SNIPPETS

    The prize for the most original contribution in White Admiral 61 was awarded to Barry Ruggles for ‘ Scytodes thoracica in Suffolk ’.

    Researchers at the University of Bristol investigating possible causes of declines in the brown hare population have found that when pasture makes up a small proportion of the landscape the effect is positive but wide-ranging pasture has a negative impact on hare numbers. Field size, temperature, rainfall and hunting have no effect on density - the ultimate cause of decline is agricultural intensification.

    2004 was a good year for dormice with a total of 4,296 recorded in 167 sites in England , well up on the 2003 census. Reintroduction programmes in 11 counties in northern and central areas have highlighted the need for linkages between woods to assist the spread of the animals.

    The 2004 nightjar survey estimated that the population (4,500 males) had increased by about a third since 1992. Sadly, numbers in Suffolk are still falling.

    The BTO tawny owl survey started on 2 nd October and continues until March 2006. Participants are asked to record tawny owl calls (hoots and ‘kee-wicks’) heard in their gardens for a 20-minute period each week. Late starters are welcome to join in the survey. Recording forms are available from Dawn Balmer at BTO, telephone 01842 750050.

    The results of the 2004 Breeding Birds Survey show mixed fortunes for some of our more common birds. Between 1994 and 2004, 23 species declined and 49 species increased. Wood warblers and willow tits have declined by more than 50%. After years of decline numbers of the song thrush and tree sparrow numbers are showing a small increase (though regrettably not of the latter in Suffolk ).

    Numbers of cuckoos recorded fell again in 2005, the third successive year.

    20 pairs of the small red-eyed damselfly were seen ovipositing at Glemsford on 24 th June. The scarce chaser dragonfly, first reported on the River Stour near Bures ten years ago has established itself in high numbers and now has colonised the Colne and Chelmer rivers in Essex as well as the Blackwater Canal. The white-legged damselfly has undergone a similar expansion of range in recent years and is now found near Glemsford - a long way from the Stour . A Norfolk hawker was observed laying eggs at Sizewell Belts on 23 rd June, leading to hopes that a breeding colony is now established there.

    An SNS Rivis Bursary has been awarded to Dr Michael Kirby to head a team of two Westleton naturalists to study the relationships between the kidney spot ladybird and its prey, willow scale. See article by Michael Kirby in this issue.

    Good numbers of white admiral butterflies have been reported in new territories this year in central Southern England .

    The Butterfly Monitoring Scheme website has been completely revamped and is an excellent source of information (www.bms.ceh.ac.uk).

    A many-lined moth was recorded at Landguard on 21 st June (N.Odin) and a single olive crescent in Ipswich on June 22 nd( N. Sherman ).

    The Forestry Commission’s views on woodland management for climate change can be found at www.forestresearch.gov.uk/climatechange.

    There is concern that a new liver fluke introduced by imported ornamental fish, which is killing otters and mink in the Somerset levels will spread across Britain. Finds of dead otters should be reported to the Environment Agency. Pet cats and dogs that eat raw fish are also vulnerable.

David Walker: Editor