Yesterday, 28 February, was a warm (9C) and damp evening, this followed nearly a week of cool dry evenings. The toads must have thought this is the time to get going and move to their breeding pond next to Coombe Road. The patrol helped a record 131 toads and 5 newts to the pond, unfortunately 6 toads were found squashed. The toad patrols continue.
Lesser Celandine is now flowering at the bottom of hedges around the Parish. This picture was taken at The Old Dairy in Coombe Road. The mild January and February weather has brought them out early this year.
This killing and plucking post was spotted in Hen Wood. A bird of prey will take their kill to the stump and pluck the feathers before they enjoy their meal. The prey here is most likely a pigeon, looking at the colour and size of the feathers. From the stump they also have a good field of vision to spot any dangers.
It may be January, but nature is being to stir. Hazel catkins are elongating, getting ready to spread their pollen in the hedgerows and the woods.
After the very wet October this year, 8.5 inches of rain, there are many different types of fungi sprouting all over East Meon parish. Some, like the one showing here, are difficult to identify, but then there are around 1,500 species in the UK.
With the return of the rains and the very warm October weather, it seems to have spurred on the toads in the Coombe Road area to move back to their winter hibernation areas. We have spotted ten squashed toads on Coombe Road in the last 2 days. Please keep a good look out if you are driving that way!
After a very wet summer there is a bumper crop of plump sloes ready to be picked. The blackberries are not so good this year, as last, probably due to the very wet July and August
Yes, it is that time of year when spiders are busy. It is their mating time, so you may see many more in and around your house and garden. With the cool misty mornings it is also a good time to see their cobwebs as they may be covered in dew.
The picture shows a baby bank vole that was found on the road near Coombe. It is one of the most abundant small rodents. It prefers dense cover such as bramble thickets. They leave their nests at around 18 days old.
Leopard or great grey slug Limax maximus. Leopard slugs are not regarded as a plant pests. Their preferred diet is fungi, dead plant or animal matter making it a useful species to have around. Easily recognisable with its leopard-like spots, the species can grow up to 16cm and is commonly found in parkland, woodland and gardens. This one was spotted in Hen Wood.