BBAASSIINNGGSSTTOOKKEE LLOOCCAALL GGRROOUUPP
MARCH 2015 NEWSLETTER
http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/basingstoke
Contents:
From The Group Leader
Notices
What’s Happening?
March’s Outdoor Meeting
April’s Outdoor Meeting
February’s Outdoor Meeting
Books You May Enjoy Reading
Venezuela – The Last Bit!
Local Wildlife News
Quiz Page
And Finally!
Charity registered in England and Wales no. 207076 From The Group Leader
Welcome to, hopefully, the beginning of spring!
Signs of this are becoming ever more prevalent – flowers flowering, birds in song, migrants arriving, butterflies on the wing, moths coming to lights at night and myriads of other invertebrates appearing; the latter are sure to make the most of you as you try and spend time outside enjoying the more clement weather! However much they annoy you don’t forget that they’re the main part of so many birds diets, both the resident and migratory species such as Swift. With regard to the latter were you aware that they can rehydrate by catching rain drops?
As the winter moves on the question of feeding birds through the breeding season is always raised. Due to this, here’s a summary of what’s highlighted on the Society’s website:
Only feed selected foods at this time of year. Good hygiene is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good. During the summer months, birds require high protein foods, especially while they are moulting. Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for insectivorous birds, good seed mixtures without loose peanuts, RSPB food bars and summer seed mixture are all good foods to provide. Soft apples and pears cut in half, bananas and grapes are also good. Some people use soaked dog or cat food and tinned pet foods, but these may attract magpies, crows and cats. Avoid using peanuts, fat and bread at this time, since these can be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings. If you feel you must put out peanuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces of peanuts to be removed and provide a choking risk. Home-made fatballs can go soft and rancid in warm summer weather, and should be avoided. Commercially produced fat bars are suitable for summer feeding but discard any remains after three weeks. Temporary food shortage can occur at almost any time of the year, and if this happens during the breeding season, extra food on your bird table can make a big difference to the survival of young. Birds time their breeding period to exploit the availability of natural foods: earthworms in the case of blackbirds and song thrushes, and caterpillars in the case of tits and chaffinches. It is now known that if the weather turns cold or wet during spring or summer, severe shortage of insect food can occur, and if the weather is exceptionally dry, earthworms will be unavailable to the ground feeders because of the hard soil. I hope that the above helps you that worry as to whether you’re doing the right thing over the coming months. However, as always, if you’ve any queries relating to this, or anything else, please do feel free to contact us for advice, or even a chat. Do let us know how your garden birds are faring as the weather, natural food availability and their breeding activities change, as well as how you continue to ‘look after them’ during the, fingers etc. crossed, lengthier and balmier days of the British ‘summer.
Peter E. Hutchins Notices
Evening Walks Programme
You’ll be pleased to hear that the majority of the dates during May and June on which it’s proposed that Evening Walks take place this year are now filled, both with sites to visit and Leaders to take you around them. However, there are dates still to be filled so if you’ve any ideas on local sites / areas to visit, birds that you or others might like to see locally or even feel like throwing yourself in to the role of a Leader please do let us know as soon as you’re able. It’s anticipated that the finished Programme will be advertised by the April Indoor Meeting at the latest and so any input or feedback from those that are yet to be involved in this would be appreciated as soon as is possible.
House Martin Surveying
During June and July surveying of House Martins throughout Britain will be takin place. If you’d be interested in helping with this, just two visits to check for nesting activity being needed over this period, please do make the Group Leader or the B.T.O aware of your interest. Both will then be happy to supply you with further details of the surveying and the areas still in need of surveyors.
Brian’s Bees
The honey that was on sale at recent Indoor Meetings will hopefully continue to be available for some time yet! Thank you to all those that purchased this locally sourced product, and to all those that do you in the future! Please do remember when considering to source honey in the future that this both locally produced, some of you may even know the bees, and that a donation to the Group is made on each purchase!
Local Group Website
The Local Group website continues to be worked upon by our trustee band of computer- literates, so if you haven't been to the site for a while, why not have a look and tell us what you think. Any thoughts on what we should include within the site will always be appreciated, this then helping to make the site more relevant to current group members, and helping to get across the right message to potential members.
Link: http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/basingstoke/
The continuing and ever-increasing work on the website has seen your Local Group website become the 2nd most visited in Britain not too long ago; an exceptional rise in the use of this and something to be justifiably pleased with – there are people out there interested in the Local Group and what it’s doing!
Newsletter Mailings
Do we have your email address? If not, please do pass it on so that the Group can communicate with you in a more environmentally manner! The monthly Newsletter being an example of this, saving resources, money and time by being mailed to you, rather than hard copies being created and perhaps only sitting partially read until the next one appears.
Bird Food
We are happy to supply any bird food to you at any time, just call on 01256 – 770831, 07895 – 388378 or mail us on [email protected] and we will arrange delivery to you. If you have any requirements that are not listed, please do let us know and we will ensure that they are available when you, or your birds, need them.
Bird Food Pricelist:
The below are examples of just a few of the items that we can supply. Please do enquire after anything else and we will provide you with a cost, time of delivery etc. As both of us are currently working in / about Basingstoke delivery can be expected to be completed within a day of an order being received – can you get that service anywhere else? Prices vary according to the seasonality of the foods, where we are able to source them from, and so on, but a few for reference are:
Wild bird Mix 40p/lb. or 88p/kg
Peanuts £1/lb. or £2.20/kg
Black Sunflowers £1/lb or £2.20/kg
Sunflower Hearts £1.10/lb or £2.42/kg
Niger £1/lb or £2.20/kg
Fat Squares £1 each
Fat Pecker Balls 25p each
Also available are a range of birdboxes and feeders.
A variety of items will be available at most Indoor Meetings but if there is something ‘missing’ that you want, please do let us know.
Peter & Alison
Annual General Meeting
It’s almost that time again! So, if you’ve anything you’d like raised at the A.G.M. please do let the Committee know as soon as you’re able – especially if you’re interested in becoming part of the latter!
What’s Happening?
A few of the forthcoming local events that will hopefully help keep you entertained as the days continue to disappear under darkness:
Basingstoke Natural History Society [email protected]
Annual General Meeting
Date 14th March
Time 20:00pm
United Reformed Church, London Street, Basingstoke.
For further information please contact:
Patricia & Colin Stubbs: 01256 323324; Diane Rampton: 01256 467533 or Nicola Williams: 01256 353194.
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Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Wildlife Trust http://www.hwt.org.uk/
Snowdrops & Woodland Birds
Date 20th February
Time 10:30am to 12:30pm
A walk to watch winter birds.
Join us for a walk and to watch winter birds at the Chase Nature Reserve (run by the National Trust).
Meet at the Station Road car park, Broad Laying near Woolton Hill, south of Newbury, Hampshire, RG20 0NB; Map reference SU 442627
Springtime Wolverton Walk
Date 19th March
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Time 10:30am to 12:30pm
A walk through the countryside around Wolverton.
Join us for a walk through the farmland, common & woods around Wolverton to see the early spring fauna and flora.
Meet and park at Wolverton Townsend Village Hall (Map Ref: SU553 583) this in Ramsdell Road, Wolverton a few hundred yards from its junction with the A339.
For details please contact Gerry Gardner on 01189 700859 01189 700859
Basingstoke Wildlife Watch - Has Spring Sprung Yet?
Wildlife Watch photo, WildNet, by T Marshall.
Date 28th March
Time 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Fun wildlife-themed and outdoor activities for children aged 5-15 years.
Wildlife Watch events are for families and young people that want to get out and about and more involved with nature. The activities are based mostly outdoors, in natural surroundings. Please make sure you come prepared with a waterproof coat and some wellies.
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For further details, please contact:
Clare Lloyd Williams 01256 782665
The Island of Sark & Northern Lights
Coastal scenery by Dave Kilbey.
Date 31st March
Time 19:30pm
A 2-part talk on Sark and the Northern Lights.
In this illustrated talk, enjoy a visit to the island of Sark in the Channel Islands and witness the wonder of The Northern Lights, by Gerald Pointing.
Chandler's Ford Community Centre, Hursley Road, Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, SO53 2FT
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Family Shelter and Fire Lighting
Date 8th April
Time 10:30am to 2:30pm
A family introduction to bushcraft techniques.
Join us for an opportunity to discover simple den and shelter building techniques and firelighting with kelly kettles to finish the day with a hot drink.
Meet by public footpath gate, Down woods, Hurstbourne Tarrant, North of Andover off the A343, Hampshire, SP11 0DQ
Please note that all the events noted above may be filmed and photographed for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's fundraising and publicity purposes. If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of staff.
Overton Biodiversity Society http://www.overton-biodiversity.org/
Bumblebees – Identification And Ecology & Annual General Meeting
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Date 26th March
Time 19:30pm
A, short, A.G.M. will be followed by an illustrated presentation by guest speaker Brian Pinchen – Bumblebees – Identification And Ecology.
Overton Community Centre, Winchester Street, Overton.
For further information please contact:
Ken or Jane on 01256 – 771121 or email [email protected]
Admission: Members £2.00, non-members £2.50, to include refreshments.
Local Opportunities for Conservation Volunteering
Are you interested in your local environment? Do you have a passion for conservation and wildlife? If yes, try the following the site to check on what’s happening locally that you could become involved in. http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2BEA9CA3-DD29-414A-AAE4- 0F8A916F61E4/0/Conservationworkparties.pdf
There are opportunities for you as an individual, a family or a social group to join the groups of volunteers already working in the following areas:
Black Dam Ponds and Crabtree Plantation Mill Field Local Nature Reserve Chineham Oakley Cliddesden Old Down, Kempshott Glebe Gardens, Victory Park and King Overton George Vth Playing Fields (Brookvale) Popley Kempshott South View
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March’s Outdoor Meeting
Fleet Pond: 22nd.
For this Outdoor Meeting please meet in the car park on the north-eastern side of the pond for a 10:00 start (SU 825 552, OS Landranger map 186; GU51 2RT (*Wychwynd – the house opposite the track to the car parking area). This is signed off the A3013, reached by either heading eastwards off the main road through Fleet, signed towards Cove, or from the M3 J4a, signed towards Fleet.
For further details of the starting point, to offer or request a lift etc. please contact a Committee Member prior to the weekend of the outing.
The RAC Route Planner gives a distance of 15.73 miles between Basingstoke and the residence noted above, the AA site 15.9; a travelling time of 18 and 23 minutes being quoted by these sites; this via the M3. As always, it’s best to leave ample time to reach the site for the start time, so please do bear this in mind when deciding on when to leave.
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An easily reached, easily accessed and easily watched over site that will be familiar to many of you.
The range of habitats, open water, reedbeds, mixed woodlands, scrub and heath ensure that a good range of birds are always present with the area being especially attractive to certain winter visitors such as crests, gulls, finches, buntings, thrushes and wagtails.
Time looking out over the pond should allow several species of gull, possibly including Yellow-legged, to be seen, the local wildfowl-feeders helping to facilitate closer views as they bulk up the ducks etc. for the winter months. The islands can hold Mandarin and Egyptian Goose while the more man-made structures allow Cormorant, Grey Heron and more gull to linger ‘above’ the water.
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Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Alex Berryman Will this regular bird be on site during our visit, only time, and looking, will tell?
The flanking woodland is home to all three woodpeckers, Lesser Spotted particularly busy at this time of year, and during the winter months good numbers of the smaller birds come to feed here, Firecrest join the Goldcrest, redpoll, perhaps several species, and Siskin join the other more expected finches, as may Brambling. Redwing and Fieldfare unite the resident thrushes and chats, the later perhaps to include lingering Stonechat. Warblers are encouraged to overstay the winter in the waterside vegetation, where Water Rail and Reed Bunting may also be seen, or perhaps just heard.
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Stonechat Saxicola rubicola Doug. Kelson
The heath holds some of the more open area species, such as the aforementioned Stonechat, Linnet, Dartford Warbler, Coal Tit among the conifers and Green Woodpecker, likely to be heard first, or if not, flushed up from the shorter undergrowth as they forage for insects.
The time of year we will be visiting should have us seeing, or at least hearing, both incoming and outgoing migrants, the wintering thrush the most likely of the latter whilst Sand Martin may be hunting over the pond, Wheatear foraging on the more open areas of heath and both Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing in the woodland and flanking gardens.
As this is a popular site be prepared for gaggles of people, and their canine companions!
The walk will last to at least early afternoon. For those wishing to a further walk will take place after lunch, this under the HOS banner.
More updated information on the site, the wildlife present and places to visit on the journey home, such as the Tundry Pond, Dogmersfield Lake, Odiham and Hook Commons and The Millfield LNR will be available closer to the day of the trip, and during the outing itself. If you have any queries, no matter what, please ensure that these are addressed as soon as is possible.
April’s Outdoor Meeting
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Isle of Portland: 19th.
For this Outdoor Meeting please meet at Portland Bill for a 10:00 start (SY 677 685, OS Landranger map 194; DT5 2JT). This is just north of the newer lighthouse, not the Old Light, the Bird Observatory, off the minor road that runs south from Southwell, at the junction by the Eight Kings P.H.
For further details of the starting point, to offer or request a lift etc. please contact a Committee Member prior to the weekend of the outing.
The RAC Route Planner gives a distance of 97.51 miles between Basingstoke and the meeting point, the AA site 97.1; a travelling time of 134 and 120 minutes being quoted by these sites; this via the M3. As always, it’s best to leave ample time to reach the site for the start time, so please do bear this in mind when deciding on when to leave.
The monthly Outdoor Meeting this month takes in the recording area of Portland Bird Observatory, surely one of the best 'patches' in the south of Britain, if not Britain full stop!
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The timing of the visit, in the peak of spring passage, should help ensure that a busy and varied day of birding is achieved. Both migrants and residents will be available to be seen, as the excerpt from the Obs. website for the same date in 2014 shows: 19th April “Another clear but conspicuously chilly dawn brought another decent little arrival of migrants, with the Observatory garden being today's favoured location. Whilst numbers were a fair bit lower than those logged yesterday there was still plenty enough to keep bank holiday weekend visitors entertained, with totals from the Bill area that included 200 Willow Warblers, 40 Blackcaps, 30 Chiffchaffs, 25 Wheatears, 8 Redstarts, 5 Yellow Wagtails and singles of Common Buzzard (an incoming migrant), Common Sandpiper, Whinchat, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher; another 3 Pied Flycatchers, along with a single Ring Ouzel, were the best of the scarcer migrants elsewhere, whilst the mix of 52 Ringed Plovers and Dunlin at Ferrybridge were welcome evidence of wader passage picking up. The shift in wind direction towards the east hadn't gone quite far enough to perk up sea passage, with 59 Common Scoter, 21 Whimbrel, 17 Dunlin, 9 Sandwich Terns, 4 Red-throated Divers, a Red-breasted Merganser and an Arctic Skua the only rewards from watches at the Bill”
It might be assumed that should such birding be provided for those attending that they will return home happy.
Leaving the car park southwards time will be spent about the Bill itself, looking for breeding auks and Rock Pipits, Raven and Peregrine whilst looking out to sea for the likes of Gannet and Kittiwake passing by, as well as shearwaters, skuas, grebes and divers. Fulmar may be lingering in the updraft off the Bill whilst looking further afield might just be rewarded with a cetacean or two. The Bill being the most southerly point of The Isle of Portland is the first landfall for many migrants and every scrap of scrub will need to be scoured, just in case!
Moving away from the Bill towards the Observatory the Hut Fields and adjacent scrub will be walked, further migrants joining with expected passerine residents - chats, warblers and flycatchers may be amongst the vegetation, hirundines moving overhead. Nearby the Obs. Quarry will be investigated for Little Owl and further migrants in the dense bramble cover.
The Obs. itself will hopefully be visited, the patio on its' southern side of a good elevation for looking out over much of the Bill area, as well as the vegetation and pool-filled and migrant trapping gardens. For those interested in more than birds the produce from the previous nights' moth trapping may be available, migrants also a possibility here.
The scrub about the Obs. will provide further sites to search for passage birds, the fields flanking these good places to search for resident Linnet and other finch and whatever migrants may be accompanying them, even if only briefly. Another resident of these fields
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is the extravagantly coloured Wasp Spider, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates sure to be disturbed as the Group moves from site to site.
The Obs.!
To the north-east of the Obs. thick and spiny scrub at Culverwell, a further migrant trap, will be watched for evidence of those birds that prefer to loiter deep within cover, Lesser Whitethroat perhaps amongst these. The fields adjacent to this regularly attract migrant pipits, larks, wagtails and, we can but hope, Hoopoe!
The fence lines offers chats and flycatchers perches from which to flit, the denser areas of flowers sites for finches, buntings and warblers to feed on both their gramivorous and insectivorous diets.
Moving through the Top Fields with continued searching for migrants the West Cliffs will be approached, the possibility of Peregrine and Raven increasing as we do so. Here auks nest and the Group may well witness many of these moving to and from their feeding areas, further seabirds being seen as the open waters west of the Isle are scanned.
Heading back towards the Bill the Strip Fields and Crown Estate Field inland of the cliffs should provide further migrants, residents and, weather permitting, lepidoptera on the wing. The fencing about the MoD-
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type buildings passed on heading south can again attract fly-catching species, these also needing to be looked for overhead - nobody wants to miss that Bee-eater do they!
The current car parking charges at Portland Bill are:
1 hour: 50p 2 hours: £1.50 4 hours: £3 12 hours: £5 24 hours: £6 (for those wanting to make the most of their trip to darkest Dorset!)
The walk will last to at least early afternoon. For those wishing to make the most of the day away from Hampshire further birding will take place after lunch, both about the Isle at sites such as Cheane Weares, Wall Lizard being regular here, The Verne, Portland Harbour and The Fleet and the RSPB reserves at Radipole Lake and Lodmoor. For those wishing to a further walk will take place after lunch, this under the HOS banner.
More updated information on the site, the wildlife present and places to visit on the journey home, such as those already mentioned will be available closer to the day of the trip, and during the outing itself. If you have any queries, no matter what, please ensure that these are addressed as soon as is possible.
February’s Outdoor Meeting
Lepe Country Park: 22nd.
A handful of people attended on a cool, grey clouded and windy day, the south-westerly winds coming in off The Solent dramatically clearing any hint of warmth from the minds of those present!
The tide was advancing on the arrival of the Group but areas of shingle remained above the water, many Dark-bellied Brent using these and so showing well as they foraged close to the car park.
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Dark-bellied Brent Branta bernicla
Oystercatcher and Curlew made up the remainder of the larger birds on the shoreline, Grey and Ringed Plover and Dunlin the smaller species. Loitering larids included seven Mediterranean Gull, five in one compact group, whilst a Great Black-backed Gull was resting offshore on one of the many manmade structures.
Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus With accompanying Dark-bellied Brent Branta bernicla
Carrion Crow were obvious, numbers of these being seen on both the diminishing beach and flying across to the Isle of Wight.
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Carrion Crow Corvus corone
The pines above the car park held singing Chaffinch and a Stock Dove disappeared in to the thicker canopy of the largest.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs A female 'hiding' in one of the coastal Scot's Pine
Walking east along the windswept 'cliff' edge further Chaffinch were found, several Greenfinch and Goldfinch also being noted in and out of the Gorse scrub, the many Holm Oak however holding little, if anything.
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The pools inland of Stansore Point attracted small gatherings of Teal, several Mallard and a pair of Shelduck. Three Mediterranean Gull were with the Black-headed Gull, all pointing directly in to the prevailing wind. Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and further Ringed Plover and Dunlin were more active, as was a Water Rail seen by one, this being harassed by a Carrion Crow in the marshier areas, a cock Pheasant being seen as it moved off in to the reeds. A flock of 50+ Linnet was on the wing, these perhaps drawing in the briefly seen Sparrowhawk. A Kestrel was seen more distantly, again pursued by Carrion Crow, whereas a Buzzard was even further afield, off towards Fawley Refinery. Rock and Meadow Pipit were both on the move, neither species being seen to drop to the moss-saturated turf.
Walking further east the 'woodland' gave up the first of just two Wren noted during the walk, Dunnock and Robin being far more evident, the latter being one of the few species heard in song. Continued looking out over The Solent eventually provided some 'sea birds' - two Great Crested Grebe! A single Cormorant was atop yet another water-breaking structure and a Mediterranean Gull heading towards the Isle of Wight some distance out. Even further east the Spinnaker Tower loomed out above Portsmouth, until the rain hid it from view!
Returning in to the unceasing wind the scrub, hedgerows and grassed areas between the 'cliff' and open farmland to the north were investigated. Further finches were found including a pair of Bullfinch, the male briefly sitting in the open. A Jay exited erratically noisily, this perhaps the bird heard again on crossing the road in to the thicker woodland flanking the slopes down to Darkwater. The open floor of the higher elevation woodland was pock-marked with the glaucous leaves of daffodil yet to flower, the accompanying Loddon Lilies however already doing so - Snowdrops on steroids!
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Loddon Lily Leucojum aestivum a.k.a Snowflake
The wetter woodlands here often host numbers of foraging passerines and the Group was soon to encounter a party of Coal, Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tit, some coming down to the feeders by the, unfortunately, closed hide; both Goldcrest and Reed Bunting also being noted here.
Mute Swan Cygnus olors, Teal Anas crecca, Common Gull Larus canus, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus and Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
The hide overlooks the Darkwater and here, and beyond, Lapwing, Curlew, Dunlin, Redshank and Ringed Plover joining another gathering of larids. The latter were flushed by an unknown source, the lifting of these from the waters showing that a further Mediterranean Gull was present. Prior to reaching the hide the open grassland hosted a Song Thrush, several Blackbird having been recorded earlier; again no wintering thrushes were recorded.
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Song Thrush Turdus philomelus
Further in to the woodland another plant of note was found, Butcher's Broom being evident, unlike the hoped-for birds of previous visits.
Butcher's Broom Ruscus aculeatus The 'leaves' of this plant are in fact flat shoots - cladodes
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Of most note on heading back towards the coast was a flock of six Bullfinch though Robin and Dunnock were again more in evidence.
Dropping back down to the car park the wind had yet to abate and the tide was now in, moving to within feet of where the cars were parked! Turnstone were still moving to and fro along the beach, trespassing on to the car park at times.
Turnstone Arenaria interpres All images within this report kindly taken / donated by Doug. Kelson
The last Mediterranean Gull of the day was amongst its' commoner cousins, at one time hanging in the wind over the cars of Group Members.
The return to the cars / car park was timely, rain falling soon after the arrival there and not stopping until all those attending had reached home.
The List!
Blackbird Collared Dove Great Crested Grebe Black-headed Gull Common Gull Great Tit Black-tailed Godwit Cormorant Greenfinch Blue Tit Curlew Grey Plover Bullfinch Dunlin Jackdaw Buzzard Dunnock Jay Carrion Crow Goldcrest Kestrel Chaffinch Goldfinch Lapwing Coal Tit Great Black-backed Gull Linnet
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Long-tailed Tit Redshank Stock Dove Mallard Reed Bunting Teal Meadow Pipit Ringed Plover Turnstone Mediterranean Gull Robin Water Rail Moorhen Rock Pipit Woodpigeon Mute Swan Shelduck Wren Oystercatcher Song Thrush Pheasant Sparrowhawk
Among the other wildlife seen: Butcher's Broom, Gorse,
The HOS walk that followed ours - two from the Local Group attended / lead, the rain continued, the walk finished!
Books You May Enjoy Reading
Following on from Geoff Sharp’s recent articles I thought you may be interested in the following three books we have recently read. Two came to our attention when Tim and I attended the natural history day at Wimborne Literary Festival last autumn.
The Eagle’s Way by Jim Crumley (ISBN: 978-1-9086-4347-6 published by Saraband) takes you on a journey exploring the Scottish hills from the Tay estuary to Mull and beyond, searching for and finding eagles. His wonderful descriptions take you right into the landscapes alongside him. We both found it a beautiful and easy read, yet with lots of information about the eagles, their behaviour and so much more. We hope you do too.
The Dragonfly Diaries by Ruary Mackenzie Dodds (ISBN: 978-1-9086-4355-1 published by Saraband) although strictly not about birds, the RSPB’s new remit of Nature’s Home, means it does not seem out of place here. This is the story of Ruary’s hard work alongside his family and many volunteers to create a dragonfly sanctuary. Alongside the very readable stories of the successes and failures it contains lots of interesting information on these fascinating creatures. Although predominately about dragonflies the book includes stories of the other pond visitors too, including kingfishers. In Ruary’s words “It’s been an astonishing twenty-odd years...... , I’ve found I can write in a way that people enjoy reading.”
Although he spoke at the inaugural natural history day at Wimborne Literary Festival in 2013, Dominic Couzens spoke of other publications then. A Patch Made in Heaven by Dominic Couzens (ISBN: 978-0-7090-9112-7 published by Robert Hale Limited) was featured in his talk to the Basingstoke RSPB group when he visited us in 2012. You may have
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purchased a copy, as we did. His book is written as he speaks. We both thoroughly enjoyed following how his local patch, near Bournemouth, evolved throughout a calendar year, reading of his bird watching walks and of how the lakes changed month by month.
Margaret Carr
Venezuela – The Last Bit!
On this last day of our birding tour of various habitats in Venezuela, our group was taken to Cerro La Mision, an extensive cattle ranching area of Agua Linda, in the state of Falcon, northern Venezuela. The area we were visiting was largely pasture, with many woods, small pools and channels, interspersed with occasional ornamental stands of tall Royal Palms. There had been recent rain and more fell, warmly, on us as we were driven along lumpy dirt tracks. At one point, the track was so rutted and softened by the weather that we had to turn back and find an alternative route. In some of the rather damp and lush pastures, herds of cattle grazed and Cattle Egrets foraged with them. A distant bird, quartering the grassland, was tentatively identified as a migrant Long-winged Harrier but we could never confirm that. A yellow Cattle Tyrant caught insects in the grass. It doesn't terrorise cattle, usually, but is superficially like a Yellow Wagtail in appearance and colour though related to the flycatchers.
We were passed by occasional cowboys, riding at a fast trot on lightly-built cow-ponies or mules. Back in the Llanos, these would be known as “Llaneros” but I didn't find out if there was a local name for these men. Apparently, these cowboys have a similar colourful/romantic/macho image to the cowboys of the old Wild West, but we didn't see any packing six-guns. And typical head-wear was a base-ball cap, back-to-front!
Many of the birds were the same species we'd enjoyed finding back in the Llanos. We were in a similar kind of habitat, after all, but new ones appeared. The first was a family party of Black-capped Donacobius; pale ochre chin and underparts, black above with bright-yellow eyes and Magpie-like tail. These eight-and-a-half-inch birds are classed with the wrens and this species is the northern Venezuela version of the Bi-coloured Wren we'd seen further south. Bi-coloured Wrens, though, have white underparts. Wrens of more conventional size, colour and shape were Rufus-breasted, Buff-breasted and House Wren; so named because it is often commensal with humans. These are all very similar to the Wren seen in our own gardens.
Small parties of Bare-faced/Whispering Ibises and Glossy Ibises were only partially visible in the shaggy pastures but statuesque Whistling Herons were more exposed as they hunted frogs small mammals and invertebrates. In a weedy, track-side pool, a male Wattled Jacana shepherded its stripe-headed offspring while they foraged.
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Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix, juvenile, and adult Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana
A grey-necked Wood Rail crept cautiously onto the open track but scuttled into a run for the cover of the opposite side, when it spotted us. Above us Grey-rumped Swifts and the slim Neotropical Palm Swifts sliced the air in pursuit of aerial invertebrates. We kept a look-out for Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture; possible in this region, but found none amongst the American Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures. We were pleased to see other raptors, though, including a confiding Roadside Hawk perched on an overhanging bough, Common Black Hawk, gingery Savannah Hawk and, precariously perched on a swinging wire, a very dark adult Snail Kite. Later, another Snail Kite became, on closer examination, a less common Hook-billed Kite. This is, like the Snail Kite, a specialist snail-predator, though it eats a wider range of freshwater and terrestrial snails. Apparently, the Snail Kite will also predate freshwater crabs. There is also a Slender-billed Kite which is smaller...and eats smaller snails. The region must be very productive of snails to stimulate the evolution of three snail-specialist raptors plus the ibis-like, snail-eating Limpkin.
Falcons were well represented, too and we were delighted to count, in descending order of size; Peregrine, Aplomada Falcon, hunting large flying insects, Hobby-fashion and American Kestrel; perched on a post to survey the ground.
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The track-side bushes and small woodlands provided many birds, especially when the showers eased and the sun began, fitfully, to appear. Primrose-yellow Saffron Finches perched on barbed wire and the dumpy, Siskin-sized Ruddy-breasted Seedeaters were spotted in bushes or clinging to grass stems. The female, as in many birds is a demure dun while the male is the one with the ruddy breast. He, though, is only a supporting act to the glowing brilliance of the male Vermillion Flycatchers, of which we were lucky to see several. Phew! What scorchers!
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta
The Vermilion Flycatcher wasn't new to us, having been encountered in the Llanos but we were delighted to admire them again. The one illustrated was close to a house and flew from tree to wire to fence in company with a less flamboyantly colourful female. Another couple of flycatchers were Slaty-headed Tody-flycatcher and Forest Elaenia. These could be considered representative of many species in Venezuela (and many other South American, Central American and North American species); each and every one of which is almost impossible to tell from any other. Well, that had been my initial impression, at the start of the trip but our identification skills had improved. We were, now able (with good views and by paying attention to calls, tiny, but important features, habitat, et al) to say, at least; “This one is different. It's not quite like the last one we saw.” The flycatcher depicted below, right, is a Forest Elaenia. To illustrate and emphasise the difficulty we encountered in telling the flycatchers apart, I've cleverly managed to obscure nearly all the important features one might use to identify it properly; crown colour, wing-bar, bill-shape and colour, breast markings etc.
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On the ground, running about in ruts and turning over dead leaves was a pair of Caribbean Horneros. These cinnamon, thrush-like birds are fairly unremarkable but for their thoroughly-remarkable nests. These are conspicuous, football-sized, solidly-built hollow mud globes placed on a bough, broken-off stump or, sometimes on a building. There are several species of Hornero which all build similar nests. They are named after the Spanish name for the traditional wood-fired clay ovens, the “hornos” of the region. Although their nests are fairly similar, the Ovenbirds of the Americas are not related to Horneros. The Straight-billed Wood-creeper seen climbing the trunk of a nearby tree is considered, by many, to be related to the Ovenbirds, despite having the stiffened tail-feathers and powerful bill of a woodpecker and a similar lifestyle, minus the hole-drilling. It is another example of convergent evolution (resembling the woodpeckers, as nuthatches do). It was while watching these beauties that we managed very distant views of several large, gaudy and scarce Red-and Green Macaws, visiting nest-holes in the top of the lofty Royal Palms. In fact, a plethora of parrots was found, during our walks along the tracks; several Chestnut- fronted Macaws, much smaller than their Red and Green relatives, foraged amongst flowers of a local species of Erythrina tree; Orange-winged Parrot, whose bright-orange wing- patches are best shown when in flight, the handsome Blue-headed Parrot and tiny Green- rumped Parrotlets were all seen.
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Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta & Forest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii In the forest! Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani & Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus
One thing, it's often said, leads to another and this is frequently the case in birdwatching. A Bi-coloured Conebill, a Nuthatch-blue average-sized passerine, flitted over the track. We followed for a better view and it lead us to another Forest Elaenia and several interesting butterflies (of which more, later). Two untidy-looking, Magpie-shaped Smooth-billed Anis appeared close to us, their oddly shaped bills showing nicely. Satisfied with yet another view of these odd birds (relatives of the cuckoos), we were just about to move on when someone drew our attention to a bird only a couple of metres below the Anis. What had, at a casual glance appeared to be a broken-off branch-end on a fallen tree shifted slightly and revealed itself as a Pauraque, a kind of nightjar we'd last seen, by spotlight in the Llanos, near the start of the tour. This daylight view allowed us to appreciate its true colours and
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subtle patterns. This one, confident in its camouflage, held position. It opened its eyes widely, for a few moments, then decided to close them to less-obvious slits to watch us. And that little charmer led us to the brilliance of the Rufus-tailed Jacamar which appeared quietly only a few trees away. The weather was dull at the time I photographed it; a pity, because the overcast conditions dulled the scintillating iridescence of its plumage. These attractive birds are, in looks, and life-style; even to the extent that they nest in holes in earth banks or termite mounds; equivalent to the Bee-eaters of the Old World, though unrelated. That is an impressive spike of a bill! One could play darts.
Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
I mentioned butterflies. As the showers stopped and the weather brightened the butterflies began to appear in patches of sunlight. To my frustration, I was unable to name many of them. The Hamadryas sp. Is of a family often known as the “Cracker” butterflies because of the males' habit of snapping their wings together, audibly over their backs, often while in flight, as a threat. I'm not sure if the threat is to other males of the same species or just a general threat or “startle-distraction” to any possible predator. It might even be an attraction to female butterflies. There are many species, often differing little from each other. The one depicted may be a Red Cracker. Earlier in the trip I photographed another, midnight-blue specimen, rejoicing in the name of Starry Night Cracker. Most of the Crackers I saw spent much of their time resting head-downward on tree trunks. They're all cracking-good butterflies, to me. I didn't notice parrots desiring them, though. (Crackers? Polly? Oh, please yerselves!).
The Heliconia or “Longwing” family is thought to be close to the Fritillaries. They generally lay eggs on Passion-flower vines and the caterpillars acquire poisons from their food-plants. The poisons remain in the adult butterfly and predators learn to avoid them. Other, non-poisonous butterflies have evolved to look like poisonous ones. They might
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benefit when predators avoid them too, just to be on the safe side. I suppose the system might break down if the non-poisonous butterflies become much more common than the poisonous ones; then, the predator might find it worth the gamble of chomping the occasional nasty-tasting butterfly if it means that it can usually get a good morsel to eat. It can usually spit out the “nasty” one safely enough, otherwise it couldn't learn to avoid them and, perhaps, pass that knowledge onto its offspring. Whatever, the case, I don't know if the illustrated butterfly is “genuine” or mimic.
The final butterfly is, I think of the Hesperiidae; clearly a Skipper. In fact, it is very similar to the Grizzled Skipper which can be found not far from Basingstoke.
Other butterfly families such as Nymphalidae (Fritillaries, Admirals etc.), Papillionidae (Swallowtails), Lycaenidae (Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks) and Pieridae (Whites) for example, were recognised but, of course, there were many which belonged to families we, in England are not familiar with; a bewildering variety, in fact. But the difficulty in identifying butterflies pales into insignificance when confronted with the huge varieties of moths. And I want to know about the beetles and bugs and molluscs and millipedes, fish and flowers...well, perhaps in another life time, or two.
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Hamadryas sp. Heliconia sp. and Hesperiidae (Skipper) sp.
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The gentle birding continued and we picked up more species, such as soaring Grey Hawk; a small, active buteo, sometimes called Mexican Goshawk; and White-tailed Hawk, a much larger, black-hooded buteo which we watched hovering, scanning for prey, then moving on to another pitch. There was the, now familiar, Northern Crested Caracara, a general-purpose bird, with a large, powerful bill but relatively unspecialised feet; at home walking about the pasture, looking for insects, birds' nests, frogs or whatever it might catch and always ready to scrap for carrion or sort through the debris thrown-out by humans, as was the commoner and smaller Yellow-headed Caracara. This one is very crow-like in feeding habits. There were White-tipped Dove, Russet-throated Puffbird, Social Flycatcher, Pied Water-tyrant and many others. How our identification skills had improved, during the tour!
It was time, to commence the long drive back to Caracus. Birding, though, hadn't quite finished and we kept our eyes open. Well, some of us did. I'll not deny that some took the opportunity for sleep and missed the only sighting of a delicate and beautifully elegant Swallow-tailed Kite as it sailed over our minibus. This small, lightly-built and deeply, properly fork-tailed grey, black and white kite is an aerial feeder, grabbing flying insects, Hobby-fashion and snatching lizards, frogs etc.. They are usually gregarious, but we saw just the one. As we were travelling along the bottom of a deep ravine, at the time, there may have been others we couldn't see.
Our tour had been titled “Off the Beaten Track” and, now that we were approaching Caracas and the more “beaten track” the land we travelled through began to develop a more ill-used look. Much of the countryside was fairly small, steep hills. The bromeliads growing on telephone and power lines showed the climate to be damp but, where we might have expected mature and magnificent forest instead was often scrubby secondary woodland, much of it still very young. These hills did not appear to be supporting livestock or much in the way of agriculture, this was mostly confined to valley bottoms. No, the hills, for long distances had a kind of abandoned wasteland look. The reason seemed clear. Stubble and weeds from arable fields and, as we often saw, road-verge grass and herbs is usually cleared with fire. These fires are often poorly tended and escape to devastate the hillsides all the way to the tops. All the mature forest the hills used to be covered with has long-since been logged or burned and doesn't get much chance to regenerate. Consequently, huge areas are now fairly useless to man and beasts, except for those hardy, non-specialist generalists that seem to be able to make a living under a wide range of conditions.
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Recently burnt hillside; one of many
On the outskirts of Caracas our minibus broke down and we had a nervous wait of over two hours while we waited for a replacement vehicle to get us to the airport on time. Some of us kept looking, though and were rewarded with a superb sighting of an Ornate Hawk-eagle passing overhead, taking a short-cut towards the hills and we saw various of those “generalists” referred to above.
It was by the skin of the proverbially-gritted teeth that we made it to the airport. Fortunately, those nice security people had decided to help us out by organising a lengthy and thorough security check of all passengers. This delayed our departure for a couple of hours, so we needn't have worried. Indeed, we should have been thankful because our altered flight-plan meant that we had to make an unexpected stop at Funchal airport, on Madeira. The bad news was that it was for just an hour, in the middle of the night, so we didn't get any more trip ticks there.
Doug. Kelson
Local Wildlife News
The following ‘highlights’ reports received over the latter part of the winter. If you’ve anything further to add, please feel free to let us know at any time. All reports will be appreciated, whether they relate to birds or any other form of local wildlife. Also, as they say, this is “Just the tip of the iceberg” – there’s a great deal more out there to be found, especially as we head towards what’s perceived as the start of the spring and the busiest of the migration seasons.
Angle Shades – a specimen of this moth was found at The Weir, Whitchurch.
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Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa Mike. Wall http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/index.htm
Blackcap – birds were reported singing perhaps a week earlier than expected locally; hopefully a promising sign for the spring. Brimstone – the first reported locally was on 27th. Brown Hare – many gatherings were recorded with some of the more lively get-togethers seeing ‘boxing’ taking place. Butterbur – the most spectacular of local flora to be seen at present.
Butterbur Petasites hybridus Alresford Doug. Kelson
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Did you know that these are in the Sunflower family, and that they’ve been used for centuries to relieve headaches?
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochruros Alresford Doug. Kelson These still lingering from their overwintering
Large Yellow Underwing – a caterpillar of this moth was found on an allotment off Churchill Way during 27th. Little Egret – an impressive count of 30 roosted at Barton’s Mill PH on 21st; the second highest count every locally, only being beaten by a previous roost count of 34. The largest gatherings otherwise were again at The Source of The Test, this being of three birds, though the Alresfords area mid-month was seen to attract eight+. Mediterranean Gull – two adults were on Alresford Pond on 15th, amongst a further 750+ larids. Merlin – one was seen at Ashley Warren, as were many other raptors. Pintail – the drake reappeared on Ewhurst Pond mid-March. Pygmy Shrew – one was an unexpected bonus on checking / clearing local Dormouse boxes ready for the new season. Raven – all recent records received were from the raptor and scavenger hotspot of Ashley Warren. Red Admiral – the first reported locally was on 27th, bringing the number of butterfly species recorded to four for the year.
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Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Surely one of the most striking of our local butterflies
Ring-necked Parakeet – one headed rapidly west through Whitchurch on 11th; the second Borough record in just a few months of this countywide rarity. Sand Martin – the first reported locally was at Alresford Pond on 15th, seen at one stage to be chased by a Common and two Black-headed Gull – not a particularly welcoming greeting for this recently returned migrant! Sandwich Tern – one north-west over the Pitt Hall Farm area on 21st may have constituted the first Borough record, if not, definitely the first winter record of an incredibly rare visitor to the area. It was however the first ever inland winter record in the county! Water Pipit – one remained on the cressbeds at Drayton Farm until at least 15th.
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Drayton Farm, Alresford Doug. Kelson Formerly the Bighton Lane cressbeds – a rather scruffy individual at present!
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As always, thank you to all those that have contributed to this report; if I have missed anything, please do let me know and be sure to keep me updated as we head yet further in to the winter. If you find anything you consider particularly notable, or you would like an update on what is happening locally, please do feel free to contact me at any time. I can assure you that you will always get a favourable response! 07895 – 388378 is the hot line, well my mobile number anyway!
Quiz ‘Page’
With the hint of spring in the air here are a few questions about visitors soon to arrive from the south.
1. This one might look like it’s got suntan lines! 2. From another planet, lacking in eyes but not determination, well, grit at least! 3. The most repetitive of incoming songsters. 4. One of these was found in the Bahamas in November 2014! 5. Bug-eyed wanderer of farmland. 6. A fluting acro. 7. No rats follow this popular puddle potterer. 8. A mouthful of migrant! 9. The diminutive of a disk-like legume aficionado. 10. Seen as it sallies forth. 11. A waxen gullet? 12. A strange quirk places this with a spatulate name! 13. Beret-wearing bird? 14. What birds are the B.T.O. asking you to help with surveying this year? 15. The forest flautist? 16. Pie-grièche écorcheur, or so the French would have us believe! 17. A successful sentence, or two. 18. Superiority with a capital S, this before battle, in thickening mist. 19. An almost instantaneous insectivore! 20. A riverside growing but hazy diva.
The answers to the chilled queries posed last month were as follows:
1: Which animal is at the base of all the important food chains in Antarctica? Ice fish Krill Squid
2: Which is the only penguin that breeds in the depths of the Antarctic winter?
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Adelie King Emperor
3: Put these whales in the correct order of adult size, smallest first: Orca - Blue - Humpback Orca - Humpback - Blue Humpback - Orca - Blue
4: Which one of these Antarctic animals is the world's second most numerous large mammal after humans? Crabeater Seal Minke whale Fur seal
5: What do Antarctic Ice-Fish not have? Gills Red pigment in their blood A dorsal fin
6: What do many Antarctic fish have that other fish don't have? The ability to generate their own heat Sonar to detect ice Anti-freeze in their blood
7: Albatrosses have the biggest wing span of any bird, they can also live longer than nearly any wild bird, how long can they live? Up to 20 years Up to 47 years Up to 85 years
8: Which species of seal is a regular predator of penguins? Leopard Seal Elephants Seal Weddell Seal
9: Which one of these whales has teeth?
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Sei Whale Right Whale Sperm Whale
10: When penguins need to move fast in soft snow, do they: Waddle faster, taking bigger steps Lay down on their fronts and push themselves along with their feet Lay down on their fronts and paddle along with their flippers
And finally!
Bird Crime January–February 2015
At the beginning of this year we decided to help raise the profile of bird crime by introducing a regular round-up to the webzine to summarise some of the key incidents that have occurred nationally, which we hope will prove a useful reference. Our second report covering the first two months of this year is detailed below.
We all want to play a part in reducing such crimes and bringing criminals to justice, so we'll continue to feature new incidents discovered in the previous month and updates on ongoing investigations. If you have an incident of bird crime that you want to share, you are welcome to email us.
January/February 2015 Aberdeenshire
Species: Goshawk Crime: nest destruction attempt
In February we reported on the release of a video depicting a group of men visiting an active Goshawk nest site at Glenochty, Strathdon, attempting to destroy the nest by shooting at it from below. RSPB Scotland is now offering a reward of £1,000 for any information that subsequently leads to a successful conviction in this case.
Co Kerry
Species: Hen Harrier Crime: shot
February also brought extremely sad news of the illegal killing of 'Heather', a young, satellite- tagged female Hen Harrier, found shot dead in Co Kerry, Ireland (full story).
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Dr Barry O'Donoghue of the National Parks & Wildlife Service oversaw the satellite tracking project: "Knowing this bird since she was a tiny chick, and having followed her every movement remotely and in the field was a real privilege, enlightening and indeed humbling. Every time without fail, she lit up my eyes when her tag showed she was alive and well. It was heart-breaking to find this young bird when she had been shot. An individual that gave so much joy to thousands of people that followed her progress, killed in the prime of her health. This was not just one bird, but the hopes and dreams for a species that is vanishing from our country."
The sad remains of Heather the Hen Harrier, with satellite tracker clearly visible
Barry O'Donoghue
Norfolk
Species: Little Bustard Crime: shot
Perhaps one of the most shocking reports that emerged in early February was that a Little Bustard had been discovered dead on a road close to the village of Blofield, Norfolk. A post- mortem found that the bird had been shot with a shotgun (full story).
Mark Thomas, Senior Investigations Officer with the RSPB, commented: "Little Bustards are protected at all times of year and are the focus of intensive conservation efforts in the countries where they breed. Evidence suggests that this bird is likely to have died very close to the location where it was shot, although it is unknown how it ended up on a road near Blofield."
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The Little Bustard found shot by the road near Blofield, Norfolk
RSPB
Staffordshire
Species: Sparrowhawk Crime: shot
One of the first bird crimes recorded in 2015 came on New Year's Day, when a stricken female Sparrowhawk was brought into the Burton Wildlife Centre after being found in a garden with injuries consistent with having been shot by an air rifle.
Other stories Community fund to protect Roseate Terns
A community fund, set up by the police and crime commissioner, has awarded the RSPB a grant of £2,000 to help prevent wildlife crime at its reserve off the Northumberland coast.
Coquet Island is home to tens of thousands of breeding seabirds during spring and summer including a nationally important colony of Roseate Terns. As a result, the island is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and landing on it is prohibited without consent.
The RSPB will use the grant from Vera Baird's community fund to upgrade the island's outdated CCTV system so wardening staff can monitor the island effectively for illegal activity such as egg theft and disturbance. Although surrounded by sea, Coquet Island's wildlife is at risk from wildlife criminals. In 2004, Roseate Tern eggs were stolen, and in July 2012 two brothers from Amble were found guilty of causing reckless disturbance to the breeding colony when they landed on the island.
Paul Morrison, warden at RSPB Coquet Island, said: "This generous grant from the police and crime commissioner means that we will be able provide greater protection for the UK's rarest seabird and make staff feel more safe and secure when working on the island. It is also a powerful endorsement of the RSPB's view that wildlife crime is a serious issue that needs to be tackled head on with the right resources."
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Vera Baird, police and crime commissioner for Northumbria Police, added: "Tackling wildlife crime is an important priority and I am pleased that we have been able to support the excellent work of the RSPB to help protect some of the UK's rarest seabirds on Coquet Island. Northumbria Police and I will continue to work closely with the RSPB to help protect rare birds and to stop the theft of birds' eggs."
Coquet Island 2014
Kate Lowes
North Yorkshire conviction for pole trap
Michael Wood, 69, of Sinnington, was found guilty of permitting the use of a pole trap on a game farm at Cropton near Pickering at Scarborough Magistrates Court on 17 February. He was fined £4,000, and ordered to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £120.
PC Andy Marsden, a Wildlife Crime Officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: "This conviction sends out a strong message that North Yorkshire Police will take decisive action against people who commit wildlife crime."
"Despite the fact that wild birds are protected by law, birds are still persecuted and suffer cruel treatment. This is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it in North Yorkshire."
Police search for illegal poisons in Co Armagh
Police in South Armagh joined Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland to conduct searches in January in the Drumbanagher area. The searches were prompted by the discovery in October 2014 of a poisoned Common Buzzard. Tests revealed that the Buzzard had been poisoned by Carbofuran.
Fife Police Officer receives recognition
A former Fife police officer who worked for five years as the region's wildlife liaison officer received a lifetime achievement award from the WWF in January. Ian Laing was involved in the first case in Scotland to use the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to prosecute someone found trading in endangered species over the internet.
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Scottish amnesty on illegal poisons
Early 2015 saw the launch of a Government pesticide disposal scheme in Scotland. The scheme forms part of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) and is free and confidential for farmers to use. The pesticides accepted are: Aldicarb, Carbofuran, Carbosulfan, Isofenphos, Mevinphos, Sodium cyanide (usually known as Cymag), Strychnine and most types of Bendiocarb.
Environment minister and chair of PAW Scotland, Aileen McLeod, said: "There were 96 recorded incidents of illegal poisoning abuse involving wildlife in the last 5 years from 2009– 2013. It is essential that we remove all substances from the countryside that could kill our wildlife, and that are a risk to people and pets who may accidentally be exposed to them, which is why the Scottish Government has introduced the pesticide disposal scheme."
"I would encourage people to carefully and safely check sheds and outbuildings for old stocks of illegal substances. While recent incidents have demonstrated that some people are still deliberately using these pesticides to kill wildlife, we also know that in many cases these substances may have been left forgotten and unused for years. Therefore I hope that people will come forward safe in the knowledge that handing over these pesticides will not be seen as assumption of guilt."
To find out more about disposing of illegal pesticides contact the disposal scheme line, which is open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, on 0131 472 4187.
Alan Tilmouth, BirdGuides Monday 2nd March 2015
And even more finally, four to look, and listen, for over the coming months locally! Don’t forget to let us know if you’re lucky enough to encounter these, or anything else on passage.
Enjoy the commencement of spring!
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