Snow brings Turdidae influx to central Southsea

Turdus pilaris

Turdus pilaris

Turdus pilaris

Turdus iliacus

Turdus iliacus

Turdus philomelos

Day 3 of snow in Southsea, Hampshire and the thrush population is continuing to be boosted by an influx of birds including fieldfare Turdus pilaris and redwing Turdus iliacus.

Blackbird Turdus merula is a scarce visitor at the best of times in this urban garden although last winter's count of five Scandinavian (probably) migrants was a personal record; albeit lasting only as long as the unharvested grapes and holly berries. This latest cold snap has seen four thrush species in the garden in the passage of one afternoon, with a single songthrush Turdus philomelos completing the quartet. A passing robin Erithacus rubecula adding extra value.

Fieldfare photographs courtesy Alison Hogan

Nail Fungus (Poronia punctata L.); New Forest

UK BAP lists the Nail fungus as probably the rarest fungus in Europe restricted to the New Forest and only a few other places in the south east of Europe. Listed as Endangered on the UK Red List and Indeterminate on the IUCN Red Data List.

The fungus grows on horse and pony dung particularly where they have fed on unimproved grassland or hay meadows. Once widespread in UK its rarity is due to changes in agricultural practice - both the loss of unimproved grassland and heathland; and the reduction of horse use in farming. For more information see:

http://www.ukbap.org.uk/ukplans.aspx?ID=52

http://www.arkive.org/nail-fungus/poronia-punctata/

This specimen was found on Longcross Plain Nr Fritham. However, I can't claim to have found it, as it was spotted by a friend whilst we were out walking.