Nature and wildlife

Crossbills in North Lincolnshire?

Friday, 4 March 2005

There has been an unconfirmed sighting of a crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) in Brigg recently. It was seen feeding in a pine tree in the Avenues area of Brigg.

The extreme cold spell which we have been experiencing recently may have driven these birds south from their usual home in the pine forests of Scotland and Scandinavia.

Have you seen this elusive bird in Brigg or in North Lincolnshire? If so, send an email to: ed@brigglife.co.uk

For full information about the Crossbill: RSPB Crossbill page

A Spot of Bother

Wednesday, 19 January 2005

A lot of people have been having problems with electrical appliances recently. Lightbulbs have been blowing and heating systems have stopped working.

The culprit may well be the sun. Even though we haven't seen it much over the past few months - or even the last year - it's effects may have caused electromagnetic damage here in our town (and the rest of the world too).

The picture on the right was taken during a break in the clouds and shows a spectacular sunspot - which although it looks small is actually larger than the Earth. As the sun has turned over the past few weeks, the spot has sent out magnetic fields and particles which affect the Earth's magnetic field - which in turn induces high currents in electrical appliances causing damage or blowouts.

There isn't a lot we can do to protect our electrical equipment - apart from unplugging it from the mains when it is not in use. This saves energy and is less of a fire risk too - so it is a double benefit.

Last of the summer...

Saturday, 11 September 2004

Autumn is here. After a few days of late summer weather, the sun went down in fine style yesterday. The first frosts have already happened and the leaves are beginning to turn with the high winds of the autumn gales expected soon.

Sun followers

Thursday, 26 August 2004

There is a new (impromptu) nature reserve in Brigg. On the Atherton Way Industrial Estate, a combination of reduced cultivation of set-aside land together with the poor drainage of the industrial estate has created a mini-nature reserve.

Bee in sunflower

Sunflowers and borage on the Atherton Way Industrial Estate

The pictures above show the sunflowers and borage which are flourishing and providing a valuable nectar source for insects. Later on these plants shall have large, oily seeds for birds (such as greenfinches) in the winter. The poor drainage and wet summer have left a large pond which is also providing a useful resource for birds, small mammals and insects.

Did you know? 'Sunflower' is a corruption of 'Sun follower' - so named because the flowers follow the sun. Other languages have similar derivations such as 'Girasol' (sun turning/er)

Useful link: BugLife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust

Autumn in the air

Sunday, 22 August 2004

The summer is now definitely down to the last few inches of that summer wine, and there is a nip in the air in the mornings now. The young cygnets are starting to sprout their adult feathers.

Cygnets

Sunday, 25 July 2004

Brigg's swans have bred successfully once again this year. This pair have raised four healthy young cygnets (roughly 3 weeks old now). They have taken up residence in 'duck feeding alley' on the stretch of river Ancholme between the old bridge and Lidl's supermarket.

The cob has been acting aggressively chasing off the feeding ducks. Swans are well known for being very protective when they have cygnets - there are even stories of them attacking people in canoes. Ancholme Rowing Club beware! ;-)

Over the coming weeks, BriggLife shall be tracking the development of the cygnets.
See also Ice breakers

Going gray?

Tuesday, 6 April 2004

Nobody knows if the white starling pictured (bottom middle) is a true albino or a white feathered sport. This well known and well photographed bird is pictured here in a secret location in Brigg feeding on a fresh crop of spring worms.

With all of the publicity and the consequent fame that it brings, this poor starling may just be going gray ... ;-) Whatever, it - like all starlings - is a welcome visitor to all our gardens.

Good omen?

Friday, 26 March 2004

2004 is fast becoming one of the greatest years in Brigg's history. The celebrations for the 800th anniversary are beginning and we can look forward to many great events over the year.

If you look in the sky after sunset to the South West, you will see the moon and a bright star - Mars - next to each other. Is this a good omen for 2004? We'll have to wait and see ... ;-)
Links: SpaceWatch Space links

Making a mountain

Monday, 15 March 2004

It is very easy in your busy, day-to-day life to overlook certain wild creatures which live close to us.

The humble mole is seen by many as a pest - the damage caused to neatly trimmed lawns raising not only hills of soil but also the gardener's blood pressure. It's a pity really, as the 'velvet coated gentlemen' are a sign of a well tended and fertile garden. Their burrows - although sometimes a little unsightly - help aerate the soil.

In the winter, the mole's activities give rise to a surreal scene (pic right). The rough field just past the mini-roundabout on the A18 to Scunthorpe looks something like an aerial picture of a snow covered mountain range. A reminder of the fact that the closer you look at nature, the more you see.

If you have any pictures of unusual natural phenomenon in or around Brigg, please send them in.

Northern visitors

Saturday, 14 February 2004

Our town attracts many visitors from around the world, but did you know that there are some far-off 'feathered friends' in town? Today, down the mini 'nature reserve' of Redcombe Lane, a waxwing was busy tucking into this year's abundant harvest of rose hips.

The waxwing usually lives in northern Scandinavia and Russia. In the winter months between November and April, however, it makes the long flight south to the UK. I wasn't lucky enough to get a photo, but you can find out more information at the RSPB website

Falling ...

Monday, 6 October 2003

Not only is the temperature falling - on Saturday at around 4pm was the first snowfall here - but also the leaves.

Pictured are two beautiful trees outside the Carers Centre on Redcombe Lane. Soon it will be the autumn gales ... now, where are my woolies??

Harvest

Friday, 25 July 2003

I don't know if it is me, but the years seem to be passing quicker and quicker. Once again it is harvest time (picture right). Luckily for those who think the year is slipping away too fast it is only the third week in July and the harvest is of rape and winter wheat. The main harvest is some time away.

Time passing fast? That reminds me: the policeman are looking younger now. I think that the 'time-slipping-away' feeling may just be me (ed) ;-)

Hidden nature

Brigg is a special place - as we all know. But it is also a surprising place. For example, can you guess where the picture on the left was taken?.

The dog-walkers amongst you should be able to recognize it: it is in fact Redcombe Lane - proving that it is possible to find somewhere in Brigg which could belong in Devon or Somerset right here on your doorstep.

This picture - on the left - is one of my favourites. It shows a beautiful display of flowers in the glorious June sunshine. Once again, they are in Redcombe Lane. What are the flowers? That is the best part: they are just 'weeds': elderflower and wild rambling roses.

Can you guess what this is?

If you have been in the market place in Brigg you will have had these residents of the town flying over your head. They are a family of swallows which have taken up residence in the eaves of Smith Parkinson. Every year they come to our town and skim low over the river.

See also: Brigg park.