Observations Of Nature Through The Seasons.

[ciel]

Just a couple of pics from today of a couple of common-or-garden birds (through window).

Heard the woodie drumming this afternoon when out with dog, also the bluetit singing.

Spring not far away.

[knocker]

Five reasons flies are awesome (despite being really annoying)

https://blog.csiro.au/five-reasons-flies-are-awesome/

[knocker]

Climate change threatens hairy survivor of multiple ice ages

Survival of the muskox isn't guaranteed as the globe warms

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/warming-temperatures-freezing-rain-harmful-muskox-1.4493506

[4wd]

1 hour ago, knocker said:

Climate change threatens hairy survivor of multiple ice ages

Survival of the muskox isn't guaranteed as the globe warms

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/warming-temperatures-freezing-rain-harmful-muskox-1.4493506

Amazing nonsense.
I suppose the dribble of drivel is essential though to maintain the sanctimonious greenwash tone.

[knocker]

That's not bad. I had a bet that a reply of this nature would be forthcoming from you within the hour when I posted.

[4wd]

You have various other propaganda threads but must slip it in here too.
Because no one reads the other carping negativity threads presumably.

[Styx]

I have never seen a muskox before so it's nice to see one. 

The way I interpret these stories - and others are going to interpret them in a different way - is a range of environmental changes over time are causing the trend line reduction in the numbers of a lot of native species, so adding the consequences of environmental change brought about by the forecast higher temperature levels, the tipping point is logically going to be elevated quite a bit, tipping them over. So it's a domino chain. Perhaps journalists could improve the way they write their stories up even for their local audience? That could help the situation. 

[knocker]

Desolation - A winter scene

[knocker]

I propose a mistle-toast

Quote

You may have heard about mistletoe because of its place in Christmas festivities. The tradition goes that you are able to kiss anyone who happens to stand under a sprig of mistletoe adorning doorways, ceilings, or rafters. But there are better reasons to heap praise on mistletoe than simply its ability to allow you a cheeky kiss from the boy or girl you like. Mistletoes provide many services that help ecosystems to thrive.

Mistletoes are hemiparasites. This means they are able to provide some resources for themselves, but acquire others from their host plants. Mistletoe seeds lodge on the bark of a host plant where they germinate and enable an infestation to grow high in the canopy where light is plentiful. The mistletoe’s haustorium (the structure at the junction between the host plant and the mistletoe) taps into the xylem of the host plant and extracts water and dissolved nutrients.

http://www.rememberthewild.org.au/i-propose-a-mistle-toast/

[knocker]

Eucalypts: 10 things you may not know about an iconic Australian

http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-01-26/eucalyptus-trees-an-iconic-australian/9330782

[knocker]

New population of world’s rarest fish discovered off Tasmanian coast

Quote

A team of divers from IMAS and the citizen science project Reef Life Survey (RLS) have discovered a new population of what is believed to be the world’s rarest fish.

Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus) are found only off south east Tasmania and until last week only one remaining population of around 20-40 individuals had been identified.

The new site, which will not be disclosed until management options can be discussed, also contains an estimated 20-40 individuals and is a number of kilometres away from the previously known population in Frederick Henry Bay.

http://www.imas.utas.edu.au/news/news-items/new-population-of-worlds-rarest-fish-discovered-off-tasmanian-coast

[knocker]

Lots of seals at Godrevey today. There must of been over 70 of them. Ellisa Leah shared this photo

Edited January 28, 2018 by knocker

[knocker]

Tasmanian wildlife gets its first dedicated medical service at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-22/tas-bonorong-gets-its-own-wildlife-hospital/9349072?smid=abcnewsTas-Twitter_Organic&WT.tsrc=Twitter_Organic&sf179931520=1

[knocker]

 

[knocker]

Great photos

 

[knocker]

The recent copious amounts of rain have created a number of very muddy pools adjacent to the lake which the Mallards seem to find ideal for a spot of troughing. Now I know they will eat virtually anything but I wonder what they find so nutritious in the mud?

[knocker]

Just catching up with Winterwatch. I thought this footage of the Kingfisher incredible

https://www.facebook.com/BBCSpringwatch/videos/1632157833544385/

Edited January 31, 2018 by knocker

[knocker]

Deadly silver-cheeked toadfish reaches Mediterranean resorts

Quote

Holidaymakers on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast could come face to face with an ugly and unwelcome new resident this summer — a 50cm poisonous species nicknamed the “Killer Fish”.

Fishermen in Bodrum report surging numbers of the silver-cheeked toadfish, cousin of the dangerous delicacy the pufferfish. It carries a substance 1,250 times more toxic than cyanide in its liver, ovaries and skin. Touching it can cause serious burns and even death.

The European Union has spent €250,000 fighting the spread of toadfish in the Mediterranean, paying fishermen €3 a kilogramme. Around 83 tonnes have been netted since 2012. Marine experts say the canal is also a point of access for dangerous species such as the stinging nomad jellyfish and venomous striped eel catfish.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/deadly-silver-cheeked-toadfish-reaches-mediterranean-resorts-v3bm95fcq

[ciel]

A nice mixed flock of Fieldfares and Starlings in the garden this morning.

[knocker]

Feeding in the detritus at the edge of the lake this morning

oy!

Better

[ciel]

Further to an interesting little piece on R4 this morning:-

Scientists make tiny 3D glasses for insects to understand how they see the world

  A praying mantis fitted with miniature 3D glasses in a research facility at Newcastle University AFP

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-tiny-3d-glasses-insects-praying-mantises-completely-new-form-vision-newcastle-university-a8201701.html

 

Edited February 9, 2018 by ciel

[ciel]

Nice to see a Siskin pair back at the feeders. A first spot this winter. 

Greenfinches, however, have been conspicuous by their absence over the past year.

[knocker]

 

[ciel]

     

Food and shelter

[knocker]

I caught part of a discussion on fungi on R4 this morning which was very interesting. But have since listened to it all and it is indeed very interesting and eye opening.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09r3nwl