Wildlife of North Norfolk
We have discovered all sorts of local wildlife during our sessions - here are a few details about some of them...and below on this page are some other sightings that might not fit neatly into any of these categories:
Adder at Sheringham Park
Whilst clearing rhododendrons at Sheringham Park we saw this adder - we were very lucky to see it, but we took care not to get too close as the adder is Britain's only venomous reptile and it's bite is very dangerous. It is unusual to see them out so late, especially on a cold damp day.
You can see some comments on the sighting on I-spot here
Many thanks to Andrew for the picture and information.
Jackdaw
This cheeky little bird came up to us as we were birdwatching at Blakeney. No need to look out into the distance with high-powered binoculars this time - he was obviously very used to people and probably gets well-fed by them.
Jackdaws, like most corvids (the crow family), are highly intelligent opportunists.
Smooth Spangle Gall
If you see some strange lumps on a tree leaf, it is probably a gall, generally caused by a parasitic insect.
In this case it is the relatively rare Smooth Spangle Gall on an aok leaf, spotted by our volunteer Andrew at Pigney's Wood near Knapton.
It is caused by the gall wasp Neuroterus albipes and is a response by the tree to the attack. The gall provides both shelter and food to the insect - at the host's exopense!
Juvenile Robin at Howards Hill
Whilst having our tea break at Howards Hill, this young robin decided to join us! We had been cutting back gorse and bracjen, no doubt disturbing lots of little insects that the Robin found delicious. Robins will often follow you around in the garden if you are digging - they are pre-adapted to do this as they evolved following wild boar around in forests as they rooted around amongst the leaves.
Red marks on Bramble leaves
As we were clearing brambles at Gravel Pit Lane we noticed that some of them were affected by this reddish markings. This is the response from identification website I-spot:
'If you look beneath the red marks you will probably see the black teleospore masses of the rust fungus Phragmidium violaceum or P. bulbosum, depending on which sort of Rubus you have.'
Grass Funnel Weaver Spider
Well done to our volunteer David for spotting this amzing little spider that had woven it's own little den in a bush. We saw it in the hedgerow whilst taking a walk across the fields from Neatishead towards Barton Broad.
Funnel weavers look very like wolf spiders but the latter don't build webs. It certainly looks like something that you would not want to meet if you are small! Any insect, spider, or other small creature that crosses the wide end of the funnel gets grabbed as the spider feels the vibration and will rush out very quickly to grab its prey.
Long-tailed Tit nest
Hidden amongst the protective spines of a gorse bush - but right next to a path on Holt Spout Hills Common - we found this beautifully-constructed nest, made largely of lichens. It belonged to a Long-tailed Tit, one of the earliest birds to nest in the Spring. They often can be seen in small flocks, busily hunting for their insect food. Well done to pur sharp-eyed volunteer Robin for spotting this one!
Swanton Novers Great Wood
If you are a keen Bird of Prey watcher, you might want to give this a try (our group aims to visit this site in July or August)
Swanton Great Wood has a raptor watch-point operated by English Nature. This is the best place in Norfolk to look for Honey Buzzards, but you may also see Hobby, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel!
Location (Car park TG010302) Situated about seven miles south-west of Holt, the viewpoint is signposted off the north side of the Fulmodeston to Hindolveston road, 0.4 miles west of the junction with the B1110. (Do not follow signs for the village of Swanton Novers). Parking is free.
The woods belong to Astley Estates and are managed by English Nature, who also operate the Raptor Watch-Point car park. The viewpoint is open from mid-May until the end of August, and the car park has an information panel and free information leaflets available.
[Thanks to Darrell for this tip]
