BIRDS

Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

Since this issue has a Welsh emphasis the red kite is an obvious choice. The red kite was once a common bird across Britain but its range contracted, because of persecution, to mid-Wales by the mid 20th century. With only a few pairs left concerted efforts were made to increase the population and successful introductions have now been made in England. The red kite is only superficially like the more common buzzard. It has a much longer tail which, unlike the buzzard, is forked. Its wings are longer and thinner so that its flight seems much more elegant.

Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The common buzzard is our commonest bird of prey, though it is still far less common in eastern England. Its plumage is quite variable with some birds sporting an almost white breast but generally the buzzard is a dark brown bird. In flight the buzzard has broad wings with rounded wing tips and feathers that protrude a little like fingers. This bird is most obvious when soaring on thermals when large numbers can gather together uttering their characteristic 'mewing' call. Look out for lone buzzards sitting on top of telegraph poles, where they look for road kill rabbits.

Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)

The pied flycatcher is another bird with a westerly distribution in Britain and one that is common in the oak woodlands of Wales. This is a summer visitor which is best looked for during May and June when they nest in tree holes or, more frequently, nest boxes specifically erected for them on nature reserves. The male is unmistakeable since he is black and white, the female is similarly marked but is brownish-grey and white. As with all flycatchers it is their behaviour which often draws our attention, they perch on favourite branches and flick off and back onto the perch to catch insects.

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

The spotted flycatcher is more widespread but quite uncommon. This bird likes to nest in old walls, particularly those that are clad with climbing plants so old houses with walled gardens surrounded by trees tend to be best for them. In appearance the spotted flycatcher is a little drab being a plain brown. Its plumage is slightly lighter underneath than on top and it does have a faint streaking on its breast. In flight the spotted flycatcher is a master, able to hover and dart like a helicopter. Fascinating to watch.

FLOWERS

Three Cornered Leek (Allium triquetrum)

Since I am focussing on Wales I thought it would be appropriate to include a leek or two. The three cornered leek is actually an introduced plant from the Mediterranean region. It is now common in the south west of England but is also found in Wales and many other scattered localities around the country. It has a distinctive three cornered stem, essentially its stem is a triangular prism. On top of the stem is a nodding head of white flowers which hang in a cluster to one side. As with all of this family it has a pungent smell.

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

Also known as 'ramsons' this is a native flower and is found in deciduous woodland. It is most frequent in ancient woodland that has remained undisturbed for centuries. Its stout, straight stem is topped by a hemispherical head of white flowers. Its leaves are broad. Where wild garlic grows well it usually grows in great profusion creating a spectacle of white carpeting the woodland floor.

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

The bluebell barely needs an introduction but is included to complete the selection of massed-flowering woodland species so typical of spring in our deciduous woods. The bluebells flowers should hang from one side of its stem, those that have flowers situated all around a stout stem are probably hybridised with the Spanish bluebell. We should count ourselves very fortunate to be able to witness the incredible floral display of the bluebell in Britain since we are at the centre of its world distribution.

MOTHS

Peppered Moth (Biston betularia)

The peppered moth is one of the most studied species of any moths in Britain. This is the one that has wonderful camouflage, its back pattern closely resembling the lichens which are found on trees in its woodland-fringe habitat. In areas where trees were made darker by pollution peppered moths became darker remarkably quickly to blend in with their new surroundings.

Puss Moth (Cerura vinula)

The puss moth was probably named because its larva has two ear-like appendages behind its head but its adult appearance could also be described as cat-like since it is wonderfully white and furry. This species is distributed across most of the UK, its caterpillars feed on the leaves of poplars, willows and aspen.

Pebble Prominent Moth (Notodonta ziczac)

The prominent moths are closely related to the kitten moths (to which the puss moth belongs). The pebble prominent has a very distinctive shape when at rest with a very low profile and long well rounded wings. It is the patterning near the tip of the wing which was likened to pebbles when the species was named. Its habitat and distribution is similar to the puss moth.

White Ermine Moth (Spilosoma lubricipeda)

The white ermine moth has the most luxuriant white ermine-like fur around its head and body making most individuals quite unmistakable. A smattering of black spots creates a variable pattern on its wings. In the southern half of Britain the wings are usually white and creamy white but, unfortunately, in Scotland they can be creamy buff making it superficially like the buff ermine moth. This species larvae feed on nettles and docks.

Buff Ermine Moth (Spilosoma luteum)

The buff ermine moth is similar in appearance to the white ermine though its wings are always buff coloured. Females are slightly whiter than males. The spots on its wings are elongated and form a regular pattern common to all individuals. So when identifying this species look for a crescent shaped row of black spots connecting the two wing tips.