SOUTH EAST HERTS RSPB LOCAL GROUP E-NEWSLETTER

Editor: Mike Oakland November 2018

No.83

SOUTH EAST HE after them, you then hoped they would return the Your Committee compliment by naming one after you. Bewick's swan gets its name from the 18th century Group Leader Stan Kitchiner engraver Thomas Bewick, who published the Treasurer & Outings Steve Kiln first popular book on Britain's birds in 1797. Secretary & Publicity Dorothy Blatcher Montagu's harrier, after ornithologist George Raffles Rosie Bell Montagu. Cetti’s warbler bears the name of Local Walks Italian zoologist, Francesco Cetti. And yes, & Newsletter Editor Mike Oakland Bonaparte’s gull is linked to the famous French 100 Club Organiser Lyn Horsley emperor! Named after Napoleon’s nephew, Membership Secretary Janet Whybrow Charles Lucien Bonaparte, who was a renowned Website Editor Andy Johnson ornithologist in the 1800s. With the colonisation of the New World came The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds the chance for naturalists to discover fauna and (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and flora new to science, which also meant coming Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC03765 up with monikers for these species. Consequently, the Americas has a large number of creatures named after naturalists and explorers: Audubon, Baird, Harris, Ross, Editorial Swainson et al. Also, Alexander Wilson (1766 - 1813). The Scottish immigrant who is widely You can't help noticing as you flick through your regarded as the father of American ornithology. field guide that a number of birds are named after That is not just a fanciful title - Wilson actually people: Bewick’s swan, Montagu's harrier, Cetti’s wrote and illustrated “American Ornithology”, a warbler, Bonaparte’s gull, Wilson's phalarope and nine volume work published in 1814 that so on. But who were all these people and how did illustrated 268 bird species and kindled they become immortalised in the world of America’s insatiable appetite for bird ornithology? knowledge. RSPB LOCAL GROUP As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages an E-NWSLETTER intellectual and scientific revolution began to evolve. Scholars such as Copernicus, Galileo and Isaac Newton were at the forefront of scientific discovery and theory, with developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology and chemistry transforming society's views about nature. Pioneering naturalists were also making exciting advances during this time, often resulting in the discovery of new species. The naming of these organisms required not only a scientific title - using Carl Linnaeus’s (1707- 1778) binomial nomenclature of classification - but also a ‘common’ label. This was an opportunity to flatter one's peers by naming some new warbler or thrush Although it is now rare for newly discovered species to be given a common name after well Latest News known naturalists, not so with the scientific Latin names. It is estimated that around 15,000 new Local Walk species are being discovered annually; 15,000 HMWT and the Mimram Valley organisms that for the purpose of international This was the first visit of S.E. Herts RSPB to identification need a scientific title. While the this delightful site. Set in the grounds of Tewin format for writing scientific names is standardised Bury Farm Hotel - a former 17th century and internationally accepted, within these farmhouse - the reserve sits alongside the lovely guidelines naturalists virtually have free reign to Mimram River, a tributary of the River Lee. name organisms how they want, with scientists - 13 members met in the large HMWT car park on like their predecessors - often choosing to honour a cloudy but dry Sunday morning. A scouting key figures in the world of natural history. Sir party, consisting of two able volunteers, had David Attenborough’s name has been bestowed on been sent into the nearby hide to reconnoiter the several creatures including an extinct marsupial reserve, while the leader awaited the arrival of lion - Microleo attenboroughi - and a spiny the rest of the group. From the car park the anteater - Zaglossus attenboroughi - as well as gathering members saw kestrel, little egret and spiders, plants, trees and insects. In 2008 a new an ensemble of small birds high up in an alder species of tree frog - Hyloscirtus princecharlesi - tree, these consisted of blue tits, goldfinches and was discovered in Ecuador and named after our best of all, a good number of siskins. On future king in recognition of the Prince’s charity entering the hide we were greeted with the work to protect its rainforest habitat. But with so dreaded declaration “you should have been here many new organisms being discovered, scientists earlier!”, as the two dedicated volunteers (often with tongues firmly in cheeks) are naming pointed to the stick that had briefly been creatures after presidents, actors, singers, sports occupied by a kingfisher only a short while stars etc. A new species of moth discovered in before. After several minutes - and no kingfisher Southern California now bears the title, Neopalpa - we left the hide and walked to the river to donaldtrumpi, due to its yellowish-white head begin the leisurely amble along the paths and scales evocative of the President's hair. The tracks that follow the waterway. A small flock muscular actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has a of skylarks were picked out enroute and a green beetle - Agra schwarzeneggeri - named after him woodpecker on a post, with a second bird further "in reference to the markedly developed along the fence. Behind us a nuthatch was (biceps-like) middle femora of the males of this calling and a great spotted woodpecker sat at the species reminiscent of the actor's physique”. And, top of a tree. Further along the trail two red kites inspired by the black exoskeleton and ‘broad, flew over, with one settling at the top of a large shiny, helmet like head’ entomologists have given tree allowing good views through our a recently discovered slime-mould beetle the telescopes. The route then followed the path up epithet, Agathidium vaderi - the Darth Vader the side of the valley reaching the Jacobean, beetle - after the villain from the “Star Wars” Marden Hill House, at the top. This Grade II films. listed country mansion has been partially demolished, redesigned and rebuilt by various owners since the middle of the 17th century but has recently been converted to apartments. The walk next took us along the public footpath final count of 41 cranes. A sure sign that this following the ridge of the hill and between an species is on in the increase in Norfolk and avenue of old lime trees, eventually dropping thank you Barrie. down through the woodland before emerging on the outskirts of Tewin Village. We crossed the field, aiming for the spire of St. Peter's Church in the distance. For the final leg of the walk we passed through the churchyard, across a field and back to the hotel grounds and car park. However, several members decided to have a ‘second bite of the cherry’ and revisited the hide. A little grebe seemed to be the reserve's only visible occupant until a kingfisher shot through and out of sight; you either saw it or you didn't. Everyone agreed it was a pleasant stroll around a new site for the Group. For the full report see our website. Common Cranes We then headed to Burwell Fen, which backs on to the National Trust’s Wicken Fen reserve, and found hardly anywhere to park due to the very Outdoor Field Trip high number of birdwatchers and photographers WWT Welney and Burwell Fen already in place. Once we had reached the high The group visited the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust point with an orange sun rapidly sinking into the reserve at Welney as the planned trip to the RSPB west we were treated to a fantastic flying display reserve across the washes had to be re-arranged by two short eared owls often coming to within due to maintenance work being undertaken by the 75-100 metres of where we were standing. Environment Agency. 11 members led by Stan For the full report see our website. Kitchiner still enjoyed a good day’s birdwatching on a bright sunny day, firstly at Welney and then at Burwell Fen. On arrival at Welney we checked into the visitor Indoor Group Meeting centre and viewed several flocks of sparrows Rolf Williams presented his talk ‘Space for coming to the feeders. There were many tree Nature’, describing his love of art and his sparrows mixed in with the house sparrows. A involvement in the satellite tagging and Cetti’s warbler was spotted from the viewing monitoring of various creatures across the balcony and our first Bewick's and whooper swans planet. flew overhead. Once across the road bridge and Rolf mentioned that he was interested in into the hides we saw two flocks of sleeping drawing from an early age, regularly adding his black-tailed godwits numbering at least 500 with own illustrations to his notebooks. Living near several still showing their bright orange summer the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, its wildlife and the plumage. A great white egret was also present but marinescape inspired his life in art and science. flew off shortly after we arrived. We were shown pictures of his early notebooks There were many ducks of the regularly seen depicting life in the region, which included species and 4 species of geese to be seen along drawings of lifeboats and the local fishing boats with 40 mainly whooper swans. There seemed to as well as the fauna and flora that he came be a competition going on between the swans and across. the greylag geese as to who could make the most He became fascinated by outer space and noise. There were also several other species of satellites after watching the launch of the space waders and several birds of prey with at least 3 shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. marsh harriers, 3 kestrels, 2 peregrines and Thousands of satellites have been sent into space buzzard seen. since Russia launched the first, Sputnik 1, in Whilst eating lunch we receive a call from Barrie 1957. They provide scientists with information Stockwell who joined us later to say there were regarding weather, climate and environmental cranes further along the washes. A quick 3-4 mile monitoring including data about ocean currents, dash to the highlighted point rewarded us with a ‘rogue’ waves that can damage - or even sink - large ships and forest fires. Satellites have also As we crossed the River Lee Navigation we become a key factor in world wide communication were lucky to see a Little Egret catch a fish and and many of us now rely on ‘sat nav’ global then fly up and perch in a Hawthorn bush. positioning systems to help get us from A to B. On Bowyers Water, there were numerous Mute In recent years scientists have been tagging and Swans, more Little Egrets, Great Crested Grebe, tracking the movements of creatures using GPS Pochards, Gadwall and Shoveler. In the trees satellite systems and geolocators. Satellite around the lake we saw Redwings, Fieldfares, a networks have tracked the migration and territorial Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, a Jay and a movements of caribou, sea turtles, whales, great Goldcrest. white sharks, seals, elephants etc. in addition to providing invaluable data on the migration of birds. Thanks to these projects, naturalists can find the key sites for migratory species, thereby strengthening the argument for the conservation of important habitats. Rolf talked about the remarkable journey of, ‘Nicole’, a great white shark, that was tagged off the coast of South Africa. Information received via satellites tracked Nicole swimming to the west coast of Australia - more than 5,000 miles away - over several months Little Egret before eventually returning to African waters. In the final part of the talk Rolf spoke of his Walking back to the car park round Hooks passion for space and nature, which led to the Marsh Lake it was very quiet, the only residents creation of his unique art exhibition, on home turf there being Coots, Cormorants and a Grey at Durlston Country Park in Dorset. The exhibition Heron. combined images of animals with tracking All in all it was a great Wednesday walk. satellites designed to reflect a variety of research projects that shed light on environmental issues from across the world and, of course, was entitled “Space for Nature”. During the interval the 100 Club was drawn with Coming Events the first prize going to Sue Graves, with your Newsletter Editor, Mike Oakland, picking up the Car trip to BBOWT College Lake and runners up cheque. Reservoirs Wednesday 5th December This is a full day outing exploring these two Wednesday Walk. sites. Hooks Marsh, River Lee Country Park College Lake Despite the grey drizzly, breezy weather 8 RSPB Once a chalk quarry, College Lake is now one of members had a very productive morning of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's birdwatching, finding 51 different species of birds flagship nature reserves. The transformation is a throughout the morning. fantastic example of what people passionate Our first sightings were a Peacock in Fishers about wildlife can bring about through a shared Green Lane and a Little Egret on the stream by the vision and sheer determination. Thanks to the road. Along Walton’s Walk we spotted numerous hard work of staff and volunteers, this thriving mixed flocks of tits and other small birds nature reserve has attracted more than 1,000 including - Chiffchaff, Siskin and a Great Spotted different wildlife species. An eco visitor centre Woodpecker. with stunning views of the lakes opened to the At Hall Marsh Scrape we observed Little Egrets, public in 2010. Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Lapwings and Tring Reservoirs Pied Wagtails with a Kestrel hovering overhead. One of the best bird watching spots in southern Nearby, on the flood relief channel we were England, Reservoir, one of the four pleased to see one female Goosander. Further Tring Reservoirs, was made famous by the first along on the Friday lake, we saw a red-head Smew nesting in this country of black-necked grebes in preening itself. 1918 and of little ringed plovers in 1938. It is one of the most famous birding spots in southern lift, again let her know and she will try and pair England. A walk around the reservoir's edges you up with someone. Ruth can be contacted on gives good views and there is always a surprise in [email protected] or leave a text on store. 07985 028861. The more notice you give the Meet by 9.30am at the College Lake Visitor easier it will be to make arrangements for lifts. Centre, off B488 Upper Icknield Way. Postcode: HP23 5QG. There is a £3 donation/parking charge. https://goo.gl/maps/TDnBywLPpmw Other News RSPB Quiz Night Christmas Group Meeting Saturday 2nd February Tuesday 18th December Although not on the original programme, our Our popular Christmas Group Meeting, with 'bring very popular Quiz Night has again been 'n share' supper. Andy Johnson will be showing organised for 2nd February 2019 at the United some photos depicting the variety of birds you can Reform Church Hall, Broxbourne. see at local sites. Please contact Steve Kiln: [email protected] We will also have a fun festive Quiz, the Grand for more information and/or to make a Christmas Draw, the 6 monthly 100 Club draw reservation. Tables are £72, maximum of eight and the meeting raffle. players and include ploughman's supper, bring Soft drinks, wine and beer will be provided. your own drinks. Location: United Reformed Church Hall, Mill Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7BQ Parking is at the rear and the side of the hall or in Mill Lane. Please park thoughtfully and share cars Xmas Draw where possible. Access and facilities are suitable Ticket sales have been slow so far but of course for wheelchairs. we are still several weeks from Xmas. However, Time: Doors open by 7.30pm for 8.00 pm start we would appreciate you supporting this fund Price: RSPB members £3.00, non-RSPB members raiser by entering the draw yourself and/or £3.50. encouraging your friends, family and work N.B. The bays at the side of the hall are reserved colleagues to enter. A strip of tickets has been for "Teens Unite" and are not part of the URC included with this Newsletter. Hall parking.

Post Christmas walk round RSPB It's Your Local Group Rainham Marshes Your Local Group is run by volunteers, you can Sunday 30th December be as involved as you like with the group, whether you just take part in the events Location: RSPB Rainham Marshes reserve. Full programme or get more involved with its directions on their website. running. So if you are interested in supporting Postcode: RM19 1SZ the group and can spare a few hours a month, Our traditional post Christmas walk: RSPB please contact the Group Leader, Stan Kitchiner Rainham Marshes for wintering birds. by replying to this email. Bring your left over Christmas fare for lunch. Meet in the car park at 10.00. https://goo.gl/maps/Mnhkcf4y6iJ2 Contact Information Check the Group's website for updates of our Car Sharing events: This is something we should be doing as our part www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southeasthertfordshire in caring for the environment. Ruth has again agreed to be our Car Sharing Organiser so if you Information regarding S.E. Herts RSPB events are going on the outing and have a spare seat and news, along with posts of local wildlife please let Ruth know. Conversely, if you need a interest are also available on our official RSPB Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RSPB SE Herts LocalGroup 131437220783061/

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