ECOLOGY CYMRU OCTOBER NEWSLETTER NUMBER 24
www.ecologycymru.co.uk
2014
ecologycymru@gmail.com
Dear Reader.
Welcome to the October newsletter It seems that the good weather has ensured there is an ongoing supply of natural food in the wild for our birds which is why most of us have a reduced number of species in the gardens. This will change of course as the colder weather creeps in and natural food becomes scarcer (see the article on feeding birds later on).
Butterflies were still doing well with some species seen well into October. I noticed Small Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals on the wing at a few coastal locations and some people have been watching Clouded Yellows too. A Red Admiral was still on the wing on the 27th – I think this is the latest I have ever seen one in the year.
Next month you will see we will have adopted a new approach to delivering the newsletter involving having to open a link which takes you into the newsletter which reads as a book with the advantage of being able to turn the pages by the click of an arrow. Any feedback on this would be welcome if deemed applicable.
This has been an exciting month for us as we have been working closely with seeMallorca.com (more on this later) and have just had the go-ahead to have the first ever nature section placed into their website which is now LIVE!
Our feature article this month is how to encourage birds into your garden packed with ideas and tips which coincides nicely with autumn and winter.
We hope you have been having some good wildlife sightings too and look forward to sending you our November newsletter. As always, thank you to those of you have continued to support us and receive our newsletters, and for forwarding them on to interested persons.
An exciting opportunity - Seemallorca.com
Whilst on the island recently we came across information on Seemallorca.com and once back home decided to contact them. Having vast experience of the island and its birds, I wanted to enquire about submitting some bird articles. I had a reply from Nicola who is the Destinations Expert and I am now very pleased to say that Ecology Cymru has been able to have a unique opportunity to provide information on the birds of Mallorca for this very informative and exciting website.
Nicola the Destinations expert at Seemallorca.com provided this background information.
We first started with SeeMallorca.com in 2010 after several visits to the island. We wanted to create a website that would provide the best guide to Mallorca. Mallorca has so much more to offer than beers in the sun; we wanted to highlight the best of the island - the charming city of Palma, the amazingly beautiful and diverse countryside, the art galleries and culture, beaches off the beaten track, wonderful vineyards, and the many activities that you can enjoy. Since we began the site, our audience has grown and is now at over 1.5 million users per annum. We endeavour to provide quality, up-to-date content covering places to stay, an events calendar, news and reviews, information on where to explore, and much more that we hope visitors may be interested in. This is an exciting time and our articles will provide the chance of a huge amount of people to read and learn about the exciting birds of the island which will be a nice compliment to everything else Seemallorca.com offers on its site.
Ecology Cymru would like to personally thank Nicola and the team and I invite my newsletter followers to explore their website. Either type in Seemallorca.com in a search engine or visit by the following links. http://www.seemallorca.com/reviews/activities/ http://www.seemallorca.com/georgraphy http://www.seemallorca.com/summer
For more exceptional destinations visit Seetheworld.com
Latest News and Events A request - Colour-ringed Curlews by Al Venables. Please keep a look out for colour-ringed Curlews this autumn-winter. Mike Smart, a Gloucestershire birder, has been colour-ringing Curlews on the upper Severn for several years. He would like to know whether any of them turn up on the Gwent coast. The rings are usually 2 on each leg (one being a conventional metal BTO ring), all positioned on the upper part of the leg, just above the joint, so they are easy to see. Goldcliff Lagoons on a big tide usually offers good viewing facilities for this species. Please note the colours on each leg and their position (e.g. Left leg: red above green; right leg: blue above metal BTO ring). There may be light or dark versions of the colours, so note such as 'dark blue', or 'pale green'. Please send details to me and I'll pass them to Mike. If you happen to have a scope and camera with you, a Digi scope shot showing the number on the metal ring can be useful in some records. Many thanks Al Venables
wa.venables@zen.co.uk
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The request for a volunteer to take over the WeBS bird count at Caerphilly Castle Moat from myself has been kindly taken up and filled so at least this site can have continual coverage.
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An update from Bob !
It’s been a couple of busy weeks for me. With it being political party conference season, I've been up and down the UK at the party conferences, working hard to get nature on the agenda. Next week I'm down at Westminster letting the party leaders know how much support my campaign has. They will hear your voices speaking up for nature.
Talking of which, we're in touching distance of 100,000 votes! Please keep spreading the word; I'd love to tell the leaders how brilliantly we’re doing and how much nature matters to us all.
Love and nuts, Bob Ps. A big thank you to Butterfly Conservation for backing my campaign. Thanks guys!
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Not related to the above but a bit of fun anyway. If you’re ever in a restaurant that serves squirrel meat, please be aware – it may contain nuts! In fact we tried the Pelican Masala this week in our local – the food was lovely but the bill was massive!
The Glamorgan Fungus Group is delivering the following events. If you are interested in finding out about these or other planned events / visits then contact Mark via email on: glamorganfungi@gmail.com
Saturday 1st November - is our last 'planned' foray of the season at Penllergaer in Swansea. Sunday 30th November - we will be visiting Porthkerry Park in Barry.
Further details will be available closer to the time so if you are interested in coming along let me know so I can keep you up to date.
It’s likely that I will be regularly heading out into the countryside around Bridgend over the next couple of months (on weekends), I am particularly keen to get to grips with the Waxcaps at Mynydd Y Gaer (between Blackmill and Bridgend) so if anyone is interested in joining me drop me a line and we will see if we can meet up.
Mark Steer.
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Looks like its true then – Bambi and Thumper do exist!
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Although requested there has been no further developments or updates received for the proposed work which may affect the bird life at Raslas Pond near Merthyr Tydfil.
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Mallorca 2015. A bird watchers dream and a great guided trip opportunity.
The latter part of April and indeed May on this magnificent island is a fantastic place to see the Mediterranean species and species passing through on migration at a variety of habitats which include the coast, marshland, olive groves, rivers, steep sided valleys and mountains that rise to 5,000ft.
I have been visiting the island to watch birds since 1991 and have recently written a bird watching guide about the island (more of that a little later on). I have also taken out small group’s bird watching here who commented on the amazing diversity of species. Plants of interest are also pointed out along with wildlife and of course the spectacular views.
To give you a flavour of some of the species that can be seen in a week just take a look at this small selection – Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Hobby, Eleanora’s Falcon, Great White Egret, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Thekla Lark, Audouins Gull, Balearic Warbler, Scops Owl, Bee Eater, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Roller, Moustached Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Kentish Plover, Firecrest, Nightingale and Tawny Pipit. Now that’s just a small selection – not bad going is it!
As usual I am looking to take a small group (or private individual) out for a week’s guided bird watching in at the end of April and in early May 2015 with all the driving conducted by myself and visiting the six main bird watching sites plus some extra sites I know to see over a hundred species of birds that will blow your mind away. If you are interested then email me on ecologycymru@gmail.com for further information at no obligation.
There is also the chance to see some wildlife such as Genet and some interesting plants too. There are twenty seven species of Orchid alone and some interesting butterflies too.
In the meantime the book I have written is up to date and will give you a thorough background into the birds and where they are covering the main sites and others and what species you can find throughout the year. The book is called Bird watching In Mallorca, how where and when (ISBN 978-0-9575387-0-2) and is available via myself priced at only £10.00. Again request a copy via the ecologycymru email address. The book is currently available in hard copy and also includes a full species list covering the seasons.
Testimonial from some previous clients who accompanied me to Mallorca, mainland Spain and Lesbos.
My wife Sandra and I have been with Neville on at least four of his guided trips; Malaga, and Mallorca (x2), Spain, and Lesvos from April 2007 onwards. All trips have been highly successful from all perspectives; all smoothly executed with excellent birding. All trips were thoroughly researched (largely based on Neville’s experience of regular visits to the areas), with pre-trip itineries and post-trip reports — both excellent momentos/aide memoires for posterity. Itineries were jam-packed with birding from dawn to dusk (with even some night outings to look for owls and nightjars thrown in for good measure) — not a moment wasted, and tailored to suit the birding party – those who were happy just with bins, those who had their scopes and those their cameras. And yet the itinary was flexible, adapting to suit weather conditions, etc. Neville did all the driving, particularly useful for those of us not used to driving on the continent or wanting to relax, and yet Neville still usually spotted the birds before us. However, if necessary, always prepared to stop and go back for another look. Neville’s an excellent guide, incredible knowledge of the locations, very impressive spotting and identifying skills. Sandra and I have each seen more than a hundred “lifers” on the trips, but it’s those unplanned moments that will always live in memory: Seeing 60+ Griffon Vultures coming over the ridge in Andalucía. Monk parakeets suddenly flying in to roost in trees adjacent to the Guadaihorce Estuary so close to Malaga airport. Being greeted by 200+ Bee-Eaters on our first evening in Pert de Pollenca, Mallorca. Black Kite, Osprey and Black Vulture at Cuber Reservoir (Mallorca). The Scops Owl flying close by in response to Neville’s calling (Casas Velles, Mallorca). Watching the aerial acrobatics of flocks of swarming starlings
about to roost in the S’Albufera Marshes (Mallorca).Spotting that elusive glossy ibis (Mallorca). After several days of searching, finally locating the Rose Coloured Starlings in the Mulberry Tree (Lesvos). Krupper’s Nuthatch coming back to its nest to feed its young (Lesvos). And all those rare sightings; Rufous Bush Robin, Cinereous and Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Western Rock Nuthatch , Spur Winged Plovers, Collared Pratincole, Ruppell’s Warbler, etc (Lesvos) Experiences not to be missed. Some of the highlights of our lives. Highly recommended. Alan & Sandra Woodward, Gwent, South Wales
Although we weren’t specifically bird watching on the island during our recent visit, we couldn’t however resist going to a few sites of interest, and the list below is what we seen during the week. An impressive list though even though we didn’t cover the main sites.
House Sparrow Carrion Crow Red Kite Bee Eater Yellow Legged Gull Kestrel Woodpigeon Peregrine Falcon Greenfinch Common Crossbill Chaffinch Pied Wagtail Raven Collard Dove Spotted Flycatcher Sardinian Warbler Cettis Warbler Linnet
Eleanora’s Falcon Blue Rock Thrush Shag Audouin’s Gull Great Tit Kentish Plover Ringed Plover Little Egret Mallard Rock Dove Booted Eagle Cattle Egret Coot Red-legged Partridge Grey Heron Purple Heron Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier
Swallow Golden Eagle Starling Griffon Vulture Firecrest Crag Martin Sparrowhawk Common Redstart Serin Hoopoe Green Sandpiper Moorhen Black headed Gull Golden Oriole Purple Gallinule Stonechat Black Vulture Nightingale
October Birdwatching Highlights It seemed this month that nearly all of my birding was down at Goldcliff mainly because it’s been a great month for passage movement. The month started off well for me at Goldcliff Lagoons on the 7th with an adult Yellow Legged Gull which turned up after the heavy rains during the afternoon. From the first hide were 6 Little Egrets, 93 Shoveler, 160 Lapwing, 98 Teal (numbers are starting to increase), a female Marsh Harrier hunting (first seen at 0958 and again t 12noon), a female Kestrel and 10 Common Snipe flying overhead calling.
From the various platforms were 11 Greenshanks (an excellent number), 139 Common Redshanks, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Little Stints, 4 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 148 Wigeon. Twenty seven Oystercatchers out on the mudflats was a nice count and 2 Great Black-backed Gulls were also present.
During the month at Goldcliff, Lyn Llewellyn had some lovely views of not one but a pair of Peregrines perched on the fence posts, and Tony Williams and his friend Graham were lucky enough to spot a Hen Harrier. So far this month this species has eluded me..
Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral butterflies were still on the wing in the middle of October. A Grey Phalarope was found at Sluice Farm in Cardiff mid-month.
Goldcliff has seen some interesting bird’s mid-month with an Osprey turning up again and this time sitting on a post giving great views and a Great White Egret is frequenting the area again. Still at Goldcliff, the birding on the 16th did not disappoint either. The Great White Egret had moved on to the nearby Uskmouth Reserve but the Pectoral Sandpiper showed well from hide 1. Other species of note included 240 Lapwing, 4 Little Egrets (with 6 more out on the mudflats), 8 Greenshanks, 1 Little Stint, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Grey Plover which was a nice surprise and 1 Curlew. Seven Wheatears were mixed in with over 20 Meadow Pipits along the sea wall all feeding rigorously and a male Stonechat was located nearby. A female Marsh Harrier was hunting over the lagoons at 12noon. The 18th here however was not so good although I did have my first Redwings of the autumn around the entrance and a lone Swallow made its way home over the first hide. Both Chiffchaff and a Cettis Warbler were heard calling. A Firecrest was reported feeding in the foliage along Saltmarsh Lane Newport on the 20th. The 27th here seen more large groups of Redwings and 2 Chiffchaffs mixed in with a feeding flock of Long Tailed Tits. A Cettis Warbler was heard calling. Due to a high tide most of the bird activity was in front of Hide 1 where a variety of birds were seen such as 36 Ringed Plovers, 40 Dunlin, 2 Spotted Redshanks giving excellent feeding views, 5 Little Egrets, 186 Lapwing, 103 Teal, 55 Shoveler and the female Marsh
Harrier made an appearance at 1330hrs but was quickly chased off by a persistent Crow. One Black Tailed Godwit was roosting in the Sedges and a Ruff began feeding close by. Five Greenshanks were seen from the viewing platforms along with 7 Shelduck, 102 Wigeon and brief views of the recently found Yellow Legged Gull. Finally Peterstone Sluice Farm on the 29th gave an interesting mix of birds too. In the Gout itself was a Kingfisher feeding and on occasions hovering over the water which was great to watch. A Grey Wagtail was here also and a Siskin flew overhead. Out on the mudflats was 4 Little Egrets, 264 Common Redshanks (the highest I have ever seen here), 1 Greenshank, 41 Dunlin, 338 Wigeon, 18 Pintail, 111 Shoveler, 2 Cormorants and a flyover female Peregrine Falcon. A Clouded Yellow butterfly showed well and a single Hare was sat on the edge of a field.
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Quiz answers from the Septembernewsletter. As I said, the pictures for the September newsletter had a Mediterranean theme and were all taken on the Island of Mallorca during a recent visit. Picture 1 shows the bright berries of the Date Palm which is common throughout the island. Used as an ornamental plant in gardens especially within hotel grounds, they also grow wild in many habitats especially in the valleys.
Picture 2 is a Little Egret – a common heron of any areas that contain water. They are a distinctive small white heron with striking yellow feet. Excellent views can be had of this species which nests in the tops of the tall Pines as you enter the Albufera Marsh Reserve. The Great White Egret can also occur in the same habitats but they are larger with a yellow beak and no yellow feet.
Picture 3 is Swallows taken on a damp and cloudy afternoon. They had been feeding over the Alcudia plain and were gathering in their hundreds along the telephone wires taking a well-earned break before they start their return journey home.
Picture 4 is one of our favourite birds and an absolute gem – the Hoopoe (also the feature bird on the cover of my book for obvious reasons). They are a common resident breeder which when seen are unmistakable. I particularly love when they land and the crest of feathers on their head stick up like a punk rocker‌
Picture 5 is the striking fruits of the Prickly Pear bush. Common throughout the island and loved by warblers when feeding on the many insects contained within them. As the name suggests they are indeed prickly, take it from one who knows.
Please note. There are no October quiz pictures this month due to not many photos taken.
Octobers Autumn Article. Encouraging birds into your garden! With the autumn and winter approaching and the breeding season over, bird numbers will have increased with not only adults looking for food but this year’s young as well. And with the following two seasons potentially being wet and cold then birds will become reliant to an extent on garden food particularly as wild food becomes scarce.
This is where feeding our garden birds really comes into being but do remember that once you start feeding them to continue throughout the autumn and winter, and if you are going away ensure that someone tops up the feeders and water on your behalf otherwise the birds will have to quickly find an alternative food source, and that could mean the difference between life and death for some.
Nuthatch feeding – N D
Great Spotted Woodpeckers love peanuts too – ND
Ensure the bird table is strong and up to the mark for the tough weather ahead and also ensure feeders are cleaned on a regular basis. Also from time to time alternate the position of the bird table for a week or so and clean up around where it previously stood. Always make sure the bird bath is cleaned and topped up with water. Even in the winter birds still need to drink and bathe.
It is always a welcome sight to see birds in the garden and particularly watching them at the feeding station. The regular visitors will always be present such as Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit and perhaps a small flock of Long Tailed Tits too. House Sparrows, Starlings, Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Bullfinches have all learned to exploit getting food from the feeders as has the Robin in recent years. Dunnocks are never far away usually preferring to feed on the ground sometimes with a Song Thrush or Blackbird.
Starlings absolutely love the fat balls – N D.
Rowan berries, loved by birds - ND
But regular feeding can attract some other visitors too. Great Spotted Woodpeckers relish the peanuts and will dominate the peanut feeder giving some excellent views. Suet or similar pushed into cracks in the bark or in a makeshift log with holes will attract a Treecreeper and Nuthatch – although the Nuthatch can also be a regular sight on the peanut feeders.
Who knows, some people get lucky with some special visitors to their gardens such as winter visiting Redwings and Fieldfares which particularly love berries such as Hawthorn, Rowan, Cotoneaster and Berberis but will also sample wind fallen fruit left on the ground (once this goes mushy remove to discourage vermin). Occasionally one speciality visits gardens for some lucky people – the beautiful Waxwing. Now that would be fantastic.
Enjoy watching the antics of your garden birds this autumn and winter and place out a good selection. Peanuts and black sunflower seeds are a favourite with a variety of birds, but grain and fat balls are equally important and all of the above will pretty much take care of all the visitors to the garden. To finish just a few things to note, never provide desiccated coconut as this swells in the birds tummies (buy the half ones found in most shops), bacon grinds make them thirsty, rice is a no no and bread has one of the lowest energy values for birds and will attract rats if left too long. Sweep up fallen seed and grain daily but leave some for the ground feeders too.
POWERPOINT TALKS FOR 2015 If you have a school group, wildlife group, religious group or indeed any sort of group then I am available to conduct talks on a variety of subjects. I can travel to most areas and talks can be available during the daytime or evening to suit your group’s needs. Talks are around 40 minutes to an hour but this can be tailored for your group. There are a variety of talks on offer including: Gardens and wildlife. Looking at a variety of plants, animals, insects and birds that share a garden and the benefits they may or may not contribute. Wildlife quiz. Test your wildlife knowledge with large images via PowerPoint. There is a prize for the winning team. My travels in Mallorca. See the spectacular views and birds of the island. My travels in Spain. Again get to see a mixture of views, birds, wildlife and more.
Travels of a wildlife enthusiast. Following my travels throughout the UK and Europe with many exciting slides covering scenery, wildlife, plants, fungi, birds and insects. Plants and fungi. A look at our diverse variety within the UK.
Email ecologycymru@gmail.com to book any of the above PowerPoint talks.
And finally !
Would you want to be this close to a Lion?
Notice how meat has been placed right on the bonnet of the car. Imagine the rush you would get looking up at the jaws of this great animal.
This is the Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria Australia, and only the bonnet of the car is outside the glass cage with the lions.
The rest of the car is on the inside. A very interesting way of interacting.
Ecology Cymru is proud to support Orange Drop
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Warm thanks again to all of our followers from all at Ecology Cymru.
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