A wildlife diary
Mary Smith 33 Gaynes Park Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2HJ
Writing on the warmest Easter anyone can remember, South Essex has basked in
Mediterranean temperatures for several days in a row. In these few days in early April
we have already seen dozens of butterflies, especially Peacock Butterflies. Bluebells
are all out and the potatoes in my garden need watering. My hybrid Primula, P. x
polyantha, formed naturally from Cowslip and Primrose, is in full flower by the compost
heap and a wonderful sight. Our wild vine is budding and our home-grown Judas trees
are just coming into flower.
Did you see in the news about the man Edward Gange and his son Alan, living in the
Salisbury area, who have dated fungus records for the last 50 years in the same area?
These dates are very interesting, as they show that 'autumn' is lengthening, or that fungi
are having a longer fruiting period, and, at the same time, a number of autumn fungi are
now fruiting in spring too. Just today I noticed Common Inkcap Coprinus atramentarius
growing up between shrubs by the roadside, just as if it were autumn. As April turned to
May lots more came up that are usually autumn-only species, but it was too dry for the
St. George's Mushroom that we often enjoy at this time of year.
A day later I saw a bee-fly in my garden. A friend had seen one a few days previously,
and described it to me, not knowing what it was. 1 had to admit that I did not know
either, reminding her that I do things that don't move, and leave to others those things
that do. So I suggested she send it to Peter Harvey, who, of course, knew immediately.
Following her description, and Peter's naming, I realised this lovely bright orange-brown
furry fellow with long legs and a long proboscis, was another of the same. Checking on
the website (have you browsed our exciting new website yet?) there was a photo of my
animal exactly. Now, I have to admit, I think I may have seen these over a good number
of years in my garden, but have never realised what they were. This fellow was doing
exactly what the text said it should be doing (always helpful, I feel!), which was hovering
in front of Cowslip and Primrose flowers, both abundant in our garden. At work, it looks
like a small Humming-bird. In the next few days I saw a few more, so I feel quite
familiar with them now.
In Belhus Woods Country Park we were wandering around admiring the spring flowers
in all their glory, there was a sudden flutter of wings and we looked up to see three
Parakeets flying away. I was with the Head Ranger, Tony Bovis, and he said he had seen
them several times recently. I assume this is the group from South London and Surrey,
and I suppose they are busy exploring new territories and extending their range. Members
or readers who live further north in Essex had better watch out, as some new birds may
4 Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 54, September 2007