2nd June - Does the Cuckoo spit?

June is upon us and the days are increasingly longer, providing more time for countryside walks. On a walk to the castle my musical accompaniment was that of Skylarks, Song thrushes and the enchanting melodic tunes of the Blackbird, while my nostrils were pleasantly assaulted by the heady perfume of flowering Honeysuckle. On the way down I noted Sheep's sorrel and Dog rose in flower.

Sheep's sorrel

Also of note was the first Cuckoo spit of the year. This strange foam seems to be on many plants and grass at this time of year. Is it really the result of a phlegmy cuckoo? Well no. Cuckoo spit is basically plant sap that has been ingested by the larva within. It forces air into the sap and then squeezes the aerated bubbly foam out of its bottom. In the middle of the foamy mass you would find a Froghopper nymph - the larva of the adult Froghopper aka spittlebug. Froghoppers have extraordinary jumping abilities helping them evade predators. The nymph however cannot jump so the foam protects it and keeps it moist.

Cuckoo spit

Close up of the foamy bottom bubbles 

Mute swan reflections

Down by the castle mere two Mute swans drifted serenely while all around them a mixed flock of Swallows, House and Sand martins swooped low over the water picking up emerging insects. Also joining the feeding frenzy were three Daubenton's bats and several Pipistrelle bats. An entertaining end to the day.

Sunset at the castle

24th April - A white arse at last

Every spring most birdwatchers look forward to reacquainting themselves with certain species which have been absent during the winter months.  The first Chiffchaff, the first Swallow heralds the sunnier months and longer days to come.
   For me personally my favourite herald is the Wheatear.  A fairly common passage migrant along our now out of bounds coastline, they are much harder to find in inland areas.  Walking to the castle carefully scanning the surrounding fields finally paid off with a sighting of 2 male Wheatears.  The large size, bold upright stance and richly coloured underparts all pointed to them being of the Greenland race. I spent some time drinking in the views of these lovely birds.

A Greenland Wheatear (picture from Collins Bird Guide)

     The name Wheatear has nothing to do with wheat or indeed ears. It is actually a corruption of the old English 'whit ers' or white arse which refers to the prominent colouring of the bird's rump and tail feathers.

Curled fern frond 

       Other notable sightings on the walk included: Sand martin x14, Blackcap x2, Common whitethroat x4, Mistle thrush and a Red admiral butterfly.

Red admiral