tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802185045917327022024-02-07T20:05:56.756+00:00Ringwood Wildlife DiaryNature Notes from the Hampshire/Dorset BorderDan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-44367413198889673572023-01-22T20:41:00.004+00:002023-01-22T20:41:38.877+00:00Dan's Nature NotesI'm hoping to get back into wildlife blogging in 2023. I'll be posting occasional updates on my new blog, linked below. I expect to do a monthly summary of things I've seen as well as sporadic other posts about specific trips out. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">><a href="https://dansnaturenotes.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dan's Nature Notes</span></a><</div>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-37484952436611273972018-07-21T17:01:00.000+01:002018-07-21T17:01:12.881+01:00Summer WildlifeThe continuing heatwave has meant seeing much wildlife has been tricky. It's been too hot to spend much time out in the countryside, for both me and the local wildlife. It's been so hot a local farm made the national press after having the earliest harvest for forty years!<span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span><br />
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It's therefore been a case of finding wildlife in more unusual locations. For example, I was wandering home through the centre of Ringwood one evening when I stumbled upon a group of black-headed gulls looking for food. Then I noticed that one of the gulls had a much darker head than the others.<br />
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This is a <b>mediterranean gull</b>. As the name suggests, this species used to be restricted to the black sea and the eastern mediterranean but has expanded it's territory to cover much of Europe. There are somewhere between 550 and 600 breeding pairs in the UK with regular individuals being found amongst groups of black-headed gulls like this one. <div>
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I popped out to the garden on one hot evening and heard something moving in the leaf litter. I had a look and was surprised to find a <b>common toad</b> there. </div>
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I initially thought it odd to see an amphibian in the garden at this time of year- I was concerned that it was too hot. Toads though are actually more tolerant of dry environments than frogs and often use gardens as their habitat in summer<span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span>. They usually stay in a hollow in the ground during the day and emerge after dark to feed on ants, slugs and worms.</div>
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One morning I headed to the bathroom and was surprised to find a stunning moth sat just above the bathroom mirror. </div>
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This is a <b>black arches moth</b>. It's usually a woodland species so it's somewhat surprising to find it in a suburban environment but maybe there are enough trees nearby to support it. This species is considered a pest in forests as they feed voraciously on spruce and pine needles. A single caterpillar can eat 200 pine or 1000 spruce needles and about twice as many are damaged from being bitten off. If there are enough caterpillars or other factors in play they can causes the death of trees. </div>
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I found this impressive moth early one evening on a fence on my street. </div>
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This is a <b>willow beauty </b>but despite the name this species have a number of food plants including clematis, ivy and hawthorn- exactly the sort of plants you find in suburban gardens. They rest on the day on tree trunks though to a moth a wooden fence looks the same. </div>
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I've been out on a few evenings in the garden trying to look for moths and whilst here have been plenty around, photographing them has proved very tricky. One species I did capture was this one. </div>
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This is a <b>rosy footman moth</b>. These moths are a pink colour, which is unusual for moths, and are only found in the south of the UK- they are most common nearest the south coast. </div>
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At the start of June I was surprised when one of the BTO's tagged cuckoos, Bowie, visited my patch. Well Bowie has now crossed the Sahara having travelled an incredible 3,040 miles since leaving the New Forest on 12th June- an average of 86 miles a day<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>! Cuckoos are truly incredible birds. </div>
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Finally, I have been asking for people to share their local wildlife sightings and have received some interesting things so far. I was delighted to discover that there appears to be a strong community of <b>hedgehogs</b> in the centre of Ringwood with several people putting out for them. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1573976746237468/?ref=gs&fref=gs&dti=1573976746237468&hc_location=group_dialog" target="_blank">Hedgehogs of Ringwood FB Group</a></td></tr>
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Hedgehogs have seen their populations decline 66% in the last twenty years. The centre of Ringwood is a great habitat for them as there are few cars after dark and a network of alleyways which allow them to travel between gardens. Fantastic residents providing food for them is an added bonus and with numbers like this in just one garden it's clear hedgehogs are doing well here in Ringwood.</div>
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That's all for today but with some time off for the summer coming up I expect to have lots more to share with you over the coming weeks.</div>
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1: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5906569/Britains-earliest-harvest-40-YEARS-Farmer-says-UK-heatwave-brought-June-yield.html" target="_blank">MailOnline: "Britain's earliest harvest for 40 YEARS</a><br />
2: <a href="http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/common_toad.htm" target="_blank">Herpetofauna: Common Toad</a><br />
3: <a href="https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking/bowie" target="_blank">BTO: Bowie</a></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-5723789363005216162018-07-01T14:31:00.002+01:002018-07-01T14:31:41.040+01:00Magnificent MothsIt's been a hot week here with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees C. For wildlife that has already had to endure a freezing winter this year it's a challenging time.<br />
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The local <b>house martins</b> have finally settled on their nests. They appear to be breeding very late this year but in large numbers- with the good weather set to continue it will hopefully be a good year for them.<br />
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House martins are such incredible fliers and it's so wonderful to watch them swooping around catching insects. They seem to enter their nests at incredible speeds too. It's not all plain-sailing for them though- when I was looking at the various nests under the eaves of houses I spotted a very odd looking house martin. </div>
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This is actually a <b>house sparrow</b> so what is it doing in a martin nest? House sparrows will happily take over house martin nests(1). They will even sometimes attack the eggs and young house martins and harass the adults. The sparrows will even do this and choose not to use the nest themselves!</div>
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I was excited to spot this female <b>stag beetle </b>recently on the edge of a footpath. </div>
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It's likely this individual was looking for somewhere to lay its eggs as that's why you usually see female stag beetles on the ground(2). Stag beetles spend much of their life underground, only emerging to breed in the summer. The adults will die off by the autumn.</div>
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The warm weather has seen lots of butterflies on the wing over the last few weeks. One of the most common species locally appears to be the <b>meadow brown</b>. </div>
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The other species I've seen in large numbers is the <b>large white</b>. </div>
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Both species appear to be doing well in the local area though I must say there appears to be less butterflies generally than in past years. </div>
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The highlight of my week though has been spotting moths and I've seen some fantastic species.</div>
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Some are fairly plain looking but lovely in their own way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oCMQhwM6IisxO6cjkNa_c6p-MuhAOyGnONGAwepdzZe5LAyvUCXz314FmIEwnlYQh0ZvoFrEQ4D4nMeahTld5bTost2Tu3ztfj3_1B98CwBaZo2CSub_wdh3zOnw8aHyLWkns9Djz_aL/s1600/Photo+29-06-2018%252C+22+16+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oCMQhwM6IisxO6cjkNa_c6p-MuhAOyGnONGAwepdzZe5LAyvUCXz314FmIEwnlYQh0ZvoFrEQ4D4nMeahTld5bTost2Tu3ztfj3_1B98CwBaZo2CSub_wdh3zOnw8aHyLWkns9Djz_aL/s400/Photo+29-06-2018%252C+22+16+24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This species is <b>riband wave</b>, a species which is attracted to light. I found it on the edge of the window- I'd kept the light on in the hope of attracting some moths which clearly worked. There are several forms of this moth, part of it's natural variation, and this is the <i>remutata </i>form.</div>
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This is a similar species which I think is <b>small fan-footed wave</b> although there are quite a few 'wave' species which look alike. </div>
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The next species is more impressive- a <b>ghost moth</b> which I found on a gate post whilst it was still light. </div>
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Once they become adult moths, this species has no functioning mouthparts and therefore cannot feed(3). The males perform a swaying flight display at dusk which is presumably where the name comes from- I imagine it would be quite spooky. </div>
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Another stunning moth I found was this <b>white ermine moth</b>. </div>
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I found this individual on our shed after dusk which made it quite the challenge to take this photo. The pattern of the black spot varies greatly between individuals and this appears to have relatively few spots.</div>
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A find yesterday morning on a garden fence was this species:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYQEEUCGK20tuIECQtHwTxPBWotOh66ErNj-AxA0gUIaDonC-F6UYuwFQeMSc_Ftbw3yt4J0XrOs624YwXdBJgQFm577I41jvQgsCUDR05CPaaog-WWPBY_w-_82-INcLJ7Y17D0PFVnI/s1600/Photo+30-06-2018%252C+09+10+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="949" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYQEEUCGK20tuIECQtHwTxPBWotOh66ErNj-AxA0gUIaDonC-F6UYuwFQeMSc_Ftbw3yt4J0XrOs624YwXdBJgQFm577I41jvQgsCUDR05CPaaog-WWPBY_w-_82-INcLJ7Y17D0PFVnI/s400/Photo+30-06-2018%252C+09+10+18.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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This was a tricky species to identify but I think it's a <b>sycamore moth</b>. To a moth, wooden fence panels look like nooks and crannies in trees where they would normally rest up so in a suburban environment fences are actually a really good place to look for moths. </div>
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As much as I'd love to have a moth trap, a torch and a keen eye is the next best thing! </div>
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1: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Home%20%3EBirds%20&%20wildlife%20%3EBird%20&%20wildlife%20guides%20%3EAsk%20an%20expert%20%3EPrevious%20questions%20%3ECould%20our%20house%20sparrows%20be%20bullying%20house%20martins?%20Could%20our%20house%20sparrows%20be%20bullying%20house%20martins?%20%20Read%20more%20at%20http://ww2.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/ask-an-expert/previous/bullying.aspx#gkuYr5AVoqOR3qTl.99" target="_blank">RSPB: Could our house sparrows be bullying house martins?</a></div>
2: <a href="https://ptes.org/campaigns/stag-beetles/stag-beetle-facts/" target="_blank">PTES: About stag beetles</a><br />
3: <a href="https://butterfly-conservation.org/1034-14127/ghost-moth.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Conservation: Ghost Moth</a><br />
4: <a href="https://butterfly-conservation.org/1034-13031/white-ermine.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Conservation: White Ermine Moth</a>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-82119009476112597972018-06-24T14:42:00.000+01:002018-06-24T14:42:17.957+01:00June Nature NewsHello and welcome to this month's edition of Nature News, where I look at the wildlife and environment news from the local area and the UK as a whole.<br />
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<b>Plastic Purge Continues</b><br />
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I've been reporting regularly about the reduction of single-use plastics and it's really pleasing to see progress keeps being made. Recently McDonald's announced they are going to replace their plastic straws with paper ones in the UK from September(1). The chain uses 1.8 million straws in the UK every day so this is a significant reduction. They are also trialling doing the same in other countries. McDonald's must be one of the biggest companies in regards to plastic straws in the world and if they can do something about it then it shows that anyone can.<br />
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Meanwhile, the United Nations has produced a report on curbing plastic and found that at least fifty countries are working to reduce plastic pollution(2). There's an incentive for developing countries to do it as plastic bags are causing floods by blocking drains and cattle are eating them. The report acknowledges that far more still needs to be done though and cautiously suggest plastic alternatives.<br />
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A high proportion of marine litter comes from fishing waste and the EU have announced new rules to reduce the amount of this(3). Producers of plastic fishing gear will now be required to cover the cost of waste collection, transport, treatment as well as awareness-raising measures.<br />
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<b>Mammals in Decline</b><br />
There have been regular reports on the state of the UK's wildlife and the latest one came from the Mammal Society and Natural England and it's bleak reading(4). Almost one in five British mammals are facing a high risk of extinction with the red squirrel, Scottish wildcat and grey long-eared bat listed as facing severe threats to their survival. Hedgehogs and water voles have seen their populations decline by 66% in the last twenty years. Even rabbit numbers are thought to have decreased somewhere between 24 and 48% in the last 25 years.<br />
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<b><br />Licenses to Shoot Ravens</b></div>
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Following previous controversial licences to shoot buzzards, the environment secretary Michael Gove has issued licenses to shoot ravens in various parts of the UK included Wiltshire and Dorset(5). A shepherd from Dorset claims that ravens were killing a couple of lambs every day from the 9000 sheep he tends. It's accepted that ravens will kill and eat dying or dead lambs though as far as I can tell there is little evidence that they actually kill healthy ones. It would be easy for a shepherd to see ravens pecking at lambs and assume they were responsible for the deaths. </div>
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Ravens are doing well but only after years being scarce. The RSPB are not arguing that such licenses are unnecessary- they try to stay in the good books of farmers- but are concerned at the lack of controls in place. They want Natural England to ensure non-lethal methods have been trialled first and a review of the application looking at the status of ravens locally. It seem that Natural England are only too willing to issue licenses to those who apply and don't appear to be ensuring effective controls are in place. </div>
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<b>Local News</b></div>
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A few quick local stories now. The RSPCA were called to help a muntjac deer which had somehow found its way to the sixth floor of Bournemouth's Madeira Road multi-storey car park(6). The small deer was obviously not used to this time of environment and couldn't find it's way to safety. You can see a clip of the deer below.</div>
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Have you lost your car deer? 🦌 <a href="https://twitter.com/RSPCA_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSPCA_official</a> rescued a muntjac from the sixth floor of a multi-storey car park in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bournemouth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bournemouth</a> <br /><br />➡️ <a href="https://t.co/MCrcqcGfZJ">https://t.co/MCrcqcGfZJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XpQJ9RxyI3">pic.twitter.com/XpQJ9RxyI3</a></div>
— BBC Radio Solent (@BBCRadioSolent) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadioSolent/status/1004981702450728961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also in Bournemouth, the start of the month saw a bloom of plankton at the start of the month(7). An algae called phaeocystis which often blooms after a period of strong sunlight and warm weather, together with nutrients building up in the sea. I visited the coast a little further along from Bournemouth and managed to see the latter stages of the bloom. </div>
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Finally, the SSSI of Poole Harbour has been extended by 1,800 hectares(8). Poole Harbour is a hugely important site for wildlife, particularly waders and the extension of the area means the health of the harbour will be better protected.</div>
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That's all for today but I'll leave you with a plea to get in touch about what you've seen locally or further afield! Details below! See you soon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44492352" target="_blank">BBC News: McDonald's to ditch plastic straws</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44359614" target="_blank">BBC News: 50 nations 'curbing plastic pollution'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.circularocean.eu/new-eu-rules-to-reduce-marine-litter/" target="_blank">Circular Ocean: New EU rules to reduce marine litter</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="http://www.mammal.org.uk/2018/06/british-mammals-fight-for-survival/" target="_blank">Mammal Society: British mammal's fight for survival</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/ourwork/b/martinharper/archive/2018/06/18/a-response-to-news-that-licenses-have-been-granted-to-shoot-ravens-in-england.aspx" target="_blank">RSPB: A response to news that licenses have been granted to shoot ravens in England</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16275104.WATCH__Deer_trapped_on_sixth_floor_of_multi-storey_car_park_is_rescued_by_RSPCA/" target="_blank">Bournemouth Echo: Deer trapped on sixth floor of multi-storey car park in Bournemouth...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16265472.This_is_why_the_sea_in_Bournemouth_is_brown_at_the_moment/?ref=twtrec" target="_blank">Bournemouth Echo: This is why the sea in Bournemouth is brown at the moment</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8: <a href="https://twitter.com/NEDorstHantsIOW/status/1002580391889338368" target="_blank">Twitter: @NEDorsetHantsIOW</a></span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-71179874816691752372018-06-17T14:13:00.000+01:002018-06-23T14:05:27.848+01:00Late Spring Sightings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a warm few weeks here and much of the local wildlife has been busy in the process of breeding and raising young. I've seen plenty of fledgling birds lately such as this cute young <b>robin</b>.</div>
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The <b>canada geese</b> nursery looks to have had a successful year with many goslings still in the area. </div>
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You can see the difference in some of the older goslings like the one at the front of the last picture- less fluffy and the black markings are starting to appear on the head. </div>
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I managed to find what I think is the nest of a <b>green woodpecker </b>nearby. I kept hearing lots of noise at one tree and knew it was a nest but couldn't identify what species it belonged to. Then one day I saw a green woodpecker on the tree and saw some holes which look like woodpecker nests. With the sound on, you should be able to hear the noise in this clip.</div>
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This is what I think is probably this year's nest:</div>
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The cold winter and late spring has affected some local wildlife including the <b>house martins</b>. They arrived very late and are still in the process of building nests in the eaves of houses. I've yet to see any young poking out of them and I fear they may not produce any young this year. </div>
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The BTO tagged another set of <b>cuckoos</b> this year and I was excited to see that one of them, Bowie, visited my patch two weeks ago. There are plenty of cuckoos not far away in the New Forest but I was surprised to see one so close to the town. Thanks to Bowie's visit a satellite view of my patch made a brief appearance on week 2 of <i>Springwatch</i>!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowie the Cuckoo (<a href="https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking/bowie" target="_blank">Source</a>)</td></tr>
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On 12th June Bowie left the UK to begin his long trip back to Africa and is well into France. You can follow his journey <a href="https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking/bowie" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I saw one of the Avon <b>roe deer</b> recently which looked absolutely stunning in it's summer coat. </div>
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I've also seen plenty more insects this week such as this lovely <b>blue-tailed damselfly</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAzZko26xf-0aWnRr9FL8QxGuD6Z1hvCpVBdamuNbIepr2OLFpFok4kRQ3oDW463ImEjd9u7O7mH_9D0flNoQA0q9hARn9Vieyga1AHlFC565iNYcX4pbIn_Ha1SGKHcanVSiTtI-5J1g/s1600/DSCN6128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAzZko26xf-0aWnRr9FL8QxGuD6Z1hvCpVBdamuNbIepr2OLFpFok4kRQ3oDW463ImEjd9u7O7mH_9D0flNoQA0q9hARn9Vieyga1AHlFC565iNYcX4pbIn_Ha1SGKHcanVSiTtI-5J1g/s400/DSCN6128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was particularly drawn to this individual due to it's bright pink thorax. The females of this species, of which this is one, have a variety of colour forms with this form known as "rufescens". </div>
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I found several different species of longhorn beetles which are really distinctive insects.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banded Longhorn Beetle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYGN7BEQq7PPSROHFSINutp1_e9oAB8__MZjnBSHhI_iL3GaM2HPhOCpsqhtsYoZXEitPltt14pvlowM1zYTiYfQv_qt_Vt3UH4CZLzEurBD6dfLoQpxxXSKQNfBg7psApqCni7n_F2E8/s1600/DSCN6138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYGN7BEQq7PPSROHFSINutp1_e9oAB8__MZjnBSHhI_iL3GaM2HPhOCpsqhtsYoZXEitPltt14pvlowM1zYTiYfQv_qt_Vt3UH4CZLzEurBD6dfLoQpxxXSKQNfBg7psApqCni7n_F2E8/s400/DSCN6138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Longhorn Beetle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Stenurella melanura</i></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">There were lots of caterpillars out today too. Everywhere I looked there were these black ones:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtJmtLQG66NnmIt-Cawc4gnHMwJpTsX4VgHdQjIe_Nr0PfNDqV7AG_dl-I2vi0KQG-tE9v_chDJuAFuVXHf4tBAo92Hk549d45jGpYwtQl9dfhW4AnDhATD-DRXN9TFqTu4173IR3excy/s1600/DSCN6117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtJmtLQG66NnmIt-Cawc4gnHMwJpTsX4VgHdQjIe_Nr0PfNDqV7AG_dl-I2vi0KQG-tE9v_chDJuAFuVXHf4tBAo92Hk549d45jGpYwtQl9dfhW4AnDhATD-DRXN9TFqTu4173IR3excy/s400/DSCN6117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are probably <b>alder leaf beetle larvae </b>which means they are not technically caterpillars at all. A lot of people probably don't realise that all insects go through a similar metamorphosis to butterflies. This species was introduced to the UK in the 19th century but there were no records between 1946 and 2004. A colony appeared in Manchester in 2004 and then the species was found here in South Hampshire in 2014. </div>
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I also saw small <b>cinnabar moth</b> caterpillars on lots of ragwort plants and on one plant they were quite well developed already. </div>
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On a tree trunk there was a singular green caterpillar. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hTc8sjsOuOpisWH57Q6i2mCnwZL3qxWMTskAuqCHJAZ5fKUMEzCQl2-2oh-e5t6tYrMh_yXgCJMd51MzaDNJwSA6_fu-n0oHnxEbfjyPSj2FHHv0Puqxc5MvK5LzaLLQootYjipRy7bj/s1600/large_9EB7F13B-56C1-43C9-B8D7-85E5AC3F0DE0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hTc8sjsOuOpisWH57Q6i2mCnwZL3qxWMTskAuqCHJAZ5fKUMEzCQl2-2oh-e5t6tYrMh_yXgCJMd51MzaDNJwSA6_fu-n0oHnxEbfjyPSj2FHHv0Puqxc5MvK5LzaLLQootYjipRy7bj/s320/large_9EB7F13B-56C1-43C9-B8D7-85E5AC3F0DE0.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
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This individual looked very vulnerable on the trunk as birds love to eat the green caterpillars. This is the larvae of a <b>common quaker moth</b>- this species flies in March and April so this individual will not become an adult moth the early spring next year. </div>
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That's all for today but I shall be back next week with June's Nature News!</div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-26576074288648316272018-06-10T13:24:00.001+01:002018-06-10T13:24:38.924+01:00Interesting InsectsThe last few weeks have seen an explosion in the number and variety of insects around so today's post is an insect special!<br />
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Let's start off with a dragonfly, one I spotted sheltering in the long grass at the side of one of the lakes at Blashford.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLki7dMQCNTSTUhNLdG7V8YydDJSaOd4jsKWnuXvr_6cmALAhXnr68nWyq_6XrgNLqieeTBrwVsiE6_cV8HaSqbkFwmKUCyDmZLj-8nx5g-UT9eWWH2Ot2XfnjcxbeiopJx-Np-_hQt8R/s1600/DSCN5995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLki7dMQCNTSTUhNLdG7V8YydDJSaOd4jsKWnuXvr_6cmALAhXnr68nWyq_6XrgNLqieeTBrwVsiE6_cV8HaSqbkFwmKUCyDmZLj-8nx5g-UT9eWWH2Ot2XfnjcxbeiopJx-Np-_hQt8R/s400/DSCN5995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a <b>black-tailed skimmer</b>, probably a female or an immature male due to the lack of clear anal appendages. This species was first recorded in the UK in 1934 but is now a common species. It is thought the creation of gravel pits is a factor in their increase as they like extensive open unvegetated areas. </div>
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Like much of the UK, the most common dragonfly or damselfly species locally is the <b>common blue damselfly</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFDvktpC2YdhxfZK0L52w-YfZgCHSggoPTX7UqSszl8ssGcWutgJfx-dpuOnj_s6RkGwNJY5Oip6DdN0gW-fRr0w1DzhtQU1vHJS_3wOq6tk4yemaoF5w5gm7Xkz5ZiLGJnaIimrILAu0/s1600/DSCN5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFDvktpC2YdhxfZK0L52w-YfZgCHSggoPTX7UqSszl8ssGcWutgJfx-dpuOnj_s6RkGwNJY5Oip6DdN0gW-fRr0w1DzhtQU1vHJS_3wOq6tk4yemaoF5w5gm7Xkz5ZiLGJnaIimrILAu0/s400/DSCN5994.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This species lives in a wide range of habitats from small ponds to rivers but is especially common around lakes and reservoirs. </div>
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There are just two species of damselfly in the UK which have obviously coloured wings- they belong to the <i>Calopteryx </i>genus and are a type of damselfly known as demoiselles<span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnP0NGvIZLtY-6A-hkS8o_ksi_j5Klns5MQ6UUnaalVm8EjiPOkz0xdHDA5Hk7jdNBGWzFyZ0RD79hc6ju-jst0M8pYnQLIBAMQxAHO0B5ujxjYXMEt6CiX9JYPBeWuNevmS_O5OuXU8q/s1600/DSCN5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnP0NGvIZLtY-6A-hkS8o_ksi_j5Klns5MQ6UUnaalVm8EjiPOkz0xdHDA5Hk7jdNBGWzFyZ0RD79hc6ju-jst0M8pYnQLIBAMQxAHO0B5ujxjYXMEt6CiX9JYPBeWuNevmS_O5OuXU8q/s320/DSCN5960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The more common of these two species is this one, the <b>banded demoiselle</b>. The spots on the wings start of as dark brown in immature males before developed into the black of adults. </div>
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The other species is slightly less common, though is still fairly abundant and is the <b>beautiful demoiselle</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnGYF_i4AGj_SQYhT15_8DuCRU8159C3FOKZDA1rFcNZG6bnJ86bad9NYEOw7prFA_t_A_E2b5gAtJ6_mr1FJOYF90iL7B_Gp4Kvm8o9YQyVLiH6zrDmueelE-rBEszrHcsXzlLEB6Cy-/s1600/DSCN6012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnGYF_i4AGj_SQYhT15_8DuCRU8159C3FOKZDA1rFcNZG6bnJ86bad9NYEOw7prFA_t_A_E2b5gAtJ6_mr1FJOYF90iL7B_Gp4Kvm8o9YQyVLiH6zrDmueelE-rBEszrHcsXzlLEB6Cy-/s400/DSCN6012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This similar species is generally only found in the west of the UK<span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span>.</div>
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I haven't seen that many moths yet this year but I did see one of the easiest to spot and identify, the <b>cinnabar moth</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeDSfPDT_wsH7Bvl84avJHVMR6vfl1-qWFi5aRXHHNwsmSXdOzNYQLRTaHD01FkFijg4sykPYkOPnc_nz1FKcEjuX4Rnfw9JuPO72LXnj-XWOV_G6CIYQOPJ5lboUx_Thabl7I4Xlfzsk/s1600/DSCN5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeDSfPDT_wsH7Bvl84avJHVMR6vfl1-qWFi5aRXHHNwsmSXdOzNYQLRTaHD01FkFijg4sykPYkOPnc_nz1FKcEjuX4Rnfw9JuPO72LXnj-XWOV_G6CIYQOPJ5lboUx_Thabl7I4Xlfzsk/s400/DSCN5992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As usual in nature, the bright markings are a warning to potential predators. They eat ragwort, a plant which is poisonous to mammals and unpleasant for birds to eat<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>.</div>
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Some moths are much harder to spot but if you look in the hedgerows and bushes you can spot all sorts of interesting species. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTJYYtpnAvbbtj2vU-NzWGWsA2IMERy5mpGyDfIE9oPowu6t60a5K92opYVgnJBpGRy2ovG4x9y1jXplIkJadAJ3dEuiesFujHDpDPn02JRVMPxn8XBWiKXAYQrhjtuQ9ipKAuDzuz0hw/s1600/DSCN5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTJYYtpnAvbbtj2vU-NzWGWsA2IMERy5mpGyDfIE9oPowu6t60a5K92opYVgnJBpGRy2ovG4x9y1jXplIkJadAJ3dEuiesFujHDpDPn02JRVMPxn8XBWiKXAYQrhjtuQ9ipKAuDzuz0hw/s400/DSCN5949.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is a <b>yellow-barred long-horn moth</b>. This is a day-flying moth and you can tell from the pale tips to it's antennae that this individual is a female. Male antennae are actually twice as long as female antennae which seems ludacris- the antennae on males are four-times longer than the moth itself!</div>
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I am also discovering new insects I haven't seen before and they are endlessly fascinating. You might assume this species is some form of ladybird at first glance but when you more closely it doesn't seem to fit the bill. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFGNWfMJvNq-X7B7pq5dJleGNDh2xQuYB50olq_Qol56fiSBryBKWVE6ltOTDisiVjuEwKS9IDdFdY242c_qU8vNcwT7eYTcSlYIh3h6hQ7GVDKa2tvjOUC8dyjhFwrM8m_TQ-QqCvMHw/s1600/DSCN5916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFGNWfMJvNq-X7B7pq5dJleGNDh2xQuYB50olq_Qol56fiSBryBKWVE6ltOTDisiVjuEwKS9IDdFdY242c_qU8vNcwT7eYTcSlYIh3h6hQ7GVDKa2tvjOUC8dyjhFwrM8m_TQ-QqCvMHw/s400/DSCN5916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is actually a <b>red and black froghopper</b>. Like the cinnabar moth, the markings highlight it's unpleasant taste to predators. This froghopper mainly gets its food from sucking the vegetable juices of grasses. It can both fly and jump up to 70 centimetres. </div>
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A beetle next and this is a <b>garden chafer</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDKWTiXsPZnhrz-mAYyI4gXI4zYKlUenc5wm3C6xJxF_CrKmAd1QRaHf1Bh1kPXfIl1k3ZWMq19fQpAIk_C_mj8_j9KgHFP0_kZte6SfqidQmRCq18LXdvXJ1zNpoFIiMhEkAjlbp-1Fn/s1600/DSCN6018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDKWTiXsPZnhrz-mAYyI4gXI4zYKlUenc5wm3C6xJxF_CrKmAd1QRaHf1Bh1kPXfIl1k3ZWMq19fQpAIk_C_mj8_j9KgHFP0_kZte6SfqidQmRCq18LXdvXJ1zNpoFIiMhEkAjlbp-1Fn/s400/DSCN6018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I couldn't find much information about this beetle but I am intrigued by it's look- you don't see many insects with such different colored wing casing to the rest of the body. </div>
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I'm seem a couple of interesting looking flies lately too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBotALbGeytjms8cA4wGCsH-AYjvPZQnGTYA_itWdlmTu8XqsgWA5V8VmWo5sM0XBAIRlofPSOGOcGODgb5j8YWOiuSFoZrtmJJEtQlQH4xiF4aXJG7Im6fGm2XyTmiXV20gCtlziGg3Tg/s1600/DSCN6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBotALbGeytjms8cA4wGCsH-AYjvPZQnGTYA_itWdlmTu8XqsgWA5V8VmWo5sM0XBAIRlofPSOGOcGODgb5j8YWOiuSFoZrtmJJEtQlQH4xiF4aXJG7Im6fGm2XyTmiXV20gCtlziGg3Tg/s400/DSCN6022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This fly belong to the genus <i>Tenthredo</i> and like many insects has the markings of a wasp despite being completely harmless. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbT4ubd-5TmCDcuh2LG8cyAdRKkw9mpzk_iUvpehB_59rifGtaRtf58ap9hylGbLlfedP0ETXzpobFTGeGCJrICWuOMjM9X0KlhSjvkBTkWlWLTCMHUeY9M9E4IjoUuBW3xDHAMA9rrQY/s1600/DSCN6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbT4ubd-5TmCDcuh2LG8cyAdRKkw9mpzk_iUvpehB_59rifGtaRtf58ap9hylGbLlfedP0ETXzpobFTGeGCJrICWuOMjM9X0KlhSjvkBTkWlWLTCMHUeY9M9E4IjoUuBW3xDHAMA9rrQY/s400/DSCN6030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one is of the genus <i>Panorpa</i> which means it's a type of <b>scorpion fly</b>. These are so called because the males have what looks like a scorpion tail but is actually claspers for mating- this individual is a female<span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span>. Scorpion flies scavenge dead insects are regularly steal food which is trapped in spider webs. Males are often killed by the females when they mate so they placate females with a present of a dead insect or a mass of saliva. </div>
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To conclude, here are some recent photos of two more insects I've discussed on the blog before:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e6S-pOpWPW-64iGfMUBxzXxDBpNb8geQptrO8iPMvWHxRRl24aO_Adt3mjmAjuQPUReGCjhNd6A7rj_O2Js5PkGDjhPwZhhvIsWyOQKHKA3-r-jrwYY0biQ_2-cXhQXpH1k_OYf2T93b/s1600/DSCN5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e6S-pOpWPW-64iGfMUBxzXxDBpNb8geQptrO8iPMvWHxRRl24aO_Adt3mjmAjuQPUReGCjhNd6A7rj_O2Js5PkGDjhPwZhhvIsWyOQKHKA3-r-jrwYY0biQ_2-cXhQXpH1k_OYf2T93b/s400/DSCN5965.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swollen-thighed beetle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsc_ftPeaO3Ts2GnxfEDxcbo6K8XZkPZZWXCAJL9GcoCTTkmGkDpnS3S0olNnnxmsbs1XRKdtD4qML38CPR8sWQzTQ6VZ4N79r2izHcnOCB_i4nxpXuMkX9i7q_PC6y86DMtNlpBFr7TB/s1600/DSCN6016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsc_ftPeaO3Ts2GnxfEDxcbo6K8XZkPZZWXCAJL9GcoCTTkmGkDpnS3S0olNnnxmsbs1XRKdtD4qML38CPR8sWQzTQ6VZ4N79r2izHcnOCB_i4nxpXuMkX9i7q_PC6y86DMtNlpBFr7TB/s400/DSCN6016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roesel's bush cricket</td></tr>
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That's all for today but there will be more next week with a focus on the larger wildlife I've seen lately.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1: <a href="https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/banded-demoiselle" target="_blank">British Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle</a></div>
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2: <a href="https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/beautiful-demoiselle" target="_blank">British Dragonflies: Beautiful Demoiselle</a></div>
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3: <a href="https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/butterflies-and-moths/cinnabar" target="_blank">The Wildlife Trusts: Cinnabar</a></div>
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4: <a href="https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/other-insects/scorpion-fly" target="_blank">The Wildlife Trusts: Scorpion Fly</a></div>
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Thanks also to Chris Brooks on <a href="http://ispotnature.org/">ispotnature.org</a> for confirming the identities of many of these species.</div>
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Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-60081342271089418992018-05-27T16:57:00.002+01:002018-05-27T16:57:21.346+01:00May Nature NewsIt's time for this month's edition of nature news where I discuss the latest nature and environment stories from the local area and beyond.<br />
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<b>Pesticides and Plastics</b><br />
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The EU has voted for further restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides<span style="font-size: x-small;">(1)</span>. Three neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) will no longer be allowed for outdoor use. There is growing scientific evidence that these chemical are harmful to bees and other pollinators so a ban could have a really positive impact on their populations. Though this was an EU vote the UK voted for a ban and Defra say that the ban will remain in the UK after Brexit.<br />
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Meanwhile, the EU is about to launch it's plan to dramatically reduce the use of single-use plastic across the union<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2)</span>. There's an extensive list of items the EU want to tackle which includes: cotton buds, forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, beverage stirrers and sticks for balloons. At the moment this is still at the draft stage but seems likely it will make it into EU law in the future.<br />
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With the UK leaving the EU though it's likely these new rules will only be put in place after we've left and so it's up to Environment secretary Michael Gove to follow Europe's example. Gove has regularly talked about this sort of legislation so hopefully this will indeed happen but nothing is guaranteed.<br />
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It's worth remembering why this sort of ban is needed. This month shocking images taken on the Isle of Rum were released showing red deer stags caught up in discarded fishing gear<span style="font-size: x-small;">(3)</span>.<br />
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Plastic and other rubbish has negative effects wherever it ends up. Marine life ends up consuming plastics, from tiny plankton up to turtles and even whales and it can kill. Birds too are regularly found with alarming amounts of plastic in their stomachs or tangled in human rubbish. These images remind us that things that end up in the sea will likely end up on land sooner or later and therefore any animal can suffer because of it. Two red deer stags died after becoming tangled up in ropes. </div>
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<b>State of the World's Birds</b></div>
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A five year compendium of population data has revealed alarming results<span style="font-size: x-small;">(4)</span>. One in eight bird species across the world are threatened with extinction, including once common species like puffins, snowy owls and turtle doves. At least 40% of bird species are in decline because of human activity. </div>
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Of the 1,469 globally threatened species 74% of them are threatened primarily by farming. Logging, invasive species and hunting are also major threats- in the Mediterranean region alone an estimated 12-38 million individual birds are hunted every year. </div>
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There is a tiny piece of good news amongst all this. BirdLife has reported that there are 25 species that would have gone extinct were in not for conservation efforts. Birds like the Guam Rail have been removed from the 'critically endangered' list. This shows that all hope is not lost but real efforts are needed to change the way humans behave to protect our birds and the rest of our wildlife too. </div>
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<b>National Parks</b></div>
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Environment secretary Michael Gove has announced a review into the country's natural landscapes with the potential for more national parks to be created in England<span style="font-size: x-small;">(5)</span>.</div>
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On the face of it national parks are good for the area. They protect it from large-scale development and have stricter rules to protect wildlife and the local environment. Having witnessed the UK's newest national park, the New Forest, be created though I have mixed views. </div>
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The New Forest has seen a real rise in visitor numbers in recent years and the creation of national park status is usually credited with this. But whilst more visitors might be good economically for the area it's not so good naturally. The New Forest is home to many ground-nesting birds whose numbers are falling quickly, like curlews, and it's thought that this is happening because they are increasingly being destroyed or disturbed by humans or dogs. Though evidence is limited, it appears that national park status has had a negative effect on a number of species. </div>
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When the New Forest National Park was being proposed Ringwood kept being included and then excluded from the park and in the end was left outside the boundary. This left the town open to major development. Due to the national park status small developments inside the Forest are difficult to create and so larger ones at Ringwood and other boundary-towns are being created. They are still destroying habitats and I can't help but think it would have been better for the environment if developments could have been spread out more. </div>
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<b>Guess Who's Back</b></div>
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Some good news now with the chequered skipper butterfly returning to England through an introduction programme<span style="font-size: x-small;">(6)</span>. The chequered skipper's numbers reduced in the 70s and after a drought in the summer of 1976 the species disappeared from England altogether (though it is still found in the Highlands of Scotland). Now Butterfly Conservation has released some in a forest in Nottinghamshire which were caught in Belgium. The reintroduction is more difficult than you might imagine as the team had to ensure the forest was a suitable habitat for the species, even planting specific food plants. </div>
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Finally, the National Police Air Service based at Bournemouth Airport recently tweeted this great photo of a hare at the airport<span style="font-size: x-small;">(7)</span>:</div>
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It's great to know that hares are thriving at the local airport and even better to know that people are looking out for them. </div>
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Nature News will return in June, see you then.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-restrictions-on-neonicotinoids-agreed" target="_blank">Gov.uk: 'Further restrictions on neonicotinoids agreed'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-restrictions-on-neonicotinoids-agreed" target="_blank">The Guardian: 'Gove urged to follow Europe with ban on single-use plastics'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3:<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-44223255" target="_blank"> BBC News: 'Stags on Rum found tangled in discarded fishing gear'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/23/one-in-eight-birds-is-threatened-with-extinction-global-study-finds?CMP=share_btn_tw" target="_blank">The Guardian: 'One in eight bird species threatened with extinction, global study finds'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-44268724" target="_blank">BBC News: 'England could have new national parks in Gove review'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/17/back-from-the-brink-chequered-skipper-butterfly-takes-to-english-skies-again" target="_blank">The Guardian: 'Back from the brink: chequered skipper butterfly takes to English skies again'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="https://twitter.com/NPASBournemouth/status/998275628339212288" target="_blank">Twitter: NPASBournemouth</a></span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-79807198574585311802018-05-13T14:01:00.002+01:002018-05-13T14:01:46.356+01:00Charming ChicksOver the last few weeks chicks have started to hatch and fledge in large numbers so today's post features lots of cute baby birds.<br />
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The Bournemouth <b>peregrine falcons</b> laid three eggs in the end and all three successfully hatched!<br />
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Getting clear shots of the three chicks is proving quite tricky at the moment as the adult is almost always brooding them. They appear to be doing really well with the adults bringing in regular and sizeable meals. These are an experienced pair who who have excellent hunting weather since the eggs hatched so I would expect these chicks to grow up healthily. </div>
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Meanwhile the gosling nursery field has suddenly become full of goslings. The first I spotted were the <b>greylag </b>goslings. </div>
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Within two days they were joined by around thirty <b>canada geese</b> goslings. </div>
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Canada goslings are fairly well developed when they hatch with their eyes open and leave the nest within 1-2 days<span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span>. In many places they form these 'gang broods' where several broods come together- I think there must be at least three here. The advantages of this tactic are clear- a predator would likely wipe out one brood with just two adults to protect it. Here though any predator would face a whole load of adults and even if it caught some goslings the overall proportion would still be lower. It's definitely a case of safety in numbers.</div>
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Very close to my house last weekend I found this very young looking fledgling. </div>
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It's difficult to confidently identify the species but I suspect that this is probably a <b>starling</b>. It still looks very much like a chick with it's downy feathers and that yellow mouth called a 'gape'<span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span>. The gape acts as a target for adult birds who feel an irresistible compulsion to put food in it. Gradually the gape flange, the outer parts of the mouth, will shrink and turn dull as the bird grows older. </div>
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This individual cannot have fledged very long before I found it and was sat in the middle of a footpath. It was extremely vulnerable there so I gently ushered it into the bushes where it would be better protected from predators, especially the local cat population, and be further away from the road. </div>
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Another recent bird sighting was this adult <b>grey wagtail</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNiXlWour4pbsarDalj9PU8WLwA9PyZg16OVCq-AKxXhwSSk1-LppKHgjBHIKh6ymRxgfcm5f7zDvMisdts8BM9orepZyF5OuIsmh_sG0Qy9IW7blHpUNEnKILilRs9F7GeJLQ9X0YXD-/s1600/DSCN5876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNiXlWour4pbsarDalj9PU8WLwA9PyZg16OVCq-AKxXhwSSk1-LppKHgjBHIKh6ymRxgfcm5f7zDvMisdts8BM9orepZyF5OuIsmh_sG0Qy9IW7blHpUNEnKILilRs9F7GeJLQ9X0YXD-/s400/DSCN5876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see this wagtail has a beak stuffed full of what appear to be caterpillars. The fact it is holding them rather than eating them suggests that it is about to take them to it's young in a nearby nest. According to the information I've found grey wagtails are supposed to eat aquatic creatures rather than caterpillars but the latter may be easier to catch and I don't suppose the chicks are too fussy. </div>
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Grey wagtails nest alongside a fast moving river or stream with a clutch size of between 3-6 eggs. </div>
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Finally for today, here's one of the many butterflies which has emerge in recent weeks. </div>
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This is a <b>speckled wood</b> and it seems to be common for them to lose parts of their wing. The spots look like eyes to predators, mainly birds, which then aim for the wing margin<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>. They may end up damaging the wing but butterflies can manage with a fair bit of damage and their body remains completely intact.</div>
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That's all for today, see you soon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/lifehistory" target="_blank">All About Birds: Canada Goose</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-birds-gape-385235" target="_blank">The Spruce: Gape</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.rampantscotland.com/butterflies/butterfly_speckled_wood.htm" target="_blank">Butterflies of Scotland: Speckled Woo</a>d</span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-79606488162004464032018-04-29T14:23:00.001+01:002018-04-29T14:23:58.202+01:00Delightful DurlstonThe local <b>roe deer </b>have been much more visible over the last few weeks and I've had several close encounters with them.<br />
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It's interesting to compare these two male deer and note the differences. The top deer is probably a few years older as it has much longer antlers<span style="font-size: x-small;">(1)</span> and it's both bigger and more muscly than the lower deer. I think the bottom deer is about three years old and despite its diminutive size it was very confident. It was only a few feet away from me on the other side of a low fence and once it gave me a good stare it ignored me and carried on grazing. </div>
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Last weekend I visited Durlston Country Park near Swanage in Dorset. The park has a range of habitats from woodland and meadows to sea-cliffs so it's a good place to see a range of wildlife. </div>
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I found a few insects in the meadows such as this <b>bloody-nosed beetle</b>. </div>
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This flightless beetle gets its name from it's unusual defence mechanism- when breathed on it secrets a blood-red liquid from its mouth which irritates the mouths of many mammals<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2)</span>. </div>
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Another insect I spotted was this <b>dark-edged</b> <b>bee-fly</b>. </div>
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Like many species these insects have evolved to look like bees as a defence mechanism but they are actually harmless flies. Well, harmless to humans. Their larvae are parasitoids of mining bees that nest in colonies in the soil<span style="font-size: x-small;">(3)</span>. The female bee-fly will hover above a mining bee area and flick eggs onto the ground. When the bee-fly egg hatches the larva crawls into the underground nest of a host bee and attaches itself to a bee grub to suck out its body fluids. I love looking into invertebrate life-cycles! </div>
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You can spot what looks like a sting coming out of the bee-fly's head which is actually a proboscis or tongue. Like a hummingbird, these insects hover in front of deep flowers like primroses and stick their long proboscis into the flower to drink the nectar. </div>
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I noticed what looked like cobwebs on a lot of the bramble bushes and a closer look make me realise they were webbing nest of <b>brown-tail moth </b>caterpillars. </div>
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These larvae spend the winter inside the webbing nests before emerging in the spring to feed communally<span style="font-size: x-small;">(4)</span>. Few insects feed on plants of more than two different families but this species has been recorded as feeding on plants from as many as 13 families. </div>
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You really don't want to mess with these larvae. The loose hairs break off and can cause all sorts of problems for humans such as rashes, skin irritation, headaches and breathing difficulties. You shouldn't get too close to it and should wear thick gloves if you ever have to handle one. A related species which causes similar effects, the oak processionary moth, has been in the news this week due to outbreaks in London<span style="font-size: x-small;">(5)</span>. </div>
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Cows were grazing on the meadows at Durlston and I was amazed to see a brazen <b>jackdaw</b> use them as a feeding opportunity. </div>
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This jackdaw was casually walking all over the cow pecking at insects that were attracted to it. The cow didn't seem too bothered (if anything the jackdaw as probably doing it a service) though it did lift its head a few times when the jackdaw got too annoying. </div>
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I was really pleased to see some <b>guillemots </b>at the foot of the cliffs. </div>
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These seabirds only come to land to breed and spend the rest of their lives at sea<span style="font-size: x-small;">(6)</span>. From the top of the cliffs they look like penguins and their colour scheme is the same as penguins for the same reason- when they are swimming in the sea from below the white colour makes them blend in with the sky and from above the black colour makes them blend into the sea. </div>
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The breeding colony at Durlston is the second largest on the south coast and also the most easterly- it's also right at the southernmost limit of their worldwide range<span style="font-size: x-small;">(7)</span>.</div>
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Whilst it was a lovely visit, I was disappointed that I wasn't able to see the peregrine falcons which are regularly seen on the cliffs and the area is also a good one for spotting dolphins but I had no luck there either. </div>
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Durlston Country Park is a great place to visit to see wildlife and somewhere I'd definitely recommend checking out. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-age-roe-deer-its-antlers" target="_blank">Discover Wildlife: How to age a roe deer from its antlers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/bloody-nosed-beetle" target="_blank">Wildlife Trusts: Bloody-nosed beetle</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/dark-edged-bee-fly" target="_blank">Buglife: Dark-edged bee-fly</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/dark-edged-bee-fly" target="_blank">Forest Research: Brown-tail moth</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/28/processionary-moths-toxic-health-warning" target="_blank">The Guardian: Health warning as toxic hairy caterpillars take over woodlands</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/guillemot/" target="_blank">RSPB: Guillemot</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/guillemot/" target="_blank">Durlston: Guillemots</a></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-23418761833373905742018-04-22T17:00:00.001+01:002018-04-22T17:00:20.262+01:00April Nature NewsIt's the third weekend of the month which means it's time for my latest round-up of wildlife and environment news from my local area and the UK.<br />
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<b>The Final Straw?</b><br />
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The government have been discussing the possibility of banning plastic straws and cotton buds from sale<span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span>. It's estimated that around 8.5 billion straws are thrown away in the UK every year and though pressure is beginning to build on companies to stop using them, we are still a long way away from them disappearing altogether.<br />
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At this stage all they have actually announced is a consultation on doing it so if a ban ever does come into place then it will be some years in the future. Still, it's good to see it being talked about and this idea was discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting with the UK encouraging other members of the commonwealth to consider the same idea.<br />
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Meanwhile, a Lords select committee have been very critical on the government's countryside policies and said that it is failing the natural environment<span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span>. It says there has been "consistent failure, over a number of years, to prioritise the 'rural affairs' element" of the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and that this has had a "profound negative impact... to the cost of us all".<br />
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In a previous edition of Nature News I discussed how poor many of the government's environment policies are so the findings of this committee are no surprise. I hope that it can help to put things right.<br />
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<b>New Forest Pine Marten</b><br />
One of my very first posts on this blog was discussed the fact a pine marten had been caught on a trail camera in the New Forest. This was in about two years ago and I've not heard anything further until now.<br />
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Twitter user Jon Cuthill (@joncuthill) shared this amazing video of a pine marten in his garden in the New Forest<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>:<br />
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Obviously this was not been properly verified but it's from a BBC journalist and certainly appears to show a pine marten in a New Forest garden. Pine martens used to be widespread in the UK but became virtually extinct outside of Scotland. Re-releases and small populations have meant they have returned to parts of England and Wales but the New Forest is not generally thought to be one of them. The trouble is that pine martens are usually nocturnal and are very elusive so seeing them is difficult enough, yet alone surveying how many there actually are locally.<br />
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<b>Osprey Lost</b><br />
Last year eight juvenile ospreys were released in Poole Harbour in the hope that they would be the start of setting up a new population there. The birds migrate to Africa over the winter and until this month two had been spotted there.<br />
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Now a third bird has been discovered, LS6, but unfortunately this one was found dead in the the Gambia<span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span>. The image below was sent shortly after the discovery of the body but was actually taken two months before it was found. Here LS6 is seen with a large piece of tail feathers missing, likely from a dog or even a crocodile. Though LS6 escaped initially, the lost tail feathers may have hindered it's fishing.<br />
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Like most migratory birds, it's fairly common for ospreys to die in the first year- only around 20-30% of juveniles return to the UK as adults. Though it's sad news about LS6 there are positives to take from it. It means that at least 3 of the 8 translocated birds made it to Africa with Poole Harbour's close proximity to the English channel allowing them an easier route than birds that set off from further North.</div>
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<b>RSPB in the New Forest</b></div>
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The RSPB have announced that they are going to create their first nature reserve in the New Forest<span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span>. The reserve will be called Franchises Lodge and is near Nomansland in the north of the forest. The reserve was previously privately-owned land and is big, some 386 hectares. </div>
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Once it's open to the public it sounds like it will be a fascinating place to visit. It's apparently home to an internationally important lichen community and exciting birds like hawfinch, spotted flycatcher and wood warblers. I can't wait to go! </div>
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That's all for this month but there will be more Nature News in May.<br />
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1: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43817287" target="_blank">BBC News- Plastic straw and cotton bud ban proposed</a><br />
2: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43475030" target="_blank">BBC News- 'Radical change' needed on countryside</a><br />
3: <a href="https://twitter.com/joncuthill/status/979115425240842241" target="_blank">Twitter: @joncuthill</a><br />
4: <a href="http://www.roydennis.org/2018/03/27/sad-news-ls6/" target="_blank">Roy Dennis Foundation: Sad news about LS6</a><br />
5: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-43508077" target="_blank">BBC News- 'Secret' woodland to be first RSPB New Forest reserve</a>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-41809315586316744372018-04-15T13:55:00.000+01:002018-04-15T13:55:30.059+01:00Signs of SpringIt is finally starting to feel more like Spring although we've still had lots of grey, drizzly days this week.<br />
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With the sun out one day I was keeping a close eye on a verge looking for insects when I managed to spot this well-concealed <b>slow worm</b>.<br />
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Slow worms, like other reptiles, hibernate over the winter<span style="font-size: x-small;">(1) </span>so this was probably one of the first times it had emerged this year. The thing I found most surprising was the location. It is no doubt on the verge because it faces the sun but seeing it next to a footpath not far at all from the centre of town was totally unexpected. </div>
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More plants are coming into flower now that the temperatures have risen. One that I've seen a lot lately is <b>pussy willow</b>. </div>
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Willow trees are single-sexed and these flowers only appear on the male trees<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2)</span>. Both sexes produce nectar but these male flowers are important to insects due to the copious amounts of pollen they produce- the yellow blobs are the pollen. </div>
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In several local woodlands I've seen carpets of <b>wood anemones</b> appear. </div>
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Given the way they cover woodland floors you would be forgiven for thinking that they spread very quickly. However, wood anemones only spread at a rate of six feet every hundred years so are a good indicator of ancient woodland<span style="font-size: x-small;">(3)</span>. Hoverflies like wood anemones are an important pollinator for the species but it's not much used to most animals as food because of an acrid taste. </div>
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Today I was pleased to see the first <b>bluebell </b>of the year near the fishing lake, one solitary plant in flower. </div>
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I went out into the New Forest this week which always leads to some lovely views. </div>
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Whilst in the forest I heard several <b>cuckoos</b> calling which meant they have arrived back for the breeding season from their wintering grounds in Africa. Over the last few months I've been following the BTO's tagged cuckoos, particularly Selborne who was tagged in and returns to the New Forest<span style="font-size: x-small;">(4)</span>. It's staggering to see how he has flown across much of Africa, including the Sahara desert, before crossing the sea to eventually arrive back at the New Forest. </div>
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Meanwhile, I've spotted lots of Spring behaviour in the birds in our garden. <b>Starlings</b> and other birds have been ripping at the woody plant growing on the garage which backs onto our garden and flying off with whatever they can get hold of. </div>
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The starlings nest in the cavities of the houses on our estate as they are easily accessible. You can see them disappear into the holes. Often we have some nesting in our roof and you can hear the chicks calling when the feeds begin early in the morning. </div>
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Meanwhile it's been open warfare for the <b>blackbirds </b>recently. </div>
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We seem to have two male blackbirds visiting the garden at the moment but it's not really big enough for the both of them. When they spot each other they lunge towards each other until one back off. They never seem to go far though and retreat to the safety of the shed or a fence before trying to sneak back into the feeding area. Inevitably they are spotted by their rival and the fight continues once more. </div>
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To finish today here is a lovely piece from Ringwood TV about the Poulner Toad Patrol who help amphibians crossing the road to get to their breeding area. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="http://www.froglife.org/info-advice/amphibians-and-reptiles/slow-worm/" target="_blank">Froglife: Slow Worm</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://blashfordlakes.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/yellow-days/" target="_blank">Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve: Yellow Days</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/wood-anemone" target="_blank">Plantlife: Wood anemone</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="https://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking/selborne" target="_blank">BTO: Selborne</a></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-20921680400872226832018-04-08T15:44:00.001+01:002018-04-08T15:44:53.157+01:00From Rain to SunWe had a lot of rain here over the Easter weekend. The river levels reached as high as I've ever seen them with one measure suggesting water levels reached as high as four feet (1.2 metres).<br />
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The river meanders across the footpath meaning that the path and the few trees either side of it were the only dry land for some distance. This probably explains why I managed to spot this <b>bank vole</b> right next to the path. </div>
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Bank voles have a longer tail than other voles, usually some fifty percent of their length<span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span>. They live in burrows with multiple entrances and I saw this individual disappear into one of them. It's likely some of the other led into flood water so this vole was probably limited in where it could go. They are a common species and an important prey species for foxes, owls and other birds of prey. </div>
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I think the rain probably triggered a large amount of sap to secrete out of a recently cut tree branch along one of the paths. </div>
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The smell of the sap was really strong and it was attracted lots of invertebrates. In the photo above you can see a <b>woodlouse</b> feeding on it and there was a steady stream of ants coming to and fro to the sap. </div>
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The wetter weather has also probably supported some of the fungi species I've seen this week. These golden globules on a fence post are fungi of the genus <b>dacrymyces </b>probably a <b>common jellyspot</b>.</div>
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These fungi often appear on fence posts and can be found at any time of year where there's wet weather<span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span>. </div>
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I also spotted this <b>witches butter fungus</b>. </div>
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This fungus gets its name from it's yellow colour though during wet weather it turns much darker as you can see. </div>
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On Thursday the rain finally stopped and the first butterflies of the year emerged. </div>
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This is a <b>brimstone</b> and I saw lots of these in flight on Thursday. Brimstones hibernate in the winter in ivy, holly and bramble and then re-emerge on warm spring days, though usually a few weeks earlier than this<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>.I also saw a handful of <b>peacock butterflies</b> which also hibernate over the winter<span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span>.</div>
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I was also pleased to see some more flowers emerging</div>
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This is <b>lesser celandine</b>, a woodland flower which is one of the first to flower- as you can see here, they provide a useful lifeline to insects when few others are in flower. </div>
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This is a <b>primrose </b>which although I saw in the wild looks to me like a cultivated variety. Though primroses are often yellow it's also quite common to see them in this paler form. The name 'primrose' literally means 'first rose', indicating it's early flowering. </div>
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Finally, here's a bird I stumbled on at a quiet patch of river, a <b>little grebe</b>. </div>
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This bird is already in it's summer plumage. Little grebes eat fish like other grebes but as they are smaller only eat smaller fish, meaning they are distributed more widely. Though relatively common they can be difficult to see, especially at close range, because they are shy and normally dive under the water and resurface some distance away<span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span>. This individual tried to do that but it was still close enough for me to photograph when it emerged. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: Konig, Claus (1973). <i>Mammals</i>. Collins and Co. pp. 110-111</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/dacrymyces-stillatus.php" target="_blank">First Nature: Common jellyspot</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="https://butterfly-conservation.org/50-1310/brimstone.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Conservation: Brimstone</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=io" target="_blank">UK Butterflies: Peacock</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="http://www.arkive.org/little-grebe/tachybaptus-ruficollis/" target="_blank">Arkive: Little Grebe</a></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-30330674662506306772018-03-31T14:22:00.000+01:002018-03-31T14:22:06.735+01:00Foxes Unearthed<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">I recently read </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">Foxes Unearthed: A Story of Love and Loathing in Modern Britain</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;"> by Lucy Jones which looks at the fox, the biggest land predator still around in the country and human's complicated relationships with it.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449532149l/27220154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #591104; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449532149l/27220154.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="198" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">The early part of the book gives us a history of the fox in mythology, as Reynard, a trickster character and how it moved on to </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">Fantastic Mr. Fox</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">. Then we see what foxes are actually like and go into some depth in their behaviour. The bulk of the book though looks at human views on foxes from killing them or deterring them in urban areas to the hunting argument and those opposed to it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">The real highlights of the book was where the author got directly involved with the people she was speaking too. She spends a night out with a fox pest controller, watches a trail hunt and joins in with some hunt saboteurs which sounded like an genuinely unpleasant and scary experience. She does a really good job at letting people have the opportunity to share their views, whatever they may be.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">Jones does a great job at showing how complicated feelings towards foxes are. She regularly mentions how pest controllers and hunters often like foxes and how though the general public have a love for them they often don't like seeing them on the doorstep. As with most issues, it's worth remembering that not everything is as black and white as it may seem.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">Jones is clearly a great journalist and for the majority of the book takes a neutral position. I would perhaps have preferred more of an opinion from her- some anti-fox arguments could have been more firmly put down with from her rather than from a third party source.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I find it difficult to accept some people's argument that foxes are a pest as many people argue. I can understand how frustrating it must be when foxes kill poultry or even occasionally lambs but it's very much a solvable human problem. A good fence should be enough and there are plenty of other ways of deterring foxes. Foxes in urban areas actually do us a favour, reducing the rat population, and very rarely have much impact on human lives- in those cases deterrent methods usually work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fox-hunting is clearly wrong. Some argue it's pest control but it seems to me it's mostly for pleasure. People also say that foxes even enjoy being chased and aren't stressed by it as they are wild animals that are used to predation. Just because an animal is using to being predated doesn't mean it isn't stressed from it and besides, British foxes are clearly not used to being chased in this way. Being chased for miles and then ripped apart by hounds is clearly not a humane way to die. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is one reason I can accept for killing foxes humanely, something the RSPB actively does at some times of year- to protect endangered species. Clearly the life of a rare animal has to trump that of a more common one. It's not a pleasant decision to make but one which is sadly necessary thanks to human action. This is something which only happens for a few weeks a year when there is no other option.<br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040;">Overall a well-written and researched book on people's attitudes to foxes which made me realise how complicated people's views of them really are.</span></span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-69537510066888434042018-03-25T15:16:00.000+01:002018-03-25T15:24:12.753+01:00A Cool CurlewWith Daylight Saving Time starting to day it is starting to feel a little more like Spring but it will likely be later than we have seen for a few years.<br />
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Last Sunday (18th March) we had another significant snowfall here. To get any snow at all here is unusual but I've never known a winter where we've had more than one period of snow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Goosander </b>in the cold Avon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow didn't stop this <b>robin </b>from singing</td></tr>
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It looks like the snow has finally gone for good and wildlife can start getting on with Spring. I recently visited Lymington-Keyhaven nature reserve where I got some close views of a few waders. One of these was a <b>turnstone </b>which was failing to live up to its name.<br />
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Rather than turning over stones this bird was searching through the seaweed for food. They mostly eat insects, crustaceans and molluscs<span style="font-size: x-small;">(1)</span>- it looks like it might have found a small crab in the first photo. Unlike most waders though turnstones will happily scavenge anything they can find and have been recorded feeding on coconuts and even human corpses!</div>
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An even more stunning bird was this <b>curlew</b> which was right next to the path. </div>
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You wouldn't think a brown bird could be so beautiful, would you? Curlews can be seen all along the South coast during the winter but this area is the only part where they can be seen all year around, both along the Solent estuary and in the New Forest<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2)</span>, though their numbers are in decline.</div>
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At my work in Bournemouth this week I've seen the car park <b>fox </b>for the first time in a little while. </div>
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Given the size this fox appears to be a vixen. This is the time of year when vixens are pregnant<span style="font-size: x-small;">(3)</span> so they are likely to be a little more lethargic than they are at other times. For several days running this vixen was curled up in the corner of the car park in a sunbeam- it's probably the warmest place around at that time of day. </div>
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I was disappointed to see a woman shoo this fox away one morning. I work in a school so I'm assuming she was worried that the fox might be a threat to the children. Foxes attacking humans are minutely small though, especially a small vixen like this one, and the far end of the car park is some distance away from the nearest playground. It's really brightened my morning to see this fox and it's disheartening to think some see it as a vicious monster which it clearly is not.</div>
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Over the last few years I've been following the <b>peregrine falcon </b>nest in a clock tower in the Lansdowne area of the town. In 2016 the first egg was laid on the 15th March and in 2017 the 16th March. This year however it was still quite cold by that time and there was no sign any eggs. Finally, the first egg was laid with just minutes left of the 21st of March. </div>
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Clearly the cold winter has meant the falcons delayed laying this year. I kept an eye out on the camera over the next few days and enjoyed some good views of both adults. </div>
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I thought I'd just check on the nest before finishing this blog post and discovered that a second egg was laid at 12:58 this afternoon!</div>
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This pair typically have four eggs so I would expect the same again this year. They should start hatching towards the end of April. You can watch all this for yourself on the <a href="http://www.bournemouthperegrines.org.uk/" target="_blank">webcam here</a>.</div>
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That's all for today but hopefully I'll be out and about lots over the next few weeks so stay tuned to see what I spot.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/turnstone" target="_blank">RSPB- Turnstone</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/curlew" target="_blank">RSPB- Curlew</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: Jones, L.(2016) <i>Foxes Unearthed: A Story of Love and Loathing in Modern Britain</i></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-14750128515598029392018-03-18T14:26:00.001+00:002018-03-18T14:26:16.074+00:00March Nature NewsHello and welcome to this month's Nature News where I round up wildlife and environment stories from the local area and across the UK.<br />
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<b>Local Wildlife Crime</b><br />
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Until 1998 there was mink farm here in Ringwood, just up the road from where I live. Animal rights activists attacked the farm and allowed thousands of american mink to be released into the countryside. I am totally against fur farming but the activists made a huge mistake. Many of the mink were killed to protect pets and livestock and I dread to think of the effect some 6,000 mink had on the local wildlife population. The farm is not far from the New Forest where there are many ground-nesting birds whose numbers are in decline- for mink the eggs make easy prey.<br />
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The story re-entered the new this week as it has emerged that the activist group had been infiltrated by the Metropolitan Police<span style="font-size: x-small;">(1) </span>. They knew about the raid and actually allowed it to happen as they saw it as preventing more serious crime in the longer term. No charges have ever been made for the raid and Hampshire Constabulary didn't even know about the undercover officer until 2014! The actions of the activists is bad enough in itself but the police knowing it was going to happen and allowing it is inexcusable.<br />
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More recently, local property developer and millionaire Christopher Wilson was convicted of damaging the breeding sites of two species of bats while building a block of luxury flats in Ferndown<span style="font-size: x-small;">(2)</span>. The licensing procedure was ignored meaning money was saved and the property could be developed more quickly. I total he had to pay just under £5,000 which doesn't seem very much for a millionaire- the amount he saved is not specified but it could conceivably still be less than the total fine. Either way it's not a great incentive for property developers to follow licensing procedures if the penalty is so slight.<br />
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<b>Government Environment Policy</b><br />
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The government has been positive on environment policy recently with many promises in the twenty-five year plan. Environment secretary Michael Gove even suggested recently that plastic straws could be banned<span style="font-size: x-small;">(3)</span>.<br />
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Since then however, things have taken a turn for the worse. The mooted "latte levy", a 25p surcharge on disposable coffee cups has been questioned by the government<span style="font-size: x-small;">(4)</span>. I've read the news story over and over trying to understand their reasoning and all I pick out is this:<br />
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"it is better for shops to offer voluntary discounts to customers bringing their own cups."<br />
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How is that better? Why rely on shops to be proactive rather than make it law and really make a difference?<br />
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Then there's the badger cull, a policy the government is insistent on as a way to curb bovine TB despite limited evidence it is effective and the damage it's doing to the badger population. Nine new areas have come forward to be considered for culling licences, including Hampshire<span style="font-size: x-small;">(5)</span>- there is little reason to think they won't be granted. In 2017 around 20,000 badgers were culled in England. The estimated badger population for England and Wales is 485,000<span style="font-size: x-small;">(6)</span>. If these licenses are granted and a similar amount are killed in these nine new areas as well as the current eight areas that would be around 40,000 badgers culled a year. The culls are supposed to happen for five years. It's insane that this is being allowed to happen.<br />
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Finally, for now at least, the government have responded to a petition to license driven grouse shooting<span style="font-size: x-small;">(7)</span>. It's a statement full of waffle which you can read in full in the link but basically they say they are not going to even consider this approach and are going to carry on as normal. Normal means that birds of prey are illegally killed on the uplands to protect the grouse shooting industry with few prosecutions. These birds of prey include hen harriers who are on the verge of extinction in the UK.<br />
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I'm disturbed by the fact that the government's actions are not reflecting the promises they have made. They say they are committed to support the environment yet their actions point the opposite direction.<br />
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<b>New Species of Fungi</b><br />
I've learnt a lot about fungi over the last few years but identifying them can still be really tricky. There is very little visual evidence to distinguish some species from each other. Botanists at Kew Gardens have been studying the big blue pinkgill (<i>Entoloma bloxamii</i>) and through morphological and DNA studies have concluded it's actually at least four species (<i>Entoloma atromadidum, E. bloxamii, E. madidum </i>and <i>E. ochreoprunuloides</i>)<span style="font-size: x-small;">(8)</span>. DNA sequencing is revolutionizing studies of the natural world and it seems there are many more species than we previously thought.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.discoverwildlife.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/623px_wide/main/Big%20Blue%20Pinnkgill%20(Entoloma%20atromadidum)%20-%20Louise%20Buckley-National%20Trust%20Images_623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.discoverwildlife.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/623px_wide/main/Big%20Blue%20Pinnkgill%20(Entoloma%20atromadidum)%20-%20Louise%20Buckley-National%20Trust%20Images_623.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="602" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Microplastics</b><br />
I've been discussing microplastics a lot recently and new studies are showing just how widespread they are. Microplastics are microscopic pieces of plastic that are toxic and gradually build up along the food chain.<br />
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I think we are all aware of the problem of microplastics in the oceans but it turns out they are building up in our rivers too. Scientists from the University of Manchester analysed 40 sites throughout Greater Manchester and found microplastics at all sites<span style="font-size: x-small;">(9)</span>. Urban waterways were the worst affected. This may have been a fairly small study but there's nothing to suggest it wouldn't be the case throughout the rest of the country- virtually every river runs through an urban area at some point.<br />
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There was also a sizeable study on microplastics in bottled water which is alarming<span style="font-size: x-small;">(10)</span>. Analysis of 259 bottles from 19 locations in nine countries across eleven different brands found an average of 325 plastic particles for every litre of water being sold. Only 17 bottles were plastic free. It's a relatively small amount but that's just an average with some being considerably higher and over years this could build up in your body. The World Health Organisation have launched a review on the risks of this but it seems likely it will be causing harm.<br />
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<b>An Easter Idea</b><br />
With Easter on the horizon I thought I'd end with a product you might consider for your loved one this Easter. A chocolatier called Mirrie Dancers are selling chocolate curlew eggs which not only look amazing but around £1.50 of the sale price goes to the RSPB's curlew recovery program!<br />
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<a href="https://www.mirriedancers.co.uk/shop/rspbeggs" target="_blank">You can buy the eggs online here</a>.</div>
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That's all for this month but there will be more nature news in April and I'll be back with a new post next weekend.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-43133682" target="_blank">BBC: Ringwood mink fur farm raid sanctioned by police</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16034160.Millionaire_property_developer_damaged_breeding_sites_of_two_types_of_bat_while_building_luxury_flats/" target="_blank">Bournemouth Echo: Millionaire property developer damaged breeding sites...</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43169004" target="_blank">BBC: Plastic straws could be banned, suggests Michael Gove</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43337571" target="_blank">BBC: Ministers question 'latte levy' on cups</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43328066" target="_blank">BBC: Nine areas of England apply to join badger cull</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="http://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/badger-population-rises-485000-england-wales.htm" target="_blank">Farmers Weekly: Badger population rises to 485,000 in England and Wales</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/207482?reveal_response=yes" target="_blank">UK Government and Parliament Petitions: License driven grouse shooting</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8: <a href="http://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/big-blue-surprise" target="_blank">Discover Wildlife: Big blue surprise</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">9: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-43363545" target="_blank">BBC: Microplastics are 'littering' riverbeds</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">10: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/15/microplastics-found-in-more-than-90-of-bottled-water-study-says" target="_blank">The Guardian: WHO launches health review after microplastics found in 90% of bottled water</a></span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-81892546321007321462018-03-12T17:41:00.000+00:002018-03-12T17:41:12.753+00:00Thankful for the ThawLast week's snow disappeared astonishingly quickly and the temperatures shot up. There's a feeling of Spring in the air now with lots of trees suddenly coming into flower.<br />
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The "beast from the East" brought lots of birds over from mainland Europe, especially fieldfares and <b>redwings</b><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span>.</div>
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This is one of the many redwings I've seen locally recently though sadly I've yet to spot a fieldfare. It's unlikely that many of these birds will be around for much longer as they migrate back to mainland Europe in the Spring<span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span>. Lots of birds that have spent the winter in Spain and Southern Europe will stop off in the East of the country on their way further North. </div>
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Another bird that seems to be around in higher numbers than usual this winter is the <b>goosander</b>. </div>
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I've tried to find evidence that this is a national trend but struggled to find much. A local Scottish newspaper recently reported that increasing numbers of goosanders were partially responsible for poor fishing on the River Tweed<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>, though again that seems to be anecdotal evidence rather than scientific. Numbers certainly appear to be on the up though and I like to imagine that one day in the not too distant future we might have breeding goosander locally. </div>
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A few other local spots now. Here's one of our stranger small birds, the <b>nuthatch</b>. </div>
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Nuthatches look a little like small woodpeckers and behave like treecreepers, walking up and down trees to find items of food in trees<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span>. Whilst most birds migrate or at least move a little in their lifetime, nuthatches rarely move far from where they hatched. They are a bit more flexible when it comes to food than treecreepers and will feed on the ground and come to feeders when they need supplement their diet. </div>
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I also saw a <b>green woodpecker </b>up a tree recently. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilliM7ru2CHmd_JiSddkqWb0CkCTj-V1HvdBjPsQZ9F_myxuAcNCq7BY2F9zKH7qrDpGjPZFkr5C0gU2SiCpOoIkAv8prJtdCt5eq4jL8PzbsoHDrqU0SaqEWWuWA0Nkk10sM3LQW2atas/s1600/DSCN5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilliM7ru2CHmd_JiSddkqWb0CkCTj-V1HvdBjPsQZ9F_myxuAcNCq7BY2F9zKH7qrDpGjPZFkr5C0gU2SiCpOoIkAv8prJtdCt5eq4jL8PzbsoHDrqU0SaqEWWuWA0Nkk10sM3LQW2atas/s400/DSCN5665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You might imagine that this is where you would expect to see a woodpecker but this species is more often seen on the ground where they feed for ants<span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span>. Green woodpeckers have much weaker bills than other species and therefore peck wood much less often. They don't drum to communicate like other species and rarely feed on trees, only doing so at times of low food<span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span>- which I suspect might be the case at the moment. It's also possible that they are beginning to excavate nest holes.</div>
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Whilst I am still deeply sad about the new housing estate which is shooting up on former farmland at the moment I am finding it interesting to see how the local wildlife is adapting to it. There are long metal fences along the perimeter of the site and I've previously seen buzzards using it as a perch- this weekend I saw a <b>kestrel</b> doing the same. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wlwT0veUnKV8UrQQJMZfgZ5gfbLmL2y19kf79z5znTkw0xvLnBvw2wqOr36ZKCuoB2j1GMqhd5QcqQ9bLdWcU0mjhKQLJlmYcxkiTv1vZETcRhO0j1rxIuQViLP1DEIlZoLuijbi9eiI/s1600/DSCN5661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wlwT0veUnKV8UrQQJMZfgZ5gfbLmL2y19kf79z5znTkw0xvLnBvw2wqOr36ZKCuoB2j1GMqhd5QcqQ9bLdWcU0mjhKQLJlmYcxkiTv1vZETcRhO0j1rxIuQViLP1DEIlZoLuijbi9eiI/s400/DSCN5661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These fences, just over human head height, are really useful for kestrels. Whilst they often hunt using their famous hover technique, they also jump down at prey from low perches. There is, at the moment at least, long grass directly below this fence which is perfect for rodents. I watched as the kestrel leapt down from it's perch though it didn't seem to be successful on that attempt. </div>
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Here's another kestrel from a few weeks ago which was hovering in order to hunt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOYtDnVrEdP6UPJ95hqxSczq_7n0RJm6GJVNVBbe7fZeElDSyZVTbhWYp-FXLXM1BzYsNA906-Q_uh15GPUiEOgeKTiGepsshvuOB18dPGWZW99tKfrirt2hkfADLxo6oNpx8YXiBCyj9/s1600/DSCN5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOYtDnVrEdP6UPJ95hqxSczq_7n0RJm6GJVNVBbe7fZeElDSyZVTbhWYp-FXLXM1BzYsNA906-Q_uh15GPUiEOgeKTiGepsshvuOB18dPGWZW99tKfrirt2hkfADLxo6oNpx8YXiBCyj9/s400/DSCN5507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, here's a few more photos from the last of the snow and the last week. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-dxJW50Q-A0msy8CWYF4MhMTxLiGVgXIhKnBrH_0jlX2I_fBFWdV4vlOpSZbUBaQvPNOxCryAFmSao_pJFXcb-o1cMGcmlQEes4yCxr5-riyF971P_1nJ2fv6fO-flj2w0Q615feyo9V/s1600/DSCN5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-dxJW50Q-A0msy8CWYF4MhMTxLiGVgXIhKnBrH_0jlX2I_fBFWdV4vlOpSZbUBaQvPNOxCryAFmSao_pJFXcb-o1cMGcmlQEes4yCxr5-riyF971P_1nJ2fv6fO-flj2w0Q615feyo9V/s400/DSCN5621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A <b>Feral Pigeon </b>looking rather confused by the pile of snow atop the bird table.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDKWQKvLg3c5x1ib44LRNCzmy2sNUR8Q05UESNpFF4TQ2mwgUfAsDlKYfBzUaElSJvfyq6uI88waAJ0hxkqwusEPdm4FJp-3GU9s1vtaMoB3CbN6lgc9mEeHoL4iHXtcem3PUmW-Ceqyc/s1600/DSCN5624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDKWQKvLg3c5x1ib44LRNCzmy2sNUR8Q05UESNpFF4TQ2mwgUfAsDlKYfBzUaElSJvfyq6uI88waAJ0hxkqwusEPdm4FJp-3GU9s1vtaMoB3CbN6lgc9mEeHoL4iHXtcem3PUmW-Ceqyc/s320/DSCN5624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water dripping down from the eaves created these icicles on a bush under our living room window</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Robin </b>in the snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3hAebTNK40VxiTutok10yFGT7P9tdQxhw5uzextmiCy5KyN0kZ4uSF1aD_07BoNiV9mYJlxsh8uhLPS2O_3bvg8vGSZoZbl-WxenNNN-nx50_keBF8ZDwhggetyWtNnKsH_k-GL48QWT/s1600/DSCN5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3hAebTNK40VxiTutok10yFGT7P9tdQxhw5uzextmiCy5KyN0kZ4uSF1aD_07BoNiV9mYJlxsh8uhLPS2O_3bvg8vGSZoZbl-WxenNNN-nx50_keBF8ZDwhggetyWtNnKsH_k-GL48QWT/s320/DSCN5634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dunnock</b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuzLsFnO-5IbBRwJWvDBL-kea4lE2OF5vcAY5o-ycDbeOLJTqMYzVisGFz3HgS5Eba_Tpy45VdY4PjN7jx5-ULSHwhUzB0DdkpccZCyj6Margj0ujY4HcRRJ0mgbkhz2SzqFy4BAaiEW_/s1600/DSCN5642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuzLsFnO-5IbBRwJWvDBL-kea4lE2OF5vcAY5o-ycDbeOLJTqMYzVisGFz3HgS5Eba_Tpy45VdY4PjN7jx5-ULSHwhUzB0DdkpccZCyj6Margj0ujY4HcRRJ0mgbkhz2SzqFy4BAaiEW_/s320/DSCN5642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgsdvWxNv5A88RuolD0sHDMbTArfA_4WARYdm7Hm3ezxwXPkNC2e8ZSjG_wSZuP2n_c-IdndW9Szfk9cEmclMw1wO59G04zqW70qm9X79tuSZyweNBj89_c5aRSvuWUrAbnO4t4OKOwKk/s1600/DSCN5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgsdvWxNv5A88RuolD0sHDMbTArfA_4WARYdm7Hm3ezxwXPkNC2e8ZSjG_wSZuP2n_c-IdndW9Szfk9cEmclMw1wO59G04zqW70qm9X79tuSZyweNBj89_c5aRSvuWUrAbnO4t4OKOwKk/s320/DSCN5644.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Avon <b>Roe Deer </b>reliably in their usual spot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBjRg9rPhJrJhAoae7Ip7oiokRdC4YMekA7uRL_TEKuoL8gqTaQQo2Ci1kyZaCYexirlciXsBWsUK2wK8R4PNAhKP3Lj5-z_DgSQ2ke0QzbzxXmIDl3_-L9oaLUPYuonb2IvKAh7imPMI/s1600/DSCN5649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBjRg9rPhJrJhAoae7Ip7oiokRdC4YMekA7uRL_TEKuoL8gqTaQQo2Ci1kyZaCYexirlciXsBWsUK2wK8R4PNAhKP3Lj5-z_DgSQ2ke0QzbzxXmIDl3_-L9oaLUPYuonb2IvKAh7imPMI/s320/DSCN5649.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <b>Grey Heron </b>was hunting amongst the high grasses on the flood plain. It looks like it may have damaged a wing but i was too far away to be able to see clearly.</span></td></tr>
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That's all for today but I'll be back at the weekend with the Nature News for March.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nature-notes-hcgv3zc0j" target="_blank">The Times- Nature Notes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/migration/migratory-bird-stories/redwing-migration/" target="_blank">RSPB: Redwing Migration</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/16058362.Goosanders_and_cormorants_blamed_for_continued_decline_in_Tweed_salmon_catches/" target="_blank">Border Telegraph</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/nuthatch" target="_blank">RSPB: Nuthatch</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/green-woodpecker" target="_blank">RSPB: Green Woodpecker</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="http://www.discoverwildlife.com/blog/6-green-woodpecker-facts-you-need-know" target="_blank">Discover Wildlife: 6 green woodpecker facts you need to know</a></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-46700815903855929832018-03-02T11:55:00.000+00:002018-03-02T11:55:20.920+00:00Chilly Creatures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">It's been a cold few weeks here in Ringwood with temperatures rarely pushing positive figures. For our wildlife it's a huge challenge- low temperatures are always difficult and coming at the end of the winter means food is scarce. </span></div>
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Last week I spotted lots of clumps of <b>frog spawn</b> in the New Forest, though all of it was frozen.<br />
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Frog spawn can survive freezing temperatures to some extent but it will struggle over a long period of low temperatures like we had. I suspect very few tadpoles will develop from the many clumps I spotted. </div>
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At my workplace in Bournemouth this week I saw the car park <b>fox </b>for the first time in a while. </div>
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I saw this vixen on several mornings this week in this spot. I can only imagine how difficult it must be keeping warm when you have to spend your entire time outside. This vixen was curled up in a pile of leaves in the sunshine which was probably about the warmest place she could be at 8:30AM. </div>
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On Thursday the snow arrived. It was only a few centimetres but enough for the school I work at to be closed and some lovely views locally. </div>
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The Avon deer didn't seem too bothered about the snow and were grazing in their usual field. </div>
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There were lots of birds on the Avon itself- the water flows fairly fast there and that means it's relatively warm. I wouldn't like to paddle in it but it must have been better than sitting in the snow. The river was also the only source of food that was still available so it made sense for the birds to congregate there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUANo7XG_RqvNDjb8niomTGVnf4d0SEDm7n5lk4AV8uDtz7-NKOTfP9usSqNQ8XfWX-MflXJrJU2nClZfh4PxPdnRjDg2z9fqbWxM_AChm9Idk_kPuVaXjFxyhI9qBfuxfzWl0ENKqhDb/s1600/DSCN5562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUANo7XG_RqvNDjb8niomTGVnf4d0SEDm7n5lk4AV8uDtz7-NKOTfP9usSqNQ8XfWX-MflXJrJU2nClZfh4PxPdnRjDg2z9fqbWxM_AChm9Idk_kPuVaXjFxyhI9qBfuxfzWl0ENKqhDb/s400/DSCN5562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Egret </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goosander stretching its wings</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvGiFsYQ6TM312jQP62iJ7SkFB5vGD_ViymuFQBOGJjalEOfb_7qm1xZwd1pGtlhgvh3fdVlxKTYJz2IBQoHXOx9Nh3GpmOIIsGpG6hwl7VuIyL9z1mmJK0Bb0vxqrM-Ybr4NymVJvXQ0/s1600/DSCN5569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvGiFsYQ6TM312jQP62iJ7SkFB5vGD_ViymuFQBOGJjalEOfb_7qm1xZwd1pGtlhgvh3fdVlxKTYJz2IBQoHXOx9Nh3GpmOIIsGpG6hwl7VuIyL9z1mmJK0Bb0vxqrM-Ybr4NymVJvXQ0/s400/DSCN5569.JPG" width="400" /></a><div>
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This <b>teal </b>was an exciting sighting as I've never seen one on my patch before. I assume it found its way to this stretch as a fairly warm and safe haven from the poor weather. </div>
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The small birds mostly seemed to hunker down in trees. By doing this they were keep away from the worst of the wind and can take advantage of the natural heat of the trees. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaffinch</td></tr>
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Some, like the <b>starlings</b> below, stuck together in groups where their combined heat helps them all to keep warm, a bit like penguins do.<br />
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<br />On Thursday the snow became even thicker to the point we'd had more than I'd ever seen in my twenty odd years of living in Ringwood. Freezing rain then left a hard frozen surface to the snow overnight.</div>
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There were no sign of the deer today and I suspect they took shelter in one of the nearby wooded areas. The little egret meanwhile stubbornly carried on fishing as normal. </div>
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I was also surprised to see a number of <b>lapwings</b> around this patch of the river, another species I've never seen on my patch before. They were all curled up trying to shelter from the elements. </div>
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We should have seen the last of the snow, for now at least, but it will still be difficult for all these animals to survive the next few weeks. They must do everything they can to stay warm enough to survive as well as try to find food in difficult circumstances. It's likely that many won't be able to do this and populations of many species will be the lowest they've been for a number of years. </div>
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I'll be back soon and do safe and warm in this cold weather!</div>
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Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-58937260653779116682018-02-17T14:02:00.000+00:002018-02-17T14:02:13.496+00:00February Nature NewsIt's time for my monthly round-up of nature and environment news, from the local to national stories and beyond.<br />
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<b>Boost for Bats</b><br />
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The Bat Conservation Trust has released its latest "State of UK's Bats" report and generally it's good news(1). Of the UK's 18 resident species most are growing in number or are at least stable. Both the greater and lesser horseshoe bats are doing particularly well.<br />
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It's important to remember though that these figures have to be considered in context- there were major declines in bat populations during the 20th century due to human activity. Roost and habitat loss, disruption of insect food supplies, increased urbanisation and the spread of artificial lighting all had an impact and though conservation projects are really helping, bat numbers have not yet reached historic numbers.<br />
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<b>Horrible for Hedgehogs</b><br />
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Similarly, the "State of Britain's Hedgehogs 2018" report was recently published but this was far less positive(2). It shows that since 2000, hedgehogs have fallen by about 50%.<br />
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The main reason for this, in rural areas at least, is the rise of intensive farming practices. Many farmers have removed hedges and copses to create larger fields, meaning there are fewer safe places and nesting sites for hedgehogs. Large-scale pesticide use is also reducing the amount of invertebrates which hedgehogs eat. Clearly this is not a good combination.<br />
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It looks like things are a little better in urban areas with numbers having levelled off. If you have hedgehogs in your area you can leave out wet dog or cat food to support their nutritional needs and ensure there are holes in your fences so that they can move from garden to garden.<br />
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<b>Salmon's Secret</b><br />
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We recently saw how genetic testing of grass snakes showed how different our population is. Now it's genetic testing of salmon that has revealed surprises.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/80AF/production/_99834923_chalk-streamatlanticsalmon-piccourtesyofsambillingtonenvironmentagency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" height="223" src="https://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/80AF/production/_99834923_chalk-streamatlanticsalmon-piccourtesyofsambillingtonenvironmentagency.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sam Billington of the Environment Agency, via BBC News</td></tr>
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Scientists have discovered that salmon in chalk streams in Hampshire and Dorset (including the Piddle, Frome, Test, Itchen and Avon) appear to be genetically distinct from others and may be a sub-species of Atlantic Salmon(3). The latter two rivers are one I have spend a lot of time looking at so this is a really important local story.<br />
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Chalk streams flow through chalk hills and generally have clear, slow-flowing water and are more alkaline than other rivers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5RV99ibb5A8Y3GMfKPVOw4PxQE-XKC-nyZcrv67LiV2gbgcdsVy2_fegf59QLbumivrYpKbSLp2GhWsXZ8xo68eW_6FgsZSAEntCBMToyr-XMjsqlMKg0gszU0kA8ooaFKa5-eNDyejZ/s1600/P2250054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5RV99ibb5A8Y3GMfKPVOw4PxQE-XKC-nyZcrv67LiV2gbgcdsVy2_fegf59QLbumivrYpKbSLp2GhWsXZ8xo68eW_6FgsZSAEntCBMToyr-XMjsqlMKg0gszU0kA8ooaFKa5-eNDyejZ/s320/P2250054.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Itchen</td></tr>
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The scientists are saying that the fish might need greater protection and is they are a separate subspecies they can't simply be replaced with salmon from elsewhere in Europe.<br />
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<b>Sorry Starlings</b><br />
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Hampshire County Council have come under fire recently for cutting down some trees near Winchester Fire Station where thousands of starlings were roosting(4). There has been a large murmuration of starlings in the city this year and many people have come to see them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/resources/images/7319209/?type=responsive-gallery-fullscreen" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/resources/images/7319209/?type=responsive-gallery-fullscreen" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starling Murmuration in Winchester by Roy Venkatesh via Hampshire Chronicle</td></tr>
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So why would the council do this? Well bird poo appears to be the answer- they were removed "due to the impact they were having on operation vehicles and the health and safety of staff".<br />
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This is a really awful story because the council made a quick fix which destroyed a roost site for the starling and an important habitat for countless other species. They didn't consult the public and appear to have made no effort to have come up with a less drastic solution. Some people are saying it doesn't matter and that the starlings have moved elsewhere. But if every little conflict with nature was dealt with in such a dramatic way habitat loss would be even more severe than it is already.<br />
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<b>Plastic Purge Continues</b><br />
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Last month I talked about how many companies were pledging to reduce the use of plastic packaging and this has contin<br />
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Lots of plastic ends up in the oceans having broken down into microscopic pieces known as 'microplastics'. It's thought that these have a huge impact all the way along the food chain from tiny plankton to larger animals like rays, sharks and whales. Scientists are calling for more studies to find out what impact microplastic have on these animals(7) though they suspect that effects might include reduced nutritional uptake and damage to the digestive system. There's also the possibility that toxin exposure from plastic ingestion could affect growth and reproduction.<br />
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Of course, that's far from the only threat to our oceans. A study has shown that in 2017 the oceans were by far the hottest ever recorded (records began in the 1950s) (8). Warmer oceans cause bleaching of coral reefs and the melting of ice shelves. The oceans are so delicate and we desperately need to do more to look after them.<br />
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<b>Osprey</b><br />
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Last summer eight osprey chicks were translocated to Poole Harbour in the hope of creating a population there. All eight have migrated south for the winter but as they are ringed one has been spotted(9).<br />
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LS7 was seen on a long sandy island called, appropriately, Ile des Oiseaux in Saloum Delta National Park in Senegal. It's a popular spot for ospreys with 20 to 30 individuals regularly spotted there. They can fish in the rich, shallow delta and rest up happily on the island.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ospreys on Ile des Oiseaux by Jon Wright</td></tr>
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LS7 is the only Poole Harbour chick to have been sighted so far- no-one knows how many of the other seven even survived migration. They expect to only see one or two birds returning to Poole Harbour this year but LS7 may well be one of them as it is found a perfect site to overwinter.<br />
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That's all for now but there will be more Nature News towards the end of March.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42811351" target="_blank">BBC: Most bat species 'recovering or stable'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42959766" target="_blank">BBC: Hedgehog numbers 'down by half', warn wildlife groups</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42894161" target="_blank">BBC: Genetic secret of English salmon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/15894403.Fury_as_Winchester_Fire_Station_trees_____used_by_city__39_s_much_loved_starlings_____cut_down_due_to_bird_poo/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Hampshire Chronicle: Fury as Winchester Fire Station trees- used by city's much-loved starlings- cut down due to bird poo</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/05/asda-joins-wave-of-supermarkets-pledging-to-cut-plastic-waste?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco" target="_blank">The Guardian: Asda joins wave of supermarkets pledging to cut plastic waste</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43030701" target="_blank">BBC: Queen backs plan to cut plastic use on royal estates</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42920383" target="_blank">BBC: Plastic pollution: Scientists plea on threat to ocean giants</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8: <a href="https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jan/26/in-2017-the-oceans-were-by-far-the-hottest-ever-recorded?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Tweet&__twitter_impression=true" target="_blank">The Guardian: In 2017, oceans were by far the hottest ever recorded</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">9: <a href="http://www.roydennis.org/2018/01/25/ls7-seen-senegal/" target="_blank">Roy Dennis: LS7 seen in Senegal</a></span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-40102907559492169012018-02-12T18:04:00.000+00:002018-02-12T18:04:27.492+00:00Brilliant Bramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weather has continued to be poor lately, especially on Saturdays which are my main wildlife days. It's certainly been a wet winter!</div>
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I've seen the Avon <b>roe deer </b>a few times over the last few weeks, including the doe and fawns I first saw in July.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roe Deer July 2017</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpDevTdW4-SGq2zZywTg2h6elYz9BQ3lvSkV08vI7lQJRnMXR9ZT5Ez5c-xlqkeBJt-8LhgGYIAsCAnV95hnuJVDmhNiiOzNJvL_R2BBDhCrp89Q3etHVDzh44JAcQUR5eB7ycEGPmPIE/s1600/DSCN5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpDevTdW4-SGq2zZywTg2h6elYz9BQ3lvSkV08vI7lQJRnMXR9ZT5Ez5c-xlqkeBJt-8LhgGYIAsCAnV95hnuJVDmhNiiOzNJvL_R2BBDhCrp89Q3etHVDzh44JAcQUR5eB7ycEGPmPIE/s400/DSCN5444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roe Deer February 2018</td></tr>
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It's interesting to be able to see how they've developed in this time. Obviously they have grown a fair bit but you can see that they are still quite a bit smaller than their mother. It's also interesting to note how their coats have changed too. The fauns have lost their spots and all three have changed from their sandy summer colours to their darker winter colour. </div>
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I've also saw one of the bucks at the weekend, potentially these fauns father and certainly a relation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-UOVgHIeBXqAXGZI2rq44na57Z2m9Y4SzYNgBFbQ8L8uTsykP9HoMSeqyrLlycunJdjuud-lS2S2oALg7LaB7x7ty1lvl7vDSnTe3V1PxDahrWO6VFaUFBiSAXLo_-cuhoZCPhuaebbz/s1600/DSCN5466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-UOVgHIeBXqAXGZI2rq44na57Z2m9Y4SzYNgBFbQ8L8uTsykP9HoMSeqyrLlycunJdjuud-lS2S2oALg7LaB7x7ty1lvl7vDSnTe3V1PxDahrWO6VFaUFBiSAXLo_-cuhoZCPhuaebbz/s400/DSCN5466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uG_xbDaAfoXVJlDJ9-HahG7rSFt9x3YCPWy45eInixsXN7-Tq9IgjaOjqKQSdVfhRNB41zYwbDTD87NDArZRWtGAX1rlgVJWdhUpWw0zd4zJuGxjvZFL-gUht_om42wEv50Uo9AxL5G7/s1600/DSCN5467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uG_xbDaAfoXVJlDJ9-HahG7rSFt9x3YCPWy45eInixsXN7-Tq9IgjaOjqKQSdVfhRNB41zYwbDTD87NDArZRWtGAX1rlgVJWdhUpWw0zd4zJuGxjvZFL-gUht_om42wEv50Uo9AxL5G7/s400/DSCN5467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today I visited Blashford Lakes where I spent most of my visit in the Woodland Hide. It was really busy, both with visitors in the hide and birds on the feeders. There were plenty of the usual suspects such as chaffinches, goldfinches and <b>blue tits</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVKlGUf7lr2CSDYpaH188qE37kBasQm0_jDyvQdjqswUMc12we5SSNoapngbVAj-Dsg82Lb1-DKb8dtGszq4WsiRyPMCcD18iy4-Vdka5scEJdmh6E6ZdLBdjCUtLfvpE2fLkkDhY7pZx/s1600/DSCN5494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVKlGUf7lr2CSDYpaH188qE37kBasQm0_jDyvQdjqswUMc12we5SSNoapngbVAj-Dsg82Lb1-DKb8dtGszq4WsiRyPMCcD18iy4-Vdka5scEJdmh6E6ZdLBdjCUtLfvpE2fLkkDhY7pZx/s400/DSCN5494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was also a good day for <b>siskins</b> as there were a fair few visiting the feeders. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsv_EFagxjHfzW9EIA6GtmH_VWw4i66_97utt2GXOtCXIoreUJnvsIWl1q7yFDO8WDpHbVc0OwdPSS3KHe_98QC0iR_Bo2begA0jUG_L0b4qEdKqJYCnHkI6Gj2YViue6Y4T-D5_iBmla/s1600/DSCN5492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsv_EFagxjHfzW9EIA6GtmH_VWw4i66_97utt2GXOtCXIoreUJnvsIWl1q7yFDO8WDpHbVc0OwdPSS3KHe_98QC0iR_Bo2begA0jUG_L0b4qEdKqJYCnHkI6Gj2YViue6Y4T-D5_iBmla/s400/DSCN5492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At this time of year siskins start to appear more regularly in gardens and on feeders(1). They tend to resort to feeders when the natural seed stock has reduced and visit feeders more when the natural Sitka Spruce seed crop is low(2).</div>
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Every now and then most of the birds would suddenly fly back into the safety of the bushes, likely because there was a potential predator somewhere nearby. I did see one of these potential predators, a <b>great spotted woodpecker</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilImprWxaL1vVl1iEwz7GwLJwGwonDFeg-vUS2Aaa-rCackpz0C1EKLYUW3V_nsu8dOyyVnmhY6BDodSyurzDrI1fx8YYoH1Zh4mEuGlH8EcPogTezLNkW7e5vunA-zrKRB8fj1NezSx17/s1600/DSCN5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilImprWxaL1vVl1iEwz7GwLJwGwonDFeg-vUS2Aaa-rCackpz0C1EKLYUW3V_nsu8dOyyVnmhY6BDodSyurzDrI1fx8YYoH1Zh4mEuGlH8EcPogTezLNkW7e5vunA-zrKRB8fj1NezSx17/s400/DSCN5486.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Like most woodpeckers this species mostly feeds on insects but over the winter has to supplement this with tree seeds(3). They would be unlikely to predate any of the birds present but in the spring they do feed on eggs and fledglings so they are wise to be wary of woodpeckers.It might be that they simply sense that this is a bigger bird and therefore a potential threat.</div>
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The highlight though were a few stunning <b>bramblings</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh3RiTxybp5fxQQF75L7X1yZaKoHFi4wLFXwWs5MNUt-iwJzbDmycRVasqV51Jhqi_DJUU1Ee57Kitmfkws11m6XyDNA6bpbtqbPO2AZ3vBXElAo-5txgtJgfeFbOPqaX3Sn3M2iemngl/s1600/DSCN5498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh3RiTxybp5fxQQF75L7X1yZaKoHFi4wLFXwWs5MNUt-iwJzbDmycRVasqV51Jhqi_DJUU1Ee57Kitmfkws11m6XyDNA6bpbtqbPO2AZ3vBXElAo-5txgtJgfeFbOPqaX3Sn3M2iemngl/s400/DSCN5498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bramblings are not resident in the UK and instead migrate from the forests of Northern Europe(4). As you can tell from their beaks, they are finches and like other finches mostly feed on seeds. Numbers vary depending on how much food is available but it appears to be a good year for them, as it is for bullfinches and hawfinches. </div>
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I also got this very clear photo of a <b>robin</b> whilst walking round the reserve. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk1kw5WoSP80DqpHOG3G-nAe5YEGa62hpSwksF13O1pSumcg0FLlJN-gFfB8XFrwl7_DOJfeUhaIT7Q8hJ4-R-3pXxBtgpFjPjcqyZl6OGBlNZtbRbv09_6_QevZ4OORc5nVBIFI1F3RR/s1600/DSCN5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk1kw5WoSP80DqpHOG3G-nAe5YEGa62hpSwksF13O1pSumcg0FLlJN-gFfB8XFrwl7_DOJfeUhaIT7Q8hJ4-R-3pXxBtgpFjPjcqyZl6OGBlNZtbRbv09_6_QevZ4OORc5nVBIFI1F3RR/s400/DSCN5477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Robins seem to be particularly abundant this winter. UK robins are generally non-migrantry but robins do spend the winter in the UK from Northern Europe so it's possible there is a larger influx this winter(5). At this time of year though robins are starting to secure their territories ahead of the breeding season so this could also explain why they are more visible at the moment. </div>
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Whilst I didn't spend much time near the lakes themselves today I did spot a few interesting birds:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj2mdV6n1O_M4ncvFG6hoEXYWGRMD6GHe_PD-KAZiSq3uGnOxoSHiIAUEhqgCHCyaNWT_Yu_SnryNW3Fp2fKlbY-ymOQXcbhA-rksMxnziJ3QCZrGAnEB7puEnUHaKvZ1QOQfJeGMYXk-/s1600/DSCN5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj2mdV6n1O_M4ncvFG6hoEXYWGRMD6GHe_PD-KAZiSq3uGnOxoSHiIAUEhqgCHCyaNWT_Yu_SnryNW3Fp2fKlbY-ymOQXcbhA-rksMxnziJ3QCZrGAnEB7puEnUHaKvZ1QOQfJeGMYXk-/s400/DSCN5480.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Sandpiper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyEC6jTC18sjAzvY6dEtyQzLpV2m0y4gfK9iuM_Gp3nnKsou9voRk_PuTh9AkDQ4OHJZTfUoX7wxaUZO2svsZd61O18FMI2h6qosAahbopwvHEz2C3bDqQGo9NNfUY0pgu7a_Fe5dOB6I/s1600/DSCN5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyEC6jTC18sjAzvY6dEtyQzLpV2m0y4gfK9iuM_Gp3nnKsou9voRk_PuTh9AkDQ4OHJZTfUoX7wxaUZO2svsZd61O18FMI2h6qosAahbopwvHEz2C3bDqQGo9NNfUY0pgu7a_Fe5dOB6I/s400/DSCN5474.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gadwall<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nflEukeISMa4g6Gdvv6hw2j2mSU-ERQAsmldQiUstqyAx_jLSj-4gFn-xtx-VdvZcw2_j9RusiuEuW7d47IB0ThrBuDQc22_f4OGx56Loqqtn4_kWbXcwErwK8AfZ_zg1AIAb8w793IS/s1600/DSCN5481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nflEukeISMa4g6Gdvv6hw2j2mSU-ERQAsmldQiUstqyAx_jLSj-4gFn-xtx-VdvZcw2_j9RusiuEuW7d47IB0ThrBuDQc22_f4OGx56Loqqtn4_kWbXcwErwK8AfZ_zg1AIAb8w793IS/s400/DSCN5481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Distant Kingfisher</td></tr>
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I was also pleased to spot some fungi amongst the undergrowth, the stunning <b>scarlet elf cap</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX27iL4cJGtdOloNgxpe7jM_O6Q9DLa-o8GAW_Q0uZ2oeUvVLHY1tOefd9C6di03eynAfYFycPbY4FUaexwv1ulSh2hfYeJNVtyzmyj7jRr7356Oi-vXPlMp2N-Cya4Oj40IWRDSxbntn/s1600/DSCN5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX27iL4cJGtdOloNgxpe7jM_O6Q9DLa-o8GAW_Q0uZ2oeUvVLHY1tOefd9C6di03eynAfYFycPbY4FUaexwv1ulSh2hfYeJNVtyzmyj7jRr7356Oi-vXPlMp2N-Cya4Oj40IWRDSxbntn/s400/DSCN5504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PHWn2eYPFyAdGUE97wzkI5rvZoHRwzN6Xx6w-DnWVxSYNhGADDZ5ygazUvX33oWRhfEoBl6iDk36VXOzFnZSDnpLhuChj40UAnluMMf8xdAH2SToRgThXgi0MHwZKptxH8bWQozjyNex/s1600/DSCN5506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PHWn2eYPFyAdGUE97wzkI5rvZoHRwzN6Xx6w-DnWVxSYNhGADDZ5ygazUvX33oWRhfEoBl6iDk36VXOzFnZSDnpLhuChj40UAnluMMf8xdAH2SToRgThXgi0MHwZKptxH8bWQozjyNex/s400/DSCN5506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Scarlet elf cap is a "saprotrophic" species. In simple terms, this means it digests decaying matter, usually wood in this case, and breaks the composite parts down- proteins into amino acids, lipids into fatty acids and glycerol and starch into simple disaccharides(6). These nutrients are passed through the mycelium, the fungi equivalent of roots, and help the fungus to grow. </div>
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That's all for today but I'll be back on Saturday for my look at February's nature news.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/a-z-garden-birds/siskin" target="_blank">BTO: Siskin</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: Mckenzie, A.J., Petty, S.J., Toms, M.P. & Furness, R.W. (2007) 'Importance of Sitka Spruce <i>Picea sitchensis</i> seed and garden bird-feeders for Siskins <i>Carduelis spinus</i> and Coal Tits <i>Periparus ater</i>' Bird Study 53: pp. 236-247</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="https://www.britishbirdfood.co.uk/birdguide/bird/great-spotted-woodpecker" target="_blank">British Bird Food: Great Spotted Woodpecker</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: BirdLife International (2012) <i>IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version 2013.2</i>. International Union for Conservation of Nature</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/My%20wife%20says%20robins%20migrate%20-%20I%20say%20NO!%20Who%20is%20right?%20Read%20more%20at%20http://ww2.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/ask-an-expert/previous/robinsmigrate.aspx#ueVyX5pBzI9ZfR23.99" target="_blank">RSPB: Ask an Expert 'My wife says robins migrate- I say NO! Who is right?'</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: Clegg, C.J and Mackean, D.G (2006) <i>Advanced Biology: Principles and Applications</i> (2nd ed). Hodder Publishing fig 14.16, pp.296</span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-11034093775210175402018-01-28T15:31:00.000+00:002018-01-28T15:31:39.853+00:00The Friendly FrogThe last few weeks have been very wet here so I've found it quite a challenge to see much wildlife. Despite the poor weather it's clear that Spring is on the way with flowers starting to shoot out of the ground and snowdrops in bloom, as well as a few crocuses and even daffodils locally. The catkins on the <b>hazel </b>trees are starting to open up too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUcCj4lwwg0JxecmayOL8v7rFOCwtc5K_wsxz0ySxu6vAzG6meJd_Ko3BqE8nnI24MHWcY1b7kR-DPkxPd4KH7pCt8mMKqidG8V7vldabWc0f43MKk5aJ4makF6Z8h8Y0T9q6LV4zokzv/s1600/DSCN5381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUcCj4lwwg0JxecmayOL8v7rFOCwtc5K_wsxz0ySxu6vAzG6meJd_Ko3BqE8nnI24MHWcY1b7kR-DPkxPd4KH7pCt8mMKqidG8V7vldabWc0f43MKk5aJ4makF6Z8h8Y0T9q6LV4zokzv/s400/DSCN5381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For some time now I've been trying to get a photo of a <b>goldcrest</b> to share here but it's proven a challenging task. As well as being tiny, they dart around all over the place so finding one still enough to take a photo which doesn't end up blurry is very tricky. I was therefore very frustrated when one sat right in front of me last weekend when I was out in torrential rain without my camera. The best I could manage was this low-quality phone shot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhJbWFYysafktVpj86MhT2vzYAoXVAge4hIyVXwydiRIQN9O5Ylu7Mk13lC_IEnL-BPtMiGQLIeMA_rxOF5GxTPwrbbAJBjVtK66P5-MwgXtipCrn2Kyaxoy1AwgHLBNsbMrSoQiTWDT6/s1600/20180121_112823+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhJbWFYysafktVpj86MhT2vzYAoXVAge4hIyVXwydiRIQN9O5Ylu7Mk13lC_IEnL-BPtMiGQLIeMA_rxOF5GxTPwrbbAJBjVtK66P5-MwgXtipCrn2Kyaxoy1AwgHLBNsbMrSoQiTWDT6/s320/20180121_112823+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Goldcrests are, along with the firecrest, the UK's smallest bird. They are usually around 9 centimetres long and weigh about 5.5 grams which is about the same as a twenty pence piece(1). Though many goldcrests stay in the UK all year round, many migrate from Scandinavia and mainland Europe to spend the winter here. Early ornithologists couldn't believe that such a tiny bird could migrate so far and thought they rode on the backs of short-eared owls or woodcocks, a great image but not true of course(2).</div>
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Goldcrest are almost entirely insectivores and spiders are an important part of their diet- that's likely what this individual was looking for when I saw it, looking for spaces in the old railway bridge where spiders might be lurking. </div>
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For the first time I have an amphibian to share with you. I was just around the corner from my house when I spotted this <b>common frog</b> sitting in the middle of the pavement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq8kNeKeE5PLbjkd2ceXLNKu9RFYZZTohfhEehCOKESBCmvVkVUxZOgtLjnhViWFJa9akXsyDLrY4B13mnbeoC3_CEzqsxpM4yM8mGqRBY077XBC6jjb_u0hYw92ntXAtlXXLnwvdbwvS/s1600/20180123_172348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq8kNeKeE5PLbjkd2ceXLNKu9RFYZZTohfhEehCOKESBCmvVkVUxZOgtLjnhViWFJa9akXsyDLrY4B13mnbeoC3_CEzqsxpM4yM8mGqRBY077XBC6jjb_u0hYw92ntXAtlXXLnwvdbwvS/s320/20180123_172348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being right in the middle of the footpath in fading light was obviously a dangerous place for this frog to be so I gave it a gentle poke and it hopped safely into the undergrowth. </div>
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Frogs hibernate in the winter so it's very early in the year to be seeing one. It is recorded that they start emerging from January though, as long as the night temperatures are higher than 5 degrees C(3). Given how early this one emerged it's likely it's a male- they tend to come out first and head towards a waterbody where they will wait for the females to arrive. Though not accessible for humans, this frog was actually only about fifteen metres away from the fishing lake so that is likely where it would be heading. </div>
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When I write this blog I try my best to not write about the same species all the time so I usually have photos of things I don't end up sharing. As I'm really short on content and the month is drawing to a close I thought I'd share some of my previously unseen photos from January along with a few comments about some of them. </div>
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First, here's a few of the usual suspects from a recent visit to Lymington-Keyhaven:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pzjyrmVOCpRr3uEhIyyf6eb3LLaeJU8SP480a1doPTr2RZYyAFbzeKj5QYnPUG6CXbFmLyd0dOV3Cukq4xsnpox5xFHn5k2vYNbcMHcSVtHForD5vz8F7EKh_hFfD2Fdc5eoHeFmWrn_/s1600/DSCN5352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pzjyrmVOCpRr3uEhIyyf6eb3LLaeJU8SP480a1doPTr2RZYyAFbzeKj5QYnPUG6CXbFmLyd0dOV3Cukq4xsnpox5xFHn5k2vYNbcMHcSVtHForD5vz8F7EKh_hFfD2Fdc5eoHeFmWrn_/s400/DSCN5352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of <b>dunlin</b></td></tr>
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<b>Dunlin</b> are winter visitors to the UK and are usually seen in flocks like this. They feed in a 'sewing machine' action and here on the coast they eat molluscs, worms and crustaceans. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGZGhodDvGZtDC0IpgPfHkTLzkcuNFwZHqk-4-u2GH6lBmqQzY1C88hYODPH3qpzsKVbtMMHBzNsYEPkRulm5IhC7XvQIYuL_CYp5wZtfxywoXwz8fUi1Xj64MoHo_9GoCBTfYHZk6B5A/s1600/DSCN5353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGZGhodDvGZtDC0IpgPfHkTLzkcuNFwZHqk-4-u2GH6lBmqQzY1C88hYODPH3qpzsKVbtMMHBzNsYEPkRulm5IhC7XvQIYuL_CYp5wZtfxywoXwz8fUi1Xj64MoHo_9GoCBTfYHZk6B5A/s400/DSCN5353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wigeon</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo4iVSeUFMUFzm4M6I2JGTWil1cOrpPr3vrxA-XhHD28KhNNs7dkW_Ljhh2cZIoog5eau71zS9VLVIHvbQdwmTVwT05Hqcah63kZZhyUusSv4U6IZssv5q0vcr6OlufMzlkvZFEgtItii/s1600/DSCN5354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo4iVSeUFMUFzm4M6I2JGTWil1cOrpPr3vrxA-XhHD28KhNNs7dkW_Ljhh2cZIoog5eau71zS9VLVIHvbQdwmTVwT05Hqcah63kZZhyUusSv4U6IZssv5q0vcr6OlufMzlkvZFEgtItii/s400/DSCN5354.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shelduck</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoLU2IBfS0AMxMK6F1mQnwM5oiLCtD6EAYEHCFgXcC-x_BO9vAj1LsBADWnXWJnWmAIYpLXrtTd87_a9l0tj_GtGOj1az8Ll7mP33Xy89U38f3owR4UzggVWH3hCX5u50JSH9LZnoJaug/s1600/DSCN5356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoLU2IBfS0AMxMK6F1mQnwM5oiLCtD6EAYEHCFgXcC-x_BO9vAj1LsBADWnXWJnWmAIYpLXrtTd87_a9l0tj_GtGOj1az8Ll7mP33Xy89U38f3owR4UzggVWH3hCX5u50JSH9LZnoJaug/s400/DSCN5356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Teal</b></td></tr>
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My most regular walk is along a stretch of the River Avon where I always find plenty to take photos of. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-zx4eKhqRnCPsgS8B2UDTG1r2XnapwWtzHQogrn0egZzdIQh5sD3yup6SigbpNWKjQ2kT6okg27Azc4VvnE4g0soa0uBN0wXwiveP9zXSC1hIhtbMgYnoSPKnhJMsfHEutLBeSZUYJZz/s1600/DSCN5348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-zx4eKhqRnCPsgS8B2UDTG1r2XnapwWtzHQogrn0egZzdIQh5sD3yup6SigbpNWKjQ2kT6okg27Azc4VvnE4g0soa0uBN0wXwiveP9zXSC1hIhtbMgYnoSPKnhJMsfHEutLBeSZUYJZz/s400/DSCN5348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mute Swan</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Carrion Crow</b></td></tr>
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<br />I tend to regularly see crows all over the local area- though many birds are opportunist to some extent, crows are the more than any. Mostly I see them sitting in trees like this one where they can eat fruit or in fields where they find grain. I occasionally see them mobbing the local buzzards- they may be trying to steal prey from them- and a few weeks ago one was feeding on a dead fish which was lying on a bit of exposed gravel in the middle of the river. They will happily steal eggs and even hunt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These birds are surprisingly not instantly recognisable but they are female <b>pheasants</b>. Other than the shape and length of the tale they don't look very much like the males at all. I can only assume that the reason we see them far less than males is that they are much less noticeable and blend in well. Male pheasants happily breed with more than one female and then play no part in incubating or raising the chicks(4) so though they may be overlooked it's the females who are far more important to the species.</div>
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That's all for today and fingers crossed the weather will improve other the next few weeks!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="http://voice.gardenbird.co.uk/all-about-the-goldcrest/" target="_blank">Garden Bird: All about the Goldcrest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://www.livingwithbirds.com/tweetapedia/21-facts-on-goldcrest" target="_blank">Living with Birds: 21 Facts on Goldcrest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="https://www.froglife.org/info-advice/frequently-asked-questions/frogs-and-toads-behaviour/" target="_blank">Froglife: Frogs and toads behaviour</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Common_Pheasant" target="_blank">BBC Nature: Pheasant</a></span></div>
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Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-47918300134767293942018-01-21T16:29:00.000+00:002018-01-21T16:29:04.407+00:00January Nature News<div>
This is the first of a regular feature- in the third week of each month I will discuss the latest wildlife and environment news- some of it may be local whilst other stories may be national or beyond.<br />
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<b>Soggy Owl</b><br />
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Storm Eleanor battered the country earlier in the month and inevitably some wildlife got caught up in it. One such creature was this barn owl who was found in a roadside puddle on the A338(1).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chris Pottinger via Bournemouth Echo</td></tr>
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Many bird species use preen oil or take dust baths in order to make their feathers waterproof but barn owls can't do this due the comb-like fringed edges on their feathers(2). This adaptation is really useful in enabling them to hunt silently but does not help them in poor weather.<br />
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Fortunately, this owl was found by a passing tree surgeon and according to the local council would be looked after until it was well enough to be released. I can't find any information to confirm that this happened but it seems likely the owl would have been fine once it dried out.<br />
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<b>Delightful Dolphins</b></div>
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Researchers from Plymouth University have studied records of dolphin sightings around the UK and have discovered a pod of bottlenose dolphins that live off the shores of the South West of England(3). The group consists of 28 individuals which spend most of their time near St. Ives Bay and Mount's Bay in Cornwall but also venture along the coast of Devon and Dorset.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture by Daniel Murphy via BBC News</td></tr>
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Bottlenose dolphin pods normally consist of around 15 individuals but can range from one pair to over 100(4). They search for prey using sonar and will eat a range of fish as well as eels, squid and shrimps. They are the apex predator in shallow waters which shows how good the ecosystem along this part of the coast must be.<br />
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There are currently two other known bottlenose dolphin pods around the UK- one near Cardigan in Wales and the other near Moray Firth in Scotland. I would never have thought that there would be bottlenose dolphins living so close to home!<br />
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<b>Fox-Hunting Foiled</b><br />
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I was delighted when Prime Minister Theresa May dropped the planned vote on repealing the fox-hunting ban(5). It had been part of the Conservatives election manifesto but May said:<br />
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"My own view has not changed but as prime minister, my job isn't just about what I think about something, it's actually about looking at what the view of the country is. I think there was a clear message about that and that's why I say there won't be a vote on fox-hunting during this parliament."<br />
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It's disconcerting that the tory government want to repeal the ban but at least they appear to be listening to the views of the public.<br />
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The government has also recently published it's 25-year plan for the environment. Whilst I haven't looked at it in any detail it appears that the plan is full of important promises but there's no evidence that they will be made law or that they will actually be kept.<br />
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<b>The Plastic Purge</b><br />
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The public are becoming more aware of the problems of plastic for the environment, especially thanks to the brilliant <i>Blue Planet II</i> and both the government and large companies are now trying to do something about it.<br />
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The government has now banned products from being manufactured contained microbeads and later in the year products with microbeads will no longer be able to be sold in England(6). Microbeads are solid plastic particles less than 1 milimetre in their largest dimension. They are often used in personal care products and toothpastes.<br />
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Because they are so small these microbeads go straight through the sewage system and end up in the water where they are eaten by fish who mistake them for plankton. Like all plastics, they are toxic and have an adverse effect when consumed. They also end up building up along the food chain so anything along the food chain can be harmed by them- including humans.<br />
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The government also want to introduce a 'latte levy', a 25p charge on disposable coffee cups similar to the 5p charge on plastic bags(7). These coffee cups can't be recycled and the UK throws away 2.5 billion of them every year. The stupid thing is that it's so easy to buy a reusable coffee cup which is not only far superior to the disposable ones but will also save you money in the long term with most chains offering a discount if you bring your own cup.<br />
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Meanwhile, retail companies are acting on growing public pressure and are seeking to phase out the use of plastics. Supermarket Iceland have pledged to remove all plastics on their own-brand products within five years(8). It's hugely popular with the public too as 80% of a sizeable survey for Iceland supported the move.<br />
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Other companies too are reducing their plastic use. Waitrose already had a strong plan to reduce the use of plastic and this month have announced they are pledging to stop the use of the difficult to recycle black plastic trays(9). Costa Coffee are ditching plastic straws(10) as are restaurant chain Wagamama(11).<br />
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It's all a welcome step in the right direction. More needs to be done though to make these sorts of change law rather than something the companies choose to do and it needs to spread to as many other countries as possible. These sorts of changes are vital if we are to protect our fragile planet and all it's inhabitants.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15809289.Barn_owl_found_in_a_puddle_after_Storm_Eleanor/?ref=twt" target="_blank">Bournemouth Echo: 'Barn owl found in a puddle after Storm Eleanor</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/ask-an-expert/previous/barnowlfeathers.aspx" target="_blank">RSPB: Ask an Expert- Are barn owl feathers waterproof?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-42423617" target="_blank">BBC News: Dolphin pod living year-round off coast of England</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: Shrihari, H and Jarrett, B (2006) <i>Whales, Dolphins and Other Marine Mammals of the World</i> Princeton: Princeton University Press. pp. 155-158</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42594068" target="_blank">BBC News: May drops planned fox-hunting vote after election 'message'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-leading-microbeads-ban-takes-effect" target="_blank">Gov.uk: World-leading microbeads ban takes effect</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/latte-levy-disposable-coffee-cup-tax-25p-cut-waste-environment-mps-committee-landfill-incinerate-a8141856.html" target="_blank">Independent: 'Latte Levy'...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">8: <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/16/iceland-pledges-go-plastic-free/" target="_blank">The Telegraph: Iceland pledges to go 'plastic-free'</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">9: <a href="https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/waitrose-pledges-scrap-black-plastic-trays-2019-19-01-2018" target="_blank">Packaging News: Waitrose pledges to scrap black plastic trays from 2019</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">10: <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/costa-coffee-plastic-straws-ban-recycling-use-shops-cafes-a8166456.html" target="_blank">Independent: Costa Coffee commits to ditching plastic straws from all its shops this year</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">11: <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/plastic-pollution-wagamama-end-straws-use-uk-restaurants-a8163581.html" target="_blank">Independent: Wagamama to end use of plastic straws</a></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-72398636927183777532018-01-14T16:22:00.000+00:002018-01-14T16:22:34.306+00:00Monarch of the Building SiteHello and welcome to a rebranded blog. As you will no doubt have noticed if you are a regular reader, the blog is now called <b>Ringwood Wildlife Diary </b>and there's a new header too. In terms of content though it will be business as usual.<br />
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It's been interesting over the last few months to see how the <b>roe deer</b> are adapting to the building site on the field they used to graze in. The builders piled up the soil from the groundworks into a big mound which became covered in greenery. The deer seemed had discovered a new place to feed.<br />
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It's not just the deer that seem to like the mound- I've regularly seen the local <b>buzzards</b> on it. </div>
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The mound provides a vantage point over the surrounding fields that didn't exist before and so the buzzards have taken advantage of it. Since Christmas more work has been done and fresh soil has been added to the mound- since then I've not seen any wildlife making use of it. </div>
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Over on the River Avon I got a really close look at a pair of <b>goosander</b>. </div>
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A woman saw me taking photos of them and asked me what they were and I was able to explain about them being winter visitors. It was really lovely to be able to share my knowledge with someone. </div>
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It's proving to be a good spot for birds at the moment. I once again saw a <b>grey heron </b>with a rat in its beak in the same spot too. </div>
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It still feels odd to see a bird we know for fishing to eat rats but they are opportunistic hunters. Because they can stand so still the rats don't notice they are there until it is too late. It was interesting to see that this heron had flown to the edge of the river with the rat. A second after this photo it dipped the rat in the water, lifted it up to swallow it and then bent down to take another gulp of water. I'm assuming it did this in order to make the rat easier to swallow. Compared to a slimy fish, a furry rat will not slide down the throat so easily- presumably making it wet makes it easier. </div>
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All members of the heron family will do this and it was interesting to spot two <b>great white egrets</b> in the distance. </div>
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I've never seen these birds on the area I consider my patch so it was a lovely spot. There is a fair amount of water on the floodplains at the moment and the egrets were making use of it- I wonder if they too were hunting for rats in an area where there is clearly a good number of them. </div>
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Another winter visitor I've seen recently was this <b>redwing</b>, my first of the winter (clearly I've not been going to the right places). </div>
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This redwing will have migrated from Russia or Scandinavia, arriving in the UK around October(1). It's a five hundred mile flight across the North Sea and in rough weather many come crashing down on the waves and drown. In the Autumn they spend their time in hedges and orchards feeding on fruit but as that food source runs out they move to fields to dig for earthworms. Clearly that's what this individual was doing as it has a very muddy beak. </div>
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It may not be the height of the fungi season but I've spotted a couple of interesting species recently. This is a <b>yellow stagshorn fungus</b>(2). </div>
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This species always grows on rotting wood- here it was on some wood used for steps on a footpath. Apparently it's not poisonous but is not worth eating as it's rubbery and tasteless(3).</div>
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Then there's this species which I think is an <b>oyster mushroom</b>. </div>
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Oyster mushrooms are highly variable(4) which makes a positive identification tricky- I'm sure this is at least of the <i>Pleurotus </i>genus. Incredibly this is a carnivorous mushroom- it traps and ingests nematode worms which provide it with nitrogen and other chemicals(5). Oyster mushrooms are highly popular for eating and are regularly found for sale in supermarkets. </div>
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That's all for today and I shall see you next week.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/migration/migratory-bird-stories/redwing-migration/" target="_blank">RSPB: Redwing migration</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: Sterry, P and Hughes, B. (2009) Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools. Collins pp.248</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.first-nature.com/fungi/calocera-viscosa.php" target="_blank">First Nature: <i>Calocera viscosa</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: Sterry, P and Hughes, B. (2009) Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools. Collins pp.222</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">5: <a href="http://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guides/oyster-mushroom-mushroom/" target="_blank">Wild Food UK: Oyster Mushroom</a></span></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-9877535383702089092018-01-10T19:31:00.000+00:002018-01-10T19:31:28.398+00:00JaneYesterday I was lucky enough to attend a special screening of a film called <i>Jane</i>, a documentary about Jane Goodall who was there in person for a question and answer session. The screening was in Bournemouth, which was where Jane grew up.<br />
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The film focuses on the early years of Jane's career and uses footage filmed by her then husband Hugo van Lawick with narration mostly from a new interview with her. Lawick was clearly very talented and thus the footage is stunning- it's also been beautifully colorised for the film so that it looks like it was filmed within the last few years.<br />
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It partly looks at Jane's chimpanzee study and how she came to make discoveries and build her relationship with the tribe. No-one had studied chimpanzees this closely before and Jane's discoveries transformed our knowledge of them. Her early methods may not stand up to modern scientific standards but without the early footage she would not have received funding to go on and discover so much more.<br />
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The film also looks at Jane's personal life and the difficult balance between her work and family. There was an interesting conflict between the two and it was also interesting to see how she looked to the chimps for inspiration. Her marriage with Hugo is discussed in depth and how they drifted apart once his National Geographic funding to film Jane and the chimpanzees ended.<br />
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I liked everything about the film. It was wonderfully put together with sounded gorgeous with the natural sounds of Tanzania and a great soundtrack by Philip Glass. I especially liked that it was narrated by Jane and so it felt like her real view of things rather than an agenda decided upon by the documentary makers.<br />
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The Q and A was great too- at 83 Jane is still so warm and passionate. She talked a lot about her legacy and the vast education program around the world she set up. She also spoke about how every person can make a difference in helping the environment in small ways and how they can build up to something so much bigger.<br />
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Perhaps the part that really stuck with me is when Jane was asked how optimistic about the future she is. She said that there's hope for the future of wildlife if we change attitudes and that it's easiest to work with young people to do this. She continued to say that she is optimistic about nature's resilience, the indomitable human spirit and our amazing brains but if we continue business as usual it will be too late.<br />
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Jane Goodall is an amazing and inspirational woman and it was a privilege to listen to her speak.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/Dogwoof/status/951111632490508288" target="_blank">DogWoof on Twitter</a></span>Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-37766260785254040532018-01-06T16:36:00.000+00:002018-01-06T16:36:06.978+00:00A Great GullLast week I took the scope I was given for Christmas to my local nature reserve Blashford Lakes. The reserve is always a great place to visit but having the scope meant I was able to see much further than before across the sizeable lakes.<br />
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Thanks to the scope (and a nice man in the hide who pointed it out) I was able to see a bird I hadn't seen before, a <b>ring-billed gull</b>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Blashford Lakes Blog<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(1)</span></td></tr>
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Ring-billed gulls come from North America and locals will be used to seeing these gulls in car parks where they apparently congregate in large numbers(<span style="font-size: x-small;">2)</span>. They do this because they can easily see any approaching predators and there's plenty of food around in the form of rubbish humans have left behind(3).<div>
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Ring-billed gulls are rare but regular visitors to the UK. There are only a handful that winter across the UK but those that come are seen year after year- this is at least the third winter that this individual has spent at Blashford. </div>
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The scope also allowed me to clearly identify what I was seeing- for example I was able to see that rather than the tufted duck it looked like initially, the bird in the foreground here is a <b>scaup</b>. </div>
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Like many of our winter visitors, scaup breed in Siberia and Northern Europe before moving south to avoid the freezing weather. They are diving ducks meaning they dive underwater to catch food, which most consists of shellfish, crustacea and small insects(4).</div>
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Another duck I saw, and in good numbers too, were <b>gadwalls</b>. </div>
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These birds are dabbling ducks which means they stick their heads under the water to find plants like algae and grasses to feed on(5). They therefore need shallower water to feed in and this is why they came relatively close to the hide. It's odd that compared with the bright colours of the male of most other species of duck that these birds are so understated. </div>
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My other spot of note was a <b>green sandpiper </b>on the shore of one of the lakes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUEX8sZMJ8I8-zYYtgB3EvjVKbBvO_rufxxtbUiRSlmiT2_4jh3VCBQDReUbCDKFHaV3xJtfhWHh7sfq2h4OKy94RxLpKh9is36ocNNV2bZSPa-mY7z8MC1KVyv9X6-fEFvspjivVOf3n/s1600/DSCN5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUEX8sZMJ8I8-zYYtgB3EvjVKbBvO_rufxxtbUiRSlmiT2_4jh3VCBQDReUbCDKFHaV3xJtfhWHh7sfq2h4OKy94RxLpKh9is36ocNNV2bZSPa-mY7z8MC1KVyv9X6-fEFvspjivVOf3n/s400/DSCN5307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These waders work around muddy edges of lakes and ponds where they find small invertebrates. They breed in subarctic Europe but where they breed is unexpected- unlike nearly every other wader these birds nest in old nests belonging to species like fieldfares up trees! </div>
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This time last year I was regularly seeing a green sandpiper on the River Avon- the river level remained fairly low throughout the winter. This year though we've had a very wet winter and the river levels are significantly higher. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBTDqQgzG3CwU3gnuggiT-9Wwy6yicvxB0PrfxrD7dYpwNkubWEMPaHgN7hfwL6fUMUHSFMRZX3IsIPdjViqg-n6LSc5pB98gHMLMiJ1mPLeJvnpr4pnl7NU-bmMPQbjVbuY3jW0T3wJs/s1600/DSCN5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBTDqQgzG3CwU3gnuggiT-9Wwy6yicvxB0PrfxrD7dYpwNkubWEMPaHgN7hfwL6fUMUHSFMRZX3IsIPdjViqg-n6LSc5pB98gHMLMiJ1mPLeJvnpr4pnl7NU-bmMPQbjVbuY3jW0T3wJs/s400/DSCN5324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Avon December 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGOazNxieC7TBM7DgeU2JlNiw3MLmqZfqM5iQjKFFX9sCEtF-zsGbRAVTD0x9r5bxxKSmCjAya6NdWJxLfMyiLIs-nVITcfqsXSif1nLwnnRxTGE8-ewdlzBiZ-RwD2gyIGZiVX-2B3Ac/s1600/DSCN2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGOazNxieC7TBM7DgeU2JlNiw3MLmqZfqM5iQjKFFX9sCEtF-zsGbRAVTD0x9r5bxxKSmCjAya6NdWJxLfMyiLIs-nVITcfqsXSif1nLwnnRxTGE8-ewdlzBiZ-RwD2gyIGZiVX-2B3Ac/s400/DSCN2337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Sandpiper on the River Avon, December 2016</td></tr>
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As you can see, the sandpiper was feeding on parts of the river bed that were exposed whereas this winter even most of the plants have been submerged. According to the Met Office, locally we had about 50% of the average expected rainfall for December in 2017(6) whereas in December 2016 it was just over 20%(7). <div>
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The scientist in me finds this information fascinating. Last winter was clearly unusually dry which meant the green sandpiper had a place to feed it would never normally have. Even 2017 seems fairly dry though the data only goes to the 27th of December and the remaining four days were extremely wet here- I estimate the figure to be closer to 70%.</div>
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According to the Met Office, 2017 was the fifth warmest year in the UK since records began in 1910(6). Scarily, the nine warmest years since 1910 have occured since 2000. Whilst the weather may change it's so clear that climate change is happening and the data shows it is happening alarmingly quickly. </div>
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That's all from me today but I just want to direct you to my new<a href="http://www.facebook.com/dangoeswild" target="_blank"> Facebook page</a>- if you're on Facebook give it a like for all the latest blog updates as well as local news stories and extra photos.<br /><div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />1: <a href="https://blashfordlakes.wordpress.com/2017/12/10/a-returning-visitor/" target="_blank">Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve Blog: A Returning Visitor</a></span><div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2: <a href="http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Birds_Kamm_Kuss/Pages/SPECIES_Larus_delawarensis.html" target="_blank">Common Birds of New England: Ring-billed Gull</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/science/why-do-sea-gulls-like-parking-lots.html" target="_blank">New York Times: Why do Sea Gulls Like Parking Lots?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/scaup" target="_blank">RSPB: Scaup</a><br />5: <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gadwall/lifehistory" target="_blank">All About Birds: Gadwall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">6: <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2017/weather-review-of-2017" target="_blank">Met Office: 2017- a year in weather statistics </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">7: <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2016/2016-a-year-in-weather-statistics" target="_blank">Met Office: A year in weather statistics (2016)</a></span></div>
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Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480218504591732702.post-26508458259428885802018-01-03T17:00:00.000+00:002018-01-03T17:01:03.826+00:00MalimaFor Christmas our family was given the adoption of a baby elephant as a present. Malima is looked after by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) in Kenya. This is Malima's story.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/keepers_diary/1016201771714-pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/keepers_diary/1016201771714-pic2.jpg" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="289" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the 30th October 2016 the DSWT received a call about a collapsed elephant calf. When they arrived they found a young elephant lying on a mound of Earth who was totally unresponsive and would have likely died very quickly without help.<br />
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The area was suffering from a drought and there was no food anywhere close to water. It's likely that her mother abandoned her either the night before or that morning. Elephants have close familial bonds so this cannot have been an easy decision. The choice was either for the family to leave Malima to die or risk none of them making it to find food and water.<br />
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In many ways Malima was very lucky. For a start there were a pride of lions near where she was found but they were busy feeding on an oryx. Without human intervention she would have certainly died and it took two rounds of IV fluids to ensure she kept going. She was very close to death and it took a week before the trust knew she would survive.<br />
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The name Malima is Swahili for "mound" which of course is where she was found. She is now a happy member of the nursery herd at the trust.<br />
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Here's a video from DSWT which tells the story of the gorgeous baby elephant.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/grytllkk-hc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/grytllkk-hc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Since it's foundation in 1977 the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust have hand-raised over 150 infant elephants as well as infant black rhinos. They also do a range of conservation work to help these animals in the wild and release as many young animals as they can. </div>
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African elephants are in big trouble. In the 20th century there were between 3 and 5 million African elephants but now there only about 415,000. This is largely down to the growing demand for ivory, especially in Asia. These magnificent animals are killed for their tusks- many of the orphans that are at DSWT lost their mothers in the ivory trade. It's been illegal to sell ivory (outside of antiques) since 1990 yet this has not stopped poaching at all. </div>
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Poaching isn't the only threat either. They are losing habitat at an alarming rate- their range shrunk from 3 million square miles in 1979 to less than one million in 2007. In continues to shrink as logging, mining and biofuel plantations take away the land they've roamed for thousands of years. There is also increasing conflict between elephants and humans as the human population increases. </div>
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Of course they are also affected by climate change. It's not an easy life for any animal that lives in the tropics but increased temperatures and lower rainfall mean droughts are becoming more regular. Elephants like Malima are sadly becoming more and more common. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/keepers_diary/1015201763322-pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/keepers_diary/1015201763322-pic3.jpg" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="289" /></a></div>
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As well as being magnificent, emotionally complex creatures they are vital for the habitat. It's estimated that up to 30 species of tree require elephants for dispersal and germination. Elephants shape their habitat, having an impact on factors like fresh water and forest cover. There are even invertebrates who rely solely on the elephants for survival, using their dung or their footprints to as their own micro-habitats. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/index.asp" target="_blank">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a> does incredible work so do give whatever support you can. </div>
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Sources</div>
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<a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/index.asp" target="_blank">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphan_profile.asp?N=363" target="_blank">DSWT: Malima Profile</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/african-elephant#" target="_blank">WWF: African Elephants</a></div>
Dan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895179345994771631noreply@blogger.com0