11 September 2022

 

It has become noticeably crisper in the mornings as autumn approaches, but fairly quiet on the golf courses nature-wise.  The Spotted Flycatchers seem to have headed south along with the Swallows, House-Martins and the warblers.  There are still a few dragonflies and butterflies around.  There are also a few flowers still out, such as this Common Mallow and White Campion.

Common Mallow Malva sylvestris [7th Blue]

White Campion Silene latifolia [15th Blue]

The Badgers continue to torment the greenkeepers and their handiwork is in evidence on all three of the courses.  They dig for grubs such as Leatherjackets and Chafer grubs at night.  The ground that they disturb is often worked further by the Rooks and Crows during the day.

Rook [8th Blue]

You would think that the large quantity of fruit around the course at the moment would make a more appetising meal.  This Apple tree on the 15th Blue is particularly laden.

Apple Malus x dometica [15th Blue]

16 June 2021

I was surprised to come across a Cormorant on the pond on the 3rd Blue early this morning.  I've see them flying over quite regularly but have not seen one stop by.  It was finding plenty to eat, catching 4 or 5 fish in the five minutes that I watched it.

Cormorant [3rd Blue]

There is lots of Hare's-foot Clover in the rough around the 11th on the Blue and also on the first red, growing among the Sheep's Sorrel

Hare's-foot Clover Trifolium arvense [1st Red]

A couple more plants in flower.  

Common Mallow Malva sylvestris [17th Blue]

Woody Nightshade Solanum dulcamara [4th Red]

This Scarlet Tiger moth was on the 9th Red.

Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula [9th Red]

As you would expect - while visiting the more remote parts of the courses I come across quite a few golf balls - in all sorts of places.  One of the most common species is the Titleist ProV1 - these are predominantly white, but occasionally you may come across a yellow one.  I found this one nestling in the rough to the left of the 17th fairway.

Titleist ProV1 (yellow) [17th Blue]