Spring has Sprung!

Spring has finally sprung over my little patch of coastal Northumberland it seems. Bees, buds, butterflies and a whole host of interesting birds making the last week or so an entirely enjoyable affair. Despite the resurgence of some much loved species, the weather has left rather a lot to be desired; hale, rain, sleet, strong winds and occasional bouts of sun triggering a number of mad dashes and homeward sprints. Perhaps I should simply use the term variable? Anyways, below is an account of the last weeks wanderings, the counts of species seen representing the peak number observed during any one outing. As you can see, I have been spoiled for choice of late..

Uncharacteristically, I thought I would start this entry on a brief entomological note. As ever, as winter transitions into spring, invertebrates begin to emerge from hibernation. This year I have endeavored to keep track of my “first sightings” in much the same way as I do, each year, with birds. The first winged beastie to reappear at Blyth was a Common Wasp on the 26th of March followed closely by a Buff-Tailed Bumblebee queen on the 28th. Next came Common Carder Bee and Peacock butterfly on the 30th and now, on the 1st of April, a delightful queen Red-Tailed Bumblebee. The latter at first appearing somewhat moribund by the roadside – something which prompted me to take the critter into a the house for a spot of TLC. A few spoonfuls of sugar water (50/50 mix as recommended) and the damsel in distress was soon fighting fit and off on her merry way in the garden. Hopefully to start a colony somewhere nearby.

 Elsewhere this week the other noticeable indicator of the changing season has been the birds, namely – the large scale arrival of Chiffchaff into the area. Indeed, quite a few of these returning migrants have been noted this week, most heard as opposed to seen as they voice their monotonous call high in the canopy. Four individuals were heard singing in Ha’Penny Woods followed by more birds at Cambois, Sleekburn, Bedlington and Blyth. It’s great to have them back even if they are the only migrants to make it back to the patch thus far – the hirundines and Wheatears seen locally largely avoiding me. Drat.

Aside from the aforementioned little brown jobs, the areas additional bird-life has also delighted. Ha’Penny woods, now bursting into leaf and rife with the smell of Ramsons, throwing up a nice bag of atypical woodland species. Here Great Spotted Woodpeckers are knocking near constantly while the local Nuthatches have also proven somewhat vocal. Long-Tailed Tits (Lollipop Badger-Birds, according to a recent RSPB meme) remain equally numerous this week, scattered troops seen on various corners of the patch. They have in fact been rather numerous all winter, no doubt the mild temperatures leading to reduced mortality – in keeping with the recent findings of the Big Garden Birdwatch. Won’t catch me complaining!

Aside from these; Ha’Penny also came up trumps with Siskin, Bullfinch, Song Thrush, Treecreeper and Goldcrest among an array of more run of the mill odds and ends though the highlight here has to be the pair of Grey Wagtails that appear to have taken up residence around one the sides woodland pools. Both birds foriging, each day, amid the blooming Marsh Marigolds – a pleasant sight if ever there was one.

Moving on and as ever, the majority of my time has been spent around the estuary – the centerpiece of the patch. Here things remain fairly stable although wader numbers have plummeted astronomically – birds no doubt heading back off to their breeding grounds. The remaining birds have not disappointed however, two Avocet still in residence alongside a peak count of 8 Black-Tailed Godwit, some of which now fully kitted out in their delightfully rustic breeding attire. Three Knot were also seen, all be it distantly while the usual cast of Turnstone, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Redshank helped kill some time during quieter spells. Contrasting with the waders, wildfowl numbers have not yet tailed off on the Blyth. The only exception to this being the noticeable absence of the three wintering Wigeon and a slight drop in Goldeneye numbers – only two of the latter now remaining. Shelduck remain numerous, some 65-75 now apparent alongside a similar number of Teal and 14 Gadwall. With these, and bypassing the ever present Mallards and Mute Swans, 35 Eider, a female Goosander and two splendid drake Red-Breasted Merganser. Some “fly over” additions to this list being a few skeins of Pink-Footed Geese heading North and flock of 14 Whooper Swans passing low over the nearby industrial estate.

Spending some time on the coast, snuggled in my adopted hide at Cambois similarly yielded some good birds this week though these were few and far between. A handful of Red-Throated Diver remain, one of which now actually sporting a red-throat (ooft). With these a nice mix of Guillemot, Razorbill, Shag and more Red-Breasted Merganser, all of which will surely depart for more favourable climes in the coming days. An adult Gannet flying south today provided a breath of fresh air, as did the presence of some 25 Kittiwakes feeding quite far out with another, an immature individual complete with characteristic black “w” markings, flying overhead as I rambled along the beach. These aside other tidbits  here included; 4 Fulmar, 3 Lesser Black-Backed Gull and, this morning, a superb Mediterranean Gull – the latter my first Patchwork Challenge tick of the month.

What else? Well, the walk between the coast and home proved fruitful. Meadow Pipit and Skylark singing in various locations and an alba “White” Wagtail foraging in the dunes. The same dunes also held 3 Stonechat, all of which proved as confiding as ever. Further inland, picking my way back through the various sections of farmland contained within the patch boundary turned up Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Kestrel and, perhaps best of all, a Grey Partridge singing from the cover of a thicket – if indeed you can all the peculiar croaking noise they make a song. A single Red-Legged Partridge was also seen, standing idle on a roadside verge, while passing back over the Sleek Burn two Little Egrets lifted before dropping back onto the mud to feed. These, alongside the resident pair of Water Rail – both of which have been showing impeccably of late – conclude this weeks avian offerings. Not a bad haul eh?

Before I depart for the summer come late April I hope to catch up with a few more returning migrants. Surely a Swallow or two should be on the cards? Followed (I hope) by House Martin, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel and Willow Warbler. Of course, the possibility of an early Cuckoo, an Osprey or Whinchat will also keep me out and about and I intend to make the very best of my time at Blyth before my upcoming hiatus.

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Capering in the Cairngorms (& Black Isle)

I’ve been back from Scotland a mere few hours and already I find myself compelled to waffle about what was, in truth, a truly exquisite few days. The highlands have always captivated me; the rugged terrain, vast native forests, whisky, haggis and, of course, superb wildlife. This week found me presented with the perfect chance to indulge my passion further courtesy of a rather spontaneous trip with Ian Craft (@TotalEcology) and Sacha Elliot (@Sacha_Ecology) – something for which I am awfully grateful. With  up close and personal encounters with iconic mammals, great birds, panoramic views and even a vagrant gull I certainly had a good time and have rather a lot to talk about here.

Where to start? Well, the undisputed highlight of the week was a visit to the famed Speyside Wildlife Hide situated on the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate. This is site I am forever seeing featured on TV and on the blogs of other naturalists thus it was wonderful to finally visit myself! The fellow operating the hide was fantastic; a real font of knowledge with regards to Scottish wildlife though, of course, it was the animals themselves that proved most exciting. First came Badgers, four of them to be precise, feeding mere meters from windows where we sat wide eyed and excited. Indeed, until now, I have only ever seen Badgers as distant blurs and it was truly exciting to view them at close quarters. These fed for perhaps an hour outside the glass but soon faded into obscurity when our target species emerged from forest. I am of course referring to Pine Martens! Two of which showed throughout the duration of our visit, giving impeccable views as they snaffled peanut butter and eggs. The sheer size of the Martens  actually came as quite a surprise to me, much bigger than I had anticipated but no less wondrous. The monochrome images below simply do not do them justice though I had little choice but to shoot in black and white, my little camera not fairing all too well in the low light.

Pine Marten

Speaking of the Rothiemurchus Estate, a few spare hours during the day allowed us to appreciate the estate in all its diurnal splendor. Truth be told however, aside from a brief woodland wander I barely left the carpark! Lazy, not quite; the feeders here held a couple of confiding Red Squirrels and a good mix of common woodland birds with Siskin, Chaffinch, Coal Tit and Great Tit well represented and both Song & Mistle Thrush singing nearby. The Squirrels proved to be the highlight however, perfectly demonstrating their athleticism as they attempted to extract peanuts from the feeders. The Squirrels here looked somewhat different to those in my native Northumberland, largely blonde as opposed to red. I would be interested to know why this is if anyone reading this post knows? Anyways, elsewhere on the estate the loch held a number of returning Goldeneye and three Grey Wagtail fed around the margins. Sacha had a Crested Tit here though wandering off to ogle Squirrels I sadly missed this. A great site and one than I will undoubtedly visit again in the future.

Sticking with the woodland theme, a visit to Loch Garten RSPB proved enjoyable despite the reserve itself being closed. Staking out the car park I was delighted to catch sight of a Crested Tit making the most of the peanut butter provided by the throng of eager photographers. Easily my best views to date and pleasure to behold under any circumstances. A Great Spotted Woodpecker also showed well here as did the other, more run of the mill, odds and ends. A visit to a second woodland site with the express intend of catching sight of my first Capercaillie failed to reveal our quarry (we didn’t stray from the path – disturbing Capers is a no go in my opinion) but did provide four more Crested Tit and an all too brief Common Crossbill.

Red Squirrel

Of the additional sites visited within the Cairngorms, two in-particular stand out; first and foremost, Cairngorm itself. Here we set out with the express intend of catching up with the areas renowned Ptarmagin – though due to time constraints we did not make it very far up the mountain and, as such, not see any. We did however catch up with a number of particularly showy Red Grouse (a real favourite of mine) and the sites resident herd of Reindeer, some of which decided to plonk themselves in the road. Not native nor truly wild but enjoyable all the same. Secondly; we paid a visit to Findhorn Valley where we very lucky enough to catch up with a pair of Peregrine alongside Buzzard, Kestrel, a few Brown Hare and more surprisingly, a group of rather shaggy Feral Goats!

As the title of this post suggests, we also spend a good deal of time on the Black Isle, north of Inverness. This was the location of our abode for the weekend; a delightful cottage in the town of Avoch – a town that provided its own wave memorable encounters. Setting up shop outside the house, a few stints scoping the Moray Firth came up trumps with a cracking Great Northern Diver and a number of Long-Tailed Duck – some of which had transitioned into breeding plumage. The Loch also threw up Guillemot, Razorbill, Goldeneye and Wigeon while the shoreline teamed with waders, gulls and a good number of Hooded Crows – a species I do not see all too often. A Tawny Owl provided a welcome garden tick here while further west at Chanory Point we were lucky enough to gain VERY close views of a pod of Bottlenose Dolphin fishing mere meters from shore. At least six individuals were seen, among them a very young calf though it was the adults that proved most exciting; some of them breaching entirely and inspiring no end of enthralled gasps! Gasps that were promptly exaggerated when a Black-Throated Diver passed overhead on route to the sea.

While exploring the Black Isle we also paid a visit to the Red Kite feeding station and much to our surprise found the site entirely deserted, excluding the extremely knowledgeable RSPB warden with whom we chatted for a good hour. The kites themselves did not disappoint, snatching lumps of steak from specially designed feeding platform and giving otherworldly views for a good half hour. Following this, myself and Sacha found time to indulge our fondness for rarities – setting off to “twitch” the returning Ring-Billed Gull in the town of Dingwall. Sure enough, after a little scanning, the bird was located on top of the academy where it snoozed in the company of the resident Herring Gulls. A smart American vagrant and a great way to conclude the trip. Hurrah!

So, there you have it! Our jaunt up North proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. My only regret? That I did not have more time to explore the area. I will definitely be back and next time will set about catching up with the species missed during the aforementioned venture. Of these; Capercaillie, Scottish Crossbill and breeding plumage Slavonian Grebes are perhaps my most longed for targets.

Trip Report: Extremadura (Parte 1)

So, I’m back and what an amazing few days! Before I get to the all important birding, I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with the recent FIO2016 press-trip to Extremadura. The whole ordeal was nothing short of eye-opening and I am incredibly grateful to Vanesa Palacios and Yarida Chaparro for hosting, what was in truth, a truly outstanding trip. Likewise our guides, Marc Galvez (@Onaga_Ambiental) and Godfried Schreur were fantastic, full of intriguing facts and extremely talented – truly I do not think I have ever met anyone so overtly knowledgeable! It really was an real honour to be included on this venture, if a little dumbfounding. Watching wildlife alongside the likes of Sheena Harvey and Matt Merrit, the editors of BBC Wildlife Magazine and Bird Watching Magazine respectively, plus a host of tour operators from as far away as Hong Kong and the USA left me a more than a little starstruck. All in all, I am very grateful for the opportunity and hope to visit Extremadura again in the future (If I do not decide to move their permanently first). Now however, birds..

Pictured: Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Cinereous Vulture – Monfragüe

Where better to start than with Monfragüe National Park, our first port of call and the jewel in the crown of Extremadura. Monfragüe, the only national park in Extremadura far surpassed expectations. Comprising picturesque mountain ranges, large expanses of dehesa bursting with Holm Oak and Cork and, of course, the Tajo river; the park truly is a fantastic location – holding some of the areas most iconic species and more than enough to keep any birder enthralled for hours.

Heading first to the Castle of Monfragüe, a short walk up the wooded slopes provided our first chance for some real Spanish birding. Here the abundant trees teamed with Firecrest, Chaffinch and Serin while Short-Toed Treecreeper was heard and a delightful pair of Red-Billed Chough circled overhead. Heading up towards the castle and stopping occasionally to admire certain botanical elements yet more species became apparent. First, a Jay briefly broke cover before a passing Hawfinch diverted our attention; next came Iberian Green Woodpecker, Crag Martin and Black Redstart followed quickly by my first “lifer” of the trip, a wonderful pair of Rock Bunting feeding by the track. Only after admiring these (and picking up Blackcap and a calling Red-Legged Partridge) did we reach the castle itself where we were able to enjoy magical panoramic views of our surroundings. As if the views were not enough, the site also abounded with Griffon Vultures, more and more lifting from their cliff-top perches as the morning went on. These showed marvelously here, some 150 noted throughout the morning and some giving impeccable views as they flew mere meters overhead. As if it could not get any better, soon a number of Cinereous Vultures joined the fray, riding the thermals overhead alongside a a scattering of Egyptian Vultures. All together, the three species present, provided one of the most memorizing spectacles I have ever had the pleasure to behold. Something only enhanced by a distant Black Stork (too distant to tick), the constant calling of the nearby Chough’s and the addition of Red-Rumped Swallow to our ever growing list. What a way to begin the trip!

Pictured: Black Stork & Griffon Vultures – Salto Del Gitano

Next on the agenda was a visit to another area of the national park, the Salto del Gitano where we were treated to exceptional views of six Black Stork – another lifer for this relative novice! Here Griffon, Black and Egyptian Vultures delighted once more and a distant Sparrowhawk sailed on the horizon. From the viewpoint Marc also drew our attention to a Peregrine nest while the vegetated margins of the reservoir provided a hub of passerine activity. Serin, Goldfinch and Sardinian Warber proved abundant here, as did Crag Martin, while three Red-Rumped Swallow gave good views and both White Wagtail and Great Cormorant were new for the trip. More interesting still was the presence of two more Rock Bunting while a utterly superb Blue Rock Thrush sung from a nearby ledge and a distant Black Wheatear was expertly scoped by our guide. Three more “lifers” in the bag and smiles all around, when I return to Extremadura I will certainly return here for longer and would advise anyone visiting the area to do the same.

Following our success at the Salto del Gitano, our next port of call was the Extremadura Birdwatching Fair which, as expected, proved to be a fantastic affair. Soaking up the atmosphere for quite some time, I found it quite difficult to drag myself away from the tantalising tour marquees but when I did, I opted to set off into the dehesa for a few hours solo birding – something which proved incredibly rewarding, if also a little frustrating – the lack of a guide making identifying larks somewhat difficult. First came nice views of another lifer, a small flock of Azure-Winged Magpie followed promptly by both Cirl Bunting and another cracking Blue Rock Thrush, this time on top of a dilapidated barn. Corn Bunting were everywhere here (as they were in all of Extremdura), their “jangling key” calls a welcome change to the norm while a flock of some c200 House Martin gathered around a small puddle and a pair of Black Redstart skipped around the footpath. The male bird proving particularly obliging. Serin were, of course, rather numerous also though two Siskin came as somewhat of a surprise before being scared off by an Iberian Grey Shrike. Moving on, yet more time was spend scrutinizing the sites lark species, a venture that yielded both Crested Lark and Thekla Lark – both of which were new birds for me.  Heading back to the rendezvous, a Hoopoe briefly crossed my path and an array of more familiar species were added, among these; Greenfinch, Dunnock and a good number of Barn Swallow. These however were soon forgotten as I was commandeered for an interview by a local TV crew and rather awkwardly set about singing the praises of Extremadura in front of a rather large camera. Another first!

On a side note – there is of course, a lot more to Extremadura than just birds and my all too breif solo jaunt at the fair provided an opportunity to scrutinize the sites invertebrates in a little more detail. Of these, it was the plentiful butterflies that proved most interesting with two new species seen including Spanish Festoon and Large Tortoiseshell alongside a healthy array of Clouded Yellow, Brimstone, Bath White, Painted Lady and Red Admiral. These, alongside an intriguing Bee-Fly and a pair of Red Deer helped fill the quieter spells of the walk rather nicely. Who knows what I could have unearthed with a little more time. Another incentive to return at a later date? I think so, though, as ever, birds will always take precedence.

Pictured: Thekla Lark, Siskin, Serin and Black Redstart – Monfragüe

Well, that is part one of my Extremadura trip-report over and done with. Believe it or not, all of that listed above took place during the first full day of the trip! I figured it would be best to split these posts up a little bit (if only to include all of my pictures), stay tuned for part two in the next few days.

Wish to visit Extremadura? Contact the Spanish Tourist Office and visit spain.info

Blyth birding and a Dunlin in distress

Before I get into the usual local patch based rambling, I thought I would draw your attention to one of today’s more unusual events. Walking along the length of the estuary, as I do most days, a commotion on the shore caught my attention. From a distance I could see a Springer Spaniel bounding around at the waters edge and its owner, a young woman, yelling somewhat halfheartedly for it to return. Only when I got a little closer did I realise the dog was actually chasing something, a small bird that kept flying short distances in an effort to evade the mutt. Hardly a daring rescue but I decided to intervene, yanking the dog back to its owner – something apparently did not please her and scooping up the bird which turned out to be the Dunlin shown below. Fast forward a little bit and after a short while  wrapped in my coat the little chap soon perked up, enough for me let it go and it soon shot off to the seawall, narrowly avoiding a previously unseen Great Black-Backed Gull which I initially thought had eaten it (gulp). As you can see from the pictures below it was soon scuttling about and I felt comfortable leaving it to its own devices. Great to see this species up close but I only wish it had been under different circumstances. I do hate dogs..

Anyways, back to the patch reporting and as ever the estuary  proved the main hub of activity this week, although wader numbers have dropped drastically. Scanning through the feeding leggy flocks, three Black-Tailed Godwits were picked out looking resplendent in their rosy summer plumage. Further exploration revealed a further ‘Blackwit’ looking somewhat more drab, four Bar-Tailed Godwit and two Grey Plover while as of Sunday four Knot also remained in evidence. Elsewhere the usual odds and ends delighted as ever though the total absence of any Lapwing and Golden Plover was unexpected. Peak counts of additional wader species this week came went as follows; 52 Dunlin, 80 Oystercatcher, 43 Curlew, 18 Turnstone, c100 Redshank and a single Sanderling. Moving on, the gull roost failed to provide anything of note with the exception of two returning Lesser Black-Backed Gulls though both Little Egret and Grey Heron were picked up combing the shallows.

In stark contrast with the sites waders, wildfowl numbers on the Blyth are continuing to build nicely, Shelduck showcasing the sharpest increase with up to 70 now in residence. Alongside these; 89 Teal, 22 Eider, 2 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 5 Goldeneye and 12 Gadwall. More interesting was the presence of 7 Red-Breasted Merganser and 2 Goosander in the boatyard. The majority of the former comprising rather dapper drakes. A tad more unusual here was the addition of a lone Guillemot fishing in the harbour with a further six seen during a short seawatch from North Blyth yesterday morning. Said seawatch also threw up a new Patchwork Challenge tick with a Razorbill fishing close to shore and a good mix of Common Scoter, Red-Throated Diver, Shag and Cormorant also noted.

Elsewhere things remained largely quiet this week, excluding a few jaunts to Ha’penny Woods where my volunteer work with Red Squirrels NE continues, despite some unsavory character stealing one trap and hurling another into a ditch. Perhaps they need reminded that freeing Grey Squirrels is against the law? Anyhow, mooching around in the woods did provide a number of nice encounters. The best of which being a pair of Grey Wagtails foraging around one of the small woodland streams. Spring is certainly in the air in my little corner of Northumberland, Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Song Thrush belting out tunes and only a few winter migrants remaining, among these a few Siskin and Redwing. Three Roe Deer provided the cherry on top of what has, all in all, been a rather joyous week on the patch.

 

That’s all from me this week, tomorrow finds me heading off to Extremadura for my first ever press-trip (eek). With species such as Eagle Owl, Black Vulture, Red-Knobbed Coot and Purple Swamphen on the cards, it’s safe to say its going to be an exciting few days. Topped off wonderfully with a trip to the Spanish Birdfair!

 

 

 

 

 

Are Badgers over-protected?

A few days back I touched upon the potential impact of Badgers upon Britain’s declining Hedgehog population and resigned myself to the fact that they probably are somewhat detrimental. Not an easy thing to admit if, like me, you adore the stripey mustelids. For some further reading, I thought I would share this fantastic post by Peter Cooper looking  at Badgers in a little more depth and asking, ultimately, if Badgers are in fact over protected?

Weekly Posts for Conservation Jobs

So, after testing the water for a while (and getting some very positive feedback), I will now be writing weekly blog posts for Conservation Jobs (found here), the wonderful new conservation careers portal. Many of these will be posted here also but in case you are interested my profile on their website can be found here. This certainly feels like another great leap in terms of my writing aspirations and with a a very large reader base it will be nice to showcase my work on a broader platform! One more step in the right direction I should hope..

Declining Hedgehogs: Are Badgers to Blame?

Two of Britain’s most adored mammals, the Badger (Meles meles) and Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are never far from the headlines in recent times, though for starkly contrasting reasons. Badgers it seems are public enemy number one, at least to some. Indeed, following a dramatic population increase, Badgers are now subject to a controversial cull in an effort to halt the spread of bovine tuberculosis, with some arguing that the cull may benefit more than just ailing cattle.

Unlike the Badger, which has made the press due to a increase in numbers and the associated implications of such a rise, Hedgehogs have achieved coverage for an entirely different reason. Yes, whereas Badger numbers have risen in recent years, Hedgehogs have plummeted, their population crashing from an estimated 36 million in the 1950’s to less than one million today. The reasons for this seem clear; habitat loss, traffic collisions and farming practices often cited as possible catalysts. Some however have suggested a different explanation for this worrying trend; that Badgers may in fact be a driving factor in decline of the Hedgehog. This is a subject that has been touched on frequently in recent years, with many articles published on the matter including those here, here and here. Some, it seems, seek to justify the current Badger cull through its supposed benefits to our besieged Hedgehogs while others dispute this notion most virulently. Are Badgers really to blame for the decline of the Hedgehog in the UK? If not entirely, are they playing their part and as such, are culls justified? I certainly do not have the answers but, reading up on the matter, it does make for an interesting debate.

Badgers eat Hedgehogs, that is a fact.

Whatever your thoughts on the matter, it is impossible to deny that Badgers are a natural predator of Hedgehogs. Though both Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Domestic Dogs have been shown to kill Hedgehogs, in Europe this species has only two main predators; the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) and the Badger. With Eagle Owls rare in the UK, the Badger is widely considered to be the main predator of Hedgehogs both in Britain and Northern Europe (Hubert et al, 2011). Indeed, most Badger dietary assessments from Europe, including that of Goszczynaski et al (2000) show Hedgehogs to feature in the diet of Badgers – though it should be stressed that nowhere, to the best of my knowledge, are Hedgehogs a dominant prey item; Earthworms, rodents, vegetable matter all taking precedence. Still, Hedgehogs are taken to a varying degree and Badger/Hedgehog depredation is by no means a rare occurrence.

Do Badgers impact upon Hedgehog populations?

Badgers do indeed have the potential to impact upon Hedgehog populations, particularly in rural areas (Hof & Bright, 2009). In Britain, where under the right circumstances, badger density can reach 30-40 individuals per square kilometer (Macdonald & Newman, 2002) it has been shown that Hedgehog abundance naturally varies in direct relation to the abundance of Badger setts (Michol et al, 1994). In addition to this, it has also been shown that female Hedgehogs tend to avoid areas with a heavy Badger presence (Dowding, Harris & Baker, 2010) while Doncaster (1992) concluded that Badgers impacted upon Hedgehog dispersal in their study of an introduced Hedgehog population. Finally, Hubert et al (2011) also observed reduced reproductive success in rural Hedgehogs hailing from areas with a comparably low Badger density – thus it stands to reason that in Britain, where Badgers are more numerous, such an effect could be amplified.

In the UK Hedgehogs have been shown to be more abundant in urban areas as opposed to rural settings, something that has been attributed to the lower abundance of Badgers in urban environments (Hof & Bright, 2009). Indeed, in Britain studies have shown Hedgehog numbers to stand somewhere in the region of 20-70 individuals per square km compared to upwards of 80 in urban areas (Doncaster, 1992; Morris, 1988; Reeve, 1994). With British cities still holding relatively few Badgers it stands to reason that Hedgehog declines in urban areas can be attributed to other factors such as the alteration of gardens and traffic collisions. It should be noted that urban badgers are however becoming more common, something which could lead to conflict further down the line with urban hedgehog populations already depleted due to the aforementioned factors.

In addition to direct depredation, Badgers may also impact upon Hedgehogs through competition for food. Both species are indeed partial to Earthworms and a may consume five times more in one sitting that a Hedgehog. This however is likely to only pose a problem in exceptional circumstances and thus does not warrant much concern.

Would a Badger cull help Hedgehogs?

Evidence from the initial pilot culls in 2014 has shown, that at some sites, Hedgehog numbers did increase following the removing of Badgers. Something that makes sense given the predator/prey relationship observed between the two species, and a fact that has lead to some advocating badger culls as a way of conserving Hedgehogs. Removing predators is a tried and tested way to conserve prey species and though many may not like it, increased control of Badgers likely would benefit Hedgehogs – Perhaps more so in rural areas given the findings of Hof & Bright (2009) etc.

Despite these results however many organisations including the  British Hedgehog Preservation Society  (BHPS) and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) have voiced their concern over such a notion. In a joint statement, both organisations reiterated the need to combat the other factors attributing to Hedgehog declines, stressing a need to focus on the conservation of Hedgehogs in urban areas by creating hedgehog friendly towns and through the removal of barriers that prevent foraging. Both organisations stand fully opposed to the present badger cull, writing:

None of the scientific evidence supports the idea that culling badgers is an effective means of controlling bovine TB in the field. Recent pilot culls (2013, 2014) failed to kill sufficient animals for the cull to have been effective (despite extending the length of the trial) and raised doubts about the humaneness of the method. Given this, BHPS and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) join leading wildlife scientists in arguing against a cull of badgers to control bovine TB. Indeed, scientific evidence suggests that culling badgers may make the TB situation worse, a further reason why PTES/BHPS would not advocate culling badgers to benefit hedgehogs”.

Opinion

The Badger vs Hedgehog debate really is a tricky one, both species comprising iconic figments of the British landscape. At present I remain firmly on the fence in regards to the “cull or not to cull debate“. The present Badger cull does not sit well with me, not because of ethics – Indeed I freely support many species control schemes but simply due to the limited facts showing that culling makes any real difference to bovine TB levels. This said, Hedgehogs are likely to benefit from the control of badgers, as shown by the pilot culls thus I would find it hard to dispute such actions should further research be produced highlighting a negative relationship between the species. Like it or not, Badger culls are a reality at present and this does provide the perfect opportunity for research into the relationship between the two species. With culls set to roll out across new areas, research into Hedgehog populations should surely follow. If widespread increases are noted, I may well have to reevaluate my neutral stance. I do however find it important to combat the arguably more pressing issues associated with Hedgehog declines however.

Badgers and Hedgehogs have coexisted in harmony for millennia and it is only now, due to factors such as habitat loss, traffic and so forth that they have come into conflict. These factors surely kill far more Hedgehogs each year than Badgers and are undoubtedly responsible for weakening populations to such an extent that depredation by a natural predator becomes a problem. While things are indeed being done to conserve Hedgehogs in urban areas, things look less promising in the countryside – Something that may lead to a ‘discussion’ about Badgers in the future. Until then however I look forward to seeing every option explored and hopefully, a conclusion reached that benefits both species.

Image Credit: Badger, By kallerna – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20438654. Hedgehog by James Common, Own work.

Martens & Capercaillie: A conflict of interests?

Lately I have noticed a number of comments, from a number of sources, claiming that Pine Martens could be having a negligible impact on Scotland’s vulnerable Capercaillie population. This, in my opinion, is an intriguing topic; both species stringently protected by law and both firm favourites among nature lovers. At present, the two species in question display starkly contrasting population trends; Pine Marten’s increasing and Capercaillie continuing to plummet. This has lead some, notably the Scottish Gamekeepers Association to suggest control of Pine Martens in order to protect dwindling Capercaillie populations. Could one iconic Scottish species be causing the decline of another? If so, would Pine Marten control be justified? This debate poses a lot of questions and I certainly do not have the answers, though a scan of the available literature gives considerable food for thought.

Background 

The Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is the largest member of the Grouse family; a cold-adapted, ground nesting species native to Northern and North-Eastern Europe. It is dependent on conifer forests with an open canopy and a rich shrub layer abundant in Vaccinium species such as Bilberry, species which the Caper’ relies on for sustenance. The story of the Capercaillie in Britain is a particularly solemn one, today’s remaining birds derived entirely from Swedish stock imported in 1837 following the complete extirpation of native birds due to the combined effects of deforestation and overhunting. At first, the reintroduction program was a success, Capercaillie thriving until the mid-1970’s before beginning a sustained decline that continues until this day. By 2009, it is estimated that only 1268 male Capercaillie remained in Scotland marking a 36% decrease in numbers since previous surveys in 2004. Should this decline continue, it safe to assume that the “horse of the woods” could face extinction, for a second time, in the very near future.

Like the Capercaillie, the Pine Marten (Martes martes) has a rather woeful history in the UK and despite recent increases remains one of Britain’s rarest mammals. A member of the Mustelid family, it is estimated that the Marten was once one of Britain’s most common mammals, thriving as a result of widespread tree cover. Despite this, by the early 1900’s the species came close to extinction, namely as a result of the removal of said forests and direct persecution by man. By 1915 the species was mainly confined to the most inaccessible reaches of Scotland and Ireland with a few scattered remnant populations persisting elsewhere. Now however, the tide has turned. Due, in no small part, to legal protection, the Pine Marten has begun to make a comeback, spreading across the length and breadth of Scotland and slowly beginning to recolonise sites elsewhere in the UK. Indeed the present population estimate courtesy of The Mammal Society stands at around 3-4000 individuals.

A conflict situation? 

The Pine Marten is a voracious predator, though one that has coexisted with the Capercaillie across its range for millennia. No one, on either side of the debate, denies that Martens are a natural predator of Capercaillie, opportunistically predating eggs and chicks when the opportunity arises. Indeed, as a ground nesting species, the Caper’ is particularly vulnerable to predation from a myriad of species. Among these, corvids and foxes which are already subject to control measures to protect the species and increase breeding success. As such, it stands to reason that an increase in any natural predator, in this case the Marten, will have some impact on the Capercaillie, though the extent of this remains open to interpretation.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), referencing a 2009 study where 57% of predated Capercaillie nests were taken by Pine Martens in Abernethy Forest, have advocated control measures as the only means to protect declining Caper’ populations. Indeed, both Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and members of the Biodiversity Action Plan group (BAP) have acknowledged that Martens may have an impact on fragile Capercaillie populations. SGA’s Allan Hodgson highlights the fact that despite combating the other factors associated with Capercallie declines, mainly habitat loss and deer fencing, declines continue and suggests predator control as the only means by which to halt declines. On this he writes: “What’s needed are new conservation measures, alongside the existing programme of work, and that must include measures to deal with all predators and pine marten in the remaining core Capercaillie area.”. Later highlighting the need for a managed scientific trial by writing: ”A managed scientific trial using live traps to capture and transfer pine marten during the breeding season in the remaining Capercaillie heartland has been mooted.Such a localized trial may establish the benefits or otherwise to Capercaillie survival in the core area, if pine marten were removed.

The notion that Pine Martens are directly impacting on Capercaillie populations has been hotly contested by some however with the Mammal Society in particular directly opposed to control measures. Although they acknowledge that in the later stages of decline, localised predation by Marten’s could have an impact on Capercaillie numbers, the Society claims that at present, the issue stands on the peripheral and would not accept such measures at present. Writing: “recognising that the pine marten is a scarce, protected mammal still recolonising its former range, The Mammal Society does not accept that the removal of pine martens is justified by the questionable benefits to capercaillie conservation”. Various groups also highlight the fact that, should a cull ever take place, it may be of limited benefit to Caper’ populations. Likewise pointing out that such schemes should never be undertaken lightly – something I think all of us will likely agree with.

A number of other scientific studies have tried to get to the bottom of this controversial issue and many of them have produced contrasting results. In A recent study in fourteen forests found no link between Capercaillie breeding success and Pine Marten abundance though some have produced different results. In addition, attempting to summarise the existing data, Dr Fiona Matthews of the University of Exeter writes:

“A study in Abernethy Forest, where pine martens are particularly abundant, revealed that 39% of capercaillie nests were predated (where other predators were controlled, around a third of nests were lost to pine martens); this level of nest loss was close to the mid-range among other studies in Scotland and in Europe. A recent study of the impacts of various predators on capercaillie in north-east Scotland confirmed that signs of pine martens were more abundant than in 1995. However, no evidence was found of a relationship between pine marten abundance and any of the three measures of capercaillie breeding success, leading to the conclusion that: ‘This survey found no evidence to suggest that martens are impacting upon capercaillie breeding success’. A multivariate analysis of long-term capercaillie brood count data confirmed that breeding success is strongly influenced by weather. When the effects of weather and predator variables were considered together, some measures of capercaillie breeding success varied negatively with an index of marten abundance.”

For the rest of Fiona’s excellent paper on the matter, see here: https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/documents/MammalNewsAutumn2012.pdf

 Opinion 

In my opinion, it is clear that something needs to be done now, in order to combat the worrying decline of the Capercaillie. Whether recovering Pine Martens are playing a role in this remains unclear and as such, under no circumstances, would I support a lethal control programme in current times. This said, surely it would not hurt to clear the issue up once and for all? I cannot help but agree with the SGA way of thinking in that a well-managed scientific study, involving the live capture and relocation of Martens from Capercaillie conservation zones would help put this matter to bed. The individuals relocated could be used to sustain reintroduction schemes elsewhere in the UK, thus benefitting the long-term conservation of Pine Martens. Such a study would allow us to highlight, once and for all, the relationship between these two species. If Capercaillie numbers recovered during the absence of Martens, perhaps a conversation regarding future control measures would be justified. If no recovery became apparent, Martens could simply be allowed to relcolonise the sites from surrounding areas. To me there is no downside to such a scheme though, as ever, the arguments surrounding the ethics of such schemes will no doubt come into play – though in my opinion, these play second fiddle to the wider conservation of the species in question. Surely it cannot hurt to trial such a study  and conclude this debate and for all.

 Both species are iconic inhabitants of the Scottish landscape and both warrant strict protection. Indeed the Pine Marten has only recolonised 15% of its former range in Britain and still has a long way to go. Still, if we do not get the ball rolling and uncover the truth behind the issue, we may find ourselves standing by as the Capercallie slips even closer to extinction. At least with a trial of non-lethal control in such areas, the truth behind the debate will come to light and we may be able to make informed decisions regarding the future conservation of both species. As ever, this is simply my personal view, I am not in a position to advise people either way and fully understand some people will disagree with this. Still, it certainly makes for an interesting debate when two species of conservation concern potentially come into direct conflict.

Into the murky depths of Teeside..

A rare jaunt outside the county yesterday found me delving into the murky depths of Teeside with the lovely Sacha Elliott (@Sacha_Ecology), intent on a day of semi-localised twitching. All in all, a great day was had all around; good weather, good food, good company and, more importantly, great birds making for an exciting few hours.

Aiming to kill some time before RSPB Saltholme opened its doors, we decided to drop into ‘Seal Sands’ where a good number of both Common and Grey Seals lounged around very close to the hide. Though the greys are impressive enough in their own right, it is the common or Harbour Seals that are by far my favourite and with ten or so individuals snoozing in the morning sun I was not disappointed. Further exploration of the area turned up a nice variety of birds in addition to the curious balls of blubber; a Greenshank providing a welcome year tick and a number of Black-Tailed Godwit giving nice views. The various muddy channels here held a pair of Red-Breasted Merganser while the surrounding grassland boasted good numbers of Reed Bunting, Skylark and Meadow Pipit though these were later topped by close views of Fox  as it broke cover to cross one of the open areas, the whole time harassed by a small group of Carrion Crows.

Grey Seal

Arriving at Saltholme we first made a b-line for the Discovery Zone where the now famous Penduline Tits had been showing a week earlier, though not without a few pit stops along the way. Firstly to ogle the visitor center feeding station where a pleasant mix of; Tree Sparrow, Starling, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch fed contently and secondly to admire the female Smew showing nicely nearby – only my second ever encounter with this species. Plonking ourselves in the hide to await the arrival of the aforementioned tits, it is safe to say we were not feeling overly optimistic, the birds themselves not seen for quite some time prior to our arrival. Worry proved needless however and only a mere five minutes after arriving the excited shouts of one local alerted us to the arrival of our quarry. Sure enough, both Penduline Tits gave fantastic, up close and personal views just outside the hide though getting a photo proved somewhat difficult; numerous chaps with awfully big setups blocking most available viewing points. Never-mind, still a very welcome “lifer” for both me and Sacha, made even better by the constant calling of the local Water Rails and both Little Grebe and Pochard nearby. Exiting before the predicted clamor, a brief wander around the reserve threw up a number of other goodies including; Barnacle Goose, Pintail and Shoveler though we quickly decided to continue our spell of good luck elsewhere.

Next up, we dropped in to Jackson’s Landing quickly clapping eyes on the rather sickly Glaucous Gull residing in the Marina. The bird itself didn’t look overly well, sitting very low in the water with one of its wings hanging in a rather odd position though with plentiful food on offer it may well recover. An impressive bird nonetheless however and always a nice one to see. Sharing our chips with the local Herring Gulls, we were also able to pick out a yellow ringed first winter individual, likely from the Scottish banding scheme. This was promptly submitted to the relevant email address and I will update the blog when I hear back. From here we moved on to Hartlepool Headland where two Shore Larks showed down to a matter of feet as they fed on the gravelly area adjacent to the beach. Definitely a firm favourite of mine.

Last up we opted for a visit to Ward Jackson Park in order to catch up with everyone’s favourite non-native species, the Ring-Necked Parakeet. Well, they are certainly one of my favourites, Sacha however looked less that convinced. Sure enough, moments after arrival the characteristic raucous squawks of three Parakeets were heard, allowing us to pick up three birds feeding high in the treetops near the roadside.Sticking around for a quarter of an hour or so, no less than ten birds put in an appearance marking by far the largest concentration of the species I have seen in the North. A sign of things to come perhaps? One bird in particular proved interesting, seemingly excavating a new nest hole out of one of the trees, beautifully green tail splayed out the entire time. I really do love these birds though as a conservationist I probably shouldn’t..

Neonicotinoid insecticides and farmland birds

A very interesting blog by Phillip Strange regarding the use of Neonicotinoid insecticides and their impact on farmland birds – Fits in nicely with my recent piece regarding the decline of the Yellowhammer in the UK.

Source: Disturbing the natural order – the case of neonicotinoid insecticides and farmland birds

Nine nature blogs you all should follow

It is no secret that I love blogging. Writing about wildlife is a great passion of mine, something that has allowed me to meet and interact with a number of highly passionate individuals, many of whom likewise maintain blogs of their own. At present, rarely a day goes by without at least an hour spent trawling the web, updating myself as to the comings and goings of various naturalists, many of whom put my humble little page to shame with their talent and dedication. With this in mind, I thought I would put together a post highlighting some of my favourite wildlife bloggers, pointing out their respective websites so you yourself can take a look. From accounts of day-trips, opinion pieces and creative writing to local patch reporting and educational articles; the blogs listed below are all fantastic and all worth a gander if you find yourself with time to spare.

  1. Appleton Wildlife Diary – Alex White

A wonderful account of the wildlife seen around Alex’s home county of Oxfordshire and occasionally further afield, written wonderfully and adorned with some fantastic photography. I was first made aware of this site through the BBC Local Patch Reporters thread and have been a loyal reader ever since. Alex also recently contributed a cracking piece to the ‘Rants for Change’ blog, touching on an issue all too familiar to many young naturalists. This can be found here. – It feels me with great pride to see members of the younger generation taking such a proactive interest in natural history.

2. The Reremouse – Morgan Bowers

Easily one of the most eye-catching and attractive blogs I have ever seen but also jam-packed with informative posts regarding everything from bushcraft to species identification and even cookery! Morgan’s site is easily one of the more educational pages in this list and is definitely worth a visit. You may even learn a thing or two, I certainly have. Oh, and if you are a badger lover like I am, this is certainly the blog for you.

3. Barcode Ecology – Megan Shersby

Megan’s blog, much like my own, focuses predominantly on her personal experiences in nature and is simply bursting with exciting trip reports among a number of other things. It has been lovely to follow Megan’s adventures though perhaps more interesting is her tendency to challenge herself each year through her ‘wildlife resolutions’, something I do not see all too often on other sites. Barcode Ecology is also fairly interactive, the occasional quiz popping up to keep readers on their toes from time to time.

4. Kingfisher Blog – Warren Price

Warren’s blog is unique in the sense that it revolves predominately around a single species, the Kingfisher. Both educational and enjoyable, it is possible to follow the lives of Warren’s local Kingfishers through informative updates and superb photography. Seriously, the vast majority of the photos included here are enough to leave you weak at the knees, pin sharp and perfect. Well worth a read.

5. Wild South London – Will Harper-Penrose

Before saying anything about the blog itself, I must first point out that it is Will’s writing style that keeps me glued to his updates. He has an unbridled knack for painting a very vivid picture of his adventures, so much so that it almost feels like you have enjoyed the experience alongside him. Like many of the best blogs, ‘Wild South London’ is an account of the author’s adventures and explorations in nature, coupled with excellent photography and absolute dedication to natural history. A recipe for success in my book.

6. Birding With Gus – Gus Routledge

Another firm favourite of mine, this blog courtesy of Gus Routledge combines very educational posts with accounts of local adventures and is nothing short of a pleasure to read. Anyone with an interest in botany (or birds) should certainly take note of this one. By my own admission, I usually drift off into a stupor whenever plants are mentioned, Gus’s blog, however, keeps me hooked for some reason and strangely, by my standards, I find myself reading about (and enjoying) posts centred around mosses and liverworts!

7. Self Titled – Dan Rouse

It is actually quite surprising that I have made it most of the way through this list without including a blog by another birder. Well, here one is. Dan’s blog comprises the right mix of trip reports, informative pieces and occasional opinion articles and really is a gem. I am familiar with Dan though ‘Next Generation Birders’ and know first hand just how enthusiastic she is when it comes to the natural world. All of this shines through on her blog and it is certainly worth hitting the follow button on this one.

8. Self Titled – Tiffany Imogen

Tiffany is without a doubt one of the most creative and gifted writers I know and each post; whether centred on cooking, various adventures or the dissection of owl pellets is a treat to behold. This is perhaps the only blog on this list that also includes occasional elements of poetry and creative writing, a refreshing change from the scientific mumbo jumbo that dominates some sites out there. Likewise, Tiffany’s flair for art and photography shine through and I cannot stress enough just how much I enjoy keeping up with her various comings and goings. She is also another BBC Local Patch Reporter and I would advise anyone to follow, browse and subscribe to their heart’s content.

9. Daily Nature Blog – Connel Bradwell

*Squeal* Killer Whales – That alone should give you more than enough reason to follow this blog. Connel’s fantastic ‘Daily Nature’ site is unique in the sense that is one of the only international blogs that I follow with any sort of dedication. Combing informative posts from across the pond with tales from the East Midlands, this blog is both entertaining and educational and really is worth a look. Connel is also the only “vlogger” to feature on this little list of mine, his Youtube videos a sure fire way to brighten up even the most tedious of days. Connel was recently highly commended in the BBC Wildlife Blogger Awards 2015, a just reward for a fantastic member of the online blogging community.

Of course, should you find yourself with some free time, you could browse the range of articles contained on this site too…

Are Internships Skewed Away From The Poor?

You care about the environment, are utterly infatuated with natural history and decide you wish to work in the conservation sector. What next? You leave school, hopefully in possession of good grades, graduate university and are then faced with the harsh reality of just how competitive the sector really is. You work out that the only way to get ‘ahead of the competition’ so to speak, is to gain experience through volunteer work. Volunteer work that often requires commitment for long periods of time in order to gain the experience required to further your career aspirations. So, you set your sights on a volunteer internship, residential placement or similar scheme, one that would almost certainly lead to better things in the future. The only problem is, you cannot afford to sustain yourself for such a period of time absent an income. What do you do next? Well, some are then able to acquire the necessary funds from family members and thus everything remains hunky dory. For many however, this is not an option. Many cannot afford to dedicate their time for periods of four, six or eight months absent an income. When this happens, many fall into an all too familiar trap. A merry-go-round of applications and rejections citing a “lack of applicable experience“.

The above scenario is one I fear is all too familiar to young people seeking a career in the environmental field and is certainly one that resonates with me. Volunteer work is perhaps the only sure fire way to achieve a career in conservation, and rightfully so. It highlights the dedication, passion and  the willingness to work of the person in question and has the potential to greatly bolster that individuals professional skill-set. More often than not, short-term volunteer placements do not offer the necessary level of work experience and thus people are forced to look for longer internships only to realise they cannot afford them. This alone is often enough to dissuade many people from following their dreams and I know too people people stuck in the ‘inexperience rut’ due to financial restraints. These people are no less passionate than those who have made the cut, they simply come from working-class background and cannot afford to live absent an income for long periods of time. This is a topic that, as a working-class conservationist, greatly interests me. It has lead some, including Oliver Simms (@OSimmsBirding) to question the current mentality and call for NGO’s to make such placements available to everyone, not just those from upper and middle-class backgrounds. An excellent blog by Oliver on the subject can be found here, on Mark Avery’s ‘Standing Up for Nature’ site.

Before proceeding, I feel I should give a little background on myself in this regard. As I mentioned before, I do not come from a wealthy background. This has never bothered me per say but it has meant that my family cannot afford to sustain me on my career quest. I jumped through all the hoops, good grades at school, a degree in a relevant field and small stints of volunteer work here and there. Upon graduating, I found myself presented with the aforementioned scenario, lacking the “one years work experience” requested in many job applications and thus opted to save up and delve into a volunteer internship. I was, later, lucky enough to be selected for a lengthy volunteer position with a renowned NGO and stand thoroughly grateful for the opportunity. Midway through said placement however, with a glaring student overdraft and money disappearing much faster than expected, it suddenly dawned on me that I could no longer afford to live without an income. As such, I decided to leave my ranger role and moved back home. This did not go down overly well with my “employers” who had suggested I take a weekend or evening job to sustain myself for the remaining months – something that while volunteering full time, five days a week (often including weekends), in a remote area, seemed wholly unfeasible. I would like to think opting leave early did cause others to question my dedication but I fear it did. Something that I understand but equally disagree with.

Fast forward a little over a year and things are looking brighter, I have landed my first ‘real’ job within the sector and things are certainly looking up. My situation, and the experiences of many others, have however caused me to ponder the topic in greater depth. Are careers in conservation tailored towards the wealthy? – At present I stand on the middle ground, understanding the  importance of voluntary experience and its wider benefits but slowly edging towards a resounding yes.

Please do not mistake this post for a general attack on volunteer positions – I understand how important they are. As I stated previously, they are a sure fire way to “cut your teeth” in conservation, providing you with many useful skills and working wonders for networking. Dedicating prolonged periods of time, absent pay, to any job is certainly a great way to demonstrate your dedication to the cause. Likewise, I understand that conservation bodies, most of whom rely on the good will of their members, cannot afford to offer a wage to all volunteers. I am very much of the mindset that even if you come from a low-income background, like I did, if you want something badly, you will work to get it. This explains my previous comment regarding occupying “the middle ground“. This said, it would not hurt for the playing field to be leveled somewhat and I do begrudge the fact that poorer individuals must work twice as hard to achieve their goals than those who can simply ‘buy their way into conservation’.

In his blog, Oliver calls for conservation NGO’s to offer bursaries to individuals from less privileged backgrounds, awarded once the applicant has achieved the position in question. This is something I fully agree with and I would personally like to see certain organisations, particularly those with large memberships and a lot of money, step up the the plate. Equally I would be happy if a student loan style scheme was set up by the powers that be to boost peoples career prospects though, given the nature of our government, I would have more luck extracting water from fragment of volcanic rock. Some may claim, that by offering bursaries based on income, conservation bodies would only be increasing the divide between classes but to me, it seems like a jolly good idea.

One of the other things I have seen touched upon, both by Oliver and others elsewhere, is the lack of attention centered on this issue. You would think that with many people likely missing out due to a lack of funds, more of a clamor would have been raised but alas, tumbleweed. After all, conservation and raising a fuss more often than not come hand in hand, it’s practically in the job description. The only reason I can think of for this is that those who have already made it and those with the financial stability not to worry about such things simply do not care. In the future I would love to see high profile members of our community taking this on board and making a difference and likewise, would like to those involved in the ‘youth conservation movement’ speaking out a lot more. Many, it seems, are vocal in private but fall silent when the issue is raised mainstream. This has to change, only with numerous voices calling for change will the issue be heard.

Of course, there is one glaring question associated with such change. Why would NGO’s bother to splash out funding poor individuals while wealthier people are tripping over themselves to fill the gaps? Well, Oliver again pretty much hits the nail on the head in the previously mentioned blog post. Not only would it increase equality within the workforce, it would allow more overtly passionate young people to contribute to the ‘good causes’ championed by such organisations. These people are equally capable, equally dedicated and who knows, if given the chance could develop into the next ‘big names’ speaking out to protect our wildlife. A win win situation if ever there was one is it not?

The Decline of the Yellowhammer in the UK

Last week I posted an article regarding the woeful decline of one of my favourite garden birds: the Willow Tit. This seemed to go down rather well and many of you claimed to have learnt a thing or two from it. As such, I thought I would cover another species with an equally solemn story, the Yellowhammer. Another firm favourite of mine and a species that never fails to brighten up a country stroll whenever it is encountered. Indeed, the sight of a male Yellowhammer, radiant in the summer sun is perhaps one of the finest sights in nature. Their characteristic “a little bit of bread and no cheese” song still, thankfully, the soundtrack to many a trip here in the North of England. This is not the case all over however and this brilliant bunting at present finds itself plummeting towards an abyss alongside many other familiar bird species.

The Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) showcases a unique trend among British farmland birds. The population of this passerine was, in fact, stable until the late 1980’s until the present decline began, a decline which, with the exception of Scotland has continued ever since.  With only 792,000 occupied Yellowhammer territories now present in the UK, this species has declined by 50% in only twenty-five years. Now finding itself “red-listed” by the RSPB, highlighting its status as an endangered species within the UK. Scouring the web, data regarding the decline of this charismatic species within England/Wales appears scarce though data from North Ireland where the species has undergone similar declines is rather abundant. Here an estimated 30,000 individuals in 1991 dropped to only 10,000 in 1997 before plummeting to an all-time low of only 5000 birds today. A worrying trend if ever there was one and one that likely replicates their decline across the Irish Sea. Like the Willow Tit, there are numerous theories explaining this overtly negative trend.

Reasons for the Decline

The Yellowhammer is by definition a farmland bird though for breeding it favours hedges and herbaceous field margins. In recent times however many hedgerows have been removed (Boatman et al, 1992) and many of the remaining ones have been degraded through decades of mismanagement. It, therefore, stands to reason that this has resulted in a loss of suitable nest sites for Yellowhammers and could well have removed a crucial food source for chicks, one that would usually sustain the species before the maturation of cereal crops in the summer. Habitat loss is not isolated to breeding habitat however and the removal of edge habitats used for foraging may also have played a role in the Yellowhammers decline. Like hedgerows, such habitats harbour a wealth of seeds and insects, thus denying the species a crucial food source when removed. Similarly, it has been suggested that a decrease in late summer cereal crops and a subsequent increase in grass-dominated fields may also be limiting the food source of this species (Clark et al). The gradual decrease in the prevalence of winter stubble has also had a similar effect, denying the species yet another crucial food source during one of the most naturally demanding times of the year. Something highlighted by the BTO here:

” Reductions in winter seed food availability as a result of agricultural intensification (for example, the loss of winter stubbles and a reduction in weed densities) are widely believed to have contributed to the population decline. Gillings et al. (2005)have identified better population performance in areas with extensive winter stubble, presumably because overwinter survival is relatively high.”

Habitat loss is not the only factor affecting our Yellowhammers however, it is also claimed that changes in the way we manage our farmland have had a negative impact. Again on the topic of dwindling food supplies, the way in which grain is collected has become much more efficient in recent years. This has resulted in less “spillage” and therefore less grain left on the ground as it comes to winter. An intensification in the use of pesticides to remove weeds and insects is also thought to have had a similar effect while “bird-proofing” of grain stores may also have played a role in the decline.

Other factors reported to be influencing the status of the Yellowhammer include the following:

  • Woodland planting along fringe habitats – Again decreasing breeding habitat for a species predominantly found in open areas.
  • Increased depredation from corvids and domestic/feral cats – both of which have increased in recent years.
  • Urbanisation and a reduction in the use of bruised barley in animal feed.

As you can see, at present, the Yellowhammer finds itself besieged from all sides. Changes in farming practice, habitat loss and human error combining to threaten this iconic farmland bird. Though the decline in Scotland appears to have halted, elsewhere the picture is less positive and the Yellowhammer continues on its downward spiral. Could the Yellowhammer join the Corn Bunting and Willow Tit into localised extinction across parts of Britain? Only time will tell though a few glimmers of hope do exist, among these; the RSPB’s fabulous ‘Yellowhammer Recovery Project’ aiming to stabilize the population of these birds in Northern Ireland. See here for more information on the scheme.

Image Credit: Andreas Trepte, Alan Vernon

Guest Blog: Influences – Natalie Welden

My next “influences” blog post comes from the lovely Natalie Welden (@NatalieACWelden), someone I was lucky enough to meet for the first time on a twitch in Aberdeenshire last year. Natalie is a research associate at SEI York, an OPAL community scientist and a dedicated academic, currently studying the effects of micro-plastics on the marine environment. Here she touches upon her influences and why she ended up in her current position. Enjoy and if you would like to contribute to this series of guest blogs do drop me a message.

When I was little we had a rubbish T.V, it was small, and black and white, and I’m probably letting on too much about my age. Thankfully we had a very big picture window and a pond in the garden; both of which were much more interesting. When the weather was nice I would haunt the garden, turning over the compost heap or searching for the hedgehogs that snuffled under the buddleia. Frogs were my gate way to a new world, and I would lie on my stomach for hours and peer into their cool, deep homes.

On the weekends my mum and dad volunteered as canoeing instructors. When I wasn’t in a boat I would hang over the bank, my face as close to the water as possible, looking for minnows and damselfly larvae; or I would climb the large sycamore tree just outside the campsite. Later I graduated to a pink fishing rod and could sit for hours staring at a float. My cousins and I used a boat filled with water as a paddling pool; and this doubled as a keep-net for my catch. On a good day the sight of a little blonde girl with a quarter length fishing rod and a fibreglass boat full of perch would drive the local anglers to distraction.
I remember the first time I saw a peregrine falcon. My family and I had been on a camping holiday in Wales. I don’t remember much, on one of the evenings we had walked in the woods in search of calling tawny owls, it was the trip home that proved momentous. We paused on the drive home for a walk around Symond’s Yat. We wandered through wooded slopes (if I’m remembering correctly) to the viewpoint, and there I met birders. RSPB birders, monitoring the nest to protect it from thieves.

They would have had to be determined burglars, because the nest was very high up what was – to my pre-teen eyes – a sheer insurmountable cliff. The adult birds were far too high for my binoculars (which were bought using Esso fuel tokens). It was frustrating, but then came my first magical moment. One of the locals stepped back from his eyepiece and lowered his tripod to my height, re-sighting so I could get a good view of the incubating bird. As I watched there was a change-over, one bird coming into land and the other dropping away like a stone to skim over the treeline. I can’t say if it was the catalyst for me – I had always been surrounded by wildlife – but this was a gift, a sudden closing of the gap between my world and that of the bird.

My next great epiphany came whilst studying ecology at Derby University, for about six months before I applied I wanted to be a forensic psychologist but thankfully I came to my senses in time. During my studies I continued to look to the water; for my dissertation I spent a summer paddling between outfalls on the River Trent. During the day I sampled invertebrates to test the impact of power station effluent, in the evenings I camped on the river bank with whichever friends were acting as field buddy that week.

One afternoon we watched a dragonfly larvae emerge as a full grown adult whilst resting on my drying canoeing kit. It sat pumping fluid into its wings to inflate them, before sitting in the weak sun to harden. It started to rain heavily, and before running inside I moved the shorts the soft, new dragonfly was resting on to dry ground under a bench. A simple act and one I have regretted ever since. When we came out from the shelter of the port-a-cabin the dragonfly was being swarmed by ants. The scene was gruesome and I will spare you the details, but the winged insect did not survive. I was distraught, but I learned a valuable lesson; even the most well-meaning interference can do immeasurable harm.

It was two years later that I had my greatest revelation, one that would set the tone of my weekends for years to come. As an MSc student, I went to stay at the obs. at Spurn. I already watched birds, and could identify the usual suspects, but I wasn’t a birder. I was there to monitor patterns of visitor access, tallying visitor numbers and interviewing as many people as I could. But there were birds, so many birds. And the keenness of the local birders to share this world was just as apparent as it had been with my first peregrine. I would sit at the gate and chat to the birders as they arrived or at seawatch in the evenings with a curry, enjoying the passage of terns. I would alternately join in with the twitches, feeling the buzz of the people around me, or remain entirely unmoved, once sleeping soundly through a the appearance of a citrine wagtail. The weeks I was there were a sensory overload of dull wave sound, calling sandwich terns, the smell of shoreline and sea buckthorn, and the constantly changing weather.

After I completed my master’s the new experiences rolled think and fast; the summer spent monitoring marine mammals in Cardigan Bay, moving to the Isle of Cumbrae to start my PhD, the time assisting on the field courses on Mull, my first white tailed eagle, my first self-found bird, and the evening spent alone with a beer and a pine martin. Alongside this were the people. Old friends that I had known for years suddenly revealed their own interest in birding, and I reconnected with them for trips and twitches. The stream of students, one of which would always show the inquisitiveness of a real nature lover. Or simply the people I meet whilst out and about birding.

Every new project allowed me to pick up a few like-minded people to add to my circle, and by surrounding myself with keen conservationists and a constant stream of natural phenomenon I have grown to understand why I was shown my first peregrine. There is a desire to communicate that comes along with the spectacle, an instinctive need to share the moment with others. In a time when so many people live in a world detached from nature, the work of an inspired naturalist can engage people with environmental issues over many hundreds of miles. Just look at the programmes of Sir David, the books of Rachel Carson, or the consistent ire of George Monbiot! They represent the world in a manner that inspires and motivates in equal measure; gently pressing essence of the most prescient Pratchett-ism, “Even if it’s not your fault, it’s your responsibility.”