Cnoc Salltraim ...

Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

C. canorus is a familiar herald of spring and a species that is thinly distributed over a wide breeding range throughout most of Britain, Europe and the Palearctic. It is a fairly common but rapidly declining summer visitor to Sussex, where the males commence singing soon after their arrival; typically in early April. Recent satellite tracking technology has shown that the males usually leave the UK to their wintering area south of the Sahara only a few weeks after first arriving here in the spring.

C. canorus has a well-known breeding strategy as a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds; typically those of the Dunnock (Prunella modularis), Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba) and Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) in the UK. The female, who will specialise in one particular host species, will only ever lay one type of egg and will always target her egg-laying appropriately. The genes for egg pattern and colour are thought to be carried on the female chromosome, so they are passed down from mother to daughter regardless of who the female mates with. This means that a Cuckoo targeting a Reed Warbler always produces eggs with a Reed Warbler pattern and she knows which nests to target thanks to the process of imprinting. As a young chick, she will have learned to recognise the song and appearance of her foster mother; and as a returning adult she will seek out the nests of females that match this mental image and lay her eggs accordingly.

The above images of a female were recently taken on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

References:

Yates, B. (2014). Common Cuckoo. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 360-361.

Whitcomb, P. (1996). Cuckoo. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 358-359.

www.bto.org/about-birds/bird-id/cuckoo

www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/cuckoos

Early bird ...

North Uist, Outer Hebrides

The rewards of an early morning approach ...

The first two images taken before 6am ….

More at:

www.outerhebridesbirds.org.uk/index.php

Balranald …

North Uist, Outer Hebrides, 13 to 27 May 2017

Balranald Nature Reserve incorporates the most westerly point of the island of North Uist, the Aird an Rùnair peninsula, looking out to the Monach Islands and the magnificent St Kilda archipelago. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is designated as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar).

This beautiful Hebridean reserve comprises 658 hectares [1626 acres] of rocky headland, islands, sandy bays, dunes, grasslands, freshwater lochs, fen and the flower-rich species diverse machair. Machair is a rare, bio-diverse coastal grassland, unique to the north-western fringe of Europe. It is listed on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive, and occurs over a total global area of just 19,000 ha, with 70% of this in western Scotland, mostly on the offshore islands, and the remainder in western Ireland. These habitats support internationally important populations of many wading and farmland bird species, notably the Corncrake Crex crex. They also protect a number of important plant species and a variety of other wildlife, including the rarest UK bumblebee, the Great Yellow Bumblebee Bombus distinguendus.

The unmanned RSPB visitor information centre explains the importance of traditional crofting agriculture for rare birds and other important wildlife. A few images from my recent visit above.

More at:

www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife/habitats/machair

www.machairlife.org.uk/index-2.html

www.snh.gov.uk

www.western-isles-wildlife.com/index.html

www.outerhebridesbirds.org.uk/index.php

www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/b/balranald/about.aspx

Stinky Bay …

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)

Despite its vernacular name, the Iceland Gull does not breed in Iceland but in Arctic Canada and Greenland. In Britain, it occurs mainly in the north and west during winter. Numbers appearing in Britain fluctuate considerably and large influxes occasionally occur, possibly associated with severe northwesterly gales. L. glaucoides is a very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant in Sussex; around 89 individuals in total being recorded during the winter periods of 1961/62 to 2010/11. Prior to this only 26 had been recorded in the county. Most records relate to individual birds observed in late winter or spring. The above pictures of a second summer bird were all recently taken during very overcast conditions on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

References:

Newnham, J. (2014). Iceland Gull. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 324-325.

Newnham, J. (1996). Iceland Gull. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 324-325.

www.bto.org/about-birds/bird-id/eye-iceland-and-glaucous-gulls

Departure ...

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)

Although present throughout the day on Sunday, 2nd October 2016, it appears that the 1st winter Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), which was originally sighted at Newhaven Tidemills on 21st September 2016, has now departed and headed south. Having feasted on the delights of Sussex for at least twelve days this most confiding of birds has finally departed to its wintering grounds. Along with many other migratory birds it faces a journey fraught with danger with many being sadly trapped and killed at the hands of man en route.

I wish it safe passage …

More at:

www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=5943

Autumn passage …

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)

The beautiful Red-backed Shrike L. collurio would once have been the most familiar of the shrike family in both Sussex and the UK for it bred widely, if sparsely, throughout much of England and Wales. However, it sadly declined throughout the 19th and 20th centuries becoming extinct as a breeding bird in Britain from 1992 until 2010. In line with its collapse nationally, the Sussex population, although never large, was certainly declining in the 1930s and the last confirmed breeding was a pair on Ashdown Forest during 1964-68. Other pairs have been recorded, such as those in 1977, 1981 and 1993 but none stayed longer than two days.

Along with many other migratory species of bird, L. collurio is in great danger when travelling to and from their wintering grounds in Africa, with many trapped and killed en route. In Sussex, it is now only seen as a very scarce passage migrant. The best chance of seeing this attractive species now is during autumn passage. Of the 51 birds recorded in the county during 1995-2011, 37 were during August-October, with a clear peak in September. The above images are a selection of the 1st winter bird first reported at Newhaven Tidemills, East Sussex, on 21st September 2016.

More at:

Prince, M. (1996). Red-backed Shrike. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 498-500.
Sennitt, M. (2014). Red-backed Shrike. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 389-390.

A matter of perception ...

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

Often overlooked due its unfortunate reputation for being an uninteresting species, A. pratensis is one of the most widespread and ubiquitous of all UK species. However, flocks of migrant A. pratensis are always worthy of closer scrutiny since they can be a good carrier for wagtails and rarer pipit species.

In spring, A. pratensis arrives back in Sussex to breed and many more pass through heading further north. Passage can begin in late February, but March and, to an extent, April are the key months. Although some birds may remain in Britain to overwinter, in autumn, most British birds head south, with many passing through Sussex on the way. Autumnal movements gain momentum in September through October and are often very evident at coastal sites with birds moving along the coast. Confusingly, such movements can be eastwards or westwards but the latter generally predominate and are often into the prevailing wind.

Throughout Sussex it is a bird of open, extensive rough and grassy habitats, from sand dunes and salt marshes to wet grassland, heaths and unimproved chalk grassland, where it feeds and nests on the ground. Take more attention next time you see one and appreciate the fact that it is common …

References:

Scott-Ham, M. (1996). Meadow Pipit. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 398-399.
Scott-Ham, M. (2014). Meadow Pipit. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 542-543.

Alder-boughs and the flycatcher …

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

M. striata breeds across most of the Western and Central Palearctic. It winters south of the Sahara, passing through the Sahel on migration. In Sussex it is a bird of woodland edges and man-made habitats such as churchyards, cemeteries, orchards, farmyards, gardens and parks. Woods with mature birch or ash and a diverse structure with features such as rides and glades are important, whilst ivy-clad trees make safe sites for nesting. It is often found near the edge of lakes, ponds and watercourses that are rich in insect life.

The future for M. striata in both Sussex and Britain does not look promising. It seems that the problems on the wintering grounds and migration route, including droughts in the Sahel region south of the Sahara, will have to be addressed, if possible, if the species’ fortunes are to be reversed. Here in Sussex, if more of our woodland can be brought back into suitable management, increasing the length of ride edge and the area of glade habitat and ensuring that ivy is not controlled by stem cutting, it will at least help those that make it here maximize their breeding success.

References:

Black, R. (2014). Spotted Flycatcher. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 502-503.

Parmenter, T. (1996). Spotted Flycatcher. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 477-478.

Moorland memories ...

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

North Yorkshire, April 2016

One of my target species during a recent trip to the North Yorkshire moors was the Golden Plover (P. apricaria). This male, one of very few I found, was located in April in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

A bird that is always a pleasure to see …

Chatting on the moors ...

June 2016

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)

The Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) is a fairly common passage migrant, although rare summer visitor, to Sussex. Most birds pass through in late April and May, with some stragglers being recorded at coastal locations up to the end of May and even early June in some seasons. Despite there being apparently suitable breeding habitat in the county, they are very rare breeders in Sussex. In Britain, S. rubetra mainly breeds in northern and western upland areas with a few in Ireland. Whinchat numbers in Britain more than halved between 1995 and 2008, the cause(s) being unknown. The above images were recently taken on moorland in North Wales and show in descending order males (top and middle) and a female (bottom).

References:

Scott-Ham, M., 2014. Whinchat. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 516-517.

In the valley of the Alyn …

Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)

C. cinclus is a bird of fast-flowing rivers and streams in mountainous and hilly regions. Typical habitat contains numerous rocks and boulders but the mainstay of foraging habitat is shallow water with a gravel bottom and aquatic or bankside vegetation. Territories, which are established along suitable rivers, are maintained against incursion by other pairs. Territories must contain a good nesting site and suitable roosting locations. The main factor affecting the extent of the territory is the availability of sufficient food to feed the adults and their offspring. Their nests are usually large, round, domed structures made of moss, with an internal cup of grass and small roots, and a side entrance hole. They are frequently built in confined spaces over, or close to, running water. The site may be on a ledge or bank, in a crevice or drainpipe, or beneath a bridge, both parents being involved in nest construction. Mosses and other suitable materials are collected and wetted, as illustrated above, before being used in nest assembly; on drying the materials contract giving a compact construction.

Feeding predominantly whilst submerged and walking on the streambed, large aquatic invertebrates, especially the larvae of caddis flies, provide the primary food source. Small fish, crustaceans and molluscs are also taken. Its main feeding technique under water is to move stones and pebbles and feed on items exposed underneath. Smaller items are swallowed under water whilst others, such as fish and caddis fly larvae, are brought to the surface. The above images are from a recent audience …

More at:

www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=6273

www.birdwatch.co.uk/categories/articleitem.asp?cate=22&topic=111&item=498

www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/d/dipper/

Moorland magic ...

Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

The Black Grouse T. tetrix is typically regarded as a bird of early successional forest, either coniferous or birch, and of forest-edge habitats. Following large scale reductions in the extent of natural forests, T. tetrix are now found in structurally similar habitats, such as mosaics of moorland and heathland, early stages of coniferous plantations, rough grazings and traditionally managed meadows. They are well known for the early morning displays of the male (a selection of images above). At first light they gather at clearings known as leks, where they display to attract a female by strutting with their tails spread wide, their heads held low and their bubbling calls and posturing. Leks are visited all year round but the peak of activity occurs during the spring when the females attend and mate with the males. The most dominant males hold the best positions at the lek and mate with most females. As dawn breaks and the sun rises above the beautiful moorland habitat, the sights and sounds of lekking T. tetrix is an experience that is rarely forgotten.

Unfortunately, during the last century, they have been declining throughout virtually all of their European range. In Britain, the decline has been considerable over the last 150 years and the species is now mostly confined to Scotland and northeastern England, with a small number still resident in Wales. They used to be common throughout southern and central England from Lincolnshire and Norfolk to Hampshire and Cornwall. By the late 1960s they had disappeared from all of the southern part of their range. They are currently disappearing at rates of between 10% and 40% a year in some areas. T. tetrix is listed on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern (December 2015), and is a priority species for which a UK Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced. It is therefore vital we take our responsibilities seriously to avoid harming these wonderful upland birds.

More at:

http://www.gwct.org.uk/research/species/birds/black-grouse/

http://sounds.bl.uk/environment/british-wildlife-recordings/022m-w1cdr0001417-2400v0

http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/b/blackgrouse/population_trends.aspx

Return to the Wildbrooks …

Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus columbianus)

The floodplain of the Arun valley ranges across a broad sweep of undisturbed wet grassland, intersected with wildlife-rich channels, surrounded by woodlands, and overlooked by the South Downs. It forms an essential part of the Arun Valley Special Protection Area for its large numbers of wintering wildfowl.

Although October records exist, it is generally mid November when the first of the Bewick’s appear in Sussex; three adults being present since at least 22nd November this year. After breeding in Arctic Russia, the swans undertake a 2,500-3,000 km migration to their wintering grounds. The vast majority head for Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, with smaller numbers wintering in Denmark, France, Ireland and Belgium. Sussex being located near the southwestern edge of their winter range.

A bird whose presence heralds the start of winter and embodies the atmosphere of the secluded wetlands of the Arctic tundra …

References:

Hughes, P. (2014). Bewick’s Swan. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 80-81.

Mason, M. (1996). Bewick’s Swan. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 133-136.

Northern Wheatear ...

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Autumn passage ...

With its flash of white rump, the Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe is a rather smart, insectivorous passerine.

It has a vast range across most of Europe, the Palearctic and as far as Greenland and parts of Arctic North America. Astonishingly, as their ancestors before, all migrate to winter in Africa in a belt south of the Sahara - one of the lengthiest recorded migrations of any small bird. The British population is currently estimated (2014) at 230,000 pairs; most of which are concentrated in the uplands of the north and west. It is a very scarce summer visitor, though regular passage migrant during spring and autumn, along parts of the Sussex coast and Downs.

A bird I am always pleased to see …

References:

Yates, B.J. and James, P. 1996. Wheatear. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 425-427.
Yates, B., 2014. Northern Wheatear. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 522-523.

In decline ...

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

The spectacular tumbling display of the male bird, along with its elegant crest and characteristic ee-wit call, make the Lapwing one of our most conspicuous waders. Historically their eggs were collected for food, but the problems they face today are much more complex and these familiar plovers are now on the list of our most threatened birds - with changes in farming practices being the main cause of this decline. Targeted conservation work on individual farms in Sussex and elsewhere have brought impressive increases in breeding pairs, but there are not enough of these intensive schemes to make a difference on a landscape and population scale. Success on nature reserves is at best patchy and any recovery of the Lapwing, if it ever happens, looks likely to be slow.

A beautiful bird which provides fond childhood memories ...

References:

Barfield, C., 2014. Lapwing. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 243-245.

Pepper, R.T., 1996. Lapwing. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 244-246.

Shades of purple ...

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)

Few waders are as closely restricted to a particular habitat as C. maritima, which is fundamentally a bird of the very edge of the surf, where it searches through wave-washed, seaweed-covered rocks for invertebrates.

It breeds on the Arctic islands of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, northwest Scandinavia and Russia. In Europe, the British Isles are on the extreme southwestern edge of its range, with up to four pairs breeding in Scotland since the late 1970s. It winters regularly at a small number of sites in Sussex, where it is a scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, with only Newhaven Harbour consistently holding a wintering flock during the last 50 years, where they are found on the harbour arms.

References:

Paul, N. (2014). Purple Sandpiper. The Birds of Sussex. Thetford: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Books on behalf of the Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 258-259.

Curson, J. (1996). Purple Sandpiper. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society, pp. 256-258.

Call of the wild ...

Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus)

The beautiful Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus ssp. scoticus is the British race of the Willow Grouse (Lagopus l. ssp. lagopus), although it was once believed that the Red Grouse was a species in its own right known as Lagopus scoticus, endemic to the British Isles. Furthermore, birds in Ireland are sometimes thought to be a separate subspecies known as L. l. hibernica.

Males mark out their territories with an energetic display during which they bound into the air, giving their characteristic call, whilst challenging opposing males for an area of moorland with abundant heather and bilberry in which the female will produce a nest scrape for her eggs. The eggs, which are well camouflaged, are typically laid in April and may number ten or more.

Widespread predator control is a key feature of grouse moor management. Foxes, stoats and crows are usually extensively controlled in such areas, with birds of prey, such as Golden Eagles, Goshawks and Hen Harriers, often being illegally targeted. The extent to which this abhorrent abuse occurs is hotly contested between conservation groups and shooting interests. The subject, quite rightly, generates much heated debate and media attention in relation to the management of grouse moors, wildlife crime and the shooting community.

References:

BirdLife International (2015). Species factsheet: Lagopus lagopus [Online]. Available from: www.birdlife.org [Accessed, 28 April 2015].