A TRIP TO NORTH EAST

9 - 16 MAY 2003

Compiled by Bob Doughty, Bozena-Kalejta-Summers and Gordon Simpson

All pictures ©Bozena

ScotNature

24 Station Square Office 345 Inverness IV1 1LD Scotland Tel: 07718255265 E-mail: [email protected] www.ScotNature.co.uk

©ScotNature CONTENTS

PAGE

Acknowledgements …………………………………………. 1

Itinerary with selected birds seen…………..…………………. 2

Personal recollections by Bob Doughty…………………..……………….…………..7

Personal recollections by Gordon Simpson...... 15

Sayings of B. Little……………..…………………………… 17

List of Birds seen ………………………………………….. 18

List of Plants seen …….…………………………………….. 26

List of Algae, Mosses and Fungi seen ………………….……31

List of , Amphibians, Reptiles, Insects and other animals seen ………………………………………32

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Group wishes to express its very grateful thanks to Bozena Kalejta-Summers for her exceptional organising skills, unfailing good humour in the face of all manner of provocations from the Group and for producing an itinerary of outstanding interest ornithologically, in natural history and Polish history and culture. The Group also wishes to thank the two guides Arek (Bialowieza Forest) and Kasia (Biebrza Marshes) who demonstrated an extraordinary depth of knowledge of every plant and animal that lived in their area. Unfortunately, it is impossible to pictorially demonstrate in this report how Kasia showed how Beavers eat twigs under water but it was unforgettable. No tour of this nature will be a success if the transport is poor, but Tadeusz Toczko was an exceptional driver for whom nothing was too much trouble for any Group member. The Group would like to record their grateful thanks for his driving, care and attention to every detail. Lastly, the management and staff of the guest gouse (Bialowieza) and the Hotel (Goniadz) provided excellent hospitality and comfort.

1 GROUP MEMBERS: Brian Little, Gen Batey, Bill Burlton, Eve Davies, Bob Doughty, Maryan Duckworth, Howard Embleton, Bryan Galloway, David Langford, Geoff Linkleter, Gordon Simpson and Bozena Kalejta-Summers (leader)

BIRD OF THE DAY Saturday: Black Woodpecker Sunday: Black Stork Monday: Ruff Tuesday: White-winged Black Tern Wednesday: River Warbler Thursday: Penduline Tit

BIRD OF THE WEEK : White Stork

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Itinerary with selected birds

09. 05. 03 Day 1

Warsaw to Bialowieza Forest A mixture of utilitarian buildings giving way to long stretches of agricultural land interspersed with small towns and villages.

White Storks (Bocian), Hen Harrier, Hooded Crow, Raven.

Bialowieza village A pleasant village with old-style buildings and lovely parkland with central ponds.

White Stork, Corncrake, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Songthrush, Great Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher.

10. 05. 03 Day 2

2

Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve A totally protected area of primeval forest with up to 500 years old trees: majestic old Oak, Scots Pine and Norway Spruce with an understorey of Hornbeam and Small- leaved Lime. Nothing is removed so there is a constant layer of rotting trunks with dense plant life. There are 210 species of lichens and 3 000 species of fungi.

Black Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Wood Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Red- breasted Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Golden Oriole, Hawfinch.

Afternoon cycle ride around Bialowieza village, Palace Park and to Belarus border Bialowieza Area: a variety of habitat with wet marshland edged by forest and reedbeds edged by scrub. Palace Park: a variety of open-grown trees with Hornbeam, Small-leaved Lime and Aspen. Ride to Belarus border through an open wet marshland and arable land. On the Belarus border, an acidic soil with an overstorey of Scots Pine and patches of Norway Spruce, Birch and Elder.

White Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Crane, Snipe, Wryneck, White- backed Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-Headed Woodpecker, Redstart, River Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Barred Warbler, Crested Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Raven.

An evening walk around the ponds in the Palace Park Two artificial ponds in the Narewka valley with little forested islands and edged by the reedbeds and scrub.

Thrush Nightingale, Great Reed Warbler, Redwing.

11. 05. 03 Day 3

Walk to White-backed Woodpecker site outside Bialowieza village (road to Budy) A variety of habitat with wet marshland edged by forest and reedbeds edged by scrub.

Corncrake (seen), White-faced Long-tailed Tit (ssp. caudatus), Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo, White-backed Woodpecker, Thrush Nightingale, Whinchat, Redwing, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Golden Oriole, Great Grey Shrike.

The Narewka and Hwozna Rivers in the north eastern part of Bialowieza Forest

3 Coniferous woodland giving way to mixed woodland and then to sedges and marsh vegetation with patches of willow by the Narewka River.

Black Stork, Common Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Corncrake, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo, Fieldfare, Great Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Great Tit, Red- backed Shrike, Raven, Green Finch.

Bialowieza Forest from Lesna River valley and Topilo Basen. Scots Pine with protected anthills in Bilberry ground vegetation then into marshy land with willow scrub.

Corncrake, Hazel Grouse, Meadow Pipit, Savi’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Siskin, Hawfinch.

Gornianskie Meadow Nature Reserve Marsh land surrounded by meadow and arable land.

Whooper Swan, Marsh Harrier, Goshawk, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Sky Lark, Carrion Crow.

Ladzka Forest around Kapitanszczyzna village Wet area with dead Norway Spruce being killed by the rising water table.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Headed Woodpecker.

12. 05. 03 Day 4

An early and wet morning cycle and walk in search of a bison around the Hajduki and Kasztany area in the Bialowieza Forest Primeval forest of old trees with majestic old Oak, Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and an understorey of Hornbeam and Small-leaved Lime.

Cuckoo, Wryneck, Tree Pipit, Robin, Thrush Nightingale, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, Hawfinch.

A water pond on the road between Lapy and Zieciuki on the road to Narwianski National Park A pond surrounded by marshland in an industrial environment next to a garage.

White Stork, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull.

4

Road from Lapy to Kurowo

Natural meadowland with trees.

Crane, Lapwing.

The headquarters of the Narwianski National Park at Kurowo Very extensive reedbeds with river channels.

Marsh Harrier, Montague’s Harrier, Common Buzzard, Crane, Wood Sandpiper, Grasshopper Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Garden Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Jay, Reed Bunting.

13. 05. 03 Day 5

Biebrza Marshes; Hotel Grounds Tree lined hotel estate looking out onto extensive marshes with sparse Willow carr.

White Stork, Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Corncrake, Common Tern, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Sparrow, Serin, Gold Finch, Linnet.

Mscichy to Biebrza River

Cattle track to river with meadow land and marsh vegetation of sedges and Sweet Flag. Extensive marshland at the river.

Grey Heron, Mute Swan, White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Garganey, Black Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hobby, Peregrine, Corncrake, Coot, Crane, Lapwing, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Swift, Sky Lark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Bluethroat, Whinchat, Savi’s Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Hooded Crow, Reed Bunting.

Barwik

5

Track to Tower and Great Snipe lek. Burnt marsh vegetation with blackened tussocks of False Tussock Sedge, Willow and Aspen.

Bittern, Grey Heron, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier,Corncrake, Crane, Snipe, Great Snipe, Woodcock, Cuckoo, Meadow Pipit, Thrush Nightingale, Bluethroat, Fieldfare, Grasshopper Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Chiffchaff, Great Grey Shrike, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting.

14. 05. 03 Day 6

Brzostowo Unimproved meadow grassland with patches of Clover, Sorrel and Willow.

Cormorant, Grey Heron, Black Stork, White Stork, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Hobby, Corncrake, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, White- winged Black Tern, Sky Lark, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow.

Sulin By the River Narew with willow and damp areas and then dry sandy heathland with a few copses of Scots Pine. Thrift and Breckland Mugwort on the heath.

Grey Heron, White Stork, Mute Swan, Garganey, Tufted Duck, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Corncrake, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Black Tern, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Thrush Nightingale, Icterine Warbler, Penduline Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Raven, Starling.

Krynicka Biel on Tsar’s Road Moist grassland with Marsh Cinquefoil and Bogbean. Almost pure 30 year old Silver Birch with scattered Aspen.

Marsh Harrier, Crane, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Aquatic Warbler.

15. 05. 03 Day 7

Osowiec Boardwalk through Willows and wet ground.

6 Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Moorhen, Snipe, Redshank, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Thrush Nightingale, Savi’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Penduline Tit, Golden Oriole, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting.

Stork Farm

Farmhouse and grounds.

White Storks, Golden Oriole.

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PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS by Bob Doughty

FRIDAY 09. 05. 03 DAY 1

All flights are on time, free food and drink on KLM (at least one airline knows how to treat its customers). After a slight delay through passport control and baggage reclaim, B. Little takes the opportunity to give Bozena a big hug greeting. Onto the bus and our first encounter with the superb Tadeusz. Off through the outskirts of Warsaw. Slow progress at first though because of a major ceremony at one of the principal war memorials (cars with CD plates everywhere). Crossing the Vistula River and leaving Warsaw behind. ( 85% of Warsaw was destroyed in the World War2 !!!) There are miles and miles of rolling agricultural land interspersed with towns and villages with lots of religious shrines and wonderful churches. Then a stretch of long road with young nubile (well, sort of) Romanian ladies offering services for sale. B. Little wishes to stop but by the time he has borrowed sufficient funds (£10) Tadeusz has gone well past. B. Little does the obvious to vent his frustration and falls asleep. Arrival at a guest house in Bialowieza village with a quick walk down to the ponds for a few species. An early night is needed, however, a dinner goes well into the night with B. Little reflecting on his snoring encounters with geckos and lions.

SATURDAY 10. 05. 03 DAY 2

An early start!! Up at 04.15 for a 05.00 start with our superb guide Arek for a walk in the Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve. The Strict Reserve of 5 000 hectares has 20 000 oaks over 80 cm in diameter. By

7 contrast, the managed forest of 60 000 hectares has only 900 of such oaks. The Strict Reserve is completely untouched and a botanical wonderland. Gordon Simpson is beside himself. Staggering views of Black and Middle Spotted Woodpecker pairs at their nest holes. There is a 1927 Bees nest with stick to prevent Bear access. A commemorative stone marks the shooting of Polish Partisans. Back for breakfast at 09.00 and a short stroll to the ponds at the Palace Park. Return to the Guest House in time to see a displaying pair of Lesser Spotted Eagles. Then onto the bikes for an epic ride. B. Little intends to emulate his hero from the fifties Reg Harris. We cycle down to a White-backed Woodpecker site seeing the female only. Arek says the male is idle. We males are not sure about this. Middle Spotted heard with Corncrake, Garden Warbler, Blackcap among others. On the ride back, a superb view of Lesser Spotted Eagle. Then onto the Palace Park. B. Galloway spots a left leg ringed Nuthatch. Could it be one of his? The Tsar built a Palace and Park here in the 1860’s. The Palace was burnt by the Germans in the Second World War and demolished in the 1960’s. Some associated buildings and the Park survived though. Past the Park and views of Icterine Warbler and Wryneck delight the Group. Then onto lunch stop after seeing a Barred Warbler. Unfortunately, Regisky Harrisov is too slow and misses the Barred Warbler. After lunch, we see Red-backed Shrike and hear a River Warbler before pressing onto the Belarus border, an unforgettable experience. On the return journey, at the bridge, we have a good view of Grey-headed Woodpecker. Then back to the Guest House and Swotty Doughty enthuses over railway stations and junctions closed thirteen years ago, on the way.

SUNDAY 11. 05. 03 DAY 3

A late rise morning (only 07.00) walk for B. Galloway and B. Doughty down the White-backed Woodpecker road. They see the male hard at work! Then Swotty is ecstatic as he gets to see a good view of a Corncrake. A Green Sandpiper flies over calling, Snipe drumming and the white-faced race of Long-tailed Tit is seen. After breakfast off to the Hwozna area of the Bialowieza Forest. Soon, in the conifers a dark deed. A female Sparrowhawk (well just its feathers) on the ground, predated by Goshawk (the best bet) though possibly Eagle Owl. Off down to the River

8 Narewka and a super tower. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Corncrakes calling. Then off up the river to see Beaver and tracks and lots of interesting plants. Swotty in front sees a Grass Snake swimming across the river. Then onto the narrow railway bridge. This was part of a very extensive system in the Bialowieza Forest built by the Germans in 1915 to harvest the timber in support of their war effort. Very overgrown now in most places. While admiring the view from the bridge, two Black Storks and a Lesser Spotted Eagle hove into view. Lunch, more red wine, another view of Black Stork (at least for some of us!) and off we go again. Through the forest to Lesna river valley. On the way, ant nests are protected from Wild Boars by fencing. The ants can protect trees from pests within one hundred square metre patch (do ants work in squares?). During the drive we get Red-breasted Flycatcher and from the left-hand side of the bus a Hazel Grouse and a rufous Cuckoo are seen. It starts to rain now and there is no raptor activity over the marshes at the Lesna river. Onto a small marshy reserve at Gornianskie Meadow Nature Reserve. Goshawk, Marsh Harrier, Whooper Swan and Wood Sandpiper provide good birding. Off to the final site of the day, the Ladzka Forest around Kapitanszczyzna village, for Three-toed Woodpecker. Norway Spruces are being killed off by a rising water table – great, because we see Great Spotted, Middle Spotted and Grey-Headed Woodpeckers but NO Three-toed, perhaps next year. There was excitement when an Eagle Owl is heard but it is only a tape being played as a lure by another party in the distance (still to be confirmed!). A drive home in the rain after a very satisfying day.

MONDAY 12. 05. 03 DAY 4

This time it is an early start!!! Up at 03.15 for a 04.00 cycle ride and walk to stalk Bison. We are led by Stefan Szpakowicz, an old forester who endeavours to track down Bison for us. Unfortunately, the rain tends to spoil the tracks but nevertheless a fascinating view of old forest. On coming out of the forest some of us have a superb view of a Wryneck.

9 Cycle back for breakfast with only four! Marsh Harriers keeping us company. Then leaving Gawra Guest House we set off for Narwianski National Park. Close to the Park, Lapwings are seen distracting Crane from walking over their nest and the only Scarlet Rosefinch is seen (probably too early for their arrival). Then onto the Narwianski National Park where a surprise awaits us - an official reception by the Director, Dr Boguslaw Deptula. The Director gives us an overall disposition on the Park and the problems affecting it. Swotty manages to understand his only word of Polish all week – anastomoses. It is a pity that his brilliance is not recognised as none of the Group knows what it means in English. This is followed by a superb two hour trip in punts through the extensive reed beds with Grasshopper, Savi’s, Sedge, Reed and Great Reed Warbler all calling strongly. Savi’s doing a passable impersonation of a Grasshopper with a very long burst of song. As we punt, there are Dragonflies and Demoselles take off in huge numbers and the sun comes out. Later, from a viewing tower the extent of the reedbeds is seen with several Marsh Harriers. Then off to the excellent Bartek Hotel to start our stay in the Biebrza Marshes and to meet Kasia, our guide for the next three days.

TUESDAY 13. 05. 03 DAY 5

The first day in the Biebrza Marshes. A late morning start (07.00 a.m.) down to the edge of the marshes at the hotel grounds sees us off with 29 species (!) including the only two Honey Buzzards seen. After breakfast, off we go with Kasia. First stop for Hawfinches. Driving along, an Elk just happens to entertain us running close to the bus through arable land closely followed by a female Roe Deer heading straight for Geoff Linkleter. Has he got secret antlers? Then onto Mscichy and a two mile walk to the Biebrza River. Kasia first lures a Bluethroat then later Aquatic Warbler into excellent views with a portable CD player. In

10 between, there is an astonishing raptor display with Marsh Harriers mobbing a Black Kite, Lesser Spotted Eagles, White-tailed Eagle, Common Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, five Hobbies hawking and finally, a Peregrine Falcon causing mayhem amongst Ruffs and terns. The views of the Aquatic Warblers are superb. There are around 100 pairs in this particular area and 2 500 throughout the Biebrza Marshes (a significant number of the world’s population). Down to the river where a plethora of Ruff, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern and Whiskered Tern provided an amazing scene with Little Gull, Mute Swan (with an orange tinge due to iron in the ground), ducks and herons. The walk down and back required two large pools on the track to be passed. Doughty’s wellies leak, so he goes barefoot having noticed Kasia doing just that. Only then does she announce the presence of large leeches (19 species in the whole of Biebrza Marshes!). Doughty pales. Not so Little. No leeches for him. ‘Carry me, Linkleter’, he instructs. This gallant gentleman does just that. Eve and Gordon come up with a more ingenious idea to avoid encounter with ‘beasties’ and wade through the water in plastic bags! On the return journey, Little is assisted by Linkleter and Galloway as the group is pursued by a threatening herd of cows. It was interesting to learn that this herd crosses the river to their pasture led by a ‘senior’ cow swimming through the cold water. When milking time approaches the procedure happens in reverse. All done without any human or dog intervention. Amazing! Who said cows were dumb.

Back to the Hotel for a lunch at 1.00 p.m..

This is followed by a heavy thunderstorm which fortunately passes as we drive to the Great Snipe lek at Barwik

11 At Barwik, first stop is a tall tower past the lek. Excellent views of an Elk, White- tailed Eagle and Crane plus an interesting demonstration by Kasia on how Elk eat grass and bend Aspen and Birch trees to their will. Then onto the lek site where Kasia chooses the right place (as always!) and, at dusk, we get good but darkish views of Great Snipe lekking. Unfortunately, one of her colleagues chooses the wrong place with a group of ‘other tourists’ to their chagrin. Woodcock also seen roding and Bluethroat heard singing. Not a bad day!

WEDNESDAY 14. 05. 03 DAY 6

The thunderstorm has done us no favours as the weather has taken a colder, cloudier and wetter turn. The canoe trip is postponed till tomorrow in the hope for a better weather. However, the rain eases off for our visit to a tower at Brzostowo overlooking wet meadows and the river. Not quite spectacular as the previous day but still excellent birding with Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Hobby, Ruff, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern and Whiskered Tern, Dunlin, a solitary Marsh Sandpiper, Corncrake, Crane, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Tree Sparrows. Then off to a Bozena Strict stop as lunch is eaten and some of us drink our red wine on a bumpy bus (the road not Tadeusz). We are entertained at a Polish “Manor on Meadows” Guest House with nalewka (a vodka-based honey liqueur) on our arrival. B. Little insists on being transported to an island on a rope ferry. Tadeusz obliges. It is unfortunate that Tadeusz does not understand English as he brings Little back despite many exhortations to leave him there while we go. Then inside to a wonderful genuine old-world Polish “Karczma” with more drink and a Strict Apple pie/cinnamon/ice cream dessert (‘szarlotka’). On the way out, Doughty and Little try the stocks. Little makes a fool of himself in the stocks and causes Kasia’s and Bozena’s uncontrolled giggles. Once

12 we are all outside, Bozena is hysterical as the door is locked to make sure we don’t get back in. Onwards to Sulin where the river Narew is crossed. Kasia with her CD lures a River Warbler to give everyone excellent views. Close by, a singing Wryneck also gives fantastic views. Then down the river to see a Kingfisher hole which, unfortunately, only gives a fleeting glimpse. B. Galloway sees a pair of Penduline Tits. Back across the river for high tea of pork cooked in two different ways. Returning home down the Tsar’s road. At Krynicka Biel, an excellent view of an Elk which stands motionless for several minutes leading some of us to believe it is stuffed and put there by Bozena to keep us happy. However, it does eventually move a muscle as a pair of Cranes passes by. There are 600 Elk in the Marshes with a rising population in spite of legal and illegal hunting. In April, the Elk move from the pine forest to the marshes to eat Marsh Marigold. In between times across the grassland, a male Marsh Harrier is ferociously attacked by six Lapwings and two Black-tailed Godwits. The harrier must have spotted nests as it was extremely persistent in spite of being continuously hit and turned by the defending birds. The Elk grazes on. Crane sounds are carried across the evening - a wonderful end to a very interesting day.

THURSDAY 15. 05. 03 DAY 7

The weather really spoils itself this day with rain all day and not a chance for a canoe trip. However are we downhearted not us! Off to the boardwalk at Osowiec where Kasia fails to lure Scarlet Rosefinch. Cannot be here yet because nothing can resist her CD player (apart from the shifty, skulking Citrine Wagtail, another reason for coming back). Then a completed Penduline Tit nest almost within touching distance. Male call from the CD player lures the female out of the nest for a bit of preening. A chance for us all to see the bird at a very close range. Excellent! Then onwards…Reed and Great Reed Warbler are calling. A visit to a tower in time to see a food pass from a male Montagu’s Harrier to his female. Superb! Then away from natural history to visit a series of military bunkers close by. These were built by the Tsar between 1882- 1892 originally of red brick but then covered over by massive reinforced concrete. There were at least two tiers of corridors extending throughout the system. It was said that the cost of building them was more than if the Kremlin had been built of solid gold. During the First World War, the Germans bypassed and virtually surrounded the bunkers. The Russian garrison starving and desperate blew up the bunker system and retreated. In the Second World War, there was a reverse order. The Germans refortified the system then retreated after demolishing their work in the face of the advancing Red Army. Just a very small example of the futility of war. Enough survives to stretch the imagination.

13 Then onto Pentowo Stork Farm for another of Bozena’s Stricts with cakes and coffee. A most interesting place, in the same family for generations with the same furniture including a piano which had been buried in sand to prevent it being looted and which still plays well. There are 28 nest sites of White Storks around the farm.

The data from the previous years are given below:

Year Pairs Young First arrived Last departed 2000 23 51 28.03 29.08 2001 21 47 19.03 26.08 2002 22 29 18.03 27.08 2003 03/04

This year, 50 % of the early arrivals (8 % of the total) reaching Biebrza Marshes died because of late winter, with snow on the ground. The locals did their best to feed them. If they hadn’t the mortality rate would have been higher. There is no doubt, as a result of the White Stock population census carried out every 10 years, that the population is decreasing. The above data for Pentowo Farm reflects this. Back onto the Tsar’s Road. This road was built by the Russians in the 1880’s from Warsaw to Grodno. The work was hard for the Poles often having to dig out two metres of peat but as they were well paid with 2 gold pieces, it was worth it. Then a stop for Kasia to give us an absorbing account of the Beavers life including a demonstration of a consumption of twigs under ice. This animal has expanded to about 2 000 in the Biebrza National Park. It is now occupying every possible niche from the best river areas onto farm land (not popular with farmers) and further onto still water at the edges of which they are burrowing under tarmac roads, including narrower air holes, to the detriment of the occasional heavy vehicle which comes to rest above a living burrow. They also require Birch and Aspen since Alder is too bitter. When this resource is used up they have to move. They have also been seen to cut down Pines which are obviously not for food and which caused some debate in scientific circles. The Beavers are not daft though because when the area is cleared by them the first trees to grow are Birch and Aspen! Finally, we paid a visit to the ‘King of the Marshes’, a former antiquarian bookseller from Warsaw, now living for 12 years as a recluse in the forest in what can only be described as interesting but ‘primitive’ conditions. Not for the sybarites amongst us. Golden Oriole seen clearly here. Also a nest box with large hole which both he and Kasia said was inhabited by Stonechat to a disbelieving Little, Galloway and Doughty. Back to the hotel for a last sumptuous repast with Kasia. B. Little does his best to increase the Polish Vodka industry by 100%. A fine end to a wonderful week.

14 FRIDAY 16. 05. 03 DAY 8

We depart for Warsaw Airport. Birds are seen but the reporter is too sad at leaving that he can’t be bothered to record them. Hopefully some of us will be back at a later date.

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PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS

by Gordon Simpson

Whilst I was in Poland I wanted to re-acquaint myself with four plants. These were seen in Poland in 1993. The species were Yellow Anemone, Asarabacca, the small flowers close to the ground are pollinated by slugs, Coralroot or Bulbous Bitter-cress with small bulbils in its leaf axils, and Hepatica. I was amazed that Arek pointed out all four species on the first day. I also enjoyed seeing Bulbous Corydalis Woolly Buttercup and Isopyrum again. The advantage of visiting other countries is that many plants that are rare in Britain are sometimes common abroad. In Poland we saw examples such as Breckland Mugwort, Shady Horsetail, Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, Glabrous Rupturewort, Frogbit, Labrador-tea, Fly Honeysuckle, Interrupted Clubmoss, May Lily, Jacob's-ladder, Lungwort and Solomon's-seal in the wild, Hoary Cinquefoil, Water-soldier and Bilberry. I cannot find any reference in my botany books to Lathyrus aestivalis, the large member of the Pea family seen in Bialowieza Forest. This plant had very large leaves for a Pea and its flowers were purple turning to blue after fertilisation. Did I misinterpret Arek's latin? During the week I was pleased to see two new flowers, Sweet-flag pointed out to the group by Katarzyna, and Mousetail seen in two localities. I think Arek was delighted when I found two new flowers for him, Glabrous Rupturewort and Mousetail. Mistletoe was common on its usual host Poplar but I cannot recollect ever seeing it before on Birch. I could not fully pay my attention to the Polish meals at the Bartek Hotel because Mistletoe hung above my head. Fortunately, I was too old for the attentions of the opposite sex. One incident amused me. I saw a nubile woman on her hands and knees amongst some low-growing vegetation. On approaching closer I saw Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny or was it Genny? The English name for Verbascum thapsus reminds me of one member of the group but I cannot remember his name! I must thank Arek and Katarzyna for their patient help and command of the English language and Latin. I am also very grateful for all the members of the party that pointed out different plants to me and helped boost the total species to 270. Finally, in one week with my attention on birds and other wildlife, I must admit my identifications might not be 100%. This is due to the time available, the lack of the necessary books and magnifying glasses etc.. I am confident that the genus is correct but occasionally the species might be suspect. When abroad many plants vary in leaf size and shape, hairyness and numerous other features and this, in the short time available, is my excuse. I am sure I will never forget the Elk strolling (dis) gracefully and close by across open fields followed by a Roe doe. Why did I rise at 3am to look for European Bison, and

15 becoming saddle sore, when I had already seen two bulls on the road side in 1993? The talk by Katarzyna on Beavers was intriguing and still I stumbled into a collapsed road verge burrow. Some lucky people saw the Dog but during the Bison expedition footprints were identified by our athletic pensioner guide. Eve was the only person that saw Red Deer when she stayed back to teach Tadeusz a few English words by using sign language. I have included the Tarpan in the list due to its interest and the way the two animals raced to be fed by the King of Biebrza Marshes, a remarkable hermit. Arek and Katarzyna helped me sort out the Frogs and Toads, mainly by their calls. The Frog in the fountain pond at the Bartek Hotel turned out to be the Edible Frog which has a yellow line down the centre of its back. Pity I did not know at the time otherwise we would have had frog's legs and edible snails for supper. Most of you will remember the loud, booming call of the Fire-bellied Toad. I followed Katarzyna along the Hotel paths late one night to track down the Green Toad without success but she pointed out the purring trill of this creature in the fountain pond. I am amazed that a certain member of the group did not join me with this nubile, young woman. May I point out my mind was on Toads. Bozena did not have any qualms at picking up Common Toads and an Adder. Incidentally both were squashed road casualties. The Map butterfly caused some confusion. The first brood is small and resembles a dwarf version of the Small Tortoiseshell. The second brood bares no resemblance to the first brood. The latter is larger than the first brood specimens and dark brown with a white band through the centre of all the wings. Other butterflies of note are Camberwell Beauty, Large Tortoiseshell and Wood White. The Alder Leaf Beetle, a name I use and not found in books, is supposed to be uncommon in Britain but I find it fairly frequently. I pointed this beetle out to several members of the group. It is about 6mm long and metallic green or bronze. I also pointed out to some of you the Figwort Weevil which simulates bird droppings as it hides on Figwort. Approach the damaged plants steadily and gently place your hand under the leaves as the weevil suddenly drops to the floor when disturbed. I also saw a few beetles which I would have had to illegally take home to identify under a binocular microscope. Wood Ants were seen but again I would have had to take specimens in order to determine the species. The species in N England is the Northern Wood Ant Formica lugubris which has hairy eyes. The fungus Fomitopsis pinicola is rare in Britain. I first encountered this species in Poland in 1993. Soon after I found what is probably the first British record in the wild. It has been recorded on imported timber. The find was in Kershope Forest. I now have four more records in the Kielder area. The Rust Fungus on Barberry is of note because Barberry is uncommon in Britain. This rust fungus alternates with corn crops so it is an unwelcome guest on arable farms. The Scarlet Elf Cup is uncommon in Britain. I can only recollect seeing it at four sites in NE England. There is another species Sarcoscypha coccinea so I should have used a microscope to verify the species. The latter is even more rare in Britain. May is a poor month for toadstools but smaller fungi such as rusts abound.

16 THE SAYINGS OF B. LITTLE

There is no doubt that the literary genius embodied in the Works of William Shakespeare, Samuel Pepys’ Diary does not often come to the fore but on this trip we came to realise that another great English work of literature would be lost if it was not set down in black and white. Therefore this is seen as rectifying that defect. It is recognised that in future it must be enlarged from this first effort but a start must be made somewhere. Therefore we have great pleasure in setting down ‘The Sayings of B. Little’ or as we are sure it will be known in future, ‘What a Load of Rubbish’.

Thank you in Polish is ‘Gracias’, the same as in Spanish. (‘Dziekuje’ actually) Five of us drank 94 bottles of champagne in five days (3.76 bottles per day per person) - - we were on our way to heaven. I don’t like to bother people too much. I am a very uncomplicated person. Is the Catholic a Pope? I no longer fall asleep in the daytime. I have the best immune system in the world. It doesn’t matter what type of knickers you are wearing, it’s all the same. I’ll try and condense it. (A story) Every time I use my utensils I think of you. (To Kasia) This plucks a chord in my brain. (Down the Tsar’s road) I am choosing my words carefully. Our Celtish roots go back a long way and we would hang them out to dry.

17 LIST OF BIRDS SEEN

Cormorant Two seen at Brzostowo. Bittern One heard booming at Barwik Grey Heron Several seen throughout the Biebrza Marshes. Black Stork Two seen at the railway bridge at Hwozna and three at Brzostowo. White Stork (Bocian): Seen in considerable numbers throughout the visit. Mute Swan Seen in small numbers apart from Biebrza River site where there were about 50. All were tinged pale orange from iron in the ground and water. Whooper Swan One only seen at Gornianskie Meadow Nature Reserve in Bialowieza. White-fronted Goose Four overflew Biebrza River. Greylag Goose Fifty overflew Biebrza River and sixty at Brzostowo. Wigeon Four at Biebrza River. Mallard: Seen in small numbers at most damp locations. Garganey: Seen in small numbers at Biebrza River with singles at Sulin and Osowiec. Tufted Duck A pair seen at Sulin. Honey Buzzard Two overflew Bartek Hotel, Goniadz. Black Kite One seen on the track to Biebrza River being mobbed by two Marsh Harriers. White-tailed Sea Eagle One seen on the track to Biebrza River and one at Barwik. Marsh Harrier Seen regularly over all the Biebrza Marsh sites and other sites including agricultural land. Hen Harrier Seen on the journey and on the track to Biebrza River. Montagu’s Harrier Seen regularly over all the Biebrza Marsh sites and other sites including agricultural land. Not as big numbers as Marsh Harrier. However one pair seen performing full display at Bartek Hotel and another male doing a food pass at Osowiec.

18 Goshawk One female seen at Gornianski Meadow Nature Reserve. Sparrowhawk No live ones seen. Feathers from a dead female found at Hwozna, possible Goshawk victim. Common Buzzard Seen at several sites in the Biebrza Marshes and Bialowieza Forest. Lesser Spotted Eagle A pair displayed over Bialowieza village near the Guest House. Also seen at the Biebrza River walk. Kestrel Two only seen from the bus. Hobby Five seen at Biebrza River walk and two over wetlands at Brzostowo. Peregrine One seen causing mayhem amongst Terns and Waders at the Biebrza River. Grey Partridge Two pairs seen from the bus on agricultural land in the Biebrza Marshes. Pheasant Ten seen on the journey from Warsaw. Corncrake Heard in wet ground throughout the Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes and one seen near Bialowieza village. Moorhen Two heard at Osowiec. Coot One seen at Biebrza River and one on journey to Warsaw. Crane Seen and heard throughout Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes with a large flock at Barwik and good views at Krynicka Biel (Tsar’s Road). Hazel Grouse One seen flying from the bus near to Grosz. Lapwing Seen in good numbers throughout the Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes. At the tower at Krynicka Biel (Tsar’s Road) six with two Black-tailed Godwits mounted an astonishing attack on a male Marsh Harrier physically turning it. Dunlin Six seen at Brzostowo water meadow. Ruff Two-hundred, 400 and 50 seen at Lapy water pond, Biebrza River and Brzostowo, respectively. Ruffs were seen in three different plumages, white, black and orange. Snipe Seen and heard throughout Bialowieza Forest open areas and Biebrza Marshes often drumming.

19 Great Snipe About ten seen in the dusk at the traditional lek site of Barwik.

Woodcock: Two seen roding at Barwik. Black-tailed Godwit Small numbers seen at Biebrza Marsh with a flock of fifty seen at Biebrza River. Whimbrel One overflying at Biebrza River site. Curlew Two seen on Tsar’s Road at Krynicka Biel area. Spotted Redshank One seen in full breeding plumage at Lapy water pond. Redshank Small numbers seen at Lapy water pond, Biebrza River, Brzostowo and Osowiec. Marsh Sandpiper One seen at Brzostowo. Green Sandpiper Individuals seen at Bialowieza, Hwozna and Barwik. Wood Sandpiper Six to ten individuals seen at Gornianskie Meadow Nature Reserve, Lapy water pond and Biebrza River. Common Sandpiper One seen at Sulin. Little Gull Two seen at Biebrza River. Black-headed Gull Regularly seen throughout with large numbers at Narwianski National Park, Biebrza River and Brzostowo. Common Tern One over the reeds at the Bartek Hotel grounds. Whiskered Tern Three at Biebrza River and twenty at Brzostowo Black Tern Fifty at Biebrza River, two hundred at Brzostowo (some breeding) and twenty at Sulin. White-winged Black Tern Two hundred at Biebrza River and six at Brzostowo. Feral Pigeon Common through the week. Wood Pigeon Regularly seen on a daily basis throughout the week but usually only in twos and threes. Collared Dove Regularly seen on a daily basis throughout the week but usually only in twos and threes in villages.

20 Turtle Dove Pairs seen at Hwozna and Osowiec. Cuckoo Heard, sometimes three or four, and occasionally seen (once spectacularly in the Bialowieza Forest). Swift Small numbers were seen in all locations. Kingfisher One brief sighting at river bank nest site at Sulin. Hoopoe: Two separate individuals seen while travelling through the Biebrza Marshes. Wryneck Individuals singing at the Bialowieza Palace Park, Badowka and Sulin. Very good views. Black Woodpecker Excellent views of a pair at the nest in the Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve and one at Hwozna. Great Spotted Woodpecker At least ten were heard calling in the Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve and others heard around the forest area. Middle Spotted Woodpecker Superb views of a pair at the nest in the Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve and others heard in the Bialowieza Forest area. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Two were heard calling in the Bialowieza Forest. Grey Headed Woodpecker One seen by the river bridge on the way back from the Belarus border and another clearly seen at Kapitanszczyzna. Woodlark An individual heard singing just outside Goniadz (Hawfinch site). Skylark Commonly seen on all days. Sand Martin Small numbers at Biebrza River, Brzostowo, Sulin and Osowiec. Swallow Seen in good numbers at most sites. House Martin Seen in good numbers at most sites. Tree Pipit Seen in the Bialowieza Palace Park and Forest area. MeadowPipit Single birds seen at Bialowieza Town, Krynicka Biel (Tsar’s Road) and Barwik. Yellow Wagtail Seen in good numbers at Narwianski National Park, in the reed beds at Bartek Hotel, Barwik, Brzostowo, Sulin and Osowiec. All were of the Blue-headed variety.

21 White Wagtail Individuals seen around ponds in the Palace Park, Biebrza River, Brzostowo, Sulin and Osowiec. Wren Four seen in the Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve and around Bialowieza village. Robin Four seen in the Bialowieza Strict Nature Reserve and around the Bialowieza Forest. Thrush Nightingale This was a common bird seen and heard across most sites. Bluethroat One lured by CD onto the track at Mscichy and three heard at Barwik. Black Redstart Seen regularly in Bialowieza Forest village areas and at Brzostowo. Redstart One only seen at the Bialowieza Palace Park. Whinchat Four to eight individuals seen where open ground throughout the trip. Blackbird Relatively uncommon bird (compared to UK) though seen in both Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes. Fieldfare Individuals seen at several sites. Particularly common in the Palace Park. Song Thrush All sightings in the Bialowieza Forest with several on the early morning trip on 12. 05. 03 Redwing One only seen on the island on the ponds of the Palace Park and one heard in the same area. Mistle Thrush One seen at Bialowieza village and two at Hwozna. Grasshopper Warbler About ten individuals singing in the reeds at Narwianski National Park and two at Barwik. River Warbler One singing at the river bridge close to the Belarus border and one seen (with Cd help) at Sulin. Savi’s Warbler Heard in the reeds by the Narewka River at Hwozna, two at Gornianskie Meadow Reserve and around twenty individuals singing in the reeds at Narwianski National Park. One seen clearly but having a much longer burst as with the Grasshopper. Aquatic Warbler An excellent view of this globally threatened bird, at least four being seen with the help from Kasia’s lure on the track from Mscichy to the Biebrza River. There are one hundred pairs in this particular area and around two thousand five

22 hundred pairs in the whole of the Biebrza Marshes (significant proportion of the world’s population). Individuals were also heard around Krynicka Biel area on the Tsar’s Road. Sedge Warbler A frequent warbler at most sites in the Biebrza Marshes. Reed Warbler About ten individuals singing in the reeds at Narwianski National Park. One heard at Osowiec. Great Reed Warbler Found at a number of sites with reed beds. The largest group with very good views was around the ponds at Palace park in Bialowieza. About ten individuals singing in the reeds at Narwianski National Park. Icterine Warbler Seen and heard at a number of sites including Bialowieza village, Narwianski National Park and Biebrza Marshes including Bartek Hotel grounds. Barred Warbler One sighting only a rowan tree on the road to the Belarus frontier. Lesser Whitethroat Although seen mainly singly, found at most sites in both the Bialowieza village and Biebrza Marshes Whitethroat Although seen mainly singly, found at most sites in both the Bialowieza village and Biebrza Marshes. Garden Warbler Found extensively in scrubland in both the Bialowieza village and Biebrza Marshes. Blackcap Found extensively in scrubland in both the Bialowieza village and Biebrza Marshes. Wood Warbler Large numbers singing in the Bialowieza Forest Strict Reserve plus others in the managed part of Bialowieza Forest. Chiffchaff Heard singing in most areas of the Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes. Willow Warbler Heard singing in most areas of the Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes though not as frequent as Chiffchaff. Goldcrest Three found only in conifers at Hwozna. Spotted Flycatcher Found throughout Bialowieza Forest, at Bartek Hotel grounds and Brzostowo. Red-breasted Flycatcher Heard in the Bialowieza Forest Strict Reserve and seen in the woods approaching Gwozno.

23 Collared Flycatcher About twenty heard in Bialowieza Strict Reserve and two others in the woods approaching Gwozno. Pied Flycatcher Two seen around Bialowieza. Long-tailed Tit A pair seen around Bialowieza village and on the broadwalk at Osowiec (the white–faced sub-species). Marsh Tit One only seen in the Bialowieza Strict Reserve. Crested Tit Two seen around Bialowieza village. Coal Tit Heard in the Bialowieza Strict Reserve and at Hwozna. Blue Tit Only small numbers around Bialowieza village and at Sulin. Great Tit Regularly seen at most sites though only in small numbers. Nuthatch: Individuals (one ringed) seen in Bialowieza Forest including Palace Park area and at Osowiec. Treecreeper Four seen in the Bialowieza Strict Reserve. Golden Oriole A good number of birds heard at most locations with occasional good sightings. Red-Backed Shrike Individuals, mainly males, seen throughout the week presumably part of a major migration move. A pair noted by the river bridge close to the Belarus border. Great Grey Shrike Two individuals only. One in open marshy ground near the Bialowieza Strict Reserve and at Barwik. Jay Only four sightings, two in the Palace Park, one at the Bartek Hotel grounds and one at Mscichy. Magpie Most frequent on the outskirts of Warsaw and in towns on the journey. Otherwise small numbers seen at various localities. Jackdaw Seen in large numbers over agricultural land and grasslands. Rook Seen in large numbers over agricultural land and grasslands. Carrion Crow Two individuals seen at Gornianskie Meadow Nature Reserve and one at Brzostowo.

24 Hooded Crow Seen in most areas outside the Bialowieza Forest. Largest numbers seen outside the Bartek Hotel, the track near Mscichy and Brzostowo. Raven Seen outside the Palace Park (calling vociferously), in the Hwozna area and one at Sulin. Starling Seen in good numbers at most locations. House Sparrow Common bird in all towns and villages. Tree Sparrow A flock of ten seen in the Goniadz area and four at Brzostowo. Chaffinch A frequent bird at most locations. Serin Two seen in Bialowieza village and four in the Bialowieza Forest. Greenfinch Individuals seen in the Palace Park and Hwozna area. Goldfinch Single birds seen around Bialowieza village and in groups of four at the Bartek Hotel grounds and on the track at Mscichy. Linnet Single birds seen around Bialowieza village with groups of four at the Bartek Hotel, the track at Mscichy and at Brzostowo. Common Crossbill Sightings in the Bialowieza Strict Reserve and Palace Park. Scarlet Rosefinch One only seen close to the Narwianski National Park at Kurowo. Hawfinch Seen at various sites in Bialowieza Forest and near Goniadz at Biebrza Marhes. Yellowhammer Seen at several sites in both the Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes with good numbers at Barwik. Reed Bunting Seen in damp scrubland around the Bialowieza village at the Narwianski National Park with good numbers at Bartek Hotel grounds, at Mscichy on the track to Biebrza River, Barwik and Osowiec.

25 LIST OF PLANTS SEEN

(270 species)

C = Common O = Occasional P = Planted

1 = Bialowieza village & ponds 2 = Bialowieza Forest 3 = Palace Park 4 = Cycle Ride to Belarus border 5 = Narewka River 6 = Drive to River Lesna valley 7 = Cycle Ride in search of Bison 8 = Narwianski National Park 9 = Biebrza River 10 = Barwik 11 = Brzostowo hide 12 = Sulin heath 13 = Krynicka Biel hide 14 = Osowiec (Bunkers) 15 = Peat holes 16 = Journey to Warsaw

Latin English Site

Acer negundo Box Elder C " platanoides Norway Maple C " pseudoplatanus Sycamore 14 Achillea millefolium Yarrow C Acorus calamus Sweet-flag 9 Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel or Town Hall Clock 2 Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder or Goutweed C Aesculus hippocastanum Horse-chestnut C Ajuga reptans Bugle C Alchemilla filicaulis Hairy Lady's-mantle 5 Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain O Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard or Jack by the Hedge C Allium ursinum Ramsons 2 Alnus glutinosa Alder C Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail C Anemone nemerosa Wood Anemone C " ranunculoides Yellow Anemone 5 Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica O Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley C Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress C Arctium minus Lesser Burdock O Armeria maritima Thrift O Armoracia rusticana Horse-radish O Artemisia campestris Field Wormwood or Breckland Mugwort 9 & 12 " vulgaris Mugwort C Asarum europaeum Asarabacca 2 Astragalus glycyphyllos Wild Liquorice 2 Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern C Barbarea vulgaris Winter-cress O Bellis perennis Daisy O Berberis vulgaris Barberry 14 Betula pendula Silver Birch C Bryonia dioica White Bryony 12 Buxus sempervirens Box P

26 Calamagrostis epijegos Wood Small-reed 6 Calluna vulgaris Heather O Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold C Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse C Cardamine amara Large Bitter-cress 2 " bulbifera Coralroot or Bulbous Bitter-cress 2 " impatiens Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress 2 " pratensis Cuckooflower or Lady's Smock C Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge C " appropinquata Fibrous Tussock-sedge C " nigra Common Sedge 3 " riparia Greater Pond-sedge 9 " rostrata Bottle Sedge 9 Carpinus betulus Hornbeam C Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O " scabiosa Greater Knapweed 12 Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear 14 " fontanum Common Mouse-ear C " glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear C " semidecandrum Little Mouse-ear 12 Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine C Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Oxeye daisy C Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage C Cichorium intybus Chicory 3 Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle C " vulgare Spear Thistle O Colutea arborescens Bladder-senna O Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-valley O Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed 11 Cornus sanguinea Dogwood 14 Corydalis solida Bulbous Corydalis 2 Corylus avellana Hazel C Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 14 Cynoglossum officinale Hound's-tongue 14 Cytisus scoparius Broom O Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot C Daphne mezereum Mezereon 2 Dipsacus fullonum Teasel 3 Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern O " filix-mas Male-fern O Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail O " fluviatile Water Horsetail C " pratense Shady Horsetail 2 " sylvaticum Wood Horsetail 2 Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 15 " vaginatum Hare's-tail Cottongrass O Erophila verna Common Whitlowgrass C Euonymus europaeus Spindle C Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress Spurge O Festuca ovina Sheep's-fescue 14 Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet C Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry O Fraxinus excelsior Ash O Gagea lutea Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem 1 Galeabdolon luteum Yellow Archangel 2 Galium album Upright Hedge-bedstraw O " aparine Cleavers C " cruciata Crosswort O " odoratum Woodruff 2 " uliginosum Fen Bedstraw C " verum Lady's Bedstraw 12

27 Geranium molle Dove's-foot Crane's-bill O Geum rivale Water Avens 13 Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy C Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass 8 Hedera helix Ivy O Hepatica nobilis Hepatica 2 Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed O Herniaria glabra Smooth or Glabrous Rupturewort 5 & 12 Hieracium pilosella Mouse-ear Hawkweed O Hippophae rhamnoides Sea Buckthorn 3 Humulus lupulus Hop O Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Frogbit 3 Hypochoeris radicata Cat's-ear O Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris O Isopyrum thalictroides Isopyrum 2 Juncus effusus Soft Rush O Juniperus communis Juniper C Lamium album White Dead-nettle O " maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle 5 " purpureum Red Dead-nettle C Lapsana communis Nipplewort O Larix decidua European Larch C Lathraea squamaria Toothwort 2 Lathyrus aestivalis (Not in my books) 2 " pratensis Meadow Vetchling O Ledum palustre Labrador-tea 15 Lemna minor Lesser Duckweed C Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax 12 Lithospermum officinale Common Gromwell 14 Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle O " xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle 14 Luzula multiflora Heath Wood-rush C " pilosa Hairy Wood-rush C Lycopodium annotinum Interrupted Clubmoss 6 & 15 Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort C Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny O " vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife O Mahonia aquifolium Oregon-grape 1 Maianthemum bifolium May Lily C Malus domestica Cultivated Apple C Mentha aquatica Water Mint C Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean 13 Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury O Moehringia trinervis Three-nerved Sandwort 7 Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass 4 Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not 12 " sylvatica Wood Forget-me not 2 Myosurus minimus Mousetail 6 & 12 Nuphar lutea Yellow Water-lily O Onopordum acanthium Cotton or Scotch Thistle 1 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel C Paris quadrifolia Herb-Paris 2 & 7 Petasites hybridus Butterbur 3 Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass C Phragmites australis Common Reed C Picea abies Norway Spruce C " omorika Serbian Spruce (In Bartek hotel garden) P " pungens Colorada Blue Spruce (In gardens) P Pinus nigra Corsican Pine (Street planting) P " sylvestris Scots Pine C Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain C

28 " major Greater Plantain C Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass C " pratensis Smooth Meadow-grass C Polemonium caeruleum Jacob's-ladder O Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's-seal 2 Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass C Populus alba White Poplar 3 " nigra cultivar Hybrid Black Poplar O " nigra var italica Lombardy Poplar (Seen whilst in bus) P " tremula Aspen C " trichocarpa cultivar Hybrid Balsam Poplar C Potentilla anserina Silverweed C " argentea Hoary Cinquefoil 12 & 14 " palustris Marsh Cinquefoil C Primula veris Cowslip 1 Prunella vulgaris Selfheal O Prunus avium Wild Cherry O " cerasifera Cherry Plum or Myrobolan 3 " domestica Cultivated Plum C " padus Bird Cherry C " spinosa Blackthorn O Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir O Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 4 Pulmonaria obscura Lungwort 2 Pyrus communis Cultivated Pear C " salicifolia Willow-leaved Pear (Seen whilst in bus) P Quercus borealis Red Oak (Seen whilst in bus) P " robur Pedunculate Oak C Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup C " auricomus Goldilocks Buttercup C " ficaria Celandine C " flammula Lesser Spearwort O " lanuginosus Woolly Buttercup 2 " repens Creeping Buttercup C Reynoutria japonica Japanese Knotweed (Seen whilst in bus) P Rhamnus catharticus Buckthorn C Rheum rhabarbum Rhubarb 14 Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle 12 Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant 3 " nigrum Black Currant O " rubrum Red Currant O Robinia pseudacacia False-acacia P Rosa canina aggregate Dog Rose 14 Rubus caesius Dewberry 12 " fruticosus aggregate Bramble C " idaeus Raspberry C " saxatilis Stone Bramble 4 Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel C " crispus Curled Dock 8 " hydrolapathum Water Dock 8 " obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock C Salix alba White Willow O " caprea Goat Willow C " cinerea Grey Willow C " daphnoides Violet Willow 14 " fragilis Crack Willow C " pentandra Bay Willow O " purpurea Purple Willow O Sambucus nigra Elder C " racemosa Red-berried Elder O Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet O

29 " officinalis Great Burnet O Sanicula europaea Sanicle 2 Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage 16 " tridactylites Rue-leaved Saxifrage 14 Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort C " umbrosa Green Figwort O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop C Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard C Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet or Woody Nightshade 8 Sorbus aria Whitebeam P " aucuparia Rowan C Spiraea salicifolia Bridewort 3 Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort C " holostea Greater Stitchwort C " media Common Chickweed O " nemorum Wood Stitchwort 2 Stratiotes aloides Water-soldier 3 Symphoricarpos rivularis Snowberry P Symphytum officinale Common Comfrey 8 Syringa vulgaris Lilac C Tamarix gallica Tamarisk P Tanacetum vulgare Tansy O Taraxacum officinale Dandelion C Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow-rue 10 Thelypteris dryopteris Oak Fern 2 Thlaspi arvense Field Penny-cress 13 Thymus praecox Wild Thyme 2 Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime C Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard 8 Trientalis europaea Chickweed Wintergreen 2 Trifolium pratense Red Clover 3 Tussilago farfara Colt's-foot 2 Typha latifolia Bulrush C Ulmus glabra Wych Elm O " procera English Elm O Urtica dioica Common Nettle C Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry C " uliginosum Bog Bilberry 15 " vitis-idaea Cowberry 4 Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian 14 Verbascum thapsus Great Hairy Mullein (BL?) O Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell O " chamaedrys Germander Speedwell C " officinalis Heath Speedwell O " serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell O Viburnum opulus Guelder-rose C Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch O " sepium Bush Vetch C Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle 1 Viola arvensis Field Pansy O " palustris Marsh Violet 5 " riviniana Common Dog-violet C Viscum album Mistletoe C

30

LICHENS AND MOSSES

Latin

Cladonia rangiferina lichen Evernia prunastri lichen Hypogymnia physodes lIchen

Pleurozium schreberi moss

FUNGI

Latin English

Albugo candida White fungus deforming Shepherd's Purse Auricularia auricula-judae Jew's Ear Fungus Bjerkandera adusta A small bracket fungus Dacrymyces stillatus Entyloma ficariae White spots on Celandine leaves Fomes fomentarius The name I use is Horse Hoof Bracket Fomitopsis pinicola A rare bracket fungus in Britain Gyromitra esculenta Brain Fungus related to Morels Leptosphaeria acuta On the base of dead Nettle stems Lycogola terrestre Puccinia caricina Rust Fungus on Common Nettle " graminis Rust Fungus on Barberry " punctiformis Rust Fungus on Creeping Thistle Sarcoscypha austriaca Scarlet Elf Cup Stereum hirsutum A small bracket fungus Tranzschelia anemones Rust Fungus on Wood anemone Trichaptum abietinum A small bracket fungus Uromyces dactylidis Rust Fungus on Celandine

TOTAL 18

31 MAMMALS, AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES

Latin English Notes

Alces alces Elk Seen, Droppings and Browse damage Bison bonasus European Bison Droppings and Bark stripping Capreolus capreolus Roe Deer Seen and Fraying Castor fiber Beaver Footprints, Lodges, and Bark stripping Cervus elaphus Red Deer Seen, Bark stripping and Fraying Equus sp Tarpan Seen Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Dead Lepus capensis Brown Hare Seen Meles meles Feeding scrapes Nyctereutes procyonoides Raccoon Dog Seen and Footprints Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel Seen Sus scofa Wild Boar Rooting Talpa europaea Mole Dead and Molehills

TOTAL 13

Bombina bombina Fire-bellied Toad Seen and Heard Bufo bufo Common Toad Dead " viridis Green Toad Heard Hyla arborea Common Tree Frog Seen Rana arvalis Moor Frog Seen by Arek " esculenta Edible Frog Seen and Heard " ridibunda Marsh Frog Heard " temporaria Common Frog Seen

Vipera berus Adder Dead Lacerta vivipara Common Lizard Seen Natrix natrix Grass Snake Seen

TOTAL 11

MOLLUSCS

Latin English Notes

Helix pomarina Edible or Roman Seen snail

32 LIST OF INSECTS

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

Latin English

Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip Araschnia levana Map (First brood) Callophrys rubi Green Hiarstreak Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath Cupido minimus Little Blue Gonopteryxrhamni Brimstone Inachis io Peacock Leptidea sinapsis Wood White Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Nymphalis antiopa Camberwell Beauty " polychloros Large Tortoiseshell Pararge xiphioides Speckled Wood Pieris brassicae Large White " napi Green-veined White Polygonia c-album Comma Vanessa cardui Painted Lady

TOTAL 18

Ematurga atomaria Common Heath Odezia atrata Chimney Sweeper

OTHER INSECTS

Latin English

Adalia 2-punctata 2 Spot Ladybird Agriotes obscurus Click beetle Bombus lapidarius Bumblebee " lucorum Bumblebee " pascuorum Bumblebee Calopteryx splendens Banded Demoiselle Chrysolina aenea Alder Leaf Beetle Cicindela campestris Tiger Beetle Cionus scrophulariae Figwort Weevil Coccinella 7-punctata 7 Spot Ladybird Dytiscus marginalis Great Diving Beetle (Dead) Geotrupes stercorarius Dor Beetle Gomphus vulgatissimus Club-tailed dragonfly Psyllobora 22-punctata 22 Spot Ladybird Pyrrhocoris apterus Firebug Tomicus piniperda Pine Shoot Beetle (A Bark Beetle)

TOTAL 16

33