Donna Nook Grey Seal Colony
For much of the year grey seals at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts' Donna Nook National Nature Reserve are at sea or hauled out on distant sandbanks. Every November and December, the seals give birth to their pups near the sand dunes: a wildlife spectacle which attracts visitors from across the UK.
With over 1,300 pups born annually and tens of thousands of visitors, management is required and this is achieved thanks to the fantastic support of a team of volunteer wardens and the staff of RAF Donna Nook.
In 2011 almost 70,000 people visited the seal colony and 1,435 pups were born (a small increase of 1.3%).
The most notable event for the seals in 2011 was the storm surge in late November. High spring tides and storm force winds in the North Sea led to a storm surge down the east coast and the highest tide in thirty years. It caused massive disruption to the seals, washing animals high into dunes all along the coast and separating pups from their mothers. Despite the best efforts of Trust staff and volunteers, retrieving pups from far and wide (including from a sprout field and a farmers yard) and the skilled care given to rescued pups by the staff at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary, the pup mortality rate was twice as high as the previous year. Fortunately for a long-lived species like the grey seal, the increased pup mortality of a single pupping season will have little impact on the colony in the long term.
Further information about Donna Nook National Nature Reserve.
January 2012
Wildlife Watchers find fabulous fungi
The West Kesteven Wildlife Watch group had a fantastic fungal foray at Twyford Wood in November with fungi expert Jane Ostler. With lots of pairs of eyes looking an impressive 90 different species were found and identified. In the overflowing basket of fungi there were a couple of scarce species: a bizarre-looking earth-tongue fungi and an unusual apricot-coloured milkcap with the wonderful Harry Potter-esque scientific name Lactarius deliciosus.
Wildlife Watch members get involved with all sorts of exciting activities through our local Wildlife Watch Groups: making casts of animals paw prints found in mud, recording wildlife sounds with professional recording equipment, dissecting owl pellets to discover what they've been eating and more. It's a wonderful way to get children involved with and learning about wildlife.
There's loads of information and things to do on the Wildlife Watch website including details of Wildlife Watch groups near you. To find out more, just visit the Wildlife Watch website.
Photo: Marianne Overton/West Kesteven Wildlife Watch
December 2011
Commuting spoonbills
Over the summer at Gibraltar Point the presence of up to 14 spoonbills has delighted birdwatchers and other visitors.
The birds are commuting between Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Holland. With the juvenile spoonbills at Gibraltar Point, visiting with their parents from the newly established breeding colony in Norfolk. It’s the first time in more than 300 years that a Spoonbill colony has been established in Britain.
If you haven’t seen them yet, try visit Gibraltar Point in the first few weeks of September before the birds head south for the winter.
Photo of spoonbills at Gibraltar Point by Paul Neale.
> Visit Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
September 2011
Seaweed secrets revealed
Scientists who undertook the first ever surveys of seaweed to span the length of the East coast of England discovered 131 species of seaweed, including a seaweed never before recorded on the East Coast, and a purple sponge discovered off Norfolk which is new to the UK.
The Seaweed East survey involved a team of surveyors, including renowned marine biologists, seasearch divers, a botanist and a wild food expert, exploring 11 locations from Essex to Northumberland in early August.
Unfortunately at Gibraltar Point, the only site in Lincolnshire to be surveyed, disaster struck. The boat trailer collapsed trying to launch off the beach and the dive survey could not be undertaken. The survey was coordinated by The Wildlife Trusts working in partnership with other organisations.
(photo by Rob Spray)
September 2011
Good hygiene vital for garden birds
Wild birds that feed in gardens are suscepitible to a number of diseases.
Trichomonosis is caused by a microscopic parasite that spreads where the saliva of an infected individual comes into contact with that of non-infected bird. This could occur at garden feeding stations and at bird baths. It is thought to have led dramatic declines in greenfinch populations across much of England.
Avian pox is a viral skin infection that shows up as unsightly growths on the bird, mainly on the head and neck, and at the base of the wings. It thought to be spread between birds in three main ways: by biting insects (e.g. mosquitoes, mites, flies), by direct bird-to-bird contact, and by indirect contact via contaminated surfaces such as perches or bird tables.
Following sensible hygiene precautions when feeding garden birds and handling bird feeders and tables will help reduce the spread of diseases.
Cleaning
- Clean and disinfect feeders and feeding sites regularly.
- Suitable disinfectants include a weak solution of domestic bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite), 'Milton' or other specially-designed commercial products.
- Rinse feeders thoroughly and air-dry before re-use.
- Do the cleaning outside, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.
- Ideally, bird tables and the ground beneath feeders should be swept clean each day to remove droppings and uneaten food.
- Empty and air-dry bird baths.
Food
- Do not provide more food that the birds need, otherwise uneaten food may remain in feeders for too long.
- Purchase bird food from reputable sources.
- Store in a clean, dry and cool environment to minimize contamination.
Feeder Placements
- If possible place feeders above a concrete or solid surface that can be washed and scrubbed clean.
- Rotate positions of feeders in the garden to prevent the build up of contamination in any one area of ground below the feeders.
> Find out more on the BTO website
August 2011
Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Observatory at Gibraltar Point was opened in April 1949, one of the earliest in Britain. Over 60 years of observation, ringing and examination of birds there has provided a wealth of information about their location and movements throughout the seasons, their physical condition and changes in their populations, all information essential for framing and implementing measures for their conservation.
Keep up to date with bird ringing news with the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory Blog.
Photo: marsh tit ringed on the 6 April 2011 (Tim Bagworth).
April 2011
Lincolnshire Otter Survey
Volunteers taking part in the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership Otter Survey have been searching for spraints and otter footprints. They have discovered that otters can now be found in five river courses in the county: Waithe Beck. Kingerby Beck, Great Eau, River Bain, and River Lymn/Steeping.
The survey was carried out by looking for signs of otters: footprints and droppings. Otter footprint has five distinct toes. The droppings are also known as spraints. They are used as territorial markings and often left on prominent rocks. Otter spraints have a distinctive and not unpleasant smell that is sometimes described as smelling like jasmine tea.
There's little chance of actually seeing an otter in Lincolnshire, as they are nocturnal, but it is wonderful news after the UK otter population neared extinction in the 1970s. Otters had probably been declining in England since the birth of industrialization in the 1800s. But it was the intensive nature of post-WW2 farming and development which accelerated the process, destroying habitat, putting more pressure on water resources and, from the 1950s, releasing organochlorines into our rivers and waterways.
These chemicals, particularly dieldrin and aldrin, built up in the tissues of top predators, causing blindness, immune system collapse and breeding failure. By the mid 1970's much of England had lost almost all its otters, with counties such as Lincolnshire taking the brunt of the force due to the predominance of arable land and widespread use of organo-chlorines. Fortunately the situation was recognized in time, and the otter became a flagship species – an indicator of the general health of our wetlands. Otter hunting was stopped in 1978, and DDT, its use drastically curtailed for many years, was finally banned in 1984.
November 2009
Badgers and Bovine TB
The badger is one of Britain's best loved animals and part of our national heritage. However, badgers to carry bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and have been implicated in the spread of the disease to cattle. A large scale cull of badgers in areas where bTB is prevalent has been under discussion for many years. The Trust works closely with many farmers because they play a crucial role in conserving wildlife and managing the countryside. We have a great deal of sympathy for farmers whose stocks are affected by bovine TB. It is a serious problem but a mass eradication of badgers is not the answer.
> Read the Wildlife Trusts' response to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee report on badgers and cattle TB.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds.
The recent spread of avian influenza (bird flu), caused by the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, across Asia and into continental Europe poses challenges to those concerned with the health of domestic poultry and the conservation of wild birds.
The situation can evolve rapidly and it is now clear that wild birds can spread the disease across international boundaries.
The risk to human health in the UK remains low.
There is no evidence that H5N1 infections in humans have been acquired from wild birds. Human infections have occurred in people who have been closely associated with poultry.
Can I still feed the birds?
At the moment, yes. Make sure you wash your hands afterwards, and before touching your mouth or eyes, or eating food. This is good, common-sense hygiene and you should always do this after coming into contact with any animals, whether wild, farm animals or your pets.
What should I do if I find dead birds?
Birds die all the time, for all sorts of different reasons, and you are likely to come across them from time to time. Do not touch any dead birds - or any other animals - that you find.
If you notice sick or dead birds (wildfowl or gulls), you should inform Defra (ring 08459 335577). They will make an assessment on what further action should be taken.
Wild Bird Surveillance and Birdwatchers
Defra have selected Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve and Far Ings National Nature Reserve as priority areas for avian influenza surveillance. The Trust is calling on birdwatchers to help by reporting any sightings of dead birds of the target species.
> More information about how birdwatchers can help with the surveillance
> Avian Flu Update, 2 February 2007
November 2006
Trees threatened by disease
Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker
In the summer of 2006, horse chestnut trees were affected by drought, a
leaf miner moth and a bark fungus called bleeding canker. The leaf miner
moth causes leaves to wither and fall but does not cause the death of the
tree. Bleeding canker causes a black gummy substance to ooze from the bark. The
tissue beneath is killed and badly-affected trees may not recover. According to
estimates, horse chestnut bleeding canker is on the increase and struck around
40,000 horse chestnuts in 2006.
More information: www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-6KYBGV
Sudden Oak Death
The presence in the UK of sudden oak death, which can destroy trees, was
confirmed at the end of 2002. Sudden Oak Death, caused by the fungus
Phytophthora ramorum, has struck beech, horse chestnut and holm oak in
Cornwall and southern red oak in Sussex. The fungus kills the trees by ringing
the bark all the way round and cutting off the trees lifeline. There is no known
cure.
Sudden oak death has killed many thousands of trees on the west coast
of the USA but at this stage the affect of the disease on UK trees is not
known.
Action: There have been outbreaks in plant
nurseries mainly on rhododendrons, camellias and viburnum. Check shrubs
carefully before buying them and if symptoms develop later contact your garden
centre.
Hummingbird Hawkmoths
Hummingbird hawkmoths look like tiny hummingbirds - hovering in front of flowers and feeding on nectar with their long proboscis. Most years, between June and August these moths can be seen in Lincolnshire. They are day flying and often seen in gardens. They dart from one flower to the next and are expert at hovering, beating their wings so rapidly you can hear them hum.
They are resident in the Mediterranean and migrate northwards through Europe in the spring. Hummingbird hawkmoths breed in the UK but unless it's very mild are unlikely to survive our winters.
Seal pups
Storms are a natural cause of mortalities among seal pups. From time to time the Trust receives reports to suggest that pups are being washed ashore as a result of bad weather. Without proper assessment and help, they may die, especially if they are sick or injured. If you find a seal pup, please follow these points:
Do not attempt to catch or handle pups. They bite.
Keep your distance, and keep dogs away.
Contact the experts right away.
Find out some more about our seals.....
Badgers, Otters, Rare Birds
For reasons of security, we avoid posting records of badgers, otters, rare bird nesting sites or other vulnerable wildlife. There are too many "low-life" egg collectors, badger diggers and the like who would take advantage of such information. However we do like to receive such reports to pass on to county recorders, who also treat information with discretion. You may pass this to us knowing we will do our utmost to keep such records secure.
If you suspect someone may be egg stealing or persecuting wildlife, don't tackle them alone - they are not usually very nice people! Contact your local police wildlife liaison officer or the RSPCA who know the law and will know what to do.
Hare Coursing
The Hunting with Dogs Bill that came into force on 18 February 2005, makes all hare coursing illegal. If you see people pursuing hares with dogs, make a call to your local main police station and obtain an incident number (you will need to be prepared to make a written statement as to what you have witnessed). This will ensure the incident is formally logged on the police computer and will enable easier research of wildlife crime at a later date if it is required. There is no reason to approach individuals hunting with dogs, observation from a distance is the best policy.
