Camberley Natural History Society

SPOT THE BEE FLY ETC. ETC. UPDATE OCTOBER 12^th 2012

Chris Rose sent in this lovely photo of Ernie and Jan today. Thanks Chris, happy days indeed!

“Sorting through my photos came across this! Happy days! Chris”

 

 

 

Rob Agar has been busy again!

3^rd October from Rob Agar: “Hi, spotted this fox in a churchyard in Frimley and had to run to get a camera....Rob”

 

 

Crabs were everywhere in Lanzarote last week....Rob

 

 

 

 

“Spotted these in Lanzarote but not a clue what they are........” - We think they are probably both Whimbrels, Answers pleas?

 

 

 

From Chris Rose, - more answers please?

6^th October: “This is an ID question.....my daughter Jo took the photo on her phone, while walking the dog. Chris”

 

 

Chris again: - 6^th October: “Hi Folks, Irene and I visited Mary in Dorset early September and visited St Nicholas Church, Moreton. CNHS had a visit to this little church many years ago.....I wonder if others remember it. It was still as beautiful as I remembered it!”

 

  

And again, - 8^th October: “Bob is up at the moment and we’ve been getting out and about! Chris”

 

Lovely photos of the Red Backed Shrike and Clouded Yellow!

 

We must try and get to see the Great Bustards.

 

 

 

And a mystery to be solved for Jean Hoyle, - I suggested maybe a crow, - any answers again please?

9^th October: “Dear Mike, when I was gardening today, I found a hen's egg at the back of the border. It is completely whole but was very muddy. I wiped the mud off and have attached a picture of it. It appears to have tiny holes which I have circled as since having it in the house it has oozed fluid! It also smells! We wondered if they could be teeth marks. I'm not sure what the white marks are either. I've no idea how it got in the garden but 2 of our neighbours opposite have free range hens and we have seen a fox in the close, but didn't think it could access our back garden as there is a side gate which only has a small gap underneath. I know that they can climb

but wouldn't that be difficult with an egg in its mouth. It's a mystery to us but wondered if you have any idea how or what might have brought it into the garden. Kind regards, Jean.”

 

 

And now an interesting observation from friend Alan Meeks, do we agree it is a Cabbage Looper, - if it is then it will develop into a Cabbage Looper Moth……..

11^th October: “Mike, about 10 days ago I sent you some pictures of the green caterpillar that I am keeping in my Vivarium (aka a plastic pot with soil, a twig and lettuce leaves). Well, it seems to have covered itself with a fibrous layer on a twig leaf. Presumably a cocoon is being started. It can just be seen in its green shape but it has gradually darkened in the last 3 days. More photos later if there is any further change. Regards, Alan” - See Alan’s note below…..

 

 

3^rd October: Mike, this caterpillar somehow appeared on the dinner table a few days ago. Not being a meat eater I would not have appreciated finding this in my daily salad so I took the opportunity to keep it in a pot with a lettuce leaf and take a few photos. Its droppings are enormous and plentiful. Perhaps I am over-providing it with lettuce and other leaves in its margarine pot! I expect Bernard or yourself can identify the caterpillar but using the Internet I have tentatively identified it as a Cabbage Looper but not sure if it will turn into a butterfly or a moth. When will it turn into a chrysalis I wonder. Regards, Alan”`

 

 Jenny and I visited the London WWT Reserve on Saturday and she managed to get this shot of a Migrant Hawker:

 

Whilst I took this bird which we believe is a Reed Bunting, however, we stand to be corrected!

 

A bumper edition this time, it has been a job keeping up with everything so hope none have been missed, please let me know.

Usual thanks to our contributors, and usual reminder to take a look at our web site.

https://www.camberleynaturalhistorysociety.org.uk/

Regards to all,

Mike and Jenny