The Beginnings of Autumn

Sunday, September 26th 2021

The 1st, the Met Office autumn date, and 22nd of September, the equinox, have passed and so it is definitely autumn.  Signs of autumn are beginng to show themselves.  Some Beech leaves in the tree in the orchard have turned golden.  Usually these leaves remain on the tree right through until spring.

Outside the Field Centre the Red Oak is showing off its red leaves.

Larch needles have just a hint of yellow to them but their cones are hanging heavily on the branches.  Over winter flocks of birds can be heard twittering as they feed from the cones.

Hawthorn berries are ready and waiting for the migrant Blackbirds and Redwings.

Warm sun brings out the butterflies and once warmed by the sun they feed, storing up fat levels ready for hibernation.  Brightly coloured Comma butterflies hibernate in amongst dead leaves.

This Speckled Wood looks somewhat battered but is camouflaged against the fallen leaves.  The males usually perch in a suny glade, from where they rises rapidly to intercept any intruder. Both sexes feed on honeydew in the treetops and are rarely seen feeding on flowers, except early and late in the year when aphid activity is low.  Winter survival relies on caterpillars and pupae, which is unusual amongst butterflies.

Thank you to Andrew for providing the Larch and butterfly photos.


(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events


Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

Please be aware that due to these circumstances, entering and leaving the reserve might take a little longer than usual.



Bird Watching for Beginners

Thursday 18th April 2024 | 10am-1pm

Improve your bird spotting and identification skills with this guided bird watching session. Learn how to identicy common species, differentiate between confusion species and how to get started learning bird calls. A great opportunity to ask questions and learn alongside others.

£3 per person. Free for volunteers and Friends of Foxglove and voluteers.

Booking essential. Fill in the booking form by clicking the link below! Pay via paypal or in person on the day.



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive