Nature Notes for August 2013

Nature Notes

Although it is only the beginning of August, signs of approaching autumn can already be seen in gardens and hedgerows. Berries on hawthorns, ornamental cherries and crabs, holly and rowan are well formed and swelling after the heavy rain following the recent

dry spell. Indeed, the rowan berries are already beginning to colour – provided they are not devoured by the local blackbirds and starlings, these will be the first berries that the hordes of fieldfare and redwing take when they arrive in late October.

The late summer butterflies are now on the wing and, with some relief, are in abundance with plenty of small and large whites, small tortoiseshells, gatekeepers and the best numbers of ringlets for many years. A decent spell of warm weather through August and September should keep numbers well up and hopefully bring migrants such as clouded yellow and painted lady.

Another sign of autumn approaching is the gathering of starlings in many fields. We are all familiar with the huge pre-roost flocks that fill the winter sky in favoured roosting spots such as the Somerset levels. These are composed of birds that arrive from late October onwards from continental Europe. However, before they arrive, our fields are full of smaller resident groups.

These are usually made up of juveniles, recognisable by their plain brown plumage in contrast to the dark spangled nature of the adults. Once harvesting starts, these birds band together and will probe stubble looking for leatherjackets amongst the stalks, pushing their bills into the soft soil.

Waddling across the fields in a long straggly line, they almost resemble policeman searching a field looking for evidence except in this case, anything opportune that is found is quickly devoured and the line moves on. They do form pre-roost flocks that are still pretty impressive, even if they do not have the numbers of the wintering flocks. Look for them at places like Thurlestone Marsh and possibly Slapton.

Once flocks have formed, sparrowhawks and the occasional peregrine will become aware of them and will return each evening to harass the flocks and hopefully make a kill. The odd rarity such as a rose coloured starling can also turn up in these flocks..

What to look for in August-September

Bright yellow ragwort, poisonous to cattle, is in full bloom. It is host to the cinnabar moth caterpillar and these bright black and yellow creatures can easily be found during this time.

The moth itself is a striking black and red and is active during the day. It can easily be confused with the similar six-spot burnet that is also flying at this time.

Bird migration will be at its peak during these months so look for gatherings of swallows at favourable locations such as Slapton and Thurlestone again. Here, they feed up over the marshes during the day and safely roost in the reed beds at night before moving on further south in favourable weather conditions.

Stormy weather with a strong southwesterly component can bring seabirds close to our shores with the possibility of skuas, shearwaters and unusual gulls being seen from any headland along the South Devon coast.

First Published August 2013 By The Dart

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