Euphrasia update

I have at least two species of Eyebright (Euphrasia spp) on site and the more interesting one has long glandular hairs which means in practical terms it is either E. rostkoviana, E. montana or E. anglica (newer names used) Previous study by me in 2014 ruled out E. anglica and it looked like it was E. montana. That would have been the first record for the area. However now that there are enough plants to send six examples to the Eyebright referee it turns out it is E. rostkoviana. One thing I had not counted correctly was the lowest flowering node. So it is Rostkov's Eyebright - not quite as uncommon as E. montana but still an exciting find.

Hogs #5 and #6 released

We released two more hogs as part of the release plan from the local hedgehog rescue place. They are just the ones that can't be placed back where they came from. The aim is to get a breeding population going in this hedgehog-friendly environment that can hopefully meet up with a second release site about a mile away as the hedgehog walks. For the first time a hog has come back to their temporary house after release. They are kept in a couple of days then the cage is removed and they are free to go - which they rapidly do. However after one night away one of the two released hogs turned up back in the house. Just in case it is contemplating hibernation and to keep it warm and safe in those circumstances we have moved the temporary house to the barn. Hopefully the trail camera will reveal whether the hog is still feeding or whether it has popped off to sleep for a while. The photo captures the hog returning to the release house and partaking of the food we left out.

The King of Waxcaps is back

#25 for the season here and probably the last one I will find is a great finale. The Splendid Waxcap (Hygrocybe splendidissima) is both rare and stunning to look at. The colour depth and vividness of the red cap is matched by an amazing contorted stipe that is both red and yellow. The gills are a deep pinkish red with an orange margin. At a distance it might be confused with either of the other large red waxcaps (the Scarlet and the Crimson Waxcaps) but close up it is in a class of its own.

Ivory Bonnet

Only the second time I have found this attractive bonnet Atheniella flavoalba on site and this time it was a single example. It was in the West Field this time so a new record for that field. The subtle but distinctive pale yellow centre does not come out well on a photo but is clearly distinguishable to the naked eye.

Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillar

I am not sure what it was doing floating in the sink full of water but I managed to rescue it. I had put a large rock in for any mammals or amphibians getting stuck in the sink but I hadn't catered for caterpillars. I have had a Ruby Tiger Moth in the house but this confirms they are breeding on site.

Waxcaps #23 and #24

Only a handful 'missing' waxcaps after finding the Oily Waxcap and The Crimson Waxcap today. Twenty four is a respectable number but I think a thorough search tomorrow is in order to see if the Splendid, Slimy, Cedarwood or Vermilion Waxcaps are around. Pictured is the Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea).