Wild Bird Research Group’s Post

For the second year in a row, my NUMBER 1 MOST READ Laura’s Wild World post for 2023 was my 2020 How to… guide all about identifying CHALKLAND WILDFLOWERS 🙂 Complete with drawings and photos, this guide was fun to put together at the time, and I am glad that it can keep on helping others and sharing a sliver of knowledge. Check it out below! #blog #lauraswildworld #howto #guide #wildflowers #identify #citizenscience #nature #wildlife

I see the fear-driven challenges. Talked to outraged farmers. Read about the culling moves of the Swiss government and the whiplash-like desires to act against the wolf by Ursula von der Leyen (after a wolf tore her pony). Gow is right, the wolf must return for the sake of a return to well-functioning, rich biodiversity. The challenges are vast because this apex predator will claim his place - and that means human beings need to adjust. The lack of willingness to do that is still abundantly obvious. Hunters, farmers, landowners, rules, regulations - the wolf will challenge every status quo and in the short-term, the hurdles seem near insurmountable. In the long-term, however, this can be done and must be done because the wolf is essential. Beyond the obvious need for rich biodiversity, there's us. The human being - in places where predators have disappeared for hundreds of years, we've come to know 'nature' as something that's just there, it can be hiked, it can be enjoyed, it can be used ... and most of us have forgotten to respect it. The moment predators return, a very healthy dose of respect and deepened appreciation for the beauty and the power of nature will return.

It's #WildlifeWednesday! Today we are sharing the wonder and cuteness of Flying Squirrels! There are ~50 species in the Pteroyini tribe in the family Sciuridae, but only two species native to the Northeast, the Southern and Northern flying squirrel. There are multiple subspecies across North America, including two found in the Southern Appalachians, both endangered. In 2019, it was discovered that all three North American species of flying squirrel fluoresce pink under UV light! Flying squirrels are not capable of true flight, but can glide using a furred membrane of skin called a patagium which stretches from wrist to ankle. This ability to glide is thought to have evolved to improve foraging and energy efficiency as gliding may be safer than traveling on the ground or jumping through the canopy, helping to escape potential dangers. Most are omnivorous, eating a variety of foods including seeds, flowers, insects, eggs, and especially fungi. They are nocturnal, sometimes seen at bird feeders. The mating season is in late winter, February and March, where they utilize tree cavities for safe nesting sites. They are threatened by loss of habitat and roosting trees (old growth forest and large snags), and habitat fragmentation by development and urban sprawl. This is why they are often found in attics of homes, as they have been forced to find alternatives to traditional nest trees. Consider building a nest box in your yard and preserving old growth trees and snags to help flying squirrels! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKn2jwuy If you would like to discuss improving habitat on your land with one of our biologists, reach out at info@nalt.org, or visit our website to learn more about our conservation management plans: www.nalt.org #nature #outdoors #landconservation #naturelovers #conservation #northamericanlandtrust #privatelands #naturalresources #privateland #conservationmanagement #privatelandconservation #landpreservation #easements #landprotection #nativewildlife #WildlifeWednesday #wildlifeconservation #squirrels #flyingsquirrels #nocturnalmammals

I read and wanted to share this article written by Patrick Barkham about the very outspoken and also inspirational Derek Gow - having met Derek a few times now, once in person at a 2018 Rewilding Conference and another time online at our Climate Action North #BookWilding talk he does have a very direct way of communicating for sure. I found the following statement also quite interesting:- "There’s an old saying: sheep spend their whole life being afraid of the wolf only to be eaten by the shepherd.” A structured #rewilding read as I am sure will be Derek's new book "Hunt for the Shadow Wolf" available on our Climate Action Virtual Bookshelf as hoping to feature this book on a #BookWilding talk later in the year. https://lnkd.in/g4Dm_CCR Like this article or not, it is certainly a valid view from a seasoned rewilder on the future of sheep, including wool (me being a knitter this interested me), the general economics of sheep grazing, and thoughts about how wolf reintroductions could look in the UK (albeit no doubt highly controversial). #rewilding #reintroductions #wolf #debate #speciesreintroduction #naturebalance #learning #awarenessraising #debatabletopics #mondaymusings #mondaythoughts

We know lots about the migratory patterns of Royal Terns. From their South American wintering grounds they fly north up the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts to their coastal nesting grounds in the United States. Still, there’s still lots to learn about where they go and what resources they need once they make it to their breeding grounds. To better understand where Royal Terns nesting along the Cape Fear River go to feed, Audubon North Carolina has partnered with Larid Research and Conservation. Together, they’re banding breeding birds with GPS transmitters and collecting fecal samples to collect data to inform tern management and conservation plans. https://lnkd.in/eU-5pi9U

  Read our insights into dulse in our newest Species Spotlight blog: https://lnkd.in/eKXkn4Dn.   Other varieties to feature in our Species Spotlight series so far are:   🌊 Channelled wrack (Pelvetia canaliculata): a survivor found at the top of rocky shores that can cope with the stresses of the extreme conditions https://lnkd.in/eJaW6EtC   🌊 Spiral wrack (Fucus spiralis): a brown seaweed with a relatively low iodine content, suitable for a range of food applications https://lnkd.in/eyHfWGQ8   🌊 Toothed wrack (Fucus serratus): a less familiar seaweed that has tufts of hairs that help absorb nutrients https://lnkd.in/eJf3c6ye #dulse #palmaria #seaweed #harvest #sustainable #insight

Spring is here, and so is breeding bird season! Katharine Scotton (she/her) and Kaitlyn York recently led a workshop on birding skills in preparation for the season. On this occasion, PGL staff were joined by Indigenous Monitors from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. We were fortunate to conduct the workshop just west of K’iyáxn, on the traditional territories of First Nations: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), tə səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), S’ólh (Stó:lō), Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla. Participants refreshed their observational skills using sight, sound and behaviour. A highlight of the morning was witnessing a Cooper’s hawk constructing a nest! Breeding season for songbirds in BC begins in early March and carries on through August. Raptors and herons begin breeding and nest building as early as January and may be sensitive to disturbance through to the end of September. Birds may construct nests or lay eggs in various habitats, some of which may be surprising. Nests may occur on telephone poles, rarely used buildings, gravel parking lots, or window ledges, in addition to vegetated landscapes. As a best practice, it is always recommended that vegetation clearing, disturbance and demolition be avoided during the breeding bird season. #birdsurvey #environmentalplanning #breedingbirds #birdnerds #birdnestingseason #nerdybynature #biologicalservices

An article on kestrel from the Keene Sentinel: https://lnkd.in/eYtXDmBv How much is a kestrel worth to you? If you're not familiar with this vibrant little falcon, you might not pay much to lure one into your backyard. But maybe that's because you haven't met a kestrel yet. Thanks to dedicated landowners, the American Kestrel is making a slow comeback in our region's landscapes. This charming species not only brightens our skies but also plays a crucial role in our ecosystem by controlling pests like mice and insects. Once a common sight, kestrels have declined due to habitat loss and poisons. Now, with efforts like the Harris Center’s kestrel project, we hope to see these falcons thrive again. Interested in learning more or supporting this cause? Check out the Harris Center's work here: https://lnkd.in/eFwPp9fs. Because to many, the answer to 'how much is a kestrel worth?' is simply 'priceless.

Great Crested Newts - What can be done outside of the survey season? The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists the Great Crested Newt (GCN), Triturus cristatus, as a protected species. With additional protection as a European Protected Species, it is illegal to capture or disturb GCNs, their eggs, breeding sites, or resting places. If you are concerned that your planned working area may impact GCNs, it is advisable to take action to ensure appropriate protection, consulting a suitably licenced ecologist so that appropriate testing and surveying can be considered and undertaken if necessary. Due to hibernation, the typical GCN surveying period is from March to the end of June each year. However, what can be done beyond the typical surveying period to further ensure protection? Given the timing and nature of certain works, traditional trapping surveys and/or Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing windows can sometimes be missed in areas potentially suitable for GCNs. In such cases, work can proceed by following a ‘Non-Licence’ Method Statement. This document outlines a method of work to ensure construction does not impact GCNs, their breeding sites, or resting places. For details on feasible GCN out-of-season procedures or to discuss a project where GCN’s have been found, please get in touch at 07444 190057 or email admin@nptee.co.uk. #NPTEE #WildlifeProtection #GreatCrestedNewt #Conservation Paul Hobbs Tony Shead

Since 2016, TOBIN has been involved in the design and implementation of various ornithological surveys to obtain baseline data in order to assess the potential effects of the Uisce Éireann Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region (WSP), on birds and their habitats.   The survey design and target species selection took into consideration the results of desktop studies, consultation with key government and non-government organisations, and the analysis of the typical bird communities likely to be found within the habitats of the ornithological study area.   Numerous survey methodologies were subsequently utilised to collect breeding and wintering bird data, including vantage point surveys, breeding bird walkovers, boat surveys, winter waterbird surveys, and hen harrier roost surveys.   The results of these surveys will be carefully analysed and used to provide robust scientific data for the Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment for the Proposed Project.   We're proud to continue to play a key role in the WSP and are currently undertaking another round of ornithological surveys, in addition to other ecological surveys, along the route of the Proposed Project. As we look ahead, we're excited to continue our collaboration with Uisce Éireann Irish Water, ensuring sustainable and reliable water solutions for the future. #teamTOBIN #water #supply #Eastern #Midlands #birds #ornithological #surveys