Seeing the Changes 96

In Bynea, saw my first Common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) and Seven-spot ladybirds (Coccinella 7-punctata) of the year. In Loughor, the first Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) arrived to the light.

Chocolate- the New Crack?

We normally associate the country of Columbia with the problems associated with the cocaine trade. However, one unexpected consequence of trying to turn farmers away from the cultivation of the Coca bush has had some unexpected consequences (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/12/colombia.food). The Columbian government has tried to encourage people to substitute Palm oil (used in biofuels, cakes, chocolate, margarine and soaps) for Coca. Many people in the UK are (largely unknowing) consumers of such the oil (obvious, given our passion for sweet things and crisps). In deed, about 25% of Columbia's Palm oil comes to this country. Columbia is the 5th largest producer in the world of Palm oil and currently allocates 350,000 hectares (a doubling in the last 4 years) to this activity. Palm oil is now apparently such a lucrative crop, it has led to land displacements and even killings of farmers in Columbia by paramillitary groups. Makes me feel even more guilty about that piece of chocolate!

Seeing the Changes 95

In Loughor, lots of spiderlings on the loose and visited by a Sallow kitten (Furcula furcula) moth. Elder (Sambucus nigra), Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) are all in bloom in Bynea.

Seeing the Changes 94

In Bynea, Common cleavers (Galium aparine) and Sea beet (Beta vulgaris) were in flower. Large white butterflies (Pieris brassicae) were also active along with the Orange tips. In Loughor, the Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) was fully in bloom (or even futher along) and was joined by the Field rose (Rosa arvensis), Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla heptaphylla) and the Ramping fumitory (Fumaria capreolata). Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) flower buds were about to pop. In Bynea, there was what looks like a variant on a nettle.

Seeing the Changes 93

At Penclacwydd, the Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) and Monkshood (Aconitum napellus) were all in flower. Lots of insect activity with Green-veined white butterflies (Artogeia napi) a male Common blue damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and a female Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans).

Birder's Bonus 20

Lots of rearing activity at the WWT Penclacwydd with the captive, endangered Nene (Branta sandvicensis) having goslings. The self-introduced Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Coot (Fulica atra) and Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) all had masses of chicks/ducklings. A Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) was also seen clinging to a bird feeder.

To Bee or Not To Bee?

The British Beekeeper's Association has reported that around 20% of Honey bee colonies in the UK are thought to have died off in winter 2007-2008(http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/09/wildlife.endangeredspecies). This seems part of a continuing trend that has seen colony losses doubling in this country over the last 4 years. Colony losses are also big news on the Continent and especially in the USA where more than 35% of all colonies died last year. Losses of substantial numbers of these 'expert pollinators' is a real problem, particularly in relation to fruit production. The precise causes of the declines seem clouded in mystery and are often somewhat vaguely and collectively described as 'colony collapse disorder'. Contributing factors may include the Varroa mite, fungal infestations, bad weather (making efficient food collection difficult) and 'stress' (also a bit vague). One cannot rule out possible effects of sprays and other agents. This disappearing act is certainly an area to keep an eye on, especially with honey rocketing in price.