Tag: Nature Writing

Personal Update

As many of you will know, I have been rather busy of late undertaking another field season in the Scottish Highlands. Due to this, my blogging efforts have been rather lax of late. It is however, both humbling and rather delightful to see so many people continuing to read my various wildlife-related bits and pieces. I feel 2016 has finally seen me advancing more progressively towards a career in environmental journalism/nature writing and, though I still have a long way to go, I am feeling a little more optimistic. As I am now blessed with an internet connection once more, I thought I would share a quick list of the other places where anyone interested can keep up to date with my antics and various waffling:

  1. Wildlife Articles – I currently write for, and manage the social media for the popular environmental-blogging platform.
  2. Conservation Job – I currently hold a column on the Conservation Job careers portal, covering topical issues in a literature review format.
  3. Wilder – I recently took on the social media operations for Wilder, a new activism organisation aiming to bolster wildlife conservation in the UK. Early days but watch this space for future updates.
  4. Facebook – A new Facebook page where I intend to share blog updates for the forseeable future.
  5. Local Patch Reporters – I will be sharing my local patch based posts on the BBC Wildlife Forum, my thread here has already hit 25,000 views (yikes).
  6. Twitter and LinkedIN – You can, of course, follow me here too should you wish to.
  7. In Print – Two recent forays into the realm of “real writing” include a piece in ‘Summer – an anthology for the changing seasons’, by the wonderful Melissa Harrison and a factual article centered on Willow Tits, in the The Harrier.

 

#PatchChat: No Place Like Home

There really is no place like home. Having arrived back for some much needed TLC following two months surveying in the Highlands, this week I set about reacquainting myself with the local patch. My how things have changed since I departed at the back-end of Spring.

The Blyth is certainly in bloom at present, the meadows (verges left to grow wild by the local council) alive with resplendent purple and radiant yellow. The blooms of Black Knapweed, Yellow Rattle, Trefoil and Common Spotted Orchid too numerous to count. Elsewhere the areas of waste-ground are looking similarly kaleidoscopic, Biting Stonecrop and Viper’s Bugloss two of the more impressive finds over the last few days. The towering, sapphire blue blooms of the latter providing a real draw to bumblebees with no less than six species noted today alone. Elsewhere, the wood has begun to resemble somewhat of a tropical rainforest, overgrown and very, very green. Bramble, Balsam and some truly colossal Butterbur leaves rendering some areas totally impassable. Perhaps I should invest in a machete?

(From the top) Dog Rose, Yellow Rattle, Common Spotted Orchid & Viper’s Bugloss

The various leafy areas of the patch have, of course, proven irresistible to insects, with butterflies a particular delight this week. Ringlet and Meadow Brown two of the more common species but augmented, in some places, by a healthy dose of Speckled Wood, Green-Veined White, Common Blue and Large Skipper – a real favourite of mine with their vibrant orange/gold wings and short energetic flights. As ever though, it has been the birds that have enthralled the most and, at present, the Blyth and her surroundings are positively bursting with avian life.

Each bush it seems now plays host to fledged young of some description: juvenile Blue Tits with their delightful yellow tinge, immature Stonechats, Robins, Wrens and thrushes. Warblers too are numerous at present, with the area brimming with newly liberated Chiffchaffs. Most of the adult warblers are now singing again, hoping to attract a mate and raise a second brood. Of these, a handful of Grasshopper Warblers reeling from the riverside scrub were perhaps most exciting, with the exception of the years first Reed Warbler emitting its characteristic scratchy chords from the outflow pools. Add to them a plethora of amorous Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Chiff and you have the makings of a true summer spectacular. Only Garden Warbler continues to elude me..

Speckled Wood, Ringlet and Cheilosia illustrata

Down on the estuary – where I spend most of my time – wader passage has started again, though with more of a fizzle than a bang. A smart looking Greenshank has been in residence for the last few days, feeding on the flats and then retiring to roost alongside the fifty or so Redshank already back. Likewise, each day this week has provided sightings of Whimbrel and a nice mixed flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover is already accumulating. Presumably, most of these will be failed breeders, returning early after having their nests pilfered by a predator on their breeding sights. Though not in all cases it seems, a juvenile Ringed Plover observed yesterday – its washed out sandy hue contrasting nicely with the more vibrant shades of the adults surrounding it. Elsewhere eleven Turnstone were noted, some of which clad in their ruddy summer finery and three Black-Tailed Godwit were seen. Alongside, of course, an ample supply of Curlew and Lapwing. One only hopes that upon my return in August, something a little scarcer may be found..

The waterfowl of the Blyth, are looking a tad less impressive at present – befitting the summer season when most ducks enter their gloomy eclipse phase. Eider are back in force, some females boasting small broods of wonderfully fluffy ducklings, a trend apparent in the Mallards and Shelducks too. Seventeen Goosander have now built up in the estuary, fishing amid the broken piers of Blyth Harbour most days while elsewhere other aquatic bits and pieces include Teal, Gadwall, a record count of six Canada Goose (unusual, I know) and the odd Mute Swan. Though this does not take into consideration all of the goodies seen on the sea of late. The highlight comprising a single Manx Shearwater heading North yesterday. Closer to shore a feeding frenzy of Gannets was nice to see while a mixed bag of Arctic, Common and Sandwhich Tern, Guillemot, Common Scoter and Shag soon resulted in me losing track of time and spending hours rooted in the sand dunes.

What else? Well a short walk down the road on Monday yielded a welcome touch rarity in the form of the long-staying Bonaparte’s Gull on the Wansbeck Estuary. A new species for me and an educational one if that – half way in between a Black-Headed Gull and a Little. Closer to home, a few hours spent roaming the reaches of the wood produced all the typical characters: Nuthatches transporting food to their nest hole, fledged Treecreepers (another first for me), drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Buzzard. The latter traversing a branch with what looked to be a vole clasped in its talons. Feeding young perhaps? I have suspected that they breed here for a few years now but have always failed to turn up definitive proof. Perhaps that is best. Elsewhere the Dipper pair continue to feed their ever growing chicks and a particularly confiding Grey Wagtail left me grinning like a Cheshire cat. Lovely birds.

Oh, I forgot to mention a brief glimpse of a Harbour Porpoise on Tuesday..

This will no doubt be the last patch update for a while, duty calls and come Tuesday I will be back off to the uplands. Hopefully to enjoy more tantalising encounters like those shown below, all taken during my ventures over the past few weeks.

Ptarmgain

 

 

 

 

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…

The Woeful Decline of the Willow Tit

Living in Northumberland, the charismatic Willow Tit (Poecile montanus) is still, thankfully, a firm fixture of my daily life. Indeed, at present I am lucky enough to regularly host a pair of these enchanting little birds in my garden, a privilege that people dwelling in the south of the country would no doubt kill for. Willow Tits, though a at first appearing rather drab in comparison to their much more colourful  cousins really are a pleasure to behold; timid, delicate, discreet and undoubtedly rather sweet. Their characteristic call though far from discreet readily separating them from the near identical and similarly embattled Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris). Only confirmed to exist in the UK during 1897, the Willow Tit was once a relatively widespread  figment of the British landscape, now however it finds itself “red listed” due to recent, rapid and ultimately worrying declines. As it stands, the future of this enigmatic species appears bleak though the reasons of its decline have long been the subject of much debate.

Scrutiny of Common Bird Census (CBS) and Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data has shown that the Willow Tit declined by approximately 88% between 1970 and 2006 (Eaton et al, 2008), subsequently highlighting one of the most worrying declines of all British bird species. Indeed, of all the species monitored by the BBS, the Willow Tit showcased the greatest decline; 77% between 1994 – 2007 (Risley et al, 2007).  Such findings were not isolated however with further worrying statistics brought to light by both ringing data (Perrins, 2003) and the Repeat Woodland Bird Survey, the latter recording a decline of 70% in woodland ecosystems over a similar time-frame. In addition to an overall population decline, the Willow Tit has also suffered a severe range contraction in recent years and has been lost entirely from many counties, namely in the south of England (Gibbons et al, 1993). As such, the Willow Tit now appears on the UK’s  ‘red list’ of birds of conservation concern and is now a priority species on the UK biodiversity action plan.

The reasons for the aforementioned decline, at present, remain undecided though research into the decline of the Willow Tit has thus far focused on three hypotheses; increased competition,  increased depredation and habitat change. All of which are touched upon in depth in a recent study by Lewis et al (2009) found here.

Competition

Evidence suggests that competition from Blue (Parus cyanistes) and Great Tits (Parus major) could be a major factor contributing to the decline of the Willow Tit in the UK. Willow Tits nest in cavities excavated from dead wood with the nest building process often proving to be a very noisy affair as the birds call continuously to one another throughout the process. This, coupled with the obvious visual implications and the production of visible byproducts such as wood chips, means that excavating Willow Tits are vulnerable to detection from both the species previously mentioned. Both of which can extirpate the occupants of a nest with relative ease (Maxwell, 2002) due to their superior competitive advantage. The process of constructing a nest hold is a very time consuming process and often, losing a nest site following its completion can result in complete breeding failure for the birds in question. A study carried out between 1995 and 2000 courtesy of Maxwell (2002) highlighted perfectly the potential implications of competition on nesting Willow Tits. Here 30 Willow Tit pairs occupying both natural holes and nest boxes were observed with only 10 of these pairs successfully fledging young. Of the 20 unsuccessful pairs, 18 had their nest cavity taken over by Blue Tits and a further two by Great Tits. The populations of both competitor species have recently increased in the UK with Blue Tit numbers rising by 33% and Great Tits by 91% (Eaton et al, 2008), this has lead to speculation that inter-specific competition for nest-sites may also have increased, thus contributing to the marked decline of the Willow Tit.

Predation

Once nesting gets underway, Willow Tits remain fairly vocal around the nest-site thus leaving them vulnerable to detection from predators. Many species, including non-native Grey Squirrels have the potential to impact upon nesting success though one species in-particular is cited as potential threat to vulnerable Willow Tits; the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major). As their name suggests, Woodpeckers are accomplished at extracting prey from rotten wood (Wesolowski, 2002) and have been shown to easily destroy Willow Tit nests, predating both eggs and chicks. Willow Tits, unlike some of species, are single brooded. This means that if predation occurs at the chick stage, that pair are extremely unlikely to breed again for another year. In Britain, numbers of Great Spotted Woodpeckers have increased dramatically in recent years with a recent estimate by Eaton et al (2008) stating an increase of 314% between 1970 and 2006. It therefore stands to reason that Willow Tits may have suffered due to a corresponding increase in Woodpecker depredation.

Habitat Alteration

Willow Tits, in the UK at least, largely inhabit areas of damp, scrubby woodland (Perins, 1979) and despite recent declines can occur at relatively high densities on brownfield sites where these characteristics dominate. Ex-industrial sites like this however have steadily become more scarce in recent times, having been reclaimed for urban development and agriculture. “Wasteland” areas like this do not possess the same overall biodiversity levels as mature woodland and as such are often disregarded, removed or allowed to mature, it is therefore likely that the loss of such habitat is a driving factor in Willow Tit decline. It should also be noted that areas such as these are less appealing to other tit species as well as Great Spotted Woodpeckers which require trees with a minimum diameter of 18cm for nest excavation. Allowing successional habits such as this to develop into maturity therefore increases the likelihood of depredation and competition and thus could be the single biggest factor driving the decline of this wonderful woodland species. Removal of “dead wood” that would otherwise be used for nesting for aesthetic purposes may also factor in.

Images; Willow Tit (Francis C. Franklin)