All news

Glos (late October, contributed by Roger Gaunt and Robert Homan)

There has been a marked increase in the number of records of the tortrix moth, Crocidosema plebejana with 3 at St Briavals and one in Cheltenham. The foodplant is Tree Mallow Lavatera arborea which is normally associated with mild coastal areas in the south west. The Cheltenham specimen is shown here.

Crocidosema plebejana, Cheltenham, 31 October 2006. (R. Homan)

Severn Hams (31 October, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

We carried out a general survey of the Ashleworth /Coombe Hill area in the hope of finding Bewick’s or Whooper Swans, but there were no records of either species. In general, Severn levels are continuing to fall, water a bit lower at Coombe Hill, still about the same at Ashleworth because the sluice is retaining water inside the reserve.

Coombe Hill: 230 Wigeon, 42 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 2 Sparrowhawks, 15 Snipe (many of these birds probably moved on to Ashleworth).

R. Severn, Wainlodes: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kingfisher.

Leigh Meadows: 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Buzzard, 1 Stonechat.

Ashleworth: 50 Canada Geese, 700 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 80 Mallard, 10 Pintail, 40 Snipe, 3 Stonechats.

Walmore Common (29 October, contributed by Andy Jayne)

4 Bewick’s at Walmore again plus a real bonus of 2 adult Whooper Swans. All of these unringed and present at 0750 when I arrived and still there mid-day. Also 54 Wigeon, 75 Teal, 3 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 1 ad Peregrine and 1f Stonechat. Yesterday, 250 Mallard which is a high count here. Water levels already dropping very slightly and it looks like being a dry week.

Severn Hams (29 October, contributed by Mike Smart)

A surprisingly rapid change in water levels overnight. Whereas the Severn at Haw Bridge had been at 8.40 metres at midday yesterday (28th), it had dropped to 7.60 by early afternoon today. As a result ditch levels dropped and water was flowing out of the reserve at Ashleworth (instead of inwards) and water levels were much lower at Hasfield Ham; the Deerhurst Parish drain was flowing into the Severn which will mean a decrease in water levels at Coombe Hill. It shows how sensitive water management is; I inserted the remaining boards in the stank at Ashleworth, so that no water will be lost and conditions will be right for wintering ducks and swans. It looks as though water levels should stay stable for a few days, as there is no rain forecast, and the tides are at the low point of their cycle.

Otherwise birds at Ashleworth much as yesterday; four or five Stonechats again, and plenty of Wigeon and Teal on the main reserve fields.

Severn Hams (28 October, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Water levels continue to rise at Coombe Hill and Ashleworth (and according to Andy Jayne at Walmore). No Bewick’s at Coombe or Ashleworth, but Andy had three ads and a yearling at Walmore.

At Coombe Hill: 350 Canadas, 100 Greylags; 600 Wigeon (increase) 150 Mallard, 10 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck.

At Ashleworth: 1 Peregrine; 6 Pintail, 150 Wigeon, 10 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 5 Stonechats.

Severn Hams (27 October, contributed by Mike Smart and Andy Jayne)

Together we covered Leigh Meadows, Coombe Hill and Ashleworth this morning, mainly to look for possible arrivals of Bewick’s or Whoopers. Alas, no sign of them, though conditions look quite favourable; the Severn is still highish, with water from local streams not able to get away, so backing up onto fields. Water is pouring on to the reserve at Ashleworth. Birdwise, not too much to report: Wigeon at Coombe Hill increased to 440, a few Stonechats there, still 250 Canada Geese. Half a dozen Fieldfares at Ashleworth and about 30 Redwings.

Slimbridge (26 October, per Mike Smart)

With a brief spell of south-easterly winds overnight, the first three Bewick’s Swans were seen on the Slimbridge reserve this morning a few days later than the usual arrival date They are adult pair Dario and Dorcus who have been together since 2002 (Dario first wintered here in 1999) Both are dark-neb birds that have also frequented Walmore Common in the past. Tagging along with them was a yearling named Dumbles (no relation to Dario/Dorcus). All three have been contently feeding and preening on the main Rushy Pen.

Severn Hams (25 October, contributed by Mike Smart)

With the current rain and high tides, water levels are rising at both Coombe Hill and Ashleworth. At Ashleworth, water is pouring onto the reserve over the stank at the southern end, and the main reserve field opposite the hides is beginning to assume its normal winter appearance of a sheet of shallow water. It is not full yet, but probably will be by the coming weekend. The ducks have already found it, and there were 100 Mallard, 50 Teal and a couple of Shoveler on the water at midday today.

Cameraria ohridella (23 October, contributed by Robert Homan)

The extraordinary spread of this micro-moth, also known as the Horse Chestnut leaf miner, continues with records in the last few days from Stroud, Painswick, Badgeworth, Apperley Court, Down Hatherley, Corse and Highnam. Although most records are from VC 34 (East Gloucestershire) it is also quite widespread in VC 33 (West Gloucestershire).

Walmore Common (23 October, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Seen today were: five Snipe, a Kingfisher, female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, a Whinchat and three Stonechats.

Standish (16 October, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Redwings were heard flying over during the night – the first of the year.

Severn Hams (16 October, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Water levels still low everywhere, though scrapes at Coombe Hill are well filled.

Coombe Hill: Roosting geese had already left by 0720, only 30 Canadas left, and they soon departed. 120 Wigeon, grazing nicely; 7 Shoveler; 2 Sparrowhawks perched; light Meadow Pipit passage; Stonechat heard.

Ashleworth Ham: 3 Snipe, 1 Little Owl, 4 Stonechats, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Ravens.

Walmore Common: 2 Teal, 5 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, 2 Ravens

Cheltenham (15 October, contributed by Robert Homan)

Red Admirals were enjoying the sunshine in Swindon Lane today with upto 12 feeding on ivy blossom and resting on an adjacent sunny wall. A single Comma was with them.

Coombe Hill (14 October, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

There has been an increase in Wigeon up to about 195 (from 65 last week), they are not yet in full plumage and are sitting on the scrape, then coming to graze along the edges, just as they are supposed to; quite noisy and active, prodding one another and calling. About 10 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 4 Gadwall with them. Also three Little Grebes, and an unusually early Goldeneye, female or immature, on the Long Pool. Only a few geese early on. No sign of Fieldfares or Redwings yet.

Recent observations from the Severn Hams: the scrapes in front of the Grundon Hide at Coombe Hill have held water all summer and attracted a good variety of birds. Since the beginning of October, good numbers of feral geese have been spending the night there, over 150 Canada Geese, more than 100 Greylags and a couple of Barnacles, all of which presumably nested higher up the Severn and Avon and are now back for the winter. They only stay until shortly after first light, and then fly out noisily, the Canadas to Tirley Court Lake, where there is a newly sown grass field that they appreciate, and the Greylags to Boddington ponds. At Ashleworth, there is still water in the overgrown pools, but no flooding as yet. Since late September there have been good numbers of Stonechats at Coombe Hill, Ashleworth and the Leigh Meadows.

Sudmeadow (27 September, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Barn Owl seen in the osier bed on an early morning visit.

Standish (25 September, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

A Clouded Yellow seen today – this is the first report of this species for some time; are there any others still about?

Port Ham (19 September, contributed by Andy Jayne)

At Port Ham, in the evening there were: a Little Egret, one Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers, five Whinchats and at least two Stonechats.

Cheltenham (mid-September, contributed by Robert Homan)

Members running moth traps have had much to record in the past few days as the arrival of migrant species continues including the two shown here from Cheltenham.

The Vestal (top) and Hummingbird Hawk-moth (above). It is perhaps hard to believe that the delicate insect (top) is a migrant species. The shot of the hawk moth was a piece of luck, usually this species is just a blur as it hovers, feeding from a flower. (R. Homan)

Snowshill (30 August, contributed by David Anderson)

Two Hobbies (flying South), one Little Owl, one Buzzard and one Kestrel (male) sighted from Snowshill Manor garden. One House Martin nest on a cottage by the Manor House still occupied by a juvenile. A Hummingbird Hawk-Moth was feeding in herbaceous borders in the garden.

Port Ham (28 August, contributed by Andy Jayne)

Four Little Egrets, a Greenshank and two Green Sandpipers were at on Port Ham today. Also two very recently fledged juvenile Reed Warblers.

Guscar Rocks (20 August, contributed by Andy Jayne)

On the evening tide were 67 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 32 Dunlin, c.200 Curlew and 1 Turnstone.

Coombe Hill (3 August, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Small Red-eyed Damselfly on the canal near the Wharf. 5 Green Sandpipers flying over the scrapes and 1 Little Egret also present.

Coombe Hill (1 August, contributed by Colin and Ingrid Twissell)

Today we decided to go for a walk at Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows, always hoping for something good to turn up, but not really expecting anything. However, we were well rewarded as we saw 2 male Small Red-eyed Damselflies, Erythromma viridulum, along the second longer well-vegetated ditch in the Meadows, by the path to Apperley.

This is the first sighting of this species in Gloucestershire, although Wiltshire had apparently been inundated in the previous week. The picture below was taken on a very gusty day, so the quality is not ideal, but you can see the distinguishing features of this small delicate damselfly.

GLS (1 August, contributed by Gordon Avery)

60 Ravens were together on the sheep downs at GLS at 1300hrs today.

Coombe Hill (25 and 28 July, contributed by Robert Homan)

Indications of the effects of the heavy rain in the early part of the summer are the broods of 8 Tufted Ducks and 2 Coots on the scrapes with another 2 broods of Tufted Duck and 1 of Coot visible from the Long Pool Hide. Dragon/Damselflies included Black-tailed Skimmer, Brown and Southern Hawkers, Ruddy and Common Darters and Emerald Damselfly.

Black-tailed Skimmer basking in sunshine on bare mud at the edge of the Snipe Pool, Coombe Hill, July 2006 (R. Homan)

Coopers Hill (27 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A Hobby circling over the nature reserve in the afternoon.

Port Ham, Gloucester (23 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

This afternoon there was a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, a Hobby, a Peregrine, a Common Sandpiper, a Kingfisher and two Whinchats (adult and juvenile).

Dragonflies included Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser and Ruddy Darter. Also one Clouded Yellow.

Purton area (22 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

1 or 2 Brown Hawkers were seen opposite the Timber Ponds. There were at least 3 Mandarins on the canal and a Meadow Pipit was seen food carrying along the foreshore.

Coombe Hill (20 July, contributed by David Anderson)

This Musk Beetle (Aromia moschata) was seen on Meadowsweet next to the Osier bed on the path to Grundon hide today.

Aromia moschata, Coombe Hill, July 2006 (D Anderson)

Witcombe Res. (19 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

An adult Hobby seen beating up the local dragonfly population plus an adult Dabchick with a stripy headed juvenile. The first time that breeding has been proved here.

Frampton Gravel Pits (18 July, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

Plenty of dragon and damselflies, including Common Blue Damsel Enallagma cyathigerum, Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum, Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis, Southern Hawker) Aeshna cyanea, Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum.

The photo shows a Ruddy Darter in a typical pose, resting on a sunny post amid lush vegetation. Frampton, 2006 (Marie-Helene Le Roux).

Maisemore and Ashleworth area (16 July, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen at Maisemore today. Also a Hobby over Stonebow Farm, Ashleworth and the same or another at Haw Bridge.

Coombe Hill (14 July, contributed by David Anderson)

C.50 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 3 Buzzard, 4 Green Sandpiper, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler were seen either by the canal or at the scrapes. Among the butterflies were 1 Comma and 2 Red Admiral by the canal. There was a Brown Hare to the south of the canal.

Sudmeadow (14 July, contributed by Gordon Avery)

In the morning an adult Common Tern flew south over Sudmeadow. The sunny weather produced a good showing of Gatekeepers. These were supported by reasonable numbers of Marbled Whites, Red Admirals, Peacocks, Meadow Browns, Small Skippers and Commas.

Cheltenham (5 July, contributed by Robert Homan)

The micro-moth Cameraria ohridella has reached Cheltenham. The spread of this tiny insect across Europe is an amazing story. In essence the first record of the moth was from Macedonia in 1985 and since then it has moved westwards and eastwards, colonising much of central and eastern Europe by 2000. It reached the UK in 2002 and the evidence suggests that the pattern of rapid spread has continued with the first Gloucestershire record in 2005. The mines in Cheltenham were found along the Chelt Walk near the Waitrose supermarket car park which ties in with the thinking that the moth’s spread might be assisted by vehicles. Indeed one suggestion for new records is to look at Horse Chestnuts growing in areas with many lorry deliveries – a supermarket perhaps!

The fungus Guignardia aesculi causes brown blotches on chestnut leaves and is very widespread. The mature leaf mines are, however, quite distinctive and look like small fried eggs. More details can be found on this Forestry Commission Exotic Pest Alert.

Cameraria ohridella mine in Horse Chestnut, Cheltenham, July 2006 (R Homan)

Moth News (Late June, contributed by Robert Homan)

The warm weather and southerly winds at the end of June produced many interesting moth records, including migrants such as this Bordered Straw:

Bordered Straw, a migrant moth from S Europe, Cheltenham, June 2006 (R Homan)

and these spectacular Privet Hawk-moths:

Privet Hawk-moths, Whittington, June 2006 (R Homan)

Sudmeadow (27 June, contributed by Gordon Avery)

The discovery of at least 5 Pyramidal Orchids today was a first for this site in many years recording.

Lesser Emperor Dragonfly in the Cotswold Water Park: First Attempted Breeding! (20 June, contributed by Gareth Harris)

The Lesser Emperor story of the Cotswold Water Park continued to unfold in 2006! After a single sighting of a male in 2005 (at Lake 26, Wilts) 2006 has produced a bumper crop of sightings.

First sighting was on the 12th June; a male was found patrolling some margins at some active mineral workings in the Western section of the CWP (site undisclosed for health and safety reasons) (Steve Covey, GH).

This was then followed by a tentative sighting at Swillbrook Lakes (Lakes 46/48, Glos) on the 16th July (Nick adams, Reserve Warden), followed by confirmed sightings by Damien Pinguey and Steve Covey on the 17th. This male stayed around long enough for a female to find him, and the pair were observed ovipositing in tandem (a characteristic of this species) on the 19th July.

A visit to nearby lakes shortly after observing them ovipositing, resulted in the discovery (by Steve Covey) of another male, whilst also at the same time, Chris Walker, Senior Ranger found a male at Keynes Country park (Lake 32, Glos/Wilts)!

As of today, (20th) yet another male was found on a private lake near Somerford Keynes whilst the male was still present at Keynes Country Park, on the southern shore of Lake 32.

Even allowing for individuals moving around, there are clearly several individuals here. It would be worth checking any of the lakes in the area as you are likely to find your own Lesser Emperor! So why not come and have a look!

Syreford and Sevenhampton (18 June, contributed by Robert Homan)

Most striking today were the two fields of poppies near Syreford easily seen from the road to Sevenhampton. Also a Painted Lady and a nest of a bumblebee species, probably attacked by a badger, on the edge of Sevenhampton.

Syreford and Sevenhampton, June 2006: Poppies and bumblebee and nest. (R Homan)

Saintbury (18 June, contributed by David Anderson)

A Turtle Dove calling early in the morning.

Hawling area (13 June, contributed by Andy Jayne)

The highlights of a cycle ride from Roel Gate/Hawling to the Huntsmans Quarry area today were a Hobby, two Redstarts, six Tree Sparrows and 15 singing Corn Buntings.

Insect News (12 June)

The warm weather in early June has brought a spate of insect records. Roger Gaunt left two traps at The Wilderness, Mitcheldean overnight on Wed/Thurs of last week. On opening them up early on Thursday morning, he found a Bird’s Wing moth, among many others. This is the first record since 1986, and that was the first for many years. On Friday morning Roger tried some new pheromones in Cinderford Linear park, and had one White-barred Clearwing. This is a new site for this species. There were also four and possibly six Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.

In Cheltenham on the evening of 11th June there were 30 Silver Y moths feeding on valerian flowers in Swindon Lane. Several members have reported the tiny migrant moth Plutella xylostella Diamond-backed Moth in the last few days.

Coombe Hill (10 June, contributed by Robert Homan)

The floods noted by Mike Smart have now receeded, but the water has left a large amount of blanket weed, especially on the northern scrape. In the afternoon on the scrapes, there were 12 Mute Swans, 11 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 3 Curlews flew over and there were at least 8 Lapwings, including one that showed some defensive behaviour suggesting some breeding success.

Coombe Hill, June 2006: Mute Swans and a ‘Fig Gall’ Tetraneura ulmi (R Homan)

Severn Hams (27 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Mervyn Greening)

A visit to Ashleworth Ham for ringing this morning confirmed just how seriously the recent rainfall and flooding has affected the Severn Hams. Water levels are now higher than they have been all winter (water has poured back into the reserve over the top of the sluice); everything is ankle deep in water and has clearly affected ground nesting birds, particularly Lapwing and Redshank and no doubt also Curlew. The Severn is currently high with much freshwater coming downstream; furthermore, with a new moon, the tide is at the top of its cycle, slowing up the outflow of water downriver.

At Coombe Hill and Cobney Meadows, both Lapwing and Redshank have been washed out, though one or two Lapwing chicks which had hatched before the flood may have survived: Andy Jayne confirms that the same has happened at Walmore. Will the same thing happen to species like Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting which nest fairly low down?

Today at Ashleworth: a Barn Owl hunting early in the morning, later found in its day roost tree. A Water Rail grunting from the floodwater was the first for some time. Numbers of birds caught low: numbers of adult Sedge Warblers caught respectable, but down a bit from last year, most of them retrapped adults already ringed in previous years.

Severn Hams (27 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

Dramatic changes with the heavy rain of the last week; the Severn is very high, preventing smaller rivers and streams from discharging into the main river. So everywhere water levels have risen, and have probably had a serious effect on ground nesting birds as most meadows are now partially under water. At Coombe Hill the islands in the scrapes, where Lapwings had been sitting earlier in the week, are now submerged and it seems likely that Lapwings and Redshanks will have lost their eggs.

At Coombe Hill, maybe two pairs of Lapwings have young to judge from their behaviour to passing crows and raptors; but the Redshank appear to have lost their eggs. The Mute Swans on the canal have hatched and have four young. From the Grundon Hide (only just accessible with wellingtons) a female Marsh Harrier, undoubtedly a different individual from the one seen in late April; a male Garganey, the first definite record this year; a male Mandarin – new species for the reserve?; an Oystercatcher; two Dunlin; four Shelducks; two Reed Warblers singing near the board walk.

At Cobney Meadows, water levels very high again: Canada Goose with six or seven goslings; two Shelducks; no sign of Redshanks or Lapwing.

At Ashleworth, still two Wigeon, Redstart still singing well; three Lapwings behaving as though young birds about.

Cheltenham (week ending 27 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A large web formed by the micro-moth Spindle Ermine forms a very promient feature in Manor Road between Swindon Village and Sainsbury’s. The larvae have defoliated their food supply, probably Euonymous japonica, and extended the web over adjacent plants.

Spindle Ermine, Cheltenham, May 2006 (R Homan)

Elephant Hawk-moth, reared from a caterpillar found in a neighbour’s garden last year, Cheltenham, May 2006 (R Homan)

Cheltenham (13 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A Red Admiral seen briefly in Swindon Lane today.

Severn Hams (13 May, contributed by Mike Smart, Les Brown and Mervyn Greening)

At Coombe Hill this morning, a female Marsh Harrier seen from the Grundon Hide. At Ashleworth at midday, a Hobby chasing flying insects.

Standish (11 May, contributed by Juliet Bailey)

A colourful graden visitor today was this Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparagi).

Asparagus Beetle, Standish, May 2005 (J Bailey)

Cranham Woods (7 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

More Bluebells and this colourful clump of False Oxlips (Primula x polyantha).

False Oxlip, Cranham Woods, May 2005 (R Homan)

Queen’s Wood Open Day, Southam (6 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

A magnificent show of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and 3 newly emerged Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

Bluebells and Large Red Damselfly, May 2005 (R Homan)

Walmore Common (4 May, contributed by Andy Jayne)

A minimum of 162 Ravens flying onto a roost near the Common in the evening. There appears to be two flight lines into the roost, one from the ENE and another from the SE. There was one flock of 35, but they mainly arrive in singles, pairs or small groups of up to six.

Sudmeadow (3 May, contributed by Gordon Avery)

A walk this afternoon revealed 3 Greenland Wheatears, all females, on the sheep down (old GLS) plus another bird by Presswelds on the rubble area.

Cheltenham (3 May, contributed by Robert Homan)

6+ Swifts over the St Paul’s area on a typical Swift arrival morning with warm sunshine and a southerly wind.

Coombe Hill (1 May, contributed by Mike Smart and Les Brown)

An evening visit often gives a different perspective; birds become more active when going to roost and there are some crepuscular species that only start becoming active as night falls. This evening there were three species of owl: a Barn Owl hunting, several Tawny Owls and a Little Owl calling. Some birds were passing through: a Ringed Plover, six Dunlin in summer plumage and a Common Sandpiper, all of which started calling when darkness fell and probably continued their journey after dark; also a flock of 12 Pied Wagtails (mostly males) and two Yellow Wagtails, which left just before dark. Five Swifts and 20 House Martins. In addition there were all of the residents: as many as 14 Curlew coming to roost, Redshanks, Lapwings, Shelducks, all very excitable and noisy; some Mallard with young and squealing Water Rails. Plus at least two Snipe and 2 Little Ringed Plover, and a Barhead/Greylag Goose hybrid.