WFV, Staveley YWT Nature Reserve, 19th April 2016

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Thu, 21st Apr 2016, 9:29am
Staveley Poplars and ChurchStaveley Poplars and Church

The weather atoned for last week although in spite of the sunshine jackets were welcome at the start of our walk. John, as leader, stated that perhaps the only hazard was that we may get lost on the large site. Fortunately some members knew the site well as disappointingly no new direction signs had been added since our last visit.

We set off together heading for the East Lagoon but soon the group had separated as we each made our observations. It was good to see the tree buds breaking and to renew acquaintance with last week's discovery of Norway Maple in flower! We identified Goat and Crack Willow noting the dioecious arrangement of the male and female flowers on separate trees.Other willows, particularly hybrids, were undoubtedly there but insufficient knowledge renders them nameless. Blackthorn and Wild Cherry provided patches of brilliant white; just three individual Hawthorn flowers were spotted. Herbaceous plants in flower numbered 33 on the site including our first sighting for the year of Common Mouse-ear.

Was it my imagination or were the yellows brighter and the blues deeper? Green Alkanet certainly supported my view. In wetter areas Greater Pond Sedge and Water Horsetail were seen. The total flower list was 48, the additions being made by Joan and Eric on a visit to the village. Goldilocks, found in the church yard, was the star here. Coltsfoot in fruit was to be expected and Dandelion clocks in early Spring undoubtedly give the seeds a chance to colonize areas before other plants even flower.

The lagoons looked magnificent reflecting the deep blue sky and if the increasing temperature had encouraged the plants it had had a similar effect on bird life. Birdsong accompanied us for most of the day; principal soloists were willow warbler, chiffchaff, blackcap, blackbird and sedge warbler whilst robins, tits, reed buntings and wrens formed the bulk of the chorus. Not all members recognized the singers but all enjoyed the music! Water birds and wader numbers were disappointingly low although it was a privilege to watch a swan building her nest. A grand total of 51 birds were recorded by Donald who we are delighted to have back with us. (NB. Bird count higher than Flower numbers) For many members it was the first sighting of the year for swallow, sand martin, sedge warbler and reed warbler.

Brimston, Peacock, Small Tortoishell and Small White butterflies were, like us, relishing the blooming of Spring.

Ten members had a most enjoyable and interesting day. Thanks to Robert for our safe journey to Staveley and home again and to Stuart for helping to get the correct version of this to the web site!

Alice

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 27th Apr 2016, 9:06am

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It looks like you had a good time on the journey. Sorry to hear the bad news about the water birds though. Something very strange is happening with wildlife lately and I have been observing it for a while(at work). It's way more harder than before to encourage any beneficial birds or any other wildlife in the garden for that matter. Speaking entirely from a gardener's point of view here. Anyhow, keep the good work. Regards from Steward, planting expert at http://www.gardenersserviceslondon.co.uk/ and thank you for keeping us up to date.

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