DURSLEY BIRDWATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY
NOVEMBER 2017 BULLETIN
FROM YOUR CHAIR AND COMMITTEE
“Hello again Dursleys!
Since writing my last notes I have suffered a broken bone in my ankle, which has curtailed my birding somewhat, but I do hope that you have all been able to get out and about and enjoy some autumn birding? My ankle is healing nicely and I am now mobile again!
I do have some news for you all, which I hope that you will find as exciting as I do. I was approached by Scott Petrek, one of the reserve wardens at WWT Slimbridge, to ask if the Society would like to sponsor the purchase of some traditional fruit trees to create a 'mini-orchard' to replace some of the sallows being removed from in front of the Willow Hide, on the Holden Walkway. The trees would be of old Gloucestershire varieties and provide food for wintering birds and, hopefully, entice in winter thrushes to feed close to the hide. I felt that this kind of activity supports the conservation aims laid out in the Society's Constitution, which maybe we have not done as much of in recent times as we could. I put the suggestion to the Committee, who voted unanimously to support the scheme to the value of £300. The Society's donation will be acknowledged by a plaque placed in the hide. I hope that the Committee's decision meets with the approval of you all.
In the last Bulletin, I also confirmed our interim decision on charging for our trial afternoon meetings (a £1 charge to cover refreshments). At the last indoor meeting (an excellent talk by Cotswold 'moth-er' Bob Smith) I mentioned that it had been suggested that if we were going to charge £1 at afternoon meetings, then the same charge should apply at evening meetings. I invited members attending that meeting to let me know their thoughts on this and some of you have already done this.
At our recent meeting, your Committee decided the following, which will apply to the remaining meetings during the current 'trial' of afternoon meetings. "Afternoon meetings will be treated in the same way as our normal evening meetings, with no charge for entry, but with a discretionary charge of fifty pence for refreshments." If any member has any thoughts on this please do let me know, you can contact me through the society’s e-mail address at [email protected]
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 1
Please do let me know what you think, both about holding afternoon meetings and about any method of 'charging' for them in the future, as the opinions of the members do inform the Committee's decisions and the only way we can make these informed decisions is if you share your views.
On a sociable note, it will soon be time to think about our seasonal 'social evening' and photo competition. In the meantime, do get your favourite photos ready and let's make this year's an extra special one. Please take note of the arrangements outlined later in this Bulletin.
So, as the clocks go back this week-end, autumn is well and truly upon us and winter will be fast on its heels. For birders though, every season has its joys and this month signals the arrival of all the wonderful wildfowl that make birding in the Severn Vale so exciting through the winter.
I hope to see many of you soon and once again I wish you good birding!”
Roberta Goodall DBWPS Chair
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Upton Warren, Worcestershire – Leader: Colin Crew - Saturday 4th November 2017
This event will be by car share as the mini-coach is not available. We will try to match drivers and passengers living in similar areas, subject to agreement from drivers. Please contact Mike Robinson on 01453 842566 if you would like to book, stating if you are prepared to drive and take passengers or just wish to be a passenger. 15 members are already booked. We will meet at 0930 at the Sailing Lake car park.
Directions: Take the M5 north to Junction 5, then follow signs to ‘Webbs of Wychbold’ (a large garden centre) on the A38 North. After passing the garden centre entrance, on the left of a very large roundabout, take the second turning into the sailing club car park on the right. The café at the Sailing Club may or may not be open and we have previously been able to get hot and cold refreshments there, but it is advised that you bring a packed lunch.
After meeting and obtaining permits (if you are a member of the Wildlife Trust please bring your card) our leader will take us to the hides overlooking the saline lakes. It is generally easy walking on flat, well laid out paths, but it may be muddy in places. The special habitat of the ‘Christopher Cadbury Wetland Reserve’ at Upton Warren makes it the county’s premier birdwatching habitat, with a total of 230 species recorded. The southern three Flash Pools and surrounding grasslands are one of only two inland salt marshes in Britain: a condition caused by brine seepage from the saline sandstone sediments below. Three hides overlook the Flash Pools and three more overlook the nearby Moors Pool, giving birders the opportunity to enjoy good numbers of waders and other birds in winter.
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 2
Wildlife of Eastern Poland (Indoor) – Presenter: Marek Borkowski - Monday 13th November 2017
As our advertised speaker is currently recovering from an operation, we will be changing this event. We have been lucky enough to persuade well-known Polish wildlife photographer and conservationist Marek Borkowski to step in and give us an illustrated talk. His organisation, Wildlife Poland, manages the Biebrza Marshes, a wetland complex located on the Biebrza river valley in Suwałki, Łomża, in the northeast of Poland. With the aid of film and pictures, Marek will show us some of the wonderful species which, although now rare in Britain, can be found in numbers in these marshes and surrounding areas. Aquatic Warbler, Corncrake and Great Snipe (Right, photograph by Marek Borkowski) are found here, alongside White- backed Woodpecker. Wildlife Poland works to protect these sites, which have survived as an unaltered habitat for thousands of years, using the motto ‘Saving to Show – Showing to Save’ and they encourage visitors to these areas to help support their work. We are very fortunate that Marek, who is currently touring the UK, has been able to step in so please do come along and support what will doubtless be a fascinating evening.
Chew Valley Lakes – Leader: Mike Robinson - Sunday 19th November 2017
We will meet at Herriot’s Bridge on the A368, which is on the south side of the lake, at 0930. After spending some time here looking for birds, we will walk up the road to the bird ringing station for morning coffee and biscuits, a chance to see a few birds in the hand and to learn about ringing. It is hoped that we will be invited to join the ringers when they visit the nets by the lake. A voluntary donation of £1 each is suggested and we will probably be able to get our permits for the rest of the day’s bird watching here. Please bring a packed lunch and drinks, as we will aim to visit many of the hides around the lake. Boots or wellingtons are suggested for the visit to the ringing station, as the fields can be muddy.
Severnside – Leader: Tony Johnson - Saturday 25th November 2017
We will meet at Sea Walls, Severn Beach at 0845 (Grid Ref: 540 848). This area is good for wildfowl and waders. High water at Avonmouth should be 0927; hence the tide should just about be on the turn during our visit. All being well, once the mud is exposed, the wading birds, possibly Dunlin and Ringed Plover, should start feeding.
Once satisfied with our sightings, we will drive to New Passage. The ebb tide may have fallen enough for the wading birds to feed here. If not, we will walk over the bridge to Pilning Wetlands to record the birds in this area, before returning to New Passage where a variety of birds should then be feeding. We will check for Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail near the bridge over the stream and it may be worth driving home via Aust, where Short- eared Owl is possible. Please bring suitable clothing and sustenance. There are public toilets and provisions in Severn Beach. The meeting should finish between 1400-1430.
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 3
Directions: Take the A403 from the first Severn Crossing towards Avonmouth. About 100 metres after going through the second set of traffic lights, exit the A403 at the dual carriageway for Severn Beach. Take the first exit at the mini roundabout, then after about 100 metres, follow the road to the left and park considerately near the houses. For New Passage, drive through Severn Beach village and continue to a mini roundabout, take the exit to New Passage and park where the road ends.
Unst, Britain’s Final Frontier (Indoor) – Presenter: Arthur Ball - Monday 27th November 2017 A personal introduction from Arthur:
“I was born and brought up in Oundle, in Northamptonshire. After serving six years in the Royal Signals, I ended up at GCHQ for 34 years, when computers took over my old job! I am a founder member of the Cheltenham Bird Club and have been recording birds and wildlife at Dowdeswell Reservoir for almost 44 years. Since retiring, I have been travelling the world and giving talks on my travels.”
WWT Slimbridge Walk – Leader: Mike Robinson - Thursday 30th November 2017
Come and enjoy a winter wonderland at the headquarters of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Meet in the foyer at 1400 for a stroll to the Holden Tower to look for Geese and Swans, visiting some hides along the way, followed by a sociable tea break and a commentated swan feed from the Peng Hide at 1600. We will be flexible, depending on the birds on site, so it should be an interesting afternoon. Please contact Mike Robinson on 01453 842566 if you wish to come and remember your card if you are a WWT member.
Winter at Frampton – Leader: Nick Goatman - Sunday 10th December 2017
This is the sixth of our special meetings with Nick, trying to find the special birds and other wildlife of this area. Meet at 0830 in the small car park which is situated near the bottom of the green at Frampton on Severn, on the track to the sailing lake. It will be a three mile morning walk around Nick’s local patch, so we will hopefully be able to connect with various bird species and find other things of interest. It will probably be a good time for wintering thrushes and wildfowl, so why not join us on this interesting seasonal event? The route could change if interesting birds are discovered nearby. For any other information, please contact Mike Robinson on 01453 842566.
Special Event – DBWPS Christmas Social and Photography Competition (Indoor) - Monday 11th December 2017
It is time to get busy taking photographs, especially on DBWPS field meetings, in preparation for this entertaining annual evening.
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 4
As in previous years, there will be six categories (see below), a range of delicious Christmas-themed food and drinks and hopefully a quiz.
1. Birds of Britain and Europe 4. Any picture taken on a Society meeting 2. Fauna of Britain 5. Landscapes of Gloucestershire 3. Flora of Britain 6. Worldwide natural history or landscapes
Members can enter one picture in each category and pictures must be of A4 size or smaller, including any frames or mounts. Pictures submitted will be judged by members attending on the night and we would ask that you do not vote for your own or your partner’s entries. There will be three prizes in each category and also a prize for ‘Best in Show’. All pictures should be sent to Mike Robinson by 5th December please, earlier if possible, with your name, address, telephone number and category in pencil on the back. This year we are again asking (with each photographer’s permission) if we can use the pictures submitted for showing at DBWPS events. We will be most grateful for assistance on the day, both with putting up the pictures in the afternoon and preparing food in the evening. Please do contact a member of the committee if you are willing to help!
Special Event – Annual Film Evening – Presenter: Stephen Moss - Saturday 10th February 2018
We are very fortunate to have one of Britain’s most distinguished and influential natural history television producers, Stephen Moss, hosting our film evening in 2018. As a broadcaster, presenter, writer and international award winning wildlife film-maker, Stephen is a familiar face on BBC TV with the prestigious BBC Natural History Unit and the presentation will be entitled ‘Around the World with the BBC Natural History Unit’.
Tickets will be priced at £10 and as usual, these will be limited and sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. To order your tickets please contact Mike Robinson on 01453 842566. We are offering DBWPS members the chance of booking a place over the next few weeks before we advertise to Slimbridge Members and the general public. Offers of help on the day we will be greatly appreciated, particularly for preparing and putting out food and drinks. Please contact a member of the committee if you are willing to help. We will also be grateful to receive any donated draw prizes.
Finally, in attending this event you are not just supporting the Society (the best of reasons!) but also helping to fund important conservation work, because 50% of any profits from ticket sales go to the WWT Slimbridge ground conservation funds. Further details will follow in the next Bulletin.
If any trip is in doubt because of bad weather or unexpected circumstances: For bookable events, we aim to contact people that have booked if an event has to be cancelled. It is important, therefore, that we have your telephone number or e-mail address when you book an event. Full details of events can be found in the Bulletin, or enquiries can be made to the Leader (if a DBWPS member), the Programme Secretary (Mike Robinson on 01453 842566) or by e-mail to [email protected]
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 5
OUTDOOR MEETING REPORTS
Newport Wetlands – Leader: Howard Lloyd - Saturday 23rd September 2017
Following a trouble free journey into the Principality, the group of 14 members met in the Uskmouth car park at 0930. On our way to the extensive reed bed area we called into the RSPB Visitor Centre for up to date bird news. Moorhen, Coot and Mallard were on the nearby pond.
In addition to several small birds in the trees, we had a morning greeting as usual from a Cetti’s Warbler, the first of several heard during our visit. On the lagoons were Shoveler, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan and more Coot, Moorhen and Mallard. We walked carefully on to the wobbly bridge, stopping to look for Bearded Tits as we have had previous sightings here, but unfortunately not today.
The River Severn was a short distance away and high tide had been about half an hour before our arrival, but the estuary still looked full. There was little to see here except for some gulls, but there were sightings of a small flock of Wigeon, always good to see.
We made our way to the one hide overlooking the opposite end of the lagoon at the start. Cormorant and Reed Bunting were sightings before the hide, also a very close Cetti’s Warbler. From the hide, the list of water birds was similar to that previously recorded, with a Little Egret added. Due to lack of available space we could not all fit in the hide, but some of those who did were fortunate enough to have views of Bearded Tit.
Our circular walk continued towards the Visitor Centre and about half way around we had excellent views of several male and female Stonechat in an area which suited them, fairly bare but with some shrubs. We returned to the Visitor Centre, enjoying lunch in the picnic area.
Leaving Uskmouth, we drove to Goldcliff, the other part of Newport Wetlands and a distance of slightly more than two and a half miles away, parking on the grass verge off the road. After crossing the road we walked less than a quarter of a mile on a track, crossing a small bridge to the hides. The two hides overlooking the lagoon are close to each other but the third is further away and close to the river. A couple of Little Stint walking quickly around the mud were good to see, looking very different to the three larger statue-like Little Egrets standing in a row. Other birds noted were Redshank, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Heron, Dunlin, Snipe, Greylag Goose, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Swallow, House Martin and an oddly white Buzzard. No different birds were observed from the third hide.
This enjoyable meeting ended about 1500 and the all-important weather was good during our visit. Thanks to the members for their support and for helping to record at least 51 species.
Report by Howard Lloyd
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 6
Full list of birds seen (or heard): Blackbird, Buzzard, Coot, Cormorant, Curlew, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Dunnock, Little Egret, Goldfinch, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Goldcrest, Canada Goose, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Grey Heron, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Mallard, Moorhen, House Martin, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Pheasant, Pintail, Robin, Ruff, Redshank, Snipe, Starling, Stonechat, Shoveler, House Sparrow, Shelduck, Little Stint, Swallow, Bearded Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Teal, Cetti's Warbler, Wigeon, Pied Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail.
Species list by Roland La Porta, et al
INDOOR MEETING REPORTS
‘Moths in a Gloucestershire Garden’ – an Illustrated Talk – Presenter: Bob Smith – Monday 9th October 2017
The ‘Two Sues’ are well known in Gloucestershire, especially to our Society, for their delightful and heart-warming talks on butterflies. Bob Smith is the husband of one of them and, not to be outdone, his talk on moths was excellent and the first talk ever on this subject to be given to our Society.
Bob explained that butterflies can best be distinguished from moths by their antennae. Butterflies have ‘clubs’ on the ends; moths rarely do, but have either tapered or feathered antennae. There are 2,500 species of moths in the UK and, in the last ten years, Bob has recorded over 500 of these species just in his own garden! Not surprisingly, the garden is packed with plants and shrubs designed to attract both butterflies and moths. With lovely photographs he showed that, as well as the ‘little brown jobs’, there are many colourful ones, spectacular ones and others which are plain bizarre! They are classified as either ‘macros’ or ‘micros’. Some micro moths are only two or three millimetres long and most don’t have English names, just their scientific ones.
Bob showed us many varied pictures of adult moths, for example the White Plume moth, looking like a capital ‘T’ with thin delicate wings; it’s surprising they can fly at all. Largest of all in the UK is one of the spectacular Hawkmoths, the Privet Hawkmoth, sturdy and with an 80-110 millimetre wingspan. The Carpet family of moths are thus-named as they have bars and stripes of many patterns and colours. The Peppered Moth has two ‘morphs’, the white variety living in the countryside and the black variety in polluted environments – an example of rapid evolution. The red spots on the wings of the Six-spot Burnet warn that it is poisonous (it contains hydrogen cyanide!) and predators are suitably wary.
Bob showed a close-up of a Hummingbird Hawkmoth which he had reared, clearly showing the large bulbous muscles at the base of the wings, which enable it to do all that exhausting hovering. A great example of camouflage was the attractive Angle Shades Moth hidden amongst dead leaves; very difficult to spot and its wings were also held in crinkly waves to further confuse the eye. Moth caterpillars evolve through four or five stages or ‘instars’, shedding the old skin after a new skin has developed underneath. The names of moths are quite often derived from their caterpillar, not the adult; for example, the Geometer moth, whose caterpillars move by successively looping and straightening their bodies as they walk along leaves, reminiscent of taking a measurement.
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 7
The caterpillar of the Pale Tussock has hairs collected together in a number of tussocks along the body and the Lobster Moth caterpillar has a pink body looking like a bizarre miniature lobster. Moth caterpillars pupate by spinning a cocoon. One illustrated was from a Six-Spot Burnet, the straw coloured cocoon bulging from the side of a grass stem, seen in natural fields.
Bob brought along a display container with about 20 moths he had caught the previous night, including the attractive and appropriately-named Merveille du Jour (Right, photo by Bob Smith), which translates as ‘Marvel of the day’. For his fascinating and educational facts and super photos, Bob was profusely thanked by our Chair, Roberta, for giving us such a rewarding evening.
Report by Vic Polley
**PLEASE NOTE**- Evening Indoor meetings are held at the Dursley Community Centre. Details are on the DBWPS website and your Programme Card.
SOCIETY BUSINESS
Proposed coach and minibus trips
How the year has flown, after a spring and summer full of spectacular events to wonderful locations, where fantastic sightings of birds, animals, butterflies and other insects and flowers were enjoyed by the members who came. We would like to encourage more members to join us as we move into the winter part of the programme.
All coach and minibus trips will depend on the number of members booked. All members booked will be informed if the Society is not able to run transport for an event and given the option of a car share scheme.
Bookable events for the winter season, travelling on the 16 seater mini-coach whenever possible:
Sunday 7th January 2017 - River Exe - Leader: Mike Robinson Saturday 3rd February 2017 - Somerset Levels for the Starling Roost - Leader: TBC Sunday 18th February 2017 - Windrush Valley – Leader: Chris Rodell Saturday 17th March 2017 - Steart Point – Leader: Gordon Kirk
** It will assist the Programme Secretary greatly in organising appropriate transport if members can book well in advance of the date of each trip they wish to attend! **
Transport arrangements for Society trips will be as follows. The rationale for these arrangements was detailed in full in your June 2017 Bulletin.
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 8
1. For 12 or fewer members – Car Share (using up to 3 cars) will probably be the most practical and economical.
2. For 15-16 members – A luxury mini-coach with driver will cost £20 per head, plus parking and tolls. Discretion may be used to arrange mini-coach travel for a minimum of 13-14 members.
3. For 15 or more members – Larger coaches can be put on for longer trips, subject to there being enough attendees, with a likely cost of £20 or more per head.
Please contact Mike Robinson on 01453 842566 to book. Members who have booked to attend an event will be contacted before it takes place but if you have not been contacted one week before and you think you have your name down, please contact Mike Robinson.
Mike Robinson – Programme Secretary
MEMBERS BIRD SIGHTINGS
Please enter your sightings at www.universalquestions.com/nature Any rare or unusual sightings should be submitted to the Society Website www.dursleybirdwatchers.btck.co.uk If you do not have access to a computer, send them to; Sandra Drew, 2 Downfield Close, Alveston, Bristol, BS35 3NJ
**PLEASE NOTE** - SIGHTINGS SUBMITTED BY POST ARE ONLY LIKELY TO BE UPDATED ON THE WEBSITE PERIODICALLY WHILST IT IS BEING REBUILT. MEMBERS CAN STILL ADD THEIR OWN SIGHTINGS TO THE WEBSITE.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE BIRDING HIGHLIGHTS
A Black Tern was at WWT Slimbridge on 22nd September and the unringed Red-breasted Goose remained at this site throughout the period. A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen at New Passage on 24th September and another at Winterbourne on 15th October, whilst six Ring Ouzel were at Cleeve Hill on 25th September. Turtle Dove is now a rarity in Gloucestershire, so a confiding individual at Northwick Warth from 1st to 7th October was popular. An Osprey lingered at Frampton Court Lake from 12th October onwards (Left, photo by Roberta Goodall). There were regular sightings of Spotted Redshank, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper at WWT Slimbridge and a Grey Phalarope at Severn Beach on 8th October, with possibly the same bird seen at Northwick Warth on 9th and 10th October.
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 9
Continuing the theme of autumn waders, a Pectoral Sandpiper was seen at the Cotswold Water Park on 10th October and a ‘probable’ Semipalmated Sandpiper was at WWT Slimbridge on 9th October and noted on several other subsequent dates until at least 22nd October. A Pomarine Skua was a brief and unexpected visitor to the Rushy Pen at WWT Slimbridge on 13th October, whilst stormy weather on 16th October saw sea birds pushed up towards the Severn Estuary, with a Leach’s Storm Petrel notable. A Great Grey Shrike on Cleeve Common on 15th October was a sign that winter is not too far away.
FROM YOUR EDITOR
I was recently able to ‘enjoy’ a very wet and windy return journey from the Isles of Scilly on RMV Scillonian III which reminded me of just how important it is to be in the ‘right place at the right time’ if you want to encounter those special birds. For most of the journey, it was damp, bumpy and a bit miserable, with only an odd gull or Shag in sight. But approaching Land’s End, there was an area of stormy weather which quickly produced Arctic and Great Skua, Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater and more than fifty Balearic Shearwater. Then within ten or fifteen minutes, we had passed through the ‘hot spot’ and there were once again very few birds.
So do your research on where you need to be and when, then get out there in the thick of it if you can; maximise your success, see some great birds and make some great memories. And do send us details of some of your encounters and your tips for seeing interesting birds, so we can publish them in the Bulletin. Please can I have all articles for the next bulletin by 15th of the month? Preferably by e-mail to [email protected]
Colin
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society – Officers & Committee 2017/2018
Chair: Roberta Goodall Clarence Villa, Church Lane, Saul, Gloucestershire, GL2 7JY 01452 740548 Vice Chair: Nigel Hewston 1 The Orchard, Uley, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5ST 01453 861368 Treasurer: Chris Usher 32 Sunnyfield Road, Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, GL2 4QF 01452 721863 Secretary: Brenda Usher 32 Sunnyfield Road, Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, GL2 4QF 01452 721863 Programme Secretary: Mike Robinson 45 Parklands, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7LT 01453 842566
Membership Secretary: Caroline Sandrey 15 Spey Close, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2NR 07972 125959 Bulletin Editor: Colin Crew 1 Gifford Close, Rangeworthy, South Gloucestershire, BS37 7QU 01454 227128 Bulletin Distribution: Jacquelin Hill 37 The Quarry, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 6JA 01453 542303 IT & Communications: Chris Usher 32 Sunnyfield Road, Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, GL2 4QF 01452 721863 Librarian: Louise Bailey 16 Rosslyn Way, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1SG 01454 528290
General Committee: Peter Steele, Ken Cservenka, Alan Keith, Colin Crew, Maggie Jordan
[email protected] www.dursleybirdwatchers.btck.co.uk
@DursleyBirds DursleyBirds
Dursley Birdwatching and Preservation Society (Founded: 1953) Page 10