Seeing the Changes 206

Travelling around a bit, it was possible to see the variations in the timing of things. In Keele (Staffordshire), the Hedge bindweed (Calystegia cepium), Common mallow (Malva sylvestris) and English stonecrop (Sedum anglicum) were all in flower, which was not the case in Swansea. Pheasants (Phasianus cochicus) charged around the fields. In Egham (Surrey), Wood forgetmenot (Myosotis sylvatica), Wood vetch (Vicia sylvatica), Yellow corydalis (Corydalis lutea), Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Tunic flower (Petrorhagia saxifraga), Rough poppy (Papaver hybridum) and Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) were in early bloom. The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were as tame as ever. In Bynea, the Black knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) and Common valerian (Valeriana officinalis) were in flower. In Penclacwydd, Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and the white variety of the normally purple Slender thistle (Carduus tenuifloris) were in bloom. Black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) waded in the Loughor estuary.

Field Course: Boggy Places

Second day out on the Ecology trip. This time went to Fairwood, then Broadpool and finally Arthur's stone (all illustrated). In the first location, in addition to the studied grasses there was water-retaining Sphagnum moss, Common cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata) and the insectivorous Common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). There were also Drinker (Philudoria potatoria) and day-flying Common heath (Ematurga atomaria) moths as well as Common frogs (Rana temporaria). At Broadpool, many of the above plants were joined by Ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and White water-lily (Nymphaea alba). A pregnant Common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) lounged by the pool. By Arthur's stone, there was Bristle bent grass (Agrostis curtisii) at the end of its range as well as Common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris). Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) climbed noisily into the sky.

Fade to Grey

It seems that Prince Charles has not only given Royal Patronage to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust but has advocated the complete elimination of the 'alien' Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) from all UK woods (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Prince-Charles-Supports-Calls-To-Exterminate-Grey-Squirrels-Which-Threaten-Native-Red-Squirrels/Article/200906115295647?lpos=UK_News_First_UK_News_Feature_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15295647_Prince_Charles_Supports_Calls_To_Exterminate_Grey_Squirrels_Which_Threaten_Native_Red_Squirrels).

In a speech to the Country Land and Business Association, he blamed the Greys (along with deer-introduced by his ancestors) for damage to our remaining woodland. The RSPCA, hoping to be more kindly, favour implanting these rodents with contraceptives. However, other teams with traps are converting thousands of Greys in some parts of the country into human food (in pies and pasties). I certainly accept that Greys are more damaging to woodland (and not as attractive?) than are Reds but personally think that it is highly unlikely that the Greys can now be eliminated from these islands. The contraceptive scheme seems a complete non-starter and would certainly not be a 'stress-free' option.

Field Course: Woods and Cliffs

Spent the afternoon with Drs Forman, Hipkin and Proffitt (sound like a group of solicitors) and the students at the Gower locations of Parc Le Breos and Southgate cliffs. The students (illustrated) seemed to enjoy the walks and the associated ecology. In addition to grasses at the former location, saw Wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Yellow pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum), Herb Bennet (Geum urbanum) and Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca). We also saw Common blue damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum). At the latter limestone location saw Portland spurge (Euphorbia portlandica), Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), Purple saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia), Common centaury (Centaurium erythraea), Common rock rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Yellow whitlow grass (Draba aizoides), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa), Small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Heath bedstraw (Gallium saxatilis), Heath speedwell (Veronica officinalis) and the hemi-parasitic Yellow rattle (Rhinathus minor). There was also a Bloody nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa).

Seeing the Changes 205

Sea bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) is in bloom on the upper reaches of the sands of Swansea.

Birder's Bonus 50

House martins (Delichon urbica) have arrived to build their nests under the eaves of the Pavilion changing rooms of Swansea University. The poor birds used to be able to freely collect mud for construction from the sides of the dirt running track but, with the construction of the all-weather track, now have to search more widely.

Soprano Tits!

Workers at Aberystwyth University have reported that Great tits (Parus major) in 20 UK cities currently sing at a higher pitch than their more rural cousins (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8079539.stm) . This is presumably an adaptation to facilitate the transmission of the threatening and seductive messages in the songs over the noise of traffic in urban locations. The oddity is that these birds now apparently have difficulty recognising the songs of birds from out of town. It could even drive speciation.