HUMBER NATURE CONFERENCE: JACKSON SAGE, WES PAYNE, LUCAS MANDER & LUCY MITCHELL

                                 

Golden plover and other birds in flight over The Humber near Grimsby dock tower

Between 50 and 60 delegates 'zoomed'  in to this week's  informative and entertaining Humber Nature Partnership conference to discover the latest research data from this globally-important estuary. There were four  outstanding speakers, and the proceedings were expertly 'compered' by host-for-the-morning Daryl Burdon. 

   Jackson Sage: The Problems of Bird Disturbance

                         

Almost all British wildlife is all-too-familiar with human disturbance.

Sometimes it is intermittent only, but, at other times, it is relentless - in which case it flees the scene.

In his absorbing presentation, Jackson Sage reviewed the most pressing threats - from jet-skis to free-roaming dogs - and their impact.

At the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's showcase at Far Ings, near Barton-upon-Humber, off-road bikers are almost of daily concern.

A growing problem in summer is the use of disposable barbecues - sometimes in areas of dry grass or other vegetation and sometimes even inside wooden bird-watching hides.

On the plus side, the installation of signage seems to have reduced the problem of off-road vehicles at East Halton Skitter, near Immingham, and talks with paraglider organisations have had a positive outcome.

Said Jackson: "We want people to enjoy the estuary and its surroundings, but we also them to behave responsibly and be respectful of Nature."

Wes Payne: Nocturnal Surveys on The Humber Estuary

Artificial light in heavily industrialised estuaries could be helping wading birds according to Wes Payne.

"They are better able to detect not just food but also approaching predators," he declared.

Wes, a final-year PhD student at Hull University, provided fascinating insights (and photographs) on night ornithology and the equipment he uses - some of it customarily targeted at the ghost-hunting market.

For instance, he likes to carry firstly a £799 Sony video camera with an £185 infrared illuminator and secondly  a £1,5000 Pulsar Axion xm 305 thermal camera.

Night-videoing tends to be of notably low quality in moist conditions but identification of species is generally good.

Meanwhile, because it detects heat, thermal equipment is excellent for detecting creatures that are hidden or camouflaged, but species-identification is tricky (except with long-billed birds such curlews and oystercatchers.

It is hoped that, after he has completed his studies in October, Wes' thesis will be published on the Hull University website.

--

 Lucas Mander: Curlew Movements on The Humber

The life of over-wintering estuary curlews was the subject of Dr Lucas Mander - a long-time student of this iconic species.

From locations such as Kilnsea, near Spurn, and the Welwick pools and saltmarsh, he has amassed a wealth of data about the feeding activities and habitat - on mud or grass - of these birds which tend to be faithful to specific sites.

Cannon-nets, colour rings and geolocators are all part of the tools of his trade as a researcher.

"Because they live to ages of between 10 and 20, they give us plenty of opportunity to provide great data,"he commented.

Questioned by a conference delegate, he noted that the curlews seen on or near the Humber are not UK breeders but fly here from their nesting territories in Scandinavia - chiefly Finland or Sweden - and North-east Russia.

 Lucy Mitchell: Tracking Our Flying Visitors

The conference was concluded by Dr Lucy Mitchell who emphasised the often-overlooked importance of small birds and bats as "pest regulators and pollinators".

An expert on migrants, and an attendee at conventions on migratory species, she is now at the forefront of UK initiatives to introduce the relatively new Canada-developed Motus tracking technology.

It is now at a pioneering stage in no fewer than 31 countries, with transmitter stations at Spurn and in East Anglia and the South-east.

She cited an example of a wheatear that was first detected on Heligoland, then "bumbling about" in Germany before flying to Suffolk.

Other records were of a starling that flew down the Dutch coast before crossing to the UK and of a robin that flew from Denmark to Kent.

In time, it is hoped that Motus will provide precision  data about the migration routes of rarer species such as yellow-browed warblers and two of Lucy's favourites, nightjar and turtle dove.

Long-term, it is hoped that the technology might be attached to the towers of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, to track how bats and birds, such as migrating redwings and waxwings, interact with them.

"Motus is an exciting development," enthused Lucy. "It is a great way to engage people with the many fascinating facets of migration." 

Reports by Jim Wright

                                                                 

Curlews that over-winter on the Humber mostly breed in  Scandinavia

Hide closed due to vandalism - an all-too-regular occurrence at Far Ings

Above and below:  Wes Payne's night-captured images of a fox on the estuary wall footpath at Pyewipe, Grimsby, and two owls - a tawny (left) and short-eared perusing the saltmarsh for prey (possibly including small waders)

                                                                                     

Wheatear - travels tracked by Motus

BOOM IN 'STAYCATION' HOLIDAYS COULD HAVE SERIOUS DOWNSIDE FOR BIRDS AND WILDLIFE

This drone at the Humberston Fitties pools frightened off redshank and godwits

                                                                    

FEARS have been sounded that a likely surge in 'staycations' during 2021 could have an impact on birds and other wildlife in many parts of Britain including the Humber Estuary.

Says Jackson Sage of the Humber Nature Partnership: "We are likely to see a huge increase in recreational disturbance during the course of this year."

Disturbance can be categorised  activities that cause:

* Change in behaviour of wildlife (e.g. taking flight, alarm calls, cessation of feeding, leaving nest)

* Damage to habitat (e.g. trampling of saltmarsh/sand dunes/seagrass, flytipping)

* Physical harm or death of wildlife

Jackson Sage- plea for respect

Mr Sage continues: "June 2020 saw the end of the first national Covid lockdown, and with this came a huge influx of both tourists and residents to areas located on or near the Humber Estuary. 

"Although the vast majority enjoyed their visit with no noticeable impact on the protected species and habitats, the Humber Management Scheme received over 40 reports of recreational disturbance between June and December last year."

These included:

* Illegal use of motorbikes and quadbikes through nature reserves and on floodbanks

* Jet skis riding at speed through rafts of wildfowl

* Drones flying low and fast over protected sites where rare species make their home

* Very low paramotor flights over wildfowl hotspots

* Dogs off lead causing birds to take flight and leave the area

* Illegal poaching

* Numerous fly-tipping events

* Walkers disturbing seals that have hauled themselves on to the beach to rest.

According to Mr Sage, particular concerns include the use of disposable barbecue in areas of  dry grass or even in wood-constructed bird hides.

Due to the sheer scale of the Humber Estuary European Marine Site, the Humber Nature Partnership relies on both members of the public and its partners, including the police, to make it aware of these issues. 

Ends Mr Sage: "We want people to enjoy coast and countryside but we appeal for them to do so respectfully and responsibly."

* A recreational disturbance form can be accessed via http://www.humbernature.co.uk/contact/observation            

                                                               

Like a giant raptor - a hanglider circles over RSPB Tetney Marshes

                                     

Waders and gulls are fearful of roosting on this rock groyne in Cleethorpes because the drone is perceived as a predator

Habitat has been degraded at East Halton Skitter by off-road biking - and the noise is an additional deterrent to birdlife

IS THIS END OF THE ROAD FOR MARK AVERY'S LIVELY - AND CONTROVERSIAL - DAILY BLOG?

Mark Avery - witty and entertaining 

ONE of Britain's foremost - and most controversial - writers on wildlife and politics has revealed that he is to wind down his popular daily blog.

Says Mark Avery, a former head of conservation at the RSPB: "In about two months’ time this blog will downsize considerably.

"This will be for at least several months and quite possibly for ever."

Northamptonshire-based Dr Avery, an expert on pipistrelle bats, is known for his vehement opposition to driven grouse shooting which he blames for numerous environmental ills, not least illegal persecution of raptors such as hen harriers.

He has also regularly locked horns with Natural England over what he believes to inadequate stewardship of its brief to save Nature.

He is a pal of broadcaster Chris Packham and co-director of Wild Justice which they set up jointly with raptor-expert Ruth Tingay.

Writing on his blog today, Dr Avery continues: "I intend to fill the time freed up by spending far less time blogging.

"Why two months’ time? Because then I will have been blogging here (with the help of many other contributors) for a whole decade. 

"That’s a fair stint (as Temminck once said) and I am fairly amazed that during that period the readership has grown steadily. 

"It is fair to say that there is nothing very similar to this blog anywhere else in the UK that provides news and  commentary across a similarly large range of conservation issues, with a mixture of images, poems, guest blogs and cartoons. 

"I wish there were someone else doing this - then I could read their blog!"

He adds: "How am I going to spend the time freed up? I will spend more time walking around Stanwick Lakes this spring. 

"I will grow tomatoes, I will write a book and start some others, I will happily devote more time to the growing work of Wild Justice and continue to devote time to being Chair of the World Land Trust. 

"And I might snooze more in the afternoons!"

HOPING TO PULL IN THE WADERS - PLANS UNVEILED FOR PROPOSED MITIGATION SITE NEAR GRIMSBY

 

What more welcoming a habitat for wading birds - layout of the proposed reserve

PLANS have this  week been unveiled for anew wetland birds reserve proposed for  land  in North East Lincolnshire.

The reserve - to be known as Novartis Ings - is just outside Grimsbhy  on agricultural fields  totalling 17.1  hectares and adjacent to the Novartis chemicals factory.

It is hoped that the site will provide wading, roosting and possibly breeding habitat for thousands of declining wader bird species such as curlews, godwits, redshank and plovers.                                                  

Curlews - a species that likes plenty of space

The scheme has been designed by expert Roger Wardle who did likewise for the Cress Marsh reserve near Stallingborough, also in North East Lincolnshire. 

Assuming planning permission is granted, Novartis Ings reserve will be managed by North East Lincolnshire Council.

It is hoped that the proposed installation of CCTV will provide at least a measure of security for the hide from the ever-present threat of vandalism.                                                

The proposed hide from which wildlife enthusiasts will be able to watch the birds

PRIME MINISTER CHAMBERLAIN WAS PROBABLY RIGHT - WINTER WADER REALLY WAS A COMMON SANDPIPER!

WHEN former  British prime minister Neville Chamberlain once claimed to have seen (and heard) a common sandpiper in winter, he was probably disbelieved by many fellow-ornithologists of the late-1930s.

After all, the species is typically a summer species, so why would one want to brave our wintry weather alongside the lake in St James' Park, London - the location, just a short walk from 10 Downing Street, of Chamberlain's bird.

Fast forward to 1976 when it was reckoned that some 100 birds had wintered in southern counties. So perhaps, after all,  the PM's identification was accurate.

The figure of 100 is noted in a superb book, Common & Spotted Sandpipers, by Phil Holland, a gifted writer and expert on both species, who reckons a typical winter habitat is "a few kilometres up a tidal river where they lurk under banks".

Significantly, he has first-hand experience as he describes thus: "During a vey cold spell of weather on a day with a bitter north wind but a clear sky, I watched one at high tide that was on the south-facing bank snuggled in dry grass. 

"When it flew off to feed as the tide went down, the depression it left was warm to touch. 

"They have no competition for birds as they are usually the only shorebirds there. 

"Their peck-rate suggests they get food reasonably easily."

Peck-rate?! There's an unusual concept.

Yet such is the intensity of Holland's research and his attention to detail that he is able to quote a statistic - 3,638 pecks per day - about a spotted sandpiper seen feeding in Yellowstone.

This authoritative and entertainingly-written study is full of  such insights. Anyone who reads it will never think the same way about sandpipers again.

He has even unearthed an unlikely instance (in Zimbabwe) of a sandpiper being "attacked" by a willow warbler!

The book covers every angle - feeding, breeding, migration, distribution, habitat, predation, impact of global warming and recreational threats.

Happily, common sandpipers are still relatively common in Britain during summer - either as breeding residents or as passage migrants - but this may not be the case in years to come.

Suburbanisation and other human pressures  eating away at traditional breeding habitat in Britain, while development in West and central Africa is eroding their main winter homelands.

Holland dedicates Common & Spotted Sandpipers to the late Derek Yalden, who contributed much of the field research data, and his wife, Pat.

The book is published by Scottish firm Whittles Publishing Ltd which has built up an impressive portfolio of ornithological and natural history titles.

https://www.whittlespublishing.com

The recommended retail price is £18.99, but, until April 12, there is a  20 per cent discount by inserting the code WPLINCS20 at the online checkout.

 

JUST THE TICKET FOR BIRDERS WHO LIKE TO SEAWATCH IN STYLE - AND COMFORT!

A proposed new building on the Lincolnshire Coast could prove popular with birders - especially those who like scanning the waves for divers, auks, gannet and sea ducks plus terns and waders on the move. Above and below are  images of what could be in store at Sutton-on-Sea. The plans are currently under consideration by East Lindsey District Council.

RSPB SCOTLAND ALERT OVER HEBRIDEAN WINDFARM THREAT TO SEA EAGLES AND RED-THROATED DIVERS

Site of the proposed windfarm  near Stornoway  on the Isle of Lewis

A PROPOSED windfarm on the Isle of Lewis in the Outdoor Hebrides could take a serious toll on rare raptors and divers 

That is the fear of RSPB Scotland if a 33-turbine windfarm  near Stornoway goes ahead.

The charity is calling for the development to be reduced by at least six turbines to reduce "significant negative impacts" on important bird populations on Lewis.

It says the projections of the developers are that, over the 25-year life span of the windfarm, the fatality figures as a result of collisions with turbine blades will be as follows:

* 16 white-tailed eagles

* 12 red-throated divers, 

* 8 golden eagles

* 4  hen harriers 

Back in 2012, planning consent was granted for the project but, because of a delay in establishing a grid link to mainland Scotland, it has never been built.

However, with such a connection now likely to proceed, the developer has returned to the project, but with larger turbines - up to 180 metres in height -  with an increased development footprint.

RSPB Scotland points out that these numbers of collisions would have a significant impact on the size of future populations of all four of these species across Lewis.

In a statement, it says: "In addition to these predicted collisions with turbines, birds are also at risk from displacement and disturbance. 

"Several turbines are proposed close to the nesting and roosting areas of red-throated diver and hen harrier. 

"These species are sensitive to disturbance and usually nest and roost away from areas of human activity and development. 

"By placing turbines so close to breeding and roosting sites, these bird territories could be lost completely or birds attempting to nest would be disturbed which could result in nest abandonment." 

There are established guidelines for ‘disturbance free’ areas around nest sites of sensitive species, but RSPB Scotland is concerned that this guidance is not being followed by the developer, Lewis Wind Power - a joint venture between EDF and Scottish infrastructure company Wood plc.

The charity is particularly concerned about the effect on a  population of hen harriers that has established in the area since 2015 and now numbers approximately 10 pairs. 

In 2018, the remains of a dead golden eagle that had collided with the neighbouring Pentland Road Windfarm were found. 

And last year, white-tailed eagle was rescued near the same wind farm with severe injuries thought to have been caused by a turbine collision. This bird subsequently died in captivity due to the extent of its injuries. 

These two suspected eagle collisions were recorded  recorded just a few years into the operation of a windfarm with just six turbines.

Lewis Wind Power say that, if developed, the  project would benefit the community to the tune of £900,000 per annum in community grants plus as much as £1.3-million in rental income to local crofters and the Stornoway Trust.

The scheme is currently under consideration by planners at Comhairle nan Eilean Sar council.

PRINCESS REALLY ENJOYS HER RUGBY - BUT IS SHE ALSO A BIT OF A BIRDER?

 

Good to see that there is some ornithological presence in the home of the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, pictured on her Instagram account as they watch last weekend's England v Scotland rugby match on TV. One of the books on the coffee table is a Field Guide to the Birds of Britian and Europe.

THE WAITING GAME: FINGERS CROSSED FOR BIRDFAIR 2021 - BUT ONLY TIME WILL TELL

Let us in! But will there be a Birdfair in 2021?

A CAUTIOUS note on prospects for Birdfair 2021 has been sounded by the  Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust which hosts the event at Rutland Water.

Although there are hopes that the pandemic may be on the wane, it is still unclear how soon festivals will be able to resume.

says the Trust's chief executive, Tim Graham: "We are still watching the news about Covid-9 very closely to decide whether Birdfair 2021 will be able to go ahead. 

"We will be making contact with everyone and intend to provide updates later this month and in  March."

Tim Graham - watching closely

The cancellation of last year's event caused both administrative and financial headaches for the trust.

These came on top of heavy costs incurred  to make the showground safe during the 2019 event which was hit by heavy rain, turning much of the site into a quagmire.

This also led to fewer visitors and reduced income.

The departure last year, in mysterious circumstances, of its co-founder Tim Appleton  has also cast a shadow.

In a statement, Tim Graham continues: "The cancellation of the 2020 live event has meant that, unfortunately, the operating costs for the financial year 2020/2021 were unsupported, putting the continuation of Birdfair at risk. 

"After negotiations with The Wildlife Trust’s Strategic Development Fund and Emergency Covid funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the trust has managed to secure bridging finance for Birdfair until March 2021 to help it reach and resume normal operations.  

"I am sure you will agree this demonstrates a strong commitment to the future of the event."

He concludes: "We are very proud that, since it began in 1989, Birdfair has raised over £5 million for nature conservation. 

"It has helped birds from albatrosses to white-winged guans and help to protect ecosystems that are under threat of extinction across the globe. 

"I should like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works so hard to make it such a success."

Below: pictures from previous Birdfair years

FROM GODWITS TO WAXWINGS! EXPERT SPEAKERS IN TOP FORM AT BTO-LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE

Watching out for waxwings - could we see a late-winter irruption? 

More than 130 logged in to last Saturday's virtual conference organised jointly by the BTO and the Lincolnshire Bird Club and held via Zoom. 

In his introduction, LBC chairman Phil Espin commended co-organiser Chris Gunn for her passion, drive and organisational flair. 

He went on to express delight that attendees were logged in from  all over England, plus one in the Isle of Man. 

Phil Espin

Phil went on to publicise his club's latest publication, Lincolnshire Bird Atlas 1980-1999: An Historical Perspective and its forthcoming sister-volume, Birds of Lincolnshire, due out next month. 

Then he handed over to Dawn Balmer who expertly chaired the proceedings.

Jenny Gill

The impressive population expansion of black-tailed godwits in Iceland and the UK was the focus of a presentation by Prof Jenny Gill, chairperson of the BTO board.

This surge has been measured not so much by technology as by old-fashion colour-ringing carried out by observers - "godwiteers" - across Europe.

Apart from providing pointers to distribution and migration, this methodology has revealed that some birds live into their early 20s.

Jenny Gill

The species appears to have been a beneficiary of global warming.

New breeding habitat has appeared in parts of Iceland that were formerly too cold, and egg-laying dates are now earlier.

And research has revealed that chicks hatched earlier are more likely to survive - possibly because quicker-growing grass conceals nestlings and eggs alike from predators such as Arctic foxes, ravens  and skuas.

The breeding success has resulted in a "dramatic increase" in migrating and over-wintering birds in British estuaries.

Most of those seen further south and west are likely to be older birds while those in Eastern England are predominantly first-winter newbies.

Any downsides? Apart from predators, the main threat is ash thrown from erupting Icelandic volcanoes which is likely to kill the invertebrates on which godwits feed.

In concluding, Jenny referred to an authoritative and entertaining blog: 

https://wadertales.wordpress.com

John Badley

Fascinating insights into the management of the RSPB reserve at Frampton Marsh, near Boston in Lincolnshire, came from senior site manager John Badley who is also a Lincolnshire Bird Club member.

John took over the reins some 20 years ago having previously worked alongside shorebird expert Peter Potts  in The Solent, the strait that separates the Isle of Wight from the mainland.

The site at Frampton was first earmarked by the charity  as a superb location for a reserve largely on the basis of its  massive saltmarsh which has always attracted huge numbers of redshank, Brent geese and various species of raptor.

Since its creation in 1984, funding from a National Lottery grant has enabled expansion of the site, allowing creation of  freshwater habitat with water that is pumped in from ditches to sit atop the silt-clay base.

A peat-rich soil would probably be preferable - not least for encouraging black-tailed godwits to nest - but, notwithstanding, the reserve has been a huge success, both for birds and for birders (more than 50,000 visitors a year). 

On the subject of waders, John said: "We can't make them come to Frampton but we can encourage them to want to stay."

Apparently scrapes are relatively straightforward and inexpensive to create, and, in these, nesting avocets quickly became established.

John Badley

In a short space of time, there were no fewer than 100 pairs either at Frampton or, subsequently, at its sister reserve at nearby Freiston Shore.

These flourished early on because rotting vegetation attracted invertebrates. 

However, as expected, their  numbers dipped in later years because an increase in fish provided competition for the invertebrates.

John introduced a concept that was probably unfamiliar to many of the conference attendees - that of the "hydrological unit"

For the sake of diversity it is preferable to have a variety of watery habitats rather than one alone.

Managing such units needs to be rigorously monitored but it has consistently paid off in attracting large numbers of a huge wetland species - from whooper swans to little ringed plovers (19 pairs at the last count) to lekking ruff at the end of May. 

Known as "dynamic transient management", the methodology , which involves rotating scrapes and intermittently allowing them to lie fallow, then flooding them, is scrupulously plotted.

The dividends come in the form of one mouth-watering rarity after another.                                                            

Stilt sandpiper and red-necked phalarope

Enthused John: "Stilt sandpiper, red-necked phalarope, black-winged pratincole  . . . . we live for moments like this. 

Inevitably, every day brings new challenges.

Proliferation of reed rush is an issue but John and his team believe the proposed introduction of grazing Highland cattle could has help to tackle it.

But the beasts will have to be managed or they are liable to trample on ground-based nests.

New Zealand pygmy weed is also a nuisance because it loves to colonise bare mud - the very type of habitat favoured by many small waders.

Meanwhile, foxes, badgers and even otters present an ever-lurking menace to birds, so mammal proof fencing has been installed at those points of the reserve deemed  most vulnerable.

The team at Frampton are always learning, and they swap ideas and  notes with other RSPB reserves such as those at Minsmere, Titchwell and Dungeness

"We're never satisfied," says John. "We're always tweaking."

Any prediction of which wader species might next choose to breed at this fabulous Lincolnshire reserve?

"Who knows," says he. "Glossy ibis is on the cards. And maybe black winged stilt - yes that, too, is definitely on our radar."

                                       Dawn Balmer

Dawn Balmer, who is  head of surveys at the BTO's HQ at Thetford in Norfolk, focused her presentation on how birding records are collated across Europe by a range of organisations

It was enlightening to see the extent to which species populations in Britain are mirrored by those in other parts of continental Europe.

For instance, while willow warblers are in decline, blackcaps are increasing.

Dawn Balmer

Particularly fascinating was Dawn's exploration of the online Europe Bird Portal which captures the densities of bird distribution at any given time.

Most swallows, for instance, are just beginning their migration north but some have already reached France, with a few even further north. 

Because it is such an iconic  species - and obviously of particular interest to conference attendees - Dawn swooped on the waxwing.

So far, though currently widespread in Finland and Sweden, this delightful bird has been sparsely distributed in Britain for most of this winter.

But could all that be about to change?

With heavy snow blanketing much of Scandinavia, waxwings may yet  soon be on their way to our shores, encouraged by the imminent winds blowing in from the North and the East.

 Simon Gillings

Things that go 'tseep' in the night - that was the intriguing title of the presentation from Simon Gillings of the BTO.

It proved to be a fascinating run-through of the extraordinary range of birds he has audio-recorded  after dark at his home in a relatively built-up area on the outskirts of Cambridge.

Over the past couple of decades, the advent of advanced listening and recording technology has increased the popularity of monitoring 'nocmig' - nocturnal migration.

It may lack the poetry of listening out for the call-notes of redwings or seeking to detect the silhouettes of birds as they fly across the face of a full moon.

Simon Gillings

But it has a romance of its own - and is definitely more efficient.

"Nocmig has definitely taken off over the past few years," said Simon. "It has been especially popular during lockdown. It has given a new dimension to birding"

For him, it all started on March 15, 2017,  when the species that drew his attention was a calling moorhen.

This has proved to be something of a regular 'night-owl', with birds - apparently participating in territorial flights - heard almost every night in spring and summer.

But more remarkable have been some of the other species - the likes of whimbrel, quail, whooper swan, ring ouzel, little grebe, spotted redshank and even sandwich tern.

Although redwings are frequently picked up, fieldfares seem to be more silent at night, while warblers are virtually mute.

Unfortunately, the equipment that records the bird is unable to detect the height of the birds - for that, radar would be required.

At the last count, Simon had logged no fewer than 87 different species over his home - not to mention quite a few that, to date, remain unidentified.

"One of these is possibly an ortolan bunting," he says ruefully. "But along with a fair few others, it remains in the file marked  'Pending'. 

                                            

Black-tailed godwit - watch out for colour-ringed birds