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THE KNOT NOTTINGHAM RSPB GROUP NEWSLETTER

Volume 10, Number 4 July 2016

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Editor’s Notes At the end of May I was at Rutland Water to see the ospreys. Just as interesting was one lagoon which contained not only the symbol of the RSPB, the avocet but one of the reasons for its foundation in the shape of great crested grebes. Since those days the RSPB has always been at the forefront of bird protection and, though in recent years it has expanded its remit to include the wider field of nature conservation, bird protection must always be at the heart of its efforts. New threats to our birds are always emerging and the latest one comes from certain Scottish landowners who wish to have the protected status of ravens removed by arguing that they kill young lambs. The evidence shows that though this happens occasionally, it is only the very weakest and most vulnerable lambs which are attacked and that, in common with other species it is the afterbirths which are the main attraction. I am sure that the RSPB will do everything to oppose any change. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a registered charity: England and Wales no 207076, Scotland no SC037654 . Articles, photos and adverts should be e- mailed to me at pgdaft@yahoo.co.uk or posted to my address, 39, Forester Street, Netherfield, NG4 2LJ. The deadline for the October edition is 1st September 2016.

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Bird of the Day

March 2016, Top Lodge We were fortunate enough to enjoy a fine, dry if rather cool day at this Forestry Commission reserve in Northamptonshire. The increasingly over-wintering chiff chaff squeezed into third place while the dapper marsh tit captured second spot. However it was no surprise to find that the ‘Bird of the Day’ was that perennial favourite the red kite.

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May 2016, Wyre Forest Due to the cancellation of the April trip we found ourselves on the hottest day of the year so far at our second successive Forestry Commission reserve, this time in Worcestershire. Some members took a wrong turning and, while ‘off piste,’ found a fine tawny owl. Back on the reserve a pair of dippers came in as runner up but the overwhelming winner was the reclusive wood warbler.

Data Protection Statement

The RSPB Nottingham Local Group would like to keep your details to send you further information about group activities and the work of the RSPB. If you want to amend or update your details or you do not want us to use them in the way stated, please contact me at the following address. Chris Blunsdon, 20, Elmswood Gardens, Sherwood Nottingham, NG5 4AW. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please confirm your e-mail address.

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Nine Species of Kingfisher At 5.45 we were out hunting for the Indian pitta. It was worth it as we also saw the brown hawk-owl we missed the night before. Back for breakfast we were out again later to see blue-eared kingfisher, bee-eaters including chestnut headed, Indian swiftlet, vernal hanging parrot and a Southern coucal. Returning for lunch we found that a four hour walk was planned before leaving so Kath and I used the hour to soak our legs in our buckets before waiting for the others in the farm dining room where we watched a great mongoose drink at the bird bath. We left camp at 2.30pm, having seen eighty-seven bird species we hadn’t seen elsewhere as well as Hunumen langurs, bonnet macaques, three striped palm squirrels and an Indian Malabar giant squirrel. It took two and a half hours to return to the hotel because of the traffic. I was desperate for a shower but three power cuts during it didn’t help. Dinner was £5 including a drink and coffee. The next day Carambolim Lake treated us to Western reef heron, lesser whistling duck and streak throated swallow among others. Sightseeing in Old Goa was followed by a visit to a spice plantation where we saw our first elephants. Our tour was followed by an amazing buffet using spices we could buy and the chance to pick our own bananas. Later at Divar Island

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we saw lots of Brahminy and black kites which entertained us until our fourth sighting of a shika caused excitement. Day seven was to start with a Zuari River boat trip but on arrival we had to wait as our boat had not been launched. It arrived on the back of a lorry. We set off on an amazing trip, seeing the scarce collared kingfisher. Other kingfishers seen along the estuary were stork-billed, black-capped, lesser pied, white-throated, black-backed dwarf and common. Easy viewing of an osprey reminded Shirley and Barbara that a Rutland Water male osprey had been recorded at this spot in 2014. We were delighted to see seven mugger crocodiles by the mangrove banks, a confiding peregrine falcon and several other species. Later, on land, we overlooked the estuary to see resident pods of Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins breaking the surface. In the Batun Lake area we saw slaty-breasted rail, black- crowned night heron, a striated heron, a lesser adjutant and, overhead, Asian palm swifts. Other trip highlights were the Tamboli Surla Temple, built by kings in the 13th century, the elusive spotted deer and sambar in the forest and many butterflies including the large Southern birdwing. I had seen two hundred and fifteen of Goa’s four hundred and fifty

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recorded species. This was over seven days and included a hundred and eighty four ‘lifers.’ Thanks to Indian Nature and Richard my friend and leader from Suffolk for another trip of a lifetime proving how colourful, rich and diverse nature is. Marnie Garner

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Indoor Meetings

Wednesday September 7th We start the season by welcoming Colin Wilkinson, Senior Planning Officer for conservation at our Midlands Regional Office. He will be giving a talk entitled ‘Migration-the incredible journey.’ He describes it as follows. “From a single wind-blown waif to the spectacle of millions of birds on the move, bird migration is one of the true natural wonders of the world. The talk explores some of the hows and whys of bird migration and reveals how our knowledge has grown over the decades.” Wednesday 12th October David Cromack will be talking to us about ‘Wild West birding in Arizona and California.’ From the scenically impressive Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks to the wildlife-rich coastal hotspots such as Monterey Bay, California, there are unlimited opportunities for great bird and wildlife watching. David picks out highlights from several trips, including whale watching boat trips, and discusses why Arizona’s location close to the Mexican border makes it a favourite with American twitchers and visiting British birdwatchers. David is a well- known wildlife photographer and has edited Bird Watching and Birds magazines.

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Outings Coach outing to Titchwell on Sunday September 18th

One of the country’s best reserves with a massive list of species. This is the ideal time to visit as many of the breeding birds will still be there and migrants will be moving back to their winter quarters. A trip not to be missed, Titchwell never lets us down. An easy reserve to get around, good flat paths and easy viewing. Facilities: Toilets, visitor centre, café and hides Bookings: From 1st August Cost: £17.50 Coach to Spurn on Sunday 23rd October Our annual trip to Spurn - hoping to catch up with a good few migrants. As the web site says “With a true windswept, wilderness feel and the sense that you can get away from everything, Spurn is also one of the country’s top birding hotspots.” Autumn is the best time to visit and who can forget when Goldcrests literally fell from the sky at our feet. What will happen this time? Come and find out. Facilities: Toilets and café Bookings: From 1st September Cost: £19 Coach trip to Leighton Moss on Sunday 20th November Leighton Moss in November! There will be lots to see with wildfowl gathering in large numbers, Bittern and Water Rail much more confiding, Bearded Tits still present and the bonus of hunting raptors. We may see a ‘murmuration’ of Starlings. Habitats include reedbeds, shallow meres and woodland. Some

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think it’s a long way to go but it is nearly all motorway and quicker to get to than some Norfolk reserves. Facilities: Toilets, visitor centre, shop, café, hides Bookings: From 1st October Cost: £22 If after booking for one of the trips you find you cannot make it for any reason please let us know as soon as possible as we may be able to let someone else have the seat. Keep in touch with all our activities via our excellent web-site at notts-rspb.org.uk/ Cheques made payable to ‘Nottingham RSPB Local Group.’ Paid at the indoor meetings or sent to Jan & Dave Goodwin at 22 Wray Close, St Ann’s, Nottingham, NG3 2FS. Please note that stout footwear and all weather clothing should be worn on all trips. In emergency please phone 0751 097816. Please note that personal possessions such as bins, scopes etc. are only covered by personal insurance. Please note that, as we have to pay for the bus, booking fees are NOT REFUNDABLE. Pick up points are as follows. Children are welcome though the trips are not suitable for children under seven years old.

Lowdham 7.10am Burton Joyce 7.15am Carlton Square 7.20am Mount Street (by Gala Casino) 7.30am

Following the introduction of car parking charges on Sundays in Nottingham, though free parking is available at Carlton Square

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and there are streets near Mount Street with limited space at £1, people have wondered if other pick up points can be arranged. The following will now be REQUEST stops only. Requests must be made to Jan and Dave before the trip date and it is YOUR responsibility to be at the stop on time. If you are not there the coach will not stop and wait.

For trips leaving Nottingham eastwards by the A52 the coach will stop by request at Trent Bridge. For trips leaving Nottingham by the A453 the coach will stop by request at the Man of Trent, Clifton. For trips leaving Nottingham by the A60/A614 the coach will stop by request at the Vale Hotel. For trips leaving Nottingham westwards by the A52 the coach will stop by request at the Priory Island.

The RSPB The RSPB is the country’s largest conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coast and countryside will teem with life once again. We also play a leading role in a worldwide partnership of Nature conservation organisations. All articles in this newsletter convey the opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the RSPB. Similarly, any advertisements enclosed with this newsletter are not specifically endorsed by the RSPB or the Nottingham Group.

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Booking Forms

Please reserve seat(s) on the trip to Titchwell on Sunday 18th September

Name

Address

Postcode Telephone

Pick up point

Bookings commence 1st August Cost £17.50.

Please reserve seat(s) on the trip to Spurn on Sunday 23rd October

Name

Address

Postcode Telephone

Pick up point

Booking commence 1st September Cost £19

Please reserve seat(s) on the trip to Leighton Moss on Sunday 20th November

Name

Address

Postcode Telephone

Pick up point

Bookings commence 1st October Cost £22

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A resting Red Kite at Top Lodge, photographed by Dave Thorpe.

Dave Thorpe’s shot of a Wood Warbler in the Wyre Forest.

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An Osprey was one of the birds seen by Marnie in India.

Also seen was a Black-crowned Night Heron. This shot by Brian Smith.

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Dave Goodwin’s photo of a Nuthatch in Highnam Woods.

The ‘White’ Herring Gull on the River Teifi.

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Brian Smith’s shot of guillemots on Ramsey Island.

We were pleased to see a Pochard at Newport Wetlands. The photographer is unrecorded.

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A letter from your Leader

By the time you read this, summer should be here to stay. Its late arrival, after an unseasonably cold spell, at least resulted in a protracted spring with a wonderful array of flowers and birdsong filling the air. Late spring is also the season for our AGM and time to take stock of our achievements and look for new ideas. We have had another busy year, with an interesting and varied programme of speakers at our indoor meetings, enjoyable walks, outings and our special week-end, and through our fundraising we have been able to make a generous contribution to the work of the RSPB. We welcomed two new committee members: Will Tindale, who will be looking after our visiting speakers, and John Forester, who is taking over sales from Graham and Kim Sadler after their five years of hard, and very successful, work. Life is never without its problems though, and we are still having difficulty in recruiting more (and younger) members, and persuading them to join in our activities. Hopefully, the support we are receiving from the RSPB, a recruiting team in the Victoria Centre throughout April, and our Schools Outreach Officer, Rosalind Allen, will have a positive impact on our membership figures. Enjoy your programme of summer walks and outings, and carry on feeding and watering the birds in your garden. I look forward to welcoming you back at our first indoor meeting in September. Doreen Markam

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Stepping out in West Wales

It was cloudy with the threat of rain when the Nottingham RSPB group set out on their annual long week-end. This year’s destination was Tenby, last visited in 2009. As is customary the listing of species seen commenced straight away and as we progressed along the A453, M42 and M5 calls of “buzzard” or “jay” proved that, at this stage, everyone was still awake! Our first reserve was the RSPB reserve at Highnam Wood. This is not one of the better signposted RSPB reserves but we did manage to find it, perhaps a little later than intended. Spilling out of the coach we headed straight for a viewing screen to be rewarded by a very obliging nuthatch and a pair of marsh tits. The trail round the reserve was deeply rutted by the passage of heavy trucks so wary walking was the order of the day for considerable stretches. We did see and hear chiff chaffs and greater spotted woodpecker whilst a fortunate few were treated to a fly past by a goshawk. Finally it was time to board the coach again and we continued on our way. By now the rain had arrived in a series of heavy showers but at least we had managed to keep dry. A warm welcome greeted us at the Clarence House Hotel on the sea front. After unpacking and freshening up we enjoyed a good meal. The group then split up for the evening, some for a walk while others sought out one of Tenby’s hostelries, being

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disappointed to find that their favourite watering hole was closed for refurbishment. A suitable substitute was, however, found.

The following morning, having collected the early reports from the sea watchers and enjoyed a good breakfast we boarded the coach again. This time our destination was to be the Welsh Wildlife Centre near Cardigan. The day was sunny with a cloudless blue sky which provided a perfect back drop for a passing red kite. Once at the centre the almost obligatory little egret was noted and on the woodland walk to the canopy

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hide blackcap, a pair of great spotted woodpeckers and coal tit were seen. Down on the marshland we were pleased to see that the Indian water buffaloes, brought in to keep the vegetation down, were in position and along the boardwalk Cetti’s warbler made a brief appearance. At one point a fox with a coat the colour of a red setter prowled the edge of a ditch. Bullfinch and reed bunting flitted in front of one hide and peacock butterflies sunned themselves on the boardwalk. Hopes were raised when a white gull was seen with the herring gulls on the River Teifi. Was it an Iceland gull? Careful examination and the evidence of numerous photographs led us to the conclusion that it was an aberrant herring gull.

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Conflict was averted in one of the river side hides when Graham sat on Bill’s banana and the rest of the visit passed peacefully though the best was saved until last when, in quick succession, a kingfisher and two rough legged buzzards were seen. This time photographic evidence came to our rescue as the white tail and black sub-terminal tail band could be clearly seen. A fine end to the day at one of our favourite Welsh reserves. That evening a group decided on a train trip to Pembroke. We found a comfortable old coaching inn serving excellent ales. Back at Pembroke station we saw that our train was to be fifteen minutes late and were tempted to return to a local pub for a swift half. Fortunately we resisted temptation for the train crew cut short their dwell time at the Pembroke Dock terminus and arrived only three minutes late. Sunday provided a new experience for almost all our members, a trip to the RSPB reserve at Ramsey Island. Trust in the sat-nav proved to be misplaced when it directed us down a country lane which ended with a T-junction facing a stone wall, an angle the coach could not negotiate. After turning in a farm yard we retraced our steps, found an alternative, and, after a run over the switchback roads of Pembrokeshire, arrived at the coach park in St David’s only a little later than planned. A minibus was waiting to take us to the quay, a journey enlivened when a sparrowhawk flew from a field,

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travelled alongside the minibus and then dashed in front of us and across the grazing land. At the quay we were met by a member of the RSPB staff who called up the boat which was to take us to the island. This young woman worked four days a week at the Welsh Wildlife Centre and confirmed that the white gull was indeed a herring gull. Many of our group are not as mobile as they once were and, having come down a flight of steps to the quay now had to mount another flight up to the lifeboat station before walking down the edge of the slipway to the boat. The local staff were very helpful, taking walking sticks and tripods from us before helping us onto the boat. At last all were safely embarked and we set off for the ten minute trip to Ramsey Island. Disembarking was almost as hair-raising with the boat moving in the swell. At one point Roy had one foot on the boat, one on land, and quite a drop to the blue-green sea beneath him. However there were no accidents and, after more steps up to the visitor centre, we were able to relax a little and listen to a short talk describing the route round the island and the birds we could hope to see. We set off and it was not long before stonechat and wheatear were added to the list. Raven and a distant chough followed before a little owl was noted sitting on a stone wall. Though distant through a scope the typical

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‘angry’ expression could be seen. We walked on, finding a raft of razorbills on the sea at Aber Mawr and guillemots on the cliff ledges. A few members saw a pair of short eared owls first noticed by Steve which, once they had settled, provided impossible to re-locate. The walk over the ridge of Carn Lludain proved too daunting for most of the group but those who persevered had excellent views of more chough and a willow warbler in a small south facing ‘migrant trap.’ Back at the centre the group were surprised by the large numbers of blackcaps near the farm buildings and our visit ended with the sight of a rock pipit on the quay. The journey back on the boat was much less hazardous as the tide was lower though the final climb up the steps at the landward end made us glad to see the minibus waiting to take us back to the coach. We all felt that we had earned our dinner that evening. Later, in the pub we were regaled by the local amateur Welsh male voice choir accompanying a Welsh song on the juke box. They sang with what Keith said was ‘gusto,’ more enthusiastic than accurate. Time to leave Tenby and panic was setting in. Was this going to be the first time that the minimum number on the sweepstake was not going to be reached? So far, waterside birds amounted to grey heron, little egret and

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oystercatcher with duck species faring little better. Hope lay in the fact that our last visit was to the RSPB Newport Wetlands reserve where the Usk estuary should provide some waders. The weather had turned showery but this had improved a little by the time we reached Newport. On our last visit in 2009 we found it difficult to find the reserve as signage didn’t appear until we were virtually there and this time it was little better. Certainly a sign on the A48 would point people in the right direction. Once through the visitor centre the shortage of wildfowl was evidenced by the ecstatic cries of “coot,” a first for the trip, quickly followed by a little grebe. Making our way towards the estuary we were delighted to see the courtship ritual of a pair of Cetti’s warblers which belied the skulking reputation of this species. The estuary at first proved a disappointment with only shelduck and curlew out on the mud but a seven note call alerted us to the presence of whimbrel. Scopes were utilised and a couple of birds were found. Ringed plover and bar tailed godwits added to the count. The lagoons produced pochard and one member was fortunate enough to hear and then see a grasshopper warbler. It was time to leave and make our way home. The count finishes when we reach the final meal stop and just before reaching Tamworth services a lapwing was

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spotted. That we had not seen one previously is a sad commentary on their decline.

The official total of species seen was ninety five though I have received evidence subsequently that another species was seen but not reported to me as requested. Steve won the sweepstake and thanks go to all group members who provided details of sightings. Another successful holiday cannot be allowed to pass without thanks being given to Jan and Dave for organising the trip from start to finish and to Travel Wright and our driver, Jim, for transporting us from place to place. Apparently it’s Dave’s turn to choose the venue next year but you’ll just have to wait to find out where we’re going. Paul Daft

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Know Your Birds Just a little quiz to test your knowledge. The first column has their lesser known names and the second an anagram of their actual names.

a) Solan Goose GET NAN b) Burrow duck LUCKSHED c) Cushiedo GOOD PIE NOW d) Thick knee CURE NO WELTS e) Sea pie CROACHY STREET f) Waup (Scots) WE CURL g) Sea swallow RENT h) Dabchick LIBEL GETTER i) Philomel I HANG IT GLEN j) Sea parrot FINPUP k) Bog bleater PINES l) Ullet LOW m) Laverock SKRALKY

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n) Hernshaw OR HEN o) Seven coloured linnet FLINCH DOG p) Water ousel RED DIP q) Throstle RUSH TONGS r) Feltie(Scots) FRIED LEAF s) Merle BALD BRICK t) Utick WHAT CHICK u) Reedling DEBIT TREAD v) Butcher bird HARK SICK REED BUSH w) Spadger RASP ROW x) Corbie(Scots) ARROW IN CROC y) Yaffle REED PECKER GO NOW z) Nettle creeper ROT WITH HEAT

Barry Nelson

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Odd Droppings

“Heaven in a rage”

I was waiting for a bus on Angel Row. In the trees across the road a goldfinch was singing. I thought of how the Victorians loved to keep songbirds in cages. This is a practice which we rightly condemn and then began to consider the conditions our ancestors lived in. Many of them came to the cities from the country to find work in mills, mines and factories. At that time Nottingham had the third worst slums in the British Empire after Kolkata (Calcutta) and Glasgow. Sanitation was rudimentary and there were many diseases which made life brutal and short. For these people keeping a songbird was often the only link they had with their rural upbringing, its song a note of joy in a harsh existence. Though we don’t agree with the practice we can, perhaps, understand it. The irony is that, as a result of changing farming methods we are more likely to find goldfinches in our cities as they have become adept at coming to bird tables and feeders. May we enjoy the cheerful trill of the goldfinch for many years far into the future.