View our interactive Starling Murmuration map of the UK. Between October and November, it is possible to view one of nature’s most dazzling displays of avian behaviour, the murmuration. This phenomenal acrobatic display is a maelstrom of swooping and diving that is breathtaking to witness. There are many thoughts as to why Starlings group together like this; the main ones include staying warm, safety and simply just to exchange information.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Starling Murmuration Map

BIRDS

Large groups of Fieldfares and Redwings around Tattenhoe
Large groups of Lesser Redpolls and Siskins over Rushmere Country Park (29th)
Jack Snipe reported from North Willen Lake (29^th)
Female Scaup at Floodplain Forest (27^th)
2 Bramblings among chaffinch flock at Bow Brickhill (29^th – MK)
Pintail – drake at Stony Stratford Reserve (31^st – MK)
Little grebe, kingfisher and Cetti’s warbler at Emberton Park last Monday 24th October  (Julie Lane)

MAMMALS

Harvest Mouse brought in dead by cat in Stony Stratford recently. Now at taxidermist!
Otter seen at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (25^th – MK)
Noctule Bat seen at 4pm over Howe Park Wood (31^st – Harry Appleyard)

LEPIDOSAURIA

Baby grass snake at Rushmere country park last Sunday 25th October (Julie Lane)

INSECTS

Hymenoptera
Buff-tailed and White-tailed bumblebee queens at LLNR (31^st – MK)

Lepidoptera
Brimstone butterfly – female flying at LLNR (31^st – MK)

Odonata
Male Southern Hawker, Rushmere Country Park (29th)
Common Darter dragonflies mating at Stony Stratford Reserve (30^th – MK)

FUNGI

Funeral Bell Galerina marginata, Black Bulgar Bulgaria inquinans and Clitocybe geotropa among species found at Linford Wood (30^th – Bucks Fungus Group – see separate News Item)
Common Parasol mushrooms Macrolepiota procera at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (31^st – MK)

(MK = Martin Kincaid, all other sightings by Harry appleyard unless indicated otherwise)

Slime mould, Physarum nutans by Peter Hassett, Linford Wood, 30 October 2016

On a nice sunny autumn morning 15 members of the Milton Keynes Natural History Society and the Buckinghamshire Fungus group met for a joint walk looking for fungus in this ancient wood.

Click this link to read the trip report.

Click on this link to download the species list

Fox by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 24th September 2016

Linford Lakes NR are forming a dedicated mammal group and need your help:

The group would help survey mammals at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

The Bio blitz last summer produced evidence of a diverse group of mammals on site.

Martin Kincaid is forming the monitoring group, some training is available.

If you are prepared to offer one session a month Martin would like to hear from you.

Please contact him at m.kincaid@theparkstrust.com.

Our study on the Silver Y moth debunks the idea that all insects migrate haphazardly.Historically, biologists believed that migrating insects throw caution to the wind–quite literally–letting un

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Rothamsted Research | where knowledge grows

Work Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 6 November 2016 10:00-13:00hrs.

Willing hands will be made welcome today.

There are lots of jobs around the reserve in the winter.

Cutting back overgrowth, trimming hedges, clearing paths.

It’s a great way to see parts of the reserve that normally has restricted access.

It’s a great way to keep warm and fit and meet like-minded people.

Refreshments available.

London Zoo is best known for its exotic creatures great and small and the programmes it runs to conserve them in the wild – but now it’s fighting to save a tiny population of Britain’s best-loved mammal.

Source: HS2 threat to London’s last hedgehogs | Discover Wildlife

Discover 6 fascinating facts about the BTO August Bird of the Month: Kingfisher

Source: 7 bearded tit facts you need to know | Discover Wildlife

Common Toad by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 23 March 2016

A citizen-science study has found that one of Britain’s best-loved amphibians — the common toad — may soon be a rare sight.

Source: Toads are declining at an alarming rate in the UK | Discover Wildlife

Silver-Washed Fritillary by Harry Appleyard, North Bucks Way 13 July 2016

One of the UK’s largest recycling and renewable energy companies, Viridor, is collaborating with international conservation organisation Plantlife, to help save endangered UK wild flowers.

The Natural Capital pilot project, launched during #GlobalGoals Week, aims to increase the populations of meadow clary, a rare flower which needs help to prevent it disappearing, as its natural ecosystem has been lost. The flower species is now found as a native population at twenty-one locations in the UK.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Viridor launches project to help save endangered wild flowers | News and press | About us

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

Location: Map ref SP 570 126, near Beckley, Oxon. Meet in the car park at the N end of the single-track Otmoor Lane.
A winter visit to our nearest RSPB site, led by Brian Lloyd. Our group financially supports this reserve, so we visit every year to see how it is developing. No facilities but there is a good pub in the village for refreshments or lunch afterwards.

Time: 10.00 am
Price: Free

See their website for more information

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.

BIRDS

Short-eared Owl, Tattenhoe (19th)
Redwings and Fieldfares passing through Tattenhoe
Red Kites circling over Tattenhoe
Female Stonechat, Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve (24th)

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Red Admirals, Tattenhoe

Odonata

Female Migrant Hawker, Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve (24th)

(All sightings by Harry Appleyard)

Some species of seabirds plunge-dive at speeds greater than 50 miles per hour to surprise their prey. In the first study on the biomechanics of this diving behavior, researchers show how the birds pull of this feat safely.

Source: How do birds dive safely at high speeds? New research explains | EurekAlert! Science News

Willen Lake by Ann Strutton

The Buckinghamshire Bird Club are leading a walk at Willen Lake on 30 October 2016 at 9:30.

You can find details of the walk on the Buckinghamshire Bird Club website.

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 State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report is the definitive assessment of how hedgehogs populations are fairing in Britain, across rural and urban areas.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2015 – Peoples Trust for Endangered SpeciesPeoples Trust for Endangered Species

This blog first appeared as an article in Shooting Times and Country magazine. It has been amended to provide more web links. There’s a big difference between the number of Common Snipe and Jack Sn…

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Snipe & Jack Snipe in the United Kingdom | wadertales

Eyelash Fungus by Peter Garner. Wicken Wood, 5 July 2016

A joint walk of the Buckinghamshire Fungus Group and Milton Keynes Natural History Society.

Linford Wood and its small adjacent neighbour, Stanton Wood, is ancient woodland largely felled and replanted with oak and ash around the war, but also with an interesting mixed coniferous / broadleaved compartment.

Meet at 10.00 am at SP 845 403 in the car park behind the BP garage, in Enfield Chase off Saxon St, Milton Keynes. Leaders: Derek Schafer and/or Penny Cullington with Justin Long.

A ladybug prepares and takes off for flying away. The sequence was recorded by cameraman Rainer Bergomaz from Blue Paw Artists with a pco.dimax HD at 3000 frames/s and 1296 x 720 pixel resolution. The first part is displayed at 250 frames/s and when the ladybug starts to unfold its wings the display speed is reduced to 25 frames/s.

Click here to watch the video

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group leading a field trip:

Away from the ever popular coast, Norfolk has some great wildlife-watching opportunities and landscapes. Especially during the summer, a wealth of species can be found – from the Fens and the Brecks to The Broads.

See their website for more information

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.

Documentary examining the longest butterfly migration on earth.

This programme (90 minutes) is available on the iPlayer until 11 November 2016: BBC iPlayer – The Great Butterfly Adventure: Africa to Britain with the Painted Lady

This link will take you to British Bugs:

superb illustrations have been produced by Ashley Wood, and allow easy comparison between the life stages of a range of UK shieldbug species. They are particularly useful for identifying nymphs, and the various instars are depicted as far as possible. Each plate is linked to the relevant species account, which provides further information.

MAMMALS

1 Common Pipistrelle (male) found using bat box, Linford Lakes N.R. (17^th)

Pipistrelle Bat Linford Lakes NR 17th October 2016 Martin Kincaid

3 Bank Voles in woodpile outside Woodland Hide (17^th)

1 Muntjac deer seen from Woodland Hide (17^th)

BIRDS

Little Owls calling at Floodplain Forest (13^th) Also several Common Snipe

Great White Egret and 4 Stonechats reported from Linford Lakes (14^th)

Peregrine pair seen at Stadium:MK (13^th)

Small groups of Redwings, Tattenhoe

Lesser Redpolls and Siskins passing over Tattenhoe Park

Red Kites circling regularly over Tattenhoe
INSECTS
Lepidoptera

Red Admirals around Howe Park Wood
1 Small Copper, 1 Small White and 1 Comma in Tattenhoe Park (14th)

Small White Tattenhoe Park Harry Appleyard 14th October 2016

Odonata

Male Southern Hawker, Tattenhoe Park (14th)

Large numbers of Common Darters still present around Tattenhoe
At least 2 Willow Emerald Damselflies in Tattenhoe Valley Park (14th)

Willow Emerald Damselfly egg galls Tattenhoe 17th October 2016 Harry Appleyard

All sightings by Martin Kincaid and Harry Appleyard

Common Frogs by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 01 March 2016

Suburban homeowners stocking their garden ponds with frogs, fish or spawn from other ponds or aquatic centres are helping the ranavirus move around

Source: Gardeners may be spreading lethal frog disease throughout UK, study warns | Environment | The Guardian

Every day millions of internet users ask Google life’s most difficult questions, big and small. Our writers answer some of the commonest queries

Source: Why have hedgehogs declined? You asked Google – here’s the answer | Hugh Warwick | Opinion | The Guardian

A new report from Rewilding Britain highlights the positive impact which rewilding the UK’s landscapes can have upon flood risk. The report comes as MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee consult on better ways to manage the UK’s environment post-Brexit, with many calling for an approach which places nature centre stage.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Reduce flood-risk through rewilding, says new report from Rewilding Britain – The Ecologist

For decades the New Caledonian crow has taken the crown of top corvid tool-user. Now experiments on the rare Hawaiian crow, or Alala, suggest that they too could be natural tool-users.

Click on the play button to watch the video

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

A walk around this reserve run by the BBOWT, led by Pete How. This flooded former chalk quarry near Tring offers a nice circular walk from the visitors’ centre, around the lake and back to the café for refreshments. We always see an interesting selection of birds here.

See their website for more information

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.

Bee by Paul Lund. Taken in Paul’s garden using two flash guns to freeze motion.

Bayer and Syngenta criticised for secrecy after unpublished research obtained under freedom of information law linked high doses of their products to damage to the health of bee colonies

Source: Pesticide manufacturers’ own tests reveal serious harm to honeybees | Environment | The Guardian

The mystery of the lifespan of Greenland sharks has finally been unveiled thanks to new research.

Source: Greenland sharks live for centuries | Discover Wildlife

The Aurora Borealis like you’ve never seen it before.

Source: Stunning Northern Lights Filmed by Drone | Nature TTL

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

Just two days before our first field trip of the season to our local BBOWT flagship Reserve, Leo will give us an insight into how this landscape is being developed to continuously improve habitats for birds and other wildlife – and what we might expect to see on our visit.

See their website for more information

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 Bedfordshire Natural History Society have organised a talk “Surviving Antarctic Extremes”
on Tuesday 18th October 2016, 8pm at Maulden Village Hall TL048380, MK45 2DP

BNHS talk “Surviving Antarctic Extremes”

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.

Daubenton’s bat by Chris Damant

The South Beds Local Branch of the Bedfordshire, Cambridge and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trusts are hosting a talk on Wednesday 19 October 2016.

Click this link for more details.

BIRDS

Red Kites over Newton Longville, West Bletchley and Tattenhoe

Small groups of Redwings moving through Tattenhoe

Redwing Tattenhoe Harry Appleyard 7th October 2016

First Winter Continental Blackbirds, Tattenhoe linear park

Mistle Thrush feeding on common yew, St.Giles Churchyard, Tattenhoe (10th)

Lesser Redpolls calling in flight above Tattenhoe Park (10th)

Common Snipe, Tattenhoe Park

LEPIDOSAURIA 

1 Adder and 8 Common Lizards at Rammamere Heath (9^th – MK/Di Parsons/Carol Watts)

LISSAMPHIBIA

Common Toads in Tattenhoe Park

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Brimstone butterfly, Tattenhoe Park (4th)

Large White, Tattenhoe Park (9th)

Speckled Woods and Red Admirals, Tattenhoe

Convuvulous Hawk Moth at garden trap – Newport Pagnell (4^th – Gordon Redford)

Orthoptera

Oak Bush Crickets coming to lights at Campbell Park Pavilion (7^th – MK)

Odonata

Female Southern Hawker, Howe Park Wood (8th)

Large numbers of Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters around Tattenhoe

Male Migrant Hawker Tattenhoe Park Harry Appleyard 9th Oct 2016

CRUSTACEA

Large Signal Crayfish in ponds at Howe Park Wood (7^th – MK)

FUNGI

Common Deceiver, Amethyst Deceiver, Common Earth-ball, Brown Roll Rim, Jelly Ear, Shaggy Parasol found on Parks Trust foray – Hazeley Wood (8^th Oct) MK

Fly Agaric, Amethyst Deceiver, Russula spp., Brown Birch Bolete – Rammamere Heath (9^th)  MK

All sightings not attributed to anyone else by Harry Appleyard, MK = Martin Kincaid

The Cranfield Astronomy Society course starts on 18 October 2016  with that meeting’s topics being:-

Practical astronomy
Preparation, equipment, constellations, apparent magnitude and finding objects.
Stellarium. (Free download, planetarium software)
Demonstration 1; astronomical binoculars

The meetings are held in the CSA Lounge (on the first floor of the CSA building, grid ref SP94034242) starting at 7.30pm.

The programme is still being worked on but should appear on the Society’s webpage after the AGM which is next Tuesday

There will be an Open Evening before the course starts if anyone wants to come on a fact finding mission.
It will be on 11th October at the Observatory in Duncan Road on the University campus (SP94344291) from 7.30pn onwards.
Warm clothing is recommended.

Non-University members are very welcome. Cost of annual membership including the course is £17.

The FutureLearn free on-line courses

The complete list can be viewed at www.futurelearn.com

The link to the Moons of the Solar System course is www.futurelearn.com/courses/moons which will start on 31st October.

The more general astronomy course which uses Orion as an example is www.futurelearn.com/courses/orion the start date has yet to be announced.

Both of these courses have been put together by the Open University.

Annual Big Butterfly Count records lowest ever number of usually prolific species despite the relatively warm, dry summer

Source: Record low number of British butterflies a ‘shock and a mystery’ | Environment | The Guardian

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured something amazing.

Source: Hubble Telescope Captures Incredible Photos of Auroras the Size of Earth on Jupiter | Nature TTL

16th October, 10:00- 16:00hrs
Friends and Family welcome.
Featuring Rick Simpson of Wader Quest.
Rick has a vast collection of second hand
books for sale, for one day only.
Also craft’s and bird food on sale
Refreshments and home-made cakes available.

Use this link for more information about the reserve.

360 degree video lets you fly with an eagle in North America.

Source: Hitch a Ride with a Golden Eagle In This 360° Video | Nature TTL

A black dormouse has been recorded for the first time in Britain in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Devon/Somerset border.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Black dormouse recorded for the first time in Britain | Countryfile.com

Comma by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 20th September 2016

While the long-term trends of butterflies and moths tend to result from human activities such as habitat destruction and climate change, short-term changes, from year to year, butterfly generation to generation, are typically caused by natural factors such as the weather and populations of parasites. So, in cold, wet summers, such as in 2012, butterfly populations often crash, while in good summers, such as 2013, they bounce back.

The results of big butterfly count 2016, however, don’t fit this pattern. It was a pretty good summer, with above average temperatures and yet butterflies on the whole fared badly.

The average number of individual insects of the 20 target species seen per 15 minute count during big butterfly count 2016 was the lowest recorded since the project began in 2010! A mere 12.2 individuals per count were recorded, down from 13.4 per count in 2015, 14.7 in 2014 and a whooping 23 per count in 2013.

Despite the general scarcity of butterflies during the 2016 big butterfly count, huge number of people turned out, once again, to help with the world’s largest count of butterflies. Altogether, 38,233 counts were submitted, from the Isle of Sheppey to the Isle of Skye and all across the UK, by over 36,400 participants – a fantastic effort!

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: big butterfly count

Despite the majority of UK butterfly species declining dramatically over the last few decades, the speckled wood has absolutely thrived.

Source: Speckled wood success story | Discover Wildlife

Documentary examining the longest butterfly migration on earth.

Source: BBC Four – The Great Butterfly Adventure: Africa to Britain with the Painted Lady

Even birds sing better after vocal warm-up, and an evolutionary arms race among rivals might have led to the intensity of the dawn chorus.

Source: Warm-up benefit could explain morning birdsong | Science News

Wednesday 12th October.
Doors open 19:15 for 19:30hrs start.
At Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

Would you like to get down and get dirty with some fungi?
Come and meet Justin Long, MK’s Fungi man.

Justin will bring along some samples with him,
He would like you to bring some of your own mushrooms along.
Please dig up as much of the fungi as possible.
As in picture below.

It’s quite safe to pick fungi, just wash your hands after touching them.

Justin will tell us more about these complex bodies,
and help to identify the ones on show.
£2:00 for Adults.
Under 14’s welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Male Willow Emerald Damselfly Tattenhoe Park Harry Appleyard 1st October

Female Willow Emerald Damselfly Tattenhoe Park Harry Appleyard 1st October 2016

Lepidoptera

Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Small Tortoisheshell butterflies still on the wing. (MK)

Holly Blues flying at Woughton-on-the-Green (2^nd) (MK)

Small Coppers and Comma at Rammamere Heath (2^nd) (MK)

Red Admirals, Speckled Woods and Commas around Tattenhoe (HA)

Small White by Howe Park Wood (2nd) (HA)

Orthoptera

Dark and Roesel’s Bush-crickets still at Pineham (29^th Sep) (MK)

BIRDS

Red Kite over Mill Lane, Stony Stratford (1^st) (MK)

Common and Green Sandpipers at Floodplain Forest.  (MK)

Chiffchaffs singing at Linford Lakes & Stony Stratford Nature Reserves (30^th Sep) (MK)

Redwings and Siskins passing over Tattenhoe (2nd and 3rd) (HA)

Small groups of Skylarks over Tattenhoe Park (HA)

Tawny Owls calling and hooting in Water Spinney and Tattenhoe Park (HA)

Red Kite circling over Tattenhoe Park (3rd) (HA)

LEPIDOSAURIA

Grass Snakes at Walton Lake (30^th Sep) (MK)

2 Adders and several Common Lizards at Rammamere Heath (2^nd) (MK)

FUNGI

Good variety of fungi at Rushmere Country Park/Rammamere Heath on 2^nd October including Fly Agaric, Common Earth-ball, Brown Birch Bolete, Amethyst Deceiver, Chicken-of-the-Woods. (MK)

(Recorders – HA=Harry Appleyard, MK=Martin Kincaid)

Click on any of the pictures for a larger image.

The Spreading bellflower (Campanula patula) has returned to an area of restored coppice in Silk Wood at the National Arboretum, Westonbirt
Click on the link to read the article: Rare woodland wildflower returns | Blog | About us

Britain’s native dormouse has declined by more than a third since the year 2000 according to a new report by wildlife charity, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

Source: Dormice in Britain ‘vulnerable to extinction’ – BBC News

The Royal Society has produced a report “People and the planet”
You can read it here: Energy, environment and climate | Royal Society

A YouTube channel for bird watching has hit the internet.

Source: ‘Birding’ YouTube Channel Goes Live | Nature TTL

Plantlife produce a number of interesting guides to wildflowers. Here is their  October Fungi Spotter Sheet.

Scientists have identified the gene responsible for making the red pigments in many birds’ feathers and skin – a discovery that provides a big clue for why the colour is so important in avian sexual displays.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Why are red birds red? | Discover Wildlife

Mike Palmer, the Keeper of Natural History at Buckinghamshire County Museum has asked us to pass on some information about an up and coming event they are planning which focuses on mushrooms, called “Mushroom Magic” which celebrates UK Fungus Day.

A pdf is attached, but for those who can’t open such things it’s a FREE event, run in collaboration with the Bucks Fungus Group. At the County Museum in Aylesbury (Church Street – HP20 2QP) on Saturday 8th October. Doors open at 11, running until 4pm. The event is open to the general public and is designed to be for all ages and levels of interest; it’s great for families and is a good way of seeing some of our autumnal jewels. There will be a mix of displays and things to do; you can even make your own mushroom badge or a Play-Doh toadstool!

It’s a great way to see the unexpected beauty and kaleidoscope of these fungi which can be found locally. The Group will also be on hand to look at things which people find. So if you see something which intrigues you but don’t know what it is carefully bring it along and they will try to identify it for you.

Habitat destruction has reduced the variety of plants and animals to the point that ecological systems could become unable to function properly, with risks for agriculture and human health, say scientists

Source: Biodiversity is below safe levels across more than half of world’s land – study | Environment | The Guardian

Researchers have discovered that gender is a complicated issue for bearded dragons, with males becoming females at warmer temperatures during the incubation period.

Source: Warmer temperatures determine the gender of bearded dragons | Discover Wildlife

For details of this RSPB Local Group walk see their website.

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.

BIRDS

Meadow Pipits, Tattenhoe Park

Red Kites circling over Tattenhoe Park

2 Spotted Flycatchers, St.Giles Church meadow, Tattenhoe (20th)

Peregrine gliding toward West Bletchley over Tattenhoe (25th)

Peregrine Tattenhoe Linear Park 25th Sept 2016 (Harry Appleyard)

LISSAMPHIBIA

Common Toads in Tattenhoe Park

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Red Admirals and Commas feeding on blackberries around Tattenhoe

Small Copper feeding on ragwort, Tattenhoe Park (20th)

Comma by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 20th Sept ember 2016

Odonata

Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers in large numbers around Tattenhoe

1 Male Emerald Damselfly (21st)

Female Emperor Dragonfly, Tattenhoe Park (21st)

Female Emperor by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 21st September 2016

All sightings by Harry Appleyard

Silver-Washed Fritillary, North Bucks Way (13th July)

State of Nature reveals the destructive impact of intensive farming, urbanisation and climate change on plants, animals and habitats

You can download the report here.
The Guardian newspaper has published an article on the report.

Work Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 2 October 2016 10:00 – 13:00

Work to include bridge building, planting up,

cutting back and trimming overgrowth.

Refreshments available.

Brimstone by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 1 September 2016

The butterfly fauna of lowland Northern California has exhibited a marked decline in recent years that previous studies have attributed in part to altered climatic conditions and changes in land use. Here, we ask if a shift in insecticide use towards neonicotinoids is associated with butterfly declines at four sites in the region that have been monitored for four decades. A negative association between butterfly populations and increasing neonicotinoid application is detectable while controlling for land use and other factors, and appears to be more severe for smaller-bodied species. These results suggest that neonicotinoids could influence non-target insect populations occurring in proximity to application locations, and highlights the need for mechanistic work to complement long-term observational data.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Increasing neonicotinoid use and the declining butterfly fauna of lowland California (PDF Download Available)

Since rats were eradicated from Lundy in 2006, puffin numbers have increased to more than 300, and other seabirds are faring well too.

Source: Puffins return to Puffin Island | Discover Wildlife

Adam Henson by Julie Lane at the Floodplain Forest NR opening opening ceremony on 25 August 2016

Country file presenter Adam Henson speaking at the opening ceremony of the Floodplain Forest Nature reserve on 25th August 2016.

The reserve is now open with good accessible paths and several hides. It is already attracting a good selection of wildlife especially birds for example large flocks of goldfinches can be seen feeding on the seed heads, a great white egret, small numbers of snipe and little owl and barn owl are also present.

Article supplied by Julie Lane

ZSL’s seal survey hopes to highlight the impact of the increasing grey seal population on the harbour seal.

Source: Thriving grey seal population could be bad news for harbour seals | Discover Wildlife

MKNHS members walk around Linford Lakes by Peter Hassett 9 July 2016

We have had a good summer of walks with much interesting wildlife spotted. Thank you to Gordon for organising our programme and to all of you who led walks. The photos below shows the mothing event at Linford Lakes nature reserve which was held after our annual BBQ.

MKNHS members mothing at Linford Lakes NR by Julie Lane9 July2016

In the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS), annual data on the population status of butterflies is derived from a wide-scale program of site-based monitoring and sampling in randomly selected 1km squares. The sampling framework comprises: (1) Weekly butterfly transects (Pollard walks); (2) Reduced effort surveys of habitat specialist species (including timed counts of adults, single species transects, and egg and larval counts); and (3) the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS). The resulting UKBMS dataset is one of the most important resources for understanding changes in insect populations and answering policy questions relating to status and trends in biodiversity…

Source: Home Page

John Curd recently published this very interesting article (edited) and chart on how to identify Willow Emerald Damselflies:

Willow Emerald Identification Chart

Recently, there have been a few posts concerning Willow Emerald Damselflies (Chalcolestes viridis). From a probable bridgehead near Ipswich in 2009, they have become established and are inexorably spreading across the country, firstly filling Suffolk whilst spreading into Kent and Norfolk. Last year (I believe) they reached Surrey. Within the last week or two, they have been recorded for the first time in my own Bedfordshire and, I think, Lincolnshire.

Some of the recent posts have indicated a bit of uncertainty about identifying them – not unnaturally, since they are less familiar to many of us. Since more and more of us will begin encountering them, though, given their successful colonization, I thought I’d put some identification clues together compared to the more familiar and widespread Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa).

Some talk centred around the colour of the pterostigmas, which is a good clue. The most usual distinguishing feature, though, is the very distinctive so-called “spur”, forward-pointing on the side of the thorax. That works for both sexes. Think of the Willow as being “a thorn in the side”. 😉

Once sexed, there are also useful differences to be seen in the genitalia of both sexes. Again, once sexed, male eye colour is also a good feature.

The so-called Scarce Emerald/Robust Spreadwing (L. dryas), is restricted to the south-east of Great Britain, largely East Anglia, with other populations in Ireland. It is very habitat specific. Its range actually appears to be shrinking, perhaps because of habitat change. Since 1991. its former northernmost, westernmost and southernmost populations on GB have apparently disappeared. [See the BDS Atlas]. L. dryas may be readily confused with L. sponsa.

Much more restricted – again very habitat specific – is another recent colonist, the Southern Emerald/Migrant Spreadwing (L. barbarus). It almost cerrtainly has an established colony at Cliffe in Kent [BDS Atlas again], where it has been recorded yearly since 2010, and perhaps Winterton Dunes in Norfolk. IMHO, L. barbarus is very distinctive – see its antehumerals, rear of the eye (the so-called “jowels”) and pterostigmas

BIRDS

Grey Wagtails, Tattenhoe Linear Park

Small groups of Meadow Pipits in Tattenhoe Park

Tawny Owls calling regularly in Howe Park Wood at dusk

Hobby catching dragonflies over Tattenhoe Park (14^th)

Greenshank, Floodplain Forest NR aka Manor Farm, Sunday 18^th – Peter Hassett

Great White Egret, Floodplain Forest NR aka Manor Farm, Sunday 18^th – Peter Hassett

Great White Egret and Little Egret by Harry Appleyard, Floodplain Forest NR 23 August 2016

Snipe x 5, Floodplain Forest NR aka Manor Farm, Sunday 18^th – Peter Hassett

INSECTS

Lepidoptera
Small Coppers, Tattenhoe Park

Small Copper, Tattenhoe Park (18th Sept 2016) by Harry Appleyard

Clouded Yellow Butterfly, St.Giles Church orchard, Tattenhoe (13th)

Large numbers of Commas and Red Admirals around Tattenhoe Linear Park

Odonata

2 Female Emperor Dragonflies ovipositing in Tattenhoe Park (18th Sept)

Teneral Common Darter, Tattenhoe Park (15th)

Teneral Common Darter, Tattenhoe Park (15th Sept 2016)

Emerald, Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies in Tattenhoe Park

All sightings/photos by Harry Appleyard unless otherwise stated

Red Admiral at Linford Wood by Peter Hassett 16 June 2015

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a migratory butterfly colonising Central and Northern Europe every year from the South. In autumn, the offspring of these spring arrivals migrate southwards.

We are investigating the migration of the Red Admiral in Europe and North Africa, using a combination of citizen science, stable isotope analysis and mark-recapture studies.

We have established a large network of citizen science portals supporting our project, which make Red Admiral sightings reported to them available for our research project. This allows us to follow Red Admiral migration with a high spatio-temporal resolution over most of Europe.

You can help us, too! Please report any records of Red Admiral to your local or national portal,…

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Red Admiral migration | Insect Migration & Ecology Lab

Environmental groups criticise plan that will allow hunters to shoot up to 47 of an estimated 68 wolves living in wilderness

Source: Norway plans to cull more than two-thirds of its wolf population | Environment | The Guardian

The Magic of Moths.

Sunday 18th September 2016.
07:30am, prompt.

Get up with the lark and come and see our moth traps opened.
Come and find what wonders they contain.

Meet Gordon Redford, Milton Keynes Moth Expert.
at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve,
Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH

Gordon will open his moth traps at 07:30am.
The moths won’t wait around.

You may be lucky enough to see a large hawk moth.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth by Paul Lund, Bancroft 28 September 2015

Hot drinks and bacon rolls will be available following event.

This is also Open Sunday at the Nature Reserve
And the reserve is open to the public till 16:00hrs.
Come and explore what the site has to offer.

(All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Please be aware no dogs are allowed on site.

Rearing lepidoptera larvae is fun and simple. Here’s how to do it.

Source: How do I rear a caterpillar? | Discover Wildlife

Discover 6 fascinating facts about the BTO August Bird of the Month: Kingfisher

Source: 6 kingfisher facts you need to know | Discover Wildlife

The Northumberland Hen Harrier Protection Partnership has revealed that six hen harrier chicks have successfully fledged from two nests on the public forest estate in Northumberland. .

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Six hen harrier chicks fledge in Northumberland | Discover Wildlife

South Beds. Wildlife Trust Local Group are hosting a talk entitled ‘Making of the Bedfordshire Countryside’ by Brian Kerr. This is on Wednesday, 21 September 2016 at Dunstable Community Fire Station Lecture Theatre at 7.30pm. Please note: doors open 7.15pm.

Making of the Bedfordshire Countryside talk

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.

Scientists have identified the gene responsible for making the red pigments in many birds’ feathers and skin – a discovery that provides a big clue for why the colour is so important in avian sexual displays.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Why are red birds red? | Discover Wildlife

You may find this site of interest. The author describes the site as an ongoing project to create a photographic record of Britain’s varied Wildlife.

Source: British Nature Guide  An incomplete guide to the wildlife of Britain – Home

Sunday 18th September 2016.
07:30am, prompt.

Get up with the lark and come and see our moth traps opened.
Come and find what wonders they contain.

Meet Gordon Redford, Milton Keynes Moth Expert.
at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve,

Gordon will open his moth traps at 07:30am.
The moths won’t wait around.

You may be lucky enough to see a large hawk moth.
Friends and family welcome.
Hot drinks will be available following event.

This is also Open Sunday at the Nature Reserve
And the reserve is open to the public till 16:00hrs.
Come and explore what the site has to offer.

(All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

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.

Love them or hate them, ring-necked parakeets have invaded Europe and they’re here to stay. Already a staple of many urban parks and gardens around the UK, some of these charismatic bright green birds are now so comfortable in their new surroundings that they will happily sit and feed from your hand.
Parakeets are Britain’s fastest growing bird population and are on a trajectory to global domination. Outside of their native southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, breeding populations are now established in at least 65 cities around Europe, and more than 30 countries across five continents.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Parakeets are the new pigeons – and they’re on course for global domination

Source:

Although the use of lead ammunition for shooting wildfowl and/or over listed wetlands in the UK has been banned, c. 70% of ducks shot in England (the only UK country with compliance monitoring) are still shot with lead and the proportion of ducks found dead with signs of lead poisoning from ingested gunshot has not declined significantly since the ban. However, there is little quantitative evidence of the impacts of additional mortality from lead poisoning on duck populations. For the eight duck species that winter in freshwater habitats in the UK, we found that inter-specific variation in mean population growth rate during the period 1990/1991 to 2013/2014 was significantly negatively correlated with two independent measures of the prevalence of ingested lead gunshot in the UK and Europe. This relationship was found for a wide range of different periods over which population growth was estimated, and also for annual growth rates in the period 1966/1967 to 2013/2014, derived from smoothed population trajectories. These findings support the hypothesis that ingested lead gunshot might affect population trend. An alternative hypothesis, that migratory short-stopping driven by climate change affected trends in numbers of ducks wintering in the UK, was not supported by simple or partial correlation results. The possible impact of ingested lead gunshot on the Common Pochard Aythya ferina, a species listed as globally threatened, is of special concern.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article

Scientists have uncovered a fascinating new clue in the global mystery surrounding wild birds with grossly deformed beaks. A team of researchers from the California Academy of Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have identified a novel virus that has been linked to Avian Keratin Disorder (AKD), a disease responsible for debilitating beak overgrowth and whose cause has remained elusive despite more than a decade of research. This new virus—identified from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest—is being investigated as a potential cause of AKD and represents a critical step in understanding the emergence of this disease in wild bird populations around the world. The results are published today in the journal mBio.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2016-07-newly-virus-prime-often-fatal-beak.html#jCp

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Newly discovered virus a prime suspect in often-fatal beak disorder spreading among birds

Scientists say we’re in the middle of the sixth great extinction, and this one, unlike those that happened millions of years ago, is driven largely by the activities of humans. “So we d…

Source: In this interactive, see how soon in your lifetime iconic animals may be gone – National Geographic Society (blogs)

Country diary: Old Warden, Bedfordshire In this parched landscape it was clear the hedgerow fruit had not ripened a moment too soon for the badgers

Source: Of hungry badgers and hidden worms | Environment | The Guardian

National Geographic photographer Stephen Wilkes documents 24 hours at an African watering hole in one image.

Source: Photographer Shoots ‘Day to Night’ Sequence of African Watering Hole | Nature TTL

How to tell the difference between an otter and a mink.

Source: How to tell the difference between an otter and a mink | Discover Wildlife

BIRDS

Tawny Owls calling and hunting near footpaths at dusk in Howe Park Wood
Marsh Tit in Howe Park Wood (1st Sept)

Marsh Tit, Howe Park Wood (1st September 2016)

 
Hobby over Tattenhoe Park (2nd Sept)
Pair of Yellow Wagtails flying over Tattenhoe Park
1 Swift over Tattenhoe Linear Park (4th September)
3 snipe (Floodplain Forest NR – 31^st, Julie Lane)
Flock of at least thirty goldfinches (Floodplain Forest NR – 31^st, Julie Lane)

LEPIDOSAURIA
Young Grass Snake, Tattenhoe (1st Sept)

Grass Snake, Tattenhoe (1st September 2016)

LISSAMPHIBIA
Common Frogs and Common Newts around Howe Park Wood

INSECTS

Lepidoptera
Brimstone, Tattenhoe Park (1st Sept)

Brimstone, Tattenhoe Park (1st September 2016)

Small Whites, Small Tortoiseshells and Speckled Woods in large numbers around Tattenhoe Park
Painted Lady, Tattenhoe Linear Park (3rd Sept)

Odonata
Emperor dragonflies, Tattenhoe Park
Emerald and Common Blue damselflies in Tattenhoe Park
Migrant, Southern and Brown Hawkers present around most ponds in Tattenhoe

Mature Male Southern Hawker, Howe Park Wood (1st September 2016)

National Trust will release 100 of the endangered animals, not seen at Malham tarn in Yorkshire dales for 50 years

Source: Water voles to be reintroduced to England’s highest lake | Environment | The Guardian

On 25 August 2016, the United States National Park Service celebrated its centennial. To mark the occasion, Earth Capture photographer Shreeni Manievannan has carefully selected 25 of his favourite National Park photographs. They sum up everything he loves about the parks.

Click on this link to read the rest of the article.

A rare butterfly once declared extinct in the UK is now being seen in record numbers after being re-introduced.

Source: Large blue butterfly thriving after reintroduction – BBC News

Natural England, The National Trust, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust are pleased to announce that the Lizard National Nature Reserve will be extended from today (31

Source: The Lizard in Cornwall to becomes one of the largest National Nature Reserves in the South West

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

Good News for a Change? RSPB’s International Species Conservation – Clare Stringer, RSPB
Location: The Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes, MK13 9AP

RSPB works worldwide to support recovery work aimed at improving the chances of some of the globe’s most threatened birds. From Chinese coast to the steppes of Kazakhstan, to the isolated islands of Gough and the tropical forests of Sierra Leone, Clare will tell us how RSPB & its partners are fighting to prevent extinction.

Time: Doors open 7.15 pm for a prompt 7.45 pm start
Price: Group members £2.50, Non-Group members £3.50, Children £1

See their website for more information

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 RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

Rutland Water Map ref SK 877 072
Meet in the car park at the Egleton centre
Postcode: LE15 8BT (Google map)

This is a longer day trip to England’s premier inland water site, with multiple lagoons and lots of hides, led by Brian Lloyd. There will be 2 walks – morning and afternoon. A packed lunch would be advisable. An entrance fee is payable.

Time: 10.00 am

Price: Entrance fee payable

See their website for more information

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.

Common Frogs by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood, March 2016 (Short-listed in Countryfile 2016 Competition)

Harry Appleyard is a regular contributor to the Society’s photo gallery. Harry’s excellent photo of Common Frogs at Howe Park Wood was shortlisted for this years prestigious Countryfile calendar competition, and he is listed among the 14 runners up. Well done Harry.

To see more pictures by Harry and other members of the Society, go to the Members Photos section of the website which is in the Gallery menu.

Daubenton’s bat by Chris Damant

The Parks Trust are running a late summer bat walk at Ouzel Valley Park on Thursday 8th September, 7.15pm.

Meet at Woughton Playing Fields Car Park, off Newport Road, Woughton-on-the-Green. A good variety of common bats and the chance of serotines. This walk is part of MK Heritage Weekend so there is no charge. Leader: Martin Kincaid

Anyone interested in attending should email Martin at m.kincaid@theparkstrust.com

BIRDS

Tawny Owls calling in Howe Park Wood at dusk

Red Kites over Tattenhoe and Kingsmead

Spotted Flycatchers passing through Tattenhoe

Hobby over Howe Park Wood (24th)

Female Wheatear in Tattenhoe Park (26th)

Great White Egret at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

Great White Egret and Little Egret by Harry Appleyard, Floodplain Forest NR 23 August 2016

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Small Heaths and Small Coppers in Tattenhoe Park

Large numbers of Small Tortoiseshells around Tattenhoe

Painted Lady in Tattenhoe Park (30th)

Odonata

Brown Hawkers ovipositing in Tattenhoe Park (30th)

Migrant Hawkers and Southern Hawkers around many Tattenhoe Park ponds

Male Migrant Hawker by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 29 August 2016

Emerald, Common Blue and Blue-tailed damselflies still in large numbers around Tattenhoe

LISSAMPHIBIA

Common Frogs and Common Toads in Howe Park Wood and Tattenhoe Park

Common Toad, Howe Park Wood (30th August 2016)

(All sightings and photos Harry Appleyard)

The latest issue of our society newsletter ‘The Magpie’ can be viewed in the Publications section of the website or by clicking here.

Sunday 4th September.
Work Sunday,
10- 13:00hrs,
Refreshments available.

Help needed cutting back overhangs, cutting in meadows and clearing paths,
helping with bridge building etc.
Tools available, please come dressed for weather and work.

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.

Little Egret, Tattenhoe Linear Park (23rd May)

The new web-based atlas covering birds in Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties is now available

Use this link for more information: Thames and Chiltern Bird Atlas – Home

Eighteen member turned up, testing our abilities to park creatively in the layby by the gate. We walked up past the old Fullers Earth works and into the sandy heathland of the Greensand Ridge, dominated by gorse and open plantations.

We soon started picking up fauna, with calling Green Woodpeckers, Long Winged Coneheads, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Shaded Broadbar, Mint Moth and several Common Blue. Some of the party spotted a hunting Barn Owl. At the rapidly drying ponds on the top of the site, we found froglets, toadlets and a juvenile newt of unknown species as well as several singing Linnets.

Over the open ground, we saw a couple hobbies hunting as well as a kestrel. Botanically, there was Toadflax, Calumagrostis grasses, Tree lupin, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Clustered Rush, Haresfoot Clover and Soft Rush amongst others.

Martin spotted a Hummingbird Hawkmoth, but couldn’t relocate it. The rapidly descending dusk allowed only an hour and a half, but this is a site that we will want to visit again.

Report kindly provided by Peter Garner

New IUCN Red List assessments reveal that growing human pressures on whale sharks, winghead sharks and Bornean orangutans are putting these species at an increasing risk of extinction. Whale sharks and winghead sharks are now listed as Endangered and Bornean orangutans as Critically Endangered – only one step from going extinct.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Whale sharks, winghead sharks and Bornean orangutans slide towards extinction | IUCN