It was about 20.30 last night and I was driving down Cliff Hollins lane Oakenshaw. I stated to my wife as I was driving slow ‘ Keep a look out for owls ‘ No sooner had I finished the sentence….What’s that in the road?
My first thought was a rabbit. But no it was a juvenile Tawny owl just stood in the road and startled by the headlights. It gave brilliant views for about 3 seconds before flying off into a nearby tree.
Whilst Cliff Hollins lane is just out of our recording area it proves that the species has successfully bred in the local area. And now when I hear a Tawny owl in Raw Nook NR I will wonder is it our young friend from Cliff Hollins lane….
A good Swallow movement at the vis-mig point today despite the strong westerly wind. A final count of 399 was recorded including 53 observed coming in from the E and moving N/W.
Over the last couple of days I have noticed a build up of Mistle thrushes with 42 yesterday at the point in local trees with another 17 today.
At Raw Nook NR today I found a small caterpillar in the heather.
Further researched revealed the caterpillar to be of a True Lover’s Knot moth. The moth is a moorland and heathland species. So it’s nice to have it breeding in our urban lowland heath habitat.
At the vis-mig point today it was nice to have the first Skylark of the autumn moving north. Meadow Pipits were also moving to the S and S/W but many were very high so a fairly low count was achieved. A Painted lady was also at Caldene fields where a dragonfly Sp flew passed me but sadly I couldn’t ID it…
At the watch-point today House Martins were again moving through our area with 187 to the west noted. Swallow were also passing but in lower numbers with 29 N/W and 6 S. Other than that it was a fairly quiet watch.
In the moth trap 10 species were recorded with a nice fresh Lunar Underwing ( suggesting local breeding ) my 4th record of this autumn moth.
This morning at the watch-point it was very quiet as few birds were observed moving. However, around 08.30 it started to rain and this seemed to have the desired effect of bringing the birds to a lower altitude. The first birds to be seen were a single skein of Pink-footed geese which were moving to the S/W. Sorry but a sign winter is not far away…
Until now I have never ventured into the world of leaf miner moths which are numerous species of moths in which the larval stage lives in, and eats, the leaf tissue of plants. However, yesterday I thought I would have a go and explore this fascinating world…. I stated with a fairly common garden species the Firethorn Leaf MinerPhyllonorycter leucographella which can be found on Firethorn (Pyracantha).
My luck was in as I found not one but nine leaf mines of the Firethorn Leaf Miner.
Bottom shows where the larvae has broke out to feed
Well the leaves haven’t changed colour just yet be Goldfinches were certainly getting ready for autumn today at Caldene fields with 102 moving S/W and an additional 50+ feeding in the fields. Also the first movement of Meadow Pipits(south) started today with 58 noted.
Then a couple of Autumn moths a Frosted Orange and an Autumnal Rustic ( both ) fresh appeared in the light box.
Frosted Orange left and Autumnal Rustic on the right
Following on from the recent sightings of one and then 2 Kingfishers at gardens in Oakenshaw with one heading towards Toad Holes Beck I spent some time at the site this morning.
At first all was quiet on the ponds then at the middle pond a brief call and a flash of blue and the sun caught the bird in all it’s glory. It only stayed in view for a couple of minutes and flew into the reeds and out of sight..
Also of note were 2 Brown Hawker dragonflies, 4 Common Darter and single Painted Lady and a Small Copper.
Just had an email from David Rhodes at Oakenshaw. Yesterday had a once in a life times experience…
A kingfisher yes a ”Kingfisher” flew into his lounge through the French windows. It arrived in a flurry of noise and speed. He managed to gently ambush it with a towel while his wife Paula tried to photograph it but sadly it was a bit too quick for her and it happily flew off at tremendous speed up the stream bed.
David stated ” What a privilege, we were able to study it while it came round.” Recently it’s been flying up and down the stream and may have nested nearby.
Saturday was our workday at Raw Nook NR and Richard ( our conservation management coordinator for our group ) highlighted that the Bramble was again encroaching into parts of the Heather and had to be cut back.
Clearing Bramble from the Heather…
So whilst the picking team did an excellent job picking up litter the rest of the group got tangled up thinning out Bramble growing over the Heather. From my point of view whilst Bramble is an excellent wildlife plant it has to be managed or the Bramble would simply take over the Heather and our lowland heath habitat.
The day however, started with some bad news and some good news. Sadly I found a dead Field Vole on the path at site. But the good news was I now have a confirmed record that the species is present at the site and it is probably providing a food source for the local Tawny Owls.
Whilst I was getting tangled and cut by the Bramble I noticed a Hawker dragonfly fly past in the warm sunlight, then another one came into view. I first thought they were Emperor’s but they were stunning Southern Hawkers..
So it was a good worthwhile morning’s work and incidentally if you walk through the site just stop for a minute and gaze at the wonderful vibrant Heather full of bees and Hoverflies ….and just think you are you only just 4 miles from Bradford city centre…
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