Nature Knowledge with Frans Kapteijns
Gather round, folks! It’s time to get your nature fix from the one and only Frans Kapteijns, the forest ranger who probably knows more about caterpillars than I do about my own family tree! Every week, he graces the radio waves, sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of the great outdoors while fielding your burning questions. And if you’ve ever wanted to know why a bird decided to treat your window like a pillow, he’s got you covered!
Caterpillars, Bees, and Wasp Extermination! Oh My!
This week, we’ve got a visual treat with a stunning caterpillar photographed by the talented Lidewij. It’s not just any caterpillar, mind you; it’s Merian’s brush! With a name like that, it sounds like it should be an artist rather than a munching, crunchy delight. Who wouldn’t want to paint with a creature that boasts a red tail? It’s practically begging to be the star of its own nature documentary.
On to the buzzing topic of the day… Jeske spotted a bee in Gran Canaria that will make even the most seasoned bee-hater rethink their stance. Enter the Yellow Carpenter Bee, a bumbling giant that works like a tiny lumberjack! Not only does it carve out its home in dead wood, but it also has a penchant for laying its eggs in very particular types of timber. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the garden, right?
What Bird Thought My Window Was An Invitation?
Now, let’s turn to our feathered friends. Netty Renders found a little reed warbler dazed after mistaking a shiny pane of glass for, well, anything but a barrier. These less-than-dazzling birds engage in some seriously impressive acrobatics, primarily catching mosquitoes—those annoying little winged vampires that we’ve all come to love, or maybe not so much.
This warbler, smaller than a great tit (which sounds like a comedy routine waiting to happen), is also quite the world traveler. It migrates all the way to Africa for the winter! So while you’re judging it for getting lost against your window, remember—it just wanted to grab a quick snack and continue its long-distance dreams!
The Diggers of the Natural World
And speaking of animal antics, enter Joop Klomp and his big discovery—a hole in the ground. Unearthing quite the mystery, Joop stumbled upon an excavated wasp nest. If that’s not a reason to scream “nature!”, I don’t know what is! With the ferocity of a construction crew, badgers are the culprits here, digging up those nests like they’re clearing out their attics. Just imagine badgers with hard hats—now *that’s* a sight!
Honey Buzzards: The Feathered Warriors
Let’s not forget the brave honey buzzard, fully equipped to battle wasps with its tough skin and a head of feathers that would make any hair stylist jealous. They say birds of a feather flock together; well, these two seem to prefer battling it out over a meal. Who knew a wildlife encounter could sound like the plot of an action movie?
Join Frans for a Nature Escape!
If you’d like to witness the beauty and chaos of nature up close, you’re in luck! On November 16, you can join Linder van den Heerik and Thekla Arens for a FREE excursion to ‘t Groene Woud, where cider dreams are made. After all, nothing says ‘autumn’ quite like some freshly made cider and a stroll through the beauty of agroforestry. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to see apples in action, this is your chance!
And for those keen on turning nature walks into social events, join Frans and Kristian Westerveld for an autumn walk on November 30. Who knows? You might find yourself traipsing through the woodland gossiping about badgers, bees, and the woes of migrating warblers.
Wrap Up
So remember, whether it’s a dazed bird or a wily badger, nature is not only full of surprises but also often comes with a sense of humour. Tune in to Frans on the radio and keep those questions coming. After all, he’s on a mission to turn all of us into nature aficionados one week at a time!
Forest ranger Frans Kapteijns passionately shares his extensive knowledge of the natural world on the radio every week, providing listeners with insights and answering their inquiries. Audience members are encouraged to submit their questions via the email address [email protected]. This week, he delves into a variety of fascinating topics, including a stunning caterpillar that listener Lidewij captured in a photograph, an innovative digger designed for wasp extermination, and the intriguing habits of a tropical bee.
Every Sunday features a new episode of the Stuifmail podcast. Listen to the podcast here:
What bird flew into my window?
At the home of Netty Renders, a small bird recently flew into her window and lay there momentarily stunned. Observation suggests that it is a little reed warbler, which is characterized by its muted brownish-yellow plumage above and a pale, dirty white underneath. These birds typically inhabit swampy regions and are adept at thriving among reedlands. They reach a maximum length of about thirteen centimeters, making them slightly smaller than the more common great tit.
Little reed warblers are highly skilled at catching mosquitoes, demonstrating remarkable agility in their pursuit. The female of the species lays an average clutch of three to five eggs, which incubate for a period of ten to twelve days, barring any interference. Unfortunately, their nests are often targeted by the cuckoo, which is known for evicting their eggs. Following the breeding season, the little reed warblers embark on an impressive migration journey to warmer climes, journeying south to regions of the Sahara, including Zambia and parts of West Africa, where they spend the winter. These resilient birds are indeed long-distance migrants.
The little reed warbler that flew against the window (Photo: Netty Renders). Jeske spotted this bee in Gran Canaria (Photo: Jeske van Heeswijk).
Spotted this bee on holiday, but what species is it?
During a delightful holiday in Gran Canaria, Jeske van Heeswijk encountered a striking bee while enjoying lunch and promptly sent a photo for identification. Upon seeing the image, I recognized it as a carpenter bee, but notably not the species typically found in the Netherlands. After conducting further research, it became clear that Jeske had captured an image of the Yellow Carpenter Bee, which thrives in Gran Canaria’s warm climate, as it requires a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius to survive.
The female Yellow Carpenter Bee measures between 2.5 and 3 cm and is known for laying its eggs in dead wood, favoring recently deceased trees with intact hard structures rather than decayed ones. To nurture her eggs, she gathers bee bread—a nutritious ball made from collected pollen, sometimes mixed with nectar—which she deposits in the wood alongside each egg.
The blue-black carpenter bee is known to us in the Netherlands (photo: Berry De Haas).
A big hole in the ground, but by whom?
While strolling through the Groot Huisven in Heeze, Joop Klomp stumbled upon a large, excavated hole and found himself pondering its creator. The ground bore the unmistakable signs of a wasp nest, clearly indicated by remnants of a paper-like structure associated with certain wasp species.
In our region, two main predators of wasp eggs and larvae are known: the honey buzzard, a bird of prey, and the badger. Given the extent of the digging, it’s likely that a badger was responsible for this excavation. The hole shows evidence of significant labor, a testament to the badger’s burrowing prowess, as honey buzzards typically employ a more delicate approach to dig out their prey.
Badgers are notoriously fond of wasp nests and will consume everything inside—eggs, larvae, pupae, and even adult wasps. Their long, rough fur provides them with a protective barrier against any stings, as wasps find it difficult to penetrate their tough hide. Honey buzzards, on the other hand, fearlessly pursue wasps, equipped with thick-skinned legs and stiff, scale-like feathering that guards them against stings.
This is the honey buzzard (photo: Martin Mollet).
Beautiful photos section
In this week’s ‘beautiful photos’ segment, we showcase an extraordinary image taken by Lidewij Kanters, which features a vividly colored caterpillar with an eye-catching red tail. This remarkable caterpillar is identified as Merian’s brush.
Nature tip:
On Saturday, November 16, an exciting excursion is planned at the cidery ‘t Groene Woud in Biezenmortel. Here, Linder van den Heerik and Thekla Arens create their own ciders, catering specifically to both the hospitality industry and private clientele. In recent years, Linder has been experimenting with innovative agricultural practices aimed at fostering a climate-resilient future, focusing particularly on the cultivation of traditional apple varieties specifically intended for cider-making.
Plan:
10.15 – Reception with coffee/tea at the location of the agroforestry plot
10.30 – Guided tour of the agroforestry project and surrounding nature reserve
11.00 – Departure to the Ciderij
11.15 – Introduction to the cider production process
11.45 – 12.15 – Closing session with refreshments and light snacks
More information:
• Participation in this excursion is free.
• Registration is required. You can register via this link.
• We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing an umbrella or rain gear.
Walk with Frans and Kristian
If you’re interested in joining a delightful autumn stroll alongside Frans and radio presenter Kristian Westerveld, mark your calendars!
They will set off on Saturday, November 30, at 2 p.m. from the De Bockenryder car park, exploring the scenic Landgoed De Utrecht.
If you wish to participate, kindly register via [email protected]
Tified as Merian’s brush, a stunning specimen that showcases the beauty of nature in its finest detail. These caterpillars are not only visually appealing but also play a vital role in their ecosystems.
The weekly visual highlights wouldn’t be complete without the buzzing charm of the Yellow Carpenter Bee. Captured by Jeske van Heeswijk during her sun-soaked holiday in Gran Canaria, this bee’s robust build and unique nesting habits provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of nature’s diligent workers. The image speaks volumes about the diversity of life found even in the tiniest corner of our world.
As for the feathered observer, Netty Renders’ photograph of the little reed warbler adds to the allure of this week’s discovery. The delicate appearance of this bird, alongside its intriguing migratory habits, serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature’s inhabitants. Its brief moment of disorientation against the glass symbolizes the unexpected encounters that are part of the delicate dance of life.
And, of course, there’s the striking image of the excavation left behind by a badger, a testimony to the industriousness of these creatures. The expansive hole, with evidence of determined digging, brings a sense of adventure and intrigue into the everyday landscape.
So, whether it’s the striking colors of a caterpillar, the industrious nature of a carpenter bee, the acrobatic antics of a reed warbler, or the burrowing skills of badgers, this week’s nature recap reminds us of the endless wonders that surround us. Embrace the humor, surprises, and beauty of the natural world as we venture deeper into autumn, and don’t forget to share your own nature discoveries! Stay curious, and until next week, let the exploration continue!
