) V h

Number 83 I Website: www.nnns.org.uk November 2003 j

Toad-in-fhe-hale.... Contents Season's greetings to all members. As we now pass into the winter months we can look back at some of our excursions and see what a varied amount of natural history was observed through-

out the county. We also say farewell to our past president Reg Jones who will be remembered Toad-in-the-hole by many for his wonderful photographs. I am, however, also looking forward to next year and Reg Jones (Obituary). to receiving your notes and views on nature in these changing times! Speaking of changes more

’stoats in ermine' observations are included in this issue. If anyone is lucky enough to see one page 2 An unusual host this winter perhaps you could let me know. My thanks to all contributors and if anyone would (Fistulina hepatica). like to send in line drawings of natural history subjects for possible inclusion, please do. FF Another emperor death (Emperor dragonfly "They do say lightning does not strike twice nee jones: tfamw mus/cm/v, mmRMim, pf/oroeMPf/FH (Brachypalpoides lenta). More white stoats As members will know from the slip enclosed “As Reg became less agile he found it (Ermine). with the last issue of Natterjack, vice- necessary to concentrate on flower photo- 40 years ago (Ermine). th president Reg Jones died on July 29 at the graphy, and his fellow photographers will no age of 88. He was, we think, our second doubt remember in particular his slides of pages Corncrake. oldest member after Ernest Daniels. Mediterranean orchids. It is pleasing that he Woodpigeons. wrote several of the Jarrold Area Guides in South Stack Reg was born at Hunslet, Leeds, gained a the 70s and that his photographs were used (Seabirds). science degree at Leeds University, and was to illustrate many more. In the last few years page 4 an outstanding musician. He played the he was always happy when he was compos- Excursion Reports Mozart clarinet concerto in public on several ing captions for the Jarrold wildlife calen- Thompson Common.

occasions it dars.” and was most appropriate that a page 5 recording of the concerto was played during Winterton Dunes. th the last ary Dates. the funeral service on August 8 at which the Reg’s son Martin read one of captions he wrote, an evocative description Society was well represented. page© of Cley-next-the-Sea, which was found on Billingford Common, Diss and his Langmere Green, Dickieburgh. Reg came to Norwich in 1945 to teach desk. science at City College Norwich, became page? Dilys said had derived pleasure from all Stanley Carrs. head of science in 1950 and vice-principal in Reg with of the Wheatfen natural history day. 1963. He retired in 1976. His love of natural the contacts he had members Society, of a for over history had been growing overthe years and, which he was member page 8 1955-6. Bryological excursions. when he had to put aside his clarinet 50 years and president in “His family Garth’s Comer knew him as a modest man, but he was not because evening classes clashed with (A Garth Coupland Cartoon). orchestra rehearsal nights, he took up nature always meek. What he had to say at meet- photography, soon realising that Norfolk ings was sometimes controversial but offered unique habitats, especially for birds. always thought-provoking. The same applied to his teaching career. He had a

“Thus began his love of Norfolk natural reputation for speaking up for education in history and the enjoyment of achieving a this city.” good quality photograph," said his daughter that, Dilys in her funeral eulogy. “He was using The family very generously asked The quarterly bulletin instead of sending flowers, those who cumbersome equipment, and it seems to me of the wished to acknowledge Reg’s life and work Norwich that his early shots of birds in the 1 950s were Norfolk &

I Naturalists’ Society pretty special. Somehow Mum used to keep should make donations to the Society. have Founded 1S69 very calm when he was 100 feet plus up a since received a cheque for £235.00 for tree in a very which we are very grateful. home-made hide taking photo- Rsgbend Oiant)- Na Pauli, graphs of a heron on its nest. David Chairman An llntmial Host They cCo say Cightning does not strike twice!

During the afternoon the of Natural Another lucky find turned up this year when National Trust warden, Keith th History day at Wheatfen (10 Aug.), Zealand, presented me with a large bag of insect victims from the ultraviolet I was walking with The Lowestoft fly trap situated in the car park cafe at Sheringham Hall. Field Club through Surlingham

Wood when I came across a single Although at least 80% of the specimens were the common wasp Vespula bracket of Fistulina hepatica. Not in vulgaris, I did manage to produce a list of 41 various insects. itself unusual but it was growing low the down on trunk of a rowan Amongst them, I was oveijoyed to find, was the body (minus wings) of an

(

abdominal segments are blood red and all the legs are black. It is extremely look through the British A Myco- local and scarce in southern forests with odd records as far as the Scottish logical Society database for firngi highlands. This is possibly the first Norfolk record. and hosts F. hepatica is not, surpris- ingly recorded on S. aucuparia. In 2001 another such find from the same source produced a near relative Brachypalpus laphriformis Fin., which is also a rarity, what a coincidence. If anyone has recorded it on this tree (See ‘Natterjack’ no. 75, page 2 or Transactions Vol. 35 Part 1, July 2002, I would appreciate some confirma- page 40). tion, just to prove the heat had not Ken Durrant caused me to hallucinate.

Links: http://194.203.77.69/fieldmvcologv/ BMSFRD/assoc.asp Colin A Jacobs MORE WMITIE STOATS 40JJejre Ago

In keeping with the correspondence Another Emperor Death John Hampshire of Lessingham on ermine in Norfolk the following writes that he too saw a stoat in is an extract from the Bird and Mam- In the Vol. 36 of the 2003 NNNS ermine at Hickling Broad on Feb- mal Report 1963. Transactions, Francis Farrow ruary 14. It was in full ermine with- describes the death of an emperor out a fleck of brown on it. He has All over the county, following the dragonfly (Anax imperator) also seen a stoat in partial ermine at through hard winter of 1963, stoats in ermine Catfield being caught and eaten by a moor- Fen a few winters ago. were very much more frequently hen. I have witnessed this only once observed. One was seen at Attle- during my many birdwatching trips “Someone I know who works for the bridge on January 18th, and others in Norfolk and Suffolk. Broads Authority tells me that he has were reported from Thetford Chase had several sightings of white stoats on 21st and at Aylsham on 22nd. In th over the years perhaps they are February, one was shot at Wram- On 25 September 1994 at the so plingham, another at Swannington, RSPB Minsmere reserve a moorhen not quite as rare in Norfolk as I had and one was hunting rats near Had- thought. was seen to catch a male emperor discoe station (EAE). An almost com- from a water-filled ditch and pletely white one, save for brown “The animal that I saw at Hickling consume it on the spot. markings on the head and along the stuck out like a sore and must thumb mid-dorsal line was brought in from The Birds ofthe Western Palearctic have been vulnerable to predation (if Erpingham on February 25th (ncm) indeed they are predated foxes full Concise edition Snow & Perrins, by or and two others in ermine on the marsh harriers). This the 27th; Similar reports came from states moorhens eat insects, but no must keep number of white stoats down, Watton (gj) and Bungay (ws). The mention of Odonata. I expect it is a number of these reports is quite popular food source particularly especially as we have so little snow exceptional. when feeding young but few in Norfolk these days. It would be interesting to more about the observers are privileged to see it in know status of stoats in ermine in the the field. Contributors: county and if their numbers are Colin A Jacobs. EAE-E.A. Ellis declining as the number of winter NCM - Norwich Castle Museum days with snow cover continues to GJ -G. Jessop decrease.” WS - Miss V/. Simpson David Pauli 2 ”

CORNCRAKE Woodpigeons

Our garden in Wells has been taken over by woodpigeons. It used to be In June of this year Wendy and I collared doves, these are in the minority. The invasion seems to were on the Isle of Iona, and for the but now date from the pigeons’ decision to nest in, of all places, the upper part of fist time I ever was able to listen to “ the Zephirine Drouhin rose which rises the full height of our tall Victo- corncrakes calling. There were at rian house, but stands only 18” or so proud of the wall. There they have times several birds “singing” their raised two broods, while many others from nearby come visiting. monotonous song from grass fields all round the Abbey, but seeing them They seem quite unworried by us sitting in the garden near the pond. An was another matter. I tried hard to individual will land the lawn, and nonchalantly gradually spot one in areas where the vegeta- on wander about, getting nearer to the water. They know the point where they can wade in, tion seemed less tall and dense, but no luck came my way. using stems of bogbean for support, and finally submerge most of the head, pigeons being one of the few bird families which can swallow with their head down. Meanwhile, others line the fence, waiting their turn, bill- They are very elusive birds, and are up on ing, cooing and unashamedly doing naturally. masters at keeping them selves what comes hidden. These Western Isles are now Speaking of cooing, the five-part call the (or as the last refuge of this mysterious of woodpigeon “dow”, my father call die sentence: like member of the Rallidae family. used to them) could be represented by “We do ivy”. However, woodpigeons, while having a good grasp of rhythm, have “ none of metre, so that, nine times out of ten, the call comes out as do like This was brought to mind this week ivy, We”, which always seems uncomfortable to me. by an article in the paper, corncrakes have been captive bred at Whip- I amazed that large bird fall to sparrow-hawks, but snade Park in Bedfordshire, and am such a should prey have found the feathers of that must have carried off for con- released at the Nene Washes near we two been sumption elsewhere. are certainly within the hunting area of a pair of Peterborough, This is a joint venture We wall scare the by the RSPB, English Nature, and hawks, which sometimes shoot into the garden over the and the Zoological Society of London, living daylights out of our healthy population of sparrows. Though I have never seen one take a woodpigeon I have been assured by others that the it is hoped that about one hundred female sparrow-hawk, being bigger than the male, can do so. She would be youngsters can be released in each of the next five years. welcome to a few more of ours!

Paul Banham Hopefully, this might establish a new English corncrake population, South Stack so fingers crossed, our Norfolk hay meadows may yet again be a sum- Last July the family managed a few days on Anglesey, swapping the heat of mer home to this elusive bird, and Norfolk for the fresher climes of North Wales. One visit was to South Stack we can marvel at its song as it calls - a contorted coast of Precambrian turbidite sandstones and interbedded its own Latin name “Crex, Crex” shales on the north western side of the island. The top of the cliff was a mass both day and night among the of pink and purple from heather and thrift, but it the birds had really grasses. was we come to see. There were guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars all vying for a place on the precipitous rocky ledges. More interesting, however, It states in one of my books printed , were the puffins, ravens and choughs that were also present. We were also in 1935, that “The corncrake is a told that a peregrine had recently occupied a nest site on the cliffs. summer resident in most parts of the British Isles, though now scarce in The noise of a seabird colony is South-East England”. always one of those special sounds that nature gives us and on the way The last confirmed breeding record down the many steps to the light- for the county ( The Birds ofNorfolk, house we were treated to the full 1999) was at Wramplingham in cacophony. This made it a truly 1965, when an adult and seven memorable day out. chicks were seen.

Francis Farrow Tony Howes ( paniculata), pill butterflies Wild flowers Revealed no. 8 Carex and sedge I noted, the same with with {Carex pilulifera). Other plants of only painted ladies and brimstones | Thompson Common interest seen include: brookweed about and David Lester pointed out ;

{Samolus valerandi), fairy flax {Linum i a brimstone caterpillar feeding on th catharticum), marsh cinquefoil purging buckthorn {Rhamnus Sunday 6 June, 2003 j {Potentilla palustris), marsh stitch- carthartica).

] wort {Stellaria palustris), bog stitch- Leaders: Bob Ellis & Bob Leaney wort {Stellaria uliginosa) and the We were fortunate to have Liz nationally scarce marsh fern Hammier present to help with the The first of this year’s ‘Wild flowers {Thelypteris palustris). identification of a first instar oak bush revealed’ meetings attracted about cricket, a third instar meadow grass- 20 people, mostly current members Lunch was taken on a raised dry area hopper and a common green grass- including several experienced bota- at the far end of the common over- hopper. Also noted were a common nists and others wanting to brush up looking a patch of common cotton- lizard and a brown-lipped snail. on their botanical skills. grass {Eripophorum angustifolium),

in other areas of the country where it Among the birds seen and heard After meeting in the N.W.T. car park is more plentiful it was gathered in were: reed and garden warbler, reed at Stow Bedon we set off through the sufficient quantities for stuffing bunting, goldcrest, green wood- wood looking at woodland species pillows and mattresses, but locally it pecker and a kestrel, but as we such as the three-nerved sandwort was probably only abundant enough started back a hobby was seen hawk- {Moheringia trinerva), sanicle to make candle wicks, its other ing along the trees at the edge of the {Sanicula europaea), common tway- possible use. common. The hobby is one of our ; blade Listera ovata) and bird cherry ( local success stories with successful {Prunus padus). There wasn’t much | Not long after we had got started fledging of young in Norfolk over the | inclination to linger in the wood due to again a sudden downpour sent us j last ten years. the persistance and size of the mos- hurrying for the shelter of some trees quitoes! The last person in the party ,but this was short lived and failed to Although the main theme of the ‘Wild | saw a roe deer move off, unnoticed ‘dampen’ our enthusiasm as our I Flowers Revealed’ meetings is identi- by the rest of us. attention turned to the grasses and fication of species, we also keep a j

with not a little help from the leaders i record of what is seen on the day Our attention was soon held by the quite a number of species were iden- ! and in this instance we recorded 189 plants in the pingoes which included: tified including: early hair-grass species of plants, so as well as hope- bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata), ( {Aira praecox), grass fully people to learn quaking i encouraging frog bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), ( {Briza media), purple smail-reed more about our local flora we are also j greater bladderwort ( Utricularia {Calamagrostis canescens), wood I keeping tabs on what is to be found vulgaris), greater spearwort small-reed {Calamagrostis epigejos), in the places we visit. {Ranunculus lingua), greater yellow- j tufted hair-grass {Deschampsia cress {Rorippa amphibia), lesser cespitosa), wavy hair-grass Bill Mitchell water-parsnip {Berula erecta), tubu- {Deschampsia flexuosa), floating lar water dropwort {Oenanthe fistulo- sweet-grass {Clyceria fluitans), sa) and water violet Hottonia ( plicate sweet-grass {Glyceria notata) palustris). While dipping in the one of and downy oat-grass {Helictothchon pingoes a water scorpion was seen. pubescens).

In the marshy areas 11 species of Due to the overcast conditions, few sedge were noted including: brown dragonflies were on the wing with just sedge {Carex disticha), tufted sedge azure and large red damselflies being {Carex elata), greater tussock-sedge )

Wildflowers revealed no 9 location in Norfolk; in the same area we found matgrass ( Nardus stricta), The fine weather we were enjoying Winterton Dunes and Mary Ghullam’s ever-sharp eyes had also encouraged the insects out picked out bird’s-foot clover (Trifolium with a good number of butterflies th Sunday 20 July, 2003 ornithopodioides), while in the including: meadow brown, grayling, damper areas we found heath rush small heath, small copper, ringlet, Leader: Bob Leaney (Juncus squarrosus) and heath dark green fritillary, gatekeeper and

woodrush ( Luzula multiflora ssp. painted lady. There were a number of congesta). six-spot burnet moths in the dunes Despite a busy car park full of holiday makers eager to get on the beach, and their boat-shaped pupal cases At this point all for with were notice- about twenty people managed to we were ready complete exuviae

it sit in the assemble for the second of this lunch and was pleasant to able on plant stems. We also ob- year’s ‘Wild Flowers Revealed’ meet- warm sunshine pondering the con- served a sand wasp (Ammophila ings. Bob gave an introductory talk tents of our sandwiches instead of sabulosa) bring its caterpillar prey trying to distinguish closely its on the area we would be looking at between back to burrow. and warned us of the adders which related composites or sedges. But all are particularly abundant this year. too soon we were back on our feet as A number of dragonflies were seen

once again we had to try and take in during the day and once again I am Just a few steps from the car park we yet more species, this time around grateful to David Lester and others the natterjack ponds. pondweed in for their help in identifying those stopped to look at the first interesting A plant of the day, this was perennial one of the ponds kept us guessing seen; the following were seen mainly until Bob Ellis enlightened us, this in the area of the natterjack ponds: wall rocket ( Diplotaxis tenuifolia ), its turned out to be bog pondweed emerald damselfly, azure damselfly, name is a bit of a misnomer as it is (Potamogeton polygonifolius while blue-tailed damselfly, ruddy darter, rarely found on walls and with us it is ) mainly confined to East Norfolk, on the mud around the pools we common darter, four-spotted chaser, found water purselane broad-bodied chaser, hawker, especially near the coast. The next ( Lythrum brown portula), pennywort Hydrocotyle southern hawker and emperor drag- plant of interest was sheep’s bit, ( vulgaris) which looks like a small scabious but and short-fruited willowherb onfly. (Epilobium is a member of the bellflower family, obscurum); while not far away we were shown a patch of As can be seen from the above, more the 'bit' refers to the way it is ‘bit’ or marsh violet Viola palustris) a scarce than just flowers ‘revealed’ a cropped by sheep. Another bellflower ( were on plant of sites, interesting inform- was growing nearby, a much taller marshy acid and milk very pleasant, and parsley palustre) ative day. one, this was peach-leaved bell- ( Peucedanum another nationally scarce species. Bill Mitchell flower ( Campanula persicifolia), probably a remnant from garden refuse. With all this to take in, our leader then led us to yet another location, this time the beach between the dunes Other plants of interest seen in the Diary Dates and the little tern colony. We walked dune area were: lesser hawkbit PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS along the high tide drift line looking for ( Leontodon saxatilis), mouse-ear the species to be found there and hawkweed ( Pilosella officinarum), soon found saltwort Salsola kali), ‘Half a century of conservation’ hare’sfoot clover (Trifolium arvense), ( Walpole early hair-grass (Aira praecox) and sea rocket ( Cakile maritima), sea Lord holly the nationally scarce grey hair-grass ( Eryngium maritimum), sea Tuesday November 18th, 2003 sandwort (Corynephorus canescens) which ( Honckenya peploides), frosted orache Atriplex lacinata) and although it is found in Suffolk Breck- ( ‘SHOW YOUR OWN’ a single plant of lyme grass Leymus land, in Norfolk it is only found on the ( Member's photographs/slides coast mainly arenaria). Monday November 4th, 2003 , on the acid dunes such as those at Winterton The little terns have moved their, ’Wildlife of Beeston Common' nesting On reaching the area of heath at the colony back to Winterton Ken Durrant rear of the dunes many different after the disturbance at Yarmouth last Tuesday December 16th, 2003 year and have a successful plants were seen, including all three had sea- With festive refreshments

son . of our party a volun- species of heather to be found in One was Norfolk: teer warden of the little tern colony ‘Coping with change on the heather or ling ( Calluna vulgaris), who informed us that the colony had Norfolk coast’ bell heather ( Erica cinerea successfully fledged over four hun- Peter Lambley and cross-leaved heath (Erica tetra- dred young. 20th, 2004 lix). Due to the closeness of the turf it Tuesday January was necessary to get on ones knees to pick out the smaller plants and one Some keen eyes in the party picked Please check Room No. on arrival small one indeed was found, this out an arctic skua and a black tern out at sea, and earlier in the day we saw All start at was allseed ( Radiola linoides), which 7.30pm, a is now only to be found in one other pairofstonechats, a pair of curlews, a kestrel and a marsh harrier. JEaston^Colle^e^C^ 5 W !

Billingford Common, Diss ( Galeopsis speciosa), especially as it tent whilst almost next door several was in close proximity to the common mature larvae of the small tortoise- and Langmere Green, hemp-nettle (G. tetrahit), which shell (Aglais urticae), were feeding Dickleburgh allowed comparative photographs to completed exposed on nettle leaves

be taken. It was on G. speciosa that Altogether 1 3 species of adult butter-

adults of the little red and green leaf fly were recorded with the common- th Sunday 27 July, 2003 beetle ( Chrysolina fastuosa), were est being the migrant painted lady seen and leaves of the common ( Vanessa cardui). Several species of Of the seven members of the Society hemp-nettle were mined by the Agro- moths were also seen, ranging from who met near the mill on Billingford myzid fly ( Liriomyza strigata). The the very common mother-of pearl Common only three had actually upright flower stalks of angelica (Pleuroptya ruralis), a Pyralid with been on this 12 acre site before (Angelica sylvestris), standing larvae feeding on nettle, to the although most were aware of the proudly above the surrounding vege- scarce reed dagger ( Simyra alboven- tower mill when passing on the A1 43 tation attracted many hoverflies and osa), which is restricted to reed beds in this part of the Waveney valley. other insects. Both Episyrphus balt- - there is quite an extensive area of After the variety of habitats to be eatus and Scaeva pyrastri, two common reed (Phragmites australis), found in such a comparatively small migrant hoverflies, were much in the larval foodplant, towards the river area had been outlined together with evidence, vying with three species of end of the site. It was on the river a brief history of the use of the drier Eristalis and Syrphus ribesii for bank, by the disused ford, that we part for crop production during the nectar. These hoverflies were joined were delighted with the activities of second world war (not particularly by both sawflies (Allantus cinctus and many banded demoiselles (Ca/o- effectively) the party split and went in Athalia cordata), a digger wasp pteryx splendens), and several com- search of individual specialities and (Ectemnius cavifrons) and the much mon blue damselflies ( Enallagma j interests. larger bumble-bees Bombus lapi- cyatherigerum). We also saw both ( j darius and Bombus lucorum). The southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea), j Rex and Barbara Haney, who had leaves of the angelica were also and brown hawker (Aeshna grandis), j previously visited the site in Septem- extensively of the By mined by the larvae of the ! patrolling much common. ber 1996, went in search of galls! common Agromyzid (Phytomyza lunch time over 50 species of insects, j wanting to compare their current angelicae). from several different orders, had finds with those of seven years ago. been recorded. They added fifteen species to their j earlier list, two of which are new In the afternoon we moved a couple county records: a gall on the lower of miles further north to an even leaf surface of a domestic apple smaller piece of common land - caused the by mite ( Phyllocoptes Langmere Green. This was another malinus) and a gall swelling the base site that was new to virtually every- of the flower head on ragwort caused one present. With hindsight we by the Tephritid fly ( Sphenella mar- would probably have been better ginata). Rex commented that the employed on the rest of Billingford gall on apple probably reflected the Common but nevertheless this basi- fact that Billingford Common has one cally grassland area with an of the best stands of domestic apple Hoverfly: Scaeva pyrastri elongate, overgrown pond rewarded in several forms growing in a natural our endeavours with 80 species of state to be found locally. Although Mines caused by a moth larva plants, eight butterflies and three j both visits produced almost the same CMompha raschkiella), were noted on moths, four bumble-bees, a couple of j number of gall records, 33 in 1996 the leaves of rosebay willowherb hoverflies and a couple of leaf mines. j and 32 in 2003, the combined total of (Chamerion angustifolium), which Unfortunately Rex and Barbara could j 48 shows the value of regular, if occurs widely on the drier areas of the I not stay so we noted only one plant somewhat sporadic, visits to a site common whilst stands of the great gall, the large ovoid swelling on the j and the changes due to season and willowherb ( Epilobium hirsutum), are stem of creeping thistle (Cirsium j time. tangled with meadowsweet (Filipen- arvense), caused by another 1 dula ulmaria), and patches of com- Tephritid fly Urophora cardui) which j ( rest The of the party moved off in a mon meadow-rue Thalictrum fla- was also noted at Billingford. ( j “ragged” group, recording plants and vum), over much of the damper parts, j a few of the insects associated with As would be expected from land that Despite a somewhat less diverse j them. Stephen Martin nobly acted as had been cultivated there were also flora and fauna, due at least in part to “scribe” after having been volun- several patches of perennial nettle the fact that Langmere Green had | teered for the job. Although we by ( Urtica dioica), and it was interesting been regularly cut for hay until the j no means covered all of the common to see the different strategies adopted last couple of years, than that found j and not really much of the wetter by the caterpillars of related butterfly in the morning at Billingford Common j area, more than 100 species of species. A mature caterpillar of the all agreed it had been worthwhile to j plants were recorded in just over two red admiral Vanessa atalanta), was see the second site. ( j hours. of One the more interesting found concealed in its protective leaf Mike Hall j was the large-flowered hemp-nettle

6 - .

A Walk around When we arrived at the river’s edge Wheatfen Natural History Day we stopped for lunch. Here we saw Sunday 10th August, 2003 Stanley Carrs several southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) dragonflies patrolling the On a day when the temperatures Sunday 31 st August, 2003 edge of our picnic area. The water level was about six inches below the reached 100°F in parts of the UK. A small but happy party of 6 adults concrete quay, but when we returned (95°F at Wheatfen) The Natural later in the afternoon it and 2 children turned out for this joint had covered History Day was very well attended, all the meeting with the Great Yarmouth concrete area. by members and the general public. Naturalists’ Society. Robert Hunt and We were also joined this year by the After lunch, with party, Juliet Bews from Yarmouth kindly a reduced we Lowestoft Field Club. guided us round. walked along down stream, the path being several inches under water David Lester looked after the Drag- We did not enter the Otter Trust most of the way. Here we found onfly stand, Rex and Barbara Haney yellow lily reserve of Stanley Carrs but walked water (Nuphar lutea) grow- the Plant Galls, with Robert Maid- ing in the river, down through some heath, set-a-side agrimony (Agrimonia stone on Bees and Wasps, Derek eupatoria), gipsywort Lycopus euro- and an old quarry before getting onto ( Howlett on Moths, Trevor Dove paeus), chickweed a good track leading down to the water ( Myosoton looked after the Fungi table and aquaticum), dewberry Rubus caes- River Waveney, between Stanley ( Keith Clarke looked after the “Little ius), water forget-me-not Carrs and Alder Carrs. At the end of ( Myosotis Things" Of particular interest this scorpioides), frogbit the track was an old pumping station, (Hydrocharis year was the Boletes found growing perhaps the reason for the track, but morsus-ranae), lesser water parsnip under oaks along the entrance road (Berula erecta), lupu- now used mainly by fishermen. hop ( Humulus to the car park. David Nobbs had lus), mint aquatica), water (Mentha walked along here this morning and orange Impatiens capensis), The set-a-side consisted mainly of a balsam ( collected Boletus satanoides, B.

marsh bedstraw ( Galium palustre), monoculture of ragwort ( Senecio badius, B. luridus and B. radicans marsh thistle palus- jacobaea) with some viper's-bugloss sow ( Sonchus considering the dry spell this was a

tris), water figwort ( Scrophularia (Echium vulgare) and weld (Reseda good collection. In fact by the after- luteola). auriculata), hemp agrimony noon Trevor and myself had added {Eupatorium cannabinum), buck- 12 species to the table. One of the thorn catharticus), At the bottom of this area we turned ( Rhamnus peren- surprises for me was a young Fistu- nial thistle arvensis), right along the edge of the carr where sow ( Sonchus lina hepatica growing not on oak but

meadow rue ( Thalictrum flavum), we found corn mint ( Mentha arven- mountain ash! In the wood behind brooklime sis). ( Veronica beccabunga). the car park

Martin Collier beetle We had a look in the old sand quarry recorded 25 Elsewhere two swallowtails were species during the morning, most of but it was rather too dry for anything present along Crakes Marsh but which are common and widespread to grow except a little moss, Polytri- eluded many observers. In the plant chum juniperinum, with orange tips to in the county. One species is, how- line one of Ted’s introductions the

its ever, of particular interest - Melan- leaves. broad-leaved ragwort ( Senecio flu- apion This small black minimum. vialis) was very abundant in the weevil occurs various After walking past some pheasant on Salix spp., reedbed this year, and a single rearing where its larvae are inquilines in the feeders we turned down the broad leaved helleborine ( Epipactis track to the river. The track had been galls of Pontania spp. (Hymenoptera: helleborine) was seen alongside Tenthredinidae). It has Red Data built up to raise it above the water Surlingham Wood. level, because both these carrs are Book 3 (Rare) status nationally and is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) tidal and flood twice a day. Plants we It was nice to catch up with many of saw along here were enchanter’s “priority species", although it has a the members and council members widespread distribution in Norfolk nightshade ( Circaea lutetiana), small alike and catch up on all the gossip. and can be locally common in the balsam (Impatiens parviflora), purple The annual open day here is a great Broads. loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria), hemp place to team from everyone and

agrimony ( Eupatorium cannabinum), discuss any recent finds. Stephen Livermore & John Mott marsh woundwort ( Stachys palus- tris), marsh bedstraw ( Galium palus- We have experienced many weather tre), wild angelica ( Angelica patterns over the years during these sylvestris), skullcap ( Scutellaria Natural History days but 2003 will be

galericulata), meadowsweet (Filipen memorable due to the excessive dula ulmaria), great willowherb, heat.

Canadian fleabane ( Conyza cana- densis) common reed ( Phragmites A big thank you to David Nobbs and australis) and tutsan (Hypericum Phyllis Ellis for making it a fantastic Pontania gall on willow androsaemum). day out and of course to all the other organizers and those that manned the exhibits. Colin Jacobs Norfolk & Suffolk Bryological Excursions 2003 - 2004

The following excursions are planned for the Autumn & Spring of 2003-2004. Beginners will be most welcome; the only equipment needed is a hand lens (xIO or x20), and some paper packets for collecting into. Meetings will only be cancelled if it snows or there is a hard frost. All meetings will start at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated. For further information contact one of the names below.

As part of a national survey by the British Bryological Society studying mosses of arable fields we shall be spending part of each day in stubble fields or set-a-side. If you have any farmer contacts near any of the sites below, please let John Mott know. These mosses are ephemerals and mostly exist in the soil between crops by growing tubers, in the same way as potatoes. We have some identification charts which will be distributed at meetings.

Saturday 18 October 2003 Stanley Carr Nature Reserve, Saturday 17 January 2004 Kelling Heath Park, Blue Sky North bank of R. Waveney, Otter Trust & Broads Authority. Leisure. Meet in car park, TG 110 415. We will be joined by Meet in small car park on right just after turning to left., TM Robert Goodliffe, Countryside Manager. 433 932. Sunday 8 February 2004 Barnham Heath, Euston Estates, an Sunday 2 November 2003 Honing Common for Cryptothallus area of old gravel pits, heath & carr. Meet at TL 886 791. mirabilis, found recently at the Spring BBS Meeting at Fen There is a locked gate for which Richard Fisk should hopefully Covert NNR TM 450 725. This is a parasitic liverwort of wet have a key. acid peat, growing a few cm below the soil surface, under Sphagnum near Birch trees. Last found near King’s Lynn in Sunday 15 February 2004 NNNS meeting, 11.00 am, Gun 1967, but not since. Meet on triangle of grass at TG 328 274. Hill Dunes for lichens. Meet at The Hard, Burnham Overy Staithe, TF 846 443. Leader: Peter Lambley. Saturday 15 November 2003 Soft Cliffs, between Sidestrand & Trimmingham. Meet at east end of long layby, west of Saturday 21 February 2004 Sculthorpe Moor, Hawk & Owl Trimmingham, TG 274 388. There is a bridleway leading to the Trust. Enter from Fakenham-King’s Lynn road A148 at TF 900 beach. If the weather has been very wet we may have to divert 308, second left turning from Fakenham roundabout. to another site. Sunday 7 March 2004 NNNS meeting, 11.00 am. Litcham Sunday 30 November 2003 Lion Wood, Thorpe Hamlet, Common LNR for mosses & liverworts. Meet at reserve car Norwich. Meet opposite the Thorpe Hamlet First School in park, Dunham Road, TF 886 173. Leader: Robin Stevenson. Telegraph Lane, TG 245 086. Followed by Poringland Wood. Meet in reserve car park at TG 261 035. This is on the B1332, Saturday 20 March 2004 Roydon Fen, Diss to look for just after the 30 mph sign as you approach Poringland. Orthotrichum tenellum, found by the BBS Spring Meeting, but no voucher taken to prove VCR. Meet on wide road by reserve Sunday 14 December 2003 Hempstead Wood, Forest entrance, TM 105 798. Enterprise. Enter wood opposite Selbrigg Lake, TG 106 390, and park about 300 m along track at junction of tracks. John Mott will have key for gate. Robin Stevenson, 111 Wootton Road, King's Lynn, PE30 Sunday 4 January 2004 Deadman’s Grave, chalk grassland. 4DJ,Tel: (01553) 766788. Email: [email protected] Elveden Farms Ltd. Meet at start of bridleway just east of Richard Fisk, 1 Paradise Row, Ringsfield, Beccles, NR34 junction of A1 101 and B1 112 in Icklingham at TL 969 734. Site 8LQ. Tel: (01502) 714968. Email: [email protected] at TL 776 743. Later we shall move to Ramparts Field car park John Mott, 62 Great Melton Road, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 at TL 789 716. 3HA. Tel: (01603) 810442. Email: [email protected] , )

Website: www.nnns.org.uk Number 84 February 2004 mmmmimmmmmmimmmmmimimmmmmmm Toad-in-the-hole.... Congratulations I Contents Whether you are an active naturalist paaal In the February 2002 issue (No. 76) I congratulated Ernest Daniels Toad-ln-the-hole. champing at the bit to get out and who had celebrated his ninetieth birthday during the previous Novem- Congratulations

(Ernest Daniels). survey an area or an armchair one ber. I mentioned that he was our longest saving member having National Breeding Nightjar joined the Society in 1028. content to read others exploits, survey 2004. Natterjack has something for you. pae«2 This means, of course, ttat at some time during 2003, Ernest com- Wymondham Nature Reserve. pleted an unbroken seventy-five years membership of the Society Norfolk Bird Atlas. Thanks to all contributors and pag«3 may This record is believed to be unique in our history. I am sure that I Living Fossils 2004 be a great year for all NNNS speak for all members once again in sending him our congratulations (SHverdsh ). members. pp and Best Wishes on this achievement. AGM Notice. David Pauli, Chairman P«ge«

NATIONAL BREEDING NIGHTJAR years after planting and 3-5 year restocks are {fluby-tailed Wasps). What is it all about? SURVEY 2004 often used for foraging. However, they will {Tony Howes reflects) forage up to several kilometres from the nest, Marsh Watching (Wells-next-to-sea). The next 10 year national survey is scheduled including over farmland. page 5 The Wild Goose Chase for 2004, having been postponed from 2002. (Hall Farm, Postwick). The previous survey, in 1992, estimated Since 1992, there have been continued Tetrad Surprise 3,400 males, representing an increase of 50% regional and local surveys of nightjars on a {fled Kite). A charm of Goldfinches. since the 1981. This sizeable increase repre- regular basis, which indicate further increases pag«8 A pheasant valley day. sented a partial recovery following long in numbers and range expansion, at least in a {Strumpshaw Fen) period of decline in breeding range, which southern England. Small Reds {Small Red Damselfly) qualifies the nightjar as a red-listed species of pan* 7 conservation concern. Volunteers are required to help with the The absence of Bleached Pug survey. The survey will involve two evening from Norfolk. A final (?) word on stoats In The nightjar is a breeding visitor to the UK, visits to record churring males in the period paged wintering in Africa. In the UK, their historical end of May to mid July in calm and warm Sea-flying Seed. distribution extended across the whole of weather conditions. Survey areas will be 100 years ago - Transactions. page# mainland Britain, although it was most identified by the BTO and recording cards Excursion Reports numerous in southern England, Wales and the produced for each survey site. Additional East Walton Common. (Fungus Foray Marches (Holloway 1996). It underwent a survey data will include some habitat data for Bless my cotton socks! substantial decline during most of the twenti- sites. Full details of the survey methods will (Cotton Grass) eth century. Similar declines occurred across be with the survey card. page 10 Book reviews and sales. much of Europe. Apart from the chance to watch nightjars it is There were estimated to be 3400 churring a good excuse to get out in the countryside at males in 1992, a substantial increase com- an unusual time for most people and to see all pared with the estimated 2100 males in 1981 those other interesting things that appear at (Morris et al. 1994). Whilst 38% of churring dusk (or dawn for the really keen!) such as woodcock. males were associated with lowland heath- The quarterly bulletin land, especially dry heath; 54% were of the recorded in forestry plantations. Much of the Anyone interested should contact: Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society recovery to date has been attributed to affor- Ian Henderson or Greg Conway at the BTO FcmnrUd 1369 ested heaths in young plantations 15 years, on 01842-750050 or Nick Gibbons at the although breeding densities tend to peak 1-4 Forestry Commission on 01842-816019. Nick Gibbons -

Wvmondham Nature Reserve reserve for as wide a diverse number specialised subjects and species, of species as possible, the newly hopefully recording seasonal formed Reserve Envi- changes and differences. Construction of the A1 1 Wymond- Wymondham ham Bypass resulted in the reduction ronment Group (WREG) is co- and loss of habitat for the protected ordinating a full survey of all the To achieve this, it requires organisa- Great Crested Newt. To compensate species present within the Reserve. tions and/or individuals willing for this, Wymondham Nature to plan and give some of their time, Reserve was created and the Newts It is envisaged the survey will take after all the more there are, the relocated "across the road" in a three forms. less pressure there is on any indi- newly adapted environment, where vidual. It could also provide an they are continuing to thrive along 1) Volunteers who periodically opportunity for those wishing to with the Smooth Newt, and other (e.g. once a month or quarter) walk increase their awareness and experi- with species of "Wildlife" including birds, a specified route around the whole ence, by accompanying others butterflies, dragonflies & damsel- of the Reserve, noting anything they that knowledge. positively identify, flies, other insects and mammals etc. see and can thereby creating an overview, but Therefore please help us and give With the imminent rapid expansion not necessarily needing an in-depth your support to this venture, contact of Wymondham and the subsequent level of knowledge and expertise. Eunice Phipps (01953 605273) or E-mail: pressures being placed on all its "wild" areas, some degree of recog- 2) Volunteers with a greater depth [email protected] of fairly nition and protection is necessary to knowledge over a broad prevent these areas being over- spectrum of species who would be Under the terms of Norfolk County whelmed by human habitation. willing to survey each separate area, Council's Insurance cover, all survey recording all they can recognise. work should only be carried out with

To this end, and to assist Norfolk the knowledge and awareness of County Council in managing this 3) The "Experts" who can identify WREG. and advise on the needs of their Eunice Phipps

NORFOLK BIRD ATLAS As the project is expected to run for at least another 3-4 years, there is still plenty of time for new observers to

finish up in the ‘Top Ten’. Perhaps surprisingly, it has By the time you read this, the fifth winter of fieldwork more difficult to obtain adequate coverage dur- for the Norfolk Bird Atlas will be well underway. proved ing the summer months, and I would be delighted to Indeed some of the tetrads will have already had the two hear from anyone would like to get involved this required set visits this winter and the counts will have who runs been entered on the database. summer. Fieldwork for the breeding season from the beginning of April to the end of June, and observers are requested visit their allocated tetrads on just two In early January 2004, a significant milestone was to all pairs that they en- passed when the 100,000th record for the current Atlas occasions, counting the breeding counter their visits. was entered onto the computer. This figure includes on both winter and summer counts, but compares very the county is divided into favourably with the 61,000 records that were submitted For administrative purposes five main sections and anyone offering help would be in total for Geoffrey Kelly’s Norfolk breeding atlas put in touch with the appropriate local organiser. covering the years 1980 to 1985, and published by the NNNS in 1986. We are particularly looking for additional help in the south Norfolk, as well as in the central By the end of four years of fieldwork, completed record- and west of swathe running north-west to south-east across the ing forms had been received from almost- 50% of the Norfolk tetrads for the winter period and 40% for the county. breeding season. This has only been achieved by many thousands of hours of fieldwork, undertaken by almost Do please get in touch with me if you would like to be- involved in Norfolk’s major current ornithological 300 observers. As a means of expressing our gratitude come and in the hope of encouraging more participants, the project. Atlas Working Group has decided to offer a complimen- Taylor, tary copy of the new Norfolk Bird Atlas, based on the Moss current project, to the ten observers (excluding members 4 Heath Road, cl of the Working Group), who have carried out the most Sheongham, NR26 8JN tel: 01263-823637, set visits by the time that all the fieldwork has been completed. email: [email protected] " 6

Living Fossils Two species are to found in our I homes, the most common of j Most people who have reason to which is the silver fish j visit their pantries in the early I Lepismar saccharina (fig A): hours of the "momin" I should I These were my caller's imagine very rarely take a look j specimens. They are harmless A on the floor, but this is just what ! and feed on minute particles of a recent caller had done and this starchy food such as flour, bread | brought him, hot foot, to my or cake that the vacuum cleaner j door on January 1st. On answer- has failed to find. They can I ing the door there he stood with digest cellulose and will attack j small bottle a in his hand which paper if it is left in a damp hairier. They are approximately j he thrust towards me enquiring situation (hence the need to keep 12mm in length with two long | "What are these?" Then in good books and stamp collections in antennae, much longer than the j old Norfolk said. "I never sin the j dry areas). They will also eat up body length, and have three tails like on em before, they don't arf I their own dead and, as in my of equal length. They do not live shift whooly quick they do, there case, if precautions are not taken as long as silver fish however. were dozens on em. j He had 1 will devour dry preserved insects Most of the remaining species returned home in the early hours in collections. j j exist in or stone and, switching oil the kitchen j moss on moors

I walls or behind the bark of trees light, saw a host of silvery white Rarely daylight j seen during creatures fleeing in all directions land have rarely been studied. I hours, they are sometimes The two species found in homes across the pantry floor. He took found in wash basins or baths | j

! where they are sometimes as quite a time to catch the three he where they have slipped during | ! as those of caller had in the bottle, I have no doubt common my I their nocturnal wanderings in and yet are seldom seen can be that the liquid part of his festiv- j ! search of water. I recently jkept in check with a squirt of ities and the creatures consider- found one in a plastic bucket | insecticide along the base of the ably small size had not given j I that t had used to carry some him any assistance. i skirting boards or on the back of I carrots indoors from the

I the shelving. But, believe me, garden; their dampness had j having survived until now they I jokingly told I him that they apparently attracted it. Silver I were his unpaid night staff clear- jare not going to disappear with- I fish can live for at least five ing lout a fight, despite their size. up his pantry floor for him. years, but the females will only j They were, in fact, members of produce about twenty eggs | Living in my early years beside j an extremely primitive order of during her lifetime. There are j la bakery, I was familiar with wingless insect whose bodies are no different stages this j between jboth of these species and made covered with minute scales. The j newly hatched young and the I some of my first microscope order is known as Thysanura adult, no metamorphosis; the j I slides of their scales. (three pronged bristle tails). young are minute replicas of | There are 23 species in this Ken Durrant I their parents who are them- country and many more abroad. - I selves only 8 10mm in length. Please note: Fossils prove them to be the I They are covered iii minute most primitive of all insects : j silvery scales like a fish. The surviving : The NNNS today. In the upper two antennae are shorter than j Devonian period, Annual General Meeting some 350 the body length, the central tail j million years ago, there were will be held on I is longer than those of either very similar th species on the land Tuesday March 1 ; side. when the first fishes crawled out at 7 30pm, Room 7, Easton of the water. They certainly The other specie is the Fire-Brat College Conference ; Centre. crawled around the legs of the Thermobia domestica (fig B). | dinosaurs and they have These are often in j found the The meeting will be followed remained practically unchanged. I older bakeries or restaurant They are in fact living fossils. kitchens, especially near ; the They are just as ‘Half a century of France’ common today ovens. Unlike the silver fish, | as they were all those aeons ago an illustrated talk by i they can survive in extremely yet, for most of them, we know Paul Banham i dry conditions and prefer it hot, very little regarding their lives, up to 37°C. They arc covered in | they are all nocturnal. ; brownish scales and are also jjjjg 3 JEWEL WASPS I am told, by those much more Marsh Watching knowledgeable than myself, that

Last June, I was staying in Pembro- Ruby-tailed Wasps possess an extra As I have had to give up cycling (I keshire in a friends farm cottage, and thick cuticle that enables them to hope only temporarily) I have had to with very sunny weather ail week, pursue, what would otherwise be a look out for places which I can get found Ruby-tailed Wasps (Chrysis very hazardous lifestyle, safe from close to by car, and which afford a ignita), sometimes called Jewel the stings of solitary bees and wasps worthwhile view. One of the best has Wasps, very common on the stone whose nest chambers they invade, turned out to be quite close to home: path just walls of the cottage that we were and the bites of spiders whose webs the beginning of the coast east of Wells, where it follows the top staying in. My previous encounters they may get caught in. Watching of the sea wall. One of the many with this fabulous little insect have these lovely little insects, I could not memorial seats which we now have always been with single insects, but help thinking that here is natures (an excellent idea) has been placed here I was able to see and watch six answer to Teflon armour-plate. there, looking north across the salt or seven at any time, darting about marsh and its associated creeks. on the sunlit walls. Watching them Hans Watson and trying to photograph them At low tide a lot of mud is exposed in became a daily pursuit, and it be- WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT? Stonemeal Creek alongside the wall, came apparent that these little fragile where I have regularly in winter seen looking insects were in fact, far from I had been sitting in the tower hide nine species of wader, sometimes at fragile. at Strumpshaw Fen, watching, and the same time: Oy ster Catcher, Cur- trying on film some of the lew, Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover, As they ran about looking for holes to catch Ringed birds there, it had been very Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, in which solitary bees or wasps were many these can be I along Plover and Knot. To nesting, they frequently encountered enjoyable. As walked back Greenshank, on migration. I passed anglers added spider webs, which caused them to the river wall two fishing for pike from a small boat, stop and clean the webs from anten- Not far away on the marsh there will they did not seem to be having much nae, legs etc. This pause in their be Shelduck and Brent Geese, the to the other activity allowed close-up photogra- sport, as I heard one say latter often in family parties, the birds as I passed by, “What a *!!!***+!* phy, and more importantly very of the year recognisable by their stripy waste of time this is”. close observation of a very magni- backs. Large flocks of Lapwing and fied insect in the cameras viewfind- Golden Plover will often rise up in the This remark made me consider my er. The magnified view also allowed distance, especially when disturbed by own interests, especially natural me to see just how many strands of low-flying jets. Early and late in the history over the years, and I cannot spiders web cluttered the surface of day incredibly large numbers of Pink- recall a single instance when I was the stonework, making the rapid footed Geese fly over, on their way to it all a waste progress of the Ruby-tails that much bored, and considered and from their roosting and feeding time, I think the over riding sense more amazing. In fact, on five occa- of areas. being out sions Ruby-tails became completely of pleasure is from just and learn- entangled in webs, and on each occa- there, looking, listening, At high tide the whole area is some- is so going but more sion spiders rushed out of their holes ing. There always much times completely submerged, every is an Aladdin’s cave sea fills the creeks, leaving in the mortar, appeared to touch the on, day often the days are surface above water. This Ruby-tail and retreated back into of new experiences, no two the marsh is the best time to see our latest addi- their holes. After only a few the same. tion to the regular bird-list: the Little seconds, during which time the tiling I read Egret. At low tide they are mainly Ruby-tail appeared to shake rapidly, It brings to mind some along the recently, written by a native invisible as they prowl it would break free of the web and American, smaller creeks. I have seen as many calmly clean itself, before carrying as six at the same time, though they on with its search of the wall. My “The birds ofthe air are my brothers, don’t seem to appreciate company, magnified view revealed that the highly all flowers are my sisters, and feed singly. Each will be a webs did not appear to stick to the the trees are my friends, recognisable pure white dot to the insect as well I as would have all living creatures, mountains naked eye, even when half a mile or expected. A search of webs on the and streams I take into my care, more away. When flying close to, walls revealed the remains of a for this green earth is our mother, their unique legs show up: black, number of insects both larger and I share one life with all that are here, except the feet and the lower few every creature smaller than the Ruby-tails that had to every one, and inches, which look as if they have Igive my love** been less fortunate, but no sign of been standing in a pot of yellow paint! any Ruby-tail that had fallen prey to the spiders. Sums it up nicely I think. Paul Banham Tony Howes" ~ 4 THE WILD GOOSE and hen harriers were seen over by the river wall. Tetrad Surprise CHASE

At the far end of Hall Farm land I At the start of any New Year you turned and came back along the tree will The last day of 2003 dawned cold wonder what come your way, line that separates the marshes from but sunny, ice covered the puddles what ‘new’ record or sighting will

the arable, it was then that i first as I went down the track to the Hall be observed. Anyway, usually with heard, then saw, a large v formation Farm at Postwick. I had come this the natural world things happen, of Bewick's swans, very high, and way two days previous to do my which are not consciously thought heading west, their calling is to me annual bird count on the farm, and about. one of the most evocative sounds of had seen a leukistic grey lag goose,

the natural world, I stood in awe as this bird has been around this area they passed over. Take my first visit to my 2004 tetrad of the Yare valley for a few years area for the Norfolk Bird Atlas now, but like all geese it prefers survey near Worstead in early Janu- being right out in the open, making it ary. area mostly open fields difficult for a close approach, and The was hopefully a photograph or two. On and I finished with the expected total

this occasion it had been near the of 30 odd species. As my second river wall, very close to some farm tetrad was adjacent to the one I had

buildings, among about three hun- just walked I decided to drive By now, early afternoon, the light dred of its normal coloured brethren. around it to check out the area. Just was beginning to go, the brilliance of the morning had been replaced by as I had almost completed the tour I I hoped to find them in the same noticed a large bird of prey heading lead coloured clouds, but I had en- general area today, I parked the car joyed the last few hours, a walk west over a field. I stopped and and walked the last half mile to the through these marshes is always checked it out through the binoc- river, and there they were. I had to interesting. Back in the 1960 period do a detour to get the sun behind ulars. Too my surprise and delight I when I first knew them, coypu were me, but all went well, and after a saw it had a long forked tail and was the dominant mammal, we never stealthy approach I was close of course a Red Kite. It crossed the saw water deer then. Neither were enough to take a few shots of the field and disappeared behind a wood barn owls seen, now, with several white bird. By this time all the geese - a few seconds latter and I would nest boxes put up for them they are were on the alert, with heads up, and not have seen this magnificent bird. doing well, five more youngsters this a nervous murmuring going through Year. I year alone, but our world is always A great start to the New their ranks, then, like an explosion, changing, who knows what will be wonder also what other tetrad sur- they were up and away in a here in another forty years. prises are in store? crescendo of sound that only grey

lags are capable of. I stayed Tony Howes crouched in the reeds hoping that Francis Farrow they would wheel around the marsh were, again, similar numbers to the before heading further along the A charm ofgoldfinches previous winter. I am surprised at valley, this they fortunately did, giving the opportunity their chosen tree as it is within a few me of a couple Over the last few years there has been of shots as they passed close by. yards of my neighbour’s house and an increase of goldfinches coming to An azure sky behind them with a close to my own - there are, to my the feeders in my suburban garden. nice white cloud or two, I hope there mind, more suitable trees in the area. Particularly popular are nijer seed and is a perfect end to this tale, I think I sunflower hearts. had some film in the camera, (?).

Originally appearing for As the fine weather was holding I the winter continued on across the marshes to months, some now remain in the area see what else was about, in the and bring their young to the feeders. summer months cattle would be out

here, now all was still and quiet, just In 2002 a holly tree in my garden was the odd lapwing calling, but all is not chosen for a winter roost of upwards as it seems. Many water deer live of 40 goldfinches accompanied by a out here, and in the next three hours starlings over a decade ago, the gap few chaffinches. or several At dusk they homed so are seen as they go appears to have been filled by bounding in from all points of the compass. off ahead of me, taking chaffinches and goldfinches. At one seven foot dykes in their stride, a They remained until the breeding time I would have been delighted to sight marvelous to behold. Three season when they dispersed. see the occasional goldfinch; now I foxes were put up from some rough long to see the humble sparrow. sedge, a barn owl was out hunting in In late November 2003 some the bright sun light, Janet E. Smith and both marsh returned and by December there 5 M running around the floor. I passed Tits, a Wren, Blue Tits and a Dun- A PHEASANT i some shooting markers just outside nock or two. |

VAUEY MONDAY the boundary of the reserve so it looks like a large release has been The walk to the tower hide was long

It was one of those dark November made for that very purpose. As I but unfruitful save for the berry bear-

days that did not really get properly went deeper into the wood I was ing bushes. Once in the hide I was light but I thought I would have walk joined by a small flock of Long- pleased to see a variety of water around one the RSPB’s quieter tailed Tits and the odd Robin and levels leaving some great expanses reserves in the Yare Valley at Wren were heard to sing along too. of mud. Four green Sandpipers were

Strumpshaw in Norfolk. It is a very a wonderful surprise, one that I shall rich reserve with much to occupy die Once out again and onto the path to remember for a long time. Eight

naturalist. I just took my time and the pump house I stopped to look at Snipe, 108 Teal, a few Shoveler and recorded anything that came to my a very bright Hawthorn adorned with a family group of three Grey Herons notice and by diligently searching I so much fruit there had to something were of note. In the distance a pair of

had a very good day indeed. feeding in there. I raised my bins to Marsh Harriers tumbled down to the

see mostly Blackbirds I in here and a single i reedbeds. spent a good hour

I had not even left the car park Redwing, but to my right I could see and although the birding was not | before I heard the familiar call of various birds commuting between a brilliant the views from here are out- | Siskin. There right above me was a copse and the Hawthorn. By looking standing. leaving the hide I | On good eight birds, foraging in the at the copse I could see that there turned back towards the railway line | Alders. Back on the ground I saw a were a few Redwings and Fieldfares passing a long line of Guelder Rose ; melanistic male pheasant in the along with some dark billed conti- bushes again heavily adorned with | horse field. There seemed to be a lot nental Blackbirds. It seemed that berries. I found five Bullfinches in | of pheasants about today. I then they were taking the haws from the one of the trees and great views were | passed by the two gates by the rail- tree and flying back to the safety of I obtained. These again brightened the way and was immediately greeted by the copse to eat them. I must admit ! day with their pink plumage. The the shocking pink fruit of the the Hawthorn was rather exposed to last tit flock of the day produced a j

Spindle tree, this certainly bright- predators. Anyway I ambled on in Treecreeper. | ened up the day. First stop was as the mild but overcast conditions until | usual the brick hide, the view from I arrived on the banks of the River I had the most wonderful winters ; here was very winter like with vol- Yare. I stopped here for a while to birdwatching and cannot wait to | unteers tending a smoky bonfire of have some more Bovril from my return. | reeds and scrub to my right and over flask and sat quiet and listened to the a hundred Coot were observed tak- life of the reserve. As a party of ! I also recorded 15 plants in flower ing it in turns to dive under the water Mallard squabbled up stream, small and 12 species of fungi. | surface. This species seems to have flocks of Redwings passed overhead the monopoly of this pool, as I could calling as if to greet me as they Colin Jacobs not locate anything else. Up in the carried on toward Buckenham, save SMALL REDS dead trees the regular Cormorants for the call of the Pheasants and the were there. One was seen in the distant song of the Cetti’s Warbler it In the last Transactions (Vof. 36 - characteristic wings open pose. Sud- was a peaceful still day which just Part 1, page 75) Geoff Nobes talks denly out of the gloom a fine female had to be appreciated to its full. As I about small red damselfty records at Marsh Harrier came m towards me, walked parallel to the river four Seaming. I visited Seaming on 8 hardly daring to take another sip of Great Crested Grebes swam past and July last year at 5 pm and within five my Bovril as the bird passed in front Two fisherman in boats bid me good minutes had recorded a male small red damselfly. It the first dam- of the hide. morning as we passed each other in was selfly I saw and as conditions were the distance I could see the rich red overcast it allowed an extremely As I entered the wood I waited berries of the Guelder Rose and yet close approach (5cm!). It showed a patiently for the Goldcrests to appear more Spindle which lifted the spirits bright red abdomen but less bright from the Pines but they were so well yet again. Small tit flocks were start- red legs perhaps indicating it had hidden I had to be satisfied with just ing to appear now and each one only just left the ten era I stage. hearing them. The familiar “kick, would hold different species Blue kick” call of the Greater Spotted Tits, Great Tits, a Marsh Tit and a I did no further searching but the Woodpecker alerted me to a male Robin were in this one feeding rapidity with which i saw the first bird high up in a beech tree as I around some Privet berries and on might indicate that many adults were present on that day. continued into the wood. By now the twigs and grounded branches. Pheasants were all over the place The next would yield Long-tailed with both sexes either feeding or DougatMcNeill 6 The absence of Bleached Pug from Norfolk

The Bleached pug, Eupithecia expallidata Doubleday is a Holt Lowes Country Park (5 locations) 65 plants moth found in many of the counties in southern and eastern Holt 8 plants

England (and north and south Wales) but traditionally it Hunworth (2 locations) 64 plants has not been recorded in Norfolk. However, in 2000 a Briston 4 plants specimen was captured at Holme which some thought Hainford 29 plants could be a Bleached pug and in 2002 another example at North Walsham gave cause for similar speculation. After These eight sites for Solidago virgaurea were thus con- much deliberation both were identified by Gerry Haggett, fined to the area of Holt-Briston-Beeston plus the outlier at from excellent digital photos, as the similar Wormwood Hainford. The relevance of the survey for Bleached pug is pug, Eupithecia absinthiata which is found across Norfolk. that only the Sheringham/Beeston site would be likely to The only known larval foodplant in the wild for the support a continuously resident population of the moth, Bleached pug is the wild Golden rod, Solidago virgaurea, with Hainford as an outside possibility. and to find its larvae would be a much more positive way Mike therefore arranged with Ken Durrant for himself, of confirming the presence of the moth. Gerry and Stephen Ward to collect samples of flowering ,h Gerry and Mike Hall were anxious to know the up-to-date and seeded heads of S. virgaurea from that location on 25 presence of wild Golden rod, Solidago virgaurea, in Nor- September. The plants were at the perfect stage for larvae folk. So Mike asked Bob Ellis if the Norfolk Flora Record- and were just as Gerry had seen them in cleared broad- ing Group could make this one of its survey priorities for leaved woodlands in Kent and Sussex in 1950s and 1960s 2003. where the larvae were abundant, so we had high hopes of finding Norfolk specimens. Alas within a week the only Bob Leaney led the team that carried out the survey and larvae to appear were a couple of absinthiata and one co-ordinated the fieldwork and correlated the results ensur- Double-striped pug, Gymnoscelis rufifasciata; (expallidata, ing many sites of the older records were covered. like most larvae enclosed on host plants in a suspended linen bag, would start to sit on the sides of their bag from Bob Leaney ’s summary based on 53 records since 1780 the second day). reads:

This survey, both of plant and its negative samples of 17 records erroneous flowering heads, supports the view that Bleached pug is 15 locations found at 8 sites. not resident at the current time in Norfolk. But locations of the plant at Holt Lowes, Hunworth and Hainford might

Bob’s list of current locations is shown below: still be worth checking for larvae.

15 locations no plant found We are grateful to Bob Ellis, Bob Leaney and the Norfolk 13 locations not surveyed being unlikely survivors Flora Group for their records and field work and Ken Durrant for guiding us round Sheringham & Beeston Sheringham Common 336 plants Common. Beeston Common (3 locations) 277 plants Hall and Gerry Haggett Sheringwood Green Lane 10 plants Mike

Take February 1979: severe weather, since 1963”, reported the BMR - A FINAL (?) WORD ON ; reported the BMR, and an ermine sight- brought a sighting at North Creake. STOATS IN ERMINE j ing at Oulton. Yet January 1981 was [The legacy of that bitter weather the wettest for two decades and mild, possibly accounted for sightings at So, stoats in white winter overcoats j but there Were Sightings at Roydon Strumpshaw and Cocldey Cley. are not j so uncommon in Norfolk after Common and Carbrooke. Severe j all. A trawl by John Goldsmith through weather in January 1982 produced a i Not surprisingly, the severe weather the Norfolk Biological Records Centre record from Gooderstone yet by the jwith heavy snowfalls in January 1987 database has produced 58 records of time another ermine was spotted at brought records from Hockham, Wood j ermine among the 2306 sightings Ovington in February the weather was I Rising and Bradenham, yet January listed. much milder. and February 1989 were mostly mild j

1 but produced a crop of sightings from The books tell us that it is temperature I “The extremes! of weather” was various parts of the county, which j determines whether a stoat’s j i recorded in January and February j

winter coat will be brown or white. The ! with sightings at Heath, record left puzzled: 1 1985, Cranwich One me 1998, |

next step was to take a random dip into i : Ringstead Downs, Hilborough. and By j Lady Anne’s Drive, Hoikham: “One the records and compare them with the | contrast, the first three months of 1986 | male in half-ermine fighting another weather reports In the Norfolk Bird and | had a mixture of weather. January was with a normal coat" Who started it, 1 j Mammal Report (BMR). Is there a con- | predominantly mild wet, i ; and with cold wondered, and why? sistent correlation? Very definitely not! i snaps, but ermine was seen at West David Pauli j [ Harling Heath. February - “the coldest *

7 Wl Sea-flying Seed long as they can in the air being Now the wind gets up and pushed up by the wave, then curve turbulence lifts the seed again, tum-

amazingly it, roll- While out at sea many of us have away, never wetting a bling snagging a whisker and wingtip enjoyed the effortless planing of or catastrophically cart- ing it until it bounces up again. shearwaters as they skim the waves. wheeling into the water as many an Rain’s coming. Will this force it aircraft has done when turning down? Will waves break and catch it I was enjoying just such a sight this August off Mull on board my steeply at low level over the sea. in their spray? Or will it travel on to another shore? parents’ boat, sailed up from Brey- The seed wasn’t using such elegant don some weeks before, when I saw something else flying just above the aerodynamics, just getting enough It made me wonder how many sea- waves. lift to speed along, unwetted, to its side plants might get around this unknown destination. way. We are used to thinking about floating It was a seed - or, more accurately - those with seeds making a pappus, the ‘parachute’ of Cirsium The seeds ofmost plants, even wind- their way along shores and across distributed fall entirely the wind- vulgare, the spear thistle. ones, almost oceans, but what about very close to the parent. It is the odd borne ones? escapee The sea wasn’t big: the waves were that gets carried away, potentially to start is problem here: only a couple of feet high, but they a whole new There one possible - were enough to give the seed a colony an excellent strategy in self- the pappus may not have actually fertile, colonising ‘weeds’. far borne a seed. I couldn’t tell for rollercoaster ride; up one wave front, How might this sea-going seed travel? certain through the binoculars. Quite tumbling through tire air over the around crest to the next front, always just an a few of the ‘seeds’ blowing did it Its thistly field in late are in inch or two above the surface, and And how get out to sea? a summer away to sea. journey may have begun in a fact just parachutes, I have found. thermal, taking it up several hundred

feet. Perhaps it As my father - a former RAF pilot- was blown out to sea But that caveat was not on my mind when the katabatic wind (the land- I the seed whirl observed, the air just above the as watched sea-going breeze) started up, and gradually lost and skate away among the shear- waves provides considerable lift. We height until its the waters. I it is Watched the shearwaters fly at a whiskers touched wonder where today? water. Surface tension prevented it small angle to the swell; they stay as being taken in, and it bounced off. Wanderer

100 Years ago from NNNS Transactions (Volume VIL 1899-1904)

METEOROLOGICAL NOTES (From observa- as violets, primroses, aconites and snowdrops came tions taken at Bradstone House, Brundall, Norfolk.) into bloom early in the month. by Arthur W. Preston F. R. Met. rd Read 23 February, 1904 February

January Great mildness prevailed throughout the month th

maxima of 57 degrees being recorded on the 8 , 20th The year entered with a continuance of the and 21st and on the 9th the thermometer mild j touched weather which had characterised the latter part of the i 58.6. There were but few frosts, and on the mean the previous December On the 3rd there were heavy temperature of the m o n t h was 6.1 degrees above j hailstorms ill accompanied by thunder and on the 5th the average. It was a very dry month, only 34ins of j and 6th maxima of 53.4 and 52.5 were attained by the i rain being recorded, and the first three weeks were thermometer. On the 12th a drop occurred in the practically rainless. There was no snow whatever, j temperature, and a week's somewhat winterly weather and by the close of the month vegetation was for- j ensued, with a little snow, but the frost was at no time warder than in any year since 1 8 8 2. Early wall j severe and on the 20th milder weather again in, fruit, such as apricots, began to blossom before the set \ and continued till the end of the month, the thermom- close of the month, and the whitethorn commenced to j eter reaching 54.8 on the 26th. On the mean the leaf at an unusually early date. Going back 130 years j temperature for the month was 3.3 above the average, ; it would seem that February was warmer only four and much the same as that of the previous January, times, viz., in 1869, 1850, 1794 and 1779, but in 1846 j The rainfall was .21 ins, deficient and the prevailing i it was about as mild. The wind was almost continu- direction of the wind was from westerly quarters. It ! ously from the west, and blew hard at times, particu- blew strongly on many days. Owing to the contin- larly between the 19th and 27th. j ued mildness some of the earlier spring flowers, such j It seems that winters years ago were not all hard after all and the signs of spring were early even then as shown by this except from 1903. FF ^ ' 8 ms Reports

&44t 'Waito* @0*K*M*l

by two of our number, and the Study Joint NNNS / Norfolk both which Fungus Group commented that by the time they members saw in a similar situa- Fungus Study Group came to examine the specimens tion in 2002 at Sculthorpe Moor. Foray to East Walton that evening, the fungi had gone Among less often noted fungi Common completely and startlingly white, seen we identified Melanoleuca apart from the gills, which stayed excissa a very pale member of , yellow. Using David Boertmann's this genus, a trio of Tricholoma th Sunday, October 12 2003. monograph of the genus, we were species in T. lascivum, T. scalp- able to identify this as Hygrocybe turatum and T.fulvum, Leccinium In common with every other Fun- vitellina, thought by Boertmann to variicolor with the flesh in the gus Foray during this very dry be rare in Europe, with the pro- stipe blueing on exposure to the autumn, Fungi were very much at viso that this was not entirely air whilst the flesh in the cap went a premium. In fact, the meeting clear due to different interpreta- pink, as well as L. scabrum with had been designed to coincide tions of the species by different unchanging flesh. with the emergence of the many authorities. In Denmark it grows species of Hygrocybe and other in grasslands and fixed dunes, Although we were not over- | grassland fungi, but not a single almost always with Juniper-which whelmed with fungi to be looked specimen | was found on the open we do not have. However, a at when we got home, it was felt I grassland. The party made its single Danish collection was from that we had quite a good day | way to the wet woodland and a Carex (Sedge) marsh and in given the dry conditions, with a clumps | of scattered trees along association with Dryopteris (Male final list of 47 species. the south west side of the open or Buckler Ferns.) Our specimens grassland, and spent the morning were from the latter habitat-more searching this area. Lunch was or less! taken on the leeward side of one of the chalk ridges, and after- One of our number found some wards, we went to the north side Inkcap shaped caps which gave of the common and examined that the appearance of being covered part of the common on either side with dark brown velvet, the lower of the stream through which the part of the stipe being the same. Bless ray cotton socks! permissive footpath leads to the We were baffled at the time, but East Winch road. Though most the penny later it dropped when I was interested to read in Bill finds were of common species, was remembered that the outer Mitchell’s account of the excursion we did find one or two rather rim of the cap was dripping with at Thompson Common (The special fungi. In the morning, moisture which had presumably whilst Natterjack page 4, no. 83, Nov. working alongside one of run down to the edge of the cap the 2003) that in parts of the country, pingoes which was partly from the gills. These were two under the alders, a small knoll, young and unexpanded caps of bog cotton was used for stuffing almost an island of slightly higher Pleuteus umbrosus. pillows and making candle wicks. ground was found to be covered with a mixture of mosses and the Highlights of the afternoon ses- The Orkney Museum in Kirkwall fairly thickly scattered fronds of sion near the stream involved one has a display of delicate socks Marsh Fern, Thelypteris palustris, or two patches of bare mud under and woven from bog cotton. This was amongst the fern were poss- trees with good numbers of the traditionally done by a bride for the ibly a dozen caps of a bright yel- little cup fungus, Tarzetta cupula- low Hygrocybe socks to be wom on their wedding which was found ris, and amongst one of these to be slimy on both cap and stipe. groups, Trevor spotted the One or two caps were taken home uncommon Helvetia macropus _ .

ANY OFFERS? Books: Reviews & Sales For sale: a copy of 'The Flora of Norfolk" by Petch and Swann along the coastalfootpath \ I can feel 1968, published by Jarrolds, in Bringing the the wind, smell the gorse and hear the good condition with a complete redshanks! outdoors indoors dust cover. We would be happy to I am sure that many of you, like me, ’ receive offers for this book, either In the Countryside is published by enjoy the regular nature column in by telephone on 01245 471463 or Wren publishing (ISBN 0-95425445- the Eastern Daily Press car- , which by email to: 1-1) and is available from Moss at 4 ries on a great tradition started by the [email protected] . Heath Road, Sheringham, NR26 8JN. late Ted Ellis. One of the present cor- Proceeds from the sale will go Price: Price: £9.95(+£l p&p). respondents, Moss Tayor, has pro- towards the cost of flowers in Francis Farrow duced a book of his writings first Chelmsford Cathedral. published in the EDP between 1999 Flying off the page and 2001. Called ‘In the Country- Dan and Jean Glading, side ’the 120 page book contains a The arrival of Douglas Hammers- Great Baddow, Essex. " wealth of interesting and diverse sub- ley's A Butterfly Notebook" was a jects regarding the natural history of rare treat. This is a book of pure For Sale: Norfolk and beyond. pleasure, a true reflection of the author/illustrator's love of his sub- Arthur H. Paterson ject. How lucky we were to have ‘Nature in Eastern Norfolk" 1905. this retired medical illustrator and Illustrated by Frank Southgate animation artist decide to settle here ‘A Norfolk Naturalist 1930. in Norfolk! Why did he come? Sim- Illustrated by the author ply, for the easy access his home in Ex-library bound copies. East Harling gave to so many prime £15.00 each. butterfly sites. ‘Notes of an East Coast Naturalist’ The main lies in the paintings. joy 1904. Illustrated by Frank South- All of our species, plus a few from gate £30.00 the Continent, are included. All are shown in several attitudes to give an Oliver G. Ready The book has an attractive cover "all-round" view. And there is not a by ‘Life and sport on the Norfolk Robert Gilmore and contains selec- laid out museum type picture in a Broads in the golden days’ 1910. tion of coloured fact, photographs taken sight! In you feel you must be Ex-library bound copy. £15.00 by Moss. I find the one of a North careful not disturb a single one in

Sea gale at case they all lift off from the page. Weyboume particularly Please contact: striking. High grade paper and superb colour Janet E. Smith (01603-433919) reproduction of the originals make It is book that you can dip into at a this possible. moments notice, especially during the winter months. You can be trans- Each page of illustrations is given a ported from your armchair to any facing page of text. Here Douglas season as the book is conveniently gives us basic information about the divided into writings that are associ- butterflies, together with anecdotes ated with particular times of the year. about his quests over this country

If your wish, however, is to escape and parts of Europe over a period of from these shores Moss has included years to track down and record the some excepts from his travels and more elusive species. His enthusi- North America, the Caribbean, South asm and pleasure burst through and

America and Ireland are all visited. we cannot help but share with him

It is a collection of writings that A Butterfly Notebook is published should give pleasure to naturalists by The Book Guild Ltd. and country-lovers alike. One piece I ISBN 1 85776 722 5. Price: £25. liked sums up the descriptive and at times evocative writing ‘ Delights Rex Haney 10 m 1b Ar

Toad-in-the-hole... URGENT APPEAL Contents

Welcome to the 2004 spring David and Iris Pauli took over the distribution and Bird edition of ‘The Norfolk Natter- sale of the Society's Norfolk & Mammal Report from the 1997 issue and had hoped to pagel jack. Toad-in-the-hole.. continue for issue - their eighth. But, after one more Urgent appeal

a "rather scary encounter" with deep vein throm- (Report distributor wanted). Again my thanks to all contributors Honour for Ul bosis over Christmas (and "celebrating" the New Lil Honorary Ufe for such a varied collection. For ( Evans, Year in hospital), David is now under orders to take Member). those of you who are active and out page 2 things easier for some time and has decided that he and about the County further sur- Hornets. must therefore "retire" before the publication of the More Hornets. veys are detailed within requiring Barbestrelle bats at Paston 2003 Report in the early autumn. So, is there a Gt Bam - an update. your participation. volunteer out there to take on this valuable service pag«3 Holkham Park. to Society members and the hundreds of birders Richmond Park. If you haven't sent anything into who buy the Report every year? David and Iris will page 4 White Ghosts 'Natterjack before please do not be very happy to act as "consultants" to try to (Bam Owls) hesitate - all notes and obser- ensure a smooth handover. Where do Harvest Mice go in the winter? vations are welcome - particularly page 5 short pieces. Also if you know any What are the basic job requirements? A computer Alexanders survey. County Bower. young people (under 16) who can and some storage space. Gt Water-parsnip species write show them the back page of action plan. pages this edition. __ If you feel you could take it on, please phone David Gaps In Butterfly Recording. on 01603 457270 for a full job description. 2000-2004. Norfolk Spotted Rycatcher survey 2004. HONOUR FOR LIL page 7 Excursion Reports. Reg Evans 1914-2004 last - - [Obituary) My and very pleasant task before I ceased to be chairman at the annual pages meeting on March 16 was to propose that Lil should be Evans made an Honorary Young Nature Writer Awards

Life Member of the Society "in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the (2003 winners) Young Norfolk Nature Writer of study of natural history in Norfolk and her constant readiness to share her know- the Year Award 2004

ledge with other naturalists". Reg and Lil Evans were an amazing partnership but, tCompetition rules) Watsonla of course, Lil is a considerable expert in her own right. Not only does she have an encyclopaedic knowledge of fungi in general - and an astonishingly retentive memory for all those Latin names - but she is an expert in one of the more obscure specialisms in this field, the Myxomycetes - the slime moulds. She is responsible for 1,817 of 1,972 modern records for myxomycetes in the Norfolk Mycota database, which will form the basis for the forthcoming book on the county’s fungi. And her expertise is not just in fungi. Back in 1991 she wrote a book on "Some Norfolk Plant Galls". Her name appears in the list of contributors to the Millennium Atlas of Norfolk The quarterly bulletin Butterflies. And she has a wide knowledge of wildflowers. of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists* Society Society Council unanimously recommended that Lil should be made an honorary Founded i life member - and, not surprisingly, the proposal was approved by the annual meeting - with acclamation! RrgataEdOaafrNttiyicAt

Da vid Pd ull © Norfolk & Nontnch Saturates' Society HORNETS graph the insects busily constructing taken into the nest. Common Wasps the nest, and preparing brood cells. were very frequent items of prey. The most surprising part of this Over the years, I have had quite a experience, and what will probably About 50 yards from the nest was a few opportunities to get acquainted be the most lasting memory, was die pear tree, with many windfall pears with Hornets, and have learned that loud crackling/rustling noise coming beneath it. These were a great attrac- they have been victims of much bad from the nest. On the first occasion tion for numerous insects including press and false rumour. They are that I saw the nest, it was late the Hornets. It was with some probably the most tolerant to human evening, and as it got dark the noise surprise that whilst taking close-up presence near to their nest, of all the could be heard from at least 6 yards photos of the Hornets catching and wasp family, provided that they are away. In the darkness this noise overpowering Common Wasps that shown respect. seemed almost sinister. on no occasion did a Hornet use its sting to subdue the wasp, but simply I have photographed Hornets at close On the second occasion I photo- grasped the wasp with their legs and range on a number of occasions, but graphed the nest at a distance of less used their jaws to great effect. Most always away from the nest, and than one foot, the insects completely attacks lasted from one to four although I have found a number of ignored both me, camera, and flash- seconds, from beginning, to carrying nests in the past, they have either guns. Sometimes a Hornet would the prey item off to the nest. Wasps been in hollow trees, or other land on me, probably using me as a were frequently decapitated. I was inaccessible places such as a church landing stage on its way to the nest, also surprised at the considerable roof. In September 2003, 1 was privi- but never did I feel in any way amount of pear that was carried off leged to be shown a nest in the roof threatened. The local insect popula- to the nest in the form of pellets that of a shed only 8 feet from the tion probably felt differently judging the Hornets cut from the fallen pears ground. The nest had been started in by the Small Tortoiseshell and Red with those formidable jaws. Very the second week of August (which I Admiral wings found discarded on impressive insects indeed. would have thought was somewhat the ground nearby. On one occasion, late in the year), and was about half I saw the headless and wingless body Hans Watson completed, so I was able to photo- of a Migrant Hawker dragonfly

SVlore Hornets.... Barbastelle bats at Paston Great Bara - an update

Last year my mother-in-law rang me As members will know, Paston Great Bam, as well as being a Scheduled to say she had found something Ancient Monument and listed building, is an internationally important site strange in the loft of her house near for barbastelle bats, and as such is designated under both national and Cromer. I duly went over to investi- European nature conservation legislation. Over the past few years it was gate - below is a picture of what I something of a controversial site, a situation which culminated in English found - a large Hornets nest filling Nature taking on a 50 year lease in 2002. A view of those events can found one comer of the loft space. This was in the 2001 Norfolk Bird and Mammal report, p288-297. March 2003 and both she and her husband had not any idea that it was As part of English Nature’s work wc have commissioned the Bat Conserva- there. They had noticed a few ‘large tion Trust to undertake a three year monitoring programme, looking at the wasps’ about during the previous population of barbastelle bats, and building on the earlier work carried out summer but the extent of the nest by others, including the Norfolk Bat Group* The first year’s results are now must have housed a good few thou- in and members may be interested to know that in 2003 the numbers of sand individuals. This just shows that barabstcllcs recorded exceeded all previous counts, with 36 adults counted if you leave them alone they will not in June, and a maximum of 56 adults and young counted in July/August. bother you. The previous highest count was in 1998 when 30 adults were recorded, and the lowest in 2001 when approximately 22 adults were recorded Barbas- Francis Farrow telle bat populations may of course fluctuate for many reasons, some of which could be unrelated to conditions at Paston Great Bam. (It would be

good to link the here to work elsewhere on this species ). It is, however, evident that Paston Great Bam remains an internationally important site for barbastelle bats.

Should members wish to see a full copy of this monitoring report please

contact me at English Nature, 60 Bracondale, Norwich, NR 1 2BE, Rob Cooke Holkham Park otherwise rather boring species much for this early splash of colour! Along the rides there are occasional botanical surprises: Creeping Bell-flower and Sanicle One of the advantages of living on the North Norfolk in one. Clustered Bell-flower in another. Sweet Violet, Coast is that there is a wide choice of often contrasting in both its blue and white forms, puts in an early appear- environments to visit, some natural, like the beaches and ance by one of the tracks. saltmarshes, and some man-made (or at least man- highly-influenced) like Felbrigg and Holkham Parks. I have occasionally called my wife on my mobile to let The latter is just next door for me, so it is not surprising her hear a Cuckoo (pretty scarce round here now), or that I have got to know it pretty well over the last 35 once, a Nightingale (unprecedented), but one day I years. called her to listen to the silence! What a rare thing! I was in one of the Holkham plantations, and realised The central part of the estate: the Hall, its surrounding that I could hear nothing at all - no traffic, no aircraft, deer park, the lake and quite a bit of agricultural land, is not even the distant roar of the sea, it having been calm enclosed not only by the famous 9-mile long wall, but for several days. perhaps more significantly by continuous woodland, while other large and small plantations are scattered There is a six-foot high fence around the deer-park, around (I believe we have “Capability” Brown to thank which is occasionally damaged by falling trees. One for this). The park is, I glad am to say, open to the then comes across small groups of Fallow Deer, with a public, most of whom, especially in summer, gravitate rather guilty look about them, outside their normal towards the Hall and the mile-long lake. The latter domain, but generally still inside the wall. In recent attracts bird-watchers, and is well worth a look in winter years, however, I have seen the occasional Muntjac, for the large numbers of waterfowl - including, at the outside the deer-park, but sometimes so near the fence time of writing in late February, the biggest gathering of that they give the impression that they would like to be Shoveler (100+) that I have ever seen. inside! I don’t know how welcome they would be, either by the staff or the resident deer. It is the woodland that particularly attracts me, however. The old-established plantations are easily recognised not Footnote: If you have been puzzled by a signpost to “N. only by the height of the trees but, in early spring, by the Holkham”, due south of Holkham village, die “N” fresh green carpet of Dog’s I Mercury. can forgive this stands for “New”! Paul Banham

RICHMOND PARR the inevitable escapes have now got a strong foot hold in southern England.

Walking round Richmond Park earlier this week gave in the are the main feature, two me an opportunity to observe some of the wildlife found The deer park however species are red, all together there. This is a large Park, eleven miles round, the same to be seen, fallow and num- bering about six hundred animals. These were the as the Norwich ring road, it is undulating and very pic- reason for our being there, a friend and I had arrived turesque, with many ancient and gnarled oaks in the well wooded landscape. early to try and photograph these majestic beasts, several of the red deer stags have twelve points or more on their

These venerable old trees, with many holes, cracks and antlers, these massive bony structures will be dropped fissures are proving a great attraction to large numbers over the next few weeks, but at the moment they are of ring necked parakeets {psittacula krameri). Their looking very macho indeed. shrill calls are very evident all over the park, and with Tony Howes their slim, long tailed silhouettes are unmistakable in flight. These are very beautiful birds, bright green with scarlet bills, and very acrobatic.

Despite their good looks they have a bad reputation, and many people frown on them, they have a penchant for getting into trouble, and can cause much damage to buildings, bird tables etc. They seem to be on the increase, I have heard of one night time roost w here an estimated eight thousand birds congregate in the winter months. Our mild climate over the last few years has obviously been kind to this species, originating from Asia and Africa, they came here as cage birds, and with 3 W1 WHITE GHOSTS Where do Harvest Mice There is a rough marsh below our property which probably serves as home to a population of these Bam owls have always been one of go in Winter? my favourite birds, they have a endearing little creatures, and, from

special magic all of their own and I When I want to find out anything time to time they are encountered on

am always thrilled when I see one in about the lives and habits of our the property. A year or two ago, we the countryside. In recent years I mammals, I turn, not to the latest even had a nest in some tall grass at have become rather more involved work on the subject (if there is one the end of a piece of cultivated with this charismatic bird with a which does not deal superficially ground. They also appear-brief programme of making and erecting with all the mammals in Europe, flashes of sandy and white diving for nest boxes for them, mainly on rather than just Great Britain and cover-where hay is stored in an out- farms in the Yare valley. Ireland), but to a three volume work building. This winter, however, one published in 1912 and called simply took up residence and was first seen Checking these boxes out in spring 'The Nature Book'. More than 1200 on Dec. 17th in the sheep's 'hayrack', the is always interesting. Some have pages of information on every an old bedspring with some of pellets in them showing that the subject under the sun relating to wires removed with wall, behind it owls are happy with the situation British wildlife, and superbly and roofed over with a removable and are using them for roosting sites. illustrated with black and white corrugated iron lid. It has not been The biggest thrill however comes photographs. The articles on mam- seen every day, but perhaps, two or from finding a clutch of pure white mals are by a gentleman called three times in a week, quietly wall eggs, it’s then that all the hard work Douglas English who seems to have dodging over the top of the by or seems worthwhile and I know that studied our mammals at first hand, way of a convenient bramble, given a bit of luck, and a good vole and in many cases, has bred them in scuttling out of the rack to hide in year, there will be another bam owl captivity so that he could write about loose hay which had fallen out of the two family hunting the grazing marshes them. TTius, I find that Harvest Mice end. On March 1 1th, there were by the years end. spend the winter in the com stacks, and the pair were seen again on occupying the highest level in the March 31st, so hopefully we still population in Recently I was shown an area on the stack with the House Mice lower have a viable breeding upper Bure at Buxton that seems down-providing there were no rats this part of the River Tud valley. ideal for photographing these lovely which would, of course, eat both. Incidentally, English states that the birds. The Wroxham/Aylsham light national distribution of Harvest Mice Now, there are no com stacks, so railway line mns through rough is governed by the July/August mean where do the Harvest Mice spend likely grass fields at this point and by rainfall/ and that they are not the winter? Come to that, where standing on the elevated footpath to occur where this exceeds 4 inches do they spend the summer in bordering the line you have good over the two months. He sites todays intensive world? English views of any owl hunting the rough Leicestershire as the likely northern gives their breeding season as ground below you. Bam owls are limit for the species. Perhaps global July/August, with the young quite happy to hunt during the day- warming will help the Harvest mobile three weeks after birth, in light hours, even in bright sunny Mouse move further north. other words from late July into conditions and so it proved with September. With their nests these Buxton birds. They could be Alec Bull among the com stalks, many of observed flying up and down the them were carted to the com marshy ground in a very random stacks within the sheaves, though way, often hovering over possible some would no doubt have had to vole holding spots, or spending long run for it. The fate of any com periods perched on marsh fence dwelling Harvest Mice today, posts inspecting the grass all around with combine harvesters moving with their penetrating dark eyes. On through the com faster than a one occasion in early March there man can walk is best left to the were four different owls in flight all imagination. From this, it would at the same time, unusual in my appears that the species must now experience but a lovely unforgetta- be largely confined to marshes ble sight. These “White Ghosts” where they can nest undisturbed must capture the hearts of all who in the reed beds and other tall know them. vegetation. Tony Howes

4 Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) Survey. Greater water-parsnip Species Action Plan There is a general feeling that alexanders is extending its range in Norfolk and is becoming a problem in some places by out-competing less robust species. With the tetrad maps published in the Flora five years ago, we have Greater water-parsnip Sium lati- a good opportunity to gather some hard evidence about its alleged expan- folium is a Nationally Scarce plant sion. To this end, the Norfolk Flora Group is planning to survey alexanders found in 62 10km squares in Britain this spring and to provide a base line for future surveys, it would be ideal during the latest Atlas recording (though not essential) to have records based on 1km squares. We are period of 1987-1999. Its distribution particularly keen to cover tetrads adjacent to those where alexanders has declined substantially since occurred in the Flora as shown by the map. 1945. Norfolk remains one of the plants’ strongholds although there is evidence of a long-standing decline here too - Ted Ellis in his New Naturalists’ book on The Broads

(1965) referred to it as "a rare and disappearing species.”

In Norfolk the main populations are

found in fen habitat in Broadland although the plant also occurs along some grazing mash dykes, notably in the Halvergate - Wickhampton area. There are few recent or histor- ical records for the west with the Ouse Washes representing the main site.

As part of the Norfolk Species Action Plan for Sium help is required with 0 1 2 3 4 5 the following:

We would be grateful if members of the society would take part. To do so collation of historical records simply note the 1km squares where you see plants or even better, have a field survey to assess current black and white copy of part of the Landranger (1:50 000) O.S. map of your distribution and status chosen area (copies are allowable for scientific purposes) and colour in field survey to monitor key pop- either the 1km squares where you see plants, or all the roads which have ulations and gather ecological alexanders along their verges. data » collection of seeds to deposit in Records should be sent to Gillian Beckett, Bramley Cottage, Docking Road, the Millennium Seed Bank Stanhoe, Norfolk, PE31 8QF. (Wakehurst Place) County Flower If anyone is willing to help with any of the above activities or can submit On May 5th, the wild plant charity, Plcmtlife, will announce the winners any recent (post-1995) records I of the County Flower millennium project Each county in the United would be pleased to hear from them. Kingdom will be represented by a flower that has received the most I can provide details of records from the public. currently held on the Norfolk data- base and could also help with gaining access permission to private The floral finalists include, for example. Hop and Lady orchid in Kent, land. Snowdon lily and Welsh poppy in Caernarvonshire, Bearberry and Harebell in Aberdeenshire. The Harebell, also known the Scottish as Jeremy Halls, Bluebell has also won over voters in eight other counties. The Cowslip 2 West End Avenue, Brundall, is another favourite, being on the list for Cambridgeshire, East Lothian/ Norwich, NR13 5RF Haddingtonshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Somerset, Tel 01603 716710. Surrey and Worcestershire. Norfolk, I believe has Com Poppy and the e-mail [email protected]

subject of the survey above - Alexanders Personally I would liked to NB have seen Norfolk Reed among the finalists as it is something the public 'all maps shown in' can identify with from the Broads to the coastal marshes. this Bulletin are produced via Francis Farrow DMAP Gaps in butterfly recording, If you live in or visit any of these areas, I'd really welcome any records you have from 2000-03 and/or 2004. Dates are not 2000-2004 essential, but location is important. The basis of recording is the maximum number of each species seen in the same place

‘Butterflies for the New Millennium’ is the national recording on any one day. You can approximate numbers using the scheme, launched in 1995 by Butterfly Conservation and the codes A (= 1 individual), B (2-9), C (10-30), D (31-100) and E Biological Records Centre. Its first milestone was the beautiful (100+), or you can state the actual number counted. hardback book The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland, covering 1995-99. The maps were based on the We really need to get these squares up to the magic 15 this 10-km squares of the National Grid as marked on all O.S. year. This doesn't mean slogging all over the 38 square miles! maps and many road atlases. You'll also see these squares All you need to do is get out your O.S. map and find a couple on all the maps in our local book Millennium Atlas of Norfolk of biggish villages you can walk around and an accessible bit Butterflies. of woodland and field edge, then make one visit in May and another in July or early August, choosing as perfect weather as Recording continues, with distributions evolving rapidly with you can. You'll be surprised how quickly you reach that magic urbanisation, farming and climate changes. Records from 15 - it’s just a matter of spending a little time there. 2000-04 will be used to compile a new book to be published in

2005 as a glossy, attractive and informative report. We have our standard recording sheets which I can send you on request, or you could use the Wildlife 2000 forms, or just list So this will be the final year of the new five-year period. Here the records. If you need clarification on what and how to in Norfolk there are several blank 10-km squares. A 10-km record, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. square is a large area (38 square miles!) and I believe that It’s filling in that every sighting every Norfolk square should hold at least 15 species, even if always fun the gaps, knowing

most of it seems like an ‘arable desert’. counts! Let’s try to get Norfolk really well covered for this worthwhile project.

Very few species have been recorded in the following squares, so virtually any butterflies seen there will be new for this survey: Patrick Bonham, (BC county recorder), TF50 Fenland west of Downham Market Woodland View, TL69 Hilgay, Southery, Methwold Fens Dixon Road, TF73 Docking, Sedgeford, Great Bircham North Walsham TF90 Watton, Shipdham, Bradenham NR28 9EA TM29 Newton Flotman, Brooke, Woodton, Hempnall (tel. 01692 403917, TG51 Caister-on-Sea e-mail [email protected])

NORFOLK were monitored and 54 nestlings we shall arrange for a local bird SPOTTED FLYCATCHER were ringed. This year our aim is ringer to visit the site to ring the PROJECT 2004 both to determine whether or not nestlings with a colour ring and a 2003’ s nestlings will return to their metal BTO ring. In this way it will natal sites, and also to expand the be possible to monitor if the same The Spotted Flycatcher, an attractive study to include new sites. In order birds return to the site in a subse- summer visitor, is the subject of a to collect more information in 2004, quent summer. Birds will only be study by Norfolk ringers which com- we are hoping that both birdwatchers ringed if the landowners give their menced in 2003. The population of and non-birdwatchers (whether they consent. this delightful species in the UK participated in 2003 or not) will re- declined by 78% between 1972 and port any breeding pairs that they If you find a Spotted Flycatcher 1996. It is therefore a species of come across. nesting in Norfolk, or the birds high conservation concern, and is appear to have set up territory in listed as a red data species. It nests We also complete a “Nest Record your area, please contact the project in scattered locations across Card” for the British Trust for organiser, Rachel Warren at Norfolk, and there are probably no Ornithology for each nest. This [email protected] or telephone more than 600 breeding pairs in the contributes county. valuable information to 01603 593912 during the day/early a national database used for analysis evening and leave a message if of breeding biology. If sufficient necessary. Rachel will send out a The aims of this study are to leam data is collected, we would be able simple form on which you can record more about the breeding biology of to determine whether changes in your flycatchers’ breeding activity. the Spotted Flycatcher, and to deter- breeding success are contributing to This will enable her to complete a mine their preferred habitat and site the population decline, and, if birds “Nest Record Card” for the BTO. fidelity. In 2003, we invited mem- prove to be site-faithful, whether She will also provide an opportunity bers of the public to report sightings over-winter survival is declining. If for a local ringer to visit you. of nesting flycatchers to us, and the owner of the land on which they made arrangements to ring the nest- are nesting is happy for us to do so. Moss Taylor lings. In all, 22 pairs of flycatchers With this edition of ‘‘The Norfolk of the meetings it looks like passports Dunes for lichens (15/02/04) and Natterjack’ you will have received will be required as we pass over the Litcham Common for mosses and the new programme card. The excur- boarder into Suffolk. I hope members liverworts (07/03/04). Unfortunately sions aim to cover Norfolk’s rich and will be able to support the events as no reports of these excursions were varied landscapes and enable the much as possible. Please note some received prior to publication. Could study of different aspects of natural excursions require advance booking. leaders please arrange short reports to history. The map above shows the be sent on the days events early if extent of the field meetings through- The last field meetings of the 2003- possible, as this will be very helpful. out Norfolk this coming year. For two 2004 programme were to Gun Hill FF-Editor

REG EVANS 1915-2004 Before leaving Warwickshire, Reg and Lil played a major part in the production of the Fungus Flora of

Warwickshire, the first county mycota and still a

When, as a diffident schoolboy, I joined the model of its kind. Since 1976 they have recorded Birmingham Natural History Society, it was Reg Norfolk fungi equally assiduously and Reg is

and Lil Evans who came to my rescue. I was currently responsible for more records on the fascinated by the lectures but daunted by the for- British Foray Record Database than anyone else mality and the fact that none of the other members in the country. He has recorded at least seven seemed to be less than three times my age. Reg fungi as new to Britain and one species new to

and Lil quickly ensured that I was greeted and science, Rosellinia evansii, a small pyrenomycete

befriended. On one of the few field meetings I named in his honour. In 1994 he was awarded the attended, I remember Reg picking up a dead British Mycological Society Benefactors’ Medal branch and, lens to his eye, reeling off the names and his extensive fungus herbarium has been of the microfungi growing on it as if he were read- donated to Kew. ing a page of a book, with Lil writing it all down (and

querying the occasional identification). I had not His interests in natural history were wide, with even heard of any of the names. spiders, galls, flies (especially those feeding on fungi) and parasitic hymenopterans receiving his Fifteen years later I found myself in Norfolk and meticulous attention. Indeed, he probably pub- met up once again with Reg who, after spending lished as many notes and papers in entomological most of his working life as a pharmacist in Strat- journals as he did in mycological publications. He ford-upon-Avon, had retired to his natal county. was an accomplished illustrator, too. When we established the Norfolk Fungus Study

Group in 2001 it transpired that all the founding Reg led 46 field meetings for the Norfolk & Norwich members had similar stories of the help that they Naturalists’ Society and was made a Vice Presi- had been given by this remarkable couple. Reg dent but sadly never found us as congenial as the worried that his unwillingness to accept records Birmingham Natural History Society. His many from those not known to him might discourage friends will remember him for his ready wit and nascent mycologists but nothing could have been cheeky sense of humour which he maintained until further from the truth; he encouraged our critical th his death on 19 January. approach and any improvement on our part gave him much pleasure. Tony Leech

7 “ W WATSONIA YOUNG NATURE WRITER AWARDS If any member is interested in the following BSBI publications could Top prize in the Young Norfolk Nature Writer Award, established in they please contact me: memory of that doyen of nature writers, Michael Seago, has gone not to an individual but to a year group at a school. Year 8 at Taverham High School Watsonia Vol were set the challenge ofproducing nature articles or diaries as a geography 9 (1972) - supplement project by teacher Nathalie Kausch, who is a Watch leader and former Norfolk Wildlife Trust education co-ordinator. Scores of projects were Watsonia Vol 14 (4) (1983) produced and about 20 of the best were submitted for the competition. Watsonia Vol 16 (2) (1986) Watsonia Vol 16 (3) (1987) Vol (1987) A difficult task for the judges, Sylvia Seago, Don Dorling representing the Watsonia 16 (4) Watsonia Vol 17 (1) (1988) Trust, and David Pauli for the Society So difficult, in fact, that it would Watsonia Vol 17 (2) (1988) have been invidious to single out the work ofany individual pupil, so it was - 2 copies decided that the fairest outcome would be to award the £75 cheque to the year group to buy educational material. Watsonia Vol 17 (3) (1989) - 2 copies Watsonia Vol 17 (1989) The cheque and the winner's plaque were received from Sylvia Seago by (4) - 2 copies three of the pupils on behalf of the year, Ben Gray, Abigail Lee and Sam Watsonia Vol (1990) Foot, who were accompanied by Nathalie Kausch and deputy year tutor 18 (1) - 2 copies Peter Orr. Second prize of £25 went to last year's outright winner, Holly Hancock. Watsonia Vol 18 (2) (1990) - 2 copies

Watsonia Vol 18 (3) (1991) Watsonia Vol 20(1) (1994) Watsonia Vol 20 (2) (1994) Watsonia Vol 20 (3) (1995) Watsonia Vol 20 (4) (1995)

Jo Parmenter Alpha House 37 Station Road Reedham Norfolk Young Norfolk Nature Writer of the Year Award 2DD4 NR13 3TB te 1/fax: 01493 701155 Closing date: September 30th e-mail: contact@EcologicalAssociates. fsworld.co.uk Do you fancy yourself as a nature writer? Do you take note of what you see in the local countryside? Do you keep a record of the birds and butterflies that come into your garden? Do you take a close look at what goes on in your school or village pond?

Why not try your hand at writing an article or illustrated diary of not more than 800 words about your observations of nature in Norfolk?

You could win a prize in the Young Norfolk Nature Writer competition 2004. Entries will be judged in two categories: Up to 11 years and 1 1-15 years. There will be a prize of £50 and a trophy in each category.

The prizes and trophies are being generously donated by Mrs Sylvia Seago in memory of her late husband Michael who devoted 60 years to studying and writing about Norfolk's birds and other wildlife.

Entries should be submitted by September 30th, 2004, to: Young Norfolk Nature Writer of the Year, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Bewick House, 22 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1RY. .

history

IB Am 2004 EXCHANGED GENERAL 1 UBn'ARV I NATTERJACK

Number 86 Website : www.nnns .org.uk August 2004

Toad-iit«the-tiole HELP!! Contents S»B« 1 Welcome to this edition of The Toad-In-th e-hole.. Help! Norfolk Natterjack'. It is a mix- So far, no one has volunteered to take over the (Report distributor wanted). - ture of requests for information sale and distribution of our Norfolk Bird and Young Norfolk Nature Writer of the Year Award 2004 water shrews and harebells - and Mammal Report from David Pauli, who is having (Competition rules) further information on past sub- to give up on health grounds. The appointment pag«2 The dyke ran with blood' jects - fungi and harvest mice. of a successor is now matter of urgency because (Bacteria) There are also some recent obser- the 2003 Report is due to be published in Small Tortoiseshell. Further note on a fungus vations and September. some from past Sclerotinia tubrosa in Norfolk. ' Transaction^ Reports of 2004 Another update on a fungus (Gymnopilus dilepis) excursions and the Royal Norfolk If you think you could help, please phone David on 01603 457270. The Uzards Show are also included. We say an (Common Lizard) initial farewell to two of Norfolk's A small snack! (Grey Heron) older natural historians and look Wells sea wall. forward to coming events. Respect - Protect - Enjoy NBA - A personal plea Water Shrew Survey My thanks to all contributors and Where do Harvest Mice go in Summer? please keep in sending your notes See page 5 for details of new pag«5 Reports. etc., - anytime before the deadline! Countryside Excursion Code Kelling Heath Holiday Park. FF New Country Code.

Hempstead Woods. Royal Norfolk Show. Bored with school holidays - ^othlvug to do? if you. are a parent/ 70 Years Ago (Notes fromTransactions). grandparent why not suggest the following to the 'little dflrlli'vgs': page 7 Hairbell.

Phyllis Ellis. Ernest Daniels Young Norfolk Nature page 8 Writer of the Year Award 2004 Norfolk Bird Records. For beginners

(MVT workshops) Closing date: September 30th County Flower A white flower

(Greater knapweed ). Why not try your hand at writing an article or illustrated diary of not more than 800 words about your observations of nature in Norfolk?

You could win a prize in the Young Norfolk Nature Writer competition 2004. Entries will be judged in two categories: Up to 11 years and 11-15 years. There will be a prize of £50 and a trophy in each category.

The prizes and trophies are being generously donated by Mrs Sylvia Seago in memory of The quarterly bulletin of the her late husband Michael who devoted 60 years to studying and writing about Norfolk's Norfolk & Norwich birds and other wildlife. Naturalists* Society

Entries should be submitted by September 30th, 2004, to: Young Norfolk Nature Writer of the Year, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Bewick House, 22 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1RY. © Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society "The dyke ran with blood” Further note on fungus Sclerotinia tubrosa Recently I received a sample from Keith Clarke which had been in Norfolk. collected by the Environmental Agency from the Swan Pit in the grounds of the Great Hospital alms houses in Norwich. At the bottom Last Autumn Alec Bull wrote about of the tube was some purple flocculent material, which turned out to the Anemone Cup fungus be a mixture of several kinds of purple sulphur bacteria, harmless and Sclerotinia tuberosa associated with helpful creatures which use their kind of photosynthesis to convert own the wood anemone (Anemone nemo- sulphur or malodorous and poisonous hydrogen sulphide to innocuous rosa) and I made a diary note to look sulphates, thereby deriving energy. They live where the oxygen is low, for this fungus in Wayland Wood in often because of the presence of rotting leaves. April 2004.

In 1998 police were alerted when there appeared to be blood My wife and I did not have to search in a drainage ditch at Beccles, just over the Suffolk border, and there for long before we started to find the were photographs in the local paper. Early this year a pond at Flegg- cups among anemones growing in burgh was thought to have red diesel fuel in it, and both these occur- damp soil between coppiced hazels. rences were due to purple sulphur bacteria. In 1640 the River Cam at Having "got our eyes in" we found Cambridge ran as red as blood, thought to he a presage of the Civil the cups over a widespread area, War, and no doubt this and many other alarming signs have been growing on patches of bare soil caused by these little creatures. In the drawing the short sausages are between the Anemones. I carefully Chromatium okenii, the long one Thiospirillum jenense, the rectangular collected two of the fruit bodies to Lamprocystis roseo- colony Thiopedia rosea, and the irregular clusters examine under the microscope, persicina. All Thiopedia rosea can swim rather slowly, and all are but when reaching home these speci- bright pink under the microscope. mens were kept moist on wet tissue Hilary Belcher paper in a plastic tub. The next day

when I lifted the lid of the tub there occurred a spontaneous mass discharge of spores which appeared like a puff of smoke.

Looking at a small part of the fertile layer inside the cup at X400 magnification,the asci are sur- prisingly long (170 micro-metre), densely packed in a jelly. The spores are elliptical and have a small oil drop clearly visible at each end. Tom Pallister Small Tortoiseshell Another update on a fungus

Small Tortoiseshell numbers have been poor here in recent years but it is In the February 2002 edition of always pleasing to see one or two surviving the winter. The first one seen 5 Natterjack ’ (no. 76) Tony Leech in my garden this year was on 1st and iden- March. and I described the finding tification of Gymnopilus dilepis (Berk. Broome) Singer. Since then Attending a funeral service at Saxthorpe & an Australian researcher B.J. Rees Church on 11th April and with the , and her colleges have carried out rendering of the last hymn 'How great DNA tests on samples of the fungus Thou art" many small tortoiseshells Beeston Common and Holt were flying near the congregation and from conclusion being that onto the windows. After the service 4 Lowes. The there is a slight difference were caught and put outside and because of the height of the windows although genetically between the fungi from I went home for a long handled net. Another 10 plus 1 peacock were the two locations they are essentially released outside. Some were still out of reach, others were dead on the the same species to those found in floor. Apparently at the church service the previous week about 9 were Australia and SE Asia! caught and put outside and I was told they only fly when the heat is on! Farrow Anne Brewster Francis ~ 2 The Lizards Wells Sea Wall

There is a certain post at Strump- shaw Fen which I always have a In the 1850’s the drainage of the saltmarshes west of Wells was look at as I enter the reserve. It’s completed by building the one-mile-long wall north from the Quay, entirely covered with ivy except joining the dunes just west of the present lifeboat house. It was the extreme top which I (and breached by storm tides in 1953 and again in 1978, after which it was probably other well) people as completely rebuilt to a height 1.5 metres more than before (making it keep clear because it is a favour- some 6.5 metres above sea level), and faced with interlocking con- ite basking place for several crete slabs on the seaward side. common lizards lacerta vivipara. I have seen as many as four It has always been interesting botanically, with a good variety of together, but one or two are the plants that would expect, plus a few that wouldn’t. Of the norm, sometimes all adult or you you sometimes adult and young latter I would single out the pale flax, Linum bienne, which is other- together. There is no doubt that wise very scarce in the county. It was certainly there before the 1978 there are many individuals that flood, and when the wall was rebuilt we thought we had lost it. How- use this sun trap. ever, after a few years it reappeared. How? I suppose it could only be from buried seed. A couple of patches of meadow saxifrage also To get to this vantage point turned up again. means a scramble up through ivy stems of about four feet, it must Quite a lot of soil was imported for the post- 1978 rebuilding, and be like a maze in there. The top with it came weld (a bit boring) and viper’s bugloss, very colourful. I of the post is in bright light from about mid morning until 2 pm in suspect that the soil must have come from the Breckland area, where summer. The nearby gate to the both species occur. From somewhere there also appeared a single rail crossing is being slammed clump of nodding star of Bethlehem, Ornithogalum nutans. many times each day and a distinct tremor can be felt in the Below the level of the footpath the concrete-covered bank slopes ground as a train hurtles past, down at something less than 20 degrees, shallow enough to absorb but the lizards don’t seem to most of the wave energy, which of course is considerable in storms. mind, they just continue lazing in At the base there are lumps of imported rock, to which a number of the sun - lucky them. seaweed species attach their holdfasts, including the channelled wrack, Pelvetia canaliculata which elsewhere in Norfolk saltmarshes,

notably at Blakeney Point, occurs in its unattached form.

It’s strange to be able to admire typical inland plants at one moment, out of sight of the sea, and then with a few strides to be in a marine environment, with crabs and other invertebrates scuttling or crawling through the mud and seaweeds. Nearby there may be common and little terns in summer, while in winter there could be a grey plover

calling its plaintive cry, and numbers of brent geese grunting not far away. Paul Banham

A Small Snack!

Watching from the fen hide at Strumpshaw inch or two at a time until just the coot’s legs were recently I had a fine view of a heron having a left dangling, then they too were gone. The bird re- midday snack. It had flown into the pool in front of mained standing for some time and the bulge in it’s the hide with something round and dark in it’s bill, neck was clearly visible, after some ten minutes it which it then dunked several times in the water. decided on a change of scenery and off it flew to- Eventually I was able to make out the form of a wards the river. young coot, still covered in black fluff and with red threads on it’s head. After several attempts to get it Tony Howes in the right position the heron began gulping it an 3 \%f Water Shrew Survey Norfolk Bird Adas - A Personal Plea

It was seven years ago, in 1997, that really important to complete it as I should like to draw to the atten- the first trials were carried out to soon as possible. tion of members, a new survey assess the possibility of undertaking on water shrews. Members of the fieldwork for a new Norfolk bird As far as the winter survey is Mammal Society will already be atlas. At that time, a small team of concerned, continuing at the current aware of the survey, because it is observers visited various parts of the rate of annual coverage will mean being organised by that society. county to see if it was feasible to that this should be attainable. How- Some of us will no doubt have record the abundance, as well as the ever, to achieve this during the breed- taken part in the preliminary distribution, of each species present. ing season, extra fieldworkers are trial. The pilot study was successful, and as needed and those already involved The survey involves placing a result a meeting was held in will need to take on additional tet- baited tubes in potential water Norwich in May 1998 to which repre- rads. It may also mean that the field- shrew habitats and then inspect- sentatives of the main ornithological, work protocol during the summe ing them two weeks later for the conservation and land-owning bodies months will have to be amended to presence of water shrew faeces. in the county were invited. Following ensure that the remaining 50% of The droppings can be different- this, a working group was set up, Norfolk has been covered by the end iated from those of other shrews, further trials of field methods were of the 2007 breeding season. This because they contain the re- undertaken, funds were raised and a will be one of the topics considered at mains of aquatic invertebrates. team of potential observers was the annual meeting of the Working The main survey is due to start contacted. At last in December 1999 Group in August. on I st July 2004 and last until fieldwork commenced, with the 30 th September. The winter initial intention of covering the whole In the meantime, I would be delighted survey will run from 1 st Novem- county within three to five years. to hear from anyone who would like ber '04 to 30 th April 05. to become involved next winte If this target had been reached, the (December to February) and/or next Anyone interested in taking part survey particu- would be nearing completion summer (April to June). We should get in touch with: by now, and we would be preparing larly need help in central, southern the final maps and writing the species and western Norfolk. I have person- Phoebe Carter, texts for the new book. Perhaps we ally carried out counts in almost 70 Surveys Officer, were over ambitious at the start of the tetrads in various parts of the county, 2B Inworth Street, London, project. After all, finding observers to and have thoroughly enjoyed the SW11 3EP visit all of the 1455 tetrads in the fieldwork as it has taken me to parts county on four occasions is a mam- of Norfolk that I otherwise would not or e-mail moth task, although considering the have visited. [email protected] number of birdwatchers in Norfolk, it should not have been impossible. Please do help us to complete the Ian Keymer However, at the time of writing, only project within the next three years by do Harvest Mice go 63% of the county has been covered contacting me at: Where in winter, and by the end of this sum- in Summer? mer, just over 50% during the breed- 4 Heath Road, Sheringham, Note in reply to Alec Bull’s article in ing season. I say ‘only’, but it is still NR26 8JH, or on 01263-823637 Natterjack no 85, May 2004 a remarkable achievement, as it or at mosstavlor@,care4ffee.net represents about 12,000 hours spent Well at Felbrigg Hall (NT), they nest in the field by over 300 observers, Moss Taylor in the tubes around young trees. and the atlas database currently holds However a search of likely spots in excess of 1 15,000 records. among cock’s-foot tussocks and other grasses this winter revealed no Having been personally involved old nests! since the start of the project, and with

every hope of seeing it through to the Given the number of tree tubes end, I would like to believe that the dotting the countryside, and remaining tetrads can be completely especially along new roads, perhaps covered within the next three years. harvest mice have learnt a thing or The great value of the baseline data two! that we are gathering decrease the Mary Ghullam longer the project runs, and so it is 4 Kelling Heath Holiday been successfully scattered and spotted on a daisy leaf Beilis peren- I produced good new growth. Some nis) and Robert Maidstone's sharp discussion occurred about the best eyes found a gnat gall, Asphondylia Park j

th i way of gathering Ling seed for regen- sarothamni, on a Broom, planted Sunday, 25 April 2004 eration, as after cutting the original near the car park. plants had died. Robert Maidstone On a pleasant spring morning around suggested the use of a Billy Goat - In all almost 150 species of vascular 16 adults and 1 child met up with the mechanical variety! On the way to plants, 4 butterfly and 12 bird Kevin Hart and 2 other members of j another area of heathland, species and various molluscs, galls, managed j the 5 strong countryside team, for a by rotation cut for silver-studded blue I and insects were seen on a very gentle stroll around Kelling Heath butterflies in conjunction with English enjoyable spring day. Holiday Park. First stop was the red | Nature, keen eyes spotted the cob- squirrel enclosure, where Kevin told j webbed ‘nests’ of gorse mites, Mary Ghullum j us about the successful captive- Tetranychus lintearius. Some of the breeding programme, which had i Countryside Code i group split off, while most walked New supplied squirrels to such places as i back to the car park and lunch, enjoy- the Isle of Wight. One red squirrel i ing the sounds and sights of Spring A new Countryside Code to update was hiding in the roof of the enclo- I migrants such as wood lark, willow the original 1950s’ country code for sure, while the two barn owls next i warbler and blackcap. i England and help prepare for the door, studiously ignored us. The party i public’s then moved off through woodland, introduction of the new After lunch a much-depleted group j glimpsing a speckled wood butterfly right of access to the countryside ! decided to walk through the Park to and admiring the delicate flowers of was launched by the Countryside [Weybourne Springs. Robert Maid- wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella on the Agency last July. stone pointed out i immediately way to the recently scraped, spring- Andricus quercuscortiscus, a wasp fed Bottom pond. Here Stephen j gall on Oak, while at the pond we For the first time the Countryside Livermore found a Rubus stem, j I watched a female cranefly Tipula Code includes a special section for bearing the tiny white ascomyxete, maxima ovipositing in the mud at the land managers as well as messages Dasyscyphus virgineus. While some pond’s edge. Alongside the railway for the public including: members watched a largered dam- line the path was edged with meadow selfly , others were fortunate to catch saxifrage Saxifraga granulata, just sight of a grass snake. Bob Ellis drew • Be safe - plan ahead and follow about to come into flower. We our attention to wood speedwell any signs admired the views across the valley Veronica montana, with its distinctive to the coast and Weybourne Church, lavender flowers, growing in a damp | framed intriguingly through holes • Leave gates and property as you area of woodland with moschatel | drilled in wooden posts by the Rail- find them Adoxa moschatellina, and a clump of [ I way line. At a rather gloomy ramsons Allium ursinum near the Weybourne Springs we found a • Protect plants and animals, and North Norfolk Steam Railway line. | I solitary spike of great horsetail take your litter home Equisetum telmateia with yellow We then moved onto an area of S [archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon. restored heathland, which had been • Keep dogs under close control

! Just outside the Park, on the edge of grazed by Hebridean sheep and the footpath grew one spike of currently sported an interesting spiral | • Consider other people common twayblade Listera ovata. uZgjmg* sculpture of red tree tubes. Cuttings | of ling Calluna vulgaris, taken in On the way back a rust, probably the October from adjacent area, had | \^yj newly I arrived Puccinia distincta, was :

HEMPSTEAD WOODS Royal Norfolk Show 70 Tic.iro ?loio Sunday, 23 rd May 2004 th Wednesday, 30 June Notes from the 1934 Advertised as a ‘nature walk with ex- st Thursday, 1 July 2004 perts’, the joint excursion with the Transactions (Vo!. XIII)

Gresham’s School Natural History -- editor Ellis The Society was again at the Royal E.A. Society to Hempstead Woods, 2km Norfolk Show this year, and the east of Holt, provided something of theme was ’The Beetles of Norfolk’. interest for everyone in the early Specimens, photographs and text summer sunshine. Landowners Mr Cephalopoda - the small squid were supplied by Martin Collier, addi- and Mrs John Watson had kindly tional specimens by Ken Durrant, Alloteuthis media (L.) Walker given permission for the societies to plus photographs and text of water visit these private woods and we was taken from the drew- beetles by Geoff Nobes. David were fortunate in having Peter Smith, netter's refuse on Nobbs also presented a display of Yarmouth a local naturalist with an intimate live beetles from Wheatfen, where in beach, 22-4-1934. The mantle knowledge of the site, as guide. He particular, the rare musk beetle took us first to the Duck Decoy pond was 2i inches long, the head [longhorn] gave much interest to the where about ten years ago he had public. The stag beetles from Martin with short tentacles 1 inch

found the marsh violet . At around and Kens collection also aroused and the pair of long tentacles the same time a sketch map of the much interest. Geoff Nobes high- site, drawn in 1928, was found in a 2| inches (P. A. Rumbelow). lighted the rare water beetles, which notebook at Gresham’s School mark- Norfolk has quite a number. Robert ing the exact spot where the plant Maidstone brought along a cow pat, Gastropoda - Assimineagray- occurred; it is still there. Another to show off dung beetles, and also plant marked on the map, hard fern, ana (Leach) Flemming was mealworm beetles. The lily beetle is no longer at its former site but was abundant on salt-marsh "rond" also caused a bit of interest, as re- recently found about one kilometre cent newspaper articles have high- by the river at King's Lynn, away by Bob Ellis who later showed ligted its potential destructive nature us the plant. the mouth of the Bure at Gt, as a garden pest. Yarmouth, and the Norfolk While committed botanists gazed downwards at the marshy perimeter In all a super display plus Brian bank of the Waveney at St. of the pond, a roving Mcfarlane promoted the Photo- pair of eyes Olave's Bridge in the Spring caught sight of a common buzzard graphic group with some great of 1929; in May, 1934, Several soaring above, almost certainly one photos. We also had a visit by the of the pair which has nested in these show vice-president on the first day. of these molluscs were Seen woods for the past few years. in the Cockle Bight and Great Thanks to ail who provided display The Decoy pond is something of an Aster on 5colt Head. material and to those members who Marsh oasis in a plantation of conifers set on came to man the stand over the two former heathland in the 1960s. Sadly days of the show. the water meadows of the River Lepidoptera -Vanessa antipoa Glaven, which flows through the David Nobbs L. : a Camberwell beauty in woods, were also planted with coni- fresh condition was seen to fers. Not surprisingly the trees failed to thrive and in these more enlight- alight on the road at bene ened times the Forestry Commission Side, near St. Georges's Park, has felled them to restore the wet Great Yarmouth, at 2.30 p.m., valley. The Watsons have created a large pond a little way from the river 18-8-1934. Mr. P.E. Rumbelow which provided us with several of the and several other persons had six species of dragonflies and dam- a clear view of it; two men selflies seen during the excursion, including large red damselfly, azure captured it, but happily it damselfly and broad-bodied chaser. escaped and was last noticed The broad rides through the woods flying over a house-top. help to maintain biodiversity and Another rested on Carton gave us good views of tiger beetles lightship, August 21st. flying in the sun, a pair of green hairstreak butterflies, a slow-worm (S, 'G.;' Shannon). and a somewhat off-habitat brown hare. Indeed, something for every- one. Tony Leech 6 Harebell - Campanula rotundifolia .

According to floras, the harebell is quite common, but when Gillian Beckett checked its occurrence in some areas where she recorded it for the Flora, it was no longer to be found. This is typical of the fate of many of the smaller, easily smothered species and we feel it would be useful to know where they survive. Members are encouraged to submit records of any finds of the harebell, ideally with a grid reference and a note on the number of plants present (or the area they cover if they are abundant). Records to Flora Recorders please - see below.

FLORA RECORDERS:

East Norfolk: Bob Ellis, 1 1 Havelock Road, Norwich, NR2 3HQ. Email: bob@elymus. demon.co.uk

West Norfolk: Gillian Beckett, Bramley Cottage, Stanhoe, King’s Lynn, PE31 8QF. Email: [email protected]

.<

' ^ 4- ,\

, Pftyllis EHiS'1913^004

Stirling- bam July on 1 , ^QO^.a phu^hlwhere she playHh^

br9anL$He,waS(, lat|rUfd tQ/eit wlihjfed ifr the o I d bhurdhyWd

' i •

. .. :

. .

: 1 '

NORFOLK BIRD RECORDS

Please note change of e-mail address. Any records/correspondence sent by e-mail should in future be addressed to: Natural History Day [email protected] at Wheatfen

Any photos or sketches should still be sent by post to: Sunday 8^ August starting at 10.00 am Giles Dumore, 49 Nelson Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8DA. A series of short walks, talks and dis- FOR BEGINNERS plays with a chance to meet some local naturalists

Norfolk Wildlife Trust is running a series of wildlife workshops from For further information contact: July to September, aimed mainly at those who want to make a start Nobbs (Warden) on a different natural history subject. The workshops, costing David 01508 538036 between £5 and £20, cover moths, butterflies, birds, bats, grasses, sedges and rushes, wildflowers, dragonflies and damselflies, and other invertebrates. WILD ABOUT For further information, contact: Gemma Walker at the Trust NORFOLK (01603 625540). An exhibition featuring local wildlife groups, slide shows COUNTY FLOWER A wMit® flower and children’s activities Most people will know by now th Saturday 9 October I th (thanks to the ‘Eastern Daily July 1 while out with my On , 10.00 am -4.30 pm Press’) that the flower chosen to daughter, Elbe, she drew my be Norfolk’s emblem in the Broadland High School, ? attention to a large white flower Plantlife Millennium project is Tunstead Road, at the edge of a field near Sher- no longer alexanders but the corn Ho veto n poppy. ingham. The plant turned out to be greater knapweed Centcturea Open to the public Many people considered the scabiosa. This is the first time choice of alexanders as a bad one that I have seen a white form. (NNNS REPRESENTED) and the EDP organised another Later in the day I talked to poll with poppy gaining almost various people on the Ringstead half the votes cast. Apparently excursion and it seems that it is Norfolk was the only County to very uncommon. Although Would all contributors reject their chosen flower and others had seen white flowered send your notes etc. Plantlife agreed to the new choice 'to the editor as soon as possible forms they were not in Norfolk. after the EDPs campaign. by October 1 at, 20Q4 to the Maybe some of you have seen a following address: Francis Farrow, ‘HeathiandsV 6 Havelock Road, Another case of Norfolk dew similar plant at some time and ^Sheringham. Norfolk, NR26 BQD^ different! can let me know. or by email to; Francis Farrow