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Our morning session at the YMCA was well attended. We all very much enjoyed the wonderful images taken by Sue of sites visited and wildlife observed on our outings in 2010. She worked backwards through the year starting with our last visit in November to Thorpe Marsh YWT reserve nr Doncaster. As well as the delightful images of plants, birds and people she showed some spectacular photographs of insect and butterfly life. A great show Sue!

We then moved onto our restaurant in Queensbury some of us using the mini bus transport kindly laid on by Julia and Nick. A superb meal was enjoyed by 28 of us.

A Happy Xmas and New Year to everyone.

Margaret  

  

 

Colourful TreesWe enjoyed sunshine and clear skies for our much anticipated visit to Thorpe Marsh YWT reserve. We were greeted warmly by Mike Townsend who guided us around the reserve in a very knowledgable fashion. He gave us an update on Eric Danby who had volunteered on the reserve and was known to Joan, myself and others. Eric's dedication and enthusiasm had been obviously transferred to Mike. We were introduced to the varied wildlife of the reserve. In all 33 bird species were recorded :-willow tit, coal tit, bullfinch, kingfisher, buzzard, jay, green woodpecker, gadwall, teal, widgeon, grey lag geese, cormorant and goldcrest were seen. However the long-eared owl which has recently returned to the reserve was elusive. We enjoyed the colour of the trees and the berries on this lovely winter's day.

Unidentified FungiThe very varied interest in the reserve includes an ancient ridge and furrow pasture with associated special flowers (broad leaved helleborine was seen from the path on our visit) dragonfly and butterfly species including brown argus. This was a splendid final outing of our year.Thorpe Marsh was felt by all as deserving of another visit in the summer season.

Margaret  

Autumn ColoursIt was a cold, rainy autumnal day when a small party of 8 set off from the Italian centre in Bradford for a visit to Clumber Park in North Nottinghamshire. Several of our group were indisposed others felt disinclined to brave the elements. Those of us who did had an enjoyable outing. We enjoyed the tints of colour in the leaves on the trees and on the ground. Also a good variety of fungi. Wild fowl had congregated on the lake in good numbers.

A walk around the lake was proposed and completed by 3 in the party. 5 of us decided to return to the vistor's centre when the rain became particuarly fierce. There were short periods of sunshine followed by intermittent showers throughout the day. Our waterproofs and umbrellas were much appreciated as well as a "cuppa" at the National Trust restaurant. We departed around 2 30pm arriving back at 4pm.

Clock Tower28 species of bird were recorded by Donald including great crested grebe(young), tufted duck, goosander and cormorant. The fungi identified included ink caps , jelly ear, candle snuff, turkey tail and others.

Margaret   

Autumn ColoursWeather conditions were poor when we set off with continuous rain. Intermittent showers and cloud were experienced during the day. The Bees group were well prepared with waterproofs, woolly hats, brolleys and walking sticks (very useful for clearing leaf litter as well as assisting on steep slippery slopes). All but spirits were dampened in our quest for fungi in the wild wood. The party numbered 17 and included Vicki and Peter (friends of Stuart and Gillian) also Julia our mentor.

A total of 28 fungi species were identified by our mycologist Joan. The day was far more productive than on the previous Wednesday when Joan and Margaret had joined a Yorkshire Dales national park guided walk. The most attractive fungus was green wood cup chlorosplenium aeruginascens found on a log. Clouded funnel clitocybe nebularis were seen in good numbers forming a ring as well as common funnel. Other species included beech wood wart, hypoxylon fragiforme or was it King Alfreds cakes not fully formed ? Also seen black foot polypore polyporus leptocehalus, birch polypore piptoporus betulinus, glistening ink cap coprinellus micaceus, coral spot nectria cinnabarina, candle snuff xylaria hypoxylon, turkey tail trametes versicoloe, purple jelly disc asocoryne sarcoides, lilac bonnet mycena pura and common puff ball lycoperdon periatum.  What a mouthful these latin names are!   Green Wood Cup Fungus

The ground cover although not in flower was notable for violet, dogs mercury, rock rose and meadow rue.

There was abundant evidence of the Grass Wood working party's hard work in bringing the wood back to a deciduous woodland and creating a habitat for biodiversity of species. We observed ring barking on a tree creating upstanding dead wood, a haven for insects and birds. Saplings had been planted and were protected either by plastic  tubes or a more natural wig wam of sticks and twigs. There were the ubiqiutous log piles havens for insects, reptiles and fungi. The autumnal tints of the leaves of the trees were much admired.

We enjoyed a late lunch in the environs of Far Gregory, an Brigantian hill fort in the centre of the wood which had necessitated a hard climb over slippery limestone steps. Our descent was almost equally hazardous but great care was taken and chivalry shown. We all arrived back at the minibus in good shape.

Birds species were notably absent although nuthatch, tawny owl and chaffinch were spotted in the wood. Tree creeper, blue tit and pheasant were seen near the feeder in the car park. Hopefully we will have sunshine to enjoy the autumnal colours at Clumber park on our next outing.  

Margaret

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amethyst DeceiverToday's trip got off to an unusual start when one of our number got left behind when the minibus departed from the Italian Centre!  Having retrieved the stray, 14 people arrived in good spirits at Anglers Country Park, Wintersett, which is 4 miles south of Wakefield.  The Park is a former opencast mine which was reclaimed 25 years ago and forms part of a larger area of interest joined by the 10 mile Waterton Trail, named after Charles Waterton, creator of the world's first nature reserve at nearby Walton Hall almost 200 years ago.

We spent the morning walking round the lake at Anglers and through the woodland walk where we enjoyed the autumn colours and saw many interesting species of fungi including the unusual verdigris toadstool and lots of fairies' bonnets.  By the time we reached the main bird hide the sun was breaking through and we watched lapwings wheeling and wigeon, pochard, great crested grebe, gadwall and tufted ducks swimming.  Robert's scope gave us good close-up views of these birds together with a linnet having a late morning bath.  We saw some nice examples of fungi near the Pol hide together with a broad-leaved heleborine in fruit.

Flowers of Tan (A slime mould, also known as the "Dog Vomit Slime Mould"!)After an alfresco lunch (the cafe was closed for renovation) we split into two groups, one to investigate the delights of Haw Park Wood, the other to see what birds we could see on the other two nearby reservoirs, Wintersett and Cold Hiendley, built 150 years ago to supply the Barnsley Canal which ran nearby. The wood party added quite a number of different species to the fungi list (two illustrated here and many more, beautifully photographed by Sue, in the gallery, and all expertly identified by Joan) and the birders managed to find a female scaup (with the aid of a more knowledgeable local birder) and seven common scoters.  The ferruginous duck and the cetti's warblers that had been in residence for the previous few days eluded us.

The weather stayed sunny for the rest of our stay and we were able to record 35 bird species and a speckled wood butterfly which together with a few dragonflies was enjoying a late fly round in the afternoon sun.

Another pleasant BEES day out.

Stuart 

 

 

Woodland PathIt was a misty start for today's trip to Harewood led by Joan. Although this did improve through the day as we walked the 5 mile circuit around the Harewood estate, it did remain gloomy and overcast but stayed dry. Although gloomy, it was mild as our group of 13 followed paths through fields grazed by sheep and cows, and through woodland. We saw a number of fallow and red deer early on in the walk. There were only fleeting sightings of red kites, on a day when only 19 bird sightings were made. Shaggy ParasolThis included coal tit, nuthatch and a kestrel which was spotted perched at the top of a hawthorn tree. A highlight of the walk was seeing a large flock of several hundred geese flying over in formation. Numerous fungi were seen including fly agaric and fairies bonnets, but the shaggy parasols were most impressive. This was a very pleasant autumn walk. 

Sue 

Arch - Beningborough HallIt was yet another wet and damp day when 14 intrepid people set off from Bradford in the direction of York and Beningborough Hall, a National Trust property with a famous walled garden and portrait gallery. As we progressed, blue sky appeared and the White Horse of Kilburn was clearly seen (it has been newly painted). The options for the day were explained by Margaret who led the party in the absence of Marilyn who had done much of the preparation. The options were: a 3 mile self-guided walk around the park or an exploration of the gardens with a visit to the Hall which houses paintings on loan from the National Portrait gallery. We divided into small groups to pursue our interests. The walled garden holds an interesting vegetable garden, vines and figs grow on the sunny south facing wall, there are numerous apple and pear trees including several pear arches; the herbaceous borders were past their best but a few butterfly species ie red admiral were seen enjoying the nectar of the flowers. Yes we did see a small robin perched on the top of the wall of the garden. It flew off into the garden, quite magical. Amanda was helped by the gardener in identifying and collecting 30 species of apple for Bees Apple Day. The cafe provided a focal point for the group and coffee and baguettes were enjoyed in the full afternoon sunshine. Flock Of LapwingThe 3 mile walk had proved productive for kingfisher, buzzard, cormorant and a large flock of lapwing. Autumn is approaching and fungi were seen including artist fungus, beef steak fungus and shaggy parasol. Flower species seen included burnet saxifrage, tansy (inhabited by tansy beetle), autumn hawkbit and smooth hawksbeard. A shaggy inkcap was spotted on the grass verge from the minibus on our journey home. This was a relaxed day enjoyed for the most part in sunshine. Margaret

Near Dragonfly MarshAlthough we normally move to fortnightly outings once September arrives, we inserted this extra trip as Rodley is not open to the public on Tuesdays and this was the only day in September on which they could accomodate us.  We had visited this impressive 100 acre reserve only last August and noted several improvements that had been made in the past year.  New steel hides were in place to replace those vandalised and burnt down, the riverside path had been extended and much thinning of reeds had taken place to allow better sightings from the hides.

The day was coordinated by June Ackroyd, a member both of BEES and Rodley and we were welcomed by Peter & Barbara Murphy who gave us an introductory talk and then led us on a tour of the reserve before before allowing us to explore at will during the afternoon.  Peter was pleased to note 5 wigeon on the lagoon, the first sightings of the season and an early record.  At the same time we were treated to a fly round by 5 gadwall, later joined by another 4 to make a lovely sight against a clear sky.  A group of teal, a couple of mute swans and three cormorants also took to the air whilst swallows and house martins hawked and as dragonflies and butterflies were continually on the wing at lower levels and planes came and went from Yeadon we enjoyed an impressive aerial display throughout the day.

Southern Hawker FemaleJoan & Alice recorded 177 species of plants (with 92% in flower according to Alice's calculations!), including 20 species of grasses, sedges and ferns. Highlights from the botanists were spiked water milfoil, narrow-leaved water plantain, marsh cudweed, common fiddleneck, celery-leaved buttercup and marsh mallow. Although many summer migrants had departed for warmer climes, Donald nevertheless recorded 33 species of birds, 7 butterflies, a pink-barred sallow moth and a frog.

The weather forecast didn't promise a good day, but in fact the sun shone throughout our stay which was enjoyed by all 14 of our party.  Rodley depends entirely on volunteers to run the reserve and the work that they do is most impressive.  It's an extremely well run and managed reserve, only 4 miles from the centre of Leeds, and is well worth a visit anytime (open to the public 10am-4pm on Wednesdays and weekends only).

In the absence of our regular photographer, Sue, who had deserted us for a week in Derbyshire, Barbara very kindly agreed to deputise and let us have a few photos of the day.  You'll find these here and on the gallery (all the best ones are Barbara's!).

Stuart

WheatearFor today's trip to Thruscross reservoir, 9 travelled in the minibus, meeting up with 2 who had travelled by car. The minibus journey was rather eventful, the first problem being a late departure due to a delay in getting the keys for the bus. A stop off at Swinsty reservoir to use the facilities proved problematic when the minibus got wedged under the car park entry gate. It's so easy to forget about the roof rack on top! Having extricated the bus, the journey resumed but was delayed again when it was unable to pass a vehicle on a narrow road, and it had to reverse a considerable distance before it could proceed. Eventually, it arrived at Thruscross reservoir and spirits were not dampened. Buoyed up by the glorious sunshine, we set off  on a 4 and a half mile walk around the reservoir. First we followed the path through woodland and then an uphill stretch on the road, before we turned off onto field paths continuing to climb to the northernmost tip of the reservoir. Here we stopped for lunch enjoying the wonderful views. We then continued on a steep downhill path, and crossed a little stream via a footbridge. Another steep climb took us to Roundell's allotment, where the path then descended back to the reservoir, and we followed the shore path back to the car park. Heron20 birds were recorded, the highlight being wheatear and the 3 birds of prey - buzzard, red kite and kestrel. 8 butterflies were recorded including small heath. 125 plants were recorded, the highlights being New Zealand willowherb, climbing corydalis, lemon scented fern, common hemp nettle and sneezewort. Several fungi were noted included stinkhorn, sulphur tuft, boletus and shaggy ink cap. It was a beautiful walk in perfect weather conditions.

Sue 

View From The PepperpotOur expectations were somewhat low when as a party of 14 we set off from the Bradford area dressed in suitable wet weather attire. However they rose as we approached our destination. First blue sky was seen and then Warton Crag bathed in sunshine. We set off from Silverdale beach in sunny but windy conditions. After some initial disappointment (Eric had described a sea of autumn ladies tresses on the Lots) there was delight when Donald was the first to spot the spikes of several of these orchids growing on the top of a hummock. Autumn Ladies TressesThey were seen again on other hummocks and also next to the path traversing the field. This particular field which is managed by the National Trust is a national treasure in terms of botanical interest throughout the year. Although late in the season we were able to enjoy rockrose, thyme and ladies bedstraw in flower. Our lunch was taken in the shelter of a dry stone wall.

 

 

 

The walk proceeded around the cliff edge and then onto the cove, through Emslack where sow thistle, whitebeam, and alpacas were admired. Our ascent through Eaves Wood, a typical ash/hazel/yew woodland on limestone pavement, was gradual. Blue SowthistleNo-one was brave enough to commit to identifying the endemic Lancastrian whitebeam, however the ferns -six in number - included male, scaly male and polypody. We were able to enjoy stupendous views of Morecambe Bay, the Forest of Bowland, Grange over Sands and the Lake District fells from the Pepperpot, a stone monument in the shape of a pepperpot created to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee year. Some interesting plants; cotoneaster, heather - ling and cross leaved heath, were seen on the summit (acid soils exist on top of the limestone). On our descent in a woodland clearing common dog violet was seen in flower. We called in at Leighton Moss for a "cuppa" on our way home. 122 plant species were recorded by Joan and Alice, 22 bird species and 5 butterflies by Donald.

It was a satisfying and memorable day out to one of our favourite parts of Northern England. Thanks go to our leaders and driver for the day - Donald, Margaret and Stuart.

Margaret