Category: Uncategorized
-
European Rabbit
The European rabbit is a small mammal measuring approximately 40cm in length and weighting 1.2-2kg, the rabbit was an introduced species but is now a common naturalised species, they are abundant all year round. The European rabbit is often spotted grazing in long grass. They were first introduced to the UK by the Normans for…
-
Little egret (Egretta Garzetta)
Measuring at a length of 60cm the little egret is a small white member of the heron family (Ardeidae) which consists of herons, egrets and bitterns. The little egret is a white heron that can be identified from it black legs, yellow feet, black bill and long plumes on its crest, chest and back. The…
-
Gorse (illux europaeus)
Common gorse, often referred to as just gorse is a hardy evergreen flowering shrub found over much of the British Isles often in coastal habitats, grasslands and heathland, it is a member of the Fabaceae also known as the legumes family this is the same family peas belong to. Gorse can be easily identified from…
-
Grey heron( Ardea cinerea)
The Grey Heron, (Ardea cinerea), is a large bird in the stork and Ibis family. The heron, measuring 90-98cm in length and with a wingspan of 175-195cm is a long legged large wading bird, native to Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, in the UK it is estimated that around 63000 birds’ winter here. Standing…
-
Mute Swan
The mute swan, (cynus olor), is a very large white waterbird. It has a long S-shaped neck and an orange bill with a black base and a black knob. It flies with its neck extended with a wingspan:208-238 cm, weighing approximately 10-12 kg it is one of the heaviest flying birds. The population in the UK…
-
Lesser Celandine (ficaria verna)
Lesser celandine also sometimes called pilewort is a small perennial wildflower commonly found in woodland and wooded areas, this can be along woodland paths, in garden and some meadows. Lesser celandine has a small yellow flower resembling a buttercup of which it is in the same family and can often be confused with, they can…
-
Red deadnettle
Red dead-nettle is a common plant of roadside verges, waste grounds and field edges, anywhere the ground has been disturbed or cultivated. Like yellow archangel, and other members of the dead-nettle family, it doesn’t have stinging leaves. It’s a member of the mint family Its crimson flowers appear from March to October Looking similar to…
-
Red fox
Vulpes vulpes, or the red fox is easily identified from its orange/ red coat, white patch on the under belly which goes up to the snout, white ears with black tips, dark brown/ black feet and a bushy tail. Weighing at 5-7kg the red fox is the largest of the foxes and is the most…
-
Turkey tail
The turkeytail is a small, tough, bracket fungus that grows in tiered layers on dead wood, mainly hardwood, such as beech or oak. It is very common and can be found throughout the UK on rotting stumps and branches. Fungi are not plants or animals but belong to their own kingdom and get their nutrients…
-
Common Reed
Phragmites australis, or more widely known as the Common Reed forms large beds; it has round, hollow stems, which typically grow to 2 metres in height, but may reach 4 metres. These stems grow from a system of stout, creeping rhizomes. The flat leaves taper into a point, and are attached to the stem by…
Local Wildlife blog - UEA norwich 