Plantlife produce a number of interesting guides to wildflowers. Here is their guide for July.

Corinna has kindly supplied the link to an article and video about the birth of two beaver kits in the first wild beaver colony in England for centuries.

ANGIOSPERMS (FLOWERS)

Sainfoin flowering in meadow outside Howe Park Wood (HA)

Wood Vetch plentiful in woodland ridge, Campbell Park (MK)

Pyramidal Orchids at Howe Park Wood, Lodge Lake, Elfield Park, Blue Lagoon (HA/MK)

Bee Orchids everywhere! Especially plentiful at Stonepit, Great Linford.

INSECTS

LEPIDOPTERA

Small Skipper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Ringlet now on the wing throughout MK.

Purple Hairstreak, North Bucks Way (24^th June – MK. Earliest ever record)

White Letter Hairstreak – New Bradwell (25^th June – Adrian Cadman)

Chimney Sweeper moths at Shenley Wood (24^th – MK)

Six belted clearwing moths came to pheromone lures at Howe Park Wood (27^th June – Darren Seaman/MK)

HEMIPTERA- HETEROPTERA

Water Stick Insect Ranatra linearis in pond at Tattenhoe (25^th – HA, who took the pic below)

Water Stick Insect, Ranatra linearis

ODONATA (all these records HA)

Emperor Dragonfly – Oakhill Wood

Common Darters – Howe Park Wood and Tattenhoe Park

Brown Hawker – Howe Park Wood

Black-tailed Skimmer – Hazeley Wood

Beautiful Demoiselle (?) – Hazeley Wood

BIRDS

Peregrine pair with one well grown chick at Stadium:MK (28^th June – Mike Wallen)

Goosander with 2 young – Olney (28^th – Mike Wallen)

Cuckoo still calling & 2 Hobbies – Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (24^th – MK)

Several pairs of Common Tern nesting on Willen Island (27^th – MK)

Siskin – Tattenhoe (HA)

Red Kite – Tattenhoe (HA)

MK = Martin Kincaid (HA)

HA = Harry Appleyard (HA)

The weather was wonderful – one of those still balmy summers evenings that are rare indeed!

We set off at a leisurely pace past Olney church and the Mill house and along the beautiful river Ouse.  My one slight reservation about the walk was that the fields beside the river are full of rather large bullocks, but they are placid beasts and I wasnt particularly concerned. However what I didn’t count on was the presence of the farmer in his truck who had really stirred them up and at one point we had 50 plus huge beasts gambolling merrily around us  – not an experience for the faint-hearted!! But society members are a sturdy breed and no-one seemed unduly worried.

The river bank was alive with banded demoiselles, red eyed damselflies and other assorted damselflies and we even saw a signal crayfish lurking in the water (not such a welcome sighting). The evening really stepped up however when we spotted three hares in the field on the opposite bank, followed by a bevy of 30-40 twittering house martins collecting mud from the river’s edge and then a sparrowhawk flying over hoping to catch out an unwary martin. Common terns patrolled up and down the river occasionally plunging down into the water for minnows and we saw one male goosander and a few of the resident barnacle geese.

We ambled on to the bridge over the river to Clifton Reynes and managed to locate Roy’s slender tufted sedge down by the water’s edge. The river is lovely on this stretch as the opposite bank is wooded and was alive with birdsong (thrushes, chaffinches, black caps etc ) as the evening drew in. The reflections of the reeds and trees in the river were perfect as there was not a breath of wind.

Eventually we turned for home having had a truly magical evening.

Julie Lane

You can record your butterfly sightings using an app on your smartphone. The app uses the GPS in your smartphone to accurately log the location of your sighting. Click here to read more.

On Sunday 5 July 2015 there will be a walk led by the local RSPB Group:

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

The stunning photos (sunset moth shown) were taken by 51-year-old Linden Gledhill from Staffordshire. He used a trinocular-reflecting light microscope with a Canon EOS 5D mark II on the top.

Source: macro photographs capture the the details of butterfly wings | Daily Mail Online

Members met at Linford Lakes, formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre and a former location for indoor Society meetings, on a warm and sunny evening.
A number of routes lead to the three hides. The Near Hide offers viewing of nesting Sand Martins at a site intended for Kingfishers. The Woodland Hide offers viewing of bird feeders and a log pile for small mammals. There is more bird activity at this hide earlier in the day.
People chose their own routes, stopping at the hides as long as they wanted and no-one got lost. Things of most interest to me were damselflies, my first Marbled White butterfly of the year, a nymph of Roesel’s bush cricket, a red and black froghopper Cercopis vulnerata and a stinging nettle, unusual in having three, rather than two, leaves at each node on the stem.
A Blood vein moth was seen and some members who walked back along the access road were rewarded with a sighting of a Barn Owl.

Paul Lund (who took the photos below)

Froghopper Cercopis vulnerata

Aberrant Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

Nymph of Roesel’s Bush Cricket Metrioptera roeselii

Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens

Marbled White Melanargea galathea

AN interesting article and video from NewScientist

Source: Hawkmoths slow down their brains so they can hit a moving target – life – 12 June 2015 – New Scientist

The New Scientist magazine has produced an article on rabbits living in urban environments.

Here’s a link to a fascinating BBC article containing some less well known facts about ladybirds.

The Trip Report on the Society’s visit to Little Linford Wood on 19May15 has been updated with a list of plants in flower at the time of our visit.

Click here for the updated trip report.
Click here for the plant list.

BIRDS

Red Kite – Tattenhoe

Hobby – Tattenhoe Park

Peregrine – Granby (all Harry Appleyard)

Common Terns with 3 chicks at Stony Stratford N.R. (15h, MK)

2 Black Terns, 1 Mediterranean Gull at Summerleys Nature Reserve (14^th)

Barn Owl reported from Bury Field, Newport Pagnell (9^th June)

Kingfisher Broughton Brook 9^th June (Julian Lambley)

MAMMALS

Fox Broughton Brook 9^th June – Julian Lambley

INSECTS

ODONATA

Emperor Dragonflies – Tattenhoe – Harry Appleyard

LEPIDOPTERA

Large Skippers – Tattenhoe

Painted Lady – Tattenhoe

Dingy Skipper – Tattenhoe Park

Brown Argus – Tattenhoe Park

Small Coppers – Tattenhoe (all Harry Appleyard)

Hummingbird Hawk-moth in Wolverton Garden – 10^th June, Eddie Edwards

Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small Heath and Dingy Skipper butterflies – Sandhouse Quarry – 10^th June, MK/Helen Wilson

Painted Lady – Stony Stratford Nature Reserve – 15^th June, MK.

Small Blues out at Stonepit, Great Linford – 11^th June, Janice Robertson

COLEOPTERA

Wasp Beetle Clytus arietus – in conservatory in Oldbrook – 11^th June, MK

PLANTS – ANGIOSPERMS

Bee Orchids out at Elfield Park, Stonepit and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

Wild Thyme coming into flower at Stonepit (15^th June)

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre) will be hosting an open day on Sunday 21st June 2015 from 10:00 – 16:00hrs. Click here for more details.

An opportunity to bring friends and family to enjoy reserve.

Crafts, second hand books and refreshments available.

The first 21 days of a bee’s life captured in an incredible 60 second timelapse.

Source: BBC – Earth – Building a bee in 60 seconds

A new page has been added to the Gallery to show some of the moths that Gordon Redford has identified at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly Hanson Environmental Study Centre).  If you select Gallery, Moths at Linford Lakes NR or use this link https://mknhs.org.uk/moths-at-linford-lakes-nr/ you will get to the new page.

As Steve is on holiday, I have produced a summary of sightings since his last report on 26May15. It would be nice to receive more reports from members of the Society.

BIRDS

01Jun15 Turnstone – Willen Lake South, Willen Lakes Robert Norris (BBC)
02Jun15 Blackcap feeding a fledgling in Sherwood drive in Bletchley Dave Essame  (NBBR)

LEPIDOPTERA

29May15 Humming bird hawk moth – Olney Julie Lane
07Jun15 A full survey of Salcey Forest by D.Goddard and D.James produced 94 Wood Whites. Most of the activity around the Piddington crossroads – (BNBC)
07Jun15 Red Admiral was seen egg laying in Salcey Forest – (BNBC)

BBC – Buckinghampshire Bird Club
BNBC – Bedfordshire & Northamptonshire branch of Butterfly Conservation
NBBR – North Bucks Birding

Great Crested Grebe                                                                     Long Tailed Tit

Grey Heron                                                                                     Willow Warbler

Cormorant                                                                                      Garden Warbler

Mute Swan                                                                                      Blackcap

Canada Goose (with young)                                                        Common Whitethroat

Mallard (with young)                                                                    Chiffchaff

Tufted Duck                                                                                   Reed Warbler

Coot (on nest)                                                                                Sedge Warbler

Moorhen                                                                                         Chaffinch

Oystercatcher (on nest)                                                                Goldfinch

Lapwing                                                                                           Greenfinch

Common Tern (on nest)                                                               Bullfinch

Pheasant                                                                                         House Sparrow

Woodpigeon                                                                                   Reed Bunting

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Swift

Swallow

Blackbird

Robin

Song Thrush

Dunnock

Wren

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Many thanks to Martin Kincaid for supplying the list of birds identified at the Society’s recent trip to Stony Stratford Nature Reserve

On Sunday 14 June 2015 there will be a walk led by the local RSPB Group:

Drop in abundance of acorn crop could be due to warmer years leading to less synchronised flowering of oak trees. Click here to read more of this article published in theguardian.

A helpful video from the BTO to help you tell the difference between a House Martin, Swallow or Swift

Plantlife produce a number of interesting guides to wildflowers. Here is their guide for June.

Five common viruses which cause disease in honeybees are circulating in bumblebees. Read the BBC article here.

Marsh Fritillary at Cerne Abbas, Dorset by Ian Kirk

Click the photo to watch the video.

A BBC article reporting that Chiffchaffs are now overwintering in the UK. Click here to read the article.

New analysis reveals likely impact of global warming on plants and animals if we fail to take action, and comes ahead of crunch climate talks in Paris

Source: One in six of world’s species faces extinction due to climate change – study | Environment | The Guardian

Common Frog by David Baird

An interesting article in the Daily Telegraph about the bizarre science behind frog legs

On Wednesday 03 June 2015 there will be a walk led by the local RSPB Group:

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

ANGIOSPERMS

Horseshoe Vetch, Kidney Vetch, Common Broomrape, Globularia vulgaris in flower at Stonepit Field. Fine display of Ramsons in Stonepit Copse (24^th). (Martin Kincaid)

INSECTS

ODONATA

Broad-Bodied Chasers – Tattenhoe Park

Four-Spotted Chasers – Tattenhoe Park (both Harry Appleyard)

LEPIDOPTERA

Burnet Companion, Mother Shipton and Small White Wave at Stonepit Field (24^th).

Common Heath, Clouded Border at Sandhouse Lane Quarry (also 14 spot Ladybird) (25^th)

6 x Wood Whites at Salcey Forest 22^nd (Julie Lane)

Common Blue Butterflies – Tattenhoe Park (Harry Appleyard)

Small Heath – Kingsmead Wood (Harry Appleyard)

BIRDS

2 Tawny Owl fledglings at Howe Park Wood.

Pair of Garganey, pair of Little Ringed Plover, 3 Barn Owls, Cuckoo at Linford Lakes (24^th) Osprey through on 25^th.

Little Ringed Plovers observed mating and preparing nest scrapes at Manor Farm Quarry (23^rd)

Oystercatcher and Common Terns nesting at Stony Stratford Nature Reserve.

(above all Martin Kincaid)

Marsh Tit – Oakhill Wood (Harry Appleyard)

Cuckoo – Oakhill Wood (24th May) (Harry Appleyard)

Hobby – Oakhill Wood (24^th) (Harry Appleyard)

A great white egret at Summer Leys 21/5/2015 (Julie Lane)

21/5 : 2 Grey Partridge : Little Linford Wood (Rob Hill, Bucks Birders)

20/5 : 2 Garganey : Linford Reserve, Linford GPs.Long staying pair. (Rob Hill, Bucks Birders)

19/5 : Goosander : Manor Farm Quarry. Female over east. Presume one of the Olney birds.
(Rob Hill, Bucks Birders)

An interesting article in NewScientist:
Dragonflies have souped-up colour vision that’s better than anything ever seen in the animal world. Click here to read the rest of the article.

On Sunday 31st May 2015 at 07:30hrs, Andy Harding, the  Bucks County Bird Recorder will be leading a morning Warbler Walk at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre). There is a charge of £2:00 which includes refreshments.

An exciting survey of the UK’s gardens that everyone can take part in. From beginners to experts, 30-31 May 2015 is the date for your diary!
Source: National Garden Bioblitz : 30th to 31st May 2015

A disturbing press release from Golden Eagle Trust

The Parks Trust have advised that permit renewals and new permits can now be purchased online at the Parks Trust website. The link for this can be found here:- http://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/linford-lakes-permit/

The old key locks have been removed on the hides. They have been replaced by new combination keypads which should make the hides more secure and will also ensure that only current fully paid up members are able to access them.

Permit holders will also be asked in future to carry proof of their permit when visiting the hides. This will enable Parks Trust staff to quickly ascertain who should and should not be on the reserve.

Any questions relating to this please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards

James Walsh
Education Ranger
T: 01908 255362

Found after the Society Walk on 19th May at Little Linford Wood

1 pair small black trainers. Please contact the Society at https://mknhs.org.uk/contact-us/ if you are, or know, the owner.

Goosander : Manor Farm Quarry. 19th May

The trip report on the Society’s visit to Pilch Field on 12May15 has been updated with Roy’s list of plants in flower at the time of our visit.

Bluebells by Jim Champion

Sussex Wildlife Trust have produced a handy guide on the differences between native and foreign bluebells on how to spot the difference between native and non-native Bluebells. Click here for more information.

Plantlife produce a number of interesting guides to wildflowers. Here is their guide for May

Stonepit Field is an area of open grassland including a limestone scrape. It is a good site for the Small Blue and other grassland butterflies. Meet in Stonepit car park.

(BCUTB) have said that non-members are welcome to attend our events. If you do so, please make yourself known to the event organiser/leader.

Location: Nearest postcode: MK14 5AL; ; grid reference SP845423; Google Maps

Leader and Contact: Martin Kincaid tel: 01908 235362

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Three nesting male hen harriers have vanished in Lancashire in as many weeks, in unexplained circumstances.
Source: The RSPB: News: Trio of threatened breeding birds of prey vanish

On Wednesday 20th May 2015 at 19:00hrs, Andy Harding the  Bucks County Bird Recorder will be leading an evening Warbler Walk at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre). There is a charge of £2:00 which includes refreshments.

The article on the Society’s trip to Howe Park Wood on 05May15 has been updated with the list of plants identified by Roy.

BIRDS (any information about anything else most welcome!)

The Peregrine pair are sitting on eggs at Stadium:MK!
Curlew Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper among the many waders at Manor Farm Quarry.
Tawny Owl on eggs at Howe Park Wood (seen by several members on recent Society trip)
Nightingale still present at Blue Lagoon Nature Reserve as of 9th May. Singing well between car park and edge of lake.
Swifts now arriving in huge flocks. Well over 100 present at Willen Lake North on 9th May.
Arctic Terns on passage at Willen and Linford Lakes.
Spotted Flycatchers seen at Stony Stratford NR and Linford Lakes in past week.

Thanks to Martin Kincaid for this information.

On Sunday 17 May 2015 there will be a walk led by the local RSPB Group:

Location: Meet at the reserve car park, off the A509 opposite Wollaston. SP 885634.

One of the best small reserves in the region. Always plenty of birds, we expect 40+ species. Last year, two great egrets and a long-tailed duck were seen. Not to be missed! Leader: Chris Coppock.

Time: 10 am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01908 502116

E-mail: pete@petehow.plus.com

Link to the events page of the local RSPB group

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

On Thursday 14 May 2015 there will be a presentation hosted by the local RSPB Group:

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Gordon Redford has kindly supplied pictures of some of the moths found at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre).

Click on any picture for a larger view. Click on the back button in your browser to return to this page.

Why not send in your photos so that we can all enjoy them on this site.

Twin-spotted Quaker by Gordon Redford taken at Linford Lakes NR 03Apr15

Pine Beauty by Gordon Redford taken at Linford Lakes NR 14Apr15

Purple Thorn by Gordon Redford taken at Linford Lakes NR 16Apr15

Streamer moth by Gordon Redford taken at Linford Lakes NR 25Apr15

Swallow Prominent by Gordon Redford at Linford Lakes NR

The National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) is a new habitat-based plant monitoring scheme designed by BSBI, CEH, Plantlife and JNCC. Click here to read more.

Hybrid goose

Above is a photo of a goose taken by Julie Lane on 4th May. I think it may be a cross between a Canada and a domestic goose as both are in the park but maybe its just a melanistic Canada goose. He/she was all alone so obviously not accepted as a partner by any other self respecting goose!

Ian Saunders has has emailed that in his opinion “Guess the Goose” in News – despite its slim build, I don’t think that Julie’s bird is a Canada hybrid, as all the ones I have ever seen have been dark, and look more like Canadas “gone off” than this mainly white bird (which would be albinistic, rather than melanistic).

Judging by its leg and bill colouration (which are both dark in Canadas), I would guess that it’s more likely simply an “ugly” domestic goose, or a hybrid between two (or more) domestic breeds.”

Ian invites other members to submit their opinions on the bird in Julie’s photo.

10May15 Julie’s response:
“In reply to Ian’s interesting and welcome contribution  I would just add that the reason I thought it might be a hybrid between Canadas and domestic geese is that historically those two hang around together in mixed flocks in the park and have done for many years. I thought that this might be the result of so much hanging around together!! He/she seems to be a slimline version of the domestic white geese (the ribbed affect on the neck is also a domestic goose attribute) with some dark feathers thrown in. I should have checked my terminology re the use of the word ‘melanistic’ which I was a bit worried about at the time, but when you think about it this goose could also be a very slim melanistic domestic goose or a albinistic canada goose!! Haha!!”

Hedgehog Awareness Week runs from 3rd-9th May 2015 and hedgehoggy events are being organised all around the country!

Hedgehog Awareness Week 2015 | BHPS News

BBC Earth is also publicising this event

Whilst on holiday this Easter walking the south coast path I came across this kittiwake in trouble. Whilst I couldn’t really do anything to help the poor bird other than move it off the path away from marauding dogs, I noticed it was ringed and sent the details in to the BTO. A few days ago I received this information (see below) about the bird which was really interesting. Kittiwakes spend their winters out in the Atlantic often as far away as the Grand Banks so maybe this bird was on its way back to breed on Scilly and got into trouble. It was easy to go on the BTO’s website and complete the form and good to get the information back from them. At least they can use this information and the bird’s life was not entirely wasted.

Ringing Scheme: London Ring Number: ET70368 Species of bird: Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)

This bird was ringed by RSPB as age at least 3 years, sex unknown on 16-Jul-2010 time unknown at St Martins, Isles of Scilly, UK

OS Map reference SV9416 accuracy 0, co-ordinates 49deg 58min N 6deg 16min W accuracy 1.

It was found on 28-Mar-2015 time unknown at Branscombe, Sidmouth, Devon, UK

OS Map reference SY2088 accuracy 0, co-ordinates 50deg 41min N 3deg 8min W accuracy 0.

Finding condition: Sick or injured: fate unknown

Finding circumstances: Found Sick

Extra Information: Unable to fly

Some interesting facts discovered from BTO ringing data….

Oldest bird – Manx shearwater, 50 yrs 11 months

Furthest travelled – Arctic Tern from Wales to Australia 18,000 km

Strangest recovery – Osprey ring found in stomach of a crocodile in The Gambia!

Julie Lane

Hollington Wood will be open all day (1000-1800) for our traditional ‘Bluebell Day’ on the early May Bank Holiday Monday, May 4^th.

“We’d love to see you up in the wood this bank holiday, we’ve laid on some treats for you

The wood will be open 10am-6pm and we will be doing:

• Guided walks at about 11.30am & 2.30pm
• Bird-ringing (mostly in the morning but Nick may be persuaded to carry on into the afternoon);
• Bee observation hive with Jeff around to talk bee-keeping in the afternoon;
• Jess’s kids adventures at the bell tent all day;
• Admire the new privacy screen to our composting loos(!!!);
• Ro Bailey will be exhibiting his wonderful woodcraft;
• Our beautiful Indian firebowls and accessories will be on display and available to purchase on the day;
• Read/discuss/ comment on our new 10 year management plan;
• and, of course, wander and explore when the bluebells are at their absolute peak…
• Refreshments will include a wide variety of home-made/cooked fare (incl. nettle soup and primrose wine as long as it lasts) but more normal stuff like hot dogs and cakes will also be available;

Don’t rely on it but the weather even looks OK – mainly dry & bright they are saying – but it might be quite chilly and dodgy later in the afternoon.

Some Car Parking spaces still available but these need to be booked in advance (through Philip 07762 441275).
Absolutely no parking on the grass verge of the farm road please – it caused us a big problem last year!

We all look forward to seeing you up in the woods on Monday.”

Hollington Wood, Olney, Bucks, MK46 5JH

Hollington Wood website

Discover sex’s most surprising secrets.

Source: 10 things you never knew about animal sex | Discover Wildlife

Martin Kincaid will lead a walk around Elfield Park on Saturday 13th June 2015. This is a site usually closed to the public and we have only had 2 previous society visits to it. See the Programme page for more details.

Bucks County Museum in Aylesbury is holding a Nature Detectives Exhibition from 25th July to 31st October and have requested that the society and its members take part in the exhibition whose purpose is to explore Buckinghamshire’s wildlife and the people who help record, conserve and promote it. To find out more about this exhibition and how you can become involved, click on the link and download further information and a form to send back to Mike Palmer at the museum.

We have a lot of expertise and enthusiasm in the society so hopefully we can make a useful contribution as a group.

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group is visiting Manor Farm on Wednesday 6th May 2015 at 10:00. See their Events page for more details.

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Sunday 3rd May  from 10:00-13:00 is a work Sunday at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre). Click here for more details.

BIRDS

(all data from Harry Appleyard)

Garden Warblers – Tattenhoe Park

Red Kites – Tattenhoe

Lesser Whitethroat – Howe Park Wood

Sedge Warbler – Howe Park Wood

Wheatear – Whaddon

Raven – Oakhill Wood

House Martins – Manor Farm

Common Terns – Manor Farm

Red Kite – Manor Farm

INSECTS

(data from Harry Appleyard, Brian Ellis and Paul Lund)

LEPIDOPTERA

Holly Blue – Oakhill Wood (Harry)

Red Admiral – Oakhill Wood (Harry)

Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae – Bancroft (27th – Paul)

Eggs of Brimstone butterfly Gonepteryx rhamni and Orange tip Anthocharis cardamines are on their food plants in Paul’s garden.

Speckled Wood, Male and Female Holly Blue (Brian)

ODONATA

Large Red Damselflies – Tattenhoe Park and Howe Park Wood – Large Reds have been out for a couple of weeks now (Harry).

Having got home late from the MKNHS plant sale/Amphibians evening I heard a strange snuffly grunting noise in my garden. On closer inspection this turned out to be a large hedgehog circling strangely around some ornamental grasses next to my back door. It ignored a tasty meaty snack I put out for him and continued to mess around seemingly having more important things on its mind. Eventually I went out again with a torch and a camera only to find that there were indeed two large hedgehogs in my garden in the process of …………. well the photo speaks for itself!!! I am delighted, as I try to so hard to make my garden wildlife friendly and even scraped a hole under my fence last year for hedgehogs to access the garden. It seems to have worked!! Maybe there will be some little hoglets trotting around my garden later in the year. Julie

The following have been added to the Publication page:

Top Trees
Top Orchards
Database of older trees across MK borough

In partnership with Aylesbury Vale District Council, Bucks Bird Club and local volunteers, a nesting platform was installed after two peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) were spotted flying around the town centre in 2007. Click here to read more…

Maps and driving instructions have been added to the events in the summer programme. Click on a grid reference to see a map of the location.

Click the Directions button on the map to get instructions on how to get to the venue.

BIRDS

1st Cuckoo heard by Di Parsons – Heath & Reach, 19th April

Peregrine x2 at Stadium:MK (just signed up for the Dons)

3 Lapwing nests at Stony Stratford Nature Reserve

Wader passage in full swing at Manor Farm, Old Wolverton. In the past week, Avocets, Curlew, Dunlin, Black Tailed Godwit, Ringed Plovers and 6 Redshank.

Most warblers now back including Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers and Willow Warblers.

INSECTS

LEPIDOPTERA

Holly Blue, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip butterflies on wing.

COLEOPTERA

Great Diving beetles Dytiscus marginalis common in ponds at Linford Lakes.

HYMENOPTERA

Sawfly (Possibly Abia lonicerae)

ALL OTHER LIFE FORMS

MAMMALS

Roe Deer seen at Elfield Park and Shenley Wood (both 17th, Parks Trust staff)

Water Shrew found under tin – Linford Lakes (Martin K, 15th)

LEPIDOSAURIA

Grass Snakes – Tattenhoe

The April 2015 edition of the Magpie has been issued. You will find it on the publications page.

Eagle Nebula

In 1995, the Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of the towers of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula that came to be known as the ‘Pillars of Creation’. In  January 2015 an updated version of that now-iconic image was released at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle, Washington. Click here for some amazing photos.

The summer programme has been added to the website. You will find it under the Programme menu.

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group will be visiting RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk on 24Apr16. Click here for more details.

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

The BBC has published an article on why woodpeckers drum.

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre) will be hosting a presentation and slide show on Wednesday 22nd April. Doors Open 19:15hrs for 19:30 hrs start.

“South East Africa: some observations of extremes, three months in city, savannah and slum”

Carys Miller will talk about her Gap Year experiences in Africa.

She is now studying English at Oxford.

Friends and Family welcome,

£2:00 each, includes tea or coffee.

BIRDS

Sand Martins investigating nesting bank at Linford Lakes.

Up to 4 Barn Owls hunting over Stanton Low fields at dusk.

Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Swallows now throughout MK.

2 Redshank, nesting Oystercatcher – Stony Stratford Nature Reserve (13th)

INSECTS

COLEOPTERA

Water Ladybird Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata found while clearing pond at Atterbury (1st April)

HYMENOPTERA

Large numbers of queen bumblebees investigating ditches in Howe Park Wood (13th April – M Kincaid/M LeRoy)

LEPIDOPTERA

Orange Tips and Small Toprtoiseshells seen in Brian Ellis’ back garden, Blue Bridge (9-10th April)

Exactly 100 butterflies (mostly Peacocks) counted on transect at Little Linford Wood – Julian Lambley

Holly Blues out at Kew Gardens! (12th)

DIPTERA

Bee Fly Bombylius major abundant in sunshine in Blakelands

ALL OTHER FORMS OF LIFE

LEPIDOSAURIA 

3 Adders at Stockgrove Country Park (11th – Di Parsons)

WILD FLOWERS

Good displays of Wood Anemone out in local woods now. Bluebells emerging in Howe Park and Shenley Woods.

Cowslips out at Linford Lakes, North Willen, Blue Bridge etc.

Rosettes of Early Purple Orchid at Howe Park Wood (13th)

The first ever dedicated survey for harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the River Thames was completed on Saturday 14th March. Click here for more information.

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (formerly known as Hanson Environmental Study Centre) will be hosting an open day on SUnday 19 April 2015 from 10:00 – 16:00hrs:

The migrating birds are on their way back.
Come and spot some arrivals.
Many birds and bees are busy nest building also.
It’s a great time to enjoy the reserve.
Make use of the centre facilities enjoy the
Viewing gallery and static bird display.
Crafts for sale also bird seed and
Second hand books.
Refreshments and home-made cakes available.

The Guardian newspaper says the UK drew wrong conclusion from its neonicotinoids study.

Use Butterfly Conservation’s Identify a Butterfly page. Tick the selection boxes on the left to narrow down your choice of possible butterflies.

Large Red Male Damselfly, taken at Cothill Fen on 14Jun14 by Peter Hassett

The British Dragonfly Society have reported that a Large Red Damselfly has been spotted in Cornwall. You can keep up with all the latest dragonfly sighting here.

The Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula is usually the first dragonfly or damselfly to be seen each year.  It can be found across the whole country including both Orkney and Shetland.  Larvae develop in the water for two years and reach the final stage of development, final instar, at the beginning of the winter to emerge as adults as soon as the water warms in spring.

A useful identification guide can be found here.

The BBC has produced an interesting article on 7 reed bunting facts you need to know.

Butterfly Conservation report that the High Brown Fritillary, one of the UK rarest butterflies has recorded its best year for a decade thanks to 2014’s warm spring weather and work to restore its habitat. However other butterflies did not fare as well. Click here to read more.

Scarce Tortoiseshell

Butterfly Conservation have reported that a Scarce Tortoiseshell, also known as the Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell was sighted on Thursday 12 March from Holt Country Park on the north Norfolk coast. Click here to read more.

BIRDS

Peregrines mating at Stadium:MK

Blackbird chicks well developed in nest at Blakelands (Steve Brady)

Kestrels nesting in box at Passenham

Linnets – Tattenhoe Park

Yellowhammers – Kingsmead

First Swallow of the year at Linford Lakes (Harry Appleyard, 27^th)

Many waders at Manor Farm quarry including 1 Ruff, 2 Ringed Plovers, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpipers. Also a Wheatear (29^th)

2 Female  Goosanders and 1 Male Goosander seen on Great Ouse, and flitting along the bank nearby a Grey Wagtail just 500 metres from Wolverton Mill.  Further up,  a Little Egret and happily a good number of Mallards. Brian & Val Ellis 24th

MAMMALS 

Water Shrew and American Mink at Linford Lakes (Harry/Martin 27^th)

Otter reported from Stony Stratford (26^th)

“REPTILES”

(technically Lepidosauria – “Reptilia” is no longer generally accepted by zoologists as a valid taxon)

Grass snakes seen at Tattenhoe, Walton Lake and Linford Lakes.

2 Adders at Rammamere Heath (Di Parsons)

WILD FLOWERS 

Common Dog Violet in flower throughout Milton Keynes

Wood Anemone in Linford Wood

First Bluebell in flower at Howe Park Wood! (Harry Appleyard, 26^th)

Lots of Celandine on the banks of the Great Ouse at Wolverton Mill and WhiteViolets alongside the canal. Brian & Val Ellis 24th

The video that Paul Manchester showed at the Society’s meeting on 24 March 2015 has been added to the post on Starling murmurations in Wolverton.

The video can be view here.

The original post can be viewed here.

The BBC has produced a useful guide on How to identify early spring blooms.

Mike Killeby has written an excellent article describing his investigations into the Harvestmen in the woods of Milton Keynes. Click on the Publications menu to read all about. it.

An article by the The Independent newspaper about plans for the Lynx to be reintroduced into wild in Britain.

Lynx to be reintroduced into wild in Britain after a 1,300-year absence – Nature – Environment – The Independent.

Plantlife produce a number of interesting guides to wildflowers. Here is their guide for March.

Starling Murmuration, Wolverton, 14Mar15 by Martin Kincaid

Starling Murmuration, Wolverton, 14Mar15 by Martin Kincaid

Starling Murmuration, Wolverton, 14Mar15 by Martin Kincaid

Starling Murmuration, Wolverton, 14Mar15 by Martin Kincaid

Some updates:

20Mar15 The number of startling is estimated as 20-30,000.
24Mar15 Paul Manchester advised that there are fewer starling now and they are spreading out more.

BIRDS
Stonechats – Tattenhoe Park (Since 7th)
Red Kites – Tattenhoe and Westcroft
Siskin – Howe Park Wood (8th)

AMPHIBIANS
Common Frogs – Howe Park Wood and Westcroft
Smooth Newt – on Railway Walk, Great Linford (19-15hrs, 11th)

INSECTS – LEPIDOPTERA
Brimstones, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells and Commas – Tattenhoe (7th)
PLANTS
Common Whitlow grass, Germander speedwell,Hairy bittercress – all in flower, March 7th

Red kite

An interesting research paper into the increased sightings on Red Kites in towns.

INSECTS

Peacock butterfly – Tattenhoe Park (Friday)

AMPHIBIANS

First Smooth Newts and Great Crested Newts of the year found at Elfield Park (23^rd Jan) Martin Kincaid

BIRDS

Yellowhammer – Tattenhoe Park ( Harry Appleyard Friday 23rd)

Red Kite – Emerson Valley (HA – Saturday 24th)

Marsh Tit – Tattenhoe Park (HA -Sunday 25th)

Fieldfares – Tattenhoe Park

Bittern at HESC (Mike LeRoy – 25^th)

Pair of Stonechat still showing on fields approaching HESC (Michele Welborn)

9 Common Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe at Stony Stratford Nature Reserve (MK – 23^rd)

Up to 3 Great White Egrets reported from Summerleys Nature Reserve.

1 Shelduck and 7 Goosander – Manor Farm (23^rd)