As a substitute for a flooded Wheldrake six of us visited Adel Dam nature reserve. The walk through Golden Acre park to the reserve enabled us to see early growth on both cultivated and wild plants. It was fine weather with an occasional chill in the air and some afternoon sunshine. The park paths were clear although standing water remained in places on the grass. The reserve floor was wet as expected but easily walked.
We were surrounded by plants and interest all day but recorded few individual species. Lesser celandine and red dead- nettle flowers were seen in the parkland and golden saxifrage in wet areas both there and in the reserve. Although non-native and invasive, the big, bright yellow flowers of the American skunk- cabbage glowed in the park beds where it is carefully monitored and controlled. Trees seen with catkins were hazel, willows, alders and birch while the less than fully opened flowers on larch received hand lens attention.
Bird life was quiet all day. At the Marsh hide the great tits dominated the scene. The feeders also attracted blue and coal tits and we had excellent views of nuthatches. Robin and dunnock were also seen. The only swimmers were moorhens. Plenty of squirrel activity here demonstrated that bird food containers with catchment trays are not one hundred percent foolproof! Three mallard and two teal were seen from the Lake hide, also long tailed tits. Plumage was enhanced by the excellent light conditions so the low count was disappointing. Later, on the boundary of reserve and parkland, there was some consolation watching the siskins flying around in the tree tops.
Continuing the circuit of the reserve we crossed the stream where we spotted two frogs and patches of frog spawn. Felled and fallen tree trunks littered the woodland floor. Some had a wealth of the over-lapping, multicoloured turkey tail fungus showing too its horizontal rosette form of which I was unaware. Impressive examples of hoof fungus were photographed and birch polypores were numerous. On fallen wood the brackets had rotated through ninety degrees ensuring that the spore producing surface was horizontal and facing the ground. Other fungi seen were ganodermas, blushing bracket, hairy curtain crust, jelly ear and yellow brain.
Leaving the reserve our attention was taken by the extensive collection of trees and shrubs of park and gardens. Thankfully many were labelled; mobile phones and competent operators resolved identification of the unnamed ones such as a magnificent western hemlock which challenged us for some time.
A short journey, few birds and fewer wild flowers but an enjoyable visit seeing signs of Spring growth and promise for the year. As always thanks to our drivers who today, I am pleased to report, did not have to contend with either diversions or traffic congestion.
Alice