Noticing Nature Blog

This Oak Eggar moth caterpillar was enjoying the warm sunshine today in the churchyard. It hatched from an egg last summer and has spent the winter in the larval stage. It will now feed up and pupate in early summer. Despite its name, Oak Eggar caterpillars are not fussy eaters and will feed on pretty much what is available. Oak Eggar moth caterpillar

Red Kites and Egyptian Geese: This is one of two Red Kites that were surveying the fields around the Great Pedding stream this morning. Egyptian Goose (Library picture) Whilst watching the kites, a pair of Egyptian Geese dropped into the stream. These are not true geese and are related to Shelducks. They are not native to the UK but were introduced from Africa into stately home collections. Naturally, many escaped and have now established a feral population.

The Rowan Close rookery The Rowan Clo se rookery is up and running after a couple of years absence. There are currently 9 nests under construction with a great deal of raucous discussion in the process from dawn to dusk.

The oil seed rape crop in various fields around Staple, is just coming into flower. Every open flower I saw had a group of pollen beetles feeding on it. They are currently rather abundant and can cause damage to the crop and reduce yield. Pollen beetles are especially attracted to yellow flowers and, in fact anything yellow. Birds and spiders are natural predators and in a healthy ecosystem beetle populations will be kept under control. Pollen Beetles on Oil-seed Rape

Juniper Shield bug This rather attractive little beast was in my living room this morning. It's a Juniper Shield bug (Cyphostethus tristriatus) which traditionally fed on Juniper. It apparently has adapted to feeding on Lawson's Cypress commonly grown in gardens. Because of this, the Juniper Shield bug has expanded its range in recent years, and is now quite widespread in the south and east. It overwinters as an adult and emerges on warm days in early spring.

What a glorious day! Temperatures reached near 18 degrees. Lots of insects about including several Brimstone butterflies.