This picture was taken locally this week. It illustrates just how important goat willow, or Sallow (Salix caprea), is when it comes to providing an early pollen and nectar source for a huge range of species. Honey bees, bumblebees, butterflies, moths, and many other invertebrates use goat willow as a fueling station. Most trees will be humming with life in the late morning sunshine. This particular tree had small tortoiseshells, peacocks (pictured) and commas feeding on it. All this life of course attracts predators and it’s not surprising that chiffchaffs are often first heard in the vicinity of these trees. Fortunately goat willow is able to survive well in the current landscape so this early spring bonanza should prevail.
JW
JW