Red Poppies (Papaver)

The Longest day has been and gone and so although we should have a couple more good summer months the evenings are becoming shorter. July has started with some heavy rain and strong winds. Let’s hope it is not going to be too wet. This last month we had a mix of rain and some nice sunshine with some quite cold evenings. The farmers have had to choose which days to cut their silage and be very quick to cut their hay. Also some of the fields of wheat and barley have turned to a beautiful golden colour and towards the end of this month, we may see that some corn has been harvested. On the edges of some crop fields, you may see impressive shows of red field poppies. A number of hedges have been severely cut back this last month, however I have noticed there is less of this type of practice than there used to be which is good news for the nesting birds.

Already many of the plants have flowered and turned to seed. Many of the birds are busily searching for food to feed their young. Particularly prominent are Swallows (Hirundo rustica) and House Martins (Delichon urbica). The mammals are taking advantage of the summer fruits available like wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) and raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are a particular favourite with woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus).

Green Finch (Carduelis chloris)

One of the common birds to be seen now is the Green Finch (Carduelis chloris). They can be found around woodland, towns, and gardens. They build their nests in bushes using moss, twigs and roots. They are especially fond of gardens where people feed birds on bird tables with peanuts and provide water for bathing. The male bird is very green with a pink bill and the female is duller in colour.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)

When out you may come across our largest snake the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix). These are harmless and will avoid people if given the chance. They do not have the distinctive “v” shape at the base of the head like an adder but have a yellow collar instead. They are usually olive or grey-green on their backs with black bars on their flanks. They feed on newts, frogs, toads and even small fish. They eat their prey live and are very capable swimmers which helps when hunting fish.

Hornet (Vespo crabro)

An interesting large insect you may see or even bump in to in the evening is the Hornet (Vespo crabro). I say bump into because they can bump into you as they go about trying to catch small insects like moths at twilight. Despite their size, they seldom sting unless they feel threatened or someone is trying to disturb their queen or nest. However, most people avoid them because of their size and the fear of them stinging. The other point that can scare people is that they can be found hunting in groups. They are known as “social wasps” because they live in communities. They tend to nest in hollow trees however they can take up residence in out-buildings. As the summer goes on the population increases. However by autumn, because the weather becomes colder, they die off and only the young queens survive. The queens will hibernate over winter and start a new colony in the spring, nearly always in a different place.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Many moths that are preyed on by the hornets are attracted to the smell of Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). At this time of year on warm evenings, the strong aroma of the honeysuckle can almost be over-powering. It is the moths that this plant wants to attract, to help it be pollinated. This climbing plant grows tightly clock-wise up trees with its red stems and quite often leaves deep spiral impressions on young hazel stems. Such patterned hazel stems are sought-after be walking stick makers. As many as 12 individual trumpet-shaped flowers cluster in each Honeysuckle flower head. Later when the flowers die, red berries will take their place and be food for a mammal, insect or bird … nothing is wasted. Even the leaves of this plant are eaten by the caterpillar of the White Admiral butterfly (Ladoga camilla).

Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

Another flower that attracts many insects is the yellow Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). The seed heads of this plant resemble a bird’s foot and the leaves appear initially to be in groups of three and hence the name. However, on closer inspection of the group of leaves you will find another pair of leaves attached to the main stem. Quite often these flowers can also be orange and even have red streaks running through them and for this reason they are commonly known as “bacon and eggs”.

Lastly, if you are very lucky when up on the Downs you may see the rare Musk Orchid (Herminium monorchis). This small green stemmed orchid has many pale yellow flowers. If you got down on your hands and knees and smelled them they give a strong musk or honey-like aroma, hence the orchid’s name.

Talk again, next month.