“The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way”.
Cambridge Local Group Newsletter
Issue No: 105 September 2013
Contents Page 2 Editor’s notes Brenda Smith 2 Group Leader’s Notes Melvyn Smith
Field Trip Reports 3 Dawn chorus Brenda & Melvyn 4 Nene Washes Brenda & Melvyn 5 Lakenheath Fen Rachel Lowry 6 Hickling Broad Brenda & Melvyn 8 Yorkshire weekend Brenda & Melvyn 13 Great Ryburgh and Cley Marshes Brenda & Melvyn 14 Alde Estuary and Minsmere Brenda & Melvyn
16 Garden Warbler 17 In Praise of Predators Colin Kirtland 18 Interview with Ian Barthorpe Lyn Guy
News from Local Reserves 20 Fen Drayton Alison Nimmo 21 Lakenheath Fen Katherine Puttick 23 Ouse Fen Chris Hudson 24 Fowlmere Doug Radford 26 Ouse Washes Mike Burdekin
Events 27 Field Trips Andrew Camps 27 Group Indoor meetings 28 Cambridgeshire Bird Club indoor meetings The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
Cambridge Local Group Newsletter No 105 September 2013
Editor’s Notes
Spring was very slow at starting with winter reluctant to let go of its grip, and with the final arrival of the nice weather it made everything late. Migrants were late arriving and even our birds were slow to start breeding. But once the good weather arrived it started to get off the ground very quickly. By July butterflies were everywhere with lots of peacocks and small tortoiseshell, large and small whites, much to Mel’s dismay as they found our cabbage plants irresistible. There were a few painted ladies, red admiral later in the summer and several clouded yellows have been seen. We saw them at Ouse’s washes and Fen Drayton Lakes. The RSPB have a campaign to encourage everyone to provide nature a home, which is what Melvyn and I have done. We have been feeding a hedgehog in our garden so we bought it a home and it has moved in. I have seen it on a few occasions when I have been out in the dark to put the food out for it and on one occasion it was in the home. As well as our field trip reports we have some information on the garden warbler, an interview with Ian Barthorpe and an interesting article in praise of predators. The views held in any article in this newsletter are the authors own views and not necessary those of the RSPB. I look forward to receiving more articles from you the members on any subject that you feel may be of interest to the rest of us. The deadline for the January newsletter is December 31st 2013.
Brenda
Group Leader’s Notes – September 2013
Welcome back to our autumn/winter season of Indoor Meetings, Fieldtrips and other Events. During the summer, and what a summer, the RSPB up-dated its image with a new logo, launched television advertising campaign (which will be repeated in October), and on the back of the “State of Nature” report, emphasized the need for increased support to mitigate against the appalling declines in most species of wildlife over recent years and decades. In order to “step-up” to the challenges espoused by the RSPB and, reflected in the “State of Nature” report, we need more help on our committee or additional support when we organize events. Therefore, I would ask that you seriously consider getting involved; nature and our environment need all the help we can give! Now, I’ll jump off my soapbox and point to some superb speakers for the lead up to Christmas and further Field Trips, details of which are included elsewhere in this Newsletter.
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Thanks go to Sandra and Andrew, respectively. Hazel has arranged for ‘Sales Goods’ to be available and remember to place your orders for Christmas. Also, make a note of our Christmas Social which will be held on the 11th December. Looking forward to your continuing support.
Melvyn
Field Trip Reports
Fen Drayton RSPB reserve - Dawn Chorus 4 May
No floods to restrict us this year and a good turn-out of fourteen gathered at 5.00 am for this annual group event; some no doubt lured by the thought of bacon and egg butties but, only after a walk around this extensive and varied nature reserve! Our prime aim, of course; to re- acquaint ourselves with the songs of the spring migrants. Virtually the first call was that of the cuckoo; “Shall I call thee bird or just a wandering voice” - Wordsworth. These birds do wander, spending the winter in Africa, but it is only recently that this fact was known; our ancestors thought the cuckoo changed into a sparrowhawk in the winter, which is understandable, as both birds are grey and barred; as with many of “our” wild birds, worryingly reducing in numbers. Perhaps it was the overcast windy day or the ‘spread-out' nature of this reserve but, we were not immediately assaulted by a cacophony of bird song that we have experienced at, for example, Fowlmere. This proved beneficial in that we were readily able to identify individual songs. Whitethroats appeared plentiful; there were several singing. Their song is interesting rather than attractive, it is a variable, hurried, scratchy, jolting rhythm, in short sections. One bird flew up several feet, singing, the song becoming more excitable as it ‘parachuted back down into the bushes. Lesser whitethroat have been seen and heard on the reserve but are not as plentiful and, none were noted this morning. Our next birding conundrum was to identify the songs of blackcap compared with garden warbler. The latter bird was the first of these two to be encountered; the song a steady rhythm of a liquid quality with an even tempo and warbling sound. It is a nondescript bird, your ubiquitous “little brown job” or “LBJ”, and its very lack of features are in itself a feature! Normally, the bird is quite secretive, lurking low in the bushes. However, there are always exceptions and one bird we later encountered, sang heartily from the top of a large willow tree! Blackcaps are easy birds to identify with their black caps, the female’s cap is reddish brown but, to an inexperienced ear, its song can be confused with the garden warbler’s. The
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blackcap has an almost nightingale quality, it starts hesitantly and then picks up confidence and will sing during the day when other birds are quiet. Around the back of Elney Lake and passing the reedbed on Springhill Lagoon, we heard the noisy, unmusical, chattering and churring, frequently changing pitch, of the reed warbler. Further on there was a song that was louder and stronger, a mixture of varied, fast chattering phrases, interspersed with sweeter-sounding notes and whistles: a sedge warbler. The descending notes of the willow warbler and the monotonous song of the chiffchaff were easier to identify, as well as blackbird, song thrush and tits. From Croucher Hide, avocet, lapwing and oystercatcher were spotted, nesting on the small islands. A pair of great crested grebe entertained briefly, with their synchronous, head shaking display. Near these grebes, we were thrilled to see two black-necked grebes in breeding plumage; lovely birds! There were three graylag geese families with at least twenty one goslings. The appointed “chefs de jour”, departed in advance of the rest of the group, in order to commence preparation of the breakfast. The idea was to allow sufficient time for the remainder of the group to be greeted with hot drinks and tasty breakfast baps! In the event, ominous clouds and spots of rain hastened the remainder to leave the hide soon after; surprising the cooks, who were still setting-up! Teas and coffees were soon available and the fairly short wait for bacon, tomato and egg rolls appeared to be well worthwhile! As we dined, whitethroat, garden warbler and the explosive song of Cetti’s warbler reminded us of the excellent “Dawn Chorus” we had just enjoyed.
Brenda and Melvyn
Nene Washes evening walk 22 May
The Nene Washes extend for 20 kilometres from the west side of Peterborough eastward to Ring’s End (A141 road nr.Guyhirn) and is of national and international importance for seven species of wintering wildfowl and holds some of the country’s highest densities of breeding waders that are associated with wet grassland and fenland habitats. The RSPB reserve covers over 700 acres of the low wash starting east of the B1040 and it is the only one with access via a rough track. This track is best in May with large concentrations of breeding waders, many of them nesting near the track and so it is advisable not to remain in one position for too long to prevent disturbance of the birds on their nests. During the winter months walking down the track causes lots of disturbance and it is recommended to view from the south barrier bank accessed via Eldernell. In the months from February through to June flood conditions dictate numbers of wildlife and passage waders. A good turn-out of seventeen met up with Charlie Kitchin, the warden for the Reserve. It was a fairly clear evening with a light wind as we started our walk but, as we progressed, it
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increased in strength, resulting in cold conditions warranting the wearing of gloves for those wise enough to bring them! When one member pointed-out that he had not brought his with him, another commented - ‘It’s summer, surely you would have brought your gloves?”’ Charlie explained that the flood in the washes this past winter was the highest seen by the locals in their lifetime. However, the water levels had receded in time for the waders to return to breed. For the last two years black-tailed godwits had not done very well but this year there were 42 pairs and the nesting season so far had been good with lots of pairs breeding and several with young. As we stood, we saw and heard a couple of snipe drumming; the distinctive drumming sound is produced by air vibrating through spread outer tail-feathers as the birds perform intermittent, short, steep dives during wide circling display flights - the sound is a throbbing, bleating ‘hühühühühühühühühühü...’ Out on the washes we had a good view of a male garganey; this neat duck has a broad white stripe on its head, which was showing nicely. When the bird flew, we could see the blue-grey forewing, a distinctive identification feature of this bird. As we made our way up the track we could see redshank and later black-tailed godwit with one or two chicks. At times the godwit would fly up giving alarm calls. As we neared them, Charlie had us moving on so as not to give too much disturbance. Once the godwits have chicks, several adults will get together to mob any predators that try to approach the young birds. Charlie mentioned that one management task had been the cutting down of willow trees to prevent crows nesting as these would otherwise predate the eggs and young of the nesting waders. After about mile and a half we came to a reedbed area bordered by a few small bushes and where we saw at least a couple of pairs of marsh harrier quartering. A bittern was heard “booming” and then later a corncrake was heard. The corncrake introduction project is still in progress with more to be released this year. A few previously released birds had returned from migration in Africa and one of the ringed birds turned up at the Ouse Fen project. Last year’s wet and cold weather was not good for breeding and as these birds live, on average, for just a year, few arrived back to breed in the current year. At the end of this year there will be a review of how the project is going and whether it is worth continuing. It was only when we turned in to the cold wind that we realised how far we had to walk back to the cars! However, once back, our appreciation was conveyed to Charlie for an enjoyable and informative evening.
Brenda and Melvyn
Lakenheath Fen Evening Trip Report, 12th June 2013
On a cloudy and breezy evening with the threat of rain showers passing through, a group of seven set off from the visitor centre to explore this 740 hectare reserve of restored fenland and remaining stands of fast-growing hybrid black poplars dating back to the heyday of the matchstick industry. We were soon rewarded with the first of many sightings of marsh harriers hunting low over the reserve, along with a kestrel. Corvids added their sounds to the wind whistling through the trees. As we reached New Fenviewpoint we watched in awe the acrobatic flights of a large number of swifts flying low over the open water and reedbeds, the
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result of the poor weather bringing the insects down low. A few house martins identified by their white rumps were among the flocks. Several marsh harriers were quartering low over the reedbeds and a male was seen to drop down into the reeds with prey which, we speculated, may have been a vole. A female rose up seconds later from the same patch of reeds. As we moved on, our eyes were drawn to the water violets, which are actually a lilac-pink colour, in full bloom, in the pools next to the path. On approaching Trial Wood, piles of hardcore were evidence of a new hide to be built overlooking the reedbeds to the left of the path. On passing Trial Wood, no sighting or sound of the golden oriole but as the wind eased for a while, the distinctive ‘ping’ of a bearded tit was heard from the reeds. Reed bunting, Cetti’s, reed and sedge warblers were all heard as we made our way to Joist Fen viewpoint. Here we were rewarded with at least four marsh harriers hunting and some of the group heard a fleeting boom from a bittern. At least one male cuckoo was heard several times during the walk suggesting the presence of a strain of female specialising in mimicking reed warbler eggs. Other strains or gentes of cuckoo parasitize other host species including dunnock, meadow pipit and pied wagtails and are genetically different. The eggs laid by these four cuckoo types are distinct and with the exception of the dunnock strain mimic the shade and colour of their respective host eggs. Dunnock eggs are not mimicked as dunnocks do not discriminate eggs that are different from their own. One theory for this is that the dunnock has not yet evolved defences against parasitism. For the other hosts, as the cuckoo evolves better mimicry, so they have to evolve the skills to detect the alien eggs. With the light fading and a light drizzle for just a few minutes, we headed back towards the centre following the public path next to the river Little Ouse. Here, two barn owls patrolled the wash lands to our left and on our right, several grasshopper warblers were heard reeling in the reeds; a super finale to an enchanting evening.
Rachel Lowry
NWT Hickling Broads 16 June
Hickling Broad is one of the largest expanses of open water in East Anglia and is thought to have been formed by peat and clay digging and is only 1.5m deep. It comprises of open water, islands fen, reedbed and marsh habitats. It was managed for shooting and in the winter up to a thousand waterfowl was shoot in a single day. In the past, large “garden” parties were held on one of the islands. Eleven group members met at the NWT car park in
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time to book in and wander along to the mooring of the electric boat for our trip across the broad. Our guide, Jimmy introduced himself and helped us to put on our lifejackets before boarding the boat. We were distracted as a swallowtail butterfly flew by. Unfortunately Jimmy did not see it and explained that he had not seen one this year; it had only been a few days since they were first seen. Once out on the water several marsh harriers were seen quartering over the reeds and reed bunting heard singing. In the middle of the water there was a small area of dead reeds with their small shoots showing above the surface, and this is where the graylag geese would graze at times. Some of the reed edges had fences, held in place by logs, which are the there to stop the graylag geese from getting into the reeds; this encourages re- growth of the reeds. We moored on a small island and made our way to Swim Coots hide to look out on a scrape area with waders and a family of shelduck. On the mud were two ruffs, both males that still exhibited their black exotic ruff and ear-tufts of breeding plumage. These ruffs can be black, orange or white and the marks and colours vary, and used on the breeding ground in spring for ritualised display on a lekking ground. As the males dance and display the females choose which one to mate with. The males with white ruffs are known as satellite males and hang around on the edge of the lek and mate with the females when they get a chance when the other, more dominant males, are distracted. A water deer wandered along the edge of the reeds on the other side of the scrape and we all had lovely views, with the reddish brown coat looking brilliant in the sun. Avocets were feeding in the water in front of the hide and another swallowtail butterfly flew by; this time everyone saw it. Every time we saw a swallowtail the butterfly would fly by and did not settle so, we were unable to take any decent photographs. The scrape area in front of the next hide, Rush Hills, was dry mud with just a couple of black-headed gulls nesting on it. Our last stop was on the far bank from the reserve and Jimmy unlocked a titling bridge and we climbed up the 60ft tree tower where we had fantastic view across the broads and to the sand dunes at Horsey and to the light house at Happisburgh. Through the heat haze, on the grazing marsh, we saw two cranes feeding. On the way back we navigated a couple of narrow channels through the reeds and here saw an occasional small brown bird flying across the gap (probably reed warblers but possibly bearded tits – we will never know!) and dragonflies. Jimmy, with his quiet, layed-back but informative approach, contributed to a very peaceful and restful morning on this lovely area of water. Excellent therapy from, a sometimes hectic, world! After disembarking, the group wandered back to the Visitor Centre, some interrupting their walk to take photographs of black-tailed skimmer dragonflies resting on the boardwalk. We
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all enjoyed our lunches in the picnic area before commencing our afternoon walk around the reserve. On the walk we stooped at Bittern hide where we were lucky to see a water rail feeding at the edge of the reeds. A startled mallard and her young shot out of the reeds and across the water shortly to be followed by a mink appearing at the edge of the reeds in front of the hide! We visited two other hides but both were unproductive for wildlife apart from the occasional warbler and a family of coot. Returning to the Visitor Centre some of the group enjoyed a Norfolk ice cream before we said our “goodbyes” and headed home after another very pleasant fieldtrip.
Brenda and Melvyn
Weekend in Yorkshire
Friday 28 July
Seven group members left Cambridge at 08.00, calling off first at RSPB Old Moor reserve, a 250-acre wetlands nature reserve near Barnsley in the Dearne Valley. It lies on the junction of the north/south and east/west routes of the Trans Pennine Cycle Trail. In the past the villages and towns of Dearne Valley were coal mining communities, with the mines employing tens of thousands of men, with many other local people employed in coal-related industries. The last of the mines closed down in 1994 and the legacy of the coal years is a scarred landscape. Old Moor was where the coal was loaded onto rail tracks, leaving the ground black with dust and the site was ringed by bare, black spoil heaps. In recent years regeneration of the valley has got under way and part of that was the creation of Old Moor wetland. This gave the Environment Agency a chance to improve the riverside land as storage areas for flood water. The open water now used by the wildlife at Old Moor fills the holes dug when the soil was removed to cover the Dearne Valley colliery waste tips, and green the area. The reserve was initially opened by the Barnsley Borough Council in the late 1990’s and was taken over by the RSPB in 2004. The RSPB is working with other organisations to improve the reserve, focusing on what it can offer local people. The reserve is proving a great success; the majority of visitors are locals, some keen birdwatchers and others simply to enjoy a walk in a pleasant environment.
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The reserve consists of open water, scrapes for waders and reedbeds and is of regional importance and home for a wide range of birds and wildlife; the target species for the visitors are bittern and tree sparrow all year round and large flocks of golden plovers and lapwings in the winter. When we arrived three of the group made use of the café and would recommend it to anyone visiting this reserve. It also gave views of a juvenile bullfinch that had found its way into the building; fortunately, it eventually found its way out! The juvenile is browner than the female with no black head but does have the distinctive white rump. The group joined up again in Field Pool West hide, where the notice on the wall made us smile – ‘No smoking of kippers, cigarettes or anything else’. This hide looks out on marsh grass with small pools giving us views of ducks and geese; sand martins and swifts flew low. At Wader hide we were assailed by the noise of black-headed gulls, both adults and young. There were also avocet and oystercatcher with young and when a crow flew over, these birds were up with the gulls, all mobbing the potential predator. It was refreshing to move to a quieter hide; Wath Ings, where there was a female pochard with four young; soon to be independent, as they were diving and feeding themselves. It was interesting watching a pair of coot preening each other’s neck and head. A little grebe was feeding close to the hide amongst the amphibious bistort, a lovely pink spiky flower sticking out of the water With limited time, it was back to the cars and on to the RSPB, St Aidan’s reserve, a former open cast mine near Leeds and only four miles from Fairburn Ings reserve. It was formerly opened on 28 May, this year. Most of the restoration work was carried out by Harworth Estates (formally UK Coal) in conjunction with the RSPB. The site will be managed for nature conservation but the difference will be that is also opened for a wide of range of activities, from cycling and walking to jogging and horse riding. It is owned by Leeds City Council with the RSPB assuming management. It is an area that has a wide range of plants, wild flowers and animals, is home to several birds, brown hares, roe deer and insects – all living in a stunning landscape of vast reedbeds, grassland, woodland, lakes, ponds and islands. There are circular paths of varying lengths and large areas of grassland and it is a great place to enjoy the outdoors for everyone. On arrival at the car park of the reserve the first thing to be seen is “The Oddball”, a large drag line which came over from the United States and at the time was the largest machine in the world. It is now, probably, the biggest nest box in the world, a pair of kestrel having set up a nest in it. There were three young kestrels around and we saw one of them sitting on the huge arm of the machine. We called in to the new visitor centre (an electrician was still setting-up the security alarm system!) and were given information about the reserve and where to go. The target bird was a pair of black-necked grebe that had nested and had one chick; apparently, these were to be seen quite close to one of the footpaths.
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We took the “Reedbed Ramble” skirted the whispering reedbeds; a flat route that runs around the edges of the reedbeds and the lakes. There was a large community of noisy, nesting, black-headed gulls. Also, several great crested grebes, some with young which we studied carefully, in case they turned-out to be different species. It was not until we made our way back that we struck lucky with the black-necked grebe and its chick. The parent was feeding the youngster very close to the path so giving us good views. Once back at the cars, we then set-off on our final leg of the journey to our hotel in Scarborough where we were booked-in for the weekend.
Saturday 29 July
The morning was spent at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, over five kilometres of sea cliffs that support England’s largest population of seabirds. There are more than 200,000 birds nesting along the cliffs, resulting in a spectacle of noise and movement, as the adults flew, to and from the nests, on their forages for food for the chicks. These breeding seabirds are internationally important, making the cliffs both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. The seabird colonies are vulnerable to environment threats, which include climate change and industrial fishing, which affects the bird’s food supplies. At Bempton the RSPB aim is to highlight these issues, so that key decision makers will take action to safeguard the long-term future of seabirds. It is hoped that this will lead to Bempton being designated a marine Special Conservation Area. The grassland and scrub along the cliff tops are also home to breeding and wintering farmland birds. On arrival we watched the tree sparrows that were on the roof of the visitor centre going under the tiles to their nests. On the way to the cliff top, a singing sedge warbler was showing well on a low bush by a stone wall. Arriving at the cliff top we were confronted with the noise and activity of the seabirds as well as the distinct aroma of guano! There was not a moment of silence or inactivity, with birds coming and going and fulmars cruising past along with herring gulls on the lookout for a meal. Near the cliff tops kittiwakes were sitting on nests of compacted mud grass and seaweed. Lower down guillemots, some with young, packed together - these birds don’t make nests but lay their eggs on the ledges. Both parents feed the young but the male uses some for himself. There is a reason for this – he must feed himself up because he is the parent who accompanies the young when it leaves the ledge at about three weeks before it is fully grown and unable to fly properly. He continues to feed the chick for about twelve weeks, whilst at sea. Amongst the guillemots were a few razorbills and the few that had young were protecting them, making it difficult to see the chicks. At best, one had a glimpse of a black fluffy ball! Again these young leave the ledges two-thirds fully grown and are also looked after at sea by the male.
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There were a few puffins and, here at Bempton, they nest in the crevices on the cliff face, as there are no rabbit holes on the cliff top. This strategy also reduces their vulnerability to predators. Due to the cold late spring the puffins, we were informed, were still on eggs and so we did not see any bringing back fish. The puffins are different from the other auks in that the young remain in the nest-hole for 38-44 days until they are able to scramble down to the sea and fends for themselves. One of the RSPB volunteers pointed out a great skua on the sea, surrounded by a small group of guillemots. We focused our telescopes on it to get a better view. Moving along to Jubilee Corner, we noticed two photographers facing each other, apparently taking photos of each other! But as we got near, we could see that there was an immature gannet sitting in the middle of the path. It had crashed landed on the top of the cliff but couldn’t take off as there was insufficient space for it to flap its huge wings for lift-off! So one of our groups went to get help. The bird moved further along the path, away from the small group of people who had gathered for a close-up view of this magnificent creature. Soon a couple of RSBP staff arrived with a pair of gloves and a coat, quickly covered the bird, picked it up, climbed over the fence to near the cliff top and “launched” it out, whereupon it soon re- discovered its flying ability! After this excitement, some of our group spent time wandering along the cliff tops, adding a grey partridge to our lists, before returning to the Visitor Centre to re- group with the rest of our party. The next part of our itinerary for the day was a visit to Wykeham Forest, to the Raptor Viewpoint. This spot is located high above Troutsdale valley in an area that is regularly used by passing birds of prey. Target birds were goshawk, honey buzzard and peregrine falcon! Not too much to ask for!? However, when we arrived there were three Yorkshire birders and were immediately informed that the bird in the distance was a goshawk! Even with telescopes it is doubtful if anyone in our group would have identified it other than perhaps, as a “bird of prey”. Later, a peregrine falcon, also on the other side of the valley, was spotted. No doubts about the Red Arrows flying squad and a Lancaster bomber which flew over us! We wandered, in this area for a while, hoping to connect with a turtle dove but unsuccessfully and, with little else to be seen, we drove to Filey Brigg where, we had been informed, there was a surf scoter in the bay. At Filey, we parked on the cliff top and walked along and down on to the beach and along to the observation point. There were birders on the shore nearer the water but by following where they were looking it was not very long before we found a small flock of common scoter and there amongst them was the surf scoter. It was a male bird and not difficult to pick out; slightly larger than the common scoter with a large white patch on the nape of the
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neck and a smaller white patch on the forehead. The bill was bright yellow-orange with a swollen look to the white base which sported a black rounded patch; a very distinctive bird which we were able to appreciate at close quarters. We watched in awe until a small boat approached the flotilla of scoters, sending them to the other side of the bay. Nevertheless, a brilliant end to the day’s birding.
Sunday 30 July
Breakfast was an early and quick affair as we had to make our way to Bridlington, to arrive there at 09.00 for our trip on the “Yorkshire Belle”. The sea was calm and the day was fair as we made our way out of harbour and along Bridlington Bay and around Flamborough Head. At Sewicks Bay, with a high tide, the captain was able to take us close in to the cliffs. Here we had good views of shags sitting on the lower rocks, as well as auks and kittiwakes. In the bay was a pinnacle of rock, separated from the main land and, on the very top, a tyre had been placed by air sea rescue team and lifeboat personnel; here a pair of herring gulls were using it for their nest. The penthouse nest of the bay! As we made our way along the cliff face some auks raced away from the boat but others, being rather reluctant to fly, would dive and swim out of the way. We heard a piercing call which, at first we thought was a bird of prey but later found that it was a guillemot “jumper”, a young bird that had just left the cliffs and was calling to its father, which accompanies it out to sea until it is able to fend for itself. The sea bird colony was just as impressive looking up as it was when we were looking down; with fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes passing the boat together with the auks. The boat took us along the foot of Bempton Cliffs before turning round and heading back. On the return we had another look in Sewicks Bay but not as close this time as the tide was going out. All too soon we were back in Bridlington harbour and, before setting off for Blacktoft Sands, most of the group treated themselves to fresh crab sandwiches. However, the harbour area was heaving with people on this warm sunny day so we decided to set-off and find somewhere quieter to eat. At Blacktoft Sands, our final stop-off on our journey home, we visited the reception hide before moving on to the hides on the main trail. One of our group was lucky enough to see a bittern as it flew past but we all saw the spotted redshanks on one of the scrapes. Marsh harriers were easily identified quartering over the reeds but, it was commented, many of the ducks were harder to identify in eclipse plumage. Lesson – must learn more about eclipse plumage birds! Avocet, redshank and lapwing were the other waders seen, including a couple of avocet chicks. In one of the hides we were entertain by a wood pigeon wandering about on the roof sounding as though it was wearing clogs! All too soon it was time to depart and make our way back to the cars and continue our way home.
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Two warm, sunny days, good company and some excellent birding made for a wonderful weekend. Many thanks must go to Andrew for arranging yet another excellent weekend and we look forward to the next – why not join us?
Brenda and Melvyn
Great Ryburgh, Swanton Novers & Cley Marshes 20 July
The day started well for Doug Radford, Andrew and ‘Ting’, when a common crossbill flew over Andrew’s house as the car was being loaded. Little did they know that one of its rarer relatives would turn up later… Our first stop was a viewpoint situated about 1.5 miles south of Great Ryburgh along a minor road just south of an old railway bridge. The first arrivals (there were five cars, making a group total of 13) had a good view of a little owl sitting on the wall of a derelict building. As the second car arrived the little owl dropped down and was not seen again. When the entire group had assembled, viewing was concentrated across the lane, looking over the Senowe estate. The view was mostly of hedges and woodland. There was a lake but hidden by the trees. However, the purpose of our visit to this site was the possibility of (reported) honey buzzard. Common terns and black-headed gulls flew above the trees but, unfortunately, the weather was not kind to us; it was overcast with drizzle in the air. This did not bode well and the only views we had of birds of prey were a buzzard and a sparrowhawk. There was a possible honey buzzard sighting but the bird was in the distance going away from us and could not be confirmed. In a grass field a hare was showing well and in another field a roe deer was seen. It was then decided to move on to Fulmodestone Road Raptor Watch, which is leased by Natural England to provide an all year round viewing point over the Southern Tip of Swanton Novers wood. The wood is owned by the Astley Estate and managed by Natural England but due to the fragile ecosystem within the woods there is no access to them. The ancient wood of over 200 acres is one of the most important woodlands in the country. Its varied soils and long term management have combined to produce a diverse flora and fauna; there are three important types of woodland, high forest, birch-cherry and alder coppice. As much of the wood grows on acid soil it produces features similar to West Country woods. Records in the Doomsday Book show that coppicing has been practiced for probably thousands of years, and archaeological features also indicate that the woods are very old. Today traditional coppicing forms part of the management and the coppiced faggots are used for river bank protection. The coppiced areas attract several warbler species and the rides provide breeding areas for turtle doves whereas the mature trees provide nesting holes for tits, nuthatches, woodpecker, tawny owl and bats. Since 1989 honey buzzard has become a regular summer visitor. These birds are secretive nesters and the youngsters spend much of their time below the tree canopy so making assessment of breeding success difficult, but at least ten young have fledged from this site. The birds arrive about the third week in May when they actively display in the middle of the day. Once the birds settle down to breed sightings become fewer until the eggs hatch. A leaflet (provided in a box at the site) suggests best viewing from July to early August. If 13 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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breeding has been successful then the parents can be seen giving the young flying lessons a few weeks prior to their departure. There is a team of volunteers that guard the wood and the Watchpoint field is located to provide clear uninterrupted views. The weather did not improve and the only bird of prey seen was a kestrel so, after lunch, the group moved on to NWT Cley. When we arrived at Cley we were informed that there was a two barred crossbill at Salthouses beach and so most of the group decided to drive the further mile along the coast road. At the shingle beach we learnt that the bird had moved on but on the small pool near the car park were several sandwich terns and looking from the top of the pebble dune, arctic, common and little terns and gannets we seen flying by. Upon return to Cley, Doug met a friend he had not seen for sometime who informed him that the two barred crossbill had been seen at the shingle beach car park. After much discussion most of the group, apart from Doug, decided to wander around the reserve rather than go on another search. A majority decision that was to prove the wrong one – a missed “lifer”! The “majority” proceeded to the three hides over-looking some of the scrapes. On Pat’s pool there were several ruff, in various stages of moult, showing the diversity in the plumage of this species. Other waders included black-tailed godwits, some still in summer plumage, others moulting into winter plumage, dunlin still with their black bellies, a green sandpiper sheltering from the wind behind a small bush, ringed and little ringed plover, avocet, curlew and lapwing. Two juvenile marsh harriers flew around before dropping down to the grass and interacting with each other. An adult shelduck spent some time chasing away a family of mallard. The “majority” met, at Bishop’s hide, with two members of our group who were not part of the decision regarding the barred crossbill and they reported that they had seen two of that species near the beach car park.. Returning to the Visitor Centre our entire group gathered together and Doug was able to report that not only had he seen the two barred crossbills (a lifer for him) but he had also taken some good photographs! To rub salt in to wounds, some sea watching by him had resulted in sightings of red throated diver, common scoter and sanderling! Lesson – if in doubt, always follow an expert birder! Although the weather was overcast with some drizzle, as usual with birdwatching, there were some good sightings and surprises for some. Another excellent field trip.
Brenda and Melvyn
Alde Estuary and Minsmere 17 August
Eleven of us met at Snape Maltings but all but two missed the young cuckoo on a nearby shed. Well, often the “possibilities” in birdwatching are the bait that drives us on! Initially the path took us away from the tidal river Alde through reedbeds where swallows darted after aerial insects. The delightful twittering was soon replaced by urgent alarm calls which caused us to continue searching the sky and, sure enough, a hobby zoomed through, 14 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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probably after dragonflies rather than the birds. The path continued through the reedbeds until it reached an open area of grassland which appeared to double as a car park and local beauty spot. In a corner of this area, the path continued as a tree-lined lane before opening on to the edge of pools of water forming a bay of the river Alde. The tide was going out, uncovering muddy areas on which a large flock of redshank were resting. Two marsh harriers were seen on the other side of the river, quartering over reedbeds. With lunch-time nearing and few other birds to be seen it was decided to return to our cars and move on to Minsmere. Lunch was eaten at Minsmere Visitor Centre at the picnic tables. Butterflies on the buddleia, included several small tortoiseshell and peacock, but only a couple of red admiral. Many species of butterfly appear to have been successful this year but not red admiral. A gorgeous clouded yellow flew swiftly by, but allowed most of the group to see it. It was agreed to walk clock-wise around the scrape, visiting several of the hides en route. As well as several duck species there were several waders, including greenshank, black-tailed godwit, dunlin, green and common sandpiper, lapwing, avocet and ringed plover. There was a leucistic mallard with her chicks which were all normal colour. Leucism is a general term for a phenotype which is caused by defects in pigment cells of the feathers during development. This results with either the entire feathers or just patches of feathers having the lack of cells capable of making pigments. It is more common than the absence of pigment cells which result in irregular patches of white on the bird with otherwise normal colouring and pattern. So partial leucism is known as pied or piebald effect and the ratio of white to normal coloured feathers varies on bird to bird. This in contrast to albinism for which there is a reduction of melanin production only and albinos are not entirely white but instead display a pale yellow colour. But leucistic birds have normal coloured lags and eyes whereas albinos have red eyes as the blood vessels show through due to lack of melanin in the iris. Construction work is ongoing at the Minsmere sluice; this is to mitigate against the erosion of the banks on Minsmere River and the poor condition of the sluice. The work being carried out will ensure protection of the Minsmere site which would otherwise be affected by the nutrient rich water interfering with the ecology. The work will also continue to protect Minsmere valley from flooding and allow freshwater drainage. This work has moved the footpath and there are now two new bridges top go across to get back into the reserve from the beach. A small group of us went along past the sluice to look over Lucky Pool but did not add anymore waders to the list. On the way to bittern hide we called into South hide. Here, spotted redshank and water rail were added to our lists. Moving on to Bittern hide, marsh harriers were seen and a couple of snipe flew over. The combination of a windy day and usual August quiet meant that few passerines were spotted but with a new venue, the Alde Estuary, and Minsmere, which rarely disappoints, the
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day was enjoyed by all. The Alde Estuary would certainly produce some good sightings in the spring.
Brenda and Melvyn
Garden Warbler - more to it than meets the eye.
The garden warbler is known for being identifiable by virtue of having no identifiable markings i.e., it is the typical “LBJ”! This is a bit mean as it has a beady black eye on a plain face with a tinge of grey on the neck and surprisingly thick bill for a warbler. But what it lacks in features it makes up with it abilities to navigate on its migratory journey and in its preparation for that journey. It has been proven that it can orientate using the stars, one of a handful of species which, by testing young birds in planetariums where the stars are projected on a screen, can do this. This ability is doubtlessly innate but the young birds have actually to learn the specifics of star gazing before they put it in to practice. It has been shown experimentally that if the young birds are denied the sight of the stars in early life, it impairs their ability to orientate correctly. This means that in those short days or weeks before fledging and setting of on their migratory journey they must be able to select a clear night and a perch that gives them an unimpeded view in to the firmament and spend time taking in the patterns and movement of the stars. Garden warblers also have a proven ability to orientate by means of the earth’s magnetic field. Nobody seems to be entirely sure how the magnetic field perception might work in birds; it is suggested that they “see” the magnetism in some way. They also perceive two aspects of magnetism, the intensity of the field and the field lines themselves. The field lines run from Magnetic South to Magnetic North running parallel to the Earth’s surface to the equator and sharply down at the poles, meaning everywhere in between the bird can tell how far north or south it is by how steeply the lines incline towards the ground. Although it is known that migrating birds use geomagnetism it is left to our imagination to envisage how it might “feel”! It is also known that it is a primary sense that the birds use for orientation and likely every bird has it – so, however the birds detect magnetic field, it is known that they do so intensely. Migratory birds stuff themselves with food before their departure and in the case of garden warblers they gobble up endless supplies of elderberries (or figs in the Mediterranean). A midsummer garden warbler weighs about 18g but, fully fuelled up for migration, one captured bird weighed-in at 37g, doubling its weight in only about 10-14 days, At this time, autumn, when so many birds are moving and there is excitement to every day’ s bird watching – we seldom stop to think what an astonishing phenomenon bird migration really is.
In Praise of Predators
I am sure that all of us are inspired by the sight of a bird of prey hunting or soaring 16 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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majestically overhead. Who could fail to be thrilled by a golden eagle gliding effortlessly above a Scottish mountain or a hen harrier slowly quartering a fenland reedbed? Fortunately birds of prey have increased enormously since I started birdwatching over sixty years ago. In those far off days sparrowhawks were uncommon and occurred only in the countryside, not in towns and cities. Buzzards and peregrines were confined to the north and west of Britain as breeding birds and were scarce winter visitors elsewhere. Now Buzzards are common and peregrines are nesting in the county. Hobbies were also uncommon and to see red kites entailed a visit to the valleys of central Wales, where one was happy to find two or three birds during a weekend stay. Marsh harriers reached a low of five breeding pairs but are now quite common and easy to see in suitable habitat. The spectacular increase in Red kite numbers is due to the successful re-introduction, which has resulted in them becoming a regular feature of a drive through the northern half of Cambridgeshire and even occasional sightings over Cambridge. Maybe in time we will even see them scavenging in our streets, as they did in medieval London. Then we shall have to keep a watchful eye on our washing lines, for as Autolycus says in A Winter's Tale, referring to their habit of decorating their nests with whatever suitable items they can find: "when the kite builds, look to lesser linen." For most other species however, the change in status is due to one factor: a more tolerant, educated attitude among landowners and game- keepers, combined with, in most cases, more respect for the law. Unfortunately the old ignorance still prevails in some areas, particularly the grouse moors of the north where hen harriers are persecuted mercilessly and golden eagles, buzzards, red kites and goshawks are also targeted. Wealthy landowners, often titled multi-millionaires, turn a convenient blind eye or even secretly encourage these crimes. A law of vicarious liability, under which they can be prosecuted, has been passed in Scotland but a recent e-petition calling for the same legislation in England and Wales, unfortunately failed to attract the 100,000 signatures necessary for it to be considered by Parliament. Inexplicably this petition was not openly supported by the RSPB, with its over 1 million members! A few years ago two hen harriers were actually witnessed to be shot on the Sandringham Estate when the only people known to be shooting in the area were Prince Harry and a friend. Surprise, surprise, no prosecutions were brought and the perpetrators got away with it. A disgraceful episode, particularly when one considers the name of our organisation! Our attitude to predators in general is often ambivalent and illogical. A recent speaker to the group described jays as "vicious killers." Such terms are anthropomorphic rubbish! Birds and animals kill to eat, and eat to stay alive. Viciousness is a human trait. What many fail to realise, or choose to ignore, is that predators of all kinds are an essential element of a healthy and flourishing environment. Consider this: a pair of robins in my garden once had three clutches of four eggs in the same season. If each of the twelve young survived and the two adults also survived to the following spring, there would be fourteen birds (and the next year an incredible ninety eight! i.e. seven pairs each rearing twelve young), but only two are required to maintain a stable population. It may seem cruel to us that twelve of those fourteen are expendable, but that is the reality of Tennyson's "Nature, red in tooth and claw." If populations increased unhindered we would be knee deep in robins within a few years, but of course this would never happen, as they would all die of starvation! Therefore if we see a 17 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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sparrowhawk dash into our garden and watch in horror as it plucks and eats "our" robin, it may distress us and affect our delicate sensibilities, for we as humans value individuals. In nature individuals count for nothing; the survival of the species is all important and natural losses are allowed for by breeding strategies. This is why a fish lays thousands of eggs or a tree produces thousands of seeds; it is not the intention that all should survive, but just sufficient to perpetuate the species. The actions of man: breeding uncontrollably; destroying precious habitats; poisoning and polluting the land with chemicals, have far more devastating effects than natural predation. Moreover, removing predators creates an inevitable imbalance. We have heard recently that deer numbers are out of control and thousands need to be culled, but who exterminated the wolves and bears which preyed on them? We also tend to regard as predators only those species which kill either animals or other birds. What about the blackbirds that takes worms from your lawn, the song thrush that eats your snails, the blue and great tits that eat your caterpillars, the kingfisher that you delight in seeing as it waits for a fish by your pond and even the swallows, martins and swifts that feed exclusively on insects? They eat living things and are thus predators! I therefore rejoice if I see a sparrowhawk in my garden or watch a buzzard soaring overhead. They are not only exciting, but a necessary part of our world and have been for thousands of years. Three cheers for predators!
Colin Kirtland
IAN BARTHORPE INTERVIEW
When I visited Minsmere last October there were quite a few changes to be seen. Family friendly changes, designed to enthuse and engage children without alienating parents or the more seasoned birdwatcher. Armed with a load of questions fuelled by these developments – and our weird weather patterns of recent years, I subjected Ian Barthorpe (Marketing and Publicity Officer) to an ‘e- grilling’. Here is the result:-
LG: What initially inspired your interest in nature? IB: My grandparents bought me a pair of binoculars – huge 7x50s – and signed me up as a member of the YOC (predecessor of RSPB Wildlife Explorers) as a six year old. I then read field guides as bedtime reading rather than novels – and still do! LG: How did you come to be working in conservation and how long have you been working for the RSPB? IB: At university I decided to pursue a career in conservation, preferably in environmental education. After several years of volunteering and doing loosely related jobs, I eventually moved to Ireland for my first paid conservation work, before returning to work for the RSPB in April 1999. LG: What have your roles been so far? IB: My first RSPB job was as an Information Officer in NW Norfolk, running the RSPB’s mobile exhibition trailer. From there I moved to the regional office as a Membership Recruitment Officer – the first regionally based recruiter in the RSPB – before moving to Minsmere in January 2003 as Marketing and Publicity Officer LG: What has been your greatest challenge since joining the RSPB?
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IB: In my first roles, I had to overcome my lack of natural sales skills to recruit new members. At Minsmere the big challenge is to increase our visitor numbers and diversify the audience without detracting from the existing visitor experience. LG: With all the talk of climate change and changes in the UK bird populations, what are the key changes you have seen at Minsmere? IB: The threat of rising sea levels and increased storminess to our coastal reedbeds is one of the biggest challenges facing the RSPB. To help counter this effect, the Environment Agency rebuilt the North Wall in 2012 as a sea defence bank, protecting most of the site’s freshwater habitats whilst accepting that some of the North Marsh reedbed will be lost to the sea. Before that happens, we’re busy creating new reedbeds elsewhere in the UK, including nearby at RSPB Snape. We’re also thinking big by linking existing reserves together in an exciting partnership with the Forestry Commission and Suffolk Wildlife Trust in Dunwich Forest, which is being reverted to Sandlings heath and deciduous woodland. Little egrets, Dartford warblers and antlions have all become more common in my ten years at Minsmere. LG: Do you anticipate any ‘new’ species arriving at the reserve due to climate change? For instance, Great White Egret seems to be occurring more in the South/South East of the UK. IB: It’s hard to believe that little egrets were rare just 20 years ago. Great white egrets and purple herons are occurring more regularly and may soon breed, as we hope will common cranes. We’re encouraging spoonbills to nest at RSPB Havergate Island. In 2012 we also had a nesting attempt from golden orioles at Minsmere. It would be lovely to think that one day perhaps we’ll have bee-eaters nesting in the sandy bank used by sand martins beside the visitor centre, or cattle egrets in the reedbed. LG: As the canopy hide no longer has feeders beside it, how are you planning to engage people in discovering the wildlife up there? IB: We plan to make much more of the experience of being in the canopy, which is particularly exciting for families, though exact plans are still be finalised subject to funding. Canopy Hide is a brilliant place to spot butterflies in mid summer, included hard to see canopy-loving species such as purple hairstreak. We’re also planning to reinstate the pond to attract wildlife, but need to find a suitable deer-proof liner. LG: How has this last hard winter affected the wildlife at Minsmere? IB: The long cold winter has resulted in the late emergence of many insects and late blossoming of flowers such as hawthorn and bluebell. Many spring migrants returned up to four weeks later than usual, with the typical early returners such as chiffchaff, blackcap and sedge warbler coming back in much reduced numbers. For some species this will mean only a single brood rather the usual two, although lower numbers may mean less competition for food. Some insectivorous birds have suffered badly from the lack of insects. Hobbies, in particular, struggled to find food due to a lack of dragonflies and St Mark’s flies in May. Many barn owls were found dead from starvation on the Suffolk coast during the winter too. LG: Are you now finding a delay in nesting activity and the arrival of migrants? IB: Bitterns appear to be nesting much later than usual, and many other species started nesting two or three weeks later than usual. LG: With the new activity zone, what can young visitors look forward to this spring and summer and how will you be enthusing and inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow?
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IB: The Wild Zone and den building area have proven to be extremely popular during their first year, and many more families now visit Minsmere to discover nature for themselves. On any visit families can also borrow our explorer backpacks for self-guided learning, while we run many special events during the school holidays. New activities this year include a den building for Dads competition on Father’s Day and the RSPB Big Wild Sleep Out in August. My thanks go to Ian for being such a willing interviewee. Minsmere has experienced a poor breeding season this year due to our late spring. But of course, now you’re reading this the autumn migration will be in full swing. And it won’t be long before the Red Deer stags start bellowing and competing with each other out on the reserve. So there will be much to see over on the Suffolk Coast. And if you do go to Minsmere, take a look at the outdoor seats by the Wild Zone. They’re perfect for sky watching!
Lyn Guy
News from Local Reserves
Fen Drayton Lakes
Thanks to a dry summer we’ve been able to catch up with the ever-long list of work party tasks and habitat management work - in recent weeks we’ve done as much habitat work as we achieved over the whole of last winter, which puts us in a really strong position for the rest of the autumn and winter. Work to restore the dragonfly pond at the North East corner of Moore Lake has made good progress and we’ve already managed to get the islands in front of the hide cleared too. We’ve made some progress already with the relentless task of clearing willow from the islands on Elney Lake and the shores of Holywell Lake. Highlights from the breeding season... Flood waters were topped up nicely in March, which gave us plenty of feeding habitat and subdued vegetation late into the season. We had wader breeding success similar to that of last year with the added bonus of five pairs of avocet nesting in front on the hide, offering wonderful views of up to 14 chicks at once. As the vegetation took over, making them really hard to monitor, the chicks began to disappear. And whilst some predation is probable, we’re hopeful and confident that at least some of the young fledged. Redshank, lapwing, oystercatcher and little ringed plover also had breeding success in mixed measure and waterfowl numbers were generally slightly up on last year. Common terns had a similar year to last with around 30 pairs using the rafts across the reserve. Our usual wealth of migrant songbirds brought the reserve to life once again this year, but nightingales were unfortunately conspicuous by their absence. Cuckoos and turtle doves showed their faces but we had no particular evidence of breeding, unfortunately. Other highlights... A great white egret spent most of August on or around the reserve, mostly on Ferry Lagoon and Mere, generally easily visible and providing a great contrast with nearby grey herons and little egrets. Two black terns briefly graced us with their presence in August and a visit at the end of August would have also given some or all of green sandpiper, common sandpiper, ruff, little ringed plover, snipe, garganey, pintail, hobby, marsh harrier and a good
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variety of migrant passerines. We’re also beginning to enjoy the sight of lapwing in their hundreds, which have begun to take advantage of the newly-cut Moore Lake islands. Despite fears that the heavy winter floods may have washed all the eggs and larvae out, we have had good numbers of dragonflies and butterflies throughout the summer and into August. This year saw some preliminary surveying of butterflies with the intention of establishing a weekly Butterfly Conservation transect from next year onwards. Fen Drayton Lakes has great potential for improvement in this area so we hope to squeeze in some modest habitat improvement work to encourage butterflies over the coming year, at least. In people-related news, a real treat at the end of last term was watching the entire Fen Drayton Primary School come out to spend a day on the reserve. This was the culmination of a project between ourselves and the team at the school over the last year exploring possible ways to get the kids outdoors more and encourage their natural interest in wildlife. After various successful class trips and activities, we decided to push the boat out with a whole day of adventure: fossil-hunting, bird-watching, pond-dipping, artwork and orienteering! Despite a little rain, a few wrong turns on the orienteering challenge and quite a lot of itchy insect bites, everyone involved agreed it was a great day. Getting outdoors in such a rich environment can stimulate learning across the curriculum, from teamwork to sport to science - and crucially, staff and children alike are very keen to come back so it was obviously a lot of fun too. The challenge is now to work out how to support other schools and youth groups in their enjoyment of the reserve, where those other groups may face greater obstacles in terms of transport costs, infrastructure requirements, and so on. The RSPB is committed to encouraging and supporting children’s access to nature at an early age: children need nature for their well-being, and nature needs children who care about it as the conservationists and environmental champions of the future. Developing our new youth strategy is therefore a big topic at the moment within the organisation and we’re looking forward to doing all we can to support it at Fen Drayton Lakes. Once the school holidays started, we also ran a series of events inspiring visitors to give nature a home back where they live, as well as enjoying the wildlife out and about on the reserve. Volunteers Steve and Sarah Dobromylski ran a bumper plant sale one weekend along with advice on wildlife-friendly gardening, while over August we ran drop-in activities each weekend where people could create butterfly feeders, bee homes, bird feeders and plant wildflower seeds to attract moths to support bats (I accidently got stuck on the theme of wildlife beginning with ‘b’!) If you’re interested, have a look at rspb.org.uk/homes – you can download instructions on all kinds of backyard wildlife projects from creating amphibian hibernacula to hedgehog boxes to beetle buckets. Tim Fisher and Alison Nimmo
Lakenheath Fen news August 2013
Welcome to the Summer newsletter from Lakenheath Fen! Phew, we certainly seem to have had some good sunny weather over the last month or so. It’s been a little too warm for my liking, but the butterflies and dragonflies are certainly enjoying it! As usual the last couple of months have come and gone in a flash, passing in a blur of visitors, bird surveys
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and school visits! I thought I’d start with a quick update on some of the work that was started during the winter months, then mention how our breeding birds have got on this year.
Reserve management
WREN grant – The work to create more wet features in Brandon Fen marsh has been completed, as has the new path up onto the riverbank, and raising the Trial Wood path. We’ve also created some bays in the plant pools to enable visitors to get closer to the Fen vegetation, without getting their feet wet! We have also taken delivery of two sculpture seats for the children’s play area. One is of a snake, the other a dragonfly. Volunteers spent a day or two painting them and they are now firmly cemented in place. They look great I’m sure you’ll agree! We’ve also installed some new benches at the viewpoints, which have also been cemented in, and look rather good too!
Photo’s by Katherine Puttick
People and events This year’s recruitment is going well so far with 121 memberships made since the start of April. Credit is again due to our star recruitment volunteer, John Wightman. Our 2013 events programme is going well, with bat nights and camp-outs being particularly popular. We took part in the ‘Big Wild Sleepout’, with 18 happy campers enjoying an evening walk, a bit of moth trapping, and the toasting of marshmallows over a camp-fire. Much fun was had by all! Have a look at the Lakenheath Fen page on the RSPB website (www.rspb.org.uk/lakenheathfen), or phone David White on 01842 863403 for more details on reserve events.
Wildlife news Breeding birds – the story so far... Nineteen Cetti’s warbler territories have been recorded, which is amazing given that we only had one prior to 2007! Nine grasshopper warblers were reeling away across the reserve. Bittern surveys revealed that we had four booming males, which is somewhat less than last year’s total of six. We have recorded four nests this year, two of which fledged a few weeks ago, another due to fledge any day, and the other we think has failed. The cranes have not had great year, with Little and Large’s first attempt failing at egg stage and the second attempt failing when the chicks were a week old. Pair A have also failed after two attempts. Marsh harriers are doing well, with the chocolate coloured youngsters popping out of nests all across the reedbed. The final tally stands at 21 nests with 18 of them fledging 42 young. Though slightly fewer nests than 2012, it has definitely been a bumper year in terms of young fledged. Among the fledged birds are three that we managed to wing-tag. Look out for birds with green tags and the combinations LA, LB and LC on them.
Migrants- were slow to arrive, though the first shivering sand martin on March 10 was actually quite early. Nothing more was seen until April 12 when swallows, house martins 22 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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and more sand martins arrived, then garganeys, hobbys, sedge and willow warblers on April 13, a single yellow wagtail on April 14, single wheatear on April 16, reed warblers and blackcaps on April 17, whitethroats on April 19, cuckoos and grasshopper warblers on April 20 and swifts on April 21. Notable flyovers on April 21 was a flock of 10 bar-tailed godwits and a greenshank. Up to two ring ouzels appeared on April 23 and were seen regularly for a couple of weeks. A male red-footed falcon (pictured) arrived on May 3, and was present for the rest of the month performing spectacular aerobatics to the masses of visitors who came to see it! A purple heron was also seen at the start of May. Our good run of migrants continued when a Savi’s warbler turned up on May 26 and proceeded to sing and show well for two weeks, before disappearing on June 7. Four little terns on the washland were a treat on June 5, especially as they came after a busy day of entertaining small children! A honey buzzard has been seen on a few occasions.
Other wildlife – Scarce and four-spotted chasers were among the first dragonflies on the wing, with lots of brown hawkers, migrant hawkers, and common and ruddy darters now on the wing. I’ve been out moth trapping regularly with the best moth so far being a puss moth (pictured)! For up-to-date sightings check out David’s Photo by John Wightman blog on the website www.rspb.org.uk/lakenheathfen.
That’s all for now, hope to see you on the reserve soon! Just to tempt you a bit for your Photo by Katherine next visit; we now sell Ronaldo’s Norfolk Ice- Puttick cream in the visitor centre – perfect after a sunny summers walk round the reserve!
Katherine, Warden
News from the Hanson - RSPB Wetland Project
Home for the summer
Like our reserves across the country, at Ouse Fen we’re dedicated to providing new homes for our threatened wetland wildlife. With our partners Hanson, it’s essential to plan ahead to meet the challenge of creating Britain’s biggest reedbed. Recently we’ve turned our attention to exciting plans for the next two or three meres at the northern end of the site. This work will, over the next few years, lead towards three square kilometres of wildlife filled wonder. With stakeholders from the local community, we’re beginning to look at the possibility of creating a new access point for visitors to the reserve at the northern end of the site. Like the changing of the seasons, the annual cycle of work on the reserve is as regular as clockwork. Springtime saw us busy monitoring our wildlife. After a shaky start, the balmy 23 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
Cambridge Local Group Newsletter No 105 September 2013
summer has been a bumper one for our breeding birds. We’ve reached new peaks for all our top species with three booming bitterns, six marsh harrier nests in the reedbeds and at least nine pairs of bearded tits spreading further across the reserve. Berry Fen hosted new highs for our breeding lapwing and redshank with 23 and 18 pairs respectively. Meanwhile the islands at Barleycroft Lake housed nine pairs of common terns and the black-headed gull colony soaring to a record total in recent years of over 300 pairs. As we turn into autumn we shift gear into housekeeping mode with reed planting and willow ‘pulling’ top of the job list. Come rain or shine (ok - mostly shine just now), the goal for our volunteer team is to fill in the gaps in our reedbeds and keep scrub at bay. All part of ‘keeping home’ for our wetland tenants.
Wildlife news
A white stork dropped into Berry Fen in late May, quite a sight seen later perched on the church spire at Bluntisham, over Ouse Fen the following day. Berry’s hosted herons in quantity as well as quality with 83 little egrets there in July. In August two spoonbills briefly visited the working quarry but were more frequent on nearby Ouse Washes. Berry Fen hosted a great run of migrant waders including a Temminck’s stint and pectoral sandpiper in May but the highlight was a red necked phalarope and an American golden plover for the lucky finder on 18 June. Green, wood and common sandpipers have been regular on passage accompanied by dunlin, whimbrel, little ringed plover, sanderling, spotted redshank, greenshank and avocet. Garganey peaked at seven birds with Mediterranean and little gulls occasional. The most unexpected spring record however has to be a calling corncrake present for a short period in early May and the first spring report from the Fens this year. An obliging female red-footed falcon arrived at Ouse Fen in early June for ten days affording good views to the patient, hunting over Cell 1 and 2 or perching on fence posts. Other birds of prey of note have included peregrine, red kite, an osprey briefly in early May and a honey buzzard in July over the nearby River Ouse. A family party of Chinese water deer including two young fawns was an unusual sight in the reedbeds while common seals with pups on the river must have been equally surprising for the lucky observers. Dragonflies and damselflies records included black tailed skimmer, four- spot chaser, emperor, hairy and brown hawker, emerald and blue tailed damselfly, banded demoiselle and common darter while a single clouded yellow and grizzled skipper were our best butterflies. It was a notable year for bee orchids at Barleycroft Lake with a fine display completing the summer line up. If you have a specialist skills in some of our less well recorded flora and fauna, and could add to our knowledge of the site we’d love to hear form you. As always for up to date reserve information including guided walks, bird sightings and reserve news visit our webpage’s at www.rpsb.org.uk/ousefen. See you soon!
Chris Hudson, Project Manager e-mail: [email protected] Hannah Bernie, Assistant Warden e-mail: [email protected]
Fowlmere NR: spring, summer and early autumn 2013
One of the highlights of the breeding season was the fledging of two lapwing chicks from the single pair that nested by the mere. On the downside, the bearded tits didn’t stay to breed, we had only two turtle doves holding territory, and no grasshopper warblers were seen for the second year running. 24 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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While some birds were still nesting in July, others were on the move. Black-tailed godwits, greenshank, and green and common sandpipers all stopped off at the edge of the mere, where they joined the yellow wagtails that passed through daily; up to 11 of the latter were seen at once. Migrant highlight of the month was a couple of juvenile common crossbills that perched briefly in a dead tree before continuing their journey in a southerly direction. Migration really picked up in August, when eight species of waders were recorded. A post- breeding flock of up to 50 lapwings was often seen by the mere, where they were joined by a redshank on the 11th, an astonishing flock of 13 greenshanks on the 20th, and the reserve’s second ruff on the 27th. The first common snipes of the autumn appeared on the 11th, and a whimbrel flew over on the 24th. In the scrub and hedgerows, a family party of seven spotted flycatchers were present for one evening on the 9th, and several redstarts were seen. Reserve rarities came in the form of a raven on 20th, a juvenile yellow-legged gull on 24th, and a two-barred crossbill seen and heard on 7th. There has been a major influx into Britain of this small crossbill this year. Warblers were much in evidence in early September, feeding on the abundant crop of elder berries and insects in the scrub and reedbeds; all nine breeding species were seen and/or heard (no grasshopper warblers this year). The lapwing flock peaked at 62, and small numbers of ducks appeared (teal, wigeon, shoveler and tufted duck). The first meadow pipits started to arrive and a couple of juvenile marsh harriers passed through, but a merlin on the 8th was unexpected this early in the autumn. Another juvenile yellow-legged gull on the mere on the 10th was not entirely unexpected, as there are several among the hundreds of lesser black-backed gulls in the fields around the reserve. Kingfishers haven’t bred on the reserve in recent years, but a male was seen catching fish in the mere and then carrying them off the reserve along the Shep. Then in July a family of four appeared, and they have been seen frequently from all the hides. Some excellent photos have been taken, the best of which can be seen on the reserve’s web page (http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/fowlmere/m/fowlmere- mediagallery/default.aspx) and on the Cambridgeshire Bird Club website (http://cambsbirdclub.blogspot.co.uk/). One was even chosen as Picture of the Month for August! Little interest has been shown in our new kingfisher nesting bank so far, but I anticipate some territorial activity as we go into winter. Kingfisher watchers have also been rewarded with frequent sightings of an otter, most often at Drewer Hide but also in the mere. Suspicions that there was a family near Drewer Hide were confirmed on 10th September, when a female was watched as it moved two cubs (one at a time) away from the area. Unfortunately that means that the recent run of daily sightings will probably cease. However, the strikingly patterned leucistic water rail is still entertaining patient observers at Drewer Hide. If you are tempted to visit, please remember that most of what is seen is only as a result of the management work that we do, most of which is done during our weekly work parties on Thursdays. We try to work in front of only one hide at any one time, but sometimes that is not possible if we are to get the work done. Doug Radford (Site Manager) 15th September 2013. Ouse Washes (May - August 2013)
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By the time the water had drained off the washes the unfortunate ‘highlight’ was just how devastating the 2012 flood had been in destroying the vegetation, leaving large areas devoid of anything resembling habitat. This and some very unseasonal weather made sure that nothing short of a miracle was going to produce anything other than a mediocre breeding season at best. Breeding Birds (Ouse Washes) No miracles occurred and the surveys just confirmed our thoughts. Snipe showed the most serious decline with only 20 drumming birds recorded, but redshank (78pr) and lapwing (100pr) were also recorded in far fewer numbers than we would typically expect. Two species which did prefer the lack of vegetation were avocet and little ringed plover; both of which managed to successfully fledge young. Wildfowl numbers were similar to previous years, although brood sightings have yet to meet expectations. Breeding Birds (Pilot Project) An exceptional year! Over 100 pairs of breeding waders, with many snipe attempting multiple broods. Final figures were snipe (31pr), redshank (24pr), lapwing (48pr) and oystercatcher (2pr). There were high expectations when a male black-tailed godwit was seen displaying to his mate (even if she did have only one leg), but it was short-lived as she disappeared after about a week. He wasn’t deterred though and gamely carried on displaying to the drumming snipe instead. More birds Spring wader passage continued well into May with the all the usual suspects visiting the scrapes at some time or another. Little gems identified amongst the regulars included a brief stop-off for a pectoral sandpiper (17th), a curlew and pectoral sandpiper (23rd -25th) and a sanderling (25th). However, May must surely go the three red-footed falcons that were identified by one very observant visitor; a pair of adults and a sub-adult male if I remember correctly. Spring migration slowed throughout June as most migrants had either arrived or continued on to where they were heading, so the 3 curlew sandpipers which appeared on the 8th were probably a little behind on their travels. A great white egret decided to call the washes home for most of the month and as always, there is usually one ‘special’ bird which stands out amongst the highlights, and that award went to the red-necked phalarope which put in an all too brief appearance on the 28th. The only spotted crake of the year was seen on the 21st July; whether it was a migrant or a bird that had bred we shall never know, but no calling birds were heard on the surveys, although a corncrake was heard calling twice from the same location, as were two quail (does that say something about the washes). By August, autumn migration was beginning with many birds already having hit the south coast and crossed the water, on the washes the appearance of the green sandpiper is usually the first sign that birds are on the move. Again the usual suspects are here in good numbers (up to 100 ruff), with the odd wood sandpiper and little stint tucked away in the margins. Three cranes have been present for virtually the whole month, as has an eclipse blue-winged teal. For those who have the identification skills, it’s the little brown teal sitting amongst the 500 other little brown teal. The bird of the month turned up on the 26th. An osprey, seen by several people sitting on the top of one of the hides eating whatever it had just caught, and the following day seen ‘stooping’ in the sky with a peregrine. Butterflies Never have I seen so many on the washes. The first explosion was of peacocks, then a small one of red admirals, and then it went back to peacocks. Not to be outdone, small tortoiseshell was the next, along with small whites and green-veined whites. In the last
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couple of weeks clouded yellows have started to appear on the banks and just this morning, a hummingbird hawkmoth was feeding on the Buddleia. Amazing spectacles! Mike Burdekin, Warden
Field Meetings for October & November 2013
Sunday October 6, RSPB Rainham Marshes.
Meet at the reserve car park at 9:30am.
Possible sightings include wigeon, curlew, lapwing, black tailed godwit, peregrine and short eared owl to name a few. On the mammal front we may be lucky to find water vole and stoat. Reserve centre has café, shop and toilet facilities. Stout shoes or boots would be ok here. Remember to bring your membership cards with you as well as packed lunch and hot drink.
Saturday November 9, Welney WWT am, RSPB Ouse washes pm.
Meet at the Welney car park at 9:45am, reserve opening at 10am. There will be a good selection of wildfowl here including wigeon, tufted duck, pintail, mallard as well as whooper and Bewick’s swans to name a few. In the early afternoon we will go on to the Ouse washes where sightings will depend on water levels to a certain extent. Grey heron, little egret, possible marsh harrier, wigeon, golden plover, and lapwing to name a few. Tree sparrows are to be found near the visitor centre. Bring packed lunch, hot drink and walking boots as it can be muddy here after rain.
Saturday November 30, National Trust, Wicken Fen.
Meet in car park for 9:00am. Parking free on display of parking badge, otherwise a ticket from parking ticket machine is required cost about £2. We will be looking for short eared owls ,poss. marsh harrier, and hen harriers at dusk (sunset 4pm).Wintering thrushes, poss. redpoll, reed bunting and other finches likely to be present as well as water fowl and waders. Bring packed lunch and hot drink, boots or wellies as mud is likely.
Andrew Camps
RSPB Cambridge Local Group Indoor Meetings, St John’s Community Hall (Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm, start, there is a £2 charge for non members).
Wednesday October 16 Welney WWT and Ouse Washes San Lee
Wednesday November 20 Exploring Iceland Steve Magennis Wednesday December 11 Christmas Social, please note that this is on the second Wednesday in the month. 27 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
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Cambridgeshire Bird Club indoor meetings (Doors open at 7.30pm for a 8.00pm start, there is a £2-£3 charge for non members)
Indoor Meeting
Friday 13 October, Cottenham Village College
The Decline of Wood Warblers in the UK John Mallord
Friday 8 November, St John’s Community Hall
Where do Seabirds go when they head out to sea? Insights from New Technology
Friday 13 December, St John’s Community Hall
Christmas Social
Club Directory Group Leader Melvyn Smith 10 Haden Way, Willingham, Cambs. CB24 5HB Tel: 01954 202354 28 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no SC037654
Cambridge Local Group Newsletter No 105 September 2013
Email [email protected]
Secretary Tony Corps, 66 Perne Avenue, Cambridge. CB1 3SA Tel: 01223 214146
Treasurer Elaine Corps, 66 Perne Avenue, Cambridge. CB1 3SA Tel: 01223 214146
Publicity officer Lyn Guy, 11 Baldock Way, Cambridge. CB1 7UU Tel: 01223 213884
Membership secretary Tina Lowe 44 Walnut Tree Close, Bassingbourn, Royston, Essex. SG8 5PB Tel: 01763 240954 Email [email protected]
Field Trip Organiser Andrew Camps, 15 Rogers Road, Swaffham Prior, Cambridge. CB25 0HX Tel: 01638 741018
Indoor meeting Organiser Sandra Clarke, 7 Meadow Farm Close, Oakington, Cambridge. CB24 3AS Tel: 01223 232312
Newsletter Editor Brenda Smith, 10 Haden Way, Willingham Cambs, Tel: 01954 202354 Email [email protected]
Sales Goods Organiser Hazel Leeson, 20 Horseshoe Close, Balsham, Cambs, Tel: 01223 290604
Events Co-ordinator Position to be filled
Indoor meetings Venue The Wilkinson Room, St John’s The Evangelist, Hills Road, Cambridge, Cambs. CB24 8RN
Regional Office The Royal Society for Protection of Birds Stalham House, 65 Thorpe Road, Norwich. NR1 1UD Tel: 01603 660066
Head Office The Royal Society for Protection of Birds The Lodge, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 680551
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RSPB Christmas Catalogue
If you wish to purchase any items from the RSPB Christmas (Autumn) catalogue, you can save postage by ordering your requirements through the Group. The Group also get credited with all purchases. Please complete the order form below and return it to Hazel Leeson at the October indoor meeting or post to: 20 Horseshoe Close Balsham Cambs CB21 4EQ
Your goods will be available for collection at the November indoor meeting. Please pay on receipt of goods, do not send payment in advance. ______
CHRISTMAS GOODS ORDER FORM 2013 Name: ......
Address:......
......
...... Tel:......
Page Letter Code Description Price Quantity Total
Order Value
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