This call for help may already be too late, but it's worth a go. One of the species in our Southrepps Wildlife Survey is the swift, and I would like to track the last date it was seen in the area this year. It seems that they are leaving the country in great numbers now, and I have not seen one for a few days. I would therefore be grateful if you could record the last date on which you see one: the easiest way is to simply let me know every date you see one from now on.
Email me at birdsigthings@tiscali.co.uk or via the website at http://www.southreppscommonstrust.org.uk/sct2/wildlifesurveytwo.htm
Many thanks, Duncan
Thursday 18 August 2011
Drat that pesky Balsam!
When it is announced that the Himalayan Balsam Threat has been averted for the year, we seasoned HM Hunters know to start taking pinches of salt. This is because inevitably, every time such an announcement is issued, another crop of the pernicious weed raises their pretty heads, proclaiming "you can't catch me!"
Well, we can and we do. Accordingly, on 15th August, under the determined leadership of the HM Hunter-in-Chief, David, six doughty volunteers arrived in response to the clarion call. We struggled through head-high reeds; we forded the Beck at great risk to the dryness of our socks; we risked nettle stings; we ate blackberries. And we prevailed! As we parted company an hour and a quarter later, we were convinced no more Balsam plants remained.
I took a walk in an area I only visit in my wellies, and found more of the wretched plants. I pulled them up, all alone and yet I too prevailed. In that spot, there are no more living Balsam plants. And yet I know that a few yards further on, there will be more, ready to re-start their invasion next year.
Well, we can and we do. Accordingly, on 15th August, under the determined leadership of the HM Hunter-in-Chief, David, six doughty volunteers arrived in response to the clarion call. We struggled through head-high reeds; we forded the Beck at great risk to the dryness of our socks; we risked nettle stings; we ate blackberries. And we prevailed! As we parted company an hour and a quarter later, we were convinced no more Balsam plants remained.
I took a walk in an area I only visit in my wellies, and found more of the wretched plants. I pulled them up, all alone and yet I too prevailed. In that spot, there are no more living Balsam plants. And yet I know that a few yards further on, there will be more, ready to re-start their invasion next year.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Bird sighting scramble!
When Tim calls you to say he has just seen a Turtle Dove near the entrance to the Common, you drop everything (in this case the washing up) and get there. Sadly, although I was there within 10 minutes of when he had seen it, I was not so lucky. He joined me after a few minutes, and we spent quite a while looking for it, but it had gone, or was hiding.
This was the second Tim had seen in the area in as many days; both had been on the ground eating grit,. which aids their digestion.
All was not in vain however: just as we were about to part, a Hobby flew across, low enough to be able to make out its moustachial stripe and its reddish thigh feathers. Better still, a few minutes later, as I was taking one last look, the Hobby came back, flying higher and faster, announced by the alarm calls of a swallow it obviously had in mind for supper. It was my first sighting of a Hobby this year, and my best so far. I only hope it doesn't eat that Turtle Dove!
This was the second Tim had seen in the area in as many days; both had been on the ground eating grit,. which aids their digestion.
All was not in vain however: just as we were about to part, a Hobby flew across, low enough to be able to make out its moustachial stripe and its reddish thigh feathers. Better still, a few minutes later, as I was taking one last look, the Hobby came back, flying higher and faster, announced by the alarm calls of a swallow it obviously had in mind for supper. It was my first sighting of a Hobby this year, and my best so far. I only hope it doesn't eat that Turtle Dove!
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