29 Sep 24
Priorslee Balancing Lake and The Flash
6.0°C > 11.0°C: A stunning sunrise as cloud encroached from the West ahead of forecast rain and gales. Dull for a while. Almost calm. Misty as I arrived, clearing quickly as the cloud cover increased.
Sunrise: 07:08 BST
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:30 – 09:15
(208th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- still 11 visiting Mute Swans to annoy the residents. The visitors stay close together. Some have taken to hiding in the reeds. At least one seems to be a cob up for a challenge and raises his wings and "stands his ground" when approached by the resident cob.
- many of the early arrivals of Lesser Black-backed Gulls came from the south-west rather than the north-west as they have been doing for the last two weeks.
- many groups of unidentified large gulls were flying south-east to the north-east and these groups were concurrent with the Jackdaws and Rooks passing by on roost dispersal. I can't count three things and take sunrise photos at the same time so these are 'best attempts' as the numbers.
Counts of birds noted flying over:
- 1 Canada Goose
- 19 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull
- 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- c.175 large gulls: see notes
- 14 Cormorants: together
- c.250 Jackdaws: see notes
- c.55 Rooks: see notes
- 5 Pied Wagtails
Hirundines etc. noted:
I was not best-positioned for the quickly developing sunrise. This, from the camera, shows the colour to good effect.
Whereas this what my smart phone made of it from the same position. The phone handles the contrast better though noticeable less crisp.
Centre is the resident cob Mute Swan trying to decide which of the 11 visitors. Several have hidden in the reeds. A visiting cob is also in threat mode on the right. Back centre is a Great Crested Grebe. Back left a Coot tries to avoid getting involved.
14 Cormorants. These came in from the East, circled as if they might come for some fish but decided against it and headed off South.
An even closer-up of a female (with the ovipositor) European Cranefly Tipula paludosa. The head looks pre-historic to me.
On the wall of the sailing club HQ I found this spider. The grey appearance suggests this is a Furrow Orbweaver Larinioides cornutus rather than the more usual darker and related Bridge Orb-web Spider L. sclopetarius that I see on the street lamp poles as well as here.
Probably one of the Metellina spiders with long and hairy legs. The Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii seems to be living dangerously (or about to become breakfast).
This morning's Psychodidae sp. As previously noted there are (or were: probably more by now) 99 species of these small flies also known as Drain Flies, Moth Flies or Owl Flies. None can be identified from photos. Indeed I have never seen anything on how they are specifically identified.
My provisional count for Greylag Geese was 88. My count of this photo shows 88! But there were others already present and this group contains four feral 'white geese'.
The Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae on the large and mainly dead Ash tree along the East side becomes more extensive by the day. Here from one side...
(Ed Wilson)
Sightings from previous years
2010
Priorslee Lake
3 Pochard
2 Sparrowhawks
24 Swallows
Peregrine Falcon
(Ed Wilson)
2008
Priorslee Lake
Redwing
(Ed Wilson)
2005
Priorslee Lake
Siskin
105 Greenfinches
Swallow
House Martin
3 Chiffchaffs
Kingfisher
(Ed Wilson)
6.0°C > 11.0°C: A stunning sunrise as cloud encroached from the West ahead of forecast rain and gales. Dull for a while. Almost calm. Misty as I arrived, clearing quickly as the cloud cover increased.
Sunrise: 07:08 BST
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:30 – 09:15
(208th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- still 11 visiting Mute Swans to annoy the residents. The visitors stay close together. Some have taken to hiding in the reeds. At least one seems to be a cob up for a challenge and raises his wings and "stands his ground" when approached by the resident cob.
- many of the early arrivals of Lesser Black-backed Gulls came from the south-west rather than the north-west as they have been doing for the last two weeks.
- many groups of unidentified large gulls were flying south-east to the north-east and these groups were concurrent with the Jackdaws and Rooks passing by on roost dispersal. I can't count three things and take sunrise photos at the same time so these are 'best attempts' as the numbers.
Counts of birds noted flying over:
- 1 Canada Goose
- 19 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull
- 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- c.175 large gulls: see notes
- 14 Cormorants: together
- c.250 Jackdaws: see notes
- c.55 Rooks: see notes
- 5 Pied Wagtails
Hirundines etc. noted:
None
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler: along the South side today
- 5 (0) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- 1 (0) Goldcrest
Counts from the lake area:
- 36 Canada Goose: five departed; three stayed; 28 arrived
- 13 Mute Swans
- 2 (1♂) Gadwall
- 12 (9♂) Mallard
- 3 (0♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 163 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 66 Black-headed Gulls
- 11 Herring Gulls
- 162 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron: departed
- 1 Kingfisher
Football Field
Birds on the football field c. 07:10
- 102 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls: both immatures
- 11 Wood Pigeons
Noted on the street lamps poles pre-dawn:
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler: along the South side today
- 5 (0) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- 1 (0) Goldcrest
Counts from the lake area:
- 36 Canada Goose: five departed; three stayed; 28 arrived
- 13 Mute Swans
- 2 (1♂) Gadwall
- 12 (9♂) Mallard
- 3 (0♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 163 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 66 Black-headed Gulls
- 11 Herring Gulls
- 162 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron: departed
- 1 Kingfisher
Football Field
Birds on the football field c. 07:10
- 102 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 Herring Gulls: both immatures
- 11 Wood Pigeons
Noted on the street lamps poles pre-dawn:
Moths:
- 1 Vapourer Orgyia antiqua
- 1 Vapourer Orgyia antiqua
Flies:
- 2 Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii
- 1 wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 2 other flies of different species
- 2 Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii
- 1 wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 2 other flies of different species
Springtails:
- 2 springtails Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
- 2 springtails Tomocerus vulgaris-type
- 2 springtails Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
- 2 springtails Tomocerus vulgaris-type
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 1 Bridge Orb-web Spider Larinioides sclopetarius
- 1 as yet unidentified spider
- 3 male harvestman Leiobunum rotundum/blackwalli
Sailing Club
- 1 Bridge Orb-web Spider Larinioides sclopetarius
- 1 as yet unidentified spider
- 3 male harvestman Leiobunum rotundum/blackwalli
Sailing Club
Around the outside of the sailing club HQ pre-dawn:
Flies:
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 23 spiders: none specifically identified
Noted later:
- 23 spiders: none specifically identified
Noted later:
Flies:
- cranefly Tipula confusa
- European Cranefly Tipula paludosa
- cranefly Tipula confusa
- European Cranefly Tipula paludosa
Molluscs:
- White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis
- White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis
Fungus:
- Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus
at least 9 fruiting bodies not noted yesterday
- Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus
at least 9 fruiting bodies not noted yesterday
Without falling in to the water (unauthorised entry not permitted!) this was my best effort.
This is a Vapourer moth Orgyia antiqua. The white markings are likely part of its defence mechanism, either alarming predators or encouraging them to attack the 'eyes' which will cause little harm. Note the feathered antennae (or should that be antenna: it seems to only have one) indicating it is a male.
A close-up of a cranefly Tipula confusa.
These are current galls on the underside of an Oak leaf. They are made by one of Spangle Gall Wasps Neuroterus sp., likely N. quercusbaccarum. The gall species are not easy to separate; the adult wasps are rarely seen and impossible to identify from photos.
Yet another Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus. Very shaggy.
(Ed Wilson)
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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel:
Flies:
- 2 plumed midges
- 1 Psychodidae sp. [Drain Fly, Moth Fly or Owl Fly]
- 2 plumed midges
- 1 Psychodidae sp. [Drain Fly, Moth Fly or Owl Fly]
Centipedes & Millipedes:
- 11 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
- 11 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 4 spiders not specifically identified
- 4 spiders not specifically identified
This is one of the spiders in the Eratinga group that includes the Common House Spider E. atrica that falls in to baths at this time of year (drape a towel over the edge of the bath so the poor creature can escape). Not sure of the precise species shown here.
(Ed Wilson)
The Flash: 09:20 – 10:25
(210th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- probably more Greylag Geese: when I check my photos I may be able to provide a more accurate total. I was too intent on checking for any wayward geese – the over-wintering wild geese are beginning to arrive.
- just one Chiffchaff noted and that singing intermittently.
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 1 Jackdaw
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- no Goldcrests
Noted on / around the water:
- 31 Canada Geese
- 133+ Greylag Geese: arrived in several large groups
- 5 white/mainly white feral geese: arrived with the Greylags
- 6 + 3 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 36 (25♂) Mallard
- 139 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 (0♂) Goosander
- 6 + 6 (6? broods) Moorhens
- 131 adult and immature Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 9 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron: departed
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Flash: 09:20 – 10:25
(210th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- probably more Greylag Geese: when I check my photos I may be able to provide a more accurate total. I was too intent on checking for any wayward geese – the over-wintering wild geese are beginning to arrive.
- just one Chiffchaff noted and that singing intermittently.
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 1 Jackdaw
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- no Goldcrests
Noted on / around the water:
- 31 Canada Geese
- 133+ Greylag Geese: arrived in several large groups
- 5 white/mainly white feral geese: arrived with the Greylags
- 6 + 3 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 36 (25♂) Mallard
- 139 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 (0♂) Goosander
- 6 + 6 (6? broods) Moorhens
- 131 adult and immature Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 9 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron: departed
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
Bees, wasps etc.:
- 1 Common Wasp Paravespula vulgaris
- 1 Common Wasp Paravespula vulgaris
Flies:
- 1 European Cranefly Tipula paludosa: dead!
- 1 European Cranefly Tipula paludosa: dead!
Beetles:
- 2 Alder Leaf Beetles Agelastica alni
- 2 Alder Leaf Beetles Agelastica alni
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 3 harvestmen Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus
- 3 harvestmen Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus
Fungus: possible identities
- Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae: masses
- Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae: masses
One of these feral geese.
And the other three between two Greylags.
This trio singled out.
Illustrating that the feral geese are about the same size as Greylags.
For a change two Greylags. The extent of the streaking on the flanks and spotting on the belly is highly variable. These two seem to be concentrating hard on finding some clear water for their splash-down, The lower bird seems to be squinting as if it needs glasses.
Was it something I said? A Grey Heron leaves.
...and the other side.
A close up of some of the better specimens. The worry is that the various forms of honey fungus spread underground years before they begin to show fruiting bodies above ground and other trees in the area may be impacted. Healthy trees may not be affected though those with ash-dieback may not be so lucky.
Yes well! A female European Cranefly Tipula paludosa covered in dew. Is the 'hole' just the way the wings are held? I think I can just see the abdomen on this side of the hole. Would a live insect ever look like this?
(Ed Wilson)
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Sightings from previous years
2010
Priorslee Lake
3 Pochard
2 Sparrowhawks
24 Swallows
Peregrine Falcon
(Ed Wilson)
2008
Priorslee Lake
Redwing
(Ed Wilson)
2005
Priorslee Lake
Siskin
105 Greenfinches
Swallow
House Martin
3 Chiffchaffs
Kingfisher
(Ed Wilson)
28 Sep 24
Priorslee Balancing Lake
7.0°C > 11.0°C: Broken cloud. Light north-westerly breeze. Very good visibility.
Sunrise: 07:07 BST
An abbreviated visit to the Balancing Lake only.
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:30 – 08:40
(207th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- the resident Mute Swans had 11 visiting swans to chase for their occasional skirmish.
- a trio of Skylarks flew over calling: my first of the Autumn passage.
Counts of birds noted flying over:
- 17 Greylag Geese: inbound together
- 2 Stock Doves: together
- 15 Wood Pigeons only
- 1 Herring Gull
- 27 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 149 Jackdaws
- 25 Rooks
- 3 Skylarks
- 2 Pied Wagtails
Hirundines etc. noted:
A different-looking spider among the many around the sailing club HQ pre-dawn. This seems to be a male Lace-weaver Spider Amaurobius similis.
I think this is a running crab spider Philodromus sp. Some species of crab spider lay in wait and jump on passing prey. Others, like this species, chase after prey.
My first harvestman Paroligolophus agrestis of the year. This short-legged species is most easily identified my the obvious difference in leg thickness between the basal part and the outer half. The pale stripe down the abdomen is not always so apparent as it is on the specimen.
Three of the many fruiting bodies of Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig fungus Coprinus comatus. This species deliquesces very quickly as evidenced by the black gunge dripping from the back two. It is likely that these appeared no more than three days ago
7.0°C > 11.0°C: Broken cloud. Light north-westerly breeze. Very good visibility.
Sunrise: 07:07 BST
An abbreviated visit to the Balancing Lake only.
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:30 – 08:40
(207th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- the resident Mute Swans had 11 visiting swans to chase for their occasional skirmish.
- a trio of Skylarks flew over calling: my first of the Autumn passage.
Counts of birds noted flying over:
- 17 Greylag Geese: inbound together
- 2 Stock Doves: together
- 15 Wood Pigeons only
- 1 Herring Gull
- 27 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 149 Jackdaws
- 25 Rooks
- 3 Skylarks
- 2 Pied Wagtails
Hirundines etc. noted:
None
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 6 (1) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- 4 (0) Goldcrests
Counts from the lake area:
- 37 Canada Goose: 11 departed; 26 arrived
- 13 Mute Swans
- 17 (12♂) Mallard
- 7 Moorhens
- 141 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 85 Black-headed Gulls: some of these probably among the 67 on the football field c.07:15
- 3 Herring Gulls
- c.250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron: departed
Noted on the street lamps poles pre-dawn:
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 6 (1) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- 4 (0) Goldcrests
Counts from the lake area:
- 37 Canada Goose: 11 departed; 26 arrived
- 13 Mute Swans
- 17 (12♂) Mallard
- 7 Moorhens
- 141 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 85 Black-headed Gulls: some of these probably among the 67 on the football field c.07:15
- 3 Herring Gulls
- c.250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron: departed
Noted on the street lamps poles pre-dawn:
Moths:
- 1 Garden Rose Tortrix Acleris variegana: my first this year
- 1 Garden Rose Tortrix Acleris variegana: my first this year
Flies:
- >6 Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii
- 1 wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 2 plumed midges
- 4 other flies of different species
- >6 Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii
- 1 wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 2 plumed midges
- 4 other flies of different species
Springtails:
2 springtails Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
2 springtails Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
Beetles:
- 1 Alder Leaf Beetle Agelastica alni
- 1 Alder Leaf Beetle Agelastica alni
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 1 Bridge Orb-web Spiders Larinioides sclopetarius
- 1 running crab spider Philodromus sp.
- 1 Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata [Silver-sided Sector Spider]
- 1 male harvestman Leiobunum rotundum/blackwalli
- 1 harvestman Paroligolophus agrestis: my first this year
Sailing Club
- 1 Bridge Orb-web Spiders Larinioides sclopetarius
- 1 running crab spider Philodromus sp.
- 1 Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata [Silver-sided Sector Spider]
- 1 male harvestman Leiobunum rotundum/blackwalli
- 1 harvestman Paroligolophus agrestis: my first this year
Sailing Club
Around the outside of the sailing club HQ pre-dawn:
Flies:
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 1 unidentified cranefly
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 1 unidentified cranefly
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 32 spiders: all remained unidentified apart from one noted as 'different':
1 Lace-weaver Spider Amaurobius similis
Noted later:
- 32 spiders: all remained unidentified apart from one noted as 'different':
1 Lace-weaver Spider Amaurobius similis
Noted later:
Fungus:
- Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus
19 fruiting bodies around the edges of the football field.
23 fruiting bodies at least on the grass in front of the academy.
Must be Autumn though the trees are still mainly green
Four of the Canada Geese, as usual at strange angles as they 'spill' the air from under their wings to make their target splash-down spot.
This moth is my first Garden Rose Tortrix Acleris variegana of this year. There are plenty of wild, if not garden, roses in the area. I see this species of moth most years. Not all specimens have the dark central area.
There were at least six Spotted-winged Drosophila flies Drosophila suzukii on the street lamp poles this morning. Here are two: both males with the dark tips to their wings.
- Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus
19 fruiting bodies around the edges of the football field.
23 fruiting bodies at least on the grass in front of the academy.
Must be Autumn though the trees are still mainly green
A wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
For some reason all but one of the craneflies I saw this morning were this species: Tipula confusa.
The exception was this one. A squat-looking species that I have been unable to identify.
Today's unidentified fly on the street lamp poles pre-dawn.
(Ed Wilson)
In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flies:
- 2 plumed midges
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 2 plumed midges
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
Centipedes & Millipedes:
- 8 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
- 8 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
Woodlice:
- 1 Common Rough Woodlouse Porcellio scaber
- 1 Common Rough Woodlouse Porcellio scaber
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 3 spiders not specifically identified
(Ed Wilson)
Sightings from previous years
2011
Priorslee Lake
2 Skylarks
3 Meadow Pipits
26 Pied Wagtails
7 Siskins
2 Redpolls
142 Greylag Geese
320 Canada Geese
Common Sandpiper
45 Robins
(Ed Wilson)
2010
Priorslee Lake
Cormorant
A pair of Wigeon
220 Coots
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
2007
RAF Cosford
Juvenile Gannet flew over RAF Cosford
(Martin R Adlam)
2005
Priorslee Lake
3 Redpoll
Siskin
5 Chiffchaffs
Blackcap
Kingfisher
Buzzard
2 Kestrel
Meadow Pipit
(Ed Wilson)
- 3 spiders not specifically identified
(Ed Wilson)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sightings from previous years
2011
Priorslee Lake
2 Skylarks
3 Meadow Pipits
26 Pied Wagtails
7 Siskins
2 Redpolls
142 Greylag Geese
320 Canada Geese
Common Sandpiper
45 Robins
(Ed Wilson)
2010
Priorslee Lake
Cormorant
A pair of Wigeon
220 Coots
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
(Ed Wilson)
2007
RAF Cosford
Juvenile Gannet flew over RAF Cosford
(Martin R Adlam)
2005
Priorslee Lake
3 Redpoll
Siskin
5 Chiffchaffs
Blackcap
Kingfisher
Buzzard
2 Kestrel
Meadow Pipit
(Ed Wilson)
27 Sep 24
No sightings in today
Sightings from previous years
2013
Priorslee Lake
1 Teal
3 Wigeon
1 Kingfisher
(John Isherwood)
2011
Priorslee Lake
13 Meadow Pipits
3 Redpoll
Siskin
Common Sandpiper
(Ed Wilson)
2010
Priorslee Lake
Juvenile Common Scoter
3 Little Grebes
Drake Pintail x Mallard
(Ed Wilson/Andy Latham)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013
Priorslee Lake
1 Teal
3 Wigeon
1 Kingfisher
(John Isherwood)
2011
Priorslee Lake
13 Meadow Pipits
3 Redpoll
Siskin
Common Sandpiper
(Ed Wilson)
2010
Priorslee Lake
Juvenile Common Scoter
3 Little Grebes
Drake Pintail x Mallard
(Ed Wilson/Andy Latham)
26 Sep 24
No sightings in today
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sightings from previous years
2011
Priorslee Lake
115 Greylag Geese
420+ Canada Geese
Shoveler
Common Sandpiper
Kingfisher
3 Blackcaps
12 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)
2011
Priorslee Lake
115 Greylag Geese
420+ Canada Geese
Shoveler
Common Sandpiper
Kingfisher
3 Blackcaps
12 Chiffchaffs
(Ed Wilson)
24 Sep 24
Priorslee Balancing Lake and The Flash
This is a wood gnat that is the same overall shape and size of those in the Sylvicola group. There are none on the NatureSpot internet site that shows other than a black or dark grey thorax so I cannot identify it.
A very fresh springtail Pogonognathellus longicornis showing plenty of scales on the back. These usually soon wear away.
From this top view Obsidentify was unsure but Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda was an option.
(Ed Wilson)
In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel:
Moths:
- 1 Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata
- 1 Snout Hypena proboscidalis
Flies:
- 7 plumed midges
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 1 caddis fly, probably Stenophylax permistus
Centipedes & Millipedes:
- 6 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
Woodlice:
- 1 (Common) Striped Woodlouse Philoscia muscorum
- 1 Common Rough Woodlouse Porcellio scaber
My first Red-green Carpet moth Chloroclysta siterata of the year. An Autumn-flying species with the females over-wintering as an imago.
(Ed Wilson)
12.0°C > 13.0°C: Mostly cloudy at medium level. A few holes early – I even saw the moon. Light north-westerly breeze. Very good visibility.
Sunrise: 07:00 BST
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:25 – 09:05
(206th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- the resident Mute Swans had the occasional skirmish with the seven visitors to show them who was boss. Most of the time the residents were elsewhere minding their own business.
- all change with the gulls today. It was Black-headed Gulls that were first arrivals with 16 at 06:25. The first of very few large gulls were some 10 minutes later. More of those few large gulls flew straight over than stopped off.
- a Tawny Owl was giving its wavering call as I arrived at 05:25. It was not heard later.
Counts of birds noted flying over:
- 3 (2♂) Mallard
- 4 Stock Doves: together
- 71 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull
- 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 220 Jackdaws
- 57 Rooks
Hirundines etc. noted:
- 8 Barn Swallows at least flew West at 08:55.
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 7 (1) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- 1 (0) Goldcrest
Counts from the lake area:
- 28 Canada Goose: nine departed; one stayed; 18 arrived together
- 9 Mute Swans
- 6 (2♂) Gadwall: departed together
- 9 (7♂) Mallard
- 2 (1♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 159 Coots
- 5 Great Crested Grebes
- c.200 Black-headed Gulls: some of these probably among the 116 on the football field c.07:05
- 6 Herring Gulls
- 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Noted on the street lamps poles pre-dawn:
Moths:
- 1 unidentified abdomen being eaten by a spider
Bees, wasps etc.:
- 1 braconid wasp probably from the Microgastrinae family.
- 1 ichneumon sp.
Flies:
- 1 Dryomyza anilis
- 1 Phaonia sp.
- 1 wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 4 other flies of different species
Springtails:
1 springtail Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
Beetles:
- 1 Alder Leaf Beetle Agelastica alni
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 2 Bridge Orb-web Spiders Larinioides sclopetarius
- 1 Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata [Silver-sided Sector Spider]
Sailing Club
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:25 – 09:05
(206th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- the resident Mute Swans had the occasional skirmish with the seven visitors to show them who was boss. Most of the time the residents were elsewhere minding their own business.
- all change with the gulls today. It was Black-headed Gulls that were first arrivals with 16 at 06:25. The first of very few large gulls were some 10 minutes later. More of those few large gulls flew straight over than stopped off.
- a Tawny Owl was giving its wavering call as I arrived at 05:25. It was not heard later.
Counts of birds noted flying over:
- 3 (2♂) Mallard
- 4 Stock Doves: together
- 71 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull
- 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 220 Jackdaws
- 57 Rooks
Hirundines etc. noted:
- 8 Barn Swallows at least flew West at 08:55.
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 7 (1) Chiffchaff
''nominal' warbler:
- 1 (0) Goldcrest
Counts from the lake area:
- 28 Canada Goose: nine departed; one stayed; 18 arrived together
- 9 Mute Swans
- 6 (2♂) Gadwall: departed together
- 9 (7♂) Mallard
- 2 (1♂) Tufted Duck
- 6 Moorhens
- 159 Coots
- 5 Great Crested Grebes
- c.200 Black-headed Gulls: some of these probably among the 116 on the football field c.07:05
- 6 Herring Gulls
- 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Noted on the street lamps poles pre-dawn:
Moths:
- 1 unidentified abdomen being eaten by a spider
Bees, wasps etc.:
- 1 braconid wasp probably from the Microgastrinae family.
- 1 ichneumon sp.
Flies:
- 1 Dryomyza anilis
- 1 Phaonia sp.
- 1 wood gnat Sylvicola sp.
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 4 other flies of different species
Springtails:
1 springtail Pogonognathellus longicornis-type
Beetles:
- 1 Alder Leaf Beetle Agelastica alni
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 2 Bridge Orb-web Spiders Larinioides sclopetarius
- 1 Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata [Silver-sided Sector Spider]
Sailing Club
Around the outside of the sailing club HQ pre-dawn:
Flies:
- 2 craneflies Tipula confusa
Slugs, snails etc.:
- 1 Tawny Soil Slug Arion owenii
- 1 Chestnut Slug Deroceras invadens
- 1 unidentified slug
- 2 Girdled Snails Hygromia cinctella
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 46 spiders: most individuals not identified though the following species were confirmed:
- Garden Spider Araneus diadematus [Garden Cross Spider]
- Bridge Orb-web Spider Larinioides sclopetarius
- Walnut Orb Weaver Nuctenea umbratica
- Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata [Silver-sided Sector Spider]
Noted later:
***the vegetation was still very wet and battered from the recent rain.
Flies:
- European Cranefly Tipula paludosa
Molluscs:
- White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis
Fungus:
- Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus
- possible Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda
Flies:
- 2 craneflies Tipula confusa
Slugs, snails etc.:
- 1 Tawny Soil Slug Arion owenii
- 1 Chestnut Slug Deroceras invadens
- 1 unidentified slug
- 2 Girdled Snails Hygromia cinctella
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 46 spiders: most individuals not identified though the following species were confirmed:
- Garden Spider Araneus diadematus [Garden Cross Spider]
- Bridge Orb-web Spider Larinioides sclopetarius
- Walnut Orb Weaver Nuctenea umbratica
- Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata [Silver-sided Sector Spider]
Noted later:
***the vegetation was still very wet and battered from the recent rain.
Flies:
- European Cranefly Tipula paludosa
Molluscs:
- White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis
Fungus:
- Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus
- possible Weeping Widow Lacrymaria lacrymabunda
A surprise appearance by the half-moon. It did not last.
Naughty spider tucking in to the abdomen of a sizeable moth. Not enough detail to identify either.
It was only when I edited the photo that I realised this had a 'wasp waist' and was not a fly. Trawling the internet I think it is a braconid wasp probably from the Microgastrinae family.
A small and unidentified ichneumon on one of the street lamp poles.
I think I have these right: a Tawny Soil Slug Arion owenii and...
...a Chestnut Slug Deroceras invadens
But what is this?
A fungus I can do by myself. Shaggy Inkcap or Lawyer's Wig Coprinus comatus.
When I showed it the underside it was 100% sure.
(Ed Wilson)
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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel:
Moths:
- 1 Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata
- 1 Snout Hypena proboscidalis
Flies:
- 7 plumed midges
- 1 cranefly Tipula confusa
- 1 caddis fly, probably Stenophylax permistus
Centipedes & Millipedes:
- 6 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
Woodlice:
- 1 (Common) Striped Woodlouse Philoscia muscorum
- 1 Common Rough Woodlouse Porcellio scaber
Slugs, snails etc.:
- 1 Greenhouse / Balkan Three-band Slug Ambigolimax valentianus/nyctelius
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 7 spiders not specifically identified
- 1 Greenhouse / Balkan Three-band Slug Ambigolimax valentianus/nyctelius
Spiders, harvestmen etc.
- 7 spiders not specifically identified
Sitting at a rather awkward angle on the ceiling was this Snout moth Hypena proboscidalis.
This large caddisfly is probably Stenophylax permistus.
I think this is one of the species-pair Greenhouse / Balkan Three-band Slug Ambigolimax valentianus/nyctelius only separable by dissection.
(Ed Wilson)
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The Flash: 09:10 – 10:15
(209th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- Mallard and Tufted Duck were the only duck species I could find today.
- I have rarely seen Barn Swallows on Autumn passage here. At least 11 flew West as I was climbing in to my car to depart.
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- 6 Jackdaws
- 2 Ravens: presumably it was the same two that flew back a few minutes later.
Hirundines etc. noted:
- 11 Barn Swallows at least flew West at 10:15
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 4 (1) Chiffchaffs
''nominal' warbler:
- no Goldcrests
Noted on / around the water:
- 69 Canada Geese
- 58 Greylag Geese: arrived in four groups
- 6 + 3 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 55 (34♂) Mallard
- 120 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- 5 + 6 (2 broods) Moorhens
- 122 adult and immature Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Black-headed Gull only
- 1 Cormorant: departed
- 2 Grey Herons: one departed; presumed a different arrival from a different direction
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
Bees, wasps etc.:
- 2 Common Wasps Paravespula vulgaris
Flies:
- 1 European Cranefly Tipula paludosa
1 unidentified cluster fly
Beetles:
- 2 Alder Leaf Beetles Agelastica alni
Bugs:
- 6 Common Green Shieldbugs Palomena prasina
Fungus:
(209th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- Mallard and Tufted Duck were the only duck species I could find today.
- I have rarely seen Barn Swallows on Autumn passage here. At least 11 flew West as I was climbing in to my car to depart.
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- 6 Jackdaws
- 2 Ravens: presumably it was the same two that flew back a few minutes later.
Hirundines etc. noted:
- 11 Barn Swallows at least flew West at 10:15
Warblers noted (the figure in brackets relates to birds heard singing):
- 4 (1) Chiffchaffs
''nominal' warbler:
- no Goldcrests
Noted on / around the water:
- 69 Canada Geese
- 58 Greylag Geese: arrived in four groups
- 6 + 3 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 55 (34♂) Mallard
- 120 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- 5 + 6 (2 broods) Moorhens
- 122 adult and immature Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- 1 Black-headed Gull only
- 1 Cormorant: departed
- 2 Grey Herons: one departed; presumed a different arrival from a different direction
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
Bees, wasps etc.:
- 2 Common Wasps Paravespula vulgaris
Flies:
- 1 European Cranefly Tipula paludosa
1 unidentified cluster fly
Beetles:
- 2 Alder Leaf Beetles Agelastica alni
Bugs:
- 6 Common Green Shieldbugs Palomena prasina
Fungus:
Possible identities
- Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae
- Peeling Oysterling Crepidotus mollis
And these which seem to be just emerging (or whatever the correct term is). Any honey fungus on a tree is bad news for its future as is the Ash dieback that seems to have killed this one.
(Ed Wilson)
Sightings from previous years
2011
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Sandpiper
(John Isherwood)
Nedge Hill
1 Wheatear
1 Yellow Wagtail
(John Isherwood)
- Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae
- Peeling Oysterling Crepidotus mollis
Greylag Geese adopting strange angles as they try to lose height to their chosen splash-down site.
The Grey Heron that was here when I first arrived seemed to fly off. This was a replacement arriving.
"Cronk". A Raven passes over calling. The large head and bill; the well-separated 'fingers' at the wing-tip; and the long tail help to identify any non-calling bird from Carrion Crow. An all-black bird against a grey overcast does not give the best of photos.
Close-up and personal with a male European Cranefly Tipula paludosa.
There has to be an unidentified fly: I think a species of cluster fly.
At the base of the large mostly dead Ash tree I found these Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae.
And these.
I also took a photo using Obsidentify on my phone which was 100% sure this fungus is Peeling Oysterling Crepidotus mollis. When I showed it the edited camera's photo, as here, it was unsure!
(Ed Wilson)
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2011
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Sandpiper
(John Isherwood)
Nedge Hill
1 Wheatear
1 Yellow Wagtail
(John Isherwood)