Merseyside Nature October/November
Special points of interest:
Created by and for Volunteer Naturalists. Edited by Bob Jude and Hugh Harris
Atlas of Breeding and Wintering Birds
Views expressed in this newsletter are those of individual authors .
Tony Carter at the National; Wildflower Centre A Memento of Summer by Sue Gordon Hugh Harris continues his succession of articles in ’What’s in Your Quadrat 1:11’ Ben Deed requests feedback on a number of new issues featuring opportunities for groups and individual naturalists
Inside this issue: Phil Smith’s Wildlife Notes
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Tony Carter’s Fascinating Fungi
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A Summer in the Yarden
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Mammal Identification at Court Hey Park
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The ‘new’ Garston Trail
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Liverpool Botanical Society
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World Museum - Hemiptera Day
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WeBS
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Practical Woodland Skills
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Creating plaster animal tracks for young naturalists
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Feedback requests
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Events Nature Records Submission Form
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Grey Squirrel in Newsham Park, image courtesy of R. Milligan, Facebook Group, Urban Wildlife, November 2013
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We are pleased this month to include articles from our most recent contributors and a lead photograph by Richard Milligan, Urban Wildlife. Tony Carter continues his excellent features on fungi whilst Sue Gordon entertains us with a nostalgic memento of summer.
Articles, photographs, real life stories,, web links, and events from naturalists involved with wildlife are always welcome. Stories from 250-1000 words with accompanying photos will take us all on your journey.
E-Mail your work to: newsletter@activenaturalist.org.uk Please pay particular attention to the potpourri of important feedback requests on page 11 and the record submission form on the final newsletter page
The completed edition of the latest NEW Atlas of breeding and wintering birds of Lancashire has arrived! The Atlas is currently fully available as a collection of downloadable pdf’s from the Lancashire and Cheshire Fauna Society website. Please visit http://www.lacfs.org.uk/Lancs%20Birds.html Data was collected between 2008 and 2011 (winter from 2007 – 2010) and the breeding bird data was modelled against the previous 1997 – 2000 breeding bird survey to detect change. The Atlas, edited by Steve White, is the sum of an incredible effort of volunteers and experts in Lancashire and is well worth a look.
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Wildlife notes October 2013 - Dr Phil Smith October is usually one of the wettest months and so it proved to be this year, though we missed the big storm that hit the south of England on 28th. It was also relatively warm, meaning that several late summer insects were active, at least on the drier days.
Sandhill Rustic moth, just emerged, R. Burkmar, August, 2011
Thus, a Northern Dune Tiger Beetle was a welcome sight on Birkdale Green Beach on 5 th, while Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters persisted to the third week of the month.
Early in the month, I was joined by friends to resurvey an isolated area of young dunes on the shore opposite the northern end of Southport Marine Lake. Built from particularly shell-rich sand, this dune fragment was destroyed in 2002 during works on the seawall but had reformed by 2008, supporting 61 different plants. Our new survey showed that, five years on, it had nearly doubled in size and now had as many as 87 plants.
The male Black Darter I found in late September was still present at Birkdale slack 47 on 5 th, basking on bare sand created during the earlier pond restoration.
Butterflies feed on late flowering Ivy A new survey shows increased plant
On 17th, Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve produced a richly coloured Comma, three Common Darters and six Small Coppers, this delightful butterfly having been hard to find for most of the summer. As usual, late-flowering Ivy provided a feast of nectar, a favourite patch in the Ravenmeols woodland attracting several Red Admirals and Commas.
biodiversity and recovery of dunes
Oak Eggar moth caterpillar
Significant additions included Portland Spurge, Eyebright and Common Milkwort showing that the sand is becoming less mobile.
around Southport Marine Lake
Comma
An insect that seems to have done particularly well this summer is the Oak Eggar moth. Its hairy caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants and, although they are quite small in October, Trevor Davenport and I counted as many as 26, mainly on Grey Willow, in and around slack 47. They hibernate as half-grown caterpillars with characteristic markings of orange and deep blue – very attractive in close-up. Sandhill Rustic moth, R. Burkmar, 2011
Eyebright
The site is also notable for the presence of the rare and endemic Sandhill Rustic moth, found here by Graham Jones and Richard Burkmar in 2009 and still present this year.
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Wildlife notes October 2013 - Dr Phil Smith On 10th, I joined a group of enthusiasts guided by an expert in mosses and liverworts, Des Callaghan, who had conducted a survey of the Sefton Coast for extremely rare species, some of which had not been seen for decades.
During a fascinating afternoon, he showed us the almost mythical Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii), a tiny liverwort which resembles a miniature lettuce and then the Sea Bryum moss (Bryum warneum), both being national Biodiversity Action Plan Priority species.
Rabbit activity that maintains a short sward around slack edges. Fortunately, there still appear to be large numbers of Rabbits on these dunes, populations being much reduced elsewhere. Garden-escapes are a feature of our dune flora, a spectacular new arrival being Common Morning-glory flowering at Falklands Way close to a variegated Mugwort which has still not been named, even by experts, three years after its discovery.
The rare hybrid willow Salix ×
doniana continues to be recorded on the Sefton Coast Thanks to hard working volunteers at the Common Morning-glory
Petalophyllum ralfsii
The southern part of Birkdale Green Beach is the British headquarters for Sea Bryum, while Des also found it at Devil’s Hole, Ravenmeols.
One of the main threats to sand-dune biodiversity is the invasive Sea Buckthorn, introduced here in the 1890s. Together with Sefton’s Coast & Countryside Service, I organised two “buckthorn bashes”, following up last autumn’s work to cut regrowth in the slacks west of Sands Lake, Ainsdale. Groups of eight and thirteen volunteers put in a good shift for two hours on both occasions.
Another enjoyable afternoon was spent on Ainsdale National Nature Reserve with site manger Dave Mercer and Patricia Lockwood checking the bushes of the hybrid willow Salix × doniana. As well as re-finding the five known bushes, we also spotted two new ones, bringing the Sefton Coast total of this great rarity to 32. There are only three more specimens known in the rest of Britain. We were also delighted to see huge numbers of Field Gentians, some still in full flower. In 2009, we established that the reserve had the largest British population of this declining species and that its abundance was linked to a combination of winter sheep-grazing and year-round
Sea Buckthorn, in September, on the Sefton Coast
It was noticeable that the bushes cut last year were much smaller, our experience being that repeated cutting over three or four years can get rid of this major pest. This is particularly worthwhile, as over 5000 Grass-ofParnassus plants were counted here by Claire Boardman and Brian Wilby during our recent coastwide survey.
Buckthorn Bashes, this invasive plant is gradually being brought under control
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FUNGI AT THE NATIONAL WILDFOWER CENTRE - Tony Carter Tuesday 22nd October 2013. Court Hey Park.
their part in the destruction and recycling of dead wood.
I like leading family forays. The children are always enthusiastic and, being closer to the ground, spot a lot more fungi than I do.
We then moved on to a nice collection of Armillaria mellea (Honey Fungus), always a useful starter about the dangers of edible fungi.
This foray was no exception. I cut short my opening speech before they all fell asleep and we set off to explore the park in our search for fungi. The first stop was a large beech stump that provided a wealth of polypores, brackets and crusts showing how each species played
Out and about in Court Hey Park at the National Wildflower
Armillaria mellea
Many books and television programmes describe these as edible but often fail to mention that they contain a toxin that has to be removed by boiling and throwing the water away. Even then they may cause gastric upset to some. They were surrounded by lots of the poisonous Inocybe geophylla (White Fibrecap), which helped my cause of dissuading people from picking wild mushrooms for the table. After examining further brackets and crusts on more fallen trees, we moved to an area of lawns and ornamental plants.
Our First Find - Tony Carter Our first find was of Lepiota cristata (Stinking Dapperling).
Centre in the
The children thought the smell was awful. Are we adults too old to sniff? This was followed by a very impressive collection of Pleurotus Dryinus (Veiled Oyster) on a fallen branch.
Other finds were made of Agaricus silvaticus (Blushing Wood Mushroom) and Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn).
world of fascinating fungi Interestingly, few of the adults could smell anything distinctive.
Into the Swing of Things - Tony Carter Finally we gathered in the small wood behind the cafe where we examined and discussed Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) and how it grew from a sac in the ground which split to form the white spots on the cap. Also a Chalciporus piperatus (Peppery Bolete) which has pores in place of gills.
Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
Getting fully into the swing of things, one eagle-eyed youngster spotted Clavulina coralloides (Crested Coral Fungus) hiding in the grass.
This was followed by some tiny Mycena adscendens (Frosty Bonnet), growing in the moss at the foot of a Yew tree, where we able to see the stem with its small foot.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the day. Hopefully it will have encouraged a budding mycologist of the future.
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A Summer in the ‘Yarden’ - Sue Gordon I found that the warm sunny weather of Summer 2013 in my garden seemed to contribute to easing my slug and snail problem, much to my delight. I'm always in a dilemma as I don't like harming any living creatures and yet, if they go unchecked, they cause havoc and multiply beyond belief. My garden is really a small yard, a 'yarden' in fact. It has a Rowan tree, a Lilac tree, full to the brim with bird feeders, and many, many pots, tubs and hanging baskets. I like to try not to manage it too strictly, so it can provide a good balance of goodies for birds and insects while remaining attractive to the eye. Every year is different, with either a strange and noticeable absence or abundance of certain insects. I am probably a little eccentric and usually invite amused smiles and raised eyebrows from friends and relatives if I begin to relate an interesting insect story. I try not to expostulate too much to others as very few people share my enthusiasm for our smaller garden friends. Don't get me wrong I'm not obsessed or anything, it doesn’t interfere with my daily life and I don't count them as my only friends! I just find them fascinating and beautifully designed, although insect appreciation, as a grown adult,, is quite a lonely pursuit. I spend an inordinate amount of time outdoors with an old jewellers eyeglass, examining all kinds of spiders, bugs, caterpillars and bees.
I always feel honoured that these creatures have chosen to develop and grow in or simply visit my yarden.
creepiest horror film. The next morning, all that was left on that plant were hundreds of dry aphid skins. Gulp!
One of the first of my regular visitors was the cheeky Leafcutter Bee! Oblivious to anything or anybody as it vandalised and decimated my rose leaves.
I was however delighted to welcome another species of beneficial insect to my yarden, which already hosts Ladybird larvae, Lacewing larvae, Drone fly larvae, called rat-tailed maggots, ugh, and many other unidentified immature insects.
But she is so cute I can’t resist her. So swift at cutting the leaf and off over the roof in seconds, she'd make a great pick pocket! This year saw lots of Lacewing and Ladybird larvae in my flower beds. I was outside one evening when it was dark, with a torch and noticed a movement on one of the Pansy plants. I moved closer and then I saw it, a cross between a tiny slug and a caterpillar moving in a rather maggot like way. It waved its blind, pointed tip in the air, then inched along in a manic fashion with its inner workings visible. I couldn't think what it was and as more movements caught my eye, I noticed with a slight shiver that there were lots of the little blighter's all over that plant! Of course I was straight onto the internet and discovered very quickly that they seemed in fact to be the larvae of the hoverfly! The description of how they kill their prey is worthy of the lead role in the
Leaf Cutter Bee (Megachile sp.)
Spiders are everywhere out there, much to the terror of my 22 year old son! Oh please. Green Orb Spiders, beautifully patterned Cross and Jumping Zebra Spiders, which you would swear are intelligent and turn Plume Moth (Amblyptilia sp.), Ben Deed to look up at you. I also found Woodlouse Eating Spiders, which will bite humans! Ouch. A amateur Lots of white butterflies this year too naturalist’s memento and as a consequence caterpillars with their big, insatiable appetites. of the joys of I also got a chance to examine a Comma Butterfly which didn't see summer me for ages, too preoccupied with enjoying the Buddleia nectar. ‘Probably a little
strange’ ? Not at all!!!
I photographed a lovely Small Tortoiseshell with its stunning colours, and saw lots of assorted moths including the funny and quirky looking T-shaped Plume Moth. I find that all insects when viewed close up and magnified, are absolutely incredible and fascinating to observe. But then I'm probably a little strange!
Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)
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Mammal Identification at Court Hey Park - Hugh Harris
Tony and Karen demonstrate how to use Longworth Traps
Mammal Trapping at Court Hey Park Hugh investigates the new nature trail at Speke Hall walking along the ‘Mersey Way’
Knowsley Rangers Service, Mammal Identification, Court Hey Park SJ418900. An informative and enjoyable opportunity in Mammal Identification was provided by Karen Brady (South Huyton Ranger) and Tony Parker (Liverpool Museum) to a group of 25 children and parents on a wet Saturday morning, 2nd November. Thirty-six Longworth traps filled with food and bedding had been set the previous evening in the vegetation around the visitor’s car park and their locations marked with canes. Tony demonstrated how the trapmechanism worked and how to safely tip the trapped mammal into a transparent plastic bag for identification.
All handling and identification was done by Tony Parker.
Head and body 8-11 cm; tail 7-11cm. Dark brown fur on back, yellowish on the flanks, and off-white underneath. The nose is pointed and the eyes are very large. Food; whatever is available, including fungi, worms and insects – especially caterpillars.
Fruits and seeds, often taken from the bushes, are a major food source in autumn and winter. Habits and signs; largely nocturnal, climbing well in bushes and small trees. Hazelnuts attacked by wood mice have circular holes surrounded by tooth marks. Habitat and range; woods, hedgerows, scrub and cultivated land of all kinds. Delivering outdoor activities to community groups in a local park with supportive staff not only creates mutually-supportive links but can inspire environmental understanding.
Hugh@MBAN
NT Speke - SJ416823 – Garston Coastal Reserve Trail - Hugh Harris Casually strolling along the historic boundary of the Speke Hall Estate to the Mersey Shoreline on a Sunday morning in November with the vegetation in its autumnal colours is an uplifting experience.
Common Reed (Phragmites communis)
The children soon gained confidence in finding the traps and emptying the contents for identification. Inevitably there was the odd escapee but this did not deter our future mammal-watchers from discovering seven young male and female Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus).
Views of the Wirral peninsular and the distant hills of North Wales against the clear sun-lit skies are an inspiration for photographers. The route starting at the Home Farm courtyard is along flat, level footpaths and boardwalks with a concrete section across the old airport taxiway to the sailing club and then retracing the route back down the taxiway. This is the shorter of two routes; easy walking for 2.4 miles (3.8km) taking approximately 40 minutes. The longer route carries straight on past the sailing club and joins up with the Mersey Way footpath in the direction of Garston.
To return, follow the way markers for the Mersey Way and Oglet to find the red line down the taxiway. NB. The gates leading back to Speke Hall are locked at 5.00pm. Plane-spotters can view the activities and buildings of two airports and actually cross the link route from the old airport to the new runway of John Lennon Airport. Wildlife along the estuary’s mud and sand flats are testament to the rich feeding grounds for thousands of birds. These include Redshank (Tringa tetanus), Dunlin (Calidris alpine), Curlew (Numenius arquata), and many species of duck. Cormorant (Phalacrocorax ) especially like the lighting gantry on the short walk, and Garston Jetty on the longer walk, as roosting areas.
Typically, the plants are estuarine species such as Common reed (Phragmites communis), Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) and Lousewort (Pedicularis palustris) that provide habitats for invertebrates and birds. Some late flowering Red Campion (Silene dioica), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Thistle (Cirsium palustre), could still be seen in the vegetation. Personally, as a National Trust volunteer and active naturalist this trail is an important development that excites me and where I can foresee more involvement from conservation groups and the sailing fraternity to each other’s mutual benefit – one or two bird-hides in strategic positions along the trail would really add conservation value to what has been, up to now, only a locally-known stretch of the Mersey estuary.
Hugh@MBAN
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Liverpool Botanical Society Lecture - Hugh Harris Historic Plants and Botanists of Manchester and Mersey Valley, David Bishop, World Museum, Liverpool David Bishop, Chairman of Friends of Chorlton Meadows, gave the Liverpool Botanical Society an insight into the historical, social and artistic background of a group of workingclass botanists from Manchester’s industrial revolution, whose influence on and contribution to Botany was immense. Real scientific men and women from humble origins such as; Richard Buxton (botanist) 1786 – 1865; James Heap (herbalist), who appreciated the value of nature as their rural countryside was turned into a Lowry-esque industrial landscape; Leo Grinden who produced the ‘Manchester Flora’ in 1859 and donated his herbarium and collections of specimen sheets to Manchester University for research, education and training and outreach to the community groups of artisanbotanists and Priscilla Torfee whose botanical art was exhibition standard.
with wealthy estates to wander round - they were the ‘ragged-trousered botanists’ from the world of weaving and bat-making who went on meetings and forays to the River Bollin and the outskirts of Manchester on days-off from work. David’s photos also showed the historic halls, cottages, by-ways and meadows that have become derelict or disappeared, e.g. Hough End Hall, Sutton’s Cottage, Cow Lane, Stretford Lees and Old Chorlton. Of economic interest was the choice of plants grown for their use in Handloom weaving processes in South Manchester: Flax (Linum usitatissimum), Hemp (Cannabis sativa), and Cotton (Gossypium). Other plants were also linked to manufacturing processes in the textile industry; Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), cleansing properties, Perennial Rocket (Sisymbrium strictissimum), dyeing properties, and Weld (Reseda luteola), yellow dye.
Local botanists like Charles Bailey (1834-1924) were noted for their herbaria and contributions to such distinguished works as ‘Flora Europaea’ and Beth Harthan whose illustrations on fungi and art were widely recognised. When the archive photos of their homes and work-places in Victorian Central and South Manchester are viewed their achievements are all the more remarkable; overcrowded terrace houses in back to back streets under the shadow of the mill – these were no gentlemannaturalists from privileged families
Weld (Reseda luteola), H.Hilleweart, Wiki
As a resident of Chorlton, David focused his attention on his local woodlands, hay meadows and farmland with their associated plant species.
In Barlow Wood, in the Mersey Valley, Wood Anemone, Dog’s Mercury, Town Hall Clock, Ramsons and Daffodil could also be found. In the hay meadows of Chorlton Ees; Adder’s tongue Fern, Bulbous Buttercup, Bistort, Common Sorrel, Lady’s Smock, Meadow Saxifrage, Great Burnet, Pale Lady’s Mantle, Hay Rattle, Oxeye Daisy, Butterbur, Southern Marsh Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, and Common Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis ), the indicator grasses of old pastures Orchi, Wiki and meadows, Sweet Vernal Grass, Meadow Grass, Crested Dog’s tail and Timothy Grass could be seen. Apart from arable field weeds, Poppy, Fumitory, Small Nettle, Pansy, Corn Spurrey, Hemp Nettle, Henbit Dead-nettle, Field Woundwort and the grass of cereal fields Loose Silky-Bent were growing.
A lecture by David
These historically significant slides were just part of David’s extensive and well-researched collection [approx. 95 slides] of “Historic Plants and Botanists of South Manchester and the Mersey Valley” which led him to the conclusions that:The Victorian working-class botanists of South Manchester played an important role in British and European botany.
Mersey Valley
Bishop on the historic plants and botanists of the Manchester and
Today’s living plants in the South Mersey valley are clues to the past. David would like to do further research on historical meadows. He left us with this question to reflect on – if biodiversity is important then how do we conserve it?
Hugh@LBS
Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis ), Karelj, Wiki
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World Museum Day with Pete Boardman FSC - Hugh Harris Liverpool Museum, Biofell’s Hemiptera Day For me, whose previous experience of Miridae and the world of British Heteroptera was finding a Green Shieldbug (Palomina prasina) on my daughter’s wheelie bin, this was like the existential entomologist’s step into the dark unknown.
Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria)
Using key text to identify Mirid Bugs with local experts Guy Knight, Jim Flannagan and Tristam Bantock
Yet, under the expert guidance of Jim Flanagan and Tristan Bantock and their ‘Keys to Miridae’ the group soon became fluent in the scientific names to the anatomy of Mirid Bugs and could identify their body-parts with the aid of the Museum’s microscopes. Then under the direction of Guy Knight, Head of Entomology we were given access to the Museum’s collection of Heteroptera, selecting our own pinned specimens from the glass covered drawers to identify. With the use of Miridae – Key to Tribes and magnification we soon became conversant with the diagnostic features. The key, as you can see below, is an artificial aid to identification and consists of a series of numbered couplets, each couplet offering two alternative forms of the same character/s. if you follow the numbers correctly your specimen will eventually ‘key out’ to the name of the species.
Having used botanical keys in the field, I was familiar with the methodology however I felt like a beginner with my first specimens of Miridae. By the end of the session, after identifying 12 species I felt I had progressed and confident in using keys again – a satisfying achievement. There are 220 species of Miridae with the general characteristics of
“Forewings with cuneus at the tip of the hardened section. This is clearly demarcated from the anterior parts of the forewing by a costal break. Generally soft-bodied insects.” An
Full of enthusiasm I worked my way in descending order, through the display-cases from 19 down to 9, acquiring important forensic knowledge about pronatum, scutellum and even pubescence on the way. I attempted to identify Jim’s specimen imported from a motorway site in South Yorkshire, Stenotus binotatus which interacts with Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria).
interest in scientific language is useful too.
This plant is a member of the Pea family and looks like yellow-flowered Broom and grows amongst scrub on heavy soil – ergo, a heteropteral link to an ecosystem!
Beginner’s luck I suppose; I ‘keyed out’ correctly from display case Meridae 20: a specimen of the Stenodermini genera (Leptopterna dolabrata), (Male)
Sadly, some of the older specimens have been damaged by Agents of Deterioration mainly in the form of the cumulative effects of light both artificial and sunlight and low rela-
tive humidity (RH). “Wings orange yellow No, (Female) light yellowish-green Yes. A2>>A3+A4; (female) A2 thinner, < base of fore-tibia. In more humid grassland.” Eureka, I could do it with a little expert guidance on keys and description from Jim Flanagan along with adjusted magnification of the microscope.
This has led in a few cases to colourfading and drying-out. Unfortunately we can’t turn back the clock but we can slow down the deterioration and protect the specimens for future entomologists.
Hugh@FSC
I had keyed-out, identified and described a Grass-bug!
The ‘gateway’ to the identification;
Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus)
1 Pronotal collar well-developed & easily visible from above ……………………………………… 4 Collar not easily visible from above with head in normal position, or absent ………………………..…… 2 2 Collar very deeply recessed (back of head strongly concave in side view, may overlap Top of collar, hiding it from above) ……………………………………………………………………………………………..... 3 No collar, or very weakly demarcated (Stenodemini) …………………………………………………….……………. 9
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Monthly High Tide Count, Mersey Estuary, 17 Nov 2013 - Hugh Harris
BTO WeBS Dermot Smith, BTO WeBS Organiser. who covers the South shore with his team of volunteer counters observed winter swans and geese returning with 15 Whooper Swans at Ince and a flock of Pink Feet at Stanlow. The low tide meant counting Teal at Manisty was almost impossible, hence the low numbers. A new record has been set for two Heron species; 57 Grey Heron and 3 Great White Egret (two at Stanlow and one at Ince). The first Merlin of winter was spotted. Counts of waders were Lapwing 4000+ and Dunlin 34,000. A record number of 30 Ravens were seen at Ince Marshes. There were also record counts of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. Summing up, Dermot said, “A good duck count today despite the early mist and low cloud. The tide never really got out of the channels so counting Teal was very hard although we had some good wader numbers of over 30,000 Dunlin (Calidris alpine). Highlights were three Great White Egrets (Ardea alba). Are they still a rare bird?” While on the North shore, Rob Cockbain, registered BTO counter reported, ‘A very foggy day early on the Hale shore and counts of Mallard and Curlew were probably underes-
timated because of the weather conditions. A Water Rail calling in the reed beds was nice; also a Rock Pipit flushed as I walked up to the Snipe. Counts on Hale Marsh were lower than normal owing to pheasant shooting on Saturday morning and on Saturday evening when at least two wildfowlers were about and again on the Sunday morning when one shooter was out. Understandably, the birds on the marsh were very jumpy. Carr Lane Pools provided good numbers of Duck, Snipe and Blacktailed Godwits whilst in the neighbouring fields were 8 Grey Partridge and 1 Red-legged Partridge. Lots of Fieldfares and Redwings were present at both Carr Lane Pools and Pickerings Pasture. With the lowish tide on the river, “No Man’s Land” on the Runcorn side did not go under; a lot of birds mainly gulls were present. Small wading birds were probably missed because of the distance but Lapwings and Curlew were seen. On lower high tides this area could be counted from the Runcorn side, with access along the wall from Wigg Island.’
After supporting Rob with the count in the Hale sector I stopped at Lighthouse Road on the way home to see if numbers of Curlew and Mallard had increased as the fog had lifted. My numbers of 45 Curlew in fields on both sides of the road were lower than Rob’s numbers of 108 in the morning mist - and no Mallard! Where had they gone? Warren Sumner, another registered BTO counter, who covers the North Merlin (Falco columbarius), óskar elías sigurðsson, Wiki shore from Otterspool to Oglet reported, ‘A good start to the day at Otterspool Prom for my gull count and the nearest bird to me was a fine Mediterranean Gull. The first Merlin I’ve seen ’Meds’ there a few times of the winter but never managed to pick one on a WeBS count before now. Sparrowhawks A Sparrowhawk near Garston dock was followed by another at Dungeon near Garston and the lowish tide gave me 10 Grey docks Heron spread across the three shores: but just 107 Redshank along Yellowhammers the shores was disappointing. The highlight was seeing a male and along Oglet female Yellowhammer on a Hawshore thorn bush at Oglet shore and a few more were heard singing at various spots along the embankment.’ All data from counters is inputted into the BTO database and the next count is Sunday 22 December.
Hugh@WeBS
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Lancashire Wildlife Trust - Practical Woodland Skills - Hugh Harris Adam Graham began leading his three day course teaching Woodland Management Techniques in an Ante room of the historic Croxteth Hall, built in 1575 by Sir Richard Molyneux. Looking over the lawns, shrubberies and landscaped vistas of Liverpool’s biggest Country Park (530 acres/215ha) in its autumnal colours was a refreshing change. On a bright but chilly morning the flasks of coffee and tea were appreciated. After the hot drinks the mixed group of 10 adults looked at Generic Risk Assessment Records of General Safety on Site for Conservation Projects, Tree Felling Activities inc. Hedge laying & Scrub Clearance and Tree Shrub and Similar Planting.
Hugh visits Croxteth Hall and Liverpool’s historical first designated local
The most important risk assessment for active volunteers and employed staff is Generic Risk Assessment Record 7, General Safety on Site for Conservation Projects relating to generic features in a common activity.
Nature Reserve to learn Practical Woodland Skills with Adam Graham
This document does not cover items specific to a location or group. A local amendment or review must be completed making additions as necessary to take account of local circumstances and hazards. Selecting our tasks for the specific location of Mull Wood we were able to focus on the potential hazards arising from an emergency response in an ‘off-road’ location, slips, trips and falls in muddy leafy woodland hiding stumps etc., the handling of heavy tools (loppers, bow-saws, spades and mallets) and other equipment and their related injuries, leptospirosis (from standing water) and hygiene.
Tree-felling has its associated risks wearing helmets and goggles is a matter of judgement but keeping a safe-distance from falling trees is common sense! However we have a responsibility to cordon off the area if there is a risk to the public. Blackthorn planting or removal requires protective gloves as septicaemia can be caused by penetrating thorns. Kick-back from felling leaning trees is also a real risk and electrocution from overhead cables is possible. The presence of horse riding along the woodland trails and lanes as horses can be ‘spooked’ by snapping and cracking wood has to be kept in mind. Tendonitis from repetitive tasks can be avoided by regular rest breaks and by varying the tasks. Planting of trees and shrubs share some of the previous hazards and has its own inherent risks; strains from bending and embedding plants, soil-contact illnesses like Tetanus and Toxicaria, manual handling and safe-lifting techniques and avoiding the use of canes which can poke the participant in the eye. After absorbing all the Health and Safety risk assessment and taking on board Adam’s advice we were ready for tree-attack and germ warfare. We boarded the red Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s minibus and set-off for Mull Wood: our aim was to create a new wildlife area in secluded woodland. This was to be achieved by restructuring the layers of vegetation and opening up the woodland canopy to improve the biodiversity.
Our destination of Mull Wood was some way distant on the lane leading to Stand Farm. We crossed the River Alt, passed the Horse-Riding Centre and pulled into a lay-by opposite the picturesque Victorian Estate Kennels and Keeper’s Lodge
Mull Wood holds the distinction of being Liverpool’s first designated Local Nature Reserve recognised for its ‘educational value to nature conservation’ and since my previous visits has doubled in size to include much more of the park and a wildflower meadow. Better access to the Reserve has allowed conservation groups and schools to become involved in creating new wildlife areas. It is the largest woodland area in the park comprising mainly of English Oak and Sycamore with the invasive Rhododendron. Finding our partially cleared sites we were soon on-task felling, coppicing, laying down hedging and planting sapling trees. The trees we planted to introduce more diversity were Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Birch (Betula pendula) and Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Working as a team we safely achieved our aim; coursepreparation, expertise, the right tools for the task, local knowledge and a reasonable level of fitness were a recipe for success.
Hugh@MullWood
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'Mini' Winter Event at the National Wildflower Centre - Ben Deed On the 24th November MBB represented the Merseyside & West Lancashire Mammal Group at the National Wildflower Centres 'Mini' Winter Event! This fun day out saw a range of activities, crafts and stalls, all winter themed.
Keeping tracks of community involvement and MBB at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Miniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Winter Event
Labrador Dog tracks in the sand, G. Hagedom, Wiki
Hare track in the snow, D. Castor, Wiki
The winter is a great time to go out and look for signs of mammals roaming around and foraging. As it gets colder, many will be having their fill before going into hibernation for the worst of the winter and with the plants dying off it's much easier to see their footsteps left in the soil. A great technique for capturing these discoveries is to create a plaster cast of the footprint.
The last time I tried this was as a Cub Scout, too many years ago! But on the day it worked well.
On the day around 25 casts were produced, mostly by youngsters but the occasional parent 'helped'.
As I was hosting a stall, we couldn't go out and find real prints so instead participants were tasked with creating a replica animal print of their choice in a sand tray. The plaster was then mixed and poured in. This mixture required half an hour to set as the young sculptors wandered around other stalls and voilla!
Everyone seemed to enjoy it and several participants asked about to do it for their own groups!
When they returned, an animal footprint to take home and the suggestion of a new skill to try in the future. Just as it was for me in the past.
The most popular animal on the day was the Fox, though quite a few Badger casts were also made. One young girl also created a fantastic replica of a Weasel print, and this I think was my favourite of the day! A word of warning to anyone that might want to try this, it's very easy to do but it will make a mess!
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Urban Fox (Vulpes vulpes) spotted mid-afternoon in November in Childwall, L16
Mammal Atlas - A Call for Records! - Ben Deed We need your help! We now are in the final year of the five year project to collect mammal records for Merseyside & West Lancashire. The project was started as an effort to increase our knowledge and to include even common species of mammals in our area.
The project has so far made good progress, starting with very little background information, but there are still gaps. Species regarded as 'common' such as Grey Squirrel, Rat, Rabbit, Wood Mouse and Mole are under recorded; yours could well be the first! We accept records from anywhere, including your back garden!
If you would like to contribute to the Atlas then you can submit your record online via RODIS (biobank.rodis.co.uk) or the Mole Patrol online recording site or send it straight to us by E-Mail. Alternatively there is a form attached to the end of Woodmouse at Court Hey Park this newsletter that can be printed off and posted.
Become an integral part of the history
A Biodiverse Society - Ben Deed The Biodiverse Society is a project in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside and Lancashire Environmental Records Network. The project will bring training and engagement to local communities
and naturalist groups to help share knowledge on the environment while linking those groups and individuals to the monitoring of local sites. The project will also see a number of placement opportunities created at the LRC and Wildlife Trust.
of biological In order for this project to begin we need your feedback.
recording by
An E-Mail will shortly be sent to all contacts on the MBB mailing list. Please complete and return as soon as possible or if not on the list go here! Lancashire Wildlife Trust
records from your
Long-term Monitoring in North Merseyside - Ben Deed
In 2014 Merseyside BioBank, as Local Records Centre for North Merseyside, will start a new project as part of a national network of organisations tasked with coordinating the structured surveillance of British wildlife. The project aims to work with local and national recording schemes and societies such as the Merseyside & West Lancashire Bat Group and Botanical Society of the British Isles.
We will involve local communities, organisations and in particular, individuals who already contribute information in support of local conservation. At this stage we are looking to choose a number of sites for the project and determine who might be involved. This is a chance for anyone to have their say as to where we should place these long term monitoring sites.
We are preferably looking for sites that already have active monitoring or a group that is active at that site (and might consider being involved). We would also like to choose sites that have a good diversity of wildlife that may be designated as a local wildlife site. Have your say on the future of wildlife monitoring in North Merseyside and fill in the questionnaire or send us an E-Mail with your suggestions, feedback or questions.
submitting wildlife local area or garden Help influence the future protection of wildlife and support monitoring and conservation in your community, and in your back yard
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Events Events are run throughout the year by Liverpool Museum. These include Mammal Trapping at Knowsley Park and other venues. Please contact Tony.Parker@liverpoolmuseums.org. uk for details and to book places. Museum collections are open to amateur naturalists and volunteers (by appointment)
Other activity events Knowsley: www.knowsley.gov.uk/ things-to-see-and-do/events.aspx Liverpool Parks: liverpool.gov.uk/ leisure-parks-and-events Wildlife Trust: www.lancswt.org.uk/ what-s-on Court Hey Park: www.courtheypark.co.uk National Wildflower Centre: www.nwc.org.uk/events Shoresearchnews www.cumbriawidlifetrust.org.uk
Merseyside Naturalist Asso- Saturday 8th February Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World ciation The MNA organize informal nature events including field trips, talks and practical sessions Visit www.mnapage.info for the programme of events Saturday 30th November 2013, Frodsham Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there Where we are meeting: Frodsham Station 11.05. Central Station for 10.00 train to Chester then Arriva Trains Wales to Frodsham. Cost: Free of charge but note that the Chester to Frodsham leg is not available on Merseytravel passes. Do I need to book? No, just turn up. What do we expect to see? : Eric Hardy's dedicated woodland. Should I bring a telescope? Telescope not useful. Walking grade: Strenuous, could include sections of rough terrain, stiff climbs; uneven (or no) footpaths,. Mileage: 6 miles / 10 kilometres Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader Alexander Mansfield. Are toilets available? Toilets available at the Fordham pub. Map reference: SJ 510 757 Liverpool Botanical Society Saturday 7th December Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World Museum Uncommon Trees of Court Hey Park, Rob Duffy Saturday 11th January Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World Museum Caledonian Pine Forests Peter Gately
Museum AGM plus members’ field meetings photos
Late November Residents of Court Hey Park
Sargus, likely S. Bipunctatus, identified by by D. Fotheringham. (Previously unrecorded in the area)
Unidentified Ichneumon Wasp
Unidentified diptera, Caliphora sp. still gorging g on Ivy nectar in late November
Common Wasp also feeding on Ivy nectar
HELP! BIRDERS STILL NEEDED The Mersey Estuary is one of Britain’s best wetlands. We know this because each month we count the waterfowl as part of the national Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). However, we need ‘new blood’ volunteers. You don’t need to be an experienced wildfowl counter, though you should be able to identify common waders and wildfowl. If you think you can help then please email Dermot Smith at dermot.smith71@gmail.com or phone 07505 418832 for further details. For more information plus recent reports and photos visit the Mersey Estuary WeBS page on Facebook