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Written and Designed by © Brian Ecott |
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NATURE DIARY |
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MARCH 2019 |
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| Walk around the forest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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On a lovely sunny morning 30th March 2019 I led a small group around the forest to demonstrate the history of Foxburrows Farm, its buildings, the farm pond. The group are standing under an evergreen Holm oak near the second car park. We found Harts tongue fern growing in damp brickwork, Little Owl pellets, signs of Badgers, and under a log slugs were discovered. Blue tits were seen entering a nest box. Several early spring flowers were out, and I provided a photographic sheet as a reminder of their walk. Raymond Small contributed much to the discussion (he's the one behind the camera!) and Claire Oliverio, Senior Ranger (left) accompanied us. |
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| Early flowers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Spurge laurel Daphne laureola. On Boulder clay, Chigwell Row Common. Possible local native. 5th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara. 5th March 2019 Flowers appear long before the leaves, which are said to resemble colt's feet. Around the lake edge. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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| Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine hirsuta Ubiqitous weed of gardens and waste places. 5th March 2019. The seedpod is explosive, casting seeds up to 75cm away. Life cycle complete before summer. Photo © Brian Ecott |
Primrose Primula vulgaris 13th March 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott. A couple of plants by the lake, may have been introduced a few years back |
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| Lesser celandine Ficaria verna. Common. In the farm and woodland. 17th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. | Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa 21st March 2019. A very small patch has appeared annually for decades. Possibly a relic of the ancient woodland. In the Woodland Trust area. Photo © Brian Ecott. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Common field-speedwell 21st March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
Early Dog Violet 21st March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Blackthorn or Sloe flowers before the leaves emerge. 20th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Who's a pretty boy? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Peacock displaying in the zoo/farm. 17th March 2019. Photos © Brian Ecott |
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| Hornbeam catkins | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Catkins on a Hornbeam tree. The leaves are opening. 18th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Blue-green alga Nostoc commune | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nostoc commune is a primitive organism formed from cells which lack a nucleus (prokaryotic). It is classified as a blue-green bacterium (cyanobacterium). From fossil evidence it was present on earth before oxygen had evolved, and was able to fix nitrogen. It is thought to date from 3.5 million years ago. 17th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. Found on hoggin paths, steps to picnic area and the grassland where the Olympics car park was sited. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| More lichens | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lichen Flavoparmelia [syn. Parmelia] caperata on moss covered oak along the outflow stream. The lichen is apple-green with large wavy lobes many of which are covered in a fine dust (soredia = powdery propagules). 6th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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Lichen Punctelia [syn. Parmelia] subrudecta 8th March 2019. Photo © Raymond Small |
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| Sheepwater | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Frog spawn in Sheepwater. I hadn't recorded it here before. 5th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
Horse leech Haemopsis sanguisuga moving right →
The greenish Horse leech showing a sucker on the rear. 5th March 2019. Photos © Brian Ecott |
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Smooth Newt under log on edge of Sheepwater, showing underside and feet without webs. 5th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Birds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Three views of a Black headed gull on the water gauge. 8th March 2019 Photos © Brian Ecott |
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Two swans, appear to be cobs.13th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
Goldfinch 19th March 2019. Photo © Raymond Small |
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Michael Trump took this distant shot of a Red Kite over the Country Park. Photo © 23rd March 2019 This is a second sighting for us. Since the photo was taken they have appeared daily to the end of this month |
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| Beauty | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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I have nothing to complain about. I am here to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature.” ― |
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Beautiful - but what is it? |
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| Slimy slugs - 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Three species of slug found in the forest. Arrowed is the position of the breathing aperture which is always on the right side of the head end. The colour and shape of the foot and whether it is pointed or rounded is shown below. Identification is also based on the markings, colour and texture of the upper surface. In many Arion species the resting position is hemispherical and if annoyed they sway from side to side as in column 3, 2nd down! |
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| Right foot forward | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Natalie and farm hands lead the two Alpacas along the roadway. It looks like a military operation as all are in step. 8th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Little beasties | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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White-legged snake millipede Tachypodoiulus niger 22nd March 2019 Under log. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Common rough woodlouse Porcellio scaber and Blunt-tailed Snake Millipede - Cylindroiulus punctatus. Under bark 8th March 2019 Photo © Raymond Small. |
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Eyed flat-backed Millipede Nanogona polydesmoides 19th March. 2019 Photo © Raymond Small. |
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| Pill woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare 18th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. | Pot worm Enchytrae. Several similar species under logs and leaves. 15th March 2019. Photo © Raymond Small. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| A White leech Hirudinea pictured here has broken the shell and sucked out the body of a Brown lipped snail Cepaea nemoralis (arrowed) and is devouring it. 19th March 2019. Photo © Raymond Small. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Seven spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata. Photo © Raymond Small 8th March 2019. Commonly found overwintering in gorse bushes. Referring to the work of the late Mike Majerus it is named after the red cloak of the Virgin Mary "Our Lady" and the seven spots to her seven joys and seven sorrows. |
Rove beetle Bolitobius cingulatus 21st March 2018 Photo © Brian Ecott. Tiny beetle 5-6mm found on the café table. |
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Queen bumblebee Bombus terrestris 16th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
Ichneumon wasp Stenichneumon culpator a parasite of caterpillars. 21st March 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott. TBC.. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Orange underwing moth Archiearis parthenias at rest on gorse, Dog Kennel Hill. 18th March 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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| Winter rosettes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Spear thistle 17th March 2018 |
Common ragwort 21st March 2018 |
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| and finally... | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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I'm a secret lemonade drinker - R.Whites |
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I photographed an original R. Whites bottle found in the forest this month. During the seventies Julian Chagrin and Harriet Philpot starred as husband and wife in a very popular TV ad. The music and lyrics written by father and son Ross and Declan MacManus had Ross's voice dubbing that of Julian. Declan became known as Elvis Costello. Ross MacManus died in 2011.
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| Age related Macular Degeneration | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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I am at present undergoing treatment for the wet form of AMD. This treatment started in November but at present I am not seeing well. I have found it difficult to compile the Website this month and my current glasses don't help. With this difficulty I have decided after 19 years to discontinue the Nature Diary, but still make the website's hundreds of pages available at www.hainaultforest.co.uk I will still continue to enjoy the forest, and we are very lucky to have Raymond Small to carry on the tradition in his own distinctive style of website. www.hainaultforest.net. His knowledge of Hainault Forest is very useful. I am told that Hainault Forest is one of the best recorded sites in Essex due to its small size and unique ecology. Raymond is ably supported by the rangers, together with Mick Rumble and Michael Trump with their excellent photographs. I'm not going away!
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FEBRUARY 2019 |
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| I'm back again this year | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Photo © Michael Trump 8th February 2019. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| With the lake outflow running, it's time for this Grey wagtail to feed on insects and establish a nest site. Photo © Michael Trump 22nd February 2019. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Foehn or föhn hits Hainault | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Record temperatures for two days in the last week of February reached 21.2° in London. (Even hotter in Wales). This was caused by a warm airflow created over mountains in Europe. A phenomena known as a Foehn or Föhn! These Black-headed gulls (red beaks and legs) were lounging in the warming sun and a Common gull stands on one leg (legs and beak yellow). 27th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Importance of Ivy berries | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The berries of Ivy are ripening this month which is good news for the summer migrant Warblers and Blackcap who rely on them for food before the insect population grows. 20th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Martin leaves us after 10 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Kingfisher | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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A Kingfisher sits on the bank of the lake inflow watching for fish. 2nd February 2019. Photo © Michael Trump |
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Photo above © Martin Bell Photo left © Raymond Small |
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A seething shoal of small Roach trapped in a pool within the lake inflow stream. 16th January 2019 |
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A favourite observation place is the metal railings bridging the inflow. 2nd February 2019 Photo © Michael Trump |
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Awarded to Michael Trump for his picture of the Kingfisher adjudged by independent viewers.
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| The Full Moon - February | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Maria or Seas" The Maria (singular Mare) or Seas are plains of solidified basalt lava which show as dark areas on the moon.
Frigoris = Sea of cold Imbrium = Sea of Showers Serenitatis = Sea of Serenity Crisium = Sea of Crises Vaporum = Sea of Vapours Tranquilitatis = Tranquility Fecunditatis = Sea of Fertility Nectaris = Sea of Nectar Nubium = Sea of Clouds Humorum = Sea of Humours Procellarum = Ocean of Storms Cognitum = The sea that became known after ranger 7 impacted there and two missions landed to the north. |
Craters Bowl shaped depressions on the moon caused by meteorite strikes. Plato Aristarchus Kepler Copernicus Langrenus Stevinus Grimaldi Tycho
Photo © Michael Trump 20th February 2019 2037h |
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| Mammals | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Rabbit has bulging eyes on the side of its head giving it good all-round vision for potential threats. This is a feature of herbivores. Carnivores eyes are focussed forward. 2nd February 2019. Photo © Michael Trump. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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A large structure of twigs with leaves attached fixed close to the main tree trunk is the winter drey of a Grey squirrel. There are several to be seen in the woods. 11th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott.
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| This track approx.10 cms wide runs along Reynard's ditch and is typical of a trail made by a Badger. 15th Feb 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
Claw marks made by the middle 3 0f 5 toes on the front feet of the Grey squirrel. 16th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| February Mosses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Tamarisk moss Thuidium tamariscinum 9th February 2019 Woodland floor. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Common feather moss Kindbergia praelonga. With thanks to Dr Ken Adams Bryophyte Recorder for The Essex Field Club for his help and advice.15th Feb.'19 Photo © Brian Ecott |
Moss on oak tree bole Hypnum resupinatum 5th February 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Capillary thread-moss Bryum capillare. Close up and with capsules,15th February 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Cypress-leaved Plait moss Hypnum cupressiforme or H. andoi Found on tree branches in damp shaded areas. Close up right. Need to see the capsules for positive ID. Thanks to Dr Ken Adams for the advice. Photos © Brian Ecott. 13th February 2019. | White feather moss Brachythecium albicans, a common moss of all grassland areas. 26th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Wall screw-moss Tortula muralis 11th February 2019. On wall by farm buildings. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
Crisped pincushion moss Ulota crispa on birch bole. The leaves become crisp when dry as here. 16th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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| Fissidens taxifolius var. taxifolius on ditch bank along Retreat path 26th February 2019 Scan © Brian Ecott | Bank haircap Polytrichastrum formosum by Roes Well. Scans © Brian Ecott 26th February 2019. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Grey cushion moss Grimmia pulvinata. On farmyard wall. 11th February 2019 The white "hairs" are a drawn out extension of the leaves. The capsules deliver the spores directly into the plant. Photo © Brian Ecott. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Early flowers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Snowdrops Galanthus nivalis, Old Reservoir site, Hog Hill 14th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Common daisy Bellis perennis in grassland areas. 25th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | Red deadnettle Lamium purpureum on path edges and waste places. 22nd February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dandelion of the Section Hamata Taraxacum pseudohamatum. A very early flowering dandelion found thinly scattered in the grassland. Previously recorded here by Brian Wurzell. Photo © Brian Ecott 27th February 2019. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Cherry plum Prunus cerasifera bush in flower on Hoghill. Cherry plum flowers about two weeks before Blackthorn when the forest hedgerows turn white. Pictured right clearly show the female stigma which receives the pollen and the ovary deep in the flower which will develop into the fruit. Photos © Brian Ecott 25th February 2019. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Well spotted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Ichneumon fly Ophion obscuratus (Ophion=serpent) This is not a fly but a wasp. It has a very thin waist (arrowed) and is a parasitoid of moth caterpillars, in which it lays a single egg. Found in short mossy turf it flies all year except June and July. I interrupted Raymond from getting a good picture as I moved in too close and it crawled on my camera and later flew away. Photos © Raymond Small. 6th February 2019. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| February Lichens | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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The best specimen of the leafy lichen Physcia aipolia that I have seen. Near New North Road entrance, Oak Path. Black fruiting bodies contrast well with the pale greeny-blue of the lichen body. < €ÿ/p> 6th February 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| The crustose lichen Lecidella elaeochroma Black fruiting bodies edged with white powdery borders. Common on Ash trees. 6th Feb. 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. | Leafy lichen Xanthoria parietina with fruiting bodies, on tree bark. Very common. Made into a red dye by a combination with dilute ammonia. Used by wool hobbyists and cottage industries. Photo © Brian Ecott 15th Feb '19. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bushy lichen Ramalina farinacea. 6th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. In hawthorn scrub by Romford Road.. |
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| The Bushy lichen Evernia prunastri 6th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. In hawthorn scrub by Woodhenge. | Bushy lichen Ramalina fastigiata showing disk-like fruiting bodies. 6th February 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott. In hawthorn scrub by Woodhenge. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Early insects | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Female Marmalade hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus on dandelion. Thought to overwinter and fly on sunny days. 13th February 2019. Often joined by influx of continental migrants in May. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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This is a form of the Harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis var succinea on Holm oak. 13th February 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
Birch catkin bug Kleidocerys resedae This tiny bug (4mm) was found on the café table. We had been looking at Silver birch trees previously.! 16 February 2019 Photo © Raymond Small. |
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This sunshine loving moth is the Orange underwing but needs checking against a very similar species. Identity later. 27th Feb '19. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Pictured ABOVE: Tristan Bantock of www.britishbugs.org.uk writes "This is a species of Idiocerus, a very difficult genus, particularly outside the field season when it is difficult to establish host associations. It is hard to identify it confidently, but I suspect it will prove to be Idiocerus vitreus (this is now in the new genus Tremulicerus).12th Feb. 2019 Photo © Raymond Small. |
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This Gorse seed weevil Exapion ulicis was found on the gorse flowers at the top of Lower Cabin hill. 27th February 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
Two insects were also found in the gorse. The 7-spot ladybird and the Gorse shieldbug Piezodorus lituratus. The shieldbug will enhance it's colours by summertime. Photo © Brian Ecott. 27th February 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Flesh fly species feeding on rabbit poo. Yummy! Photo © Raymond Small 14th February 2019 |
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| Mite galls on Holm Oak | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Blister galls on Holm oak leaves 15th February 2019. The underside of the leaf reveals depressions with masses of brown hairs in which the tiny mites live. This structure is known as an erineum The mites are too tiny to see even at this high magnification. Photo and scan © Brian Ecott. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jelly fungi | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Jelly ear Auricularia auricula-judae on dead beech, 5th February 2019. Cabin Hill. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Witches butter Exidia glandulosa on dead branch of oak. 7th February 2019 Cabin Hill. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Dawn in February | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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View of second car park (on the right) with the Holm oaks. This unusual view also shows the Willows which mark the site of Foxburrows Farm pond. 15th February 2019 0832h. Photo © Michael Trump |
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| Looking towards the Foxburrows Farm and the three unnatural shaped hornbeams. 24th February 2019 0829h. Photo © Michael Trump. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| A female Kestrel sits on a sapling of Turkey oak on the grassland. 17th Feb. 2019. 0802h. Photo © Michael Trump | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| and finally....Dusk in February | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sunset,looking from the Forest to the City and BT tower (arrowed) 2nd Feb. 2019 1627h. Photo © Michael Trump. |
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Mute swan cob preening at dusk. 6th February 2019 1654h. Photo © Michael Trump |
Canada goose homeward bound. 6th February 2019 1643h. Photo © Michael Trump |
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Four pairs of Shovellers feeding on the lake at dusk. 6th February 2019 1646h. Photo © Michael Trump |
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JANUARY 2019 |
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Christmas Eve Woodland sunshine. Dec.24 2018 Photo © Brian Ecott |
Santa's helper photographing Slime moulds. Dec.24 2018 Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| The Witch of Hainault Forest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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She looks at me, the ugly witch Casting spells of cold and grey, O’er woodland floor and flowing ditch Nothing helps, my fears allay. The Witch of Hainault Forest.
Why wears she, bold, a wooden mask? Telling tales of times gone by, Cast brown leaves, hide a mammoth task Of finding life and future's high. The Witch of Hainault Forest.
The mask is lifted with great care, Beetles flee and Woodlice run, Life is moving forward there, Great news! Another year's begun The Witch of Hainault Forest.
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Photo © Mick Rumble 19th January 2019 |
Brian Ecott 21st January 2019 |
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| Kingfisher | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Raymond managed to grab a shot of a Kingfisher flying over the lake (above). The iridescent blue of the bird is a giveaway. I have seen one at Sheepwater several years ago and they are said to overwinter near small ponds and lakes. 22nd January 2019.
Francis Castro, Redbridge Conservation Officer saw one along the River Roding at South Woodford.
Back to Raymond who tracked it down (left) perching by the lake inflow the following day. 23rd January 2019. Photos © Raymond Small |
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Michael Trump didn't do better, but VERY FUNNY. |
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Here's looking at you kid (Casablanca) Photo © Michael Trump 30th January 2019 |
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| Dog Kennel Hill | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| New Year's Day. The bright yellow flowers of Gorse Ulex europaea are a feature of most January diary pages. This year the photo was taken from Dog Kennel Hill and features Foxburrows Farm Cottages. Photo © Brian Ecott. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 'Dog Kennell Hill Wood' (sic) appears on a XXVI George III Parliamentary map of 1791 by Joseph Pennington Below) and the land in the foreground known as Fox Earth or Fox Earth Woods became part of Foxburrows Farm after the Act of Deforestation in 1851. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Foxburrows farm with Dog Kennel Hill behind. Photo © Raymond Small 15th January 2019. |
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| A Triangulation Post on the high point of Dog Kennel Hill looking towards Havering atte Bower, stands at 281ft. (56m.) above sea level. This is 4 metres higher than Nelson's Column. 8th January 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott. | Beech trees on Dog Kennel Hill. 21st January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Fallen beech on Dog Kennel Hill. 13th January 2019. The shallow rooting shows sandy, pebbly deposits on the surface of Dog Kennel Hill. These are known as Bagshot beds and cover both Cabin and Dog Kennel Hills. In the inventory of 1544 for King Henry VIII, no Beech trees or Holly were present only Hornbeam, Oak and Blackthorn. The attempt at planting Beech in the current forest has been a disaster, as they succumb to disease and wind blow. Photos © Mick Rumble and Brian Ecott. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Part of Henry VIII's survey 1544 after the dissolution of Barking Abbey |
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A week in the life of a Slime mould Comatricha nigra Raymond Small discovered this creamy white slime mould (below) on another fallen beech on the 2nd January 2019. We decided to visit daily to see how it developed. |
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| DAY 1 Creamy white sporocarps with long thin stalks 9mm. tall | DAY 2 The sporocarps are turning pinkish. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| DAY 3 The sporocarps are red-brown | DAY 4 The sporocarps are shiny black, some at the top of picture are rough black. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| DAY 6 The sporocarps are rough brown. | DAY 7 The sporocarps are discharging millions of spores. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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All photos © Brian Ecott |
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| More sporocarps on thin stalks are tall thin cylinders 1.3cms tall. These are from another slime mould, a species of Stemonitis. On beech, 8th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Water Birds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Goosander (above) together with the Smew and Red breasted Merganser (themselves listed as rare vagrants in Hainault) have a hooked bill, and their beaks are serrated, giving them the group name of Sawbills. A female Goosander (left) on the lake island, which has been seen many times during January. It was recorded on Mike Dennis's Check list (2003) as a wintering bird. Below the Goosander swimming on the lake. It is a diving duck.
All photos © Michael Trump. 1st and 6th January 2019. |
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A Heron stands atop ivy-covered hawthorn 2nd January 2019. Photo © Michael Trump |
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| Black-headed gulls in winter plumage (white heads). Photo © Brian Ecott. 3rd January 2019. |
Mute swan cob on lake edge. 29th January 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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Juvenile Cormorant wing drying on log by the island. 14th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Three males (showing white) and three female Tufted ducks 1st January 2019. Photo © Michael Trump |
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Male and female Tufted ducks or Tuftys. Note the blue bill and the head tuft in the male. 1st January 2019. Photos © Mick Rumble |
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Coot. 12th January 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott. Note: "Bald as a Coot" or "Bald face stag" refers to white. |
Moorhen 25th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott. |
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Mallards a-plenty this winter. Here are two drakes and a duck. 25th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Shoveler drake. 4th January 2019. Photo © Mick Rumble |
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Egyptian geese feeding on grassland area. 8th January 2019. Photo © Michael Trump |
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Small stagshorn Calocera cornea on dead beech with white brain fungus. 24th December 2018. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Yellow brain fungus Tremella mesenterica. Flabby, orange or yellow, on living or dead branches. 31 December 2018 Photo © Brian Ecott |
Split-gill Schizophyllum commune on dead beech. 1st January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Velvet shank Flammulina velutipes var. velutipes on trunk of dead crack willow 14th January 2019. © Brian Ecott | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Overwintering insects |
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A Box bug under oak bark. 3rd January 2019 on Hog Hill. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Two wood boring beetles under oak bark. 4th January 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
Common shiny woodlice Oniscus asellus under bark. 3rd January 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Winter moth Operoptera brumata. Common from October to January. Male (left) flies even on cold nights. Female is wingless and waits on a tree for the male, whom she entices with a waft of pheromones. Near Woodhenge. 25th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott |
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| Liverworts | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| EVEN SCALEWORT Radula complanata on an Ash tree in scrub near Woodhenge. The tiny green granules on the lobes appears to be vegetative gemmae 30th December 2018. Photo © Brian Ecott | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| FORKED VEILWORT Metzgeria furcata growing on a hawthorn tree, through scrub on a path near Woodhenge. A close up of this Liverwort is above right. 26th January 2019. Photos © Brian Ecott. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| More birds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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A Charm of Goldfinches. They seem common this month flying about in groups. 2nd January 2019. Photo © Michael Trump. |
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| Male (left) and female kestrels are frequently seen hovering over the amenity grassland opposite the café. Photos 16th & 18th January 2019. © Michael Trump. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Blackbird foraging for worms and insects in the leaf litter. 18th January 2019. Photo © Michael Rumble. | Goldcrest searching for insects among the ivy. One of our smallest birds at 3½" (9cm). Here it has puffed up its feathers and looking like a small ball. 26th January 2019. Photo © Raymond Small. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dog lichen and others | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dog lichen Peltigera canina among the moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus on Hog Hill 3rd January 2019 Photo © Brian Ecott |
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Powdery lichen Lepraria incana on old hawthorn . Photo © Brian Ecott 12th January 2019 |
Fruiticose lichen Ramalina fastigiata on hawthorn near Woodhenge. 30th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lichenicolous fungi | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The pink fungus Illosporiopsis christiansenii growing amongst the green-grey lichen Physcia ascendens (right) 30th December 2018 Scan © Brian Ecott | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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The pink fungus (above centre) on the lichen Physcia ascendens is Laetisaria lichenicola. It is widespread in the UK but not recorded until I found it named in Mycologica an American Journal of 2011. Scan © Brian Ecott 30th December 2018
It was originally photographed in Hainault Forest (left) by Mick Rumble and as a result of Mark Powell and Brian Coppins of the British Lichen Society confirming my identity, a new chapter covering Lichenicolous fungi has been written by Mark Powell in Frank S. Dobson book Lichens 2018 edition. Photo © Michael Trump 3rd January 2016 |
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| Animal activity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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A food table on a tree stump with Beech mast (top left) and opened Beech nuts. 11th January 2019. This is a Grey Squirrel feeding post. Photo © Brian Ecott |
Rosehip nuts have been split open and the kernel eaten. The flesh has been discarded. A Woodmouse has been feeding here. 26th January 2019. Photo © Brian Ecott | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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NEW MOON (Early Waxing crescent) 4.38PM 8th January 2019 |
© Michael Trump |
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| and finally - More litter from the forest | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Hainault
Forest Website
