Spring Species

Spring Species

Spring is the perfect time to start your wildlife recording journey. Whether you are watching wildlife from your window or out for a walk there is always plenty to see if we slow down. 

Wildflowers are showing up all along the lanes in Jersey. Whilst social distancing doesn't mean you can't get outside to enjoy the fresh air. There are plenty of walks to enjoy out in the countryside. 

1. Primroses are an easy wildflower to spot at this time of year. The flowers are typically pale yellow however pink varieties can also be spotted. The leaves are heavilyy wrinked and 5-25cm long and 2-6cm broad. Their scientific name is Prima vulgaris.

 Image removed.Image credit: Sarah Maguire

2. Red Squirrels will be enjoying the sunshine and you may spot on in your garden having a go at a bird feeder. If you want to feed the squirrels chose a mix that has a variety of nuts in it. Their scientific name is Sciurus vulgaris.

Image removed.Image credit: Stuart Mason 

3. Red Campion is a flower you can spot all year round. it has bright pink flower head on a tall perrenial plant. the flowers have five petals that are fused at the base and forms a tube. The tube is surrounded by a purple-brown calyx (protective sheath). Their scientific name is Silene dioica.

 Image removed.Image credit: Sarah Maguire

4. Buff-tailed bumblebees will be out looking for the new wildflowers emerging in the bushes and on the trees. The new queens will also be looking for nest sites in bare ground. You can help our pollinators by planting a pot or section of your garden as a wild flower patch either using a seed mix or letting those 'weeds' grow through. Their scientific name is Bombus terrestris

Image removed.Image credit: Tim Ransom 

Author
Sarah Maguire