Swan Song?

It is always sad to hear of problems occurring at places you have used for teaching and the outbreak of h5n8 avian influenza at Abbotsbury swannery in Dorset certainly falls into that category (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/bird-flu-outbreak-avian-influenza-h5n8-virus-abbotsbury-swannery-dorset). The swannery was set up by monks on the Fleet lagoon to supplement their food supply but has been maintained as an impressive visitor location where people can get close to birds (exactly what is not needed whilst trying to prevent the spread of the virus to domestic crops). The centre (as a consequence of its feeding regime) attracts around a 1000 free-flying Mute swans (Cygnus olor) but also many other bird species (including geese, ducks, Moorhens and Coots). To date, it has been confirmed that 9 swans have died from this strain of avian 'flu which, of course, means closure of the swannery to the public. Such events can challenge the financial viability of such centres (as well as the health of the birds in the centre and in the locality).

No Chance to Adapt?

A study suggests that birds that prefer cool conditions are finding it impossible to adapt to warming temperatures in Southern England because intensive farming precludes their having locations to 'chill out' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/11/birds-vanish-england-climate-change-habitat-loss). Species affected include the Meadow pipit; Willow tit and Willow warbler. The findings are at variance with the claim that species will simply move north in response to Global warming.

I Got the Blues!

Disturbing news (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jan/10/bristol-man-in-court-accused-of-capturing-protected-large-blue-butterflies) that a man is one trial accused of capturing and killing the UK's rarest butterfly, the Large Blue (Maculinea arion). The actual species shown above is an Adonis blue, subject to a similar process. The Large blue became extinct in the UK in 1979 and cannot be bred in captivity (it requires closely-grazed habitat with Thyme and a particular species of red ant that is chemically persuaded to take in the larvae where they feeds on ant grubs). The species has been reintroduced into specially prepared habitats in Somerset and Gloucestershire, using eggs from Swedish populations and it is claimed that adult butterflies were illegally taken from these locations in 2015. Collectors (some are obsessives and some profit-motivated) can be a real problem for conservation efforts!

Seeing the Changes 1132

Visited, in Loughor, by a male Winter moth (Operophtera brumata).

Seeing the Changes 1131

In spite of some early frosts, Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) bloomed early in Bynea.

Progress Like a PPPenguin?

German medics have apparently advised people walking on icy streets to adopt the gait of penguins to avoid slipping (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/04/penguin-walk-german-doctors-advice-slipping-icy-paths). Humans hold their centre of gravity equally between the front and rear legs whereas the bird keeps it on the front leg and is much less likely to slip. I shall continue my daily shuffle around the mean streets.

You Must be Crazy to Live by a Motorway?

A Canadian study has suggested that 1 in 10 incidences of Alzheimer dementia can be linked to the patient living near a busy road (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jan/04/living-near-heavy-traffic-increases-dementia-risk-say-scientists). They feel that noise pollution and the diesel exhaust discharges of nano particles may be important factors (perhaps joining the health-risk element of nitrous oxides). Of course, many people cannot choose where they live (some even have motorways constructed through their towns). There are also other risk factors for the development of dementia including age (nothing much we can do about this) and lifestyle (we could take more exercise, try to avoid becoming overweight, cut down on alcohol and eat a healthier diet). Interestingly, it has been noted that animals in city centre zoos (or viewed by visitors in cars?) may have shorter life-spans than beasts in more rural locations. Perhaps the development of electrically-powered driverless cars will improve health in zoo animals and ourselves (but I wouldn't hold my breath)?