Search
A secret in Railway Land! And a prize to be won!
Can anyone tell me what creature made this and what for? I found two this afternoon in Railway Land Nature Reserve, both on the ground at the base of Hawthorn trees. I've never seen them before. They are about the size of a golf ball. Whoever gives me the correct answer first will win a signed copy of my book; * 'Secret Railway Land' * (Available to preview and or purchase, along with all my other books at www.blurb.com/bookstore)
High Steve, could this be a sign of a bacterial disease called slime flux (also called foamy canker, alcoholic flux, or wetwood).Bacteria can get into damaged areas of the tree. Through wounds such as breaks in the bark. The bacteria break down tree tissue and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. The gasses force themselves out of the wood, making a bubbling foam of sap and producing a wet area on the trunk. Sometimes insects such as bees come to feed on the alcohol mixture.
Hi Steve, apparently this happens after rainwater trickles down tree trunks collecting dust particles and plant residues, ie. salts and acids, that have accumulated on the surface of the bark - the transit of the water down the uneven surface of the tree bark means these chemicals are mixed together to produce bubbles, like soapsuds, which collect at the tree base. This process is known as 'stemflow mixing'. Loving your nature/birdwatching blog!!
Hi Sue’ Sorry no, way too large and a few months early. I nobody else replies then you win the book 😊
Am not entering your competition because people will assume I'm related to you Steve Homewood… but could this be cuckoo spit, whatever that is?