Observations Of Nature Through The Seasons.

[ciel]

7 minutes ago, knocker said:

"Memorial to a Species" makes me very sad and angry

Me too. The trade in rhino horn is quite obscene.

[knocker]

DNA reveals jellyfish a popular choice in albatross diet

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2017/dna-reveals-jellyfish-a-popular-choice-in-albatross-diet

[knocker]

Warning of 'ecological Armageddon' after dramatic plunge in insect numbers

Three-quarters of flying insects in nature reserves across Germany have vanished in 25 years, with serious implications for all life on Earth, scientists say

Quote

The abundance of flying insects has plunged by three-quarters over the past 25 years, according to a new study that has shocked scientists.

Insects are an integral part of life on Earth as both pollinators and prey for other wildlife and it was known that some species such as butterflies were declining. But the newly revealed scale of the losses to all insects has prompted warnings that the world is “on course for ecological Armageddon”, with profound impacts on human society.

The new data was gathered in nature reserves across Germany but has implications for all landscapes dominated by agriculture, the researchers said.

The cause of the huge decline is as yet unclear, although the destruction of wild areas and widespread use of pesticides are the most likely factors and climate change may play a role. The scientists were able to rule out weather and changes to landscape in the reserves as causes, but data on pesticide levels has not been collected.

“The fact that the number of flying insects is decreasing at such a high rate in such a large area is an alarming discovery,” said Hans de Kroon, at Radboud University in the Netherlands and who led the new research.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/18/warning-of-ecological-armageddon-after-dramatic-plunge-in-insect-numbers

[knocker]

One of the authors of the study was on R4 this morning

Meanwhile:

Help give critically endangered Swift Parrots predator proof homes to stop pesky Sugar Gliders from eating them all!

https://pozible.com/project/operation-pko

[knocker]

What is a walrus haulout and what does it mean for the planet?

https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-is-a-walrus-haulout-and-what-does-it-mean-for-the-planet

[knocker]

Some great photos

Studying the Arctic Wildlife of Russia's Wrangel Island

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2017/10/studying-the-arctic-wildlife-of-russias-wrangel-island/543282/

Edited October 20, 2017 by knocker

[knocker]

In repose

[knocker]

Watching swans over a lengthy period of time one thing that is noticeable is their quite complex social interactions. For example quite often two or three get together and weave slow patterns in a small space,

 

[knocker]

Blasted swan photobombing again

That's better

[knocker]

Not being that knowledgeable I puzzled over this before I twigged it's a Little Grebe with winter plumage

A quizzy Jay this morning

[ciel]

So far, so good.  Hopefully these two will survive the rest of the shooting season.  They are part of a larger group of eight Red-legs which are frequenting the garden the neighbouring field at the moment.

 

[knocker]

Shake a leg...Oh no!!

[ciel]

There has been a bumper crop of acorns here too. The Jackdaws and Jays have been hoovering them up.

 

 

On another seasonal note, there has been the usual influx of Scandinavian thrushes over the past week.

[Weather-history]

Snowdrops in October on the slopes of Great Orme, Llandudno

 

[Weather-history]

7 minutes ago, ciel said:

There has been a bumper crop of acorns here too. The Jackdaws and Jays have been hoovering them up.

 

 

On another seasonal note, there has been the usual influx of Scandinavian thrushes over the past week.

This jackdaw posed for a photo for me

 

[knocker]

Good time of year for Fungi as well

[knocker]

I haven't seen it but a White rumped Sandpiper has been around down the road at Godrevy for the last couple of days. I think it should be in South America

 

[knocker]

Tucking into the detritus. Question is what is she eating?

 

 

 

Edited October 28, 2017 by knocker

[knocker]

Shades of black and white

[ciel]

 

 

This morning at Montrose Station, overlooking the SWT reserve. Poor light courtesy of the Scottish location.

Geese numbers peaked a couple of weeks ago at 70,000 and now are around 40,000.

Nevertheless, the sight and cacophony of the early morning lift-off is still quite impressive.

The tide was high but outgoing and a few mud banks were exposed.

 

[knocker]

Rather plump

[Dorsetbred]

November and still roses in bloom in the garden, along with their resident aphids!

[knocker]

Autumn morning at the lake with a juvenile Herring Gull

[knocker]

Autumn camouflage

[knocker]

Had a couple of Collared Doves around this morning. They have called before always as a pair. And just this minute had a visit from  a Wren. First time I've seen one in the garden.

Edited November 3, 2017 by knocker