Yearly Archives: 2018

BTO: Garden watchers help to lift the lid on leg disease found in British birds

Post published:11 October 2018
Post category:Information

Observations collected by citizen scientists have helped vets at the international conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London) investigate the occurrence of a condition that affects British finches. The latest study published in Scientific Reports shows that reports of leg lesions peak in winter, from March to November, which may be linked to the annual influx of migratory Chaffinches from mainland Europe.

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Colletes hederae mapping project

Post published:5 October 2018
Post category:Information

The Ivy Bee, Colletes hederae, was seen for the first time in the UK in southern England 2001. This year sightings of the species are being reported from the Sefton Coast. It is likely that the species is present at other suitable sites in the local area so keep your eyes open

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Dr Phil Smith: Wildlife Notes September 2018

Post published:5 October 2018
Post category:Wildlife Notes

September was another relatively dry month. Although measurable rain fell on 12 days, there were significant amounts on only three dates. As a result, the sand-dune water-table at my Devil’s Hole measuring point continued to fall when it would usually be starting to re-charge. I had a letter published in the Radio Times pointing out that TV weather presenters are supposed to be educated people and should be aware that this country is only habitable because of regular reliable rainfall. Perhaps, therefore, they should stop perpetuating the myth that rain is bad. Evidently, they didn’t read it!

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BTO: Heard an Owl?

Post published:28 September 2018
Post category:Information

The British Trust for Ornithology is asking the great British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour, by listening out for them this autumn and winter. Tawny Owl populations are thought to be in decline and the species has recently been added to the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern.

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