (Click over to enlarge)

During 2015 one of our group Danny went along to the school and gave a talk to the students on our local Swift populations and maybe this poster in part results from inspiration gained from that talk.

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Thursday 9th June 2016 - Swift Observations - Main St, Burton In Kendal

Tonight was without doubt one of the busy nights we have ever witnessed with Swifts everywhere you looked.  We did manage to actually count at least 22 birds in the sky but I am sure this is on the low side there could well have been over 30. We do think a lot of these birds tonight would have probably been non breeders (eg first year birds doing their Reccy)  The largest screaming group had 8 birds and was seen over near Coaching House.

We checked out all the sites starting with the Post Office Block, then Cocking Yard, rear and front and SW wall of the Royal, also the rear of Neddy Hill Cottage (a new site), also from the back of the Kings we watched the large Old Mill for a while and then moved on to finish checking out The Coaching House and The Manor House.

In regards to nesting we were fortunate to see birds entering nest sites on the rear of the Royal, lots on the front of the Royal Cottage, and also birds entering nest sites at the Manor House.

A new nesting site was shown to us by David Craig, who had witnessed a bird going into the nest area on the rear eaves of the Neddy Hill Cottage within David's yard.  Of special interest is that we did map a bird prospecting this particular site last year.  With this new site it brings this years tally up to a minimum of 17 sites.

During the past week also observations have been carried out on the Office Block at Clawthorpe Hall and a further two nest sites have been confirmed on the rear annexe of the Royal Hotel.   To try and give a clearer picture to the ongoing progress I have included below photos of the current status for this year at all occupied sites.

Observers tonight were: David Craig, Reg Hesketh, Hugh and Sue Miles and Bryan Yorke.

The Cottage on the Post Office Block  (Click over to enlarge)

To our knowledge this site has been used in both 2015 and 2016 and also of note is that last year this was the last site occupied within the village, with occupation up until the 16th August 2015

Hangings Farm, Cocking Yard  (Click over to enlarge)

This site is one of a possible two for this property. The site to our knowledge has been used in all years since 2013.  This year at first, we were worried about this site because of the new owners and the pointing renovations which have taken place.  We need not have worried because thanks to Jane and the brilliant co-operation of the new owners, who happened to be totally Swift friendly, they left holes at the eaves so as to allow the birds access to their original nest sites which we now know they have taken up at least one of the known sites.. 

Rear annexe for the  Royal Hotel Cottage Cottage  (Click over to enlarge)

Always been a very productive site for such a small area.  The sites already confirmed are marked in red.  We are still waiting for a confirmation either way on the large hole which you can see towards the top of the building to the left and above the two sites already confirmed.  We did witness birds banging at this entrance tonight so perhaps some activity me be taking place, time will tell.  Also the next photo is a close up of the site on the return wall.

A  close up of the nest site on the return wall of the Rear Royal Hotel Cottage Annexe  (Click over to enlarge)

The Royal Hotel Cottage (Click over to enlarge)

Another of the Swift stronghold sites with six nest within the front of this building, plus we are regularly seeing more "banging" going on at other sections of the eaves, but so far only the areas marked in red are the only definites.

Neddy Hill Cottage - Rear Elevation  (Click over to enlarge)

This is a new site for us tonight.  David Craig has seen a bird entering at the point marked with red.  Also of particular note is that we did record a bird last year actually "banging" and what we took to be prosecting the site.  Its now clear the bird did decide to take up this new residence.

The Coaching House  (Click over to enlarge)

So far we have been able to established a definite breeding site on the side North Elevation marked with a red arrow just to the left hand side of the small round window.  The Coaching House was only established as a breeding site last year in 2015 although we had seen birds prospecting back in 2014.  Last year we did have birds also nesting again on the gable end side elevation to the far left hand corner close to the drainpipe.  Also we did have a bird nesting to the front elevation between the two upper windows.

The Manor House (Click over to enlarge)

The Manor House is yet another of our stronghold sites with at least four sites occupied this year.  It is also suspected that there maybe more nest.

We are ever so grateful to Mrs. Ellis and her family who are very interested in their Swifts and their progress.

The Offices of Ducketts Building Services at Clawthorpe Hall  (Click over to enlarge)

It was a great pleasure to visit this site, because we had suspected birds coming from around the back of Clawthorpe Hall in previous years.  I was able to confirm at least one pair nesting which shows with the red arrow.  Also at the same time there were six birds in the sky directly above the property which makes me think there will be even more nest which hopefully we will be able to ascertain when we do a group visit.

It was nice to meet up with Edward Duckett (MD of Ducketts Building Services) who so kindly pointed out the areas of where the swifts are nesting.  He also loves to have the birds on his property and has purposely left the top guttering/eaves level open of pointing so that Swifts are able to return on a regular yearly basis.

NEXT SWIFT MEETING: THURSDAY 16th JUNE 2016 - 2030hrs (Please note new starting time!!) BURTON MEMORIAL HALL - EVERYBODY WELCOME