Wildlife Watch - What to look out for in January!
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
A badly named bird; the head during the breeding season is actually chocolate-brown in colour. During the winter they have the dark spot behind the eye but keep their red bills and legs. Its urge for offal and human debris has made this bird very much an urban species now.
(Photo: Gillian Day)
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
This is a much maligned bird whose keen intelligence and adaptability (very human qualities) have enabled it to flourish in many different and fast-changing environments. This bird has the capacity to solve complex problems and even use tools to help exploit novel opportunities. During the winter they can congregate in large numbers feeding in fields and along the strandline on beaches. They will even visit gardens for food.
(Photo: Ian Rose)
Peacock (Inachis io)
This is one of a few species of butterfly that overwinter as an adult. They can often be found roosting in garden sheds and attics and on warm, sunny winter days may venture out to find food. Easily recognised from the large eye-spots on their wings that provide their common name.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
An important shrub at this time of year as the bright red berries are an important food source for birds during the winter. The above example at Wainfleet is laden with berries. Commonly found throughout the county and one of the main hedging plants in the countryside.
Strandline safari
The strandline is marine debris dropped during the last tide. It is a fascinating area to explore and can give an idea of the huge biodiversity found in our seas – without getting wet.
The Thin tellin is a common find along our strandline; it is slightly larger and more oval than the Baltic tellin. The shell is very fragile and is usually broken, so the above photo is a great and rare example of the whole bivalve found along the shore.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, safeguarding wildlife and wild places in Lincolnshire and promoting understanding and enjoyment of the natural world from The Humber to The Wash.
Are you a member? Join today at www.lincstrust.org.uk
Dave Miller, Coast & The Wash Warden. Email: dmiller@lincstrust.co.uk