Nature Notes - September 2024
Sickleholme Nature Notes
Playing the course during September, I started to consider what might be the oldest of our impressive trees. Thinking of the Oak trees, on the first hole, behind the 9th tee and to the left of the 14th green, I contacted some longstanding members for their views. One thought was that they looked of similar age and may have been planted when the course was created. An interesting guess and Oaks that are 130 years old are hardly unusual. Perhaps we should look for other candidates in the central woodland.
Most bird sightings were from around the club feeders, although elsewhere Carrion Crows were much in evidence, several Mistle Thrushes were noted and the resident Pied Wagtails continued to search for food on the fairways. It also looks certain now that Buzzards bred successfully in an area to the left of the 14th tee as young were seen moving about and calling for food. Overhead, the first Pink-footed Goose movement of the autumn was on the 19th when a good number were heard flying south-east in cloud. Quite an early date for birds that have summered and bred on arctic tundra and are now heading for winter quarters in Norfolk.
After the splendid Elephant Hawk-moth, and last month’s Old Lady, this month’s photo (again taken by Diana Allen close to the clubhouse) is of a Dusky Thorn. Moths that are active at night (the majority) need protection during the daytime and camouflage is one method. Just imagine this species, which rests with its wings partly open, on a tree branch and you almost see a perfect leaf.
Other sightings and comments related to an increasing number of Grey Squirrels (too many really as they can do much damage) and the earlier autumn fungi. Amongst the latter was a large Shaggy Inkcap (said to be edible, but hardly looking attractive enough to try!) just behind the 10th tee.
A good mix of wildlife sightings, as is now regular. Many thanks to all contributors.
Bryan Barnacle