Changes in climate are a challenge to nature
THE cold nights have proved an obstacle to many of our warmth loving species this spring, as attendees on recent Green Sefton walks to listen out for Natterjack Toads in the dunes can attest.
Clear skies, strong winds and low temperatures do not make for happy Natterjacks, and the ongoing spring drought does not help either.
Although we enjoyed other specialities including Great Crested Newt and the rare Viola curtisii, or Dune Pansy as it known, (yes, one of our nocturnal expeditions was so quiet, we were looking at botanical treasures by torchlight!) the Natterjack Chorus has not been on song yet this year.
There is still time for the “Birkdale Nightingales” to crank up yet of course.
It is vital therefore that dog owners keep their pets out of all flooded areas – even the shallowest pool in the dunes will be attractive for the Natterjacks when they do become active in greater numbers.
Our changing climate presents challenges to “pioneer” species like the Natterjack, which relies on warmth and suitably damp conditions for a successful breeding season, so it probably time to pray for more rain! If our amphibians have not been reliable yet, other species are more robust.
Despite appearing more fragile, our butterflies have been right on time this spring, with all the regular species appearing.
Butterflies can be deceptively hardy, as long as they can access vital foodplants along the coast.
I watched my first Wall Brown of the year sheltering on a piece of rubble north of Burbo Bank last week – adapting to a manmade landscape that other species may struggle with.
Beautiful Orange-Tips are out now too –to be sure of a close-up view of this small butterfly, check Cuckoo-Flower blooms in the early morning, often this species feeds on the plant before the day has warmed up, and they are less likely to fly away in low morning temperatures.
However Orange-Tips can be easily overlooked as their perfectly camouflaged underwings blend in with the surroundings.
Other favourites that can be encountered anywhere in the borough at this time of year are tiny Holly Blues – these little insects love Leylandii (someone has to), Ivy and Holly, and can often be seen tottering around overgrown areas – tidy is rarely best for our insects.
Commas too, raggedy winged beauties with a distinctive white “comma” mark on the underwing, have been on the wing since early March.
Commas seem to have become more common in recent years, a welcome splash of orange and brown before colourful summer species like Dark Green Fritillaries, Painted Ladies and Graylings emerge.
To find out more about the butterflies that live around us and how to make your garden or yard more attractive for them, go to https://butterfly-conservation.org/