Page 4 - Wildlife News August 2019
P. 4
Nature reserve walks
Haw thing: blackbirds
love hawthorn berries.
(ZSAZSANNA BIRD)
tNimateuoref’splenty stphyeeocFsiuaee’lretepol lphatrehcolrepuisvidneli:g!ke
As summer gives way to autumn, nature’s larder is full to bursting.
Head outside for a first-hand encounter with the many animals feeding from it
BERRY TASTY Stacey Hewitt, Reserves Officer
Bacombe Hill, near Wendover, is one of the original Rothschild black berries of dogwood. The slopes are also home to juniper, a
Reserves – a mix of precious chalk grassland, scrub and woodland species in decline across the country. Common juniper is dioecious,
known especially for its orchids and butterflies. However, as meaning that the male and female flowers grow on separate trees.
summer draws to an end a time of change is upon us, with lots still Once pollinated, the female flowers grow into purple, berry-like
to see and enjoy on this beautiful nature reserve. cones, which are then fed on by a variety of species.
Across the slopes it’s the turn of berry-producing plants to Insects are also attracted to these fruits. Hawthorn and juniper
take centre stage as they provide a feast for birds, mammals berries provide the main food source for the shield bugs named
and insects. Some use these berries to build up fat reserves in after them. The hawthorn shield bug is our largest and most
preparation for migration or hibernation, while others will use commonly encountered, with the red-and-green adults appearing
this source of food throughout the colder months ahead. The from late August. The juniper shield bug is similar in appearance
relationship isn’t completely one-sided though. Plants benefit as but smaller, with a different pattern. Beware if you pick one
the seed-containing berries are passed through the gut and then up though – shield bugs are also known as ‘stink bugs’ due to
‘deposited’ elsewhere, helping the plant to disperse. their propensity to release an unpleasant-smelling fluid when
This is a time of plenty, granting human spectators in turn the threatened!
opportunity to observe the wildlife visiting each berry-laden shrub. So as you enjoy an autumnal stroll take a moment to
The red haws of hawthorn are a favourite of blackbirds and other appreciate the wonder of berries and, of course, the many species
migrating thrushes, while robins are attracted to the clustered that benefit from this wild bounty.
The view from Bacombe Hill.
(MICK JONES)
Juniper shieldbug.
(PETER CREED)
4 Wildlife news / August 2019
