Editors Page Wildlife crime seems to be on wildlife lovers lips at the moment and it’s easy to see why. Stories of missing Hen Harriers and stored bodies of raptors seem to have caught everyone’s attention during the last year. Clearly, although wildlife crime units are doing their best, it seems almost impossible to stop what is happening as proving actual disturbance is tricky. Raptors seem to be attracting most of the disasters because it is still perceived by many that they destroy whole swathes of small birds and other wildlife, even though many are actually carrion eaters and like nothing better than
a rabbit carcass. All you need to do is look at places like Extramadura in Spain to see how a large number of raptors and passerines can exist in the same place. It must seem very disheartening for wildlife crime officers when they catch their suspect and then the CPS let them go because it is deemed there is not enough evidence or the suspect gets a ridiculously low sentence. So, maybe it is time to concentrate on the CPS and the law as much as the actual crime itself. A suspended sentence and a small fine are nothing if there is a wealthy landowner to
Common Cranes at Winterton. previous page, Blacktailed Godwit, summer plumage
bail you out and pay your fine. Yes, there is a need for people on the ground to patrol and report crime, but the time has come to give criminals a reason not to do it in the first place. I hope the organisations involved are actively petitioning the Government to raise fines and sentences so there is a deterrent for all who wish to break the law and threaten the welfare of our glorious raptors and wildlife.
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Contents Page
Editors Page Badgers Verge Nature reserves. Alien Invaders - Alexanders. Freiston Shore RSPB. Did you know? Wildlife Artist Richard Allen Whats in a name. Iceland Reserve. Identification. Godwits Puzzle Page. Shapwick Moor Blast from the Past. Readers Page. Dragonfly list. Whats been about Events. Subscritpion and Information
Front Cover: Chalk Hill Blue Jill Wilson
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
The Truth Behind the Badger Norfolk Badger Protection Group It is a truly magical experience to peacefully sit within a woodland at sunset awaiting the emergence of the iconic badger, (Meles meles). As the light fades the sweet melody of the robin drifts on the gentle breeze as the Tawny owl clears its throat with its echoing hooting, which still raises the hairs on my neck even after many years of badger watching. As one silently waits and watches, taking in the beauty of nature through all the senses with the mind lost in peaceful drowsy thoughts, it is then that the magic occurs. A masked head of black with two white stripes cautiously appears from the tunnel system in front of you. The badger’s stripes glow in the dim light as
it sniffs the air, listening intently for signs of danger. You must sit motionless, leaning back against an old gnarled oak, wind in face, undetected, and blending in as part of the woodland habitat. The badger, a sow, decides all is safe and emerges fully from her sett, jostled by three excitable cubs, who less cautiously burst forth. After a day of lying up they are instantly intent on an evening of play, chase and grooming before the night’s feeding throughout the local countryside. Even in some of the older badger books, and indeed in some more recent publications, badgers are described as “Carnivorous Predators”. In fact they are more
accurately best labelled as “Opportunistic Omnivores.” Contrary to old folklore and tales that still live in the minds of some today, badgers short, squat legs, powerful jaws and a tooth arrangement not too dissimilar to our own make them highly unsuitable for any typical carnivorous behaviour. The humble Earthworm is their favourite food source, but a wide range of invertebrates, fruits, fungi and carrion can be added to their mixed diet. Myths of badgers chasing down pheasants, attacking piglets and wiping out ground nesting bird populations is truly stuff of legend and in today’s world of science and research these false accusations have long
been disproven. When problems and conflicts have occurred with badgers and human interests, unfortunately the blame often lies with ourselves, although for some to admit this can be challenging. Of course there is no denying that badgers will dig up bees’ nests, eat some eggs and take the odd chick. However, such is the way with nature, just as some of us eat meat and fish, so does the badger. It is true that bee populations have plummeted in recent years though a wealth of research points the finger at the chemicals we pour onto our agricultural land every year, but perhaps it is easier to point the finger elsewhere than at ourselves? As for the Badger Cull concerning Bovine Tuberculosis, when all science, fact and research is ignored and the madness behind the politics wins through, one can only be left baffled and saddened at the killing of many thousands
of badgers, a protected species which has been coming and going in Britain for 3 million years since the shifting ice ages. The Norfolk Badger Protection Group (NBPG) was officially launched in April 2015, a registered charity affiliated to the UK Badger Trust. Its aims are primarily to protect Norfolk’s badgers from illegal persecution whilst educating the Public about the badger’s amazing ecology, promoting their protection and studying the badgers to understand more about the Norfolk populations. We find our selves regularly asked, “Do Norfolk’s badgers need protecting?” The unfortunate answer is: “Yes.” Despite having lots of suitable habitat and good food sources and foraging areas, the population levels of badgers in Norfolk are very low, kept in check by the hand of man due to the false rumours mentioned above, even
more shameful as Norfolk is not even in a cull zone! Badger information, particularly sett locations, is very sensitive information. In the wrong hands it could lead to future interference and persecution. If anyone is interested in joining the NBPG or participating in Badger watching, surveying and sett monitoring, please e-mail the address below. Any information or sightings of badgers, setts or road kills, again please send us an e-mail to the address below. With an active group we can make a big difference to Norfolk’s Badgers. They need our help. First, as with many things in life, people need to fall in love with the subject to want to protect it. One evening of badger watching could well cause this to happen. Will Fitch and Luke Douglas nbpg.badgers@hotmail.com Photos. Will Fitch
Habitat Roadside Verge Reserves Roadside verges are often overlooked as mini nature reserves but they can host a large range of plants, insects and other wildlife. There are over 1500 species of wildflowers in the Uk and more than 700 of them grow on verges. One in 10 of these face extinction because of early mowing. The last few years has seen an improvement of their status with many being managed by local authorities and wildlife trusts to make sure they are mowed at the right time and that they are surveyed to evaluate their importance. The main target verges to protect are ancient verges that may date back hundreds of years. These can have a high ecological value due to the diversity and importance of species that grow on them such as Cowslip, Vetch, Crested Cowwheat and Knapweed. One such mini reserve that springs to mind is a triangle in South Norfolk on a busy main road that has now received its full SSSI status and is managed to protect the large number of bee-orchids and Six Spot Burnet
ghost bee-orchids that grow on it. Norfolk has an amazing 111 roadside nature reserves covering over 15km. These managed verges are demarcated with special posts and have individual management plans specific to the species found.
Suffolk has its own scheme called RNR (Roadside Nature Reserves) and works with the mowing contactors directly. They also join with local parishes to appoint a volunteer warden to help protect the areas concerned. These volunteers help to remove cuttings and inform the council of any damage or fly-tipping. One of the countries scarcest plants, the Sulphur Clover, has benefited from these protection schemes. Over 100 verges are protected in Suffolk, 34 specifically for Sulphur Clover. When managing these sensitive areas it is necessary to consider the damage by pollution, road run off, excess salt, vehicles, road works and even chemical spray from surrounding arable land. Mowing plans are created to make sure they are mowed at the end of the flowering season allowing plants to produce seed heads and cuttings are removed so as not to cover sensitive plants. If the cuttings are left, certain more dominant species such as Nettles, Cow Parsley and Docks thrive on the nutrients produced by the rotting debris. These particular species grow in height fairly quickly overshadowing the smaller more delicate plants. Right Bee-orchid. Below verge sign
Alien Invaders people eat the plant now, but it was an early source of vitamin C as it grows and flowers from April to June. Smyrnium olusatrum. With the plant being so rampant This plant is a classic alien invadthe Romans mainly grew the plant ers and also has the name of Pars- for winter horse fodder. It has a ley of Alexandria and Horse Parssweet smell when crushed. ley. Originating from the Canary The plants grow to around 150cm Islands. it is now commonly seen in height with glossy green leaves, along roadside verges in Southern yellowish flowers with black fruits. England and in coastal areas where It is a member of the carrot famit often grows on cliff paths. It has ily and looks a bit like hemlock been slowly moving inland. water-dropwort which is one of The Romans introduced it as a the world’s deadliest plants, death food source as the leaves, stems, in a little over 3 hours! Hemlock roots and flowers are all edible water-dropwort however, doesn’t either cooked or raw. It mainly produce leaves much before tastes a bit like celery but the root Christmas and has dark green tastes a bit like parsnip. Not many leaves.
Alexanders
Lincolnshire Reserve
Freiston Shore RSPB This is a gem of a reserve near to Boston and its famous stump, in Lincolnshire. There are two good reserves either side of Boston so a perfect area for a weekend break while you visit both Freiston Shore and Frampton Marsh, for fantastic wildlife watching over the Wash Marshes. Freiston Shore is to the East of Boston and the area has a very rich history. In the 19th Century it was a popular spot for sea bathing and was also the home to horse racing meets four times a year. This led to the rise of a few small hotels, one of which is still a bed and breakfast today. There was also a thriving fishing industry from the shore for herrings, sole, sprats and oysters. Coastal accretion which deposited sediment onto the shore line, gradually created a salt marsh leaving the hotels inland of the coast, fishing boats without anywhere to moor and sea-bathing too difficult to access. During the Second World War the coastline here was used for the placement of structures to protect the coast line. The remains of
coastal lights, pill boxes, a light railway and machine gun posts can still be seen along the bank. Land reclaimation continued at this time creating arable land placing the original shoreline over half a mile inland. In 2002 the area was formed into a marshland and nature reserve to protect the outer sea wall and to strengthen the sea defences. An inner bank was created from soil
Above Speckled Wood, Below Yellow Wagtail and Right Swallow
Spotted Redshank removed from the newly created scrapes and lagoons between the two walls and the outer wall has been allowed to breach to once again flood the lagoons with sea water. Since the RSPB took over the area they have worked with the environment agency to convert areas of arable land back into lagoons and salt marsh. 72 Hectares of sheep grazing fields and farmland have been converted back into prime wet marshland. This mirrors the Norfolk area of the wash at places like Snettisham creating a haven for waders and geese. Summer high tides are possibly the best time to visit this reserve, as waders gather in large numbers on this protected roosting spot. Avocet, Redshank, Dunlin and Ringed Plover benefit from this new reserve, helping to make the wash one of the most important places in the country for wetland birds. There is no visitor centre here but
there are two car parks with plenty of space for visitors. It is actually possible, due to its elevated location, to bird-watch from the car park. The reserve consists of one hide on the main lagoon and a sea watching screen which can be accessed from a well laid out path to the outer sea wall. There is a wetland trail which is a pleasant circular route taking in the salt
marsh. On the grazing marsh there is also a screen overlooking the reservoir which has been created to attract migrants and breeding marshland birds such as Lapwing and Shelduck. The main hide is accessible by wheelchair users but the actual sea wall and final bit of path leading up to the reservoir screen would be very difficult to access. It is posMilitary Look Out Post
sible to see the reservoir from the concrete path under the remaining military installations, but it is distant. Near the main car park, the reserve wardens have put out nest boxes for a small colony of tree sparrows. It is easy to see them here and a great place to waste time whilst watching their antics in and out of the boxes. This area, and on the main path to the hide in July and August, are also good spots for butterflies such as speckled wood and peacock as they are sun traps. Entry is free, but remember, there are no facilities such as toilets or a cafĂŠ. It is a remote reserve. One of the downsides of this reserve is the number of dogs who are walked off the lead, roaming free and disturbing the wildlife and the tranquillity of the place. The wardens have placed signs to have dogs on leads but the locals seem to ignore them.
Treesparrow
Did you know? There are over 250 hoverflies in the UK. Adults are mainly on the wing between March and early November. They can fly in bursts of up to 40km and hour.
Red-legged partridges were intorduced from France and Spain. They often lay two clutches of eggs with the male incubaating the one and the female the other.
Roe Deer have been present in Britain since the Mesolithic period.
Migrating Swallows Cover 200 miles a day and can reach speeds of 22 miles an hour.
The largest concentration of Reed Warblers in the UK is in East Anglia
The humble and lovely Blackbird is found in every European country apart from Iceland
Dandelions have one of the longest flowering easons of any plant. and seeds from the clock can travel up to 5 miles in the wind.
Both male and female Robins sing during the winter months as they hold their own territories.
The Wall Brown Butterfly larvae feeds off various grass plants such as Tor-grass, Wavy Hair GrassFalse Brome and Bents
R I C H A R D A L L E N Wildlife Artist
Avocet Lino Cut
Wildlife and nature has always been my inspiration, and I have sketched and painted “in the field” from an early age. A full time illustrator since leaving Kingston Polytechnic in 1987 winning British Birds magazine’s “Bird Illustrator of the Year” competition in 1993 gave a big push to my career. Originally working mainly in black and white in scraperboard, I’ve had work published in newspapers, books and magazines, appear on stamps,(South Georgia and Nauru), and packaging, and for many conservation bodies including the RSPB and National Trust. Over the years I have also developed my watercolour style for bird id illustrations. This is exacting work, details of plumage have to be accurate, resulting in many trips to the Natural History Museum’s bird skin collection at Tring to study the specimens. It’s a fascinating place, and it always amazes me to pull out a tray of skins, many of which were “collected” over a hun-
dred years ago, and yet still retain their vivid colours. Fortunately modern photography has made the collecting practise obsolete, but it is still interesting to examine specimens collected by pioneering naturalist such as A.R. Wallace in the 19th century. The culmination of this work was the publication of “Sunbirds” by Cheke, Mann and Allen, in which I illustrated all 176 species,(including males, females, immatures, and races), of sunbird, flowerpecker and spiderhunter in the world. Closer to home I have always been an avid field-sketcher, and living in Wivenhoe on the Colne estuary I have a wealth of subject matter on my doorstep. The river provides a constant source of inspiration, with big numbers of waders and wildfowl in winter, terns and warblers in summer, set against the ever changing tide and weather. I prefer to draw from life whenever I can, trying to capture the life and vitality of the moment, something which is hard to reproduce back
in the studio. I am particularly attracted to boldly patterned birds, spending many hours trying to capture the shapes and postures of Lapwings, Avocets and Godwits amongst the shifting patterns of water and mud. Other favourite places to visit are Minsmere, a good place to sketch another preferred subject of mine, Marsh Harriers, and the North Norfolk Coast, especially in winter with the flocks of geese and waders, and Snow Buntings along the shingle. Living close to the estuary has also inspired me to reacquaint myself with print-making in the form of
lino-cuts. Encouraged by fellow Wivenhoe artist James Dodds I have produced a series of 18 lino-cuts of birds commonly found on the East Anglian shoreline for a book, “Coastal Birds”, published last summer by Jardine Press. I enjoy the boldness of working in lino, having to reduce the subject down to a strong graphic image that gives a sense of the bird and its habitat. Both the book and the prints have proved popular and “Coastal Birds II” is in preparation as we speak. I am still balancing illustration and painting work, recent project
Above Marsh Birds, Below Minsmere Marsh Harrier. Right Aethopyga Sunbirds
are as varied as illustrating an Iron Age Hillfort in Wales to drawing Vietnamese Giant Snails for London Zoo. My work can be seen at Birdscapes gallery at Glandford, Norfolk, or on my website www. richardallenillustrator.com , and I shall be exhibiting at the Birdfair, Rutland Water 21st-23rd August 2015, please come and say hello. Special offer to Wildlife East Anglia readers “Minsmere Levels in winter” signed limited edition Giclee print, 72 x 31 cm, £50.00 (usual price £60)plus £5 p+p, can you spot all 50 species shown?
Whats in a name? Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus.
The delightful birds can now be found in coastal reed beds across East Anglia and the UK. They have a distinctive call and can often be picked up from their ‘ping’, or the movement in the reeds, before
they are seen. The males are very striking with their soft grey head and black moustache that runs down from between the bill and the eye to the base of the neck. The females are also attractive,with rusty orange
coloured feathers and a pale grey chest and they both have short wings and long tails. Their diet changes through the year as they take spiders, larvae and insects during the summer months and then seeds during the winter months. This means it is often easier to see them when there are fewer insects as they then hang on the seed heads at the top of the reeds while they strip off the seeds. Another good time of year to find them is when they are feeding young in July and August as their
Above female Bearded Tit, previous page Male. Right pair of Bearded Tits taken in Great Yarmouth cemetery youngsters wait in more visible locations for the parents to return. The poor old bearded tit must get a bit confused as to its correct name as there has been issues over its true identity. Many consider it similar in appearance to a longtailed tit, which is why it is often referred to as a Bearded Tit. Other countries refer to it as a Reedling or Bearded Reedling. It was removed from the Tit family of Paridae and moved to the family of Paradoxornithidae, which actually makes it a Parrotbill, causing even more confusion and giving the further name of Bearded Parrot-
bill. More recent research has determined that it is actually a unique songbird that should have its own family with its family name of Panuridae. Luckily the Bearded Tits are oblivious to all the important decisions concerning its actual family and true name. However Bearded Tit seems fairly close to its appearance with a possible further change to moustached?
Þingvellir National Park Iceland
Not far outside Reykjavik, is a 300km long route looping from the capital through central Iceland and back. Known as the ‘Golden Circle’, it includes many of the sites that are must-sees for any visitor to Iceland, particularly; Gulfoss – the ‘golden falls’, Geysir, and Þingvellir. Þingvellir is a national heritage site - Anglicised to ‘Thingvellir’ containing the location of the old parliament, Alþing, which was established in 930. It is also a place of astounding natural beauty, and geological landscapes. Placed upon the midatlantic ridge, Iceland was formed through volcanic action. This has provided a varied and changing landscape, of which the Thingvellir national park is an exceptional showcase. The main information centre, located at Leirar, is open from 1st May until the 30th September from 09:00-17:00. In June, July and August it is open until 20.00. There
is a small cafeteria located here, as well as toilets, and multi-lingual trail guides can be picked up. There is also a visitor centre, which shows an exhibition of interactive boards that document some of the expansive history of the meeting place and the surrounding area. There are more toilets here, as well as a souvenir shop. There are a variety of walks within the national park, providing easy access to the sites. A gravel path leads to the old meeting site, and
Above Barrows Goldeneye, Below view over Þingvellir National Park
there is a boardwalk beyond that leads to an excellent view out over the rift valley that is the meeting point between tectonic plates. There are also a number of trails for horse riding, which connect to a network of trails leading all the way around the country. One of the best places to visit in Thingvellir is lake Thingvallavatn. Fuelled by natural springs, and shaped by the glacial and volcanic
processes that characterize Iceland, It is 84km² and 114m deep, and is an excellent place for the three three species of fish that make their home here. Brown trout, Arctic charr, and three-spine stickleback. These populations have lived in isolation since the last Ice Age, which makes the lake a great place to study variety and species formation. As well as angling, there are several places in the park that allow
scuba diving, which is a great way to examine the formations and unique underwater habitat around a rift valley. (As long as you’re prepared for the cold!) Avian records for Thingvallavatn lake include Great Northern Diver, Harlequin Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye, however 52 other bird species are found in and around the lake – and there are 30 more species that occur occasionally. Thingvellir national park shows the characteristic Icelandic vegeta-
Above Visitor Centre, Below Harlequin Ducks
tion; low scrub, with willow and birch trees predominant. Roughly 40% of the island’s flora can be found here – that’s approximately 170 plant species. The pastel colours of these plants in autumn gave the area it’s old name – Bláskógar, literally meaning “Blue Woods”. Of the relatively few mammals that can be found on Iceland, most can be found here. Particularly foxes, and the relatively recent addition of mink, which can frequently be seen around the lake. When visiting Iceland, it is recommended to take a guide, not only for showing you the best sides around the country, but also to keep an eye out for the changeable weather, and occasional hazards. (It is a volcanic island after all!) For further information on this heritage site, visit their website http://www.thingvellir.is/english. aspx Article by Samantha Benfield
Identification
Godwits - Black-tailed, Bar-tailed and Hudsonian Black-tailed Godwit limosa limosa
There are 2 distinct races which both occur on passage to breeding grounds from Iceland to Eastern Russia. In both races the birds have an orange head and neck which extends down the breast in adult breeding plumage and during the winter months this is replaced by a dull grey. In flight they show a distinct black and white wing bar which runs across the secondaries and the primaries and is useful id feature separating them from Bartailed Godwit. They have a long bill which is orange at the base with a black tip which in winter plumage changes to a dull pink. The obvious Id feature, where the bird gets its name from, is the terminal black band across the tail which can be seen in flight or
Black-tailed Godwit. See inside cover for summer plumage
when wing stretching takes place. They can be observed in good numbers on reserves such as Cleynext-the-sea NWT and Titchwell RSPB where all plumages including breeding birds in full colours to grey first years and non breeders can be seen. They can be found in most types of habitat but generally a the large flock of Godwits can be confidently identified as Black-tailed The majority of birds found in Britain can be assigned to the Icelandic race which breeds in the the north including Iceland and the Northern Isles. The other continental race can be seen in small numbers passing through East Anglia to the breeding grounds in northern Europe. A third race which breeds further east has not been recorded in the UK
Bar-Tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
There are 3 races of Bar-tailed Godwit which breed from Northern Scandinavia to western Alaska,including the race that occurs in the UK Limosa lapponica is found throughout coastal areas including estuaries and tidal Lagoons. The beach at Titchwell in Norfolk is a particularly good spot to observe this species as it feeds along the shoreline. The adults are a deeper orange in colour and, dependent on light conditions, could be described as a reddish orange. The under-parts show red which extends to the under tail coverts They lack the wing pattern in flight that the Black tailed Godwit has and the tail pattern is barred which can be difficult to see in the field unless the bird wing stretches or is seen in flight. In winter plum-
Bar-tailed Godwit
age or in a non-breeding bird the upper parts and feathers are more patterned and not uniform like its closely related cousin the Black tailed godwit
Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica
Breeds in North America on the Tundra above the tree line throughout northern Canada and Alaska. They also breed on the shores of the Hudson Bay. Churchill Manitoba is an excellent spot to photograph birds in full breeding plumage. The Adults have long dark legs and a long pink bill with a slight up curve and a dark tip.. The upper parts are mottled brown and the under parts can be described as a deep burgundy.. They appear to have a paler head as the whiter supercillium and lores are more prominent. The tail is black and the rump is white which is the same as the Black-tailed Godwit
but the wing pattern is different with the under wing showing a black lining. The birds are normally a long distant migrant and in fine weather leave the breeding grounds in Northern Canada heading directly to South America and the wintering territory. Surprisingly the bird is a vagrant to Britain with the most
recent record at Shapwick Moor in Somerset where the bird was with a large flock of Black-tailed Godwits. The bird was identified as a female and was very easy to pick out in flight as the flock flew around the scrape due it being much darker in colour. Hudsonian Godwit
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Can you identify the animal below? Answer on the readers page
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Natural England Shapwick Heath, Somerset
With all the problems that Somerset had with the high tides in 2013 it seemed a good time to visit one of the lovely reserves in the area. Shapwick Heath is a classic example of mixed habitats and lovely scenery. The reserve encompasses beautiful boggy ferny woodlands, clear ditches, flower filled meadows, open water, fens and wildlife packed reed beds. There are 5 reserves in the vicinity of Glastonbury and Cheddar which collectively form The Avalon Marshes. The other reserves are Shapwick Moor, Ham Wall, Catcott Complex and Westhay Moor ranging from RSPB reserves to Hawk and Owl Trust, making it a great location for a week’s holiday. The area has always been popular due to the fertile soil and peat, which was used for fuel. The Medieval Church was foremost in the development of the area by capitalising on the resources and building large structures such as Glastonbury Abbey. There is also plenty of evidence of the Romans and Anglo Saxons living in the area on the dry hills found in the marshland. One feature in particular is special to the reserve and that is the Neolithic Sweet Track which was the oldest manmade route through the area. During World War 2 the area was used to build defence posts and some can still be seen today. There are boards around the reserve talking about this historical time and during the time the railway ran through the reserve. Shapwick Heath is managed by Natural England and covers over 500 hectares of the Somerset Levels. The reserve has a selection of different trails including one along the old railway line that is perfect for wheelchairs and biking. One of the paths journeys into the woodland which is very good for butterflies. The White Admiral is
Great-crested Gebe seen here in the summer. Due to the size of the reserve, unless a rarity appears, like this years Hudsonian Godwit, it is usually quiet. There are several well placed hides located mainly on the edge of open water, including a raised hide which gives views over a large area of the reserve. It is possible from this hide to see the clarity of the water and the many hundreds of fish who thrive in the water. (Editors note: on my visit a Great Crested Grebe and Little White Egret were making a great dinner
out of the fish jumping out of the water catching mosquitos directly below the hide. It was very easy feeding!) Since 2012 great White Egrets have nested successfully at Shapwick and they can now be seen regularly flying and feeding. The reed beds are very good for Bitterns which can be heard booming from March onwards and Ham Wall, next door, has Little Bittern which may well visit Shapwick from time to time. During the winter months
thousands of Starlings come to the Reserve to roost making a fantastic display as they whirl across the sky in a murmuration. The site is also good for mammals with 24 species being recorded here. If you visit in the evening you may be lucky to see a Lesser Horseshoe Bat and Otters often swim in the Dyke running alongside the main footpath. In a recent survey ‘A swallowtail population at Shapwick Heath? Preliminary study on the feasibility by comparing host plant properties in Norfolk and Somerset (ENRR631)’ it was suggested that the similarities of Norfolk and Somerset could mean the release of the Wonderful Butterflies in the future. April/May 2015 saw a short visit from a rare Hudsonian Godwit which brought birdwatchers from all over the country to visit the reserve. It frequented the reserve with a small group of Black-tailed Godwits giving good views before leaving on the 3rd May. The reserve is easy to get to by car but difficult by public transport.
Great White Egret
Blast from the Past
White-headed Duck Abberton reservoir Oxyura leucocephala The White-headed Duck breeds in Eastern Europe and throughout Southern Spain where there has been a dramatic increase in the population . The occurrence of an immature at Abberton in Essex in January 1995 was originally identified as an immature female and despite the bird being fully winged was never considered as a potential addition to the British List. There could be an argument that the bird had arrived with Ruddy Ducks which could be found wintering at the reservoir. The bird remained throughout 1995 and by early May it was sporting the colours of a drake. The bird moved to Chew Valley Lake in the November and returned to Essex in the following winter, commuting between Abberton and Hanningfield reservoirs. It would suggest that the bird was moving with the population of Ruddy Ducks which had been blamed for the demise of the White- headed Duck. The controversial decision by DEFRA to shoot all ruddy ducks throughout the UK has seen the almost complete eradication from these shores
Pallas Grasshopper Warbler North Ronaldsay Locustella certhiola Birders twitching Britain’s third record of Yellow-browed Bunting on North Ronaldsay on 23rd of September 1992 were greeted by the observatory staff holding a ringing bag of a bird recently trapped. Birders arriving for the bunting had an added bonus of seeing PG tips in the hand,where excellent photographs in the hand were obtained. The bird was released into an iris bed adjacent to the airstrip and performed very well, often in the open, skulking in and around the dry stone walls. The Northern Islands, including fair isle, are probably the best parts of the country to have a chance of seeing this very rare bird. They breed through a large range extending as far as east Asia. Unlike grasshopper warbler the song is far more melodic. There have been a number of records obtained from various sites throughout the UK away from the Northern Isles with the most popular sighting on Blakeney point in September 2001
Isabelline Shrike Holme-next-the-sea Lanius isabellinus Norfolk is one of the best counties in Britain to see this species of bird which breeds throughout the east and occurs here in late autumn when the winds are prevailing from the east. This Shrike is now often recorded annually throughout the UK. In recent years there have a number of quite confiding individuals in Norfolk with birds appearing at Warham Greens, Horsey, Wells Next to sea and this bird at Holme in 1996. The first winter which was first seen at Horsey on the 12th and 13th of October was assumed to be the same bird relocating to Holme on the 14th where it remained there until the 21st. The bird at Holme was not assigned to a specific sub species but most assumptions would make the bird a Daurian Shrike
Readers Page Answer tfrom puzzle page. What is the animal. Otter
2015 a good year for foxgloves.? I have seen many plants covering large areas this year. They obviously like a damp spring.
Spot the difference. There are 7 differences i nthe two photos of long-tailed tits. Can you find them? Answer on the subscription page at the back of the magazine
Dragonflies and Damselflies Uk list of Dragonflies and Damselflies Family
Name
Damselflies Zygoptera Calopterygidae Calopteryx splendens Calopteryx virgo
Banded Demoiselle Beautiful Demoiselle
Coenagrionida Ceriagrion tenellum Coenagrion hastulatum Coenagrion lunulatum Coenagrion mercuriale Coenagrion puella Coenagrion pulchellum Coenagrion scitulum Enallagma cyathigerum Erythromma najas Erythromma viridulum Ischnura elegans Ischnura pumilio Pyrrhosoma nymphula
Small Red Damselfly Northern Damselfly Irish Damselfly Southern Damselfly Azure Damselfly Variable Damselfly Dainty Damselfly Common Blue Damselfly Red-eyed Damselfly Small Red-eyed Damselfly Blue-tailed Damselfly Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly Large Red Damselfly
Lestidae Lestes barbarus Lestes dryas Lestes sponsa Lestes viridis Sympecma fusca
Southern Emerald Damselfly Scarce Emerald Damselfly Emerald Damselfly Willow Emeral Damselfly Winter Damselfly
Platycnemididae Platycnemis pennipes
White-legged Damselfly
Location
Year List Life List
Date
Comment
Whats been about April and May
Citril Finch, Norfolk The first winter drake Harlequin duck in Aberdeen on the river Don adjacent to Seaton Park was still showing well throughout April and May. The female remained on the sea off the coast of Brora in the Highland region. The drake King Eider was in Residence on the Ythan Estuary from the beginning of April until the end of May after it had put in a brief appearance at Burghead on the 4th April The first Black winged Stilt of the year was at Abbotsbury in Dorset on the 3rd of April The Gemini explorer boat trip off
the the coast of Aberdeenshire near Portsoy had a very impressive haul of 10 White-billed divers in early April with some birds visible close in shore from the harbour walls.
ing the size of the bird.
The first real mega bird of the spring was the Great Blue Heron found on Scillies on the evening of the 14th of April, where it remained until the first week of May. The adult summer plumaged Pacif- Twitching the bird proved difficult ic Diver was proving fairly elusive as it moved throughout the island and was last seen off mounts car group. The first year bird was very park in Penzance early morning popular addition for many birders with a number of Great Northern lists Divers in the same area of water. A male Little Bittern was found at An Adult summer Pied-billed Lakenheath Fen in Suffolk where Grebe was off Severn beach in the bird could be heard calling but Gloucestershire on the 24th of only seen briefly mainly when in April and then relocated to Leight- flight. on Moss in Lancashire the following day. A good distance consider- In mid April there was a mas-
sive influx of Hoopoes into Ireland with many birds dispersing throughout the UK The Greater Yellowlegs remained throughout April and May at Titchfield Haven in Hants where at times the bird was showing very well from the reserve hides. Southern Ireland hosted a Scops Owl at Great Saltee county Wexford on the 10th. The second mega of the spring was the discovery on the 24th of April Britain 3rd record of Hudsonian Godwit at Shapwick Meare in Somerset where the bird remained until mid afternoon the following day but did not return the following day. It then reappeared mid week and remained at the site until the 3rd of May. The influx of Rough-legged buzzards during the winter months saw at least two individuals still present in late April in east Yorkshire and Norfolk. A female Red footed falcon was at Wareham in Dorset from the 20th to the 26th of May A trip of Dottrell remained in the Chosely area of Norfolk from the end of April well into May until they finally left for the breeding grounds in the Scottish highlands A bird that seems to be less common on spring migration is the Red-throated pipit which is normally seen on the east coast. A splendid summer plumaged bird was found on Ludworth Moor Greater Manchester on the 3rd of May The third major Mega of the was found on the 10th of May in the Dunes west of Holkham pines with the discovery of a splendid
Grasshopper Warbler, Cley male Citril Finch which performed throughout the day to birders arriving from all corners of the UK. The bird was still present the following morning but was soon lost with no further reports after 6:30 in the morning. However those that dipped the finch soon found themselves trekking up Blakeney Point for a male Moltoni’s Warbler which had been identified on plumage and call. A few days later a second Moltoni’s warbler was found on Fair Isle where some twitched the bird at great expense.
Hudsonian Godwit, Shapwick
The only spring record of Greycheeked Thrush was found on the 25th of May on the Mullet in Ireland. Remarkable that both a Veery and Swainson Thrushes were found on North Ronaldsay and Skokholm in the last week of May. The usual spring migration had an abundance omore unusaula species such as Red-rumped Swallow, Squacco Heron, Sub-alpine Warbler. Several Grasshopper Warblers showed well in some areas including a particularly showy bird that spent two weeks in one bush at Cley.
Whats On July and August Sunday Morning nature Club at Taverham Mill, Norfolk. Anglian Water. New Nature Reserve. 1011.30am. For children from 3 to 103.Limited spaces left – contact Paula to book a place. Tel. 01603 415849
programme at Holkham. We will then head out onto the reserve in search of Spoonbills. Cost: £12 NWT members, £15 non-members. Booking essential / Please call the visitor centre on 01263 740008
6th July Monday. Abbots Hall Farm EWT. Grasshoppers & Crickets: Ecology, Identification & Survey Techniques. 10-4pm. Learn how to tell a grasshopper from a bush-cricket through a mixture of classroom and field sessions. Learn how to tell a grasshopper from a bush-cricket through a mixture of classroom and field sessions. The course will cover identification, ecology and conservation of native species and a range of survey techniques to record them in the field. £30 per person.Book by phone Tel: 01621 862960
12th July Sunday.Waters Edge Country Park, LWT. Visit to Waters Edge Country Park. 2pm. Join our Scunthorpe and Brigg members for a leisurely walk around the Park and along the adjacent Humber Bank. Free Meet in the car park. • 14th July Tuesday. Titchwell RSPB Norfolk. Booking essential. If you’ve ever wondered how to tell a swallow from a sand martin or a ruff from a dunlin then there’s no better place to start than with this guided walk. Join Terry Houghton for a stroll around the reserve as he takes you through step by step bird identification. With a wealth of knowledge on wildlife gardening Terry can also advise you on how to set up your own mini reserve at home. Telephone: 01485 210779. Price: £6 Adult £4 Child (RSPB members £1 discount)
11th July Saturday. Buxton Heath NWT. Nightjars. 10pm. Evening walk at Buxton Heath with Jon Shutes and Philip Howard. Bring hat, torch and insect repellent. Meet in car park at TG 171 214. Buxton Heath is signposted off the Holt Road. Entrance to the Heath is 100yds down on the left just past the boarding kennels. Free to NWT members. 11th July Saturday, Cley Marshes NWT. Spoonbills. 10-1pm. This workshop focuses on Spoonbills and is led by the conservation team from Holkham. Learn about the ecology, life cycle and habitats of this bird and the monitoring
18th July Saturday. Essex Rainham Marshes RSPB. Do you like your beetles, grasshoppers, bugs and flies? Fancy getting up close and personal with the smaller critters on the marsh? A guided walk with experts will help you to identify what is out there at this time of year. Price: £6 adults (£5 for RSPB members), £2.50 child (£2 for
Wildlife Explorer members). This does not include reserve entry fees. Telephone: 01708 899840 23rd July Thursday. 12.30-2pm. Chafford Gorges Nature Park EWT Pirate Pond Dip . Come along in fancy dress and search for the hidden bugs that live in our lakes. Pirates be on your guard you never know what we shall find. £5 per child. Book by phone Tel: 01375484016 26th July Sunday. Sculthorpe Moor Hawk and Owl Trust, Norfolk. Butterfly and bugs walk. 1.304.40pm. Join butterfly enthusiast Dave Brice to learn how to identify butterflies and some other invertebrates out and about on the reserve. Come equipped to spend time outside with stout footwear as some walking will be off the boardwalk. Places are limited so please book in advance. £10 per person (£9 FOSM and H&OT members). 01328 856788 28th July Tuesday. 10.30-2pm Abberton Reservoir EWT. Brambly Hedge- Wilfreds Expedition. Join Wilfred for a summer expedition the nature reserve. Bring along a picnic lunch 10:30am-12:30pm. All ages welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL £5 requested donation per child + 1 adult additional adults £3 per person. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre. 01206 738172 30th July Thursday, Natural Surroundings, Glanfield NR25 7JN.
Moths and Wild Flowers at Natural Surroundings, Natural Surroundings. 10.00am – 12.00 noon / £2.00; non-members £2.50. An opportunity to examine moths trapped the previous night and to enjoy a walk round the meadows with Anne and Simon Harrap. Refreshments can be purchased at the tea room. 30th July. Thursday. Lackford Lakes SWT. Buzzards, Hawks and Falcons. 10.30-2.30pm. £6 per child. Go on a bird of prey hunt and discover the difference between these different species with fun games, trails and activities. Activity day for 8-12 year olds. Children’s event only. Please prebook. Tel: 01284 728706 1st August Friday. Lackford Lakes SWT. Join popular local craftswoman Fay Jones for a more in depth look at natural dyeing.You will learn about solar tie dyeing with tree dyes, experiment with over dyeing colours, discover how to produce 5 different colours from one dye bath and different dyes from the same plant. There will be a short walk to collect materials for use later in the day.Fay first learnt about dyeing when she was a Tudor re-enactor at Kentwell Hall. She has built up an eclectic knowledge of native dye plants and, being trained in countryside management, she has been able to identify plants listed in various dye books and learn where is best to seek them out! Materials will be provided at an extra cost of £10, to be paid to Fay on the day. Click on this link to check out Fay’s wonderful craft work: https://www. facebook.com/wildpicusviridis. As some of the time will be spent outdoors please come suitably prepared for the weather with warm, waterproof clothing and stout footwear, or hat & suncream. Please bring: A packed lunch, A
basket or trug, Notepad and pen, A camera if you wish. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available and are included in the price. Book by phone. Tel: 01473 890089. £35 per person. 4th August Tuesday. Minsmere RSPB Suffolk. 10-4pm. Owl Pellet Dissection. Price: Free event, but normal reserve entry fees apply. What have our local owls been eating? Join us to dissect barn owl pellets collected by the Suffolk Community Barn Owl project and discover what small creatures they have been hunting and feeding on. You’ll be amazed at what you find. Children must be accompanied at all times. Telephone: 01728 648281 8th August Saturday. Freiston Shore, Lincs RSPB. 9.45-12.30pm. Butterflies and moths on the wing. Price: £2 National RSPB WEX members, £3 non members and 50p will be charged for each additional child in the family.A chance to learn all about butterflies and moths. 11th August Tuesday. Hickling
NWT. 6pm Explore the hidden areas of the Broads where the secret world of wildlife, including marsh harriers, Norfolk hawkers and swallowtail butterflies waits to be discovered. Includes supper at the Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling. Adult £20, Child £14. Booking essential: 01692 598276 19th August Wednesday. Far Ings LWT, 1-3pm. Wild Play, Marvelous Mammals, £3 per child or £5 including morning activity.. What furry friends can we find at Far Ings? Join us for an afternoon of mammal madness. Book by phone 01652 637055 21-23rd August. Rutland Bird Fair. Eggleton Nature Reserve. £13.50 per person. 28th August Friday. Foxburrow Farm SWT. 7.30-9.30pm. Night Descends – family evening. Go in search of creatures of the night and toast marshmallows over an open fire. Bring a torch and an extra layer. Please pre book. Book by phone: Tel: 01394 380113, £2.50 per person.
Wildlife East Anglia Articles to come: Frampton RSPB, Sculthorpe Moor Wildlife Artist/photographer Alien Invaders - Little Owl Identification Papers. Blast from the Past Rarity Round Up Wildlife Events Northern Cyprus 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 Avocet. A striking wader that has recovered its numbers in the last 10 years and is now seen on many reserves across the UK. There are four races of Avocet in the World, Asian, European, Australian and Pacific Coast of North America. The most distinctive feature of the Avocet is its slender upturned bill, males have slightly longer ones.
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