Nature Notes - October 2026
Sickleholme Nature Notes
October produced an eclectic mix of reports from members, which started on the first day of the month when Dave Sahman drew attention to a Scorpion Fly which had settled on the clubhouse window. This fearsome looking creature is completely harmless to us, however, since what looks like a large stinger is actually its tail.
There was plenty of avian activity too. Mike Rimmington flushed a Grey Heron from the Upper Hurst Brook. We have had a few previous records from there, but it still seems remarkable that a heron will feed in such a narrow and enclosed stream. At least three Jays worked their way around the course, with acorns from our Oak trees being easy pickings at this time of year and a favourite of the species. By mid-month flocks of Redwings could be seen and heard overhead, and the first had begun feeding on Sickleholme berries. News of an eagle brought me swiftly to attention but that turned out to be Keith Summerfield’s splendid second shot at the 9th hole!
Although there were no Roe Deer reports this time, their footmarks appeared in several of the bunkers early in the day. More trees have been removed, some showing both good and dead wood, and I do hope that others will be left standing because apart from hopes of recovery, dead timber provides rich habitat for many birds and small creatures.
It is said that knowledge produces more knowledge and I was treated to the latter when Jean Brock forwarded the notes to her daughter Carrie in Australia (worldwide syndication!) as she usually does. On this occasion it produced the story (and attached photo image) of the Bogong moths which migrate huge distances in their millions to the Australian (Victorian) Alps, where they become a favoured food of Pygmy Possums.
Finally, in a month of mixed weather. I did like this splendid rainbow shot taken by Dave Sahman. We have so much to be grateful for at Sickleholme.
Bryan Barnacle
