The natural world offers a constant stream of observations, both familiar and perplexing. Recent inquiries to Omroep Brabant’s nature expert, Frans Kapteijns, highlight the subtle changes and intriguing questions that arise during the transition between seasons. From identifying unusual plant life to understanding animal behavior, these observations offer a glimpse into the complexities of the Brabant landscape.
Unraveling the Mystery of Borstelgras
A photograph submitted by Dolly Moonen captured an unusual growth in the Leenderbossen, prompting a query about its identity. Kapteijns identified the plant as borstelgras (Nardus stricta), a grass species known for its dense, brush-like appearance. This grass thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils, often found in heathlands and sparse grasslands. Its name derives from both its brush-like form and its historical use in making brooms and brushes.
Borstelgras forms tight clumps that can expand in circular patterns, sometimes referred to as fairy rings. These patterns are a result of the grass’s slow, outward growth. The plant’s resilience and unique structure make it a distinctive feature of the Brabant landscape.
An Eekhoorn with a Bare Tail: Cause for Concern?
Marian de Jonge observed an eekhoorn (squirrel) with a completely bare tail and sought information about its health. Kapteijns explained that a bare tail can stem from several causes, ranging from relatively benign to potentially concerning. Parasites like fleas or mites can contribute to hair loss, as can fungal infections or stress from territorial disputes. The natural process of shedding and regrowth, known as ‘fur slip,’ can also result in temporary hair loss.
While some hair loss is normal, a persistently bare tail can indicate a more serious issue. If the condition is due to a fungal infection, it can lead to necrosis, or tissue death, of the tail. The tail is crucial for a squirrel’s balance, communication, and protection from the elements. Kapteijns recommends contacting a wildlife rehabilitation center (0618819576) if the condition persists.
A Tortel with an Unusual Beak
Rosemarie de Wit noticed a peculiar growth on the beak of a Turkse tortel (turtle dove) in her garden. Kapteijns identified this as an overgrowth of the beak, a condition that can occur when the beak doesn’t wear down naturally through activities like foraging and preening. This overgrowth can be caused by a virus, specifically the circovirus.
A deformed beak can hinder a bird’s ability to eat, potentially leading to malnutrition and even starvation. While there is often little that can be done to correct the condition in the wild, observing these instances provides valuable insight into the health challenges faced by local bird populations.
An Unexpected Visitor in a Bunch of Bananas
Lara Temme discovered an unexpected guest in a bunch of bananas: a zijdeachtige rietkever (silky reed beetle), scientifically known as Metamasius hemipterus sericeus. This beetle is an invasive species originally from South and Central America, first detected in the Netherlands in 2006.
The silky reed beetle is a pest that primarily targets sugarcane, but also affects palms (including date, king, and fan palms) and bananas. Female beetles lay hundreds of eggs in damaged or stressed plant parts, and the larvae can weaken and ultimately kill the host plant. The white substance observed on the beetle was likely residue from the banana.
A Glimpse of Spring: Winter Walk on the Pannenhoef
As winter transitions into spring, Brabants Landschap is offering guided winter walks on at 1:30 PM. These walks will focus on the subtle signs of the approaching spring, such as the potential emergence of flowering plants like speenkruid (greater celandine) and early wood anemones. The walk will take place in the Pannenhoef nature reserve, a 706-hectare area encompassing mixed forests, wetlands, and heathlands.
Participation requires pre-registration via the Brabants Landschap website (https://www.brabantslandschap.nl/activiteiten/winterwandeling-op-de-pannenhoef-voorjaar#inschrijven). Participants are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
These observations, shared through Omroep Brabant, underscore the importance of attentive observation and the ongoing interplay between the natural world and the communities that inhabit it. They serve as a reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the need for continued monitoring and understanding.
