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info@ecotourswildlife.co.uk • www.ecotourswildlife.co.uk
Contents Page
4. Editors Page 5. Control of herbivory 8. Grazing. 10. Identification: Western Sandpiper and Semi-palmated Sand piper. 15. Focus on Dean Eades, Wildlife Photographer. 17. Seals. How to tell the difference between a Grey Seal and a Common Seal. 21. Pensthorpe Charitable Trust. 23. Uk Location. The Isles of Scilly. 26. Alien Invader Chinese Water Deer. 27. East Anglian Reserve. Gibraltar Point. 29.. Silver Washed Fritillary. 30. Ospreys. 32. Blast from the Past. 34. Did you know? 36 Norfolk Bird List Part 3 38. Puzzle Page. 39. Taking Care of Wildlife. Nyger Seed 40. July and August Round-up 43. Readers Page. 44. Events October and November. 46. Information Page.
Contact: Wildlife East Anglia 3a St Johns Close, Norwich NR1 2AD 01603 219119 We strive to make articles as accurate as possible at the time of writing
Front cover. Little Owl by Dean Eades
Editors Letter Here’s to a great autumn and some excellent migration watching. The warm weather is good for getting out, but we could do with some rain and some easterly winds to drop the birds in. Sharing your news and photos is a great way of letting people know what you have seen, nature can be found in the strangest of places. Keeping in touch and making new friends has never been easier and the internet can be a good place to do just that. There are many facebook pages set up for like-minded people to chat and get news and the natural world influences a great many of these pages. There are groups for Nature Watching, Lincolnshire Countryside, Norfolk Countryside, Suffolk Birds, UK Wildlife Photography and many more. You just need to look up what you are interested in and sign up. If you don’t want to be active in the group that is up to you, you can just watch what others are up to. There is however a downside to social media and recently this negativity seems to be dominating some pages. It seems that there are people who like to use this media negatively which can be very upsetting. Constructive criticism, if asked for, can be useful and helpful, especially with photography when you are learning. If you see posts that you don’t think are appropriate you can always inform the administration team rather than responding. Don’t forget to give them time to respond though as many admin are working and fit the page into their spare time. It seems that on facebook people sometimes submit without thinking of the consequences or the upset caused. There have recently been many occasions of so called naming and shaming with photographs of watchers and photographers possibly doing something they shouldn’t be, to the extent of almost being a witch hunt. Often it turns out that the person is doing something totally harmless as the person taking the photo does not know the full story and doesn’t have the courage to ask. Then it can become a game of Chinese whispers. Generally all the posting does is inflame the situation – for examplet a recent posting of a camouflaged person supposedly walking through a Little Tern colony in Norfolk raised all-sorts of spiteful comments. It was then found that he was just walking past the colony outside the fence. Without evidence this kind of posting can be damaging, upsetting and above all libellous. It doesn’t achieve anything apart from causing friction and rabble rousing. If you have a problem with someone, sort it out yourself or officially and think before you comment – no one is perfect. Social media is a wonderful platform for like minded people to share and can be a very positive way to let people know where the great places to go and watch wildlife can be found, but don’t forget to think before you post. Jill and Robert Wilson
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Uk Wildlife Issues
Control of Herbivory With so much focus being put on Scotland this month this article is interesting. Red Deer are found naturally in the Scottish Highlands and most areas of the UK. The herds are maintained for hunting which removes the healthiest individuals. Humans kill 75,000 red and roe
and to allow them to survive some grazing. The main argument for the reintroduction of Wolves into Scotland is for the recovery of vegetative species such as Willows, Aspens and the native Scots Pine. Currently over browsing by Red Deer prevents growth of new
expansional growth. While Red Deer remain primary targets for hunts, and despite consistent culls maintained to control the population, it is obvious that current numbers are ecologically unsustainable, and continue to show destructive levels of grazing. Red Deer can drastically change the landscape in terms of vegetation, removing low level growth, bark and scrub, and reducing level of fruit produced. They also prevent growth of seedlings, halting expansion of woodland zones.
Red Deer in Findhorn Valley Scotland
deer annually in Britain, through hunting and culling combined. But despite these reductions in their numbers, Red deer continue to cause a number of negative effects throughout the area of their range. Deer act as grazers, but can also rely on more woody material in winter, and can completely strip the bark from tree trunks and branches, which will inevitably cause the tree to die This doesn’t affect well established trees, as the taller growth allows for removal of some of the bark, allowing continuation of growth. However, trees under 120 years will be affected, with growth and the establishment of new seedlings prevented. Deer need to be kept at low numbers to allow for the growth of new trees, Page 5
seedlings and therefore expansion of forestry areas, but also reduces scrub and herbaceous material available for other natural grazers. The removal of bark during winter can severely damage trees, resulting in a need for tissue recovery the following spring, rather than
Reed Deer at Holkham Park, Norfolk
Wolves provide an effective means of limiting grazing by Red Deer, as they use lethal methods, but also non lethal. They can bring down 20 deer a year each, which is minimal compared to human hunting and culling. Wolves hunt the sick, injured, and weakest animals in a herd of deer, leaving the stronger individuals for hunting by humans. As a result of the predation, Deer are more skittish about grazing, and maintain a higher level of vigilance in areas where predation risks are higher. This is known as a “Landscape of Fear�, and is frequently cited in literature as a powerful means of reducing grazing pressure. It has been estimated that within areas without Wolves, Deer densities are six times greater
than areas with wolves. (Ripple and Beschta, 2012) The effect of wolves on Red Deer is understood to cause an effect known as a trophic or ‘Tri-Trophic’ cascade, in which the release of grazing pressure upon the tree species allows for growth and regeneration, which in turn allows for the support of other organisms (such as the brown bear, Yellowstone National Park). Evidence for a Trophic Cascade has been studied regarding fruit in the diet of grizzly bears, also with species such as Aspen . These studies were based upon the reintroduction of Wolves in Yellowstone, and consideration of vegetative regeneration, and fruit traces in the faeces of bears in areas surveyed before the presence of wolves. Studies in Canada on the effect of a human presence have been made and this clearly shows a lower density of wolves, and thus a greater presence of Red Deer, and a lessened growth of Aspen. When the population of Deer in Scotland is considered, Markov predator-prey modelling conducted in a study by Nilson, et al, (2007) indicates a likely decrease in deer density, and therefore reducing or elimiating the necessity for hind culls. The Primary argument against the reintroduction of Wolves into Scotland appears to be the limitations of evidence indicating the Trophic cascade caused by wolves. Cascades may have a number of other causes and may not be due to wolf population increase. For example, Willow recovery Riparian habitats may also be attributed to Beaver Populations, which can also be found in the area. Studies run concerning other species also suggest that if the culls were to continue, and combine with predation by wolves to decimate the deer population,
continued predation pressure may lead to difficulties in a population recovery. However, as current levels stand, this is unlikely, and there are more studies that consider the opposite issue. It is more likely that there is no visible impact upon the Red Deer Population. At the present time it seems that the essential argument against the reintroduction of Wolves into Scotland seems to be the lack of definite evidence regarding Wolfled Trophic Cascades positively effecting the vegetation, and other key animal species. It may be difficult to isolate effects on the environment within Yellowstone and other habitats that are due solely to the influence of Wolves. There
Photo taken by Roanna Benfield in Yellowstone National Park
are also a number of studies that provide support for a lack of effect on Deer populations; for example in Finland, Wolves were unable to stop the population increase of rarer Reindeer due to defensive behaviour, and availability of other prey. While the literature remains divided on the exact ecological effects of Wolf reintroductions conducted within Yellowstone; it is apparent that the combined effects of several such schemes and monitoring projects have achieved a positive result regarding the populations of predators, and the level of grazing by herbivores such as the Red Deer. Page 6
Reintroducing Wolves may not be enough for the full recovery of Riparian vegetation, as the removal of predators causes feedbacks that accentuate the absence. For a full return to ancestral conditions, careful restoring of water systems, combined with the reduced grazing caused by the reintroduction would ensure the recovery of species such as salix. Wolf reintroduction should not be seen as an immediate restoration of ancestral habitat, or an immediate means of controlling Herbivory, as there may be additional conflicts induced. However, there are relatively few studies and journals that offer negative feedback from the reintroduction of wolves. Particularly regarding agricultural concerns over livestock, and possible issues of conflict with walkers. Studies show that there is suitable habitat with the Highlands that could support a population of wolves, and that there is sufficient
space for a fenced enclosure to allow establishment. Such an enclo-
sure might allow time for a readjustment of attitudes amongst farmers, for example, while beginning to effect Deer populations. Studies of general population have already shown a positive opinion towards a reintroduction program by many of the public, and it is apparent that only strong negative indications remain among farming communities. This can be understood, as an inevitable result of a population of Wolves is a level of predation upon livestock. For further reading you may wish to follow the following references: The Wolves and Humans Foundation. (2013) Reintroducing the Wolf to Scotland [online] Available at: http:// www.wolvesandhumans.org/wolves/ wolf_reintroduction_to_scotland.htm (Accessed 20th March 2014) Ripple. W.J., and Beschta. R.L., (2012) Large Predators limit Herbivore Densities in Northern Forest Ecosystems. ‘European Journal of Wildlife Research’ DOI: http://dx.doi.
org/10.1007/s10344-012-0623-5 Mech. L. D., (2012) Is Science in Danger of Sanctifying the Wolf? ‘Biological Conservation’ DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.biocon.2012.03.003 Marshall. N.K., Hobbs. N.T., Cooper. D.J., (2013) Stream Hydrology limits recovery of Riparian Systems after Wolf Reintroduction. ‘Proceedings of the Royal Society of Biological Sciences’ DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/ rspb.2012.2977 Manning. A., Gordon. I., Ripple. W., (2009) Restoring Landscapes of Fear with Wolves in the Scottish Highlands. ‘Biological Conservation’ DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. biocon.2009.05.007 Forder. V., (2006) Reintroducing Large Carnivores to Britain: Grey Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, and European Brown Bear. [online] Available at: www.wildwoodtrust.org/files/reintroduction-large-carnivores.pdf Article written by Samantha Benfield BSC Natural History Photo taken by Roanna Benfield in Yellowstone National Park
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Grazing
Reserve Management Over the last few years reserve
management has appeared to come full circle. Many Wildlife Trusts now use natural lawn mowers to help with the recovery of meadows and grasslands in the form of sheep, horses and cattle. National Trust Nature Reserve, Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, was one of the first to use Konik Ponies in the region. They were chosen specifically because of their ability to survive in wetland areas. The first six breeding ponies were introduced in 2003 and a small herd of highland cattle arrived in 2005. Both graze on the grasses and sedges as well as the more dominant species such as nettles, thistles and brambles, unlike other breeds. This allows the less competitive plants to grow giving them a chance to get established. The Ponies and cattle range freely over the reserve including areas where it is not possible to get to with heavy cutting equipment. These lawnmowers will naturally favour certain areas, which creates different levels of sward leaving cover and bare patches perfect for breeding birds such as Snipe and Lapwing. Now Highland cattle are a regular sight on many reserves including Strumpshaw RSPB and Taverham Mill. They are remarkably light on their feet so do not disturb the ground as much as other breeds and are fairly low maintenance. Heathlands use a different management approach often using small flocks of sheep and even Exmoor Ponies. Hollesley Common in Suffolk uses a rare breed of Hebridean Sheep with the ponies, both of which manage to thrive on the poor Exmoor Ponies Hollesley Common. Highland Cow, Strumpshaw RSPB
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quality grazing. The manure created by these grazers creates more opportunities for wildlife with its own ecosystem. More than 250 species of insect can thrive in a cowpat and as reserve grazers have a big range they do not need parasite control so the
cowpats are great healthy homes. Even trampled areas are useful to give saplings the space to grow on disturbed ground. Before grazing is carried out each reserve will create its own management plan to make sure the reserve will not be over or under grazed.
Obviously grazing is not so instantaneous as burning, which is how many reserves used to manage heathlands. This is good for the less mobile wildlife giving these species the opportunity to survive. Konik Ponies, Minsmere RSPB
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Identification: Western Sandpiper and Semi-palmated Sandpiper
The deep depressions that track
across the North Atlantic bring a variety of waders to these shores and will include the more common birds such as Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral sandpiper, Long Billed Dowitcher and the group of waders better known as Peeps. This group includes Least Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper, Bairds and White Rumped Sandpiper. It is not surprising that the Western Sandpiper is the rarest with only 12 individuals recorded in Britain with the last, a first year bird at Cley-nextthe- sea from
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November 2011 to January 2012. The semi-palmated Sandpiper is far more common with some 170 records across the British Isles. The two nearctic waders can be difficult to identify as some records have been of great debate. The Suffolk bird of 1982 which wintered at Felixstowe Ferry until April 1983 was thought by many observers to be a Western but some years later the identity was confirmed as a Semi-palmated Sandpiper when photographs of the bird were examined by experts in North America.
Adult Western Sandpiper taken in June 1995 in Vancouver
Western Sandpiper
The birds breed throughout northern Alaska and eastern Siberia and the majority of the birds migrate down the western coast but a number will winter in the Gulf of Mexico either in Texas or on the beaches of Florida. The Western Sandpiper moults much earlier than Semi-palmated and most birds will appear to have all grey upperparts once reaching the wintering grounds. The adult birds show a greater amount of rufous on the scapulars and fresh juveniles will also show this feature. However with moult occurring as early as mid to late august all birds should lose this row of rufous scapulars by the time they reach the wintering grounds. The bird at Cley-next-the-sea caused a great confusion amongst birders as the bird found in November had retained most of its rufous scapulars . The structure is very similar to Adult Western Sandpiper showing the rufous scapulas and dark chevrons on the breast. Taken in Florida April 2007 on Sanibel Beach
Semi-palmated Sandpiper.
This is by far the most common wader of the small peeps and breeds across North America and winters throughout the West Indies and South America. Large flocks can be found on tidal mudflats when on passage along the east coast of North America. It has been recorded throughout the British Isles and the majority of birds found are juveniles. The structure is a small wader with a slight projection of the primaries beyond the tail and more dumpy appearance with the legs located in Western sandpiper at Cley with Dunlin. A first year bird which clearly shows the elongated bill that is one of the key features of this species.
Semi-palmated but they appear to look longer legged and rangier. The legs are dark and the bill is generally longer and downturned like a smaller version of the Dunlin. This is not fool proof method of id as some male Westerns can have smaller straighter bills which can cause some confusion in separating the two birds. The western also has palmations or webbing between the toes which is more extensive. The upperparts should be more
uniform grey with a small amount of dark in the centre of the feathers. In general we don’t have the luxury in the UK to make a direct comparison between the two birds as the Western can be described as a mega amongst the birding fraternity. It is actually surprising that East Anglia has attracted two records with the Norfolk bird in 2011 and the Essex bird at Rainham Marshes in 1973.
Semi-palmated Sandpiper showing a very short bill which is a key feature of this species but this can be variable. This individual was photographed in August 1992 in Ontario, Canada.
Juvenile Semi-palmated Sandpiper showing the distinctive brown plumage. Taken on St Mary’s in 1986
the centre of the bird. They appear browner than Western with dark centres to the feathering. The belly appears clean and white in contrast to the upperparts and is noticeably uniform. The bill and legs are dark where the webbing between the toes clearly shows the semi-palmations hence in the naming of the bird. The bill is short with a blunt tip but females can have longer bills causing problems in separation from Western. They also have a prominent supercillium which is stronger in front of the eye. Over the page Western Sandpiper
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Did you know? The expression all on your tod ( alone) comes from the fact that lone male foxes are called Tods
As well as mute swans, the reigning monarch of Britain owns all of the whales, sturgeons and porpoises in the water surrounding the UK
Did you know that a group of pheasants is called a bouquet?
It is an urban myth that you’re never more than six feet from a rat! Studies calculate that there are less than 10 million Brown rats in the UK.
Caterpillars can survive being in water for short periods of time. If you find one that has been immersed dry the spiracles where they breathe,thoroughly. (below garden tiger moth)
Butterflies have two compound eyes consisting of thousands of lenses, yet they can only see the colors red, green and yellow. (Silver-washed Fritillary)
On average a hedgehogs heart beats 300 times a minute.
The great tit produces sacs of its waste that can be removed from the nest without mess. They can remove as many as 500 of these sacs from a nest in a week.
Do you know that some birds sing so loudly that we’re unable to hear them! Many birds ,such as starlings,sing notes too high for humans to hear.
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D E A N E A D E
S Wildlife Photographer
Wildlife Photographer Dean Eades has 30 years experience as a photographer and originally came from Yorkshire, but currently lives in Lincolnshire. He spends the majority of his time looking for the next great shot on his local patch and throughout the East Anglian region. When he gets the opportunity he makes regular trips to the Norfolk and East Yorkshire coasts to capture rare visitors, migratory birds and local wildlife of all types. Deans camera is never off duty and holidays also revolve around his passion for photography, particularly with trips to Scotland and the Highlands. These visits always result in some spectacular shots of Scottish specialities clearly showing his affinity with each subject and his skill at finding his target species even if it is way off the beaten track. The subjects Dean uses for his photography are all wild animals, which takes more skill, patience and knowledge. None of his images are of zoo or captive animals as he wants to keep animals as they should be, wild Dean is happy to give his spare time as one of the administrators for the Lincolnshire Bird Club forum, and provides the Lincolnshire Wildlife
Trust with many of his images. He has also been a warden for the Trust when needed. As a staunch Canon user, Dean supports Canon and works with them on local projects and is often seen at London Camera Exchange events in the region. He also exhibits at the Norfolk Bird Fair and his Gannet image was the overall winner if the Birdguides Photo of the year. (see below) Due to the high quality of Deans
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images his work is in demand and has appeared on the BBC™, ITV™ and in several Books, BBC Wildlife Magazine.National Geographic, Birdwatch, Birdwatching, RSPB, Canon Images, Springwatch, World Wildlife, National Geographic, website’s & displays on several occasions and many others. His company, Birdmad, was founded over 10 years ago and many of his images can be found on the website, to view or purchase
in an extensive photo gallery. His website www.birdmad.com also has news, reviews and information. Over the last few years Dean has expanded his interests in photography and now offers one-toone workshops This enables him to pass on his skills and techniques to budding photographers of all levels. The workshops are designed either for the complete beginner looking for a helping hand, for an
Broad bordered bee hawk moth, Capercaillie and Otter with Pike
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experienced Amateur to brush up on a few techniques or a Pro that just wants to work on a certain difficult subject. Dean has many years of experience and can help out on all areas of Wildlife Photography. Information on his workshops is also available on the website www.birdmad.com (We are grateful to Dean for allowing us to print his fantastic otter shot which is currently one of the most stolen images on the internet)
Common Seal Or Grey Seal Phoca vitulina or Halichoerus grypus
The pups are weaned at around three weeks at which time they leave the pups on the beach whilst they go and fish. For the next few weeks the pups do not need to feed and begin to moult their soft downy coat. When they get hungry enough they head to the sea to feed. Unfortunately this does cause a few problems as some unscrupulous visitors have been known to get much too close to the pups when they are on their own and vulnerable and indeed visit the pups in the dark just to get a view or photographs – using flash. Grey seal
Grey Seals The UK has two native species of Seal, Common or Harbour and Grey although there are incidence of other species visiting our waters such as the Bearded Seal, Harp, Hooded or Walrus. They belong to a group of animals called pinnipeds, this name refers to their flippers as it means ‘winged- feet’ There are plenty of opportunities, particularly in Norfolk, to see Seals from Boat Trips along the coast with reputable companies. These trips take you out to sand banks where you can watch these fantastic mammals in the water and out. Boats leave with the tide and many go out several times a day and they are well worth a visit. Seal boats leave from Morston Quay and Great Yarmouth to visit either Blakeney Point of Scroby Sands.
17
These trips allow you to see both Common and Grey Seals at fairly close quarters as well as being great for birdwatching. The Norfolk Coast line has a wealth of Sea Bird species that are easier to spot from a boat rather than from the shoreline. Further round the east coast at Horsey and Winterton-on-sea is a beautiful stretch of beach with towering dunes and sand stretching along the coast as far as the eye can see. The seals love this stretch of sand and are often found in large family groups, hauled up and relaxing trying to keep cool on the wet sand. This is a really easy place to see them and it is possible to get close without disturbing them. Horsey beach is a favourite spot for the female Grey Seals to give birth.
Happily there is now help on hand with the Friends of Horsey Seals who organise Wardens for the beach when the pups are first born to protect them. They also help by maintaining
that dogs keep their distance. They began wardening the beach in 2012, taking over the role from Natural England. More than half the pups born don’t survive their first year so this assistance is vital in protecting this amazing mammals. This beach has good numbers of both Grey and Common Seals visiting it. So how do you tell them apart? The first and most obvious way is by the size. Common Seals can get to 1.7m in length whereas Grey Seals are much larger at around 2.5m. Both have spots but Common Seals are smaller and tend to be more numerous, Grey males tend to be more uniform in colour some looking almost chocolate brown when dry. Grey seals have a larger more Roman like nose, which helps to identify them in water. Common Seals have a concave, smaller head and nostrils which form a V-shape that meets at the bottom.
Greys nostrils run parallel. When on land Common Seals like to adopt a pose with both head and tail off the ground in a banana shape. They breed at different times of the year with Common Seal pups being born June-August and Grey seals from September to December. Common seals tend to mate in the water whilst Grey Seals like to have a harem on land. Common Seal pups are born in the water and can swim and dive from birth. Grey seals are born on land and do not swim until after their first moult at weaning time. The number of pups have been increasing in recent years from 25 recorded at Blakeney point in 2001/2002 to 1566 from 2013-2014. Seals are susceptible to disease and numbers have fluctuated in recent years due to Phocine distemper virus (PDV) which killed over 21,000 seals in 2002 and many pups were lost in the December 2013
Common Seal tidal surge. Around 36% of the world’s population of Grey Seals live in the UK and it is our largest carnivore. The Uk has 5% of the world’s population of Common Seal. Both species can live for 26-35 years in the wild. On a sunny day there is nothing better than standing quietly and watching the seals, but please have respect. They are wild animals and will get distressed if you get too close, especially when pups are present. They are curious about people and will happily watch humans watching them but keep a bit of distance so they don’t abandon the pups or feel they have to leave their rest to reach the safety of the sea. They do visibly get concerned when they see dogs close by. For information on the Horsey Wardens. http://www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk/
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love birds... love pensthorpe
Open 10am daily Fakenham NR21 0LN
www.pensthorpe.com
Pensthorpe Natural Park
Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT) is a charitable
trust that works closely with Pensthorpe Natural Park to showcase to visitors of the multi-award winning attraction the importance of species and habitat conservation. Pensthorpe is a natural haven for many species of birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants. The diverse range of priority habitats together create a stunning rich landscape which Pensthorpe Conservation Trust manages for wildlife. The Trust works predominantly with wetland and farmland species with a focus on cranes, turtle doves, corncrakes and several species of waders. Many species that the Trust works with are globally endangered such as Baer’s Pochard, Greycrowned Crane, Laysan Teal, Red-breasted Goose, Scaly-sided Merganser and Northern Bald Ibis. Other
River Wensum; a Constant Effort Site for ringing bids and has four SSSI’s.
Nature conservation is important to all of us; we
depend on pollinators for food and a healthy water system for water. Conserving and restoring our diverse countryside is vital to ensure it can continue to support the myriad of plant and animal species that make up our biodiverse natural landscape. At Pensthorpe, our respect for the natural landscape is matched only by our dedication to tell nature’s story; our work from earth to emissions has one key purpose which is to benefit nature, something we can all be a part of.
Pensthorpe Natural Park is open every day from
10am and is based just 15 miles away from Mannington Hall. For more information, visit www.pensthorpetrust.org.uk.
species are losing their natural habitat at an unsustainable rate, particularly wetland habitats, showcasing both the endangered species and their associated habitat is a vital part of the work that the Trust undertakes.
The PCT works with partner organisations in na-
tional conservation programmes to conserve wetland and farmland bird species. These partnerships include Operation Turtle Dove, the Great Crane Project and a Corncrake Re-introduction project. Additionally, Pensthorpe is a site of habitat restoration work on the 21
Birds of Norfolk By Ronald Swanwick
We are delighted to be running this new regular item in our magazine and hope you will like the series of paintings Ronald has produced especially for Wildlife East Anglia. These top quality Giclee prints are sure to become collectors’ pieces in the future. Ronald Swanwick has been watching and painting
birds since he was a child and has been working professionally as an artist for over thirty five years. You can see more of his work on www.ronaldswanwick.co.uk. An A3 limited edition fine art print of 50 is available for £27.50 inc p&p from the artist please order by email: swanwick@stablestudio.co.uk or framed copies are available from Norfolk Images in Dereham email photos@billpound.co.uk
The Eider Duck
Ronald Swanwick - An artist for all Seasons
Ronald Swanwick has drawn and painted almost all his life. His earliest memories are of watercolour painting with his mother when he was about seven years old. From the age of ten he began to take a serious interest in watching birds and drawing them. “I remember vividly seeing shelduck for the first time on a visit to the north side of the wash with the scouts when I was twelve and all I wanted for Christmas that year was a pair of binoculars”. Fast forward fifty years and the thrill of watching birds has not diminished and his hobby has turned into a lifelong career. Some of the highlights have been taking pleasure in teaching others, having exhibitions in several countries in Europe and in America, being artist in residence in some wonderful places like WWT Slimbridge, Nature in Art and Acton Scot Farm Museum and seeing birds all over the world. “A lot of my work is produced in my studio but I have to say the best times for me are out in the field, sketching, observing and photographing no matter what the weather”.
The Eider is a sea duck living around the coasts of the whole of the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and Iceland. It’s a resident and so you have a chance of spotting it throughout the year. They are usually to be seen in groups of twenty or so and sometimes in very large numbers. There is an issue on the wash with Mussel Farmers complaining about the ducks eating their crop and because they are protected they cannot scare them off. The illustration shows the male in the breeding season bowing his head up and down and he will be making a very distinctive moaning sound in the hope of interesting her. They are without doubt one of the most striking birds you can see off our coast and I love to watch and sketch them when I get the chance. I have just completed a seascape of the Antrim coast which features a flock of Eider
The Scilly Isles
Autumn Migration
journey can be very interesting to say the least. When the sea is rough the boat will be buffeted by the Atlantic swell meeting the Irish Sea and the English Channel. When the wind is blowing in the right direction many sea birds can be seen on route which include Shear-waters, Skuas and sometimes even Petrels and Phalaropes. One journey recorded Black-browed Albatross which was successfully twitched by intrepid birders staying on the Islands at the time.
Hermit Thrush
This small group of islands, located some 25 miles south-west of Lands End in Cornwall, has become a must for many birders wanting to add to their British list. The last week in September to the first week in November has seen hundreds of birders, over the years, cross the Atlantic for the spectacular autumn migration. There are five main islands in the chain offering varying types of habitat, from seaweed clad beaches to the neatly ploughed bulb fields separated by high hedges and the short grass of both the airfield and golf course. The island of St Mary’s is the central hub where birders can either catch a ferry from Penzance on the Scillion III, which travels daily throughout the period with the exception of Sundays, or fly on Skybus from Lands End Aerodrome. The ferry takes approximately two and ¾ hours and the
The Skybus is a small plane that takes the 25 minute flight from Lands End Aerodrome near St Just and often flies low over the Islands giving spectacular views and lands on St Marys. The association boat services connects St Marys to the Islands of St Agnes, Bryher, St Martin’s and Tresco. This service runs dependant on the weather but on occasions the weather has been
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
so rough only the brave and fortunate would even consider going off island. Boats ferry the birders from island to island with military style efficiency. Bryher and St Martin’s can only be reached at low tide by effectively walking the plank from the boats. Yellow-browed Bunting
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more commoner rarities such as Red eyed Verio have been in short supply. There are several reasons for the lack of birds which has been attributed to various factors including the changing weather patterns with the lack of westerly depressions, the jet stream now tracking further north, and a lack St Mary
the globe and many having only occurred once in the British Isles. The islands are not just about bird-watching and are also worth visiting for the scenery, good weather and tranquillity. Tresco is home to a spectacular botanical garden which is world famous for its many unusual and special
Yellow-rumped Warbler
The weather can have a major influence on what is brought to the islands with deep low pressures being whipped in from the west with a variety of birds arriving from North America. The Scillies is renowned for attracting a host of American passerines which includes the more common species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Swainson’s Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and the much rarer Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-billed Cuckoo to name a few. The location of the Scillies in the South West attracts birds from North America, Southern Europe and as far as Siberia and beyond. The flocks of wintering thrushes passing through often carry with them a mega rare bird such as an Eye-browed Thrush or Black-throated Thrush, and if you are really lucky a Siberian Thrush. A host of scarcer migrants including Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Icterine Warbler and Melodious Warbler are almost annual. It is very difficult to know what each year will bring, but in general the Islands are not attracting the variety of new birds as in the past, with the bumper years of 1985 and 1987 going down as two of the finest. In recent years the Page 24
of experienced birders searching the islands for that elusive rarity as it has become more expensive to visit. If you want to add to your British list with some mega new ticks, visiting the Scillies in October is still an important trip as birds still can be found from all corners of
plants that grow here due to the temperate climate. There is plenty of history to learn about including burial mounds and ancient sites of importance. What you are likely to see: Searching through the flocks of Sanderling on Porth Loo beach
White-rumped, Semi-palmated and Pectoral Sandpipers have all been recorded over the years. The duck ponds at Newford and Porthloo Lane have both hosted Solitary Sandpiper which is certainly a Scillies speciality Porth Hellick and Lower Moors also attract a variety of waders in-
pipers and Britain’s first Semi-palmated Plover. The Great pool on Tresco is another good wader location for rarities and more common species such as Greenshank and Redshank. The short grass of the Airfield and Golf Course attract a number of different birds including Upland
The variety of hedgerow habitat is often tricky to check and fields should not be entered unless an area has been opened for general access. Eastern vagrants such as Olive-backed Pipit and the elusive Raddes and Dusky warbler can be found anywhere on the islands. The area of Holy Vale is good for common migrants such Pied Flycatcher Top ten birds occurring on the Scillies in Autumn • Magnolia Warbler in September 1981 • Green Warbler on St Marys 1983 • Cliff Swallow on St Marys in 1983 • Common Nighthawk Tresco in 1999 • Short-toed Eagle October 1999 first for Britain • Philadelphia Vireo 2nd record for Britain on Tresco in 1987 • Northern Parula last recorded on St Agnes in 1994 • Black-billed Cuckoo last recorded on St Marys in 1990 • Yellow bellied Sapsucker recorded on Tresco in 1975 • Yellow-browed Bunting on St Agnes in 1994
Upland Sandpiper
cluding Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilsons Snipe and very photogenic Jack Snipe. Both are excellent for Spotted Crake and also Sora Rail has been recorded here from North America. Peregilis Beach on St Agnes attracts a variety of waders including Baird’s and White-rumped Sand-
Sandpiper, Buff Breasted Sandpiper, Richards Pipit and Tawny Pipit, Ortolan Bunting and Shorttoed Lark. The Airfield can be difficult to view as much of the area is restricted access so the latest rules need checking. The golf course is a good area, though take care to avoid the wayward golf balls hurtling through the air.
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Alien Invaders Chinese Water Deer Hydropotes inermis During the last few years there has been a change in the type of deer you are likely to see in East Anglia. Muntjacs have been around for a while, but the Chinese water deer are now also a regular sighting in Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. It is believed that the current population in the UK came from Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire where they were first housed in 1896. They bred well and were moved to other collections such as Whipsnade who also had a small number from 1929. There is record of several accidental and deliberate releases occurring at Woburn from 1944 and elsewhere. With these releases they then spread quickly. Wood Walton Fen was the first established herd of Water Deer recorded during the 60’s although they were not identified correctly until 1971. The first Norfolk record was at Holme Fen NNR in 1970. These deer are actually a threat-
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ened species in their native land where it is listed as ‘lower risk, near threatened’ in China, but it is now believed that around 10% of the population are found in the UK. The largest population is in Korea. They favour a habitat made up of reed bed, river edges, wet woodland and fields where they can feed on herb plants and some grasses. They are strong swimmers so are comfortable around watery environs. In size they are in between Munt-
jacs and Roe Deer and have a rusty brown coat in summer and a paler, almost grey coat in winter. They are one of the more primitive species of deer with males having tusks which are the upper canines, instead of antlers. They have a small stumpy tail and no white patch below it unlike Roe Deer. When breeding, they regularly have more than one fawn but they do have a high mortality rate of around 40% in the first few weeks. They can live in the wild for up to 6 years. They are not quite as destructive as some species of deer as they tend to feed on small plants but they are partial to new growth on coppiced trees which can be a problem. Research is currently being carried out at Wood Walton Fen on the species and any damage they cause. There is now a Chinese Water Deer foundation carrying out research on a global scale. Although they are the least common species of deer, Chinese water deer now have sufficient numbers to allow shooting over the winter months from the 1st November to the 31st March
Gibraltar Point
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Just South of Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast where the River Steeping meets the sea is where you will find one of Lincolnshires largest National Nature reserves. Covering over four square kilometres of varying habitiat it has a rich diversity of wildlife offering excellent visits at all times of the year. Lindsey County Council bought most of the Area in 1937 to safeguard it from development and it was declared a Nature Reserve in 1952. It is currently managed under lease, by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust but they purchased Sykes Farm in 1978 to create space for a reserve office. The site was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1984. The current reserve Migrant Hawker
centre was built in 2006 next to the old coastguard house which housed the wash study centre. The reserve is well signposted from Skegness and has good access with two main car parks, the Beach car park and the visitor centre car park. At the present time the visitor centre is closed due to flood damage caused by the tidal surge on the 5th December 2013 and so the facilities for this large reserve are very limited though they have placed a food van and very basic toilets in the car park. However, iIt is recommended that you currently look elsewhere for toilets before you visit the reserve. Information leaflet are available from the food van which is open 10-4pm. Entry to the reserve itself is free. The reserve can be easily accessed from both car parks. From the beach car park you can cross the road to visit the hides that overlook the Croftsmarsh Sanctuary
Great Tit and Goldfinch
area. The three hides here are all spacious and give good views over the freshwater scrapes and are placed to see waders and wildfowl including Avocets, Redshank, Teal etc. In the past these scrapes were farmland and attracted a ;ot of wildlife so the area has been enhanced for even better habitat. This area of the reserve is great for wildlife with lots of butterflies and dragonflies along the footpath amongst the wild flowers on the walk to the hides. A pleasant
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View over Bonow Pits addition to this area was a small feeder station in the woodland with a drinking pool, just past the hides. A small screen has been positioned to allow close views of Great Tits, Chaffinches, Marsh Tit, Goldfinches, Blue Tit and Robin. From the beach car park heading towards the beach, there are further hides overlooking the lagoons and reed beds. The first attracts lots of waterfowl but the second was very different and was better for waders. The channels here encourage Ruff, Greenshank, Little Egret and occasionally a Kingfisher may pass through. From here you can continue onto the beach, which can get very busy in the summer with visitors to Skegness, but is an excellent spot for sea watching in the autumn and has views over to Hunstanton. Little tern and Ringed plover do nest on the beach here in June in a protected area. The walk to the beach takes you through Gibraltar Point’s extensive sea marsh which in July is awash with the purple hues of Sea Lavender. This area is a great spot to watch meadow pipit and Skylark, both of which thrive here. A small colony of Natterjack toads have been reintroduced to the site in recent years. Page 28
One quiet little gem is just behind the car park. Here is a small pond which in the summer is a haven for dragonflies and butterflies. There are a few steps down to it which common darters land on to catch the warmth. Many birds overwinter on the Point due to its proximity to The Wash and visiting during a high tide will see many waders coming inland to feed in the scrapes and lagoons of the reserve. The migration is also a good time to visit as 30,000 swallows pass through each year and many rare visitors are recorded here each year such as Penduline Tits. Access for disabled visitors is good around most of the reserve, and for the freshwater hides, but
some of the tracks through the salt marsh are uneven and with a wheelchair some of the salt lagoon hides would be inaccessible. There are also some steps in the dunes to access the beach which would be very difficult. Dogs are allowed on a lead on the reserve, although denied access to some parts, however this did not seem much of a deterrent for some owners who do not always follow the rules. The damage from the tidal surge is obvious to see but hopefully this can be fixed in time so that the educational aspect of the reserve can be re-established. Local recorders have made comments that the wildlife has also been affected but that over time this effect will be reversed with good management. (Editors note - At the time of our visit at the end of August we felt that the lack of facilities was poor considering eight months have passed since the surge with a £1 charge to park for two hours, £3 for the day. As new visitors to the reserve we needed more information especially as it is such a large site. The reserve actually felt a bit abandoned and even on a very busy weekend we could find no staff for assistance) Address: Gibraltar Rd, Skegness PE24 4SU Phone:01754 898057 Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
2014 has been a good year for butterflies, following on from 2013. The mild spring and hot sunny weather throughout the summer has been perfect for them to breed and feed. The photograph below is of a Silver Washed Fritillary that was taken in Holt Country park in July of this year. Holt country Park is right on the
Northern Edge of this butterfly’s range but in the last few years numbers have steadily been increasing. The caterpillars need Dog Violet to feed on and the adults like a woody/shady area with sunny edges. Park Rangers have been clearing small glades and removing trees along paths to allow the growth of wildflowers perfect for woodland loving butterflies. White admirals are also doing well here so pop it in your diary to visit next summer.
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OSPREYS
Watching and Photographing The Osprey features on many countries’ lists but the USA is one of the best places on earth to photograph thesed birds and other wildlife in fantastic weather and amazing lighting conditions. This popular bird will adapt to man-made nest platforms to breed and they are happy to use posts whilst eating the fish they catch in small lagoons. The variety of birds in Florida is limited but one bird stands out amongst
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the rest and that is the Osprey, which appears almost anywhere along the coastal regions with birds using telegraph poles in built up areas. With good planning it is possible to watch and photograph these amazing birds with minimum disturbance at close quarters. In the area near to Kennedy Space Centre the concentration of Ospreys is at its highest with some lagoons
attracting dozens of birds fishing at the same time. A truly amazing spectacle, and apart, from the Space centre itself, free to visit. The population of Ospreys in Florida is estimated to be in the region of 2000 pairs, compared to 200 in Scotland. This makes it fairly easy to find suitable locations for the photography and watching of birds, visiting nesting sites, and fishing over coastal waters. There is probably nowhere better to photograph these beautiful birds for a once in a lifetime opportunity. The lighting conditions allow the use of low ISO to get fast shutter speeds whivh enables the capture of quality images and flight shots. You will find a greater level of satisfaction and will be rewarded with your own unique image. The cost of a flight to Florida is relatively inexpensive and a hire car and accommodation are also relatively cheap especially with the frequency of Days Inn and Best Westerns. In a two week period you should have ample time to get a wide range of perfect photographs, but remember to take plenty of memory cards. Many of these lagoons hold an impressive list of wildlife so while
you are waiting for the Osprey to fish you will have the opportunity to capture Snowy Egrets, Roseatte Spoonbills, Pelicans, Herons ,Waders, Manatee and Terns to name a few. The early spring is a good time to visit the area, as the birds passing through will include many of the brightly coloured warblers heading to their northern breeding grounds in Canada. There are places in the UK to photograph Ospreys but you either have to be very lucky in finding your own bird on migration to Scotland or visit Rutland Water in Leicestershire where the birds are
often distant. Visitors to Scotland can visit a hide which needs to be booked in advance and is very popular, but everyone comes away with similar shots. To visit the Scottish hides you are limited to an early morning photography slot costing ÂŁ135.00 per day, which in the scheme of things appears excessive. The downside to this is the weather could be unpleasant and the quality of images would then be disappointing and there is little else to
see whilst waiting. The only negative aspect of visiting Florida is the affect of your Carbon footprint and the underlining affects on the environment but for many a trip to Scotland is equally damaging. Planning a trip to Florida you will not be disappointed as the opportunities are endless.
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Blast from the past
Great-- Grey Shrike Lakenheath, Norfolk
Great Grey Shrike is an annual winter visitor from Northern Europe and is often found along the east coast during the autumn migration. The birds tend to find their way inland with several birds over- wintering in East Anglia. The nickname the butcherbird is appropriate as the bird has a sharp pointed bill to enable the bird to catch a variety of live prey which will include small birds and rodents. They often store their prey in an area which is known as a larder. When on a wintering ground they can often destroy the local bird population as many fall prey to this expert hunter. They prefer heath land habitat adjacent to woodland and can be very obvious sitting high out in the open where they sweep down onto prey. The bird at Lakenheath in November 2008 stayed briefly in the woodland area on the approach to the reserve and was quite difficult to see as the bird was mobile and elusive. Page 32
Melodious Warbler Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
The Melodious Warbler is a bird that breeds in South West Europe and North Africa and is often found on migration along the South coast in spring and Autumn. Portland Bill in Dorset and the Isles of Scilly are the favoured locations
to find this large warbler, a member of the Hippolais family. A spring record was found on the under cliff at Walton on the naze in June 1994 and gave excellent views during its brief stay. Although not a major UK rarity, the sighting for Essex was surely seen as a mega for the local Essex birders. There has only been a handful of records across East Anglia with birds being recorded in Suffolk and Norfolk This particular bird shared its stay with an adult male Bluethroat which was a late migrant moving through to northern Europe and the breeding grounds of the Arctic tundra
Greater Sand-plover
Cley-next-the-sea, Norfolk This was the third record for Norfolk and the second record for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve which proved to be very popular during its four day stay from the 5th to 8th of August 1992.The bird gave excellent views from the Dawkes hide complex allowing reasonable photographs to be obtained, but by the weekend the bird moved to North Scrape where the bird was more distant. The Greater Sandplover had arrived just after the departure of Britain’s second record of Red-necked Stint which attracted birders from across the UK. The bird at Cley was identified as either a first summer or female and after departing Cley was discovered at East Tilbury in Essex on the 10th. It remained here until the 14th when it moved across the Thames to Cliff pools in Kent. East Anglia proves to be a popular area to see this Eastern plover as 25% of Britains sightings have been recorded across the region.
Glaucous Gull Felixstowe Ferrey
This adult was a regular sighting during the winter of 1988 through to 1990 and could be regularly seen at the mouth of the River Deben, viewable from Felixstowe Ferry. The decline in the British fishing industry has seen a decrease in the number of wintering white winged gulls throughout East Anglia. The harbour wall at Lowestoft was a popular place to find both Iceland and Glaucous gulls with birds recorded most years. In recent years the numbers of both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls has been alarmingly low.
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E+OE Prices subject to change. Goods subject to availability
Bird List Part 3
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Bird Watching is a hobby where many like to record what they have seen - listing. The Bird Watcher can use any forms of listing, from the simple check list where all new sightings are just ticked on a list or using special software to creat a more comprehensive
list of their sightings. If you are serious about listing you may consider: 1. Garden list - including anything that has flown over or landed in the garden. 2. Patch list including anything in your
local area. 3. County List - this first list is for Norfolk. 4. British Life List. 5. Year List. Part 4 and other counties to follow.
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Puzzle Page Wild Flowers
British Wildflowers Wordsearch Jill Wilson N M O A I R P T M S A S C N F O AW N D R R R O X P A Y L E F I D O A A O C T E
L L I T V A L A R I A N P G H N C I I E
Balsalm Candytuft Cowslip Gentian Meadow Sweet Sainfoin Tamarisk Toadflax Willowherb
Spot the Difference Find the 8 differences between the two photos. Answers on the inside back page Page 38
A L A T F S I L G N I L H C T E V A A R
T C N S N O N N E A C O R E L E N T P Y
K A E I L E X O F B L O I K C M H C J U
G N S F B A G G I O E N C A C I M A E L
I L O E H O B L L E I U T K S S C N C R
E A O L L A E S G E E A S I F B S E P I S O T S MD A N D E L I O N I F V E R F EW P W F G L E M I A D Y E R F MO C V I SWD N H P O RW L N R E HWO L L I W L N D L D N N MW T R R T W N BWE S I B S E M P I C O Y E G R S DWA X E O S V V T G D E O E S L W N T E R A A F L D E E S L L O L P M R F X L T L T B S N M T A N S Y J I L B Y O E S O R M I R P O E H L H C C O I Y R R A P O C D A R C V S I P D Y T U F T A O I T K S L E T L C P O P P Y C O V O L R N OM A S C T O
Bee Orchid Comfrey Dandelion Hemp Agrimony Poppy Snowdrop Tansy Valarian
Bluebell Corncockle Feverfew Honeysuckle Primrose Speedwell Teasel Vetch
Campion Cornflower Foxglove Jacobs Ladder Ragged Robin Stonecrop Thistle Vetchling
Taking Care of Wildlife Nyger or Niger Seed
There are many different types of seed and food that you can put out for the birds and there is now such an array it can be difficult to decide which ones to use. One of the more recent varieties that can prove to be very successful in bringing birds to a garden is Nyger Seed. The name Nyger has actually been trademarked by the Wild Bird Feeding Industry to separate it from thistle seed which is not so superior but it is also known as Nyjer and Niger seed. Much of the Nyger seed sold in this country is sourced from Ethiopia, Myanmar, India, Nepal and North America where it is grown in-between harvests of other crops such
as wheat. It is heat treated to stop it from sprouting but many people will find that it still pops up underneath feeders and it can begin to flower in little over a month. The seed is small and black from the African yellow daisy, Guizotia abyssinica, which actually comes from a fruit called an achene and is related to the sunflower family. The plants grow to around 60-80cm high producing a seven petaled flower head. It has a high oil content so is perfect for seed eating birds such as Goldfinches, Siskins and Redpolls. It is a good idea to purchase Nyger seed in small quantities as it has a
Above Common Redpoll Below Siskin
Goldfinches
tendency to dry out fairly quickly and then the birds are not so keen, as it is the oil they need. It is recommended that seed needs to be changed every three to four weeks to keep it fresh. It is best to put the seed in a specific Nyger Seed feeder because it is so fine it tends to fall out of other feeders. Nyger feeders are designed to have smaller gauge feeder ports. If you do have problems with the seed sprouting you can also purchase a feeder tray to catch the dropped seed, however much of what falls is actually the husks of the seeds, they are just so small it can be difficult to see if they have been eaten. Goldfinches have now become a very common sight in many gardens across the UK and it is believed that this is partly due to the increase in Nyger Seed feeders. Goldfinches will visit Nyger feeders all year round so keep them topped up. In the early days of Nyger use it would take a while for the Finches to find the Nyger feeders but now it is found in so many gardens that birds will find it quickly.
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What has been around
July to August On the 5th of July sea-watchers at Portland Bill, Dorset, where rewarded in the early morning with passage of a Black Browed Albatross flying east at 7am which was later seen off Durlston.
The Short-toed Eagle remained in Hampshire until the 5th of July in and around the Beaulieu area of the New Forest. It was mobile with various reports from the surrounding area, and was again photographed over Thursley Common on the 12th of July.
The 1st summer Ross’s Gull remained in South Devon until at least the 2nd of August and an adult Bonaparte’s Gull was in Kent at the Oare Marshes from the 17th until at least the 22nd and then from the 30th to the 3rd of August. Breydon Water in Norfolk turned up a second summer Franklins Gull which was found roosting on the tidal mudflats on the 1st of August. The bird was then relocated at Cley on the 6th and 13th where the bird came in for a bath before flying off to roost. Some Norfolk birders were fortunate to add this nearctic gull to their Norfolk list as they scanned the gulls on Simmonds scrape. The Adult Bridled Tern remained on Inner Farne until the first week in July but was not seen on the Farnes again until the 12th after visiting Port Seaton in Lothian on the 9th and Seacliff Bay Lothian on the 10th. The bird was last seen off Cleveland on the 13th and briefly seen off Seaton Carew later that day.
The adult Black-winged Pratincole reappeared at Hunworth Burn Reservoir in County Durham on the 5th of July and flew off the following day to be relocated back at Holy-
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well in Northumberland on the 7th. It continued its southward journey and was located at Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire on the morning of the 14th and was last seen flying out over the wash where it was located at Cley-next-to-sea in Norfolk on the15th.The bird was relocated at Stiffkey Fen on the 16th and 17th and on the 19th the same individual moved further south to the Ouse Washes in Cambridgeshire. The bird remained in the area until at least the 27th of July and was assumed to be the same bird visiting East Sussex at Cuckmere Haven on the 30th of July. It then returned back to the Ouse washes on the 3rd of August and remained there for a few days. Its travels throughout Britain certainly allowed many listers to add this bird either to their county or life lists. Titchwell hosted an adult Spotted Crake which could be viewed from Island hide scurrying along the edge of the reed bed vegetation from the 28th of July to at least the middle of the month and throughout August. At least 5 other individuals were recorded from various
sites in Britain.
A juvenille Purple Heron was seen several times in flight over Salthouse and Cley nature reserve on the 1st of August.
Frampton Marsh in South Lincolnshire hosted Lesser Yellowlegs throughout the week of the 17th to 21st of July and also present were one, sometimes two Glossy Ibis giving excellent views until the end of August.
An adult Terek Sandpiper was located in Beacon Ponds Yorkshire on the 7th of August and represents the second record for Spurn. Marsh Sandpiper seems to be a bird which has failed to turn up as regularly as one would expect and Frampton-on-Severn Gloucestershire attracted a bird from the 28th to the 30 of August.
An adult Stilt Sandpiper was found at Hickling broad on the evening of the 11th of July and another was found at Cresswell Ponds in North-
Spotted Crake, Titchwell
umberland on the 29th of July and remained in the area until at least the 12th of August moving between various sites in the North East including visits to Druridge Pools. A Pacific Golden Plover was found at Middleton Lakes in Staffordshire on 26th and remained there until the 2nd of August and another was on North Ronaldsay in the Orknies from the 23rd and remained there until the 11th of August.
Breydon Water in Norfolk hosted Britain’s 4th record of Great Knot from the evening of the 13th and was not seen again after leaving the roost mid day on the 15th. The bird was generally viewed distantly from the South wall feeding on the expansive mud flats. An adult Long tailed Skua was located on Winterton beach on the evening of the 14th.
On the sea bird front Fair Isle attracted the returning Swinhoes Petrel in the regular Storm Petrel ringing sessions with the bird being trapped on the 9th of July. This remarkable bird was re-trapped
again on the mornings of the 12th ,14th ,16th and 18th of July and was heard calling offshore in the havens before finding its way into the mist nets. The bird was again trapped on the 24th and 28th which meant that bird remained faithful to the area. Two further birds were recorded by sea-watchers on the west coast of Ireland in the last two weeks of August. The 13th and 14th of July saw Feas Petrel off Easington in Yorkshire and St John’s point in County Down. The Scillies Pelagic scored heavily with superb views and photographs of Fea’s Petrel from the trip on the 18th of August.
Hot on the heels of the Blackwinged Pratincole a fine adult Collared Pratincole was located on the scrape at Minsmere on the morning of the 15th, and remained on the reserve until the 27th of July. It is then presumed that the same bird relocated on the 28th to Northumberland at Castle Island near Ashington.
Bridled Tern Taken by Carl Chapman
The usual boat trips of the Scillies recorded the first Wilson Petrels, with 3 birds on the 14th of July from Joe Penders boat the Sapphire. Further birds were recorded from various trips throughout July and August. Other Sea birds included a scattering of Cory and Great Shearwater recorded at various sites in the Southwest from Southern Ireland to the pelagic trips from St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.
With a pair of Black-winged Stilts in Sussex raising two young, news broke on the 19th that 6 birds were at Cavenham in Suffolk, possibly having bred locally. This was truly a remarkable sight to see with the family party of two adults with their fully grown youngsters. The site was strictly private but the birds later moved to more accessible area allowing photographs to be obtained by a number of local photographers. The male Red backed Shrike between Winterton North dunes and
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News came through of at least one breeding pair of Bee-eaters on the Isle of Wight at Wydcombe Estate run by the National Trust and working with the RSPB holding a 24 hour surveillance at the nest site. By the end of August there appeared to be two pairs with at least 6 juveniles being fledged. Let’s hope the breeding success will lead to a colonisation of the site in 2015.
Glossy Ibis, Frampton Horsey remained throughout the summer and proved to be very popular with many photographers who obtained excellent photographs. The bird was clearly oblivious to its paparazzi status landing within a few feet of its admirers to catch its prey. A second adult male was located inland at Quainton Buckinghamshire on the 30th of July The 16th of July saw a brief sighting of a female Woodchat Shrike at Granborough Hill at Salthouse in Norfolk which proved elusive The first Aquatic warbler of the migration was trapped in Dorset at Lytchett Bay on the morning of the 25th of July proving to be a very early record of this European migrant.
Black-winged Stilt, Cavenham
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On the 5th of August Shetland recorded its first Rustic Bunting of the autumn and also a very early Barred Warbler being noted on Fair Isle. A few days there were reports of a Booted Warbler on Whalsay from the 10 to the 11th. The Shetland Isles hosted two Blyth’s Reed Warblers on Fair Isle with one being found on the 14th of August and the second two days later on the 16th
Greenish Warbler, Winterton.
A splendid Western Bonelli’s Warbler was trapped at Portland Bill on the 16th of August which delighted the visiting birders. Further birds were found on the Isles of Scillies on the 29th and Bardsey in Wales on the 30th where the bird remained until the following day. The early trend for migrants continued with a superb Arctic Warbler on Fair Isle on the 22nd of August. The end of August saw a number of Greenish Warblers recorded in Norfolk and along the east coast with birds seen on Blakeney Point, Cromer and a singing male at Winterton South Dunes on 29th and 30th.
The last week of August saw the usual arrival of more common migrants which included Barred Warbler, Wryneck, Red- backed Shrike, Common Rosefinch, Citrine Wagtail and Icterine Warbler at various sites across the country.
The weather patterns forecasted for early September and beyond look disappointing as the fast moving Atlantic depressions are certainly in short supply. Let’s hope we continue to see a drift of migrants from Europe and beyond as the air flow extends right back to the east.
Readers Page
Juvenile Male Redstart Answers to spot the difference
How does a bird with a broken wing manage to land safely ? With it’s sparrowchute ! What do you call a woodpecker with no beak ? A headbanger ! A bird in the hand makes it difficult to tie your shoelaces! How does a mouse feel after its been in the rain? Squeaky clean! What is the easiest way to count a herd of cattle? With a cowculator. What does an octopus wear when it gets cold? A coat of arms
21/9/2014 Taken by Grazina Zacharcuk While out with my partner at wells wood looking for the Olive-backed Pipit, I also managed to see two beautiful Redstarts in the dell, I am an amateur photographer and used my partner’s camera for this shot, which I was thrilled to capture, but at weekends I do join my partner going to various places around Norfolk. Redstarts are summer visitors to the UK, They are a similar size to a Robin but have a longer tail, which is constantly quivering up and down. The tail and rump are bright orange-red, though the central feathers of the tail are brown. They have a black bill and black legs. In summer, the male is a handsome bird with blue-grey upperparts, striking black face and throat and a white forehead and eyebrow. The breast and flanks are orange. Females have grey-brown upperparts, orange-buff under-parts, whitish belly and a pale eye ring.
Mystery Bird
Answer on last double spread inside the back cover.
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Wildlife Events October and November Below are a selectio of aactivities at East Anglia Nature Reserves during October and November. 4th October, Saturday. Gibralter Point, Lincs WT. Autumn Migration Watch 8.30-11am. An exciting time of year with the departure of our summer migrants and the arrival of the first winter birds - and always the unexpected. Join our local bird expert on a tour of the reserve’s varied habitats. Free (donations welcome) 7th October, Tuesday. Cley NWT. Birds for Beginners. 10.30am for approx 2 hours. Join one of our local experts to learn about the birds on the reserve, visiting the hides overlooking Cley’s famous pools. Bring your own binoculars or there is a limited supply available for hire from the visitor centre. These walks are on a Tuesday or Thursday morning and last about two hours. All start at 10.30am. Only 10 places. Adults; £5, NWT members and children; £3. Please call the visitor centre on 01263 740008 to book. 11th October, Saturday. Snipe Dales Country Park, Spilsby. Bat Boxes and Bat Walk. 5-8pm. Discover more about these fascinating animals and make a bat box to put up in your garden. For more information and to book please call Gibraltar Point on 01754 898057. £5 per person. 11th October, Saturday. Brooke Page 44
House, Ashbocking. Introduction to Wildlife Gardening SWT. 10am-1pm. Come and be inspired about gardening for wildlife in the beautiful setting of the Trust’s own garden.Learn how to create a wildlife-friendly garden or allotment to encourage a wide variety of wildlife for you to enjoy. Join Leonie Washington, Trust Community Adviser, in the beautiful setting of the Trust’s own garden, with large pond, nectar rich borders, fruit trees and mini wildflower meadow.The course will focus on creating habitats for specific species groups on a small garden scale. Leonie will also give advice about providing plants for pollinators, and giving wildlife a helping hand to get through the winter. There are many more gardens than nature reserves so we have immense scope to help wildlife by creating habitats which provide food and refuge and act as wildlife ‘corridors’ to connect to the wider countryside.You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing, stout footwear and bring a packed lunch. You may also like to bring a notebook and pen and a camera. Tea, coffee and biscuits included in the price. £15, £12.50 concessions. . To book Tel: 01473 890089. 11th October, Saturday. Wild About Norfolk, Easton College. A must for every wildlife lover. 10-4pm with the RSPB, Hawk and Owl Trust and NWT. Free entry
18th October, Saturday. Belfairs Woodland Centre Essex WT. Energy Expert. All About Energy! Join Jo Loman as we look at how energy is made and what we can do to save it! Saturday 10am-12pm. £5 per person. Book by phone 017024767 19th October, Sunday. Bedford Park Visitor Centre EWT. Autumn Apple Day. 10am-4pm. Join us at the visitor centre for all things autumn. There will be craft tables, local apples and juice to buy, and childrens activities too. Booking not required. 19th October, Saturday. Lakenheath Fen. Race for Wildlife RSPB. 11am Price: 10k and 5k costs £10, family fun run is £2.50 per child. Booking essential.Come and join the Race for wildlife at RSPB Lakenheath Fen, home to varied wildlife including cranes, marsh harriers and otters. Two multi-terrain courses take you around our beautiful nature reserve, with distances of 5k (3.1miles) and 10k (6.2miles). The 10k course follows routes normally closed to visitors so this is your chance to enjoy different views. Run, jog or walk - the choice is yours! There will also be a 2k family fun run starting at 10am (entry on the day), incorporating grassy tracks and the Brandon Fen Family Trail. Entry for the 10k and 5k costs £10, register in advance via: www.wegottickets.com/lakenheath or send a cheque. Entry for the family fun run is £2.50 per child, accompanying adult(s) free - pay
on the day. If booking with wegotticket please ring or email for a registration form. If the race limit of 100 (across 10k and 5k) is not reached in advance, entry may be available on the day. 01842 863400 23rd October, Thursday. Kings Lynn. NWT Getting to Know Trees of the Gaywood Valley, Reffley. 1-5pm. This introductory workshop aims to show you the basics to identifying the trees in the Gaywood Valley and will look at the basic ecology of woodlands, how to record trees, what to plant, when to plant and how to manage existing trees and woodlands. This workshop is free, but booking essential – 01603 598333. Includes both indoor and outdoor sessions. Exactly location on booking. 25th October, Saturday. Holkham Park with the NWT Watch. Strutting Stags. 10am-12pm. Join us at the beautiful grounds of Holkham Park, during the deer rutting season. We’ll learn the differences between the deer’s antlers, skulls and sounds. Afterwards, we have to be stealthy to see the red and fallow strutting stags. Finally, to fully appreciate the fabulous autumn colours we’ll make a wonderful piece of wild artwork. £4 members, £6 non-members. 1 accompanying adult free / Booking essential, please call 01603 625540 26th October, Sunday Whisby Nature Park, Lincs WT. Fungus Foray 10.30am With Ray Halstead. Booking is essential, please contact Anthea Ashmore on 01529 413890, Sleaford Area Group. Free. 28th October, Tuesday. Paxton Pits Environmental Centre CWT Family Holiday Fun. 10-2pm. Join us for family friendly indoor and outdoor activities. Drop in between 10am-2pm.No need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs allowed
in the Environmental Education area. £2.50 per child. 2nd November, Sunday.Redgrave and Lopham Fen SWT. 10am-3pm Chutneys and Jellies. Join local master preserver, Janet Peachey, of Peacheys Preserves at this masterclass and learn how to use your garden produce and hedgerow fruits to make lovely autumnal preserves and edible gifts.Janet will show you how to use a variety of ingredients to create chutneys and herb jellies with yummy flavours and give you lots of new ideas for recipes.Janet runs her own successful business, Peacheys Preserves, where she makes all her preserves by hand using family recipes, creating new recipes and using the finest own-grown wild and local produce. For more information on Janet’s products check out her website: http:// peacheyspreserves.co.uk/. Please see SWT website for information on what to bring. £25 £21.50 concessions. To book Tel: 01473 890089 6th November, Thursday. Cambourne CWT Landscape: Geology Training Workshop 7-9pm This two-session workshop is an exploration of the ways in which landscapes are formed and the effect that their character has on their consequent wildlife biodiversity. Although the focus will be on local landscapes, the general links between geology and wildlife worldwide will be covered briefly. Includes a look at the formation of the underlying rocks and landforms, as well as examples of rock types. Thursday 6 and Thursday 13 November 2014 - two sessions for only £18, professionals £115, free to BCN Wildlife Trust volunteers. Tel: 01604 774031 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am 2.30pm)
8th November, Saturday. Strumpshaw Fen RSPB. Conservation Challenge. 10am - 12 noon Price: RSPB members £2/ non members £2.50 Our chance to help the wardens with woodland habitat management at Strumpshaw Fen for our annual conservation task. There will be a bonfire and we hope to cook on it too! *Please bring sturdy footwear or Wellington boots and warm clothing. 01603 715191 14th November, Friday. Far Ings Lincs WT. 8-10.30pm Star Night. Explore the wonders of the Autumn & Winter night sky. With Paul Money, Lincolnshire Astronomer. £3.50 adults / £2 children Book by phone 01652 637055 or email faringseducation@lincstrust.co.uk (please include your phone number in your email so we can contact you). 20th November, Thursday. In step with the Bure. 10am-1pm. Public Car Park Grid ref.: TG 401 107, Bridewell Lane, Acle, Norfolk, NR13 3RA. From Acle we take in the river Bure through to Upton and Fishley, taking in the landscape, history and wildlife as we go. Approximate Distance: 4.5 miles. Free / No need to book. Please bring something to drink and wear stout shoes. 29th November, Saturday. Horsey Gap Seal Walk NWT, Times on booking, Horsey Gap. Guided walk by Gemma Walker. Limited to 20 people. All details on booking: phone 01362 697783. Possible Hickling Raptor Roost visit at 3.30pm. 01603 625540 If you would like to submit an event please email wildlifeeastanglia@gmail.com Page 45
Wildlife East Anglia 3a St Johns Close Norwich
NR1 2AD 01603 219119
Articles to come: Frampton RSPB, Lackford Lakes SWT Gigrin Farm Report Wildlife Artist/photographer UK Wildlife Pond ecology at Mannington Hall Alien Invaders - Egyprian Goose, Lttle Owl Identification Pepers. Blast from the Past Rarity Round Up Wildlife Events Mystery Bird Answer - A Dotterel
Do you have something for the readers page? Please email it to wildlifeeastanglia@gmail.com For back editions please contact the
offices below. If you have a suggestion for a feature we would be delighted to hear your ideas. All articles are as accurate as possible but we may make mistakes. Let us know if we have and will try and correct it. For advertising from ÂŁ40 and editorials. If you would like to submit please contact us. Unfortunately until the magazine makes a profit we will be unable to pay for articles it Please contact: wildlifeeatanglia@gmail.com This editions mystery bird from the readers page is the Dotterel. This species passes through the East Region on migration to its breeding grounds in Scotland.
This particular photo was taken in Suffolk at Landguard Fort on the beach
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