LANCS: Reasons to be cheerful ........

ONE: Male Ring Ouzel, Bowland 28 June 2009.

TWO: Ringtail Hen Harrier.

Life is good. I'm saddened by the fact that this morning was my last fieldwork for the season in Bowland, but what a way to go out. Peregrines, Hen Harriers, Merlins, Whinchats (two new territories), Stonechats (including a male in unusual song-flight) and best of all a pair of Ring Ouzels.

The Ring Ouzels were very busy on this muggy morning, male and female travelling in different directions to feed (and greater distances than I imagined). With steady, purposeful flight the male would pass, stopping only on a rowan or atop heather to sing a few phrases. I finally got to grips with him when I noticed some movement in the bracken on a bank, the white crescent on his chest showing in the small gap. Hopping around like an Antpitta (I'm starting to miss guiding in South America - I thought I heard Bolivian Earthcreeper this morning!), then perching to sing briefly he eventually surrendered. What a moment, my favourite Turdus!

Bowland: These deep cloughs with heather and bracken seem to suit Stonechats well. Whinchats appear to prefer the gentler slopes, predominately covered in bracken.

Male Ring Ouzel with a "friend" in Bowland this morning.

Ring Ouzels are in serious decline (red listed). Why? Well, upland afforestation and the popularity of leisure pursuits (rambling, hiking) in their breeding areas has been cited. Others have suggested that bracken clearance or the spread of other thrush species (residents that would take up territory in suitable habitat before Ring Ouzels arrive from Africa) may be the cause of the demise of Turdus torquatus in Britain. The Scandinavian population is at a stable level apparently and they are responsible for the majority of east coast records in the UK during passage times. The numbers of migrant Ring Ouzels on the west coast has decreased however so the plight of this charismatic "Mountain Blackbird" may well be in the hands of hunters in southern Europe. Decline has also been linked to reduced food supplies due to high spring rainfall in the Atlas Mountains in N. Africa. Interesting that the same weather in that region has been linked to higher than normal numbers of Painted Lady butterflies ........

So, that's it then. Time for the knees to recover and do a bit of coastal birding.


Oh, nearly forgot:

THREE!


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