BBAASSIINNGGSSTTOOKKEE LLOOCCAALL GGRROOUUPP

SEPTEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER

http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/basingstoke

Contents:

 From The Group Leader

 Notices

 Media Releases – The Latest News!

 What’s Happening?

 Over The Hill, On Beacon Hill

 September’s Outdoor Meeting

 October’s Outdoor Meeting

 Local Wildlife News

 Quiz Page

A million voices for nature Charity registered in England and Wales no. 207076

From The Group Leader

Welcome to September, the autumn and another season of both Indoor and Outdoor Meetings.

I hope that the summer break has gone well for you and that you’ve lots of wildlife news to pass on and talk about with your fellow Group Members. A very mixed bag of weather recently may well have helped with this, the autumnal passage of birds having once again been noticeable locally with the first Red-rumped Swallow for the Borough taking pride of place, a Wryneck, still present as I type this, being found at The Millfield LNR, a currently annual site for them, and a sprinkling of other avian goodies keeping at least a few locals busy out in the field and bird-happy.

The less than clement weather has however I’m sure stopped some from getting out, so let’s just hope for more user-friendly weather as we commence the Outdoor Meetings Programme this Sunday, Thorney Island being our venue and passage migrants, waders, gulls, terns, raptors, including perhaps Osprey, or even Ospreys, being among the birds to be looked for. The Programme, as usual, includes much-visited sites as well as several that are perhaps less well-known to many, the range of these and the habitats to be covered ensuring a varied mixture of both birds and other wildlife. In general sites have been included that are that little bit closer to home, as will continue to be the case in the future, but I hope that you don’t mind too much that there are just a few that little further afield such as the previously well-received Poole Harbour boat trip. as always, if you’ve any ideas with regard to the Programme please do let us know – this perhaps even more important when we start to collate the Evening Walks Programme for next May and June. Albeit well in to the future please keep this in mind, the thoughts of balmy spring and summer evening walks perhaps even helping you through the winter months to come!

We start the Indoor Meetings with one of our own but as you’ll see the Programme includes home-grown talent, speakers familiar to many through their past visits and a few new faces, the latter generally recommended by other groups and so, with all others, something to look forward to. A wide range of subject matter, areas covered both close to home and further afield and the associated wildlife will I’m sure provide much food for thought and many pleasant evenings, especially as we head in to the winter!

As always, the Committee are here to plan and provide for your entertainment, to help keep you updated on what’s happening within the RSPB and, dare I say it, help you to see a few birds! So, make the most of us, ensure that your feedback is unremitting and please do get to know us even better over the coming meetings and months.

Peter E. Hutchins Notices

Subscriptions!

I know, as soon as you’re back we’re after your money!!! However, please do remember that the subs. have again not risen for the coming season of events and that even more will be provided for them!

The annual subscription for the Local Group is £10, that for the ‘senior citizens’ being £9, and will greatly be received by the Treasurer, Gerry, at any Indoor Meeting.

Local Group Website

The Local Group website has recently been updated after the summer break lull, so if you haven't visited 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, these thoughts hopefully 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/

Poole Harbour Boat Trip

Please note that the Group will once again be making the most of the facilities of a boat to tour Poole Harbour early in 2014. If you’d be interested in attending this nautical Outdoor Meeting please ensure that we’re aware of this as soon as you can, places being limited. Further details will be in forthcoming Newsletters but the sailing will last for c.2½ hours and will cost £10.

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

Media Releases – The Latest News!

Give nature a home this autumn

The days may still be warm and sunny, but there is a slight chill to the morning air, while the nights are drawing in and blackberries are starting to ripen on the brambles – just a few subtle signs that autumn is on its way.

As the nights gradually become colder, birds and other wildlife will be seen preparing for the winter to come. Swifts have already left for Africa, although swallows and house martins linger a little longer, gathering in flocks before embarking on their long migration south. Yet their place will soon be taken by winter thrushes from the north, who will come to feast on the berries in our hedgerows.

While for us, autumn is a good time to prepare our gardens for the coming winter, and the RSPB is calling on the residents of Hampshire to consider the wildlife that may come to rely on our gardens for food and shelter over the coming months.

The nature conservation charity recently launched their new campaign, Giving Nature a Home, urging people to act for nature in their own gardens.

The campaign comes after 25 wildlife organisations, including the RSPB, released the groundbreaking State of Nature report, which revealed that 60 per cent of the wildlife species studied, including garden favourites like starlings, hedgehogs and some butterflies, has declined over recent decades. And they are in danger of further declines unless more is done to provide better habitats.

Samantha Stokes, from RSPB South East, said: “Although this is a time when gardeners traditionally start to clear up, if you want to help and encourage wildlife, you could adopt a more natural approach.

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“Leaving seed-heads, especially on plants such as teasels, thistles and sunflowers, and allowing vegetation to die back naturally, provides food and shelter for wildlife through the colder months.

“While deadheading buddleia will keep it flowering well into the autumn; although later flowers will be smaller than earlier ones they are particularly valuable as a food supply for bees and butterflies.

“Don’t panic, a wildlife-friendly garden doesn't have to be wild and overgrown, it can look attractive all year round. By growing a wide variety of plants you'll offer food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.”

Autumn is also an ideal time for planning and creating next year’s borders. While the size of your garden might limit what you can plant, it's possible to garden for wildlife on even the smallest balcony or terrace.

You can provide space for nature, no matter the size of your garden. Containers are great for growing plants in and can even be used to create a mini-pond. Although container grown plants can be planted at any time, autumn gives them plenty of time to establish before winter.

Creating a rich habitat of trees, shrubs and flowers is the key to providing wildlife with year-round food, think of it as the equivalent of a motorway service station: a place for creatures to stop over for food and a rest!

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Samantha added: “In a well planned wildlife garden you might spot blackcaps eating the red berries of honeysuckle in the autumn and common darter dragonflies feeding on the flies that come to feast on the over-ripe juices of the fruit.

“Or perhaps blackbirds as they gobble up berries through the winter or forage for insects under the shelter of a humid shrub bed all year round, accompanied by a hedgehog or toad that has also come to feed on the insects.”

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The Giving Nature a Home website will give everyone access to expert advice about helping nature in any outside space – whether it’s a huge garden or a small planting tub on a balcony – at rspb.org.uk/homes

Explore the changes through autumn with the RSPB

Children and their parents across Hampshire are being urged by the RSPB to get outdoors this autumn and explore the season’s nature in their neighbourhood.

The conservation charity is encouraging families to take part in its ‘Changes through autumn’ Wildsquare survey. Families are asked to look for and record fungi, leaves that have changed colour and the wildlife that you might come across at this time of year.

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The seasonal survey is one of several that the RSPB runs each year and can be done wherever there is nature - in a garden, park, woodland or playground, or even whilst out on a walk with the family.

Samantha Stokes, from RSPB South East, said: “Getting children inspired by nature at an early age is really important if we want them to care about the environment and conservation in the future.

“A Wildsquare survey is a great way for young people to get close to the nature around them, in their gardens, local park or nature reserve; and our town and city centres have a wealth of wildlife that might surprise people too.

“For this autumn-themed survey we want children to tell us things like what kind of fungi they can find and also what creatures they have found hiding underneath rocks, stones or logs.”

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Taking part is simple. All parents need to do is register at rspb.org.uk/wildsquare and download the survey form. Once the children have done the survey, which takes between 30 minutes to an hour, their results can be entered through the website.

Miss Stokes added: “Without the opportunity and encouragement to get outdoors and connect with nature, children are missing out on so many benefits that previous generations have enjoyed, and it’s putting the future of our wildlife and natural environment at risk.”

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Evidence shows that the proportion of children playing out in natural spaces has dropped by as much as 75 per cent over the last thirty to forty years. This is despite the proven positive effects that contact with the natural world has on children’s physical and mental health, personal and social development, and even academic achievements and life chances.

If the decline in connection continues the consequences for wildlife and people could be catastrophic, as children who don’t value and respect nature when they’re young are less likely to see the importance of protecting the natural environment when they are older.

The Changes through autumn Wildsquare survey runs until 31 October 2013.

Farming for turtle doves in Hampshire

Turtle doves are summer visitors to the UK, once a common sight across farmland; they have since faced a sharp decline in numbers. The most recent figures show that the population in the south east has fallen by 86 per cent since 1994.

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Easily distinguished from species such as collared dove or wood pigeon by their diminutive size, striking chestnut and black mottled colouring on the wings and black and white ‘bar-code’ like patch on the neck, turtle doves are however, more often heard than seen. Their distinctive, gentle, purring song has long been a characteristic sound of summer.

The species no longer breeds in Wales and there are fears it could soon disappear as a breeding bird in England too, with only a few strongholds remaining in south east England and East Anglia.

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Hayley New, RSPB Agricultural Projects Officer for the south east said: “Turtle dove numbers are reaching drastically low levels; the prospect of losing this beautiful bird from our shores is becoming increasingly real.

"They were once widespread but have suffered a massive decline in the south east in the last few decades alone. A reduction in breeding attempts from up to four per year to just one has had a huge impact on the population numbers.”

In response to the turtle dove’s plight, conservationists embarked on an urgent mission to save one of the UK’s most threatened birds from extinction. Operation Turtle Dove was launched in May 2012 by the RSPB, leading sustainable farming specialists Conservation Grade and Pensthorpe Conservation Trust in Norfolk with support from Natural England; it is a three-year project to reverse the decline of one of England’s best-loved farmland birds.

The cause of the population crash is not fully understood and research is ongoing into factors affecting the species during their time spent outside the UK. When they arrive in the UK to breed each spring however, they depend on small seeds from wild plants to get into breeding condition and changes in farming practices mean these plants are now scarce in our countryside.

In order to combat and research against the loss of the turtle dove, conservationists embarked on an urgent mission to save the UK’s most threatened farmland bird from extinction. Operation Turtle Dove was launched in May 2012 by the RSPB, Conservation Grade, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust and Natural England.

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To help reverse the fortunes of the turtle dove, the RSPB is calling on landowners in Hampshire to consider establishing pollen and nectar mixes targeted to turtle doves as part of their Environmental Stewardship agreements, or as a voluntary option.

Hayley added: “There are a number of options available to farmers; they can choose to sow the turtle dove seed mix which provides optimal foraging habitat or to cultivate uncropped margins that allow the arable weeds in the natural seed bed to flourish. Now is the perfect time to act and it would be great for farmers looking to help these special birds to get in touch for more advice on how to make these options work for them.

“The options will also benefit a range of other wildlife, including pollinating insects such as bumblebees and butterflies which could also do with a helping hand in spring and summer.

“We are really proud of our wildlife friendly farmers in Hampshire who are already doing fantastic work for wildlife and the environment through agri- environment schemes as well as voluntarily. Farming in this way can make a real difference to the turtle dove and is necessary for its survival in England.”

Landowners in Hampshire who are signed up to Environmental Stewardship schemes, play a vital role in supporting key species and habitats, as well as making the countryside attractive and accessible for the public.

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The general public have also played their part this summer with record numbers of calls to the Operation Turtle Dove sightings hotline (01603 697527). These calls are vital in making sure that advice is targeted to the right areas.

For further advice on helping the turtle dove, please call Hayley New on 01273 763616 or email [email protected]

Wind turbine planned for Sandy headquarters

The RSPB has teamed up with green energy company Ecotricity and submitted a planning application for a wind turbine to be erected at their headquarters in Bedfordshire.

If the plans are approved then the wind turbine will be erected at The Lodge nature reserve near Sandy, at the earliest, in autumn 2014 and will measure 100m at its highest point. The turbine is predicted to produce the equivalent of two thirds of the RSPB’s total UK electricity needs.

The Lodge (Photo: Bogbumper).

The charity believes that renewable energy is an essential tool in the fight against climate change, which they say poses the single biggest threat to the long-term survival of birds and wildlife. They are committed to reducing their carbon footprint by generating energy from renewable sources wherever possible. The

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RSPB has been undertaking environmental assessments and are confident that the wind turbine will have no major impacts on populations of birds, bats and other plants and animals.

Martin Harper, Conservation Director of the RSPB, said: We care deeply about wildlife, not just today but for the generations to come. So we cannot stand by as climate change threatens some of our most precious species. A wind turbine at our UK headquarters is the single biggest step we can take to reduce our carbon emissions. We know that wind turbines in the wrong place can damage wildlife, and we have objected to proposals up and down the country which we believe would harm species. However all the evidence shows that when they are sited carefully wind turbines can produce clean, green energy without harming birds and other species.

We have put environmental assessments at the forefront of this project, making sure that there are no significant impacts to wildlife in the area. We hope that by building a wind turbine at our UK headquarters, we will demonstrate to others that with a thorough environmental assessment, the correct planning and location, renewable energy options like this one in Sandy and a healthy, thriving environment can go hand in hand.

Dale Vince, Founder of Ecotricity, said: This is a significant project for Ecotricity and the RSPB and we are very happy to have reached the stage where, after completing extensive assessments, we have submitted a full application. The proposed windmill at The Lodge would help to substantially reduce the RSPB’s carbon emissions as well as their energy costs, while remaining a good neighbour to wildlife, local residents and visitors to the area.

What’s Happening?

A few of the forthcoming local events that will hopefully help keep you entertained as the days now grow ever shorter:

Basingstoke Field Society [email protected]

Insects And Orchids Of North Hampshire Also noted under the HIWWT listings

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Jonathan Oakley October 9th: a joint meeting with the HIWWT in the Hook Room, United Reformed Church, London Street, Basingstoke; commencing at 8pm. £3 entrance fee.

For further details of the Society and their activities please contact the following: Patricia & Colin Stubbs on 01256 323324; Diane Rampton on 01256 467533 or Nicola Williams on 01256 353194.

Hampshire Organic Gardening Group http://hampshire-organic-gardening.org/

Farm Walk At Northdown Orchard

September 21st: 12.00 - 4.00pm, farm walk, potato harvesting, pizzas and baked potatoes in wood fired oven.

See www.northdownorchard.co.uk for further information.

For further details of the Group and its’ activities etc. please contact the following: Karen Hostford, Chair, [email protected]; Jane Huxford, Vice Chair and Programme Sec, [email protected]; Gillian Brown, Secretary, [email protected]; Lee Rolfe, Publicity, [email protected] and Jemma Wheeler, Membership Secretary, [email protected]

Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Wildlife Trust http://www.hwt.org.uk/

Farm Tour at Trinley Estate, Andover to see Farming for Wildlife

Andrew Hughes will take us on a tractor and trailer tour of the Trinley Estate to show us how farming and wildlife can go together. The tour will take 2hrs. Park and meet in the farmyard, Postcode SP11 6AH, off Finkley Road (the Portway Roman road) which runs from NE Andover to St Mary Bourne. (Map ref. SU396 488). Advance booking essential. For further details and to book your place please

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contact Theo Jarman on 01794 514825 or email [email protected] You are welcome to bring picnic lunch and take a woodland walk afterwards. Please wear sensible clothing with stout footwear. Suggested donation £1.50. Sorry no dogs.

Date 21 September 2013

Time 10.30am

An Autumn Walk in Pamber Forest

A gentle stroll around the forest looking at wildlife to be found at this time of the year. Meet at Honeymill Brook Entrance (Map ref. SU 609 604). For further details and to book your place, please contact Dave Jewsbury on 07836 493677 or e-mail [email protected]. Pre-booking is essential. Suggested donation £2. Sorry, no dogs.

Date 29 September 2013

Time 10am

Insects and Orchids of the North Hampshire Reserves

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Illustrated talk by local entomologist and Trust photographer, Jonathan Oakley. There will be a short Basingstoke District Group Annual General Meeting prior to the talk at 7pm. To be held at Hook Room, London Street United Reform Church, Basingstoke. RG21 7NU (Map ref. SU 639 518). For further details please contact Lydia Knight on 01256 334316. Parking available in nearby public car parks. Refreshments available. Admission £3.

Date 09 October 2013

Time AGM 7pm Talk 8pm

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/

Fungus Foray

October 13th. National Fungus Day!

Commencing at 2pm from the Overton Community Centre.

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For further details of both this and the Society please contact the following: O.B.S.Chair Ken Mackenzie - 01256 771121 - [email protected]; O.B.S. Secretary Jane MacKenzie - 01256 771121 - secretary@overton- biodiversity.org or Membership Secretary Margaret Rainford - 01256 770827 - [email protected]

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

Over The Hill, On Beacon Hill

A Hampshire Ornithological Society walk led by one of our own, this walk being repeated last Sunday and so a summary of that hopefully appearing in the October Newsletter.

It was a well-seasoned group assembled to scale Beacon Hill, that morning. There might not have been snow on the peak of the hill but there was evidence of it on several of our crowns below. Obviously, the life of a birdwatcher hardens us and gives us reserves of strength and stamina. It takes years to develop the mature fortitude needed to carry one's body (and, in my case, at least, that is not a light load) and equipment up such a slope just to look at a few birds.

Obviously, though, this party had what it took, didn't flinch from the task and climbed towards the bright sunshine through the scrub which bristles about the bottom of the trail. From that scrub came voices of spring. Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap and some sightings through twigs. A difficult place to set-up a telescope, though.

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Stomping sweatily uphill, eyes down, to pick out the easiest and safest route, allowed one to notice the occasional patch of Violets, Cowslips, Primroses etc. Of course, one had to stop and admire these things (until the panting eased a little) every now and then.

There is, of course, a much easier route to the top of the hill but there is no public access from that direction so most people are forced to use the most difficult approach, from the east.

On the steep pasture visible to the right, a small party of Jackdaws and a couple of rooks dug at the turf and, cruising effortlessly above them, the first of several Red Kites we were to see during this exploration. We could see them ahead and up, over the ramparts of the Iron Age hill fort which tops Beacon Hill; sharing air-space with Buzzards; probably half a dozen of each. With a slight feeling of unease (why were these carrion-eaters hanging around above us?) we pressed on. Another (welcome) pause was due to the appearance of three Wheatears on the short turf just beyond the scrub, where the steepness of the climb begins to become a little less challenging.

From the earth embankments of the fort (how extraordinary to think that people had been motivated to dig this structure, using little more than antler picks and wooden shovels) we could turn and look over the valley, now occupied by the A34, to the “sister” hill fort crowning Ladle Hill, right next to Watership Down.

Looking east, towards Ladle Hill

At the first of the earthworks, we turned right to skirt the open, rough grass of the central area, where the trig point and a fire basket have been placed. On this occasion, we saw little on this part of the route but began to lose the noise of traffic on the A34 and gained splendid views of the turrets, towers and spiky bits of Highclere Castle (or “Downton Abbey”, as many may recognise it, these days) to the north. We continued moving to the west side,

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though, where the slopes are partly covered with Juniper and Hawthorn; in places merging into small areas of deciduous woodland, dominated by Oak, Ash and Yew with patches of turf, corrugated with hillside sheep trails. The thorns of Bramble, Wild Rose, Blackthorn and Hawthorn are, in places festooned with fluttering tufts of fine wool, snagged from the fleeces of passing sheep. There are scrubby patches which look as though covered in the seed-heads of Wild Clematis, until closer inspection makes one wonder if any wool was left to shear from the flock. There were no sheep on the hill during our visit but it was evident, underfoot, that they had, only recently been removed (and I bet they took the easy route). It was also interesting to find old bones of at least two sheep on the down.

A Kestrel hunted from banks, bushes or from the hover, sometimes settling in the rough grass as we walked along the earthworks of the fort and seemed reluctant to move far. It just shifted a little way then waited until we were inside its comfort zone before shifting again.

The grass of the earthworks and embankments of the Iron Age fort are lightly grazed and the steep slopes are little worn by the feet of human visitors, so it grows shaggy; enough to provide cover and food for voles; just the thing for a hungry Windhover. Short-eared Owls visit for the same reason, in winter. Plenty of grasshoppers and beetles, in summer, add variety to the diet of Kestrels and other birds here.

Kestrel over the earthworks Wheatear at the top of the slope

We descended to the foot of the slope and were immediately rewarded with sightings of mammals. A Roebuck crossed a harrowed field but turned back when it spotted us. Shortly afterwards, three Fallow Deer crossed the same field and made for thick cover around the curve of the hill. We also saw several Brown Hares and, of course, Rabbits amongst the abundant Molehills. On the other side of the valley new foals kept close to their thoroughbred mums in the fields of the stud farm.

The first of several Whitethroats was spotted foraging in rough grass at the field edge. None of these, apparently, freshly-arrived migrants was heard to sing; I presume re-fuelling and replenishing reserves was a more important activity. The Blackcaps were, however, not

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silent and their rich warbles were heard in several locations, helping us to find and see the birds. Chiffchaffs were also seen but the whistles of Bullfinches were more difficult to track down. When found, the birds spent most of their time deep in a mesh of twigs, munching buds but clear views were obtained by most eventually. Greenfinches, Linnets and Goldfinches were easier to see and hear but the most common and obvious bird was the Chaffinch. Several of these were shouting their chanted glissandos from trees along the slope.

Under bushes Dunnocks were going about their complicated sex-lives and occasional Wrens sang from lower branches.

Perhaps the most prominent birds, though, were Yellowhammers. These were singing and showing sunnily from bushes and fence-line everywhere around the edges of the wooded slope. We were disappointed, though that we failed to find any Ring Ouzels during this visit. This is a regular stop-off point for them. Perhaps they are attracted by the Juniper bushes; typical plants of their wintering areas abroad.

Twice, we disturbed pairs of Red-legged Partridges; they ran then flew and, in one case, the elevated take-off position enabled the bird to make an extended glide from the down to the far side of the adjacent arable field, without a flap, except on take-off. Well over 100 metres. Not quite the soaring ability of the Red Kites and Buzzards constantly visible above the down but impressive for a member of the Phasianidae. The sparring Cock Pheasants in the fields below remained earth-bound. The warmth of the sunshine and the southerly aspect began to bring out butterflies and we recorded Peacock, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and, most frequently; bright Brimstone butterflies.

Looking high over the down, we found several small parties of Swallows passing northward, occasionally pausing to feed as they flew. There was a brief demonstration of superlative aerial skills by a pair of Ravens; diving and tumbling and even turning onto their backs as they played in the sky.

Beacon Hill; looking north, towards the trig point. Juniper scrub, on the left.

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A gradual ascent of the down, from the southern “tail” began and another bright, smart Wheatear showed well as it perched on a water trough, put there for the sheep. No doubt the larger raptors drink there, too. Indeed, a Buzzard rose from the turf not far from the trough. There may have been another reason for its presence, though. A week earlier, I had tested the route and found a fresh Buzzard carcase on its back in this area on the open downland. It was still there, looking undisturbed and, apart from sunken eyes, still fresh. The recent cool weather had helped preserve it but I was surprised that nothing had scavenged the bird. The Red Kites must certainly have known it was there and normally have no compunction about eating bird. Do Buzzards avoid eating their own kind? Was the Buzzard I'd seen near the water trough the mate of the dead one? Could it have been “guarding” it, or is that too fanciful?

The body was on its back; talons exposed. This is normally a defensive position for birds of prey. Were the kites put off by that? A puzzle.

The cause of death was not obvious. Apart from a little blood on one side of the beak, there was no sign of injury, to a casual examination. The feathers were in good condition and the breast-muscle firm and full; signs that the bird was in good condition until shortly before death. Illness or injury which prevented it from hunting would have been likely to make it lose condition and sick birds usually hide away to die in cover. I suppose poison is a possibility. Another concern is that there was ample evidence of empty cartridge cases and shattered discs to show that someone regularly shoots clay pigeons from the down. I hope no-one tried targeting a live bird. The blood on the beak might suggest a shotgun injury.

Buzzard, photographed several days before Red Kite: evidence of a pot-shot?

We moved further uphill, pausing to look at a distant Roe Deer, on the far side of the A34, which seemed to have a lame hind leg. Had it been hit by a car?

Ahead of us, a pair of Skylarks scurried along a sheep track in the turf and allowed us to make a close approach to see them well. A pair of Meadow Pipits joined them, for a while.

The viewing conditions from this high point were so good that we found we were able to discern the scenic chimneys of the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment and even

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watch the vanes turning on the familiar landmark wind-turbine on the outskirts of Reading. Incidentally, we could probably also have peered into Andrew Lloyd-Webber's back garden, if we were so-inclined.

After admiring the panoramic views we began our descent of the steep slope to the car park. This time, we followed a parallel path to the one used for our initial climb, which took us through invading Hawthorn and Blackthorn bushes. Voices of birds came from them but it was difficult to see the Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps or Yellowhammer responsible. Eventually, we reached a clearing which gave us the opportunity to look up-slope and up into the branches of a mature Ash tree in which a “pair” of Blackcaps turned out to be two males, presumably still associating and re-fuelling after migrating together; they wouldn't normally tolerate each other's company in breeding habitat. A Chiffchaff chanted from the same tree and a Willow Warbler's warble helped us to distinguish it.

Chiffchaff Meadow Pipit

We found our way back to the car park, feeling, I think, that, whatever the birding had been like, we had achieved something worthwhile.

Yellowhammer Whitethroat Chaffinch

Doug. Kelson

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September’s Outdoor Meeting

Thorney Island: 22nd.

 For this outing please meet on Thorney Road, south of the sewage works (PO10 8DB), for a 10.00am start (SU 756 049; OS Landranger Map 197); this minor road running south from the A259 in Hermitage .

 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 52 miles between Basingstoke and the sewage works, the AA site 54.1; a travelling time of 59 and 62 minutes being quoted by these sites. These routes are via the M3 and M27, shorter routes being available across country but taking longer; if you’d like details of the latter please contact the Group Leader at least a day in advance of the walk. 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 area to be visited this month is the promontory that juts out in to Chichester Harbour, Thorney Island, separated from the mainland by the Great Deep. Much of the ‘island’ is now controlled by the Royal Artillery but the outskirts are readily accessible and we’ll be using these to look out over the Emsworth Channel towards Hayling Island, Chichester Harbour itself and, perhaps if we walk that far, the Thorney Channel towards Cobnor and Chidham Points.

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It’s always good to feel welcomed! Don’t be put off by this; walkers are welcome here – as long as they stay on the paths!

The walk will have us almost continuously looking over tidal stretches of water where waders moving to feed or roost will be obvious, these being joined by the now taken-for- granted Little Egret, perhaps Grey Heron and large and mobile numbers of gulls, hopefully the latter to include Mediterranean. The vegetated edges will need careful watching for Water Rail, particularly those that flank the Little and Great Deeps, and reed-type warblers yet to move back further south, Cetti’s Warbler and passage Bearded Tit also being possible here. The more open areas of water ‘inland’ will hold wildfowl, rails and see gulls moving to and from as they roost and bathe while the fields in-between attract waders such as Curlew and Lapwing, Whimbrel and Golden Plover already a possibility as many are already on the move.

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Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Mike. Duffy One of the most colourful of the waders the Group‘s likely to see during the meeting

Hedgerows and scrub both near the start of the walk and then bordering the Sussex Border Path and military installation encourage both resident and migratory passerines in, Wryneck perhaps one of the most sought after of the latter and a distinct possibility at this time of year. However, chats and starts, warblers and crests are far more likely, though anything could be found at this time of year!

The wide range of birds, resident and migratory, captured by this peninsula encourage raptors in to linger, Peregrine perhaps the most spectacular, especially as it flushes everything else around! A careful scan of the sky and fence posts may be rewarded with one or more of these but explosions of wildfowl etc. might not be due to these, Osprey regularly lingering about the adjacent harbours during the autumn and coming in to the waters on the island to hunt.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Doug. Kelson This one seen during the August Outdoor Meeting to the Avalon Marshes

It would be expected that careful searching of the habitats we’re to encounter will provide a good days’ birding with a wide range of species that could include a few unexpected migrant visitors.

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 Please be aware that there are few facilities available during the walk, though these are readily available on returning to Hermitage and other adjacent villages along the A259. As we’re now in to the autumn, as the recent weather has very definitely shown, please do take account of this, our walk often to be in exposed areas along the ‘shore’ of the island.

 The walk will take us through to early afternoon when a break can be taken and a further walk undertaken if wished, this with those visiting from the Hampshire Ornithological Society.

More updated information on the site, the wildlife present and places to visit on the journey home, such as the Hayling Island, Farlington Marshes, Butser Hill, Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Heath Pond, Petersfield 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.

October’s Outdoor Meeting

Combe Gibbet: 20th.

 For this outing please meet in the car park off the minor road between Combe Gibbet and Walbury Hill for a 10:00am start (SU 370 620 OS Landranger map 174). This can be accessed by minor roads from Combe, Upper Green / Inkpen and East Woodhay.

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 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 23.64 miles between Basingstoke and Combe, the AA site 32.9; a travelling time of 48 and 64 minutes being quoted by these sites; Combe being south of the car park by just a few minutes. These routes are via main roads (AA) and more minor roads (RAC), other shorter routes being available across country but possibly taking longer; if you’d like details of the latter please contact the Group Leader at least a day in advance of the walk. 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 and how to get there.

 This Outdoor Meeting will take the Group along and down the sides of some of the highest hills in the south Berkshire / north Hampshire area, allowing outstanding views over at least four counties and therefore the opportunity to pick up on many of the birds that frequent this air space towards the latter part of the autumn.

Looking north from the gibbet

As would be expected both Buzzard and Red Kite will be seen, possibly in good numbers as they move in to the area prior to roosting, and with them Raven are more than expected, gatherings of these, an ‘unkindness’ or ‘conspiracy’, may entertain as they perform acrobatically over the downs. The late autumn period still holds surprises and Hen Harrier or Merlin may appear, both likely to be low over the fields below our vantage points.

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The fields flanking the downs attract in large numbers of finches, smaller groups of larks and thrushes, the latter to possibly include Ring Ouzel at this time of year, game birds with Grey Partridge to be found among the greater numbers of Red-legs., an occasional wader or two and those birds moving out of the woodland and hedgerows to feed, perhaps further thrushes, chats and starts, flycatchers and woodpeckers. A late Wheatear may be among the tussocks and wind-shaped Hawthorn.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Mike. Duffy Perhaps looking up at a passing raptor!

The down-hugging woodland and scrub are a focus for many species, providing both food and shelter at a time of year when the weather may do them no favours. Willow Tit might be found among the more expected species in foraging parties, sites not far from here holding good numbers still, while woodpeckers, Treecreeper and Nuthatch may also be among the latter parties. The more sheltered woods and roadside posts may still hold migrants such as Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whinchat and Tree Pipit, time and the prevailing weather will tell however. Finches, buntings, larks, pipits and wagtail may all use these areas to shelter before dropping down in to the fields to feed. Their increased numbers and more obvious gatherings as the autumn progress help to draw in further raptors, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk likely whereas both Rough-legged Buzzard and Goshawk have been recorded in this area previously but would only likely to be added to the ‘list’ with the greatest of luck and diligent watching.

Also overhead may be parties of gull already heading to roost, their shadows perhaps falling over hundreds of Pheasant feeding in the valleys below.

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 Please be aware that there are no facilities available during the walk, though these are available on returning to adjacent villages. Our walk will often be in exposed areas along the top of the hills where weather may be most felt so please do come prepared for this.

Looking towards the gibbet from the car park

 The walk will take us through to early afternoon when a break can be taken and a further walk undertaken if wished, this with, as for the previous month, those visiting from the Hampshire Ornithological Society.

More updated information on the site, the wildlife present and places to visit on the journey home, such as the Freeman’s and Hungerford Marshes, Inkpen Common, Lower Farm GP, the Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre and Greenham and Croookham Commons 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.

Local Wildlife News

The following ‘highlights’ reports received over the later summer and early autumn period. 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,

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especially as we head in to the autumn with all the associated movements of birds, both in to and out of the local area.

Bittern – one reported in late July, near Thatcham, was an exceptional summer record. Clifden Nonpareil – a specimen of this extravagant moth was found in a Winklebury Garden, almost being missed as the far commoner Red Underwing, until it opened its’ wings! Within a week of this find further individuals were found in both Overton and Mortimer West End, constituting the 2nd to 4th records for the Borough.

Clifden Nonpareil Catocala fraxini Winklebury, Basingstoke, Hampshire Mike. Wall http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/index.htm A somewhat numinous moth that appears to becoming more frequent in its’ sallies in to moth traps within the county – now being generally referred to as Blue Underwing

Clouded Yellow – an influx over the summer meant that many of these were seen locally, individuals still being present in to early September.

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Clouded Yellow Colias croceus Mike. Duffy An all too rare view of one of these migrants settled

Eel – one seen in The Test, Overton was an unexpected find for a commuter on heading home.

European Eel Anguilla anguilla Adam Trickett

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House Martin – these were still present, as were Swallow, locally in to September – let us know when you see your last this year. Painted Lady – although these also appeared in numbers reports were less frequent that Clouded Yellow, they not being quite so gaudy and therefore obvious! Peregrine – at least one was still about the Town Centre, where a nest box has now been placed for future use. Please do keep us up-to-date with any future sightings as it’s hoped that they will once again attempt nesting in the town and this time be more successful. Red-rumped Swallow – by far the rarest of local sightings recently was of this, with other hirundines, in Sherfield-on-Loddon during the evening of 28th August. An exceptional find of what remains a very rare visitor to the county and one that most have yet to encounter there. Swift – did you see any in August? Wryneck – one appeared at The Millfield LNR on 11th and was still present to at least 15th, remaining generally elusive but occasionally showing for some time. Albeit still a very rare visitor to the Borough this bird continues a run of records at this site over the past handful of years, all down to the continued watching by one individual!

Wryneck Jynx torquilla The Millfield LNR, Old Basing Barry Stalker http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/Basingstokebirding/ Always an outstanding bird to find, especially locally, but James has now found a handful on his ‘patch’, this just showing that effort put in, even locally, can result in some tremendous discoveries

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“Hello, Peter.

I've just realised; it must be residual radioactivity around Greenham Common that's affecting the wildlife. With that in mind, it becomes obvious that the Yaffle in this image has evolved the ability to drill into concrete to get at equally changed Wireworms, one of which can be seen emerging from one of the holes it has made just above and around the corner from the woodpecker.”

Doug.

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 towards the end of the year and in to yet another. 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! 

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Quiz ‘Page’

With the 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness' under way see if you can answer these far-from-demanding brain teasers, some being related to a trip that will be run early next year, to south Devon.

The questions:

1. What (or who) are Beauty of Bath and Fairest Supreme? 2. And what (or who) are the Cap-of-Liberty, and Porters Perfection? 3. And what do these three aristocrats have in common — Lord Grosvenor, Lord Derby and Lord Suffield? 4. What was once called 'The Fern Garden of England'? 5. Who (or what) is the Rev W Wilks? 6. How did we get the term 'molly coddled'? 7. What is maidenhair spleenwort? 8. Name the 'winter thrushes'. 9. This songbird on the endangered list has made a comeback in South Devon. 10. What are King Arthur's Cakes? 11. What are Grisette and Morel? 12. What tiny creatures will be sailing away on the winds of chance, often on incredibly long journeys? 13. What is the real name of the 'autumn crocus'? 14. On autumn nights what creature delivers its 'ee-yick' two-note cry? 15. These little mammals were nicknamed 'Shadow Tails'. Name them. 16. What are 'bullens'? 17. What's a 'wood blewit'? 18. Which English hills does Elgar's Concerto recreate in music? 19. What is a 'coneyhawk'? 20. Name the comical Devonshire God of farmhouse cider. 21. Where would you find Foxes' Whelps? 22. What deciduous tree offers food and board to more than 300 species of invertebrates? 23. What is a 'scarecold'? 24. This is Dartmoor's most common fern.

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25. Britain's smallest rodent? And from May!

How much do you know about migrant birds?

Why do birds migrate?

To soak up some sun To find food To look for a mate

What is the main cue that nature gives birds to migrate?

Change in weather Dwindling food supplies Change in daylight hours

Predators are a serious threat – which of these is known to be a danger to night flying migrant songbirds?

The Eleonora's Falcon The Greater Noctule bat The Eagle Owl

Where is the swallow that nested in your garden likely to spend its winter?

South Africa South America The Mediterranean

How far can a migrating swallow fly in a day?

93 miles (150 km) 186 miles (300 km) 248 miles (400 km)

Redwings arrive in the UK from September. Where do they breed?

Northern Scotland Iceland Scandinavia All three

What prompts fieldfares to migrate from their breeding grounds?

The size of the rowan berry crop Freezing cold weather Shortening hours of daylight

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Swifts make a migratory journey of around 22,000 kilometers (14,000 miles) every year. What helps them to do this?

They hitch a lift on passing light aircraft They have a special high-energy diet They sleep with half their brain at a time

How often does a typical Arctic Tern land?

Once every month Twice per year Once every one to three years Once in a lifetime

What is a Sooty Tern's wingspan?

1 cm 40-50 cm. 72-84 cm. 82-94 cm.

How is a migratory bird classified?

A bird which travels long distances across the globe One which makes regular seasonal trips to set Geographic locations A bird that is caught halfway between life and death, such that its very essence quivers tenuously in and out of recognition One that runs away when you meet it, so you have to chase it around the world map to catch it

Any migratory bird that wants to survive in Northern Africa and Europe must know of a certain bat which uses echolocation above their hearing range to catch and devour them in the air. Name it.

Greater Noctule Bat Terrem Spotted Bat Coronado Weymouth Cinnamon Myotis

How do most terns nest?

In large, concentrated colonies Terns never nest. They carry their nests around in their feet as they fly. In isolated perches away from dangers

Eleonora's Falcon, a predator of migratory birds, migrates itself through which causeway?

Over Africa's mainland Across the coast of Africa Over the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea

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Across the Red Sea and into the Southern Indian Ocean

What is "partial migration?"

When a population is entirely dispersed during its migration and does not reach the target location together It is what happens when a bird is shot from a cannon, but not all of it comes out the barrel. When not all populations of a species are migratory The process by which populations migrate in smaller sub-groups to avoid particular dangers devastating their entirety.

What is it called when migrating birds avoid areas already inhabited by sedentary (non- migratory) populations?

Flock Segregation Intermittent Migration Stalwart Migration Leap-Frog Migration

What is the typical reason for migration?

Food Weather Breeding Any of the above

Which of these is not a migratory bird?

Penguin Flamingo Bar-Headed Goose Arctic Tern

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