2023 Last Quarter | Hainault Forest

LAST QUARTER 2023

This Journal covers the last quarter of 2023 from October to December.

Jumping Bean Gall

Pseudoneuroterus saliens

TQ4792 28/10/2023 ©Raymond Small

The asexual reproduction of a Gall Wasp on Turkey Oak occurs in autumn, affecting young shoots, mid-ribs, or leaf petioles. Each gall measures 3-4mm in length and houses a single larva. These galls transition in colour from lemon yellow to red. Upon maturing, they drop to the ground and can sometimes be observed jumping. The term 'Saliens' is derived from Latin, meaning 'jumping.' Adult wasps emerge in spring to lay eggs on flowers, which subsequently produce Anemone galls.

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Britain's largest long-legged wading bird often frequents Hainault Lake to hunt for fish. When a fish is captured, it is typically thrown into the air and swallowed head-first to prevent the scales and fins from getting caught in the throat. Herons can also be found standing in meadows, poised to catch small mammals and amphibians with their long bills.

December Sunshine

Winter Radiance

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Winter radiance

©Alun Jones TQ4793 12/2023

Shoveler

Anas clypeata

Shovelers are surface feeding ducks with large spatulate bills. They are winter visitors often seen at Hainault Lake and Fairlop Waters. They trawl for insects and plant material with their bills in the water. Females are mottled brown.

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

Great Crested Grebes are the largest grebe species in Britain. They dive beneath the surface to catch fish and avoid predators. Courtship behaviour usually starts in mid-winter and includes synchronized swimming, diving, head shaking, and the presentation of vegetation, as well as running on water. If a pair bonds, they will build a floating nest. While feeding, parents give their chicks feathers to ingest. The purpose of this behavior is not entirely clear, but it is thought to assist the young in regurgitating fish bones and minimizing their risk of gastric parasites.

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

The Red Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly characterised by black wings, red bands, and white spots. It has a wingspan of approximately 5 cm and was previously referred to as the Red Admirable.

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Cabin Hill

TQ4793 16/11/2023 ©Mike Rumble

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Rainbow

TQ4792 29/12/2023 ©Mike Rumble

Feathered Thorn

Colotois pennaria

Derives its name from the feathery antennae of the male. The species flies late in the year and is found in woodland, parks and gardens. Specimens can range from being rather pale to (usually) more reddish-brown.

Amethyst Deceiver

Laccaria amethystina

The Amethyst Deceiver is a brightly coloured mushroom when wet turning light-grey when dry. The caps (2-7cm) are initially convex becoming almost flat-topped with maturity. They are usually found in leaf litter.

Thank you to everyone that have contributed to this Journal.

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