Preston Society - Natural History and Birdwatching

COACH TRIP TO POTTERIC CARR

2012-04-17T16:55:00.001+01:00

BOOKINGS ARE NOW BEING TAKEN

FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Please send your remittance of £15 pp to:

Clare Matthews, Treasurer,

224 Brockholes View

Fishwick

Preston PR1 4XJ

Please enclose an email address or telephone number so we can acknowledge receipt - no tickets will be issued.

Click HERE for a printable order form.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

DRAGONFLY EVENTS 2012

2012-04-14T16:42:00.000+01:00

The members of the Lancashire local group# of the BDS invite you to join us on our field meetings for 2012.

* Hawes Water / Leighton Moss (Limited to 20) 19th May 10:15 colinpauladams@gmail.com

* Hurst Grange / Priory Meadow(Limited to 12) 27th May 11:30 colinpauladams@gmail.com

* Cuerden Valley Park 16th June 13:00 david.beattie1@gmail.com

*Brockholes 8th July 10:30 allenholmes5@yahoo.co.uk

* Cross of Greet, Bowland 15th July 11:00 allenholmes5@yahoo.co.uk

* Birkdale Sandhills 29th July 13:00 philsmith1941@tiscali.co.uk

* Highfield Moss 19th Aug 11:00 philsmith1941@tiscali.co.uk

Booking is essential for the two limited number events.

The 27th May event is subject to cancellation in the event of

bad weather.

For more details of each event, see the Meetings and Events page of the BDS website:

http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/diary-field-trips-and-other-bds-events

ADDITIONAL DRAGONFLY EVENTS

IN LANCASHIRE DURING 2012:

* Introductory Dragonfly identification at Heysham NR - 7th July. Booking essential.

* Dragonfly identification at Mere Sands Wood 14th July. Booking essential.

* Wild Aout: Dragonflies (family event) at Brockholes 18th, 19th, 20th August.

# http://groups.google.com/group/lancashire-dragonflies/

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Re: Wrong Doers in the Forest of Bowland

2012-01-28T22:41:00.003Z

Please read the unbelievable garbage being uttered by the head of the Countryside Alliance regarding persecution.

I don't know how she sleeps at night!

Click here.

INNOCENT GAMEKEEPER??

2012-01-24T16:54:00.001Z

In another posting I have published the outcome of the Derbyshire case where a gamekeeper appealed against his conviction despite being caught red-handed. His arrogance in appealing in the first place, and the outrageous claims he made against the RSPB were seen for what they were by the Courts, and his appeal dismissed.
*
Take a look at the report at the foot of the following post:-
http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1188407898806675491#editor/target=post;postID=6220376246872163130

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Wrong-doers in the Forest of Bowland

2012-01-23T19:25:00.000Z

Some of our readers may be aware that I have been having a discussion with a gentleman on the Lancashire Evening Post Letters Page.
*
The story so far:

ORIGINAL LETTER:-

L.E.P. Thursday 15th December 2011

MY REPLY:-

L.E.P. Friday 30th December 2011

MR GITTIN'S SUBSEQUENT REPLY:-

L.E.P. Wednesday 11th January 2012

MY REPLY TO THE ABOVE:

LEP Monday 23rd January 2012

Below, I have reproduced an article written by a former RSPB employee, who, for 20 years worked in Bowland. The article, which is a generalised view of a number of shooting estates, was published today (12th January) on a blog, the address of which appears at the end of the article. You may find it interesting - as well as saddening.

Raptor persecution.....a continuing shame!

Over the thirty or so years in which I've had an interest and concern about raptor persecution generally much has been said , many statistics have been trotted out and an increasing number of incidents taken to prosecution or reported on. The situation nowadays is no better than at the end of the 1970's, indeed, it would be very easy to conclude that it has got worse, which is most certainly my own view. At some point in the near future I intend putting out a background summary, based on one area, showing how much things have deteriorated. Read more.......................

Despite the best efforts of many, particularly the RSPB which, in staff time and resources alone, has put an appreciable proportion of its funds into combating these shameful acts, the malpractice still persists, carried out by an arrogant and self-serving minority associated with game management who set themselves above the law. Whilst I currently live in Scotland, my abiding concern is with the situation in England and, in particular, with the ever diminishing population of Hen Harriers within the Forest of Bowland with which I had a nigh on twenty year involvement prior to my early retirement from RSPB.. The harrier population has contracted, numbers less than 10 pairs, and is largely concentrated on the upland estate of the water utility company, United Utilities, who have a close "operating partnership" with the RSPB. Now don't run away with the idea that I personally and exclusively agree with the approach taken currently in the Bowland area, because I don't, as I feel it is insufficiently inclusive of the wider "collection" of estates which comprise the magnificent Forest of Bowland landmass. However, such disagreements are best resolved "in house" or "within the family", a sentiment which I have always embraced and shall continue to believe in.

What I feel can be increasingly condemned is the arrant behaviour of the upland estates who feel they can divorce themselves away from the collective wishes of the electorate, the requirements of the law and a recognition that they have a responsibility to nurture some of the most iconic members of our natural heritage. These latter species, such as Merlin, Peregrine and Hen Harrier , even have especial status under the provisions of Schedule 1, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 ( as amended ). Now, I give you an analogy!! If such upland estates were Trustees of our National Art Heritage and willingly and deliberately allowed the deterioration of our most treasured and beloved items within our cultural heritage to be damaged, lost and generally abused, what do you feel the outcome would be? Uproar, public condemnation and a call for them to be brought to book. More importantly, what do you think the implications for the self-serving incompetents would be in the sense of being allowed to continue in such positions of responsibility? And yet in the cause of commercial gain the persecution of raptors persists and a convenient blind eye is taken by many who could, if they wished, through peer pressure and condemnation , put paid to the dubious side of what is painted as a continuation of a romantic Victorian "pursuit". It is carried out to make money , very often with subsidies from the public purse being made available to manage areas given special status based on their suitability to play host to the very iconic species which are then removed. Nice one!!

Now all this might suggest the conservation charities, the police and others, even a proportion of the most responsible upland estates , are doing nothing. This couldn't be farther from the truth! Similarly, as is evidenced by a steady flow of court cases linked to such incidents ( see Raptor Persecution Scotland's web site), details of campaigns carried out to bring about changes in the law and so on, much is being done. One thing that is sometimes evident is the absence of independent condemnation and action by the public, and sometimes, let it be said, by birders themselves!! Grumpy old man and ill constructed comments by all too regular contributors on websites are not action. They may make you feel better but have little effect. So, with rightful indignation now in full flow, let me highlight a time when hopefully hackles can be raised and protest can flow unabated!! As I understand things DEFRA has asked the Law Commission to review inadequacies within wildlife legislation , with a report being issued mid year 2012. Doubtless many wildlife bodies will carefully scrutinise the details and recommendations, and either provide wholehearted support, or the opposite against any inadequacies. Clearly the circumstances attached to raptor persecution should figure prominently at that point and a more precise situation suggested for the future. If such is absent then all hell needs to be let loose on a Government, which has claimed will be the Greenest ever, and whose Leader ( David Cameron ) pledged, even as recently as last week, that he would offer as much protection as needed towards the countryside. Unfortunately, it has to be said, the E-petition relating to raptor persecution, and embodying a call for a " vicarious liability " clause to be debated in Parliament, may have been a little pre-emptive in the light of the above, but it has until November this year to run. It certainly will do no harm to sign it now, but its time may yet really arrive in the middle of 2012!!! Vicarious liability has already been approved, but not yet enacted, in Scotland and provides for upland estate owners to be considered for prosecution alongside their keeper(s) if incidents occur on their Estate. In the event of blatant inadequacies appearing in the report anticipated from the Law Commission then a period of intense action will be required.........be ready for it and don't fail the wildlife resource you love best!!!

John Armitage

http://www.birdingodyssey.blogspot.com/

And elsewhere:
For those who are still arrogant enough to think that gamekeepers are no longer involved with the things they used to be, have a look at what one allowed a work-experience 16 year old to be doing (next door to the Royal Sandringham Estate):-
http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/2012/01/15/gamekeepers-apprentice-filmed-his-dogs-ripping-apart-a-fox-on-a-norfolk-estate-neighbouring-the-queens-sandringham-residence/#more-6538

Not in the Forest of Bowland - but another gamekeeper who is innocent of all wrong doing (except this one was caught red-handed!!!!) So why the appeal? Guess what!!

Derbyshire Gamekeeper appeal hearing - the prosecution evidence concluded yesterday (18th January)

After nearly 3 weeks of intense testimony heard in the appeal hearing brought by Derbyshire gamekeeper Glenn Brown against his conviction for wildlife crimes, the case for the prosecution at Derby Crown Court was completed (Wednesday 18th January). Brown together with his witnesses began giving their testimony today (Thursday). It seems possible the case will continue throughout the next two to three weeks. What ever the outcome of this protracted appeal the legal costs for one side or the other are likely to be huge adding to the £10.000 in costs already incurred by Brown.

Glenn Brown was convicted of several wildlife crimes in June last year, three weeks ago he launched an appeal against his conviction. The basis for the appeal is not known at this time. Raptor Politics has surmised this may have more to do the shooting tenant’s wish to retain the shooting rights granted by the National Trust. If Brown’s appeal is unsuccessful, it seems likely the shooting tenancy will not be reinstated by the National Trust. Inside information has also revealed, even if Brown’s appeal is successful, his former employer is most unlikely to ask him to return to his old job as he was seen to let the side down – by getting caught red-handed:

Raptor Politics readers will recall Brown was convicted last June at Chesterfield Magistrates Court of seven offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act after a 10-day hearing. Brown was also ordered to pay costs of £10,000 and carry out 100 hours community service for attempting to trap and kill birds of prey.

DERBYSHIRE GAMEKEEPER LOSES APPEAL- An Expensive Lesson.

A Derbyshire gamekeeper, working on an estate within the Peak District National Park, has lost an appeal today (Tuesday 24 January 2012) against a previous conviction and sentence on seven charges relating to the illegal use of a trap baited with a live pigeon in order to take birds of prey, the intentional taking of a sparrowhawk and a number of animal welfare offences.

Glenn Brown was originally convicted of seven offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Animal Welfare Act 2006 in June, 2011 at Chesterfield Magistrates Court. He was originally sentenced to 100 hours community service and he had been ordered to pay £10,000 costs.

At a lengthy hearing at Derby Crown Court – which began on 3rd January – Brown’s defence brought a blistering attack against the integrity of the RSPB, claiming evidence had been planted to incriminate Brown.

Judge Watson today dismissed the appeal commenting that all the RSPB staff were credible witnesses. Brown was ordered to pay a further £7,000 costs. This figure now brings the total costs for Brown of £17,000.

Martin Harper is the RSPB’s conservation director. He said: “We are delighted, but not surprised that the integrity and honesty of our investigations officers has been found to be beyond reproach after coming under forensic examination in this case.”

Brown was originally arrested by Derbyshire Police in May 2010, following a covert surveillance operation by an RSPB investigations team. RSPB officers filmed Brown using a cage trap baited with a live domestic pigeon. Although cage traps are legal when trying to trap some species, such as carrion crows, it is illegal both to use a pigeon as bait and to capture birds of prey.

Mark Thomas is an investigations officer with the RSPB. Commenting from Derby Crown Court, he said: “With so much evidence, convicting Brown during the first trial, we are stunned that his defence felt comfortable mounting an appeal suggesting the RSPB had framed him.

“Bird of prey persecution remains a top wildlife crime priority in the UK, and it is one that we are determined to help the police reduce. The problem remains particularly severe in upland areas dominated by grouse shooting, where crimes have a direct impact on the conservation of some of our rarest birds of prey.

“With his appeal failing, Brown will now have to face the consequences for his crimes. Since 1990 there have been over 100 gamekeepers convicted of crimes relating to the despicable persecution of birds of prey.”

Martin Harper added: “Crimes such as these illustrate links between driven-grouse shooting and the illegal killing of birds of prey. This is why industry leaders and employers need to do more to stamp out these crimes. We believe that land managers and owners should be held legally accountable for any wildlife crimes that are committed by their staff, as is the case in Scotland.”

The Law Commission should give serious consideration to including vicarious liability in their legislative reform for England and Wales. A petition calling for vicarious liability can be found at:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23089

Many people have become increasingly concerned about the poor breeding success of birds of prey in the dark peak region of the Peak District National Park. In 2006, the RSPB produced a report Peak Malpractice, which graphically outlined its concerns in relation to goshawks and peregrines on the north-east Peak moors. Since then, the breeding success of both species has collapsed in the adjacent Derwent Valley, prompting the undercover investigation leading to this court case.

The RSPB would like to thank the Derbyshire Constabulary, the Crown Prosecution Service and the expert witnesses in the case.

ends

Terry Pickford, North West Raptor Protection Group

January 24, 2012 at 4:42 pm · Reply

On behalf of each member of the North West Raptor Protection Group I thank the RSPB, in particular their investigation team for a job well done. We should also not forget the work undertaken by the Derbyshire Constabulary and the CPS. I was particularly please to see that the RSPB enclosed details of the e-petition in their Press Release…lets just hope now that RSPB members and the Media get behind this important petition.

It will be interesting to see who pays Brown’s court costs and if the National Trust offer the shooting rights back to Brown’s employer.

HARE COURSING OCCURRENCE 22-1-2012

2012-01-22T12:55:00.004Z

On the morning of Sunday 22nd January 2012, hare coursers were seen to be operating on Newton Marsh. The facts have been reported to the police (who, for a change arrived at the scene within 7 minutes). They then spoilt it by asking the observer how they could get out onto the Marsh to speak to the offenders!

When the offence was reported to the police, the observer was informed that they could only respond if he could give them a postcode!!!! Not easy to give one for Newton and Freckleton Marsh area. Be prepared to explain in more detail. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LOCAL KNOWLEDGE?!

FOR THE GUIDANCE OF ANYONE WITNESSING HARE COURSING, I am duplicating a posting on the Fylde Bird Club website, which gives all the information required, and suggested action to take.

Can I also add my word of caution - Please don't get involved with the perpetrators themselves. They're not 'nice' people in any sense of the word. We can, however, safely play our part by helping the police in the manner prescribed:-

Hare Coursing on Newton Marsh

After a number of recent hare coursing incidents at Newton and Freckleton Marsh over the last few months, RSPB have met with the Lancashire police, and they are looking to escalate their response to this situation.

To ensure they can do this effectively, we need to support the police by reporting all incidents, so they can see the scale of the problem, and also respond to individual incidents appropriately.

If you are at Newton or Freckleton Marsh, and you see hare coursing taking place, then please:

· Record exactly what you see – number/description of people/dogs involved, what they are doing, wildlife disturbed/killed, vehicles involved (make and registration number), and the location of this activity. More info is better than less.

· Report it to the police on telephone 101 from Nov onwards and request a police response.

Postcode PR4 0XE

· Get a police log number for the incident.

· We do not advise approaching or challenging people involved in hare coursing.

It is worth noting that hare coursing is a problem for several reasons - hunting with dogs is illegal, disturbance to wintering birds has an impact on the designated features of the SSSI, during the breeding season it disturbs Schedule 1 birds (black-tailed godwits), and it could potentially damage the new and expensive electric fence that helps protect breeding birds on the marsh from predation. Furthermore, it leaves the local community feeling very threatened and intimidated.

Andrew Gouldstone
RSPB Area Conservation Manager
Cheshire, Merseyside, Grt Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria.

NORTH WEST WILD IMAGES

2012-01-17T18:07:00.004Z

There are usually THREE Workshops each month.

Please ring either Peter or Roy for updated details.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Young local bird-ringers and their work.

2012-01-16T10:20:00.000Z

During the 2012 - 2013 Winter Season of talks we are to have a visit from two members of a local bird-ringing team, to explain their work. This will probably be concentrated on Coot, Black-headed Gulls, and Whooper Swans.

They include Kane Brides, Ciaran Hatsell, Chris Bridges and Zac Hinchcliffe, and one or two I don't know yet. Their ages range from 19 to about 22. They are all very personable young men (and a lady I've not yet met), and I will be doing what I can to help them as a group to further their works and migration studies.

*
There follows a 41/2 minute video of their 2011 adventures, and it's well worth watching.
http://kanebrides.smugmug.com/Animals/Kanes/20809606_mD8dx6#!i=1651851109&k=sMRHjSs&lb=1&s=A
*
Hope you enjoy it!
*
Posted by: Steve Halliwell

MET OFFICE 5-DAY WEATHER FORECAST

2012-01-11T21:32:00.000Z

If you click on the 'Options' tab, you can key in whatever location you desire.
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office

FIELD TRIP TO STOCKS RESERVOIR 4th February

2012-01-09T11:18:00.002Z

At 10am on Saturday 4th February we will be meeting at Stocks Reservoir car park, SD733564. The reservoir and its surroundings are always full of surprises, so you can look forward to an interesting day out.
*
Although there are never any guarantees with wildlife watching, and for those who are prepared to wait until dusk, there is the possibility of a Starling roost and its attendant display. Watch the video clip, which was filmed at Stocks Reservoir.

Double-click on the image to view, and then expand the screen.

Same instructions as above of a Starling 'murmuration' at Gretna Green - and there's no better place to have one of those!!
*

You don't have to book for the trip, and like most of our other days out, it's free.

Not a member? Not a problem!

Just turn up on the day, and you'll be made welcome.

For details of our other Field Trips, click on the following link:

http://www.prestonsociety.co.uk/search/label/Field%20Trips%202012

*
Further details? Write to me and ask.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

First Field Trip of 2012

2012-01-07T17:23:00.001Z

The weather was reasonably good - compared to the previous 6 days or so -for our customary first Field Trip of the year to Marton Mere. We go specifically for the Long-eared Owls, although this year there would seem only to be a singleton. A dog-walker told us he'd seen "2 or 3" that morning, but he didn't seem to have any binoculars.

The R.S.P.B. were in attendance with 'scopes conveniently trained on the appropriate tree, so all 24 of us in the party were able to see the bird.
I have just noticed that on David Beattie's blog, he writes the following: "There were two owls just visible, one with difficulty the other with extreme difficulty"
Read his blog: http://twintal.blogspot.com

Most of the party of 24 people, looking at the Long-eared Owl.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

One of the hides on the caravan (south) side of Marton Mere.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

One of the Mute Swans was particularly aggressive - seen here

getting up a head of steam.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

This is the south-west corner of the mere. A Cetti's Warbler was

heard singing in the blackberry undergrowth just to the east of this point.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

COMPLETE LIST OF SPECIES SEEN TODAY

Great Spotted Woodpecker; Grey Heron in flight; 1 Long-eared Owl; 7 or 8 Fieldfare; 2 Common Snipe; 2 Mute Swans in the fields to the east of the mere, plus 4 on the mere; Buzzard; Tufted Duck, Wigeon; 3m and 1f Pochard; 8+ Shoveler; 2 large flocks of Pink-footed Geese took off from one of the fields to the east - approx. 300 birds; Many Coot; many Mallard; c.100 Teal; Goldeneye; 3 Moorhen; 3 Cormorant; Kestrel; Cetti's Warbler (singing); Dabchick; 50+ Canada Geese; Greylag Geese; 2 pairs Pintail; and at the feeding station - Blue Tit (many); Great Tit (many); 4 Long-tailed Tit; male and female Reed Bunting; Robin; Chaffinch; Dunnock; Greenfinch; 3 Woodpigeon; cock Pheasant; Goldfinch; a Grey Squirrel and a Rabbit.

About 8 of the party then went to Lytham Crematorium where we saw 5 Ring-necked Parakeets.
*
If you'd like to see a Long-eared Owl being mobbed by a thrush, double-click on the following image to be able to enlarge the image:

And now for a Long-eared Owl that's hunting:

And a short clip of some images taken at the Marton Mere, Blackpool roost.
Don't forget to double-click on the image, and then enlarge it:

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

THE FORUM

2012-01-03T17:08:00.003Z

For those visitors to the site that weren't the recipient of an email from me on New Year's Eve promoting our Forum, would you please consider making use of it during 2012.
*
Whether it's bird life, or any other genre of natural history, it will all add to the value of the website, and as a consequence to the overall health of the Society.
*
Tell us of your sightings of birds, mammals, butterflies, moths, wild flowers, fungi, etc., etc. Say where and when you made your observations, and if appropriate give a Grid Reference.
*
Just click on the following link, and register:
http://www.prestonsociety.co.uk/p/visit-our-forum.html
*
Posted by: Steve Halliwell

LIQUORICE - Plant of the Year 2012

2012-01-01T19:02:00.000Z

Liquorice named “Medicinal plant of the year 2012”

Monday, November 21, 2011 at 8:00

A plate from Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz published in 1885 depicting liquorice; the plant has been used as a medical cure for centuries

This Youtube video has been inserted into the body of the article.
Double-click on the image and you'll be able to expand the screen to view

—Liquorice has been selected as “Medicinal plant of the year 2012” because of its paramount importance to human well-being world-wide.

The selection was made by a panel from the University of Würzburg, WWF and TRAFFIC and will be announced today at an event organized by WWF Germany.

“Liquorice is special because it can quickly soothe sore throats and coughs and was used centuries ago to treat coughing, hoarseness and asthma by Ancient Greek and Egyptian physicians,” said Professor Johannes Mayer, an expert on the history of medicinal botany at the University of Würzburg.

According to the mediaeval German nun, Hildegard von Bingen, or Saint Hildegard, liquorice can help lift peoples’ moods and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antispasmodic actions, and can also protect mucous membranes.

The liquorice plant is a woody shrub native from the Mediterranean to East Asia, the Americas and Australia, and grows up to a metre tall and is a member of the Fabaceae (pea family).
It is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties, and also for use in beverages.

Only the root is utilized, from which a wide variety of compounds—400 to date—have been isolated. Among the most important is glycyrrhizin, a chemical that possesses almost 50 times the sweetening power of cane sugar.

Today, liquorice is used as an important ingredient “gan cao” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), while in Germany, Europe’s major consumer and trader in medicinal plants, around 500 tonnes of liquorice are imported each year, 100 of them consumed domestically in medicinal teas.

The root is also used in confectionary and in many herbal liqueurs. In Japan, liquorice is used mainly in medicine although also as an ingredient of cosmetics.

“The healing properties of liquorice make it a key constituent of any natural pharmacy,” said Susanne Honnef, a conservation expert at WWF Germany.

“In recent years, the German public has become increasingly aware of the intrinsic value of natural medicines, and as a result the medicinal plant trade has experienced a true renaissance.”

“However, this can place pressure on wild plant populations, placing them in danger of over-exploitation.”

WWF and TRAFFIC are trying to counteract such pressures, and in 2010 helped introduce the FairWild Standard, an international standard to ensure the wild collection of medicinal and other plants is carried out sustainably.

The FairWild Standard combines strict rules to ensure environmentally sound, socially just and economically sustainable collection of wild plant resources, and serves as a basis for certification of plant products and as a basis for the development of laws and regulations governing their trade.

“The FairWIld Standard was a major step forward in securing the sustainability of wild plant products and consumers can purchase FairWild certified products with confidence,” said Roland Melisch, Programme Director with TRAFFIC.

“As well as helping producers and to develop strategies to ensure sustainable use of resources, those helping implement the FairWild Standard are also committed to ensuring the benefits of trade are distributed fairly, right down to the low-earner gatherers, who are often those who most heavily depend on the income for their livelihoods.”

[TRAFFIC in Conservation awareness, Plants - medicinal and aromatic]

POSTED BY: Steve Halliwell

A BEAUTIFUL DAY ON HILBRE ISLAND

2011-11-01T11:04:00.001Z

There are a number of opinions about who the sun may or may not shine on, but the members of the society's trip to Hilbre Island on Sunday 30th October, were certainly 34 of them!!

Some of the group approaching Middle Island, with the main island of Hilbre in the background.

*

For the purists it probably wasn't the best birding weather, with strong north-westerlies blowing the 'good stuff' into the bay, etc., but one mustn't grumble.

*
A group of four Purple Sandpipers were worth the trip over in themselves:

The sandpipers remained on this ledge until the rising tide persuaded them to move.
*
The ebbing tide saw the arrival of a flock of 96 Brent Geese into the stretch between Middle Island and the main island, feeding on the Eel Grass (Zostera marina) which will have been out of their depth at high tide.

Just three of the 96 Brent Geese.

Early Fungi at Mere Sands Wood

2011-08-03T19:27:00.002+01:00

Reports of our Monday evening walks have been thin on the ground this year. Our most recent walk, on Monday 1st August, was at Mere Sands Wood, and attracted 34 of our members to it. Two-thirds of the group made to the hides for a bit of bird watching, while about a dozen accompanied Peter Ross on a botany hunt. An even smaller group were attracted by the early appearance of some fungi, and a selection of them are shown here. All the photographs were taken by Steve Halliwell, and the copyright of them is his.

A worm's-eye view of a new bracket fungus.

A parasol fungus, Microlepiota procera.

A bolete fungus

A Brown Roll-rim fungus, Paxillus involutus.

Identity not known

Believed to be another parasol fungus

A species of cup fungus

A slime fungus, Fuligo septica.

There are a couple of good videos on the web of its movement:http://vimeo.com/371660
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3goJl_grFU

The above two photographs are of a fungus on Silver Birch.

See Fuligo septica, above.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

MOTH EVENT AT GREEN FARM, INSKIP.

2011-07-10T22:19:00.000+01:00

On Friday evening the 8th July, about a dozen members met at the home of fellow-member Hugh Barton, to put out a number of light traps in his orchard and the neighbouring Carr House Green Common, in readiness for the following morning, when the traps were to be opened. At the end of the evening the Society bat detectors were put to good use in the orchard, when 3 or 4 45 kh. pipistrelles were detected.
*
The following morning 18 members assembled to witness the emptying of the moth traps, but the catch was so great it had been decided prudent to empty a couple of them before the arrival of most people.
*
In all we trapped SIXTY-TWO species of moth, with the highest count being 47 individual Common Footman Moths.
*
The day was enhanced by the presence of Steve Palmer, local moth enthusiast and expert, who guided us through all that happened on the Saturday morning. A fantastic success!!
*
Visit his website: http://www.lancashiremoths.co.uk/

Plenty of moths to look at in our gazebo, including a few that I've selected, see below:

All photographs taken by Steve Halliwell

Poplar Hawk Moth

Elephant Hawk Moth

The following photographs will be annotated once I've sorted them out - until then just enjoy them.

If anyone would like to join the Society for the opportunity to get involved with moth-trapping and much much more, please email me on the 'CONTACT' tab, http://www.prestonsociety.co.uk/p/contact-us.html or ring me on 01772 768637

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

BIO-BLITZ AT BROCKHOLES - SATURDAY 25th JUNE.

2011-06-26T12:15:00.002+01:00

Photo: Jim Clift and Graham Fish
The first bio-blitz to be held at the new Brockholes Wetland Reserve took place over the weekend, from 4pm on the 24th until the same time on the 25th June. Perhaps it was an error to hold it the same weekend as the Glastonbury Festival, but the terrible weather on Saturday did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the presenters, even if it might have kept many of the public away.

Hearts were warmed, however, by the presence of a 6 year old boy, who, with the help of his mother kept up his search for mini-beasts and other creeepy-crawlies for much of the 6 hours that the event was open to the public. Apparently his interest in such things consumes much of his waking hours.

GOOD ON HIM!! I WISH THERE WERE MORE LIKE HIM.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

Fortunately, the Society gazebo was erected long before most people arrived, otherwise we may now be featuring on You Tube.

We now realise that a light-weight gazebo and the wind don't mix together easily, and although eventually successful in taming the beast, the process inbetween must have been hilarious!

Photo: Steve Halliwell

The gazebo's erected by the Brockholes team were obviouly designed by people who don't like fighting the elements, and provided no entertainment at all as they sprung into life at what seemed like a press of a button. Spoilsports!

The moth-trappers - Bill Aspin - had been in action throughout the night, and among other species came up with the two beauties (below), a pair of Eyed Hawk Moths, which, at the time the photograph was taken were not displaying their 'eyes.'

Photo: Steve Halliwell

If you click on the image to enlarge it, you can just see the edge of one of the 'eyes' on the left hand specimen.

Certainly a first for me was the presence on the Mammal stall of a complete Harvest Mouse nest, held within the reeds where it was built, and preserved in situ, as can be see in the photograph below.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

The tennis-ball sized nest was worth going to see for its own sake.

Two new members and two new speakers were enrolled on the day, so it was a long way from a wasted day. Let's hope for better next year!

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

FIVE-DAY DORSET TRIP - A REPORT

2011-05-20T10:24:00.097+01:00

I have to report that the Society's 5-day trip to Dorset, staying in Weymouth, was an outstanding success. We had five days of glorious sunshine - probably too much for perfect birding, but we'd better not complain! We also had two good journeys, particularly on the return journey when most people as well as their dogs, were watching the Royal Wedding!

On the first full day, after a diversion to see "an unidentified non-British bird,"

It turned out to be an American Hooded Merganser that arrived at Radipole about three years ago as an immature bird, and liked it so much that it stayed. It was originally thought that it was an escape from captivity, but is now thought to be a wild bird. It is known locally as "Hoody" and has become a local celebrity.

Having acquainted ourselves with Hoody we made our way to Arne RSPB, a superb reserve that a one-week visit wouldn't have done justice to. We only had sufficient time to do one of the walks, but several members of the party managed to see Dartford Warbler. Something that many of us saw for the first time was a Raft Spider on the dragonfly pond. There were, in fact, two of them, that were close enough to take good photographs of them. Spectacular beasts.

RSPB Lodmoor, left, is just on the outskirts of Weymouth, about 15 minutes walk from our hotel. Several members made pre-breakfast and post-dinner visits to the reserve. A welcome long-staying visitor to Lodmoor was a Long-billed Dowitcher that showed well on several occasions.

, startlThe photograph, right, shows part of the other reserve in Weymouth, Radipole Lake. The reserve is right in the centre of Weymouth, and is part of an estuary, this part being silted up over the years, and eventually becoming vegetated. As with Lodmoor, Cetti's Warbler were very common startling many a visitor with their loud calls.

Left, we see the Old Lighthouse at Portland Bill, the home of the Bird Observatory. Fifty years ago the observatory was house in a war-time bunker, so things have got a little better since those days.

Having just arrived from Africa, this Chiffchaff has just been ringed. In addition to this species we also had the opportunity of a close look at a Willow Warbler and a Common Whitethroat.

Left is the New Portland Light, beyond which the rocks held Purple Sanpiper and a beautiful Summer Plumage Turnstone. A Black Redstart entertained the party with its games of hide and seek amond the rocks. Several times, however, it came out into the open and gave good views.

On the right we see the party getting ready to leave Portland Bill. Five days with fifty-one people on board, and we never lost one of them!

It was pleasing to hear on the way home, talk of "where are we going next year!"

Well, we will be organising another trip. Just not sure where yet. Watch this space.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

UKSAFARI - An online shop for your naturalist's equipment - And Much More!

2011-04-14T15:28:00.002+01:00

Visit: www.uksafari.com

This website is just what you have been looking for if you are:

Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.

An online shop with a range of very competitively priced goods for the naturalist - young and old.

I've bought from them on two occasions, and on each one the goods have been with me in less than 24 hours!

You can't do much better than that.

The "man behind the counter" there is

GARY BRADLEY

who will give you all the advice you need about your purchases.

- And much-much, more!

GIVE THEM A TRY!

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

North-west Black-headed Gull Study

2011-03-06T11:35:00.010Z

North-West Black-headed Gull Study

THIS PARTICULAR BIRD (2A00) WAS SEEN IN BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE, ON THE 17TH MARCH 2011, AND AGAIN ON THE 24TH MARCH, THIS TIME IN RADHUSKAIA, OSLO HAVN, OSLO, NORWAY.

THIS REPRESENTS THE FIRST RECOVERY OF THE PROJECT.

In 2010 the Logan Hurst Ringing Group had a successful winter of catching adult Black-headed Gulls across the North West with over 100 caught by hand, and in the past two years we have ringed just over 800 pullus at a colony on Killington Reservoir in Cumbria. Despite this great effort coupled with the usually high recovery rate from ringing Black-headed Gulls, we have had very few recoveries of these birds away from their ringing sites. Within colonies there is usually a high mortality rate, and this may be the reason why we haven't had many birds away from Killington. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to start colour marking the gulls with darvic rings. The main aims of the project are to look into:

* Dispersal from natal colony (Killington Reservoir)

* To study winter site fidelity (At all other sites, where adults can be caught)

* Interchange between study sites.

* Longevity.

* To document general movements within the U.K. and abroad.

The project started in March 2011, and we are attempting to catch adults at their wintering sites before they disperse for the summer. The initial target is to darvic around 100 adult birds a year and 50 - 100 pullus at Killington, although due to the opportunistic nature of gull catching, this figure is much variable. The colour ringing will be carried out at a number of sites across the North West and we are always on the lookout for new catching sites!

The Colour Ring Scheme will be as follows:

- One Dark Blue Darvic on the left leg with White lettering and a four-digit code.

- All codes start with the number 2 followed by one letter and two numbers, eg. 2A23

- The will be an additional BTO metal ring placed on the right leg.

- There will alsdo be an email address printed on the Darvic ring, which is bhgulls@gmail.com

CONTACT DETAILS

All sightings should be sent to : bhgulls@gmail.com

Phone number 07966 951494 - Kane Brides - above left

07738 217744 - Ciaran Hatsell - above right
Visit Kane's blog at

http://birdringing.blogspot.com/

POSTED BY: Steve Halliwell

NORTH-WEST BROWN HARE PROJECT

2011-02-05T10:27:00.001Z

North West Brown Hare Project

The North West Brown Hare Project has received funding

from SITA Trust's Enriching Nature Programme, PTES UK

Mammal Grant and The Tree Council's Hedge Fund for

the 2-year £125,000 project.

For more information, click on the following link:

http://www.gmbp.org.uk/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=53

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

THE VALUE OF A NOTEBOOK

2011-01-27T22:17:00.000Z

I was so impressed with an article I just received from Birdguides, that I am giving the details to our readers as well. Please pay it a visit and consider its' value.

There's nothing like a notebook!

http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=2478

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

MARTON MERE: Saturday 8th January 2011

2011-01-08T22:14:00.001Z

The 2011 series of Field Trips got off to a flying start, when 22 members met in Lawson Road, Blackpool, for what seems to be our annual January visit, primarily to see the Long-eared Owls. It was a chilly but sunny day, much as had been forecast.

You're looking in the wrong direction, Keith!

There, that's better. Our first Long-eared Owl. There were actually five of them in this one tree, all within four or five feet of one another. The birds weren't as photographable as they sometimes are, but it's always good to marvel at the camaflage.

The mere was still frozen over at the end nearest the tower, with large numbers of gulls resting there. Several times they were disturbed by an over-flying Buzzard that kept returning from the field to the east of the mere.

Many members of the party were fortunate enough to see a Bittern which flew west across the reeds, right in front of the Fylde Bird Club hide. A Water Rail was seen to fly across from one reedbed to another at the duck-feeding station.

After leaving the mere, many of the party went to Fairhaven Lake to see the first year Red-necked Grebe (above) that was showing well close to the RSPB shop.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Iceland Gull at Preston Docks 23-11-2010

2010-11-23T13:56:00.002Z

The Iceland Gull, which has been present on the docks and in the vicinity of the River Ribble for a few days, was still present on the morning of the 23rd November, either on the groynes or on the water. Worth going to see.
*
POSTED BY: Steve Halliwell

HARE COURSING AT NEWTON MARSH - ACTION TO TAKE IF WITNESSED

2010-03-18T21:27:00.001Z

A MESSAGE FROM THE R.S.P.B.

Further to the recent issues of hare coursing at Newton Marsh, we've been liaising with the police, and are trying to apply pressure to ensure they deal with this, and take it seriously.

The fact that we formally ccomplained two years ago when we had a very poor response may help this year.

So far, they are proving very willing.

They have created a log number - LC-2010 0318-0634. The log number means the police operator can call up all the relevant infomation, re location etc.

We would urge that anyone witnessing hare coursers on the marsh phone the police and use this log number to request an urgent response - Blackpool police on 01253 293933. Use of 999 may or may not help - the operator may make a judgement call that its not an emergency and refer the caller to the local number.

Saying that a wildlife crime, involving trespass and possibly criminal damage, is underway may help.

Witnesses should then try to gather info, eg vehicle registrations, desciptions of individuals, dogs etc, and exactly what is happening - especially whether dogs are let loose, hares are chased/disturbed etc. Even just hares disturbed and running away is enough - it doesnt have to end in a dead hare for a possible conviction.

The police have stressed that nobody should try and intervene - these hare coursers are not pleasant people, and we know they are quite likely to offer violence.

Could you share this information as you see fit.

Andrew Gouldstone
Area Conservation Manager
Lancashire, Merseyside, Grt Manchester, Cheshire and Cumbria.
RSPB Northern England Region.

RSPB, Northern England Region, 7.3.1 Cameron House, White Cross Estate, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ.

Tel 01524 581010
Mob 07779 650519
*
Posted by : Steve Halliwell