HIGH BATTS Annual Report 2015
Published by High Batts Nature Reserve 2017
© High Batts Nature Reserve 2017 c/o Chair of the Trustees: Colin E Slator, Broadacres, Kirby Hill, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9DH
This publication is copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the Publisher.
The editorial team thanks Peter Hills for providing the maps of the Reserve and Recording Area on the inside covers.
Title page: Hazel and Alder at High Batts, John Drewett
Published by High Batts Nature Reserve Charity No. 1151676
Compiled and edited by John Drewett
Printed by North Yorkshire Document Management Centre
2 Contents
Guest Editorial 4 Trustees, Officers and Recorders 7 Contact information 8 Chairman’s Report 9 Reserve Management Report 12 Fungi 16 Ferns and Flowering Plants 20 Butterflies 22 Moths 27 Damselflies and Dragonflies 29 Other Insects and Invertebrates 31 A Checklist of the Beetles of High Batts and its environs 37 Lampreys, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles & Crustacea 40 Birds 41 Bird Ringing Report 58 Bellflask Lakes and Quarry 62 Mammals 66 General Information about the Reserve 71 Maps of Reserve and Recording Area Inside covers
3 Guest Editorial Arthur Kinnear
conserVation Nature reserves come in all shapes and sizes – national and county, public and private. In the UK the big players in the business of operating reserves are the National Nature Reserves, the Wildlife Trusts, the National Trusts, and the RSPB with its extensive country-wide network of reserves, large and small. They are there because it seems that within our national psyche there appears to be an innate need to experience ‘nature’ and our society is generally disposed to support this as socially A Good Thing – it makes us all Feel Better. To this end, the RSPB’s current headline objective is To Give Nature A Home. (This always reminds me of the old cowboy song “Home on the Range”!) The largest reserve in England is the Wash (NNR) at 8800 hectares, so that at High Batts with its 12.5 hectares we must realise we are down among the small fry, and unlike the majority of reserves in our own County of Yorkshire, which are managed by the RSPB and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, as a private nature reserve we are very much on our own and we have to find our own resources. Nature reserves, whatever size or shape, need to be effectively managed if they are to fulfil their purpose of harbouring and conserving that “nature” which apparently we all wish to experience and enjoy – and this management process is usually very far removed from the simplistic notion of ring-fencing areas of primeval wilderness. There is not much of that about in Yorkshire these days – perhaps the RSPB’s Bempton Cliffs Reserve for seabirds might just about qualify – but it is interesting to reflect that in that case the main management investment is in controlling the visitors rather than the wildlife! Reserve management require resources – principally money and manpower. The larger organisations operate on big budgets, they employ professional staff and depend on income from subscriptions from large memberships. However, it is interesting to note that many of them run their own volunteer groups – I suspect not so much as a matter of economy, but rather to foster the “feel good“ factor referred to above. But- to High Batts……, In the beginning was Colin Slator and a few friends, doing their own thing with minimal resources, under the aegis of tolerant estate landowners. Matters became rather more structured with the advent of the Ripon Ranger Scheme in 1992, in
4 which a part-time manager was funded by the local authority, who also made available items of tools and equipment such as power-driven mowers, chain-saws, etc. Grants were made available in due course, such as the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme provided by the then English Nature, followed by the High Level Stewardship Scheme which was in effect an agricultural subsidy – at that period I believe our worthy Chairman was regarded as a farmer within the meaning of the Act! Thus funding became available for tools and materials. But - where were the hewers of wood and drawers of water? – it being obvious that professional labour and skills could be employed only in limited circumstances. The main effort came from volunteers - those of our membership who were prepared to get their hands grubby and their boots dirty in furtherance of the Reserve Management Plan. The Thursday Work Party came into being, and rapidly became an established institution whose culture seemed to develop around the wood- burning stove in the Barn. It operates under the general guidance of our Voluntary Warden. The range of skills which the team have demonstrated over the years is impressive. Mowing and coppicing in season, scrub-clearing, “balsam bashing” and so on. Major projects such as the erection of the Mound Viewing Platform, the replacement of the footbridge over the Stream, the new Riverside Hide and the current reconstruction of the original “Hotel”, have all involved skills in carpentry, minor engineering, and building work. A feature of High Batts which is much appreciated by all visitors, is the winter bird-feeding programme. This involves inter alia, the procurement and storage of large quantities of bird food, the construction and maintenance of feeders – and the need to maintain regular replenishment. What may be less obvious to the visitor to the Reserve comfortably ensconced with binoculars in one of the hides are the activities of the Board of Trustees (once known as the Management Committee until the new charities legislation changed all that). What has not changed is that all of our Trustees give of their time and expertise on a purely voluntary basis. This expertise comprises a very wide spectrum of skills, many of them highly professional. It includes planning, accounting, membership recruitment and maintenance, producing and editing newsletters and annual reports, liaison with outside bodies, organising Open Days and Winter Lecture programmes, and operating a sales-to-members service for bird food. A key function is to ensure that the flora and fauna of the reserve is effectively recorded on an on-going basis. It is a salutary exercise to reflect upon the implications of this volunteer expertise in terms of the skills, time and effort expended. High Batts as we know it would just not have happened were it not for our volunteers. More please!
5
O’Donnell & Son Volunteers 3rd Feb 2001
6 Trustees, Officers and Recorders
(as at December 2015)
Trustees
Robert Adams David Beeken Kath Beeken Treasurer
Brian Darbyshire
Peter Hills Membership Secretary
Alwin Knowles Secretary Pat Rumbold Minutes Secretary/Lectures Organiser Colin Slator Chairman
Roy Waite
Stephen Worwood
Ex-officio Officers: Robert Adams (Warden), Brian Darbyshire (Assistant Warden), Launa Woodruff (Record Collection and Distribution).
Honorary Life Members: Richy Graham, Colin Slator.
Recorders: Robert Adams (Ferns and Flowering Plants), Will Rich (Butterflies & Mosses & Liverworts), Jim Jobe (Insects other than Lepidoptera and Odonata & Plant Galls), Vacant (Mammals), Barry Slaymaker (Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles), Jill Warwick (Moths), Stephen Worwood (Odonata), Adrian Bennett (Fungi), Vacant (Birds).
7
Chairman’s Report for 2015 Colin Slator
This report covers my second year as Chair of High Batts Board of Trustees. This small body of people is responsible for the efficient management of the organisation and for meeting the requirements of our charitable status and all work tremendously hard for the Reserve often taking on other roles in addition to their trusteeship. I was delighted that all the Trustees agreed to continue to serve, and at the AGM on 2nd June 2015 three trustees, David Beeken, Alwin Knowles and Patricia Rumbold were re-elected for a further three year term of office as required under the Constitution. No further nominations were received, leaving two vacant Trustee places and ten serving Trustees. Alwin Knowles continued in the role of Secretary and Kathryn Beeken continued as Treasurer. The Trustees held five meetings during the year. In addition there was a Trustees’ planning morning held in October to allow more time for discussion and debate about future strategy. Much work goes on outside Trustee meetings of course, involving detailed reviews of legal issues, health and safety policies, financial control, planning work programmes and all the complex issues to be faced by active voluntary organisations. Two major issues dominated the work of the Trustees during the year. The Reserve occupies land held by two estates with both leases now expired. The major area of land is owned by the Graham family and during the year it was confirmed that the anticipated realignment of the estate had been completed with ownership of High Batts transferring to Sir James Graham of Norton Conyers Estate. As a result discussions began with the agent for Sir James in respect of a new lease. The adjacent land which is used by the Reserve for access, car parking and work area belongs to the Staveley family, and discussions began with them during 2015 to agree a further term of 20 years. This was delayed, again because of changes of ownership of parcels of land within the Staveley family. The issue of renewal of leases was further complicated by the on-going planning application for the extraction of sand and gravel on land adjacent to the Reserve. During the year Hanson Aggregates, the planning applicant, submitted further documents to the Planning Authority, and held two consultation meetings with High Batts Trustees. In October 2015 the Trustees decided to appoint Dr Philip Fermor of Middlemarch Environmental as Advisor because of the complexity and technical detail under discussion. As a result of Dr Fermor’s contribution, further amendments were made to the proposals in order to minimise any potential environmental
9 impact on the Reserve and to improve the potential for enhanced habitats as part of the planned restoration process. In early 2016, the Planning Authority asked for responses to the final submissions by Hanson and the Trustees were able to confirm that the outstanding issues had been satisfactorily addressed. It is anticipated that the application will be determined in Summer 2017. In addition to the overall management of the Charity, the work of managing the Reserve itself went on, with outstanding work by the Thursday group of volunteers led by the Voluntary Warden Robert Adams, and Assistant Warden Brian Darbyshire. You can read in the Reserve Management Report about the issues they have tackled including the severe flooding of the Reserve in January which closed the Reserve for several weeks and led to significant additional work to repair the resulting damage. The range of skills and the level of commitment which the Volunteer team demonstrate is outstanding and the Trustees are extremely grateful for their hard work and contribution to the success of the Reserve. We are also grateful to have, through a contract with Harrogate Borough Council, the services of the Countryside Ranger who works on the Reserve during some of the Volunteer work days undertaking more specialist tasks and those requiring specialist equipment. For a small organisation we have a very healthy membership and are hugely grateful to all those who continue to support the Reserve through the prompt renewal of their membership. At the end of the year the membership of High Batts stood at 275, including 35 new members. 26 memberships have lapsed, resulting in an increase of 9. During the year we offered members the opportunity to pay membership subscriptions by Standing Order which encouraged members to renew, and helped to reduce administration. Our Membership Secretary Peter Hills continued his efficient management of our membership processes, and we also kept in touch with all our members through the three Newsletters issued during the year and ably put together by David Beeken, the Newsletter editor. We continued to develop our website to provide up to date information for members. Our programme of species recording continued as evidenced by the listings in this Annual Report and we record our thanks to those who submitted records, to the panel of Species Recorders, and to John Drewett who continues as Annual Report Editor. We continue to seek volunteers to fill the vacancies for Bird Recorder and Mammal Recorder, two positions currently filled on a temporary basis by myself and Pat Rumbold. Our educational work continued with the winter programme of five lectures and slide shows for members and the general public organised as efficiently as ever by Pat Rumbold. Meetings were held at The Golden Lion in Ripon and the topics and speakers were:- “A Naturalist’s France” by Brian and Sophia Fuller
10 “Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands” by Tony and Alwin Knowles “Ecuador: Searching for a Sword-bearer” by Pat and Ray Rumbold “In Search of British Butterflies” Part One by Liz and Ray Wilson “In Search of British Butterflies” Part Two by Liz and Ray Wilson. The annual Open Day was held on Sunday 17th May as we continued our new policy of holding the event in the different seasons of the year. Unfortunately the weather was somewhat disappointing, but there were 81 visitors, including 17 children. Most of these visitors were new to the Reserve rather than existing members. 12 families joined as a result of the event, which included the chance to join guided walks and to watch demonstrations of bats, moth and mammal trapping plus guidance on identifying birds and a demonstration of optical equipment. There was also an opportunity to view various exhibitions, plus activities for children such as pond dipping, nest box making, bark rubbing and a quiz trail. Three events for members and friends were organised in early summer, including a visit to Bellflask, an area over the river from High Batts which is being restored for wildlife following quarrying. There was a morning walk around Ripon Parks with an emphasis on botany, and an evening walk around the Reserve to observe and record bats. All these events were well supported with the last being over-subscribed. We continue to offer opportunities for group visits to the Reserve. Many who visit have specific interests such as natural history or photography but others come simply to enjoy and learn about the area. During the year we hosted seven visits by groups. As part of their visits to the Reserve the East Dales Bird Ringing Group also undertake training for new and apprentice ringers, and provide demonstrations for members. We are also most grateful to Pat and Raymond Rumbold for their continuing work in organising our bird food supplies and making some of this available to members; this is a huge task involving sourcing the food, stock management and dealing with orders. It is a service greatly appreciated by members and one that significantly contributes to operational management and the financial viability of the Reserve Finally I would like to record our thanks to all the members of High Batts who continue to support us in so many ways. Not everyone is able to visit the Reserve or to undertake active volunteer work with us, but to have a body of committed members is of enormous importance and allows us to demonstrate the value which people place upon the work we do in maintaining the special place which is High Batts.
11 Reserve Management Report Robert Adams January
The year started with some extensive coppicing of trees in both the South and North Clearings. A mini digger was hired to carry out footpath resurfacing in the latter part of the month. Routine work included the twice weekly replenishment of the Reserve bird feeders and the fortnightly replenishment of the feeders on Ripon Parks. Some general repairs were carried out on gates and bird feeders, etc. February
Bird feeding in both the Reserve and on Ripon Parks continued throughout February. The mini digger was hired again at the beginning of the month and the footpath work completed. The grass cutter and strimmer which had been at Ripon Farm Services for servicing were collected in readiness for the forthcoming season. The old bird ringers’ hut adjacent to the Hotel was dismantled and removed and work commenced on the conversion of the Hotel into a riverside hide. The area at the top of the Waterfall where the Early Purple Orchids grow was strimmed and raked off in the middle of the month. Some further coppicing was undertaken in the North Clearing. The Reserve’s nest boxes were cleaned out on the last Thursday in February. March
Eight new nest boxes were positioned in the Reserve in early March. Preliminary work on the Hotel/Hide conversion continued throughout the month. Routine and general maintenance tasks included bird feeding in the Reserve and on Ripon Parks, filling potholes in the entrance track, litter picking, nest box construction and repairs to the boundary fence. April
The weather in April was fairly warm (17.8°C in the Barn Compound at 2.15pm, 2nd April) which made the grass grow rather quickly, so regular mowing was started at the beginning of the month. A full programme of bird feeding continued
12 throughout. The Hotel/Hide conversion was occupying the construction team, as they became known, each Thursday. The main job in the Reserve itself was Sycamore sapling removal. Routine maintenance work included tidying the timber store and filling potholes and ruts in the track and footpaths. May
In contrast to April, May was a rather dull, cool month, with some quite windy, unsettled weather in the first half. The weather did not stop the grass growing so mowing, strimming and cutting back vegetation were weekly tasks. A great deal of preparation work needed to be done on the first two Thursdays of May in readiness for the Reserve Open Day on the 17th. Bird feeding had by now been restricted to putting out scraps. As in April the construction team were working on the Hotel/ Hide each week. The main job for the rest of the Thursday volunteers during May was Bracken control, or bashing as we call it, in the North Clearing. June
Apart from the Hotel/Hide conversion work most of the jobs undertaken by the Thursday team in June were routine maintenance and conservation tasks such as grass mowing, bird feeder repair, painting, woodwork treatment with preservative, cleaning and tidying, etc. Himalayan Balsam had by June joined Bracken as being an object of the ‘Bashers’ attention. July
Most of the tasks begun in June carried on into July. Ragwort had now joined the ranks of invasive and potentially harmful plants to be dealt with. Some bales of barley straw were obtained from North Parks Farm and strewn on the Hide Pond in an attempt to control the spread of green algae. On 10th July Harrogate Conservation Volunteers visited the Reserve and tackled the Himalayan Balsam in the North Clearing and north end of the Ride. Work on the Hotel/Hide conversion continued with the roof being re-felted, amongst other jobs. Because of the way Thursdays fell in July, plus the visit of the Harrogate Conservation Volunteers, six full work days were carried out during the month. August
The Ride sides were cut in August and the cut herbage raked up and taken off. A hay
13 crop was taken off the Barn Paddock and donated to Mr. Stockil at North Parks Farm. The Top Car Park was prepared for the arrival of some sheep from North Parks Farm to graze the area. Routine tasks such as balsam bashing, grass mowing and weekly sweeping out of the Hides were, as usual, undertaken throughout the month. The long-term project of the Hotel/Hide conversion continued. On the last Thursday of the month we received the first delivery of wild bird food in readiness for the coming bird feeding season. September
On the first Thursday of September 1.5 tons of wheat were collected from North Parks Farm and placed in the hopper in the Barn Compound. The bird feeders were re-erected in front of the Hide and winter bird feeding commenced. Sapling removal in the Silver Birches area was carried out. The rotational block at the south- western end of the Ride was cut and raked off. Routine grass mowing continued in September, as did Hide sweeping, recording form checking and general maintenance work. October
Twice weekly replenishment of the bird feeders was underway by the start of October. Repairs were found to be necessary to the Observation Platform steps and were implemented during the month. The major task for the construction team in October was to start making a landing at the top of the Bird Hide steps. The small flock of Hebridean sheep that had been grazing the Top Car Park/Barn Paddock were moved to the North Clearing on the 15th. Repairs to the fencing around Hall’s Clearing were carried out and the programmed coppicing work commenced. November
The weather this month was unusually mild, allowing the programmed management work of coppicing and mowing to go ahead without being held up. The south-western side of the Ride was scheduled for coppicing in 2015; this was completed by the end of November and all the brash cleared away. The North Clearing was mown and the cut herbage raked up and removed. The sheep were returned to the Car Park/Barn Paddock to further graze this area before returning to North Parks Farm. Some coppicing work was carried out in Hall’s Clearing. By mid- November the construction team had completed the task of making a landing at the
14 top of the Bird Hide steps—a project which involved moving the metal steps themselves. December
As the year drew to an end most of the work by the Thursday Volunteers was routine in nature: bird feeding, cleaning and disinfecting the bird feeders, sorting out bird food, tidying up the Barn and Barn Area, etc. The coppicing in Hall’s Clearing continued into December.
2015 saw some major works at High Batts by the Thursday Volunteers and Sam Walker, the Harrogate Countryside Ranger. This work ensures the continuing conservation management of the Reserve and the provision of facilities for visiting members. Without the contribution made by the volunteers High Batts would be a much poorer place in every respect.
Thanks to Brian Darbyshire, Adrian Bennett, David Taylor, Will Rich, John Williams, Tom McGhie, Peter Cook, Becky Huff, Peter Huff, Pandora Thoresby, Laurie Reed, Colin Slator and Sam Walker. Apologies to anyone inadvertently omitted.
15 Fungi Adrian Bennett
It never ceases to surprise me that each year brings fungal species that are new to High Batts. The year was rather wetter than previous years giving the Rusts an opportunity to flourish, but the very heavy late season rain seems to have discouraged some of the larger species which have commonly occurred on the Reserve. A total of 56 species were recorded this year.
The winter months are always cheered by the appearance of some of the more brightly coloured fungi common to the Reserve at this time of year. The Ascomycete, Scarlet Elfcup, was found at several sites from January to March. There are two similar species Sarcoscypha austriaca and S. coccinea. They can be distinguished by using a microscope to examine the hairs on the back of the cup, the hairs of S. austriaca are curled and entwined but those of S. coccinea are straight. Only S austriaca has been found in the last five years.
Another regularly appearing winter fungus is the Velvet Shank which has a velvety stipe (stem) which contains its own antifreeze. Flammulina velutipes is most commonly found on logs close to the river. A cultivar of this fungus called ‘Enokitake’ is eaten in East Asian Cuisine.
A wet June saw a number of rust species proliferate and the following three species were all recorded on the same day, within 6 feet of each other. Top to bottom: Scarlet Elfcup, Comfrey seems to return with considerable Sarcoscypha austriaca; Velvet Shank, strength each year, but this is the first year that I Flammulina velutipes; Comfrey Rust, have noticed Comfrey Rust in such proliferation. Melampsporella symphyti
16 The underside of the leaves become coated in the yellow Rust Melampsporella symphyti and the leaves curl up.
Dock leaves nearby were also affected by Dock Rust Puccinia phragmitis which forms reddish- purple spots on the leaves.
Although very common I haven’t previously seen Puccinia urticata or Nettle Rust at High Batts. It forms orange swellings on leaves and stems.
The Russulaceae are more commonly known as the Brittlegills because if rubbed with a finger the gills will break into pieces. The material of the cap also tends to be crumbly. Only one species of this genus has so far been found at High Batts, although its species are commonly found elsewhere. Russula exalbicans or the Bleached Brittlegill is associated with Birch trees and when young is pinkish but as the common name suggests it becomes more whitened with age so nearby specimens can appear very different from each other.
Two fungus specimens left me with ‘blood’ on my hands.
The genus Mycena has some members to be found at High Batts, M. galericulata and M. arcangeliana for instance, were both found this year. When the stipe is broken, some species produce a coloured fluid. The common name for the genus is Bonnets and a small cluster of Mycena haematopus, the Burgundydrop Bonnet appeared on a log just north of Hall clearing. It produces a red fluid when broken. In the photograph the wood is stained reddish.
Top to bottom: Dock Rust, Puccinia Then in early September close to the Scrape area phragmitis; Nettle Rust, Puccinia just south of Hall Clearing I came across an urticata; Bleached Brittlegill, Russula immature fungus and on touching it, both my exalbicans; Burgundydrop Bonnet, fingers and the fungus became stained by ared Mycena haematopus
17 fluid. The staining quite quickly turned a brown colour on the fungus. In late September underneath the Scots Pines in Hall clearing I found a cluster of more mature specimens of the same species. The caps are quite large at 7 to 8 cm in diameter and characteristically scaly. It is 6 years since I last saw a specimen in Yorkshire. The fungus is Leucoagaricus badhamii or Blushing Dapperling. A drop of potassium hydroxide on the tissues turns a green colour which can be a helpful identifying feature. The species is ‘uncommon’ with only 5 records from Yorkshire on the FRDBI (Fungal Records Database for Britain and Ireland), although it is more common in the South of England.
Members of the ‘Shield’ genus Pluteus, such as Pluteus cervinus, the Deer Shield and Pluteus salicinus the Willow Shield have previously featured in these reports and I have found them every year. They have pink spores and gills which do not reach the stem, so called ‘free’ gills. This year, for the first time, on the large log which lies just north of Hall clearing on the western track, I found three specimens of Pluteus umbrosus, the Velvet Shield. The cap has an attractive veined velvety surface.
The wet weather was once again helpful in the proliferation of the various jelly fungi, however one that I have not previously seen on the Reserve was Calocera pallidospathulata found on an old Ash log, north of Hall Clearing. This is the Pale Stagshorn with spatulate tips. The more common Stagshorn Calocera cornea has pointed tips.
The presence of many brash piles on the Reserve results in an abundance of one Ascomycete called Top & second: Blushing Dapperling, Nectria cinnabarina. This has the common name of Leucoagaricus badhamii. Third picture: Coral Spot and can be found on dead twigs. Velvet Shield, Pluteus umbrosus. Bottom: Pale Stagshorn, Calocera At the end of my 2014 report was a photograph of pallidospathulata.
18 a decaying Collared Earthstar found in the North clearing. I promised to look carefully this year to see if I could find a fresh one. To my surprise around 14 of the same Earthstar fruited this year in the woodpile. The earliest specimens were found in August when they have the appearance of an onion shaped dome similar to those of a Russian Orthodox Church. Expecting them to open quite early I watched them initially twice a week but falling back to once a week because the star like fingers did not actually open until mid-October! The photograph shows an Earthstar just after opening.
What has happened to the collar? Well, the arms of the star keep falling further down and the white area around the central spore body splits at the dotted lines in the picture, in a circular fashion, leaving a thick collar standing above the arms. Spores are released from the central pore in the spore sac by the action of the wind or rain hitting it.
At the very end of October, at the side of the entrance path to the Reserve I noticed a bracket- like fungus growing out of a crack in a hazel stump. As you can see from the underside it has gills and not pores and its texture was very soft. The gills end in a stout stem. The top surface was white. I have not seen Pleurotus dryinus the Veiled Oyster previously, although it is said to be widespread in Top to bottom: Coral Spot, Nectria England. It belongs to the same genus as Oyster cinnabarina; Collared Earthstar, Mushrooms. Geastrum triplex; Veiled Oyster, Pleurotus dryinus Thanks to those who reported fungi on the Reserve in 2015. If any member would like a complete list of the fungi found in 2015 please contact me by post or email and I will be happy to provide one.
19 Ferns and Flowering Plants Robert Adams
Common and scientific names follow ‘Collins Flower Guide’ 2009.
2015 continued the pattern of recent years with a generally wetter & cooler summer, but with average annual temperatures continuing to rise. At High Batts these conditions appear to favour vegetative growth while the flowering parts are not doing as well as in warmer, drier summers. There were some warm dry days in April and early May. The flowers that bloom in this period seemed to do relatively well, most notably the Early Purple Orchid, Orchis mascula near the top of the Waterfall. Eighteen flowering spikes appeared in 2015, the best showing for some years. Common Spotted Orchid, Dactylorhiza fuchsii did quite well in its usual area around the Dragonfly (North & Dyke) Ponds, with 20-30 flowering in late June / early July. Just outside the Reserve boundary it did exceptionally well, 80+ plants being counted in the Silt Pond area on 18th June. Pyramidal Orchid, Anacamptis pyramidalis had another mediocre year in 2015, with just a few plants dotted around the drier, more open areas of the Reserve. Ferns and other vascular cryptogams are surprisingly under-represented in High Batts given the damp conditions along the western boundary and the length of time it has been undisturbed. On 18th June, however, I found a single plant of Maidenhair Spleenwort, Asplenium trichomanes growing on the stone pile near the Waterfall. This was a new species for the Reserve. On 1st September Colin Slator & Kevin Walker visited Fox Covert and the adjacent Dubbs on Ripon Parks, recording an extremely interesting list of fenland plants which is well worth printing in full:- Black Bog Rush Schoenus nigricans Zigzag Clover Trifolium medium Devil’s-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis Common Restharrow Ononis repens Yellow Sedge Carex viridula Fen Bedstraw Galium uliginosum Saw-Wort Serratula tinctoria Marsh Arrowgrass Triglochin palustre Lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica Common Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris Bog Pimpernel Anagallis tenella Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum
20 Least Duckweed Lemna minuta Tufted Forget-me-not Myosotis laxa Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata Sanicle Sanicula europaea Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica Interestingly, this list contains both calcicolous and calcifuge species, indicating the complex nature of this area. Many thanks to members who contributed records in 2015.
Early Purple Orchid, Orchis mascula, John Drewett
21 Butterflies Will Rich Introduction 2015 was not a vintage year for butterflies. The highlight was the first record of Clouded Yellow since 2006. The year was notable for a very mild autumn and early winter, which was reflected in the extended flight period of some species. The ordering of species in this report follows the new Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles (eds D.J.L. Agassiz, S.D. Beavan, R.J. Heckford, pub. Field Studies Council for Royal Entomological Society, 2013). Some scientific names have changed. Hesperiidae Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris There were no records of this species from the Reserve. On 2nd July one was seen in a game cover crop in Pennycroft. It was first recorded at Bellflask on 6th July. On 2nd August six were seen nectaring on Ragwort, Creeping Thistle and White Clover between the working quarry and Holy Ghost Bank. There were no further records. Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus The only record from the Reserve was of three on 20th June. One was seen adjacent to the west side of the Reserve on 2nd July. One was in the Bellflask House garden on 9th July. Pieridae Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines The first record for the Reserve was of a total of seven males on 23rd April, which was the maximum. They were recorded in low single figures throughout the following two months, with the last record being two males on 2nd July. At Bellflask several counts of 15+ butterflies were taken on the river bank during April and May, the last being seen on 1st July. Large White Pieris brassicae There were very few records of this species from the Reserve, most sightings being of single insects. The first was on 16th June; the maximum of four was on 17th September; and the last was on 22nd September. On 17th September three were counted in River View Allotments, Ripon. About 10 were recorded in Pennycroft on 27th September. At Bellflask it was first recorded on 11th June and the last date was 13th September. It was recorded there on 37 days and described as being similar in numbers to 2014, i.e. “prolific”.
22 Small White Pieris rapae The first record for the Reserve was two on 9th June. There were very few records subsequently until 20+ were counted on 4th August and about 20 in mid-month. The maximum of c.50+ was recorded on 25th August, which was the last record for the Reserve. In the wider recording area, 20+ were counted in a game cover crop in Pennycroft on 20th August and 6-8 in the same place on 1st October. At Bellflask the species was only recorded four times during April and May but during the rest of the flight period was “abundant” and recorded on 65 days. The last were seen on 27th September. Green-veined White Pieris napi The first sighting in the Reserve was of a single female on16th April. Five were recorded on 11th June and ones, twos and threes until the end of July. What was presumably the new brood began to appear in August and peaked at 50+ on the 11th of the month with the last one being seen on 6th October. On 17th September c.10 were counted at the River View Allotments, Ripon. At Bellflask there was only one spring sighting of this species, but during July and August it was abundant, with several counts of 20+ butterflies. Clouded Yellow Colias croceus One was recorded at Bellflask on 30th August on a bank of stored topsoil vegetated with Creeping Thistle, Ragwort, Weld and Fat Hen. As has been the case for the past decade, there was no record for the Reserve. Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni The first for the Reserve was a male on 2nd April. Three were recorded on the 9th of the month with five on the 23rd, including a pair in nuptial flight in the North Clearing. On 11th June five were counted, including a female ovipositing on Buckthorn. The last definite sighting of what were presumably over-wintered insects was of three on 2nd July. The second brood was very sparse, with singles being seen in early August and a maximum of four on the 25th of the month. There were occasional sightings of single insects through September and early October, with the last (a male) being recorded on the very late date of 8th December. At Bellflask it was recorded from early April till early September with the highest count being 11 on 23rd April. Nymphalidae Wall Lasiommata megera This butterfly appears to be declining nationally and the only record from the Reserve was of two insects on 25th August. It fared rather better at Bellflask, where adult butterflies were recorded on 23 days from 19th May to 25th August (no counts given). A fully grown larva was found in the Bellflask House garden on 18th April.
23 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria This species seems to have overlapping broods, which explains why it was recorded on 75 days at Bellflask , making it the second most frequent species by number of days. Peak counts were not given but actual numbers were described as not as high as other species. In the Reserve it was recorded mostly in low single figures from 9th June to 6th October, the exceptions being a maximum of c.30 on 9th September and 10-15 on 22nd September. In the wider recording area three were seen on 27th September in the Top Island area, eight in Green Lane and six west of Middle Parks Farm. Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus In the Reserve this butterfly seemed to burst on the scene in July, the earliest record being 100+ on the first day of the month. By the following week there were 200-300 “maybe more” and numbers in excess of 100 continued to be seen until nearly the end of the month, after which there was a rapid decline with only odd ones being seen during August. The last (a single) was on 29th August. At Bellflask the peak count was 75 and it was recorded from 27th June until 11th August. Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina The first for the Reserve was a single on 21st June but it was in the first week of July that this species became numerous with 100+ reported on the 2nd. There were 100+ again on the 16th, when a pair was seen “in cop”, and also on the 23rd. Thereafter numbers declined somewhat but there were still 50-100 reported on 11th August and 10-20 were regularly recorded until towards the end of the month, the last being seen on the 29th. At Bellflask it was recorded from 29th June until 6th September and numbers were “about average”. In the wider recording area 50+ were counted in the Pennycroft game cover crop on 2nd July and a further 10 in game crops to the west of the Reserve. Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus There was a single seen in the Reserve on 1st July, two on 13th August and a single on 27th August. At Bellflask there were no records in 2014 but it was “numerous” in 2015 with a maximum of 11 on 8th August. It was recorded on 17 days between 18th July and 29th August. Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta The first record from the Reserve was of two on 20th June, with odd ones seen up until a maximum of three on 7th and 18th July. No more were reported until a single insect on 22nd September and another on 19th October, which was the last for the Reserve. In the wider recording area a game cover crop in Pennycroft proved particularly attractive to late-flying butterflies with a maximum of c.10 of the current species counted there on 1st October. Singles were seen at Sleningford and at Low Green, North Stainley on the late date of 19th November. At Bellflask the species was abundant during August and September with several counts of 30+ insects in
24 the Bellflask House garden. It was recorded on 72 days from 18th June until 13th November. Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Two were seen in the “weedy game belts to west of the Reserve” on 21st June and one was recorded in the Reserve on 29th August. At Bellflask this species had a better year than in both 2013 and 2014, being recorded on 28 days between 10th June and 11th October, with counts of 5+ on three days during August. Peacock Aglais io This species was plentiful in spring at Bellflask, being first recorded on 22nd March and with 20+ counted on 9th April. On 6th July many hundreds of larvae were recorded feeding on nettles there and the second brood was correspondingly large, with 100+ being counted around the site on some August days. The last was seen on 9th October. In spring, numbers in the Reserve were in single figures, with a maximum of six on 23rd April. The second brood was more numerous, the maximum recorded being c.40 on 25th August. The last was seen on the late date of 8th December. Four were seen at River View Allotments on 5th April. The Pennycroft game cover crop attracted nine on 25th August. Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae This species had another relatively good year after previous declines. The first record was on 22nd March from Bellflask, where there was a good spring showing with a maximum of ten on 9th April. One was seen in the Reserve’s barn compound on 2nd April and there were at least ten at River View Allotments, Ripon on 5th April. On the 9th there were five in the Reserve and the same number seen in the wider recording area. The only other spring record (Bellflask excluded) was a single in the Reserve on 26th April. The second brood appeared towards the end of June with a maximum for the Reserve of six on various dates in July and August. Outside of the Reserve itself, the weedy areas to the west, the Pennycroft game cover crop and River View Allotments produced the most records with maxima of nine (2nd July), at least 20 (27th September) and at least eight (17th September) respectively. At Bellflask this species was recorded regularly in “good numbers” until 21st October. Comma Polygonia c-album The first for the Reserve was a single on 1st July followed by two on the 18th July and a single on 4th August. The maximum was 10+ on 25th August and the last was a single insect on 19th October. As usual, the best place in the Reserve to see this species was the patch of Devil’s-bit Scabious in the Silver Birches Area. At Bellflask the first was seen on 10th March but there were only four spring sightings. The maximum for the second brood was nine on 12th August and the last record (two insects) was on 21st October. There were no records from the wider recording area.
25 Comma, Brian Morland Lycaenidae Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas One was seen by the Reserve gate on 9th September and 2-3 in the Reserve on 6th October. It was not recorded at Bellflask. White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album Dr Mike Barnham recorded eggs on the branches of Wych Elm on 2nd February at Little Studley Meadows. On the 12th of the month he found eggs at Sleningford Grange; Mill Batts, North Stainley; and on the south-west bank of the Ure at West Tanfield, at the weir downstream from the bridge. Records from the Reserve were of two in the Silver Birches area on 2nd July, at which time one was also seen on the west side of the Reserve. There were three and one respectively in the same locations on 9th July, which were the last. At Bellflask a well worn specimen was seen nectaring between the working quarry and Holy Ghost Bank on 2nd August, which was the only record for the site. Brown Argus Aricia agestis The only records this year came from Bellflask, where it was first noted on11th August and then on four subsequent days until the last on 10th September. Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Two records from the Reserve, both involving single insects – a male on 2nd July and another (sex unspecified) on 27th August. At Bellflask a total of three specimens (all male) was recorded on three days between 2nd August and 16th September. Acknowledgements Many thanks to all who submitted records, with apologies for any omissions: R. Adams, J. Baker, M. Barnham, M. and B. Carroll, R. & C. Chandler, M. Croft, K. & J. Gittens, K. and P. Limb, Tony Quinn, C. and C. Slator, E. Ward, L. Woodruff, J. Larbalastier, B. Latty, & R. Tite. I particularly thank the last three, without whom records from the Reserve would be scanty indeed. Thanks also to Brian & Susan Morland of the Bellflask Ecological Survey Team for their invaluable contribution.
26 Moths Jill Warwick The moth traps were in place the night before the Open Day in May and as any seasoned moth-trapper will explain, it can be a strange time of year – the cross-over period between the spring and summer moths can result in some meagre catches. Combined with low overnight temperatures, this was reflected on the night on 16th May, with only five species trapped but this count was boosted with records of day- flying and leaf mining moths during the Open Day itself, which included two new site records (indicated by an asterisk). The Reserve list (adjusted to exclude duplicate subspecies) is now 318 ‘macro’ and 196 ‘micro’ species, making a grand total of 514 species recorded. My plea for records of day-flying moths last year was heeded and several observers submitted their observations, for which I am grateful – these are listed below. No matter how common a moth might be, please do send every record – they all “paint a picture” of the status of these diverse and fascinating insects in the Reserve. If in doubt, I would also encourage members and visitors to take digital photos on their cameras or even mobile phones for later identification – several “firsts” for the Reserve have been identified from photos over the years! With noticeable changes to the flight periods of many species now becoming apparent, most likely the effects of climate change, all records are valuable. The systematic list is now presented in the new order, Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles by Agassiz, Beavan and Heckford (6457), which has seen a number of changes of scientific names, particularly amongst the microlepidoptera - not the first time this has happened in the world of entomology and quite possibly not the last! Eriocraniidae *2.003 Eriocrania unimaculella Tenanted leaf mines were found on a Silver Birch on 17th May. 2.007 E. semipurpurella *2.008 E. sangii Tenanted leaf mines were found on a Silver Birch on 17th May. Ethmiidae
33.002 Ethmia quadrillella Coleophoridae 37.015 Coleophora serratella
27 Pterophoridae 45.03 White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla Tortricidae 49.004 Red-barred Tortrix Ditula angustiorana Sphingidae 69.001 Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae Geometridae 70.274 Grey Birch Aethalura punctulata Erebidae 72.017 Vapourer Orgyia antiqua 72.020 White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 72.022 Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica 72.031 Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae Noctuidae 73.015 Silver Y Autographa gamma 73.334 Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi
28 Damselflies and Dragonflies Stephen Worwood The year got off to a very late start with no records until the end of May. Records were poor for July either a missing batch or no one was out recording! However, on balance, an improvement on 2014 with 14 species recorded with the Black-tailed Skimmer the first record after a five year gap, plus records of both Four Spotted Chaser and Common Hawker that were not reported at all in 2014. The order and nomenclature follows that of Askew R.R. ‘The Dragonflies of Europe’. 1988.
Zygoptera 2. Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens A slight improvement on 2014, recorded between 9th June to 9th July, with peak counts of 10 on 16th June and 20 on 1st July. 9. Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa A dismal year for this species only three records, a single on 23rd June, three on 20th and six on 29th August. Six on Ripon Parks on the 8th August. 16. Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula Another species that had a poor year with none reported until a single on 9th June, nearly two months later than the first in 2014. Then eight on the 16th and three on the 23rd June with the last a record of three on 1st July. 28. Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella The first record was 30 on 9th June, a month later than 2014, then reported regularly with figures in the 50+ until the last record of 300 on 1st of July; this must have been under reported in July! 31. Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum The first record was of 40 on the 16th June, again six weeks later than 2014, then reported with counts of 20 to 30 until the last record of 10 on 29th August with only one July record. 33. Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans Present between 16th June and 20th August, in small numbers with some maxima of 20 on 20th June and 10 on 1st July.
29 Anisoptera 39. Common Hawker Aeshna juncea A single record this year (after none in 2014) of two males on 29th August. In the Recording Area singles were on Ripon Parks on 8th August and 1st September. 43. Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta The first record was a single on the late date of 20th August; recorded in low numbers with maximum of four on 1st October, the last for the year. 45. Southern Hawker Aeshna cyenea Four records this year, eight on 20th August, four on the 29th, with singles on 9th and 22nd September and the last for the year one on the 1st October. A single was on Ripon Parks on 1st September with two males on the 10th. 47. Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis As usual this is the most frequently reported Hawker; the first record was two on the 9th July, with the last on the 22nd September with a maximum of 10 on 20th August. In the Recording Area this species was recorded on Ripon Parks with counts of up to five between 8th August and 10th September. 86. Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum The record of a single sunning on the ride on the 20th June is the first record for the reserve since 2010. 91. Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata After being absent last year a single insect was seen on the 16th June. The Recording Area had one record of a single on Ripon Parks on 23rd May. 95. Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum First record was of 30 on 20th August then recorded in single figures up to mid-teens until the last report of six on 1st October. Up to 10 reported on Ripon Parks in August and September. 102. Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum Only one Reserve record this year of this attractive Darter with three on the 24th September. In the greater Recording Area there were seven males and a copulating pair on Ripon Parks on 8th August, with two males on the 1st September and six males and a pair in tandem on 10th.
30 Other Insects and Invertebrates Jim Jobe, FRES. NRR Species new to Reserve NS Species new to Recording Area
Coleoptera: Beetles Scarabaeidae: Dung Beetles Aphodius sphacelatus NS Ure Bank, Ripon, 3rd March, JBJ. This common dung beetle is often found flying in early spring wherever cow pats are in fashion! Coccinellidae: Ladybirds Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis North Bridge, Ripon, Lots of these were to be seen in early October, JBJ. Also at Mercury Vapour light at Hutton Conyers, 20th and 24th August, CHF. Cerambycidae: Longhorn Beetles Stenocorus meridianus NS Bellflask, BM, 6th July. Brian Morland sent me this photo of what is a relative newcomer to our region which seems to be increasing in numbers. The larvae develop in the damaged wood of various diseased deciduous trees, while the adults are found on shrubs and flowers. This particular example is rather dark in colour but the colour in this species can vary from black to yellow. Curculionidae: Weevils Strophosoma melanogrammus Bellflask, BM, 22nd June. There are six species of this genus in Britain of which this and Strophosoma sus are the commonest. This one is flightless and reproduces by parthenogenesis, so the photo is of a female. Adults feed on both trees, but the larvae eat the roots of docks and other herbaceous plants.
31 Homoptera: Aphids Spiral Gall Pemphigus spirothecae High Batts, CS. Colin Slator found many of these fascinating galls under Lombardy Poplars on the Reserve during the Autumn which were still there when Adrian Bennett photographed them in March. They are induced by the female when she hatches from an over-wintered egg and pierces the petiole of an unfolding leaf to suck the juices. At this point the plant cells divide to enclose the insect in an urn-shaped pouch-gall within which she reproduces asexually and one end or flank of which is drawn out into a beak through which her winged descendants escape. These (all females) migrate to Compositae plants such as Sow-Thistle where they colonize the roots and reproduce asexually. In autumn the aphids return to the Poplars and a sexual generation of both males and females which produce fertilized eggs which then overwinter on the bark. Such alternation between two host plants is a common feature among aphids. (For more information on this and other gall insects see “The Pocket Encyclopaedia of Plant Galls: 1968” by Andrew Darlington from whence I culled this information). Heteroptera: True Bugs Nepidae: Predacious Water Bugs Water Scorpion Nepa cinerea NS Bellflask, BM, 16th September. Water Scorpions capture small invertebrates, fish and tadpoles with their pincer-like front legs which they then consume through their stabbing beak-like mouthparts. Their long “tail” is actually a breathing tube which acts in the same manner as a snorkel.
32 Diptera: Flies Tipulidae: Daddy-Long-Legs Tipula maxima NS Bellflask, BM, 9th June. Daddy-Long-Legs are very common and there are many British species of Tipula, but this one is by far the largest; easily recognized by its wing markings as well as its size.
Tabanidae: Horseflies Chrysops caecutiens Bellflask, BM, 27th June. Like many other horseflies this species has beautiful iridescently-patterned eyes. Unfortunately it is also a persistent biter of Homo sapiens and is very common in damp woodlands along the riverside at High Batts.
Syrphidae: Hoverflies Volucella bombylans Bellflask, BM, 6th July. This is a very variable species which mimics several species of bumblebees. Most members of the genus are associated with wasp and bee nests either as scavengers or as ectoparasites of the larvae
Volucella pellucens Bellflask, BM 6th July. Adults of this species are known to walk straight into wasp nests without hindrance in order to lay their eggs.
33 Muscidae: House Flies and their kin Face Fly Musca autumnalis NS Bellflask, BM, 17th September. The large gap between the eyes show this individual to be a female. The species is a well known and persistent irritant of cattle. It often comes into houses in autumn (hence its name) as the housefly, M.domestica, population is declining.
Hymenoptera: Bees, Wasps and Ants The following six species of parasitic wasps were taken at Mercury Vapour light by CHF, 27th August at Hutton Conyers and determined by Bill Ely Braconidae: Parasitic Wasps Heterogamus dispar NS Meteorus filator NS Zele chlorophthalmus NS Ichneumonidae: Parasitic Wasps Netelia tarsata NS Oedemopsis scabricula NS Polysphincta tuberosa NS Eumenidae: Potter and Mason Wasps Ancistrocerus spp. Members of this genus nest in a wide range of cavities, including “bee hotels”, divided by mud partitions and stocked with small caterpillars. The species are not easily distinguished from each other and cannot usually be named from photographs. Right: possible A. gazella, Far right: possible A. oviventris. Both recorded at Bellflask, BM, 9th June.
34 Apidae: Social Bees Honey Bee Apis mellifera Bellflask, BM, 5th July. Bombus lapidarius Bellflask, BM, 5th July. Bombus pascuorum Bellflask, BM, 23rd July. Bombus terrestris Bellflask, BM, 5th July.
Clockwise from top left: Apis mellifera, Bombus lapidarius, Bombus pascuorum, Bombus terrestris
Halictidae: Solitary Bees Smooth-faced Furrow Bee Lasioglossum fratellum NRR A single male was captured at High Batts, 21st July 2014 by Bill Ely and kindly identified by Mike Archer, the County Recorder. This species is thought to be primitively eusocial in that small nesting aggregations
35 have been observed elsewhere in south-facing banks and slopes. High Batts is an atypical habitat for it as it is considered to be particularly characteristic of heathland, moorland, acid woodland and other base-poor places. (Falk,S.; 2015: Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland. Bloomsbury). Arachnidae: Spiders and Mites Lycosidae: Hunting Spiders Arctosa cinerea Nunwick, BM, July. Brian Morland found two specimens of this beautiful spider at Nunwick on the river gravels in which they construct silk-lined burrows under stones, where they may survive submergence for long periods of time.
Acknowledgments: With sincere apologies for any omissions, M. Archer (MA), A. Bennett (AB), W. Ely (WE), Dr. C. H. Fletcher (CHF), M. Hammond (MH), B. Morland (BM), C. Slator (CS). Photographs: A. Bennett (Pemphigus spirothecae). All others Brian Morland.
ERRATUM: Martin Hammond has pointed out that the diving beetle recorded in the 2014 report as Colymbetes fuscus is actually the similar but much smaller Rhantus suturalis. Unfortunately this isn’t too obvious from a photo but mea culpa nonetheless!
36 A Checklist of the Beetles of High Batts Nature Reserve & its environs Jim Jobe FRES
It is hoped that this checklist will be of use to present and future recorders of the Coleoptera of the High Batts study area which stretches along the banks of the River Ure between West Tanfield and Ripon in North Yorkshire and that it will encourage more records to be submitted in future. The majority of species recorded here have been from the High Batts Nature Reserve itself (species not yet recorded from the Reserve proper are shown thus: *) and were made between 1990 and the present day mostly by members of High Batts Nature Reserve and also by members of Harrogate and District Naturalists’ Society and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. Details of individual records and recorders may be found in back copies of the High Batts Annual Report for this period. Part 3: Helophoridae, Hydrophilidae and Histeridae:
The species of these three families share one characteristic: an affinity for wet and damp habitats, and they range from the truly aquatic (including Britain’s largest water beetle, Hydrophilus piceus, the Great Silver Water Beetle) to those of the water’s edge. Many are inhabitants of dung and decomposing vegetation and are common in compost heaps. Some species have even joined the relatively small band of seashore beetles and are often abundant in piles of rotting seaweed where they prey on other small invertebrates. Note: Photographs overleaf are not to scale
Helophoridae:
Helophorus aequalis Cercyon analis* Helophorus grandis Cercyon atomarius Helophorus griseus Cercyon haemorrhoidalis
Helophorus minutus Cercyon melanocephalus Helophorus obscurus Cercyon tristis
Coelostoma orbiculare Megasternum obscurum Sphaeridium scarabaeoides Cryptopleurum minutum
37 Hydrophilidae:
Hydrobius fuscipes Enochurus coarctatus Anacaena globulus* Enochurus melanocephalus Anacaena limbata Enochurus ochropterus
Laccobius bipunctatus Enochurus testaceus Helochares punctatus Cymbiodyta marginella
Histeridae:
Hister impressus Hister striola
Total: 26 Species in Part 3.
Helophorus aequalis Helophorus grandis
38 Sphaeridium scarabaeoides Cercyon melancephalus
Anacaena limbata Hister impressus
39 Lampreys, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles & Crustacea Barry Slaymaker Class: Pisces Salmon Salmo salar Two observed in the river from the Riverside Hide on 18th May, and a single animal, more than 2 feet long, at the same location, leapt out of the water on 4th July. Chub Leuciscus cephalus A number of unidentified small fish, but including Chub, were seen in the river in front of the Riverside Hide on 4th July. Three-spined Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus On 9th April a number of small specimens were noted in the North Pond. Class: Amphibia
The nomenclature and species order follows Arnold, E.N. and Burton, J.A., 1978 A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus A single on 3rd September in the Barn car park was noted as a ‘superb specimen’. Smooth Newt Triturus vulgaris Recorded on two dates in May and June. A single caught in the North Pond during the Open Day on 17th May. Six second-years under a log in Barn car park on 21st June. Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus A single caught in the North Pond on Open day, 17th May, the first record in six years. Common Toad Bufo bufo Noted each month from June to September, the Barn area yielding a single young specimen on 21st June and three youngsters on 3rd September. Four adults emerged during the clearing of the Stream on 20th August, and large numbers of toadlets were seen in the Reserve on four days in July. Common Frog Rana temporaria Frog spawn recorded in the Stream near the ford on 19th March with single animals noted in the Reserve in April and August. A second-year animal was found at Bellflask on the members’ evening on 13th May. Large numbers of froglets crossing the Ride from the quarry near the tower on 4th July.
40 Birds Patricia Rumbold & Colin Slator
No records of Little Owl or Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were received in 2015. Nomenclature and order follows the BOU British List downloaded 24 February 2015.
Mute Swan Cygnus olor Up to four birds were noted regularly throughout the year with the majority of records received from the Lightwater Valley entrance pond; breeding was attempted, but the three eggs were deserted. On 17th March six were in the Recording Area, and on 23rd December four were at the Lightwater Valley entrance pond. Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus On 17th January five were on Pennycroft just 50 yards from the Reserve boundary fence and two were still on Pennycroft on 22nd of the month. From February until September the only record was of an individual on the Hide Pond on 23rd April and in the last three months of the year the only record was of 11 at Bellflask on 1st November. Greylag Goose Anser anser As last year, many double figure counts were recorded throughout the Recording Area and larger groups were also noted in the first half of the year when up to 140 were seen flying west to east over the Reserve on 1st January and at least 153 were at Bellflask on 3rd February. Evidence of breeding was noted on 25th April when two adults and eight goslings were at the Reserve and on 8th July when three well-grown young were on the river. Several post-breeding groups were seen from September onwards. About 200 were over the Pennycroft and Bellflask area on 17th September and up to 1000 flew over the Reserve and into Bellflask on 1st October. In November c.200 again flew over the Reserve and into Bellflask on 11th and on 12th 350 were on Pennycroft with 16 on Ripon Parks on the same day. Canada Goose Branta canadensis Up to fifteen birds were noted in the Recording Area throughout the year. Breeding was noted on 2nd April when two were present on a nest on Blackheath Pond and on 16th May when a pair with goslings were at the Lightwater Valley entrance pond. Later in the year 25 gathered on a stubble field adjacent to Bluecap Wood on 11th August and on 17th September c.40 were present in the Pennycroft/Bellflask area. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Two, which flew over the Reserve on 13th January were the first of the year and two
41 were on Bellflask on 3rd February. March records indicated that four were present on a wet field at Middle Parks on 26th and three flew over the Hide Pond on 28th. Two were still on the wet field at Middle Parks on 2nd April and two (possibly the same birds) were at Bellflask on 28th of the month. On 4th May two pairs were at Bellflask and an individual at Little Studley Meadow on 17th June could have indicated a breeding attempt there also. After this no further records were received in the year. Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata A male in full breeding plumage was observed and photographed on the river on 16th March and on 10th December one was noted on the river during a WeBS count. Wigeon Anas penelope On 27th January at least ten were present at YWT Ripon Loop. Gadwall Anas strepera A total of 21 birds were present at Bellflask on 6th December. Teal Anas crecca Although no records were received in June, July and August, all other months indicated larger numbers present than last year. 16 were at Little Studley Meadow on 20th January and a total of 17 were at the same site and Nunwick Flats on 27th January. On 3rd February 183 were counted at Bellflask. In March, pairs were noted on six dates with a maximum of three pairs on the river and one pair on the Hide Pond on 24th. Several double-figure counts were received for the last quarter of the year including 76 at Little Studley Meadows on 24th September and 27 in total at the same location, the Hide Pond and on the river on 27th November. On 11th December two were recovered having been shot by the local shoot west of the Reserve and a total of 20 birds were present at Little Studley Meadows, the Reserve and Lightwater Valley entrance pond on 23rd December. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Noted in all months of the year, usually in single and low double figures, though with up to 40 noted during a Members’ riverside walk on 13th May. Five ducklings were seen on the Hide Pond on 18th June and many pairs with young were on pools in the Recording Area on the following day. Single and low double figures continued during the last quarter of the year. On 11th December eight were noted as shot by the shoot west of the Reserve. End of year highlights included c.200 on floodwater ponds at YWT Ripon Loop on 12th November and at least 100 were in the Recording Area on 10th December. Garganey Anas querquedula Not since 1991 when one was flushed from the Hide Stream Pond has this species been recorded at High Batts. However, this year saw three records for the species with a pair noted on the Hide Pond on 3rd March and a pair, presumably the same
42 birds, seen again in front of the River Hide on 2nd April and feeding in surface scum around a fallen willow all day on 5th April. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Once again, the majority of records for this species were received from Bellflask and although most records were of low single figures, up to 40 were noted there on 3rd February. In July a female and seven, small ducklings were in the Reserve on 2nd and one adult and five, large, downy ducklings were on the silt lagoon on 18th (possibly the same group). No further records occurred until 10th December when six were near Holy Ghost Wood. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula On 1st January one was seen from the River Hide with up to two seen in the same area in the rest of the month. In February, six were at Bellflask on 3rd and birds occurred in ones and twos on the river and at Bellflask during the month with four flying over Bellflask on 24th. A male was noted at Bellflask on 24th and 26th March and two birds were there on 2nd April. There were then no further records until November, when a pair was at North Bridge on 9th and three were on the river at the Reserve on 24th. An individual at the Reserve on 9th December was the last of the year. Goosander Mergus merganser In the first quarter of the year up to nine, six males and three females, were on the river on several dates with numbers declining to single birds only during April, May and June. On 1st July a female and four young were on the river and from then until the year end between five and seven were in the area with seven on the river on 19th November. On 10th December a total of 29 were noted with 20 at Blackheath Pond, two at Ripon Parks and seven on the river at the north end of the Reserve. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa The majority of records received during the year were of between one and six birds with two being the norm. Exceptions were 11 at North Parks Farm on 27th January, c.20 beside the quarry track on 1st October, presumably recently released, 17 in the area of the Reserve on 2nd November and 11 on the quarry track on 31st December. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Sadly, only one record of this declining species was noted when two were seen on Pennycroft on 16th May during a members’ walk. Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Present in all months of the year throughout the Recording Area with up to 30 noted during the first half of the year including a white bird seen on three occasions. From September hundreds of released birds were in the Recording Area and up to 40 were still in the area at the year end.
43 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Records were received for all months of the year with the exception of May. The majority of records indicated that between one and three were present in the Recording Area, although four were present in the Recording Area on 12th November and 15 were at YWT Ripon Loop on 15th December resting on a shingle bed. Little Egret Egretta garzetta A single bird was noted on three dates in January, possibly all the same bird, with one over the Reserve at mid-day on 15th, one over again at mid-day on 22nd and one in the Reserve on the following day. On 9th September one was noted at Middle Parks and the last record of the year was of one which flew up-river past the River Hide on 1st October. Great White Egret Casmerodius albus On 5th December one flew over Bellflask . Reported by Brian Morland to Colin Slator. No formal description of this individual has been provided. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea In the first half of the year between one and four were present in the Recording Area including one full adult bird which was seen on four occasions during January stalking prey very close to the roadside at North Stainley and totally unperturbed by passing vehicles. On 1st July a juvenile was in the Reserve and thereafter up to three birds were seen regularly in the Recording Area. In December two records of 17 were noted with 11 at Bellflask, three at Nunwick and four at Pennycroft – all adults – on 6th, and 14 at Holy Ghost Wood, two north of the Reserve and one at Blackheath Ponds on 17th. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis A single bird was seen on the river at the Reserve on 1st January then up to three were noted on ten days of the month, both from the river and the Lightwater Valley entrance pond. One was calling on the river on 19th January. In February singles and twos were seen on several days, with no records subsequently until November when two were on Lightwater Valley entrance pond on 19th. On 6th December three were at the Hide Pond fishing for sticklebacks and the same number of birds were at Lightwater Valley entrance pond on 15th and 23rd. On 29th December one was in the Reserve fishing on the stream, where it caught, stunned and washed several small fish before eating them. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Very few records were received for this species and all were from Bellflask. In the first quarter of the year there were only two records, of individuals at Bellflask on 12th February and 24th March. No records were received for April, but on 13th May two in breeding plumage were present there. On 9th June an individual at Bellflask was the last of the year.
44 Red Kite Milvus milvus One flew over the Reserve on 16th October. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus On 23rd April an individual showing a cream crown flew over the Reserve. This constitutes only the fourth record for the Reserve, the previous records being of single birds flying over in 1986, 1996 and 1997. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Up to three individuals were usually present around the Reserve during the first quarter of the year, drawn to the small birds at the feeders. One was seen on 20th January with its Blackbird prey. On 2nd March two males and three females were present at the Reserve but second quarter records then indicated only singles in the area. No records were received for June and from then until the year end between one and two birds were noted in the Recording Area, with two flying together over Little Studley Meadows on 24th September. In the last quarter of the year the feeders continued to attract up to two birds with a male and a female identified at the feeders on 2nd and 14th November and two successful kills recorded on 8th and 19th November. Buzzard Buteo buteo Since 26th October 1986 when the first record for the Reserve was noted by several excited observers this species has continued to expand its range and is now seen regularly in the Recording Area during every month. On 27th January two were at YWT Ripon Loop, two were over Pennycroft and singles were at three other sites. Highlights during the year included six at YWT Ripon Loop on 15th March and up to ten, including soaring groups of five and three over the Reserve on 24th March. A very dark chocolate-coloured individual was noted over the Reserve on 26th March. Unfortunately, a single, long-dead bird was in Hall’s Clearing on 16th April. Four, very vocal birds were over the Reserve on 23rd June and in July and an adult was inadvertently flushed from a nest in the quarry plant area on 18th. On 30th September seven were soaring over the Reserve and from then until the year end, up to four were regularly in the Recording Area. Osprey Pandion haliaetus On 21st May a ringed individual flew along the river at the edge of the Reserve perching occasionally. The bird was seen by several observers, one of whom managed to take a photograph of the perched bird. The bird was ringed as a pullus by Roy Dennis from a nest in Aberdeenshire in 2013. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Records were received in first and second winter periods. On 29th January two were heard calling from the Bellflask reed-beds during the observation of a starling roost and in November an individual was seen from the Pond Hide on 13th, 18th and 24th.
45 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus As in previous years this species continues to be seen regularly and in large numbers in the Recording Area with up to 15 noted on most occasions. Exceptional numbers included 14 at Little Studley Meadows and six at the Reserve on 27th January and a similar number from these two sites again on 3rd September. On 12th September there were 20 at Little Studley Meadows, ten at the Reserve and two on the roadside at North Lees. In November 18 were in the Reserve and 12 at Little Studley Meadows on 3rd, and 18 were around the stream and Hide Pond area on 29th December. Proof of breeding was received from May to August from the Hide Pond and Little Studley Meadows. Coot Fulica atra Between one and three birds were present in the Recording Area during the first two months of the year both in the Reserve and at Little Studley Meadows. At least 30 were at Bellflask on 3rd February. LA pair hatched four young and fledged three at the Lightwater Valley entrance pond in May. At Little Studley Meadows three adults and one juvenile were noted on 2nd July. In October four were at the Lightwater Valley entrance pond on 3rd with two at Little Studley Meadows on the same day. Two were at Lightwater Valley again on the 18th and two were at Blackheath Ponds on 19th. Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta During a pre-arranged High Batts members’ walk around Bellflask Quarry on 13th May two were present on a silt bed there. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Seen in small number throughout the Recording Area during each month from January to August with usually one to three seen. Five were over the river at the Reserve on 24th March and four were at Bellflask on 13th May. On July 2nd an adult was reported nest-building at the Reserve, though this seems rather late in the season. No records were received in the last four months of the year. Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria On 30th September one was in the Reserve and on 8th October up to 500 were on Pennycroft after heavy rain had fallen on the previous day. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Noted in all months in the Recording Area but in much larger numbers this year than in the previous five years. During January up to 50 were in the Recording Area on four dates and c.100 flew over the Reserve on 22nd, possibly the same individuals which were at Nunwick Flats, in two groups, on 27th of the month. From then until the end of June only between one and six were seen regularly in the Recording Area with display flight noted over Ripon Parks on 26th March. Post-breeding aggregations were noted from 30th July, when c.100 were on a stubble field west of
46 the Reserve. Later highlights at Pennycroft included c.500 on 17th September, c.300 on 24th September and at least 400 on 1st October. There was a flock of c.150 over North Lees on 15th December. Curlew Numenius arquata As with Lapwing, Curlew numbers in the Recording Area also showed an increase when compared with those in the last five years, with both first & second winter periods recording large gatherings. In January 60 flew over the Reserve on 17th and on 27th at least 220 were on Pennycroft. During February at least 130 were again on Pennycroft on 16th & 18th. Between March and September numbers reduced to ones & twos, with records received from Bellflask, YWT Ripon Loop, Nunwick & over the Reserve although no records were received for July. On 13th August 15 were again on Pennycroft and on 24th September 85 were at the same location. Low double figures continued on Pennycroft during October and year end highlights included c.130 on Pennycroft on 10th November, and a similar number at Pennycroft, YWT Ripon Loop and Canada Bottom combined on 30th November. A similar number was again noted on 15th December when birds were tightly-packed on gravel beds on the Ure and at least 200 were in the fields around the Reserve area on 19th December. Ruff Philomachus pugnax On 17th September four were observed by CS et al. The four were first seen flying around Pennycroft with a large flock of Lapwings. The Ruff then parted company from the Lapwings and alighted in Pennycroft between the game belt and the Reserve, eventually making their way while feeding quickly, towards the track approximately 100m from the southern end of the Reserve. This is only the third record of this species for the Reserve. On 22nd September 1991 three flew south-east over the Reserve and in 1994 a single flew west over the Reserve on 9th January. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos On 21st March a single bird was seen at the Hide Pond. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Two which flew towards the Reserve from Pennycroft and then turned towards Ripon Parks on 17th January were the first of the year and the only ones seen until June, when a single was in the Reserve on 26th. One was calling at Bellflask on 30th July and three noted by the East Dales Ringing Group at Middle Parks on 11th September were the last of the year. Redshank Tringa totanus Only two records were received, of one at Bellflask on 3rd February and one which flew over the Reserve on 13th August. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Approximately fifteen birds flushed from woodland in the Sloe Wood/Badger Bank
47 area on 10th January and one north of the Reserve on 10th December were the only records received for this species. Snipe Gallinago gallinago The first of the year was one on a rape field near the mushroom farm at Hutton Conyers on 10th January and from then until the end of the year there were only two further sightings, of one in the Reserve just south of Hall Clearing on 17th March and two at Little Studley Meadows on 24th September. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Noted in all months of the year in the Recording Area with up to 50 present, the usual sites for these being Ripon Parks, YWT Ripon Loop, Nunwick Flats, Bellflask & Pennycroft. Larger numbers included at least 80 on Nunwick Flats on 27th January, c.100 at Ripon Parks on 26th March and c.80 at YWT Ripon Loop on 15th December. Common Gull Larus canus Only two records of this species were received from the Recording Area in the first half of the year, with one at Nunwick Flats on 27th January and one in the Recording Area on 17th February. In September one flew over the Reserve on 30th, and four later records noted c.500 in the Recording Area as a whole on 12th November with “some” birds near the Reserve on 14th and 18th of the month and two, the last of the year, were at YWT Ripon Loop on 15th December. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus In the first half of the year there was only one record, of two which flew over the High Batts car park on 1st January. In the second half of the year one flew north over the Reserve on 18th July, eight were on Pennycroft on 20th August, three flew over the Reserve on 1st October and one was seen flying southwest over the Reserve on 10th November. No records were received for December. Herring Gull Larus argentus Only four records, of single birds in the Recording Area, were received between January and the end of October. However, in November sightings and numbers increased, with four flying over the Reserve on 10th and at least 30, in singles and small groups, also flying over the Reserve on 11th. Ten were at the southern end of the Recording Area on the following day and later in the month c.80 flew south over the Reserve on 18th with eight over again on 19th. In December c.30 flew south over the Reserve on 1st and c.45 were noted flying southwest over YWT Ripon Loop on 15th. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus No birds were noted in the first seven months of the year and of the nine records received subsequently only singles and twos were recorded, with the exception of five which flew over the Reserve and Pennycroft on 11th November, 19 which were at
48 YWT Ripon Loop on 10th December & 14 juveniles which were over Blackheath Ponds on the same day. Two over Pennycroft on 31st December were the last of the year. Stock Dove Columba oenas Seen regularly throughout the Recording Area, although in very small numbers, four being the largest number seen together in the first half of the year at Ripon Parks on 26th March. Subsequently one or two records per month, of singles and twos, were received, the exception being on 27th September, when c.20 were seen on the top island of the river north of the Reserve. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Flocks of between 100 and 300 were seen on nine occasions during January, February, November and December with double-figure flocks of C.50 being the norm for the other months of the year. Exceptions included c.500 in the Sloe Wood/ Badger Bank area on 10th January and a similar number feeding on a rape crop west of the Reserve on 6th December. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Recorded in all months of the year in the Recording Area but with the majority of records indicating no more than five present at any location. Only in December did figures indicate any larger numbers, with six at the Reserve on 5th and 11th and nine here on 9th. Barn Owl Tyto alba On 14th December one was at Hutton Conyers. Tawny Owl Strix aluco The resident pair in the Reserve once again provided many sightings, in or near the Hide Pond nest box, throughout the year. During the first three months of the year one was in the Reserve on most days, then two birds were at the box on the 26th, 27th and 28th March. A roosting bird was in the usual conifer tree on 2nd April and in May one was at the box on 18th and 28th. On 2nd June an owlet was in the box opening being fed by an adult. Later in the month calling was heard in the Reserve on 17th with one calling at Spring Bank on the same day. In July an adult and one juvenile were in the Reserve on 7th and subsequently single birds were heard or seen in the Reserve with one being mobbed by small birds on 8th October. One was back at the nest box on 12th and 19th October and on ten dates in November, with a bird seen in the box on twelve dates in December and right up to the year end. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus On 9th September one was flushed from the ground at Middle Parks. Swift Apus apus During May two were flying in front of the Pond Hide on 14th and on 16th five were noted in the Recording Area with two west of the Reserve, two at North Bridge and
49 one at YWT Ripon Loop. In June birds were noted on two dates, with two at North Parks Farm on 18th and six along the river in the Recording Area on 19th. Two were again seen on 1st July over the Reserve, on 9th July over Pennycroft and on 18th July over Bellflask. Compare this with July passage movement in the past when 250 passed over the Reserve on 28th July 1984 and c.400 were noted over the Reserve on 19th July 1993. No birds were noted in August and on 17th September a single bird which flew down the river past the Hotel was the last of the year. Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Present at Hide Pond or on the river in all months of the year with one to three birds noted. Birds were viewed fishing from both the river hide and the Pond Hide with fishing success noted on 24th September. No evidence of breeding was received. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Now well established as a regular visitor to the Reserve with birds noted in all months of the year, usually favouring the open areas of Hall Clearing or the North Clearing. “Yaffling” was noted in the Reserve on 30th April and two were calling, one on each side of the river, on 6th May. Although no actual proof of breeding was received four, possibly a family party, were being very vocal on the path leading to the viewing platform on 23rd June. Two were calling at Bellflask on 8th July and calling was also heard at the north end of the Reserve on four other dates in the second half of the year, as well as at Middle Parks where two were present on 9th September. Calling was also heard at Norton Mills on 9th November. Single birds were present in the Reserve on 1st and 15th December. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major Drumming was heard on 1st January and by 13th of the month it is estimated that up to eight were present in the Reserve including five males. On 18th January three were caught by members of East Dales Ringing Group including one bird which was originally ringed in 2008. Six were squabbling at the feeders on 17th March and up to
Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, John Drewett
50 four were still drumming on 9th June. Juveniles were recorded on 28th May, when one was being fed at a nest in the North Clearing, and on 18th June and 11th August when a juvenile was at the Hide Pond feeders. Up to eight birds were in the Reserve during November and December with calling heard on 3rd November. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Noted in each month of the year, though possibly under-recorded as records indicate the species present in low single figures in the Reserve and throughout the Recording Area and usually with no more than three records in each month. On 27th January a total of ten were in the Recording Area with eight still present on the following day. On 18th July three were flying around the nest site in the North Clearing and from then until the year end one to three were in the Recording Area.
Hobby Falco subbuteo On the evening of 1st September one was at a Swallow roost at North Parks. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Two records were received, both in the second winter period, of one hunting Lapwings over Bellflask on 1st October and a sub-adult harassing corvids and gulls and resting on washed-up driftwood on the riverside on 15th December. Magpie Pica pica Eight were west of the Reserve on 12th September, 20 were in the Recording Area on 19th November and ten on the last day of the year. Jackdaw Corvus monedula 150 were on North Parks Farm permanent grassland on 27th January. During November 300 were in tree tops at the north end of the Reserve on 1st and 500 on Ripon Parks on 10th. Rook Corvus frugilegus In the Reserve 60 were at the rookery on 17th March and 80 at the small bird feeders on 18th June. Afterwards common on Ripon Parks grassland to the year end with up to 2000 on 10th November. Carrion Crow Corvus corone Ten were on YWT Ripon Loop 20th January and also in the Reserve on 24th February and 3rd November. 12 just west of Reserve on 12th September. A minimum of 22 were in the Recording Area on 10th December. Goldcrest Regulus regulus One was singing in the conifers in Pennycroft on 2nd July, three were watched in the Reserve on 9th September and one on 19th October.
51 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus A common and widespread species in the Recording Area. All the following records come from the feed station area of the reserve; up to 60 in January with a maximum on the 19th,, thereafter 50 on 24th February and throughout March, then monthly maxima of 30 on 28th April, 20 on 6th June, 20 on 29th August, 30 on 22nd September and 30 on several dates in November, finally declining to 20 throughout December. Great Tit Parus major A widespread bird throughout the Recording Area. All of the following records are monthly maxima from the Reserve; 30 on 27th January, 40 on 24th February and 17th March, 30 on 28th April, 20 on 6th May, 30 on 22nd September and 3rd November. 15 at the feeders throughout December. Coal Tit Periparus ater Not as widespread as the previous two species from within the Recording Area. All the following records are from the Reserve; six on 27th January, five on 24th February, 20 ( a maximum) on 17th March, ten on 28th April and seven on 6th August. Willow Tit Poecile montana One singing from the river bank opposite the Reserve on the 25th April and one at the Reserve feeders on 23rd December. These were the only two records, but a better situation than in recent years for what was once a resident breeding species. Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Ten were in the Reserve on 27th January and five on many dates in February. Ten were again present in the Reserve on 24th March, 28th April, 22nd September and 23rd December. Skylark Alauda arvensis One was singing in Bellflask on 17th March and two likewise in the Recording Area on 16th May. A single bird was in Pennycroft on 2nd July and five flew over the Reserve on 8th October. Those strong westerly movements of this species from autumns past are but a distant memory! Sand Martin Riparia riparia The first two of spring were on YWT Ripon Loop on 15th March; 20 were in Bellflask on 28th April. Four over the Reserve on 2nd July, but no indication of an autumn migration. Swallow Hirundo rustica The first of the year were three birds over the Reserve on 16th April building up to 30 plus throughout the Recording Area on 16th May. During late summer/autumn 30 were around North Parks Farm on several dates in August and one was at Middle Parks Farm on 1st September. The last six were over the Reserve on 24th September.
52 House Martin Delichon urbicum Six were over Bridge View, Ripon on 16th May. Eight were on overhead wires at Middle Parks Farm on 31st August and two over the Reserve on 17th September. A very late bird was over the Reserve on 9th and 10th November. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus A declining but still widespread species throughout the Recording Area with the following records from the Reserve: 15 on 10th January, 10 on 9th and 20th January, throughout February and on 17th March. During the second half of the year 15 on 11th August and 9th September, 12 on 12th November and on several dates in December. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita On the Reserve up to three throughout March increasing to ten by 28th April. Three still in the Reserve on 27th July. Six by late September at the Reserve and at Middle Parks Farm. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Up to eight were singing in the Reserve on 6th May, but none on a Recording Area walk along the river from Ripon to the Reserve ten days later. Eight were still in the Reserve on 9th June and 29th August and three on 3rd September. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla One was in the Reserve on 3rd February, possibly an over-wintering bird. Six on 28th April and six singing on 6th May, with a further ten within the Recording Area on 16th. Back in the Reserve eight were still singing on 9th June and seven on 1st July. During the autumn/early winter period three were in the Reserve on 29th August, five on 12th September and singletons on 4th, 9th and 14th November. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin One in the Reserve on 25th and 30th April and four in the Recording Area on 16th May. Two in the Reserve on 18th June and singles on 1st July, 29th August, 2nd September and 9th September. Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria A juvenile was caught and ringed by Peter Bowman (East Dales Ringing Group) around The Dubb SSSI (Middle Parks Farm) on 11th September. The bird was photographed and examined in the hand. This is the first record for the Recording Area and only the second ever for the HDNS recording area. This first was also caught and ringed, by the late Ralph Chislett in his garden at Masham on 4th September 1956. Whitethroat Sylvia communis One on YWT Ripon Loop on the 16th May. Three singing in the Reserve on 9th June increasing to five on 1st July. One in the Reserve on 9th September was the last.
53 Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Two in the Pennycroft game crop ( mainly rough grass) on 2nd July. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus A single bird singing from the Reserve Dragonfly Ponds on 2nd July and present in the same habitat on 12th August. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Two on overhead wires at North Parks Farm on 1st December. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Five were in the Recording Area on 20th January. Within the Reserve up to six were singing on 17th and 27th March, six were present on 25th April, four on 12th September and five on 24th November. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Six in the Reserve on 17th and 24th March. 20 in the Recording Area on 16th May. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Up to 1000 were just west of the Reserve on 27th January. 40 over the Reserve on 24th March. 30 were in the Bellflask reedbed roost on 30th September, but no large roosts built up due to quarry working activity. Dipper Cinclus cinclus All records are of birds flying along the river, viewed from the Reserve; one on 16th February, two on 25th April, then singles on 24th and 27th September, 1st October and 9th and 18th November. Suspected of breeding from within the Recording Area on the riverside at Sleningford only. Blackbird Turdus merula 30 in the Sloe Wood / Bellflask area on 10th January and throughout the Recording Area on the 27th. 80 on North Parks Farm on 12th February and up to 15 during March. In the Reserve 20 were present on 6th May and 10 on 26th June, 1st July and 22nd September. 50 were in the Recording Area on 1st November, 22 were in shelter belts west of Reserve on 6th December and 57 throughout the Recording Area on 10th December. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 35 flew over the Reserve on 5th April. Present in the Reserve on 16th and 19th October. Five flying over on 22nd. A flock of 100 were on Ripon Parks on5th November. During December 12 were in the Reserve on 8th and 18 at Sleningford on 17th. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos A disappointing year with four in the Reserve on 28th April and 12 on 1st December.
54 Redwing Turdus iliacus Apart from 200 on Ripon Parks on 5th January all other records were from the Reserve. 50 on 14th March, which was the only sizeable early winter period flock. The first autumn birds to return were six on 1st October, increasing to 30 by 22nd. Up to 100 on several dates in early November and 30 on 31st December. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Six on Middle Parks Farm on 27th September and 15 in the Reserve on 13th October.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata One was present on the Reserve on 12th August and four on 29th ( 2 adults and 2 juveniles). Noted as present on 2nd September. Robin Erithacus rubecula Ten were in the Reserve on 20th January and six on 24th February. Dunnock Prunella modularis Eight in the Reserve on 17th March. House Sparrow Passer domesticus 30 in the Bridge View/ Little Studley Meadows area on 27th January and six at North Parks Farm on 2nd April. 20 on 13th August. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus All records refer to sightings from the Reserve with monthly maxima as follows:– 30 20th January, 20 on 24th and 25th February , 40 on 17th March, 20 on 28th April, 30 on 6th June, 20 (including many juveniles) on 1st July, 20 on 22nd September, 30 on 24th November and 20 on several dates during December. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava One at South Parks Farm on 28th August was the only record. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Up to 60 were in the Recording Area on 18th January. 40 in the Reserve on 24th February and 24th March and 20 on 28th April. During the latter part of the year 30 were present on 22nd September and 40 on 24th November. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla One or two birds at the Reserve feeders on several dates during mid-November. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Five in Canada Bottom (Ripon Parks) on 27th January. In the Reserve six were present on 3rd February, 18th June & 1st July, three on 4th August and twelve on 12th September. Nine in the Recording Area on 12th November & 16 on 10th December.
55 Greenfinch Chloris chloris Eight were in the Reserve on 15th February. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Counts from an established game crop at Green Lane Bottom (Middle Parks Farm) were as follows:- 50 on 29th January, 100 on 20th September, 30 on 12th November and 35 on 10th December. Two flew over the Reserve on 9th September. Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret An excellent year for this species. At the Reserve feeders 12 were present on 1st January, with singles on 3rd March and 17th September. By late September a few were reported from Middle Parks Farm although it was reported verbally that over 300 were caught and ringed. Twelve were at the Reserve feeders on 4th November and up to six throughout December. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis From the Reserve records were as follows:– a January maximum of 25 on 9th, 20 on the 24th February and 10 on several dates during March and on 28th April. In autumn, 15 were present on 12th September and 30 on 24th November. Siskin Carduelis spinus Within the Reserve 20 were present on 23rd January. By 24th September four had returned, where the species was then recorded on many dates during November and into December with a maximum of 100 on 5th November. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Lower numbers than in previous years . Thirty in the Reserve on 27th January was an early winter period maximum – thereafter ten were recorded on many dates to the end of March. The only large gathering for the latter part of the year was of 30 on Middle Parks Farm on 10th December.
Escaped and Feral Birds. Helmeted Guinea-fowl Numida meleagris During the first quarter up to three birds were regularly seen from the game belts / fields to the west of the Reserve but never (yet) observed within the Reserve. Towards the end of the year at first two, then only one were seen in the same area with any regularity. It is commonly believed that these birds are released by the shoot when the young pheasant poults are turned out. Guineafowl make so much noise when a predator approaches this is said to warn the pheasants.
56 LIST OF SPECIES REQUIRING DESCRIPTIONS
The HDNS Records Committee stresses that records of species in the list below will only be considered for publication if accompanied by a full written description or a recognisable photograph. This requirement ensures complete accuracy and the procedure is also strictly adhered to by the Rarities Committee of British Birds and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. Claims should be submitted as soon as possible after the event so that the necessary adjudication procedures can be finalized in time for the decision to be made, qualifying the record for publication in the Annual Bird Report. The list of rare birds for which the Society requires full field notes before acceptance for publication, in addition to all those species for which BBRC requires descriptions i.e. National rarities, is set out below. Full details of those marked with an asterisk (*) are also required by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. Full lists of those species requiring descriptions by YNU and BBRC can be found in their publications or websites.
Bean Goose* Temminck’s Stint Nightingale American Wigeon* Pectoral Sandpiper Bluethroat Ferruginous Duck* White-rumped Sandpiper* Black Redstart Black Grouse Buff-breasted Sandpiper* Aquatic Warbler* Red-throated Diver Red-necked Phalarope Marsh Warbler* Black-throated Diver Pomerine Skua Icterine Warbler Great Northern Diver Arctic Skua Barred Warbler Red-necked Grebe Long-tailed Skua Yellow-browed Warbler Slavonian Grebe Great Skua Pallas’s Warbler Black-necked Grebe Mediterranean Gull Firecrest Bittern Little Gull Red-breasted Flycatcher Black-crowned Night Heron* Caspian Gull* Bearded Tit Great White Egret* Ring-billed Gull* Golden Oriole Purple Heron* Glaucous Gull Red-backed Shrike Spoonbill White-winged Black Tern* Woodchat Shrike* Honey Buzzard* Roseate Tern Rose-coloured Starling Black Kite* Alpine Swift* Chough* White-tailed Eagle* Hoopoe Raven (low ground only) Montagu’s Harrier* Wood Lark Common (Mealy) Redpoll Goshawk Shore Lark Arctic Redpoll* Rough-legged Buzzard* Short-toed Lark* Common Rosefinch Golden Eagle* Red-rumped Swallow* Cirl Bunting* Red-footed Falcon* Richard’s Pipit Ortolan Bunting* Spotted Crake Tawny Pipit* Lapland Bunting Kentish Plover* Red-throated Pipit* Rustic Bunting American Golden Plover Water Pipit Little Bunting
57 Bird Ringing Report 2015
Information supplied by East Dales Ringing Group
Recapture Histories 2015
The table below details the recapture histories of ringed birds at High Batts Nature Reserve during 2015. All captures and recaptures were at the Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Ring No. Capture Age Capture Date Time since Code Code 1st capture Great Spotted Woodpecker CR20199 N 4M 30/11/08 R 6M Recaptured 18/01/15 6 yr. 49 d. LB91405 N 3M 16/11/14 R 5M Recaptured 18/01/15 63 d. Robin Z025104 N 3 16/11/14 R 4 Recaptured 08/02/15 84 d. Z026101 N 5 18/01/15 R 5 Recaptured 08/02/15 21 d. Blackbird L14275 N 5M 07/04/13 R 6M Recaptured 17/01/15 1 yr. 285 d. Whitethroat Z026025 N 5M 17/05/15 R 4M Recaptured 03/07/16 1 yr. 47 d. Long-tailed Tit DLB872 N 4 17/02/13 R 4 Recaptured 22/03/15 2 yr. 33 d. EKA802 N 2 10/11/13 R 4 Recaptured 08/02/15 1 yr. 90 d. EKA804 N 2 10/11/13 R 4 Recaptured 22/03/15 1 yr. 132 d. EKA805 N 2 10/11/13 R 4 Recaptured 22/03/15 1 yr. 132 d.
58 Marsh Tit L269002 N 3J 29/08/10 R 3 Recaptured 24/10/10 56 d. R 3 Recaptured 21/11/10 84 d. R 6 Recaptured 25/03/12 1 yr. 209 d. R 4 Recaptured 16/11/14 4 yr. 79 d. R 6M Recaptured 17/05/15 4 yr. 261 d. L680349 N 3 21/11/10 R 3 Recaptured 19/12/10 28 d. R 4 Recaptured 11/11/12 1 yr. 356 d. R 6 Recaptured 23/03/14 3 yr. 122 d. R 6 Recaptured 22/03/15 4 yr. 121 d. Coal Tit D270412 N 3 08/12/13 R 5M Recaptured 23/03/14 105 d. R 6 Recaptured 08/02/15 1 yr. 62 d. Blue Tit L680497 N 3 19/12/10 R 6 Recaptured 15/04/12 1 yr. 118 d. R 6 Recaptured 08/02/15 4 yr. 51 d. X847151 N 3 13/12/09 R 5 Recaptured 17/01/10 35 d. R 5 Recaptured 21/03/10 98 d. R 6 Recaptured 23/01/11 1 yr. 41 d. R 6M Recaptured 25/03/12 2 yr. 103 d. R 6M Recaptured 15/04/12 2 yr. 124 d. R 6 Recaptured 22/03/15 5 yr. 99 d. X847192 N 3 13/12/09 R 6 Recaptured 08/02/15 5 yr. 57 d. Great Tit L680123 N 4M 24/10/10 R 6M Recaptured 15/01/12 1 yr. 83 d. R 6M Recaptured 19/02/12 1 yr. 118 d. R 6M Recaptured 25/03/12 1 yr. 153 d. R 6M Recaptured 15/04/12 1 yr. 174 d. R 6M Recaptured 07/04/13 2 yr. 165 d. X 6 Dead 23/01/15 4 yr. 91 d.
59 Y685525 N 5M 15/04/12 R 6M Recaptured 08/02/15 2 yr. 299 d. Y686554 N 3F 11/11/12 R 5F Recaptured 07/04/13 147 d. R 6F Recaptured 08/02/15 2 yr. 89 d. R 6F Recaptured 03/04/16 3 yr. 144 d. Y686559 N 3F 11/11/12 R 4F Recaptured 08/12/13 1 yr. 27 d. R 6F Recaptured 22/03/15 2 yr. 131 d. Y686562 N 3M 11/11/12 R 4M Recaptured 10/11/13 364 d. R 6M Recaptured 22/03/15 2 yr. 131 d. Y686844 N 3M 02/12/12 R 5M Recaptured 17/02/13 77 d. R 5M Recaptured 07/04/13 126 d. R 6M Recaptured 02/03/14 1 yr. 90 d. R 4M Recaptured 16/11/14 1 yr. 349 d. R 6M Recaptured 08/02/15 2 yr. 68 d. R 6M Recaptured 22/03/15 2 yr. 110 d. Nuthatch TT97815 N 6M 22/03/15 R 6M Recaptured 03/04/16 1 yr. 12 d. Tree Sparrow Z025175 N 2 16/11/14 R 4 Recaptured 22/03/15 126 d. Chaffinch L680981 N 6F 20/03/11 R 6F Recaptured 22/03/15 4 yr. 2 d. Z0253891 N 3M 26/12/14 R 6M Recaptured 22/03/15 86 d. Yellowhammer TT97710 N 3M 16/11/14 R 5M Recaptured 08/02/15 84 d. Reed Bunting Y6860801 N 4M 15/10/12 R 5M Recaptured 22/03/15 2 yr. 158 d. Z0261022 N 6F 18/01/15 R 4F Recaptured 23/01/16 1 yr. 5 d. Notes: 1First ringed at Ripon Parks (MOD) 2Recaptured at Bellflask
60 Capture Codes Age Codes N Newly ringed bird 0 Age unknown R Recaptured by ringer 1 Pullus (nestling) C Controlled recapture 2 Fully grown, age unknown RR Ring read in field 3 Hatched this calendar year X Found dead 4 Hatched before this calendar year XF Found freshly dead or dying 5 Hatched last calendar year
Totals for birds ringed at HBNR 2015
Species Full Pulli Retraps / Total grown Recoveries Great Spotted Woodpecker 3 0 2 5 Wren 2 0 0 2 Dunnock 5 0 4 9 Robin 5 0 2 7 Blackbird 20 0 3 23 Song Thrush 1 0 0 1 Whitethroat 2 0 0 2 Blackcap 4 0 0 4 Chiffchaff 3 0 0 3 Willow Warbler 1 0 0 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 0 4 5 Marsh Tit 1 0 3 4 Coal Tit 0 0 8 8 Blue Tit 77 4 51 132 Great Tit 50 0 27 77 Nuthatch 3 0 0 3 Treecreeper 1 0 1 2 House Sparrow 6 0 0 6 Tree Sparrow 13 55 1 69 Chaffinch 22 0 4 26 Goldfinch 2 0 0 2 Bullfinch 1 0 0 1 Yellowhammer 6 0 1 7 Reed Bunting 4 0 1 5 233 59 112 404
61 Bellflask Lakes and Quarry Tony Crease
Early in 2007 Swaledale Ringing Group was given permission by Brian and Susan Morland to ring birds around the quarry site at Bellflask. At the time the area was not being worked, although the situation has changed since then, and currently the quarry is live and will remain so for another two years. The fact that the quarry is in operation curtails the ringing opportunities for safety reasons, and limited opportunities only are available at the moment pending the cessation of activity on the east bank of the Ure.
As a consequence ringing is confined to the reed bed in summer and some garden ringing in winter. The duck trap, which has been very productive at times, has largely been out of commission whilst the quarrying has taken place due to disturbance and inconsistent water levels.
Bellflask is a remarkable magnet for wildlife and in particular birds. If we had a free hand there we would ring thousands more of them, but we have to abide by the rules. Looking back over the numbers caught is rewarding, and we have processed 4007 birds of some 59 species. As well as those we ring there are many species that we don’t ring, and the area attracts several rarities to the varied habitat available.
Below is a summary of all birds we have handled at Bellflask and a list of those caught in 2015.
We are very grateful to Brian and Susan who allow us access, and Bob Orange the quarry manager who permits us to ring in the working quarry area.
Totals Summary Species Full Pulli Retraps / Total grown Recoveries Mute Swan 0 0 1 1 Canada Goose 4 0 0 4 Teal 19 0 4 23 Mallard 46 0 36 82 Tufted Duck 38 0 22 60 Sparrowhawk 1 0 0 1
62 Kestrel 1 0 0 1 Moorhen 38 0 83 121 Coot 25 0 4 29 Oystercatcher 0 1 0 1 Snipe 1 0 0 1 Curlew 2 0 0 2 Common Sandpiper 1 0 0 1 Woodpigeon 1 0 0 1 Collared Dove 1 0 0 1 Tawny Owl 1 0 0 1 Kingfisher 24 0 2 26 Green Woodpecker 4 0 0 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker 13 0 8 21 Sand Martin 120 0 9 129 Swallow 51 0 0 51 Pied/White Wagtail 2 0 0 2 Wren 26 0 2 28 Dunnock 71 0 18 89 Robin 153 0 55 208 Redstart 2 0 0 2 Blackbird 189 1 48 238 Song Thrush 9 0 0 9 Sedge Warbler 23 0 0 23 Reed Warbler 197 0 34 231 Lesser Whitethroat 4 0 0 4 Whitethroat 12 0 0 12 Garden Warbler 13 0 0 13 Blackcap 60 1 4 65 Chiffchaff 81 0 0 81
63 Willow Warbler 136 0 10 146 Goldcrest 9 0 0 9 Spotted Flycatcher 1 0 0 1 Long-tailed Tit 79 0 122 201 Marsh Tit 34 0 72 106 Willow Tit 1 0 0 1 Coal Tit 46 0 28 74 Blue Tit 375 0 307 682 Great Tit 209 0 205 414 Nuthatch 9 0 14 23 Treecreeper 4 0 0 4 Jay 2 0 1 3 Magpie 3 0 0 3 Rook 2 0 0 2 Tree Sparrow 1 0 0 1 Chaffinch 179 0 53 232 Brambling 72 0 2 74 Greenfinch 42 0 3 45 Goldfinch 9 0 0 9 Siskin 3 0 0 3 Lesser Redpoll 5 0 0 5 Bullfinch 43 0 2 45 Yellowhammer 68 0 6 74 Reed Bunting 197 0 87 284 Totals 2762 3 1242 4007
64 2015 Summary Species Full Pulli Retraps / Total grown Recoveries Teal 5 0 0 5 Moorhen 7 0 20 27 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 0 1 3 Sand Martin 115 0 9 124 Swallow 1 0 0 1 Wren 2 0 0 2 Dunnock 7 0 2 9 Robin 14 0 7 21 Blackbird 30 0 6 36 Song Thrush 1 0 0 1 Sedge Warbler 1 0 0 1 Reed Warbler 27 0 2 29 Garden Warbler 1 0 0 1 Blackcap 2 0 0 2 Chiffchaff 20 0 0 20 Willow Warbler 7 0 0 7 Goldcrest 1 0 0 1 Long-tailed Tit 15 0 8 23 Marsh Tit 3 0 8 11 Coal Tit 8 0 2 10 Blue Tit 39 0 31 70 Great Tit 35 0 19 54 Nuthatch 2 0 2 4 Treecreeper 1 0 0 1 Chaffinch 12 0 3 15 Siskin 1 0 0 1 Lesser Redpoll 3 0 0 3 Reed Bunting 25 0 5 30 Totals 387 0 125 512
65 Mammals Colin Slator
Nomenclature and order follows Harris S. & Yalden D.W. 2008. Mammals of the British Isles: Handbook, 4th Edition Rodentia: Rodents Grey Squirrel Sciurius carolinensis This introduced North American species (note the scientific name) was recorded throughout the Recording Area and during most months. Singles were the norm but 5 in the Reserve, on 3rd February was the maximum. This opportunistic mammal is soon drawn to bird food put out in gardens, pheasant feeders and of course, at the Reserve feed stations. First introduced into Yorkshire in 1906 (near Malton) then a second batch were turned out near Bedale in 1913, the species is now widespread and probably regarded, in most people eyes, as a pest! Bank Vole Myodes glareolus Apart from the Reserve open day on 17th May and one other record only eight records of this animal were noted, and all from the Reserve within the first quarter. One animal was observed feeding on apples during January, put out for birds in front of the Pond Hide. However, on the Open Day in what was regarded as a poor year for small mammals, only 4 were live trapped. Bank Voles show a definite preference for ground with good cover so consequently they have a restricted range within the Reserve. The last record and the only one outside the above period concerned an animal being fed to a juvenile Kestrel, in the north end of the Reserve on 10th July. Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Only one record, which is far fewer than last year (again probably reflecting a poor breeding season for small mammals). The one record was of 5 animals caught during Open Day demonstrations, in live catch Longworth small mammal traps. Although as its name suggests, it is found in woodland it can in fact be found in a wide range of habitats; but over the years, it is probably the most numerous small mammal live trapped within the wooded areas of the Reserve. Common Rat Rattus norvegicus Another introduced species to Europe and Britain, said to have arrived in this country during the early 1700s. Although it has a scientific name suggesting that it originated from Norway it was not reported from there before 1762. As rats need to eat about 10 per cent of their own bodyweight in food each day and they need a
66 regular supply of water, only living a few days without it, they are therefore regularly attracted to the Reserve barn (corn stored within), the feed stations, pheasant feeders and game crops throughout the Recording Area. In fact young rats were noted in the cage feeder (corn) during late June. Lagomorpha: Rabbits and Hares Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Common and widespread throughout the Recording Area although little evidence was found on Middle Parks in early July. There are legal obligations on the Trustees to control rabbits from wandering out of the Reserve and eating surrounding corn crops, which we do from time to time – all within the law and humanely - but there are always plenty of animals remaining, which breed and repopulate quickly. Many young, were for example, noted just to the west of the Reserve during mid to late April. Within the Reserve stoat and fox seem to be the main predators of this numerous herbivore. Brown Hare Lepus europaeus This larger cousin of the former species is usually, within the Recording Area, found around the west side of North and Middle Parks Farms, on the predominantly arable fields. This year was no different with records in March (two records), June (one sighting), July (two sightings) and November (one). Leverets were seen on the access track on two occasions during the summer, and a maximum of 5 adults were seen on North Parks on 15th November. Insectivora: Mole and Shrews Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus During May a female was reported to me living under some weed suppressant on an allotment, adjacent to mine, on the River View site between Little Studley Meadow and the River Ure. I eventually looked under this ground cover and found the sow in a bundle of dead leaves and plastic twine, with three small, but not naked young. Over a period of about three weeks I looked at this family on several occasions and the sow was always with them. Towards the end of my observations the young were well grown.
67 Mole Talpa europaea Widespread evidence in the form of 'hills' noted from throughout the Recording Area. No actual live animals were noted although one was seen taken by a heron, from the Pond Hide on 15th June and one was found dead nearby three days later. (In my experience few animals or birds will actually eat a mole). Depending on frost penetration fresh mole workings can be found throughout the year. This is the case also from the Reserve and other floodplain land from up and down the Recording Area. I can only assume that they find air pockets from within their tunnels and survive until any flood recedes. Although the poison bait strychnine is now banned (at least for mole control) legal trapping is still widely practised. This was the method of control in the 'boggy fields' at Middle Parks in recent years, a total disappearance of the huge mole breeding mounds in that area which were such a feature for decades. Shrews – no records of any species this year, not even any live specimens caught during the Open Day trapping session. Chiroptera: Bats Noctule Nyctalus noctula Three over the river and Reserve on 17th June was the only specific bat record this year. I quote here a citation by Delaney M.J. in Yorkshire Mammals (1985) : A roost found in September 1984, at East Tanfield [within the present Recording Area] (Smith, 1984) was extraordinarily low at about 7m. Of additional interest is the fact it housed a mixed roost, a phenomenon previously unknown for arboreal sites. Of six bats examined out of 30 present, three were Noctule and unusually for a tree roost, three were Daubenton's; all six were males'. [I think it would be of great interest to locate this tree site within near future years – compiler] Unidentified bat species. Five over the Reserve and two over Little Studley Meadow on 17th June. A large bat flew into the path of a male Sparrowhawk, over the Reserve on 30th October, and one was found and photographed in a house in Spring Bank on 15th November, but unfortunately could not be identified from the photograph. Carnivora: Carnivores Fox Vulpes vulpes Regardless of the attentions of people like gamekeepers, hunts and farmers this 'cunning' animal hangs on and in some cases thrives. As in most years a litter of cubs were reared within the north end of the Reserve, which this particular year eventually moved out, just over the boundary into the Triangle willow wood. At both earths there was much evidence of cub food in the form of rabbit and pheasant remains. The pheasants were predominantly cock birds which goes against
68 the norm. Hens are the usual prey items as they are snapped off the nest. A well grown cub (probably from the aforementioned litter) was watched trying to catch ducks off the Stream Pond on 26th June – it failed but carried off a dead grey squirrel instead. Badger Meles meles Although Badger baiting was made illegal in 1835, and in 1973 the species became the first animal to be given specific legal protection there is still a considerable amount of evidence from up and down the country, to show that the law is flouted on a regular basis. Within our Recording Area there are a number of well used setts. Some of these setts are regularly watched by some of our members who have not reported any serious interference. Badgers regularly forage over pasture for their main food item, the humble earthworm. A combination of easy sett digging on the Magnesian limestone and large tracts of pasture on MOD Ripon Parks makes for ideal badger habitat! One of the main obvious causes of the species’ demise within our Recording Area is the incidence of road casualties. Two such cases were noted this year – one on the A6108 at North Lees on 21st June and another (a boar) near the West Tanfield cricket pitch on 1st November. Otter Lutra lutra When the High Batts was established in 1973 this species was still (only just) present on the Ure hereabouts, and apart from the Esk river system around Whitby it was heading for extinction in the County. Therefore, after many years of not writing a Batts mammal report and writing this one for 2015 it gives me great pleasure to comment on how the species has come back from the brink of (county, possibly country) extinction! No doubt the construction of the riverside hide within the Reserve has helped observer concentration. Nevertheless the 14 records from the Reserve are encouraging, especially the sighting of a group of four swimming down river on 20th February – a family group perhaps? One lucky observer had a great New Year’s present when one swam past him whilst he sat in the River Hide, on the 1st January. The only written records came from the Reserve but fishermen spoke of a number of sightings and a birder reported one eating a salmon in broad daylight near the old Bathing Pavilion to the north of Ripon in early May. Stoat Mustela erminea Only reported from the Reserve on two dates each in February, June and October and one in July. Once again a litter of kits were seen (late June) and three instances of rabbit kill were observed. Weasel Mustela nivalis This, the world’s smallest carnivore, is not at all regular in the Reserve where this year’s only record was of one observed on 28th March.
69 American Mink Mustela vison This North American mustelid was first brought to Europe in the 1920s and bred on fur farms for its valuable pelt. It was brought to Britain in 1929. After the Second World War mink fur farms proliferated in this country and by the 1950s reached a peak of 500 with 70 in Yorkshire. Also by the 1950s evidence was obtained that mink were living and breeding in Britain in the wild and by 1962 they were established in Yorkshire. I found some of the first in the Harrogate area within our present Recording Area during the early 1970s, on the lower reaches of the river at what is now YWT The Loop. This voracious species has, unfortunately, been present ever since. This year it was reported from the Reserve only, with one or two records every month up to June when a litter was present in the south end of the Reserve. A young mink was found dead on the south end of the ride on 17th June. Artiodactyla: Even-toed Ungulates Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus As recently as 1954 it was popularly supposed that no Roe inhabited Yorkshire, fox hounds however found a pair near Ripon (suspected of being on Ripon Parks within the present Recording Area; Ramsden 1975 in Delaney M.J. - Yorkshire Mammals). Today, this is by far the most common species of deer in Yorkshire and the only one within the Recording Area. This year the species was only noted from the Reserve and immediate surrounds i.e. Pennycroft, Blue Cap Wood and game belts to the west. Apart from a record of a single during November from Pennycroft all other records were in the first quarter, with all but one of singletons; two on 25th January being the exception.
Acknowledgements I would like to thank all who took the time and made the effort to submit records this year. Without their effort this report would not be possible. I would also like to offer gratitude and a special thanks to Ray O'Donnell who compiled and wrote this section for many years. Ray was a great supporter of the Reserve in a number of ways but Mammal Recorder was one of his enduring legacies.
70 High Batts Nature Reserve
General Information
High Batts is a Private Nature Reserve (PNR) comprising some 12.5 ha. (31 acres) of mixed woodland. It was formerly an island in the River Ure - the word 'batts' means island. When the course of the river changed, the Reserve was left as an integral part of the west bank of the river.
The Reserve is situated on the Magnesian Limestone belt with the immediate substrate being mostly alluvial gravels. This determines a diverse flora and fauna; the woodland comprises Ash, Birch, Alder etc. with Hawthorn scrub, and dry limestone grassland clearings. It is intersected by a small stream, and ponds have been created for the encouragement of water birds and aquatic life. An extensive Recording Area has been designated surrounding the Reserve which complements and extends the records from the Reserve proper. Maps of the Reserve and the Recording Area are published on the inner covers of this Report. An agreement was concluded with the Norton Conyers Estate in 1973 enabling the area to be managed as a nature Reserve, and it was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1983. Additional land at the south end of the Reserve was leased from Lightwater Holdings in 1995 and this is used for storage buildings, work area and car parks. A Pond Hide, a Riverside Hide and the 'Hotel' hide have been provided for the use of visitors to the Reserve.
The Reserve lies to the east of North Stainley village, near Ripon. Access for visitors is by a private track leading to the Hanson Aggregates quarry complex. The entrance (Grid Ref. SE 289761) is on the eastern side of the A6108 road between the entrance to Lightwater Valley and North Stainley. Keys are available to Members of the Reserve for the padlocked gate at the track entrance. This key also allows entry to the hides on site. Access to the Reserve is limited to its Members; visitors and group visits are very welcome by special arrangement via the Secretary.
As noted above, the Recording Area extends beyond the boundaries of the Reserve; members and visitors have no privileged access to this area except on public roads, rights of way and open access land.
The Reserve is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Its operation & membership arrangements are defined in its Governing Document adopted in April 2013.
71 Membership of High Batts
Membership of High Batts is open to any individual interested in the area and the work of the Charity, who makes formal application and pays the annual subscription.
Membership rates Individual £11 Family £15 Junior / Student £5
Enquiries about membership to:- Peter Hills Membership Secretary 41 Glebe Meadow, Sharow, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5BD Tel. 01765 604101 Email: [email protected]
Other enquiries All other enquiries including individual or group visits should be made to:- Mrs Alwin Knowles, Secretary, 3 Fountains Cottage, Lofthouse, Harrogate, HG3 5RZ Tel. 01423 755263 Email: [email protected]
Enquiries can also be made to:- Colin E Slator, Chair of the Trustees, Broadcacres, Kirkby Hill, Boroughbridge, YO51 9DH Tel. 07935 352890 Email: [email protected]
The High Batts Nature Reserve website https://highbatts.wordpress.com/
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