Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Garnwen
Another sunny day (15c), but the wind seemed a little colder and stronger today. Nevertheless five species of hoverfly were recorded feeding on sallow blossom including new for the year Cheilosia albipila (1f), Parasyrphus punctulatus (2m) and Syrphus torvus (2m). Another emerging tachinid fly was present on the coltsfoot in Gonia picea (4) as well as a single Tachina ursina. More Brimstone (2) and Peacock (3) also feeding on sallow. Finally 4 Chiffchaff were singing on the bird front.
Brimstone
Cheilosia albipila
Gonia picea (tachinid fly)
Monday, 25 March 2019
Lower Valley
Continuing sunshine (16c) meant insects were out in greater numbers and also a few more species were emerging. Hoverfly numbers continue to increase with Eristalis pertinax (4) and Platycheirus albimanus (1) present at Cwm Darren Woods and Eristalis pertinax (11), Eupeodes corollae (2) and Platycheirus albimanus (12) at Lletty Brongu woods.
The Large Bee-fly was present in good numbers at both sites and Tree Bumblebee at Cwm Darren woods was the first for the year. 4 species of butterfly were seen with Brimstone (6) looking like it might be having a good year. In fact I've seen more of them in the last 2 days than in the whole of last year. Comma (2), Peacock (3) and Small Tortoiseshell (2) were at their usual places. Also seen at Cwm Darren woods was a Common Lizard sunning on the stone-walls near the river and farm area.
Chiffchaffs were singing at Cwm Darren woods (2) and Lletty Brongu woods (2). 2 male Pheasant were flushed around Lletty Brongu woods. The rookery at Llangynwyd still has 5 nests while the one at Garth has increased to 4 nests.
Building work continues at the sewage works compound and they have dug up and removed the reed-beds meaning no-more Reed Warbler breeding records and now no chance of Cetti's Warbler for the valley. They have also cut down the trees that have been a favourite haunt for Yellow-browed Warbler during the autumn in recent years and probably there will be fewer hirundines at least when the building work goes on.
Common Lizard
Large Bee-fly
Comma
Eristalis pertinax
The Large Bee-fly was present in good numbers at both sites and Tree Bumblebee at Cwm Darren woods was the first for the year. 4 species of butterfly were seen with Brimstone (6) looking like it might be having a good year. In fact I've seen more of them in the last 2 days than in the whole of last year. Comma (2), Peacock (3) and Small Tortoiseshell (2) were at their usual places. Also seen at Cwm Darren woods was a Common Lizard sunning on the stone-walls near the river and farm area.
Chiffchaffs were singing at Cwm Darren woods (2) and Lletty Brongu woods (2). 2 male Pheasant were flushed around Lletty Brongu woods. The rookery at Llangynwyd still has 5 nests while the one at Garth has increased to 4 nests.
Building work continues at the sewage works compound and they have dug up and removed the reed-beds meaning no-more Reed Warbler breeding records and now no chance of Cetti's Warbler for the valley. They have also cut down the trees that have been a favourite haunt for Yellow-browed Warbler during the autumn in recent years and probably there will be fewer hirundines at least when the building work goes on.
Sunday, 24 March 2019
Sunshine at last
Stopped at a few places today for a good look around in the 15c sunshine and it looks like spring has just officially kicked off. 5 species of hoverfly today with Cheilosia proxima (1), Cheilosia pagana (2), Episyrphus balteatus (1) and Eristalis pertinax (1) at Garnwen on either sallow blossom or coltsfoot. While at Mynydd Bach gorse area above the school had Eristalis pertinax (2), Eristalis tenax (1) and Episyrphus balteatus (1) on early blossoming Blackthorn.
Four species of butterfly were on the wing for the first time this year - Peacock, Comma, Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell. Other insects including Tachina ursina (1), Kidney-spot Ladybird (10), Honey Bee (20), Andrena bee species male (1) and Buff-tailed Bumblebee (10).
The first summer visitors of the year have returned in 5 Chiffchaff at Caerau (1) and Mynydd Bach (4). There also seemed to be a lot of Goldfinch about where there have been very few this winter - Garnwen (6) and Mynydd Bach (15). Siskins were displaying at Garnwen and Long-tailed Tits were nest building at Mynydd Bach.
With fine warm weather forecast for the next few days, perhaps a few more insects will emerge.
Tachina ursina
Small Tortoiseshell
Kidney-spot Ladybird
Four species of butterfly were on the wing for the first time this year - Peacock, Comma, Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell. Other insects including Tachina ursina (1), Kidney-spot Ladybird (10), Honey Bee (20), Andrena bee species male (1) and Buff-tailed Bumblebee (10).
The first summer visitors of the year have returned in 5 Chiffchaff at Caerau (1) and Mynydd Bach (4). There also seemed to be a lot of Goldfinch about where there have been very few this winter - Garnwen (6) and Mynydd Bach (15). Siskins were displaying at Garnwen and Long-tailed Tits were nest building at Mynydd Bach.
With fine warm weather forecast for the next few days, perhaps a few more insects will emerge.
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Garnwen
A bit of a bright spell between the gloom around noon meant I had time for a quick look around Garnwen. I managed to find 3 species of hoverfly, Platycheirus albimanus and Episyrphus balteatus feeding on Coltsfoot and an Eristalis pertinax on what little sallow was in blossom, the main crop still being 2 or 3 weeks away at this site. The only other insects were a couple of Dung Fly species and 5 Buff-tailed Bumblebee.
Not much on the bird front, no summer visitors yet, but the Rooks have started building nests 3 at Garth and 5 at Llangynwyd so far, probably more to come.
Episyrphus balteatus
Platycheirus albimanus
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Not much on the bird front, no summer visitors yet, but the Rooks have started building nests 3 at Garth and 5 at Llangynwyd so far, probably more to come.
Valley hoverfly list update
Over the last week I have been reviewing the valley list to bring it in line with records held by the hoverfly recording scheme (official records) who kindly sent me a data set for SS88 and SS89. There were a number of discrepancies and I have had to remove three species from our list - details below.
1. Cheilosia Grossa - a good photograph or specimen is required for identification, we could provide neither so species removed from list. It would be scarce for this part of the UK.
2. Eumerus funeralis - a specimen is required for identification. Photographs taken can only show the family level aggregate, so again this species has been removed from the list, but kept as "Eumerus species".
3. Pipiza virens - a specimen is required for identification as it can't be done from photographs, all the valley specimens for Pipiza have turned out to be Pipiza viduata. Pipiza virens is not expected in this part of the UK. so removed from or list.
All other species on the list have either been confirmed by specimen or photographs. There have been no species to add to the list and any record errors have been rectified for the valley in the data set .This means the valley list now stands at 131 species. I have altered the lists as appropriate on the right hand side of the home page.
1. Cheilosia Grossa - a good photograph or specimen is required for identification, we could provide neither so species removed from list. It would be scarce for this part of the UK.
2. Eumerus funeralis - a specimen is required for identification. Photographs taken can only show the family level aggregate, so again this species has been removed from the list, but kept as "Eumerus species".
3. Pipiza virens - a specimen is required for identification as it can't be done from photographs, all the valley specimens for Pipiza have turned out to be Pipiza viduata. Pipiza virens is not expected in this part of the UK. so removed from or list.
All other species on the list have either been confirmed by specimen or photographs. There have been no species to add to the list and any record errors have been rectified for the valley in the data set .This means the valley list now stands at 131 species. I have altered the lists as appropriate on the right hand side of the home page.
Tuesday, 5 March 2019
Garnwen and Drysiog loop
With the weather back to normal for the time of year there was a distinct lack of insects, birds and spring blooms. The only sighting of note was at a small pond where 100+ Common Toad were in a mating frenzy, with a lot of Toad spawn wrapped around the underwater vegetation. Some of the toads were an odd colour, but I am assured on Ispot that they are just Common Toads.
Thursday, 21 February 2019
Maesteg cemetery and lower Mynydd Bach
The weather has been unusually warm for February (16c peak today) as a southerly air flow has brought in weather from the Mediterranean. The valley is still a barren wasteland as far as insects are concerned at this time of year. So the trick is to find islands of habitation that are even warmer than its surroundings. I found three such islands on my walk today that attracted early emerging insects each is described below.
1. Coltsfoot stream.
This small stream coming off the mountain, was covered in moss which in turn gave a good bedding for early flowering Coltsfoot. I recorded my first and earliest for the year hoverfly here a female Eristalis tenax. The flowers also attracted a few honey bees and pollenia fly species.
2. Flowering Gorse plant
Lots of the Gorse had a few flowers on them, but this one in a wind-shaded sun trap was in full bloom and covered in flowers, which in turn attracted about a dozen Honey Bee, incidentally Eristalis tenax is a honey-bee mimic and its good to compare photos of each species.
3. Maesteg cemetery graveyard.
The graveyard can be a good source of insects due to the constant replenishment of fresh flowers amongst the graves at this time of year. Today there was a few Dung Fly, Honey Bee and a smart queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee.
This Honey Bee however must have been a little confused, trying to feed on an artificial flower at a graveside.
Also in the undergrowth at the cemetery were plenty of feeding Blackbird and Song Thrush. This Blackbird looking considerably better than me after polishing off a bottle of Smirrnoff vodka, although our eye-rings are probably the same colour.
1. Coltsfoot stream.
2. Flowering Gorse plant
3. Maesteg cemetery graveyard.
The graveyard can be a good source of insects due to the constant replenishment of fresh flowers amongst the graves at this time of year. Today there was a few Dung Fly, Honey Bee and a smart queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee.
This Honey Bee however must have been a little confused, trying to feed on an artificial flower at a graveside.
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Lletty Brongu
The temperature peaked at a balmy 12c in the afternoon, thought I'd take a look at the lower end of the valley in case a few insects were out early in the suntraps in the wood. As it turned out the only insect besides spring midges was a Honey Bee feeding on Sallow catkins. A few plants were starting to flower in Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Daisy and Lesser Celandine, I also recorded the Polybody Fern growing in a rot hole of a Sallow Tree.
Birds were about in good numbers with a pair of Dipper displaying on the river as well as 2 pair of Grey Wagtail holding territory and 4 Mallard (3 male). The trees held good numbers of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Chaffinch and Woodpigeon. The sewage works had very little as there is a lot of building and ground work going on inside. The mole population has obviously been disturbed by this as there were a lot of fresh mole hills present outside the fence of the sewage works.
First Lesser Celandine of the year.
Birds were about in good numbers with a pair of Dipper displaying on the river as well as 2 pair of Grey Wagtail holding territory and 4 Mallard (3 male). The trees held good numbers of Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Chaffinch and Woodpigeon. The sewage works had very little as there is a lot of building and ground work going on inside. The mole population has obviously been disturbed by this as there were a lot of fresh mole hills present outside the fence of the sewage works.
Thursday, 31 January 2019
Cold weather birds
Last couple of days has seen the temperature drop to -4c and a covering of snow which isn't melting above 300 metres. So I've been around a few places making notes of what birds are about.
Caerau (01 Feb) - untagged Red Kite (late news)
Caerau (31 Jan) - A Red Kite has been around Tudor Woods and it has an orange wing-tag on the right wing meaning it was tagged as a nestling in 2014, but the left wing tag was missing (or at least I couldn't see it) meaning you couldn't tell where it was from. A Sparrowhawk swooped through the street after starlings but was unsuccessful. A Stock Dove at Foel-y-Dyffryn is also unusual, not seen too many over the years here. Lots of LBB/Herring gulls in the air too. Garden feeder highlights were 8 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Collared Dove. Grey Heron over the church another unusual sighting.
Caerau Forest (30 Jan) - Another Red Kite, this one untagged otherwise fairly quiet besides 6 Bullfinch (3male, 3 female) dotted around, A male Stonechat was high up around Darren-y-Bannau cliffs, odd in itself but it also had a bright rosy-pink rump but nothing else to suggest a rarer species. Good numbers of Coal, Blue, Great Tit, Chaffinch along the forestry edge accompanied by a Great-spotted Woodpecker.
Mynydd Ty-Talwyn (29 Jan) - Another untagged Red Kite along with 13 Buzzard (12 in one field worming), 7 Raven and 35 Starling. A flock of 57 Lapwing was flushed from Mynydd Baeden by a light aircraft overhead, while loose flocks of 48 Fieldfare were feeding on what berries were left and finally 2 Great Black-backed Gull were in attendance on a sheep carcass above Cwm Nant Gwyn.
Raven perched at Darren-y-Bannau
Robin at Caerau forestry
These 200 foot wind turbines really are monsters when up close, the photo is from 600 yards away to get it all in. They make quite a loud whirring noise too.
Caerau (01 Feb) - untagged Red Kite (late news)
Caerau (31 Jan) - A Red Kite has been around Tudor Woods and it has an orange wing-tag on the right wing meaning it was tagged as a nestling in 2014, but the left wing tag was missing (or at least I couldn't see it) meaning you couldn't tell where it was from. A Sparrowhawk swooped through the street after starlings but was unsuccessful. A Stock Dove at Foel-y-Dyffryn is also unusual, not seen too many over the years here. Lots of LBB/Herring gulls in the air too. Garden feeder highlights were 8 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Collared Dove. Grey Heron over the church another unusual sighting.
Caerau Forest (30 Jan) - Another Red Kite, this one untagged otherwise fairly quiet besides 6 Bullfinch (3male, 3 female) dotted around, A male Stonechat was high up around Darren-y-Bannau cliffs, odd in itself but it also had a bright rosy-pink rump but nothing else to suggest a rarer species. Good numbers of Coal, Blue, Great Tit, Chaffinch along the forestry edge accompanied by a Great-spotted Woodpecker.
Mynydd Ty-Talwyn (29 Jan) - Another untagged Red Kite along with 13 Buzzard (12 in one field worming), 7 Raven and 35 Starling. A flock of 57 Lapwing was flushed from Mynydd Baeden by a light aircraft overhead, while loose flocks of 48 Fieldfare were feeding on what berries were left and finally 2 Great Black-backed Gull were in attendance on a sheep carcass above Cwm Nant Gwyn.
Tuesday, 22 January 2019
Photos of specimens
While taking samples of hoverflies, I sometimes take photos first if possible, below are a few examples to see if they can be identified by photo alone.
Chrysogaster virescens
These 3 photos show Chrysogaster virescens from various angles. The clear wings and lack of deep black on the thorax rule out "solstitialis". What you can't see from the photo is the lack of grey hairs on the lower side of the thorax, which rules out "cemiteriorum" and this species is also matt black, so the bronzy green colour of any Chrysogaster is at least a pointer towards virescens. It is a species of acid moorland and was half expecting to find it at Garnwen eventually, it is regarded as local and the rarest of the Chrysogaster. Incidentally Chrysogaster are much larger than any of the other metallic species of the tribe.
Eupeodes latifasciatus
Male Eupeodes are difficult to identify from photos, I kept this one as it didn't fit neatly into the latifasciatus genus, but there are only 2 species with wavy yellow lines on the abdomen that don't reach the side (in Wales) and I thought this one might be bucculatus after looking at it under magnification but Roger thought not.
Cheilosia fraterna
The yellow hind tibia is a diagnostic feature of the "grossa group" of 4 species, but the other 3 species are very hairy on the thorax and abdomen while this one is clearly not, so this species can be done from a photo.
Cheilosia proxima
The only way to identify proxima is to catch one to check the underneath of the abdomen for dusting, so there's no way it can be identified from photos.
Orthonevra nobilis
I was quite surprised when this species came back as "nobilis" as the wing venation suggested Chrysogaster genus and the grey dusting on the side of the thorax pointed to cemiteriorum. Taking it as an Orthonevra the length of the yellow antennae and sparse dusting on the side of face point to nobilis.
Pipiza austriaca
Pipiza are almost impossible to identify from photos except austriaca which has a thickened ridge to the hind femora underneath which is just visible in some of the following photographs.
Chrysogaster virescens
These 3 photos show Chrysogaster virescens from various angles. The clear wings and lack of deep black on the thorax rule out "solstitialis". What you can't see from the photo is the lack of grey hairs on the lower side of the thorax, which rules out "cemiteriorum" and this species is also matt black, so the bronzy green colour of any Chrysogaster is at least a pointer towards virescens. It is a species of acid moorland and was half expecting to find it at Garnwen eventually, it is regarded as local and the rarest of the Chrysogaster. Incidentally Chrysogaster are much larger than any of the other metallic species of the tribe.
Eupeodes latifasciatus
Male Eupeodes are difficult to identify from photos, I kept this one as it didn't fit neatly into the latifasciatus genus, but there are only 2 species with wavy yellow lines on the abdomen that don't reach the side (in Wales) and I thought this one might be bucculatus after looking at it under magnification but Roger thought not.
Cheilosia fraterna
The yellow hind tibia is a diagnostic feature of the "grossa group" of 4 species, but the other 3 species are very hairy on the thorax and abdomen while this one is clearly not, so this species can be done from a photo.
Cheilosia proxima
The only way to identify proxima is to catch one to check the underneath of the abdomen for dusting, so there's no way it can be identified from photos.
Orthonevra nobilis
I was quite surprised when this species came back as "nobilis" as the wing venation suggested Chrysogaster genus and the grey dusting on the side of the thorax pointed to cemiteriorum. Taking it as an Orthonevra the length of the yellow antennae and sparse dusting on the side of face point to nobilis.
Pipiza austriaca
Pipiza are almost impossible to identify from photos except austriaca which has a thickened ridge to the hind femora underneath which is just visible in some of the following photographs.
Hoverfly specimen results for 2018
I have received the results of the specimens I took throughout the year from Roger Morris of the Hoverfly Recording Scheme. There were 3 new for the valley and are as follows
132. Chrysogaster virescens (4) 2 male 14 May 2018 Garnwen
1 female 30 May 2018 Blaencaerau
1 male 02 Jun 2018 Garnwen
3rd record for VC41, last recorded Swansea (2004)
133. Cheilosia antiqua (1) 1 male 18 May 2018 Lletty Brongu Woods
2nd record for VC41, last recorded Ystrad Mynach (1997)
134. Cheilosia vulpina (1) 1 female 13 Jul 2018 Lletty Brongu Woods
4th record for VC41, last recorded Portenyon (2013)
Other good records
Neoascia meticulosa (1), Parasyrphus malinellus (1), Parasyrphus punctulatus (1),
Cheilosia fraterna (4), Platycheirus peltatus (1), Pipizella viduata (2),
Pipiza austriaca (4), Platycheirus clypeatus (2), Lejogaster metallina (1),
Eupeodes lapponicus (1), Cheilosia longula (1), Sphaerophoria interrupta (3),
Sphaerophoria philantha (1), Paragus haemorrhous (1).
Commoner records
Platycheirus albimanus (2), Eristalis nemorum (1), Eristalis arbustorum (1),
Melanostoma mellinum (8), Cheilosia bergenstammi (4), Sphegina sibirica (2)
Eupeodes luniger (3), Sphegina clunipes (1), Neoascia podagrica (1),
Cheilosia pagana (11), Melanogaster hirtella (2), Neoascia tenur (1),
Platycheirus scutatus (3), Cheilosia variabilis (1), Platycheirus angustatus (1),
Cheilosia proxima (11), Orthonevra nobilis (2), Eupeodes latifasciatus (4),
Syrphus torvus (2), Cheilosia scutellata (3), Syrphus ribesii (1),
Syrphus vitripennis (2), Melanostoma scalare (1), Eupeodes corollae (1)
So the valley list is now on 134 species and the total species for 2018 was 104.
132. Chrysogaster virescens (4) 2 male 14 May 2018 Garnwen
1 female 30 May 2018 Blaencaerau
1 male 02 Jun 2018 Garnwen
3rd record for VC41, last recorded Swansea (2004)
133. Cheilosia antiqua (1) 1 male 18 May 2018 Lletty Brongu Woods
2nd record for VC41, last recorded Ystrad Mynach (1997)
134. Cheilosia vulpina (1) 1 female 13 Jul 2018 Lletty Brongu Woods
4th record for VC41, last recorded Portenyon (2013)
Other good records
Neoascia meticulosa (1), Parasyrphus malinellus (1), Parasyrphus punctulatus (1),
Cheilosia fraterna (4), Platycheirus peltatus (1), Pipizella viduata (2),
Pipiza austriaca (4), Platycheirus clypeatus (2), Lejogaster metallina (1),
Eupeodes lapponicus (1), Cheilosia longula (1), Sphaerophoria interrupta (3),
Sphaerophoria philantha (1), Paragus haemorrhous (1).
Commoner records
Platycheirus albimanus (2), Eristalis nemorum (1), Eristalis arbustorum (1),
Melanostoma mellinum (8), Cheilosia bergenstammi (4), Sphegina sibirica (2)
Eupeodes luniger (3), Sphegina clunipes (1), Neoascia podagrica (1),
Cheilosia pagana (11), Melanogaster hirtella (2), Neoascia tenur (1),
Platycheirus scutatus (3), Cheilosia variabilis (1), Platycheirus angustatus (1),
Cheilosia proxima (11), Orthonevra nobilis (2), Eupeodes latifasciatus (4),
Syrphus torvus (2), Cheilosia scutellata (3), Syrphus ribesii (1),
Syrphus vitripennis (2), Melanostoma scalare (1), Eupeodes corollae (1)
So the valley list is now on 134 species and the total species for 2018 was 104.
Thursday, 3 January 2019
Gilfach (west) - Top Llangynwyd
Another cold day after overnight frost, this time I ventured up Top Llangynwyd to see if I could find a shrike but no luck. Walked from the car park area to the Bodvoc Stone and back via the moorland. The Usual winter birds were present in 2 pairs each of Raven and Jay and 3 pairs of Bullfinch dotted around. The moorland area held the most birds with a very dark Common Buzzard and Kestrel hunting overhead, 6 Redwing, 25 Starling and Green Woodpecker flicking between the stands of trees. I decided to walk the small stream at the bottom of the moorland until I flushed a Snipe, it actually took me three steps so no more "booters" for me this year then 🙏. Other than these birds the place was a wilderness.
Witches' Broom above is caused by the fungus Taphrina betulina on Silver Birch, not a great example but you can see clearly the bunches of stunted twigs in various places on the branches of the tree. When small galls like these appear they have been described anecdotally as a "flock of roosting hedgehogs" before they become full blown "Witches' Brooms" in the spring when the tree starts to grow again.
A better example of Witches's Broom - Lletty Brongu [09/01/2019].
Blaencaerau and finally some sun
It's been quite a while since we've had some sunshine, so I made the most of it as we are having 2-3 days of cold crisp weather. A walk around the coal-spoil area produced a good size flock of 32 Lesser Redpoll feeding on Larch and Birch seeds as well as on the ground/fallen seeds but not much else, but included Meadow Pipit, Bullfinch, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Mistle Thrush for a total of 17 species. The garden feeders highlights were a pair of Collared Dove and 10 Long-tailed Tit.
No insects or any other genus of fauna. So onto the plants - I managed to find an Austrian Pine in the planted trees which is a first for Blaencaerau. Surprisingly I also located 4 species of plant in flower in Dandelion, Herb Robert, Ox-eye Daisy ssp. and Gorse. A lot of Sallow, Alder and Birch catkins were starting to open up and release pollen, but the next few colder days will put an end to that
No insects or any other genus of fauna. So onto the plants - I managed to find an Austrian Pine in the planted trees which is a first for Blaencaerau. Surprisingly I also located 4 species of plant in flower in Dandelion, Herb Robert, Ox-eye Daisy ssp. and Gorse. A lot of Sallow, Alder and Birch catkins were starting to open up and release pollen, but the next few colder days will put an end to that
Wednesday, 14 November 2018
Hoverfly 2018 round up
The hoverfly season is all but over for another year. I may get the odd records on sunny days, but nothing to trouble the statistics. 2018 started off very cold and a prolonged winter meant spring was 4 weeks later than last year, also this summer was hot and stayed hot for weeks giving rise to a heatwave that lasted from the end of June to mid August. This heatwave hit hoverfly numbers hard as a lot of the species (larva) either feed on aphids (greatly reduced) or are the aquatic type larva (pools and mud dried up). So overall numbers were down 17% on the average mean.
It wasn't all doom and gloom though as I added 2 new species to the list in Cheilosia chrysocoma (07 May) and new for Wales Eristalis similis (27 September). Paul Tabor also added 2 species to the list in Melangyna cincta and Eristalinus sepulchralis. Giving us a total of 132. I have sent off my specimens to the Hoverfly Recording scheme, I am averaging 6 new species a year this way and I think this year will be just as good if not better if my initial identifications are confirmed. So I expect the total to rise again by the end of the year.
Some yearly highlights included Didea fasciata (5), Eriozona syrphoides (1), Megasyrphus erratica (1), Eupeodes lapponicus (4), Parasyrphus malinellus (2), Rhingia rostrata (4) and Eristalis rupium (15). I recorded 101 species this year but that will rise with specimens identified, whereas 2017 which was my best year to date had 106 species including specimens. So here's looking to next March when I begin again in my quest to get 150 species for the valley.
Tuesday, 30 October 2018
Ivy watch
Spent about half hour at 2 Ivy spots today, still quite a bit in bloom. We've had quite a few frosty nights this week but there still seems to be a few insects hanging on. 4 species of hoverfly still feeding on Ivy included Platycheirus albimanus (1), Episyrphus balteatus (9), Eristalis pertinax (5) and Eristalis tenax (13).
Other insects noted were Small Copper (1), Bronze Shieldbug (1), Harlequin Ladybird (2), Honey Bee (14), Common Carder Bee (3), Tree Wasp (15), Common Wasp (10) and Noon Fly (2) as well as about 50+ Bluebottle type flies. Had a few moth leaf-mine for a change. No birds of note except Ravens were constantly in the air and squabbling.
Eristalis pertinax
Platycheirus albimanus
Harlequin Ladybird - 4-red spot form
Phyllonorycter froelichiella - micro moth leaf-mine on Grey Alder
Stigmella plagicolella - micro moth leaf-mine on Blackthorn
Other insects noted were Small Copper (1), Bronze Shieldbug (1), Harlequin Ladybird (2), Honey Bee (14), Common Carder Bee (3), Tree Wasp (15), Common Wasp (10) and Noon Fly (2) as well as about 50+ Bluebottle type flies. Had a few moth leaf-mine for a change. No birds of note except Ravens were constantly in the air and squabbling.
Wednesday, 24 October 2018
Bits and Bobs last couple of days
After returning from Cornwall on Monday from ticking off the American Grey Catbird [my 400th British species], I have been visiting a few areas around the valley to see what's left and with the slim hope I might find something rare but to no avail. Today was warm for October and hit 17c by 1300hrs. But the next few days the weather is going to change due to stiff northerly winds and it has been forecast that on Saturday it will only be 5C during the day. Vapourer moths are now on the wing and I had 7 fly-bys today around Mynydd Bach. Surprisingly I also had three species of butterfly in Red Admiral, Small Copper and Speckled Wood. Hoverflies amounted to 11 flies of 6 species with the notably scarce Rhingia rostrata, my 4th of the year as the pick of the bunch. I continue to take photos of fly leaf-mines to fill the quiet periods and acquired another species. Again no Ring Ouzels at My. Bach, only 21 Meadow Pipits noted.
Rhingia rostrata - at Halfway House, Llangynwyd, the same place I had one last year on the 1st November.
Small Copper - on Yarrow at Waun-y-Gilfach Llangynwyd.
Speckled Wood - also at Waun-y-Gilfach
Common Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) - My Bach top farm ruins.
Phytomyza cytisi - fly leaf-mine on Laburnum at Maesteg Cemetery entrance.
Hornet - there was an amazing 36 of this species feeding on Ivy and flying round Japanese Knotweed at the lane to Lletty Brongu sewage works. Up until this autumn I had only ever seen one before and that was at Bridgend Hospital 10 years ago. My total for this autumn is now over 50 and I have also recorded them at Maesteg Cemetery, Blaencaerau and Gilfach (west), Llangynwyd.
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