On 10th January I had an hour or so to fill in
Bude so decided to look around Summerleaze Dunes in winter.
I was pleasantly surprised to see strong, fresh and vigorous
growth from masses of Sea Spurge Euphorbia paralias plants.
The skeletal remains of Sea Holly Euryngium maritinum decorated the bare sand but promised
new growth later in the year.
 |
| Sea Holly |
I was pleased to see that the invasive Hottentot Fig
Carpobrotus edulis had
been removed except for a few dropped leaves.
These were, nevertheless trying to root so I pulled them up and piled
them upside down to die away.
 |
| Hottentot Fig |
Among the Spurge and Marram
Ammophila arenaria was a specimen of Rock Samphire
Crithmum maritimum previously unreported on these
dunes and quite out of season. I also re-found the small but
thriving patch of Sand-hill Screw-moss
Syntrichia ruraliformis.
 |
| Sea Spurge, Marram Grass and Rock Samphire |
 |
| Sand-hill Screw-moss |
Still having some time left, I wandered towards Petherick’s
Mill.
In December Bude Marsh and Valleys
Survey Group had a rare sighting of a Water Rail not far from the River Life
Café.
I hoped to repeat the sighting so
headed there along the path from the canal basin.
As I crossed the small bridge walking towards
the river bridge, I looked along the drainage channel towards the bird
hide.
I was delighted to see two Water
Rails between the reeds and water channel, happily feeding and tolerating each
other’s company.
 |
| Water Rail |
After having my fill of watching these two birds, I walked
over the river bridge and spotted a Kingfisher perched in the reeds on the
river bank.
My camera battery chose that
moment to die.
As I changed batteries, I
missed photographing a Little Egret that flew up river under the bridge.
The Kingfisher stayed long enough for me to
get a photograph though.
 |
| Kingfisher |
What a bounty of treasures to be found in an hour in such a
small area.
