1. pets
2. birds

Website: www.bedsbirdclub.org.uk
Issue 139: Published May 2015
Editor: Andy Grimsey
61 Wychwood Avenue
Luton LU2 7HT
Tel: 07402 429 312
E-mail: editor@bedsbirdclub.org.uk
EDITORIAL
Welcome to the May edition of The Hobby. In this edition, amongst the usual topics is a review of
accepted rarities in the county, occurrences of White-winged Black Tern, a reminder on the House
Martin Survey for which volunteers are still required and Graham Goodall provides a comprehensive
and educational piece on the definitions and legislative framework around identifying important areas
for birds within the county. Good birding to all this spring…
Andy Grimsey
MARCH – APRIL 2015 BIRD NEWS
Contributors: please phone Steve Blain on 07979 606300 or email recorder@bedsbirdclub.org.uk
with any news or records. Records are preferred via the online system BirdTrack, using the Excel file
found on the Bird Club Website, singly using the online form ( http://tinyurl.com/2v6oweh ), or on
paper.
March 2015
Garganey - A pair were at Broom GP 12th-23rd.
Greater Scaup - A drake was at Brogborough Lake on 1st-2nd
Smew - The drake was still present on Brogborough Lake on 1st-22nd
Lady Amherst’s Pheasant - Details of
where to see the last Lady A can now be
found on the Beds Bird Club website. Get
him before he's gone! One observer also
reported up to five present in the vicinity
although currently this is unsubstantiated.
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Great White Egret - One flew over junction 13 of the M1 on 12th (PNy)
Marsh Harrier - One flew over Potton on 24th.
Avocet - One flew through Priory CP on 12th.
Ruff - Two were at Broom GP on 25th.
Black-tailed Godwit - One was at Woburn Road Wetlands on 13th.
Yellow-legged Gull - One was in the Stewartby Lake roost on 27th.
Sandwich Tern - One was at Stewartby Lake from 29th-3rd April (PS)
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - Birds were reported from Flitwick Moor, The Lodge, Sutton,
Eversholt Lake and Putnoe Wood.
Great Grey Shrike - One was still around Sandy Smith NR on 22nd (JP)
Firecrest - One was at Blows Downs on 28th.
Black Redstart - One was in the paddocks, Blows Downs on 20th
Tree Sparrow - 15 were still present near Upper Caldecote on 23rd.
White Wagtail - Two were at Broom GP on 20th
Rock Pipit - One was at Broom GP on 14th (LC, BC)
April 2015
Garganey - Up to two were at MVCP from 2nd.
Greater Scaup - A drake was at MVCP on 4th.
Common Scoter - A female was on Brogborough Lake on 26th.
Common Goldeneye - A female at Blunham Lake on 27th was a late record.
Eurasian Spoonbill - Two flew over Southill on 13th (TS)
Marsh Harrier - Two were reported moving through Broom GP during the month
Osprey - One flew over Wrest Park on 5th, with perhaps the same bird over Stewartby Lake later
on the same day. One flew over Blunham lake on 7th. One was well watched at Eversholt lake on
11th which had a blue ring with 51 on. This bird originated from Rutland Water and was also seen
at St Neots on 10th, but had returned to Rutland by 12th. Another bird flew through Broom GP on
29th.
Merlin - A female was at Broom GP on 18th.
Avocet - One was briefly at Broom GP on 27th.
Black-tailed Godwit - One was at Roxton lakes before moving to Broom GP later that day on
24th.
Bar-tailed Godwit - A single was at Broom GP on 23rd
Whimbrel - Four at Broom GP on 15th, one there on 24th, and another on 27th.
Greenshank - One was at Grovebury SP on 15th, two others were reported from Broom GP
Turnstone - One was at Meadow Lane GP 18th-20th
Mediterranean Gull - A second-summer was at Broom GP on 10th
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Little Gull - Two were at Broom GP on
17th with two more on 21st
Kittiwake - A first-winter was at Stewartby Lake on 1st
Little Tern - Two were at Broom GP on 22nd, one on 23rd, and another was at Derek Whites Eggs
pit on 26th.
Black Tern - One was at Grovebury SP on 17th
White-winged Black Tern - A summer plumaged bird was present at Broom GP all day on 24th
(PN, SCB et al), Bedfordshires sixth record.
Sandwich Tern - One flew through Broom GP on 10th (MB)
Arctic Tern - Eight were at Broom GP on 19th, another on Stewartby Lake on 26th
Turtle Dove - Only three was reported back on territory by the end of the month - at Eyeworth,
Willington GP and Everton (but another did fly through Brogborough on 25th).
Firecrest - Birds were present at Lidlington, Millbrook, and up to five were on the Beds/Bucks
border in south Beds (although mostly in Bucks).
Wood Warbler - One was at Wigmore CP on 27th (MR) and another was found at Willington GP
on 29th (MJP)
Ring Ouzel - An excellent passage, which started with two at Pegsdon Hills on 8th and peaked at
the same site up to 16 present. Sites included Blows Downs (up to 8), Kensworth Quarry (7),
Lidlington, Streatley, Warden Hill, Sandy Heath Quarry, Thurleigh airfield, and The Lodge.
Common Redstart - The first was at Dunton on 9th, with two at Blows Downs on 10th, one on
11th-14th, and another was at Southill on 25th. Two were at Blows Downs on 26th, and another
was at Eversholt on 29th, and the last birds were at Blows Downs and MVCP on 30th.
Whinchat - A good spring passage with birds scattered across the county.
Pied Flycatcher - A male was present at Lidlington on 10th-11th (per Birdguides)
Yellow Wagtail - Up to 50 were at Broom GP - an excellent spring count these days.
White Wagtail - A sprinkling were noted around our water bodies during the month.
Tree Pipit - Birds were reported from Pegsdon Hills, Stopsley Common, and The Lodge but
unfortunately none lingered.
Hawfinch - A single was reported in Holcote Wood on 7th (MS)
Observers:
Steve Blain – SB; Matt Burgess – MB; Lol Carman – LC; Bob Chalkley – BC; Peter Nash – PN;
Mark Newman – MN; Paul Nye – PNy; Martin Palmer - MJP; Jim Porter – JP;
Mike Russell - MR; Michael Simmons – MS; Peter Smith – PS; Tony Squire - TS
We thank all contributors who have submitted their records directly to the Recorder, or via
Bedsbirds Email Group as well as other sources.
Compiled by Steve Blain
recorder@bedsbirdclub.org.uk
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PROGRAMME MATTERS
Our summer events got off to a cracking start with what is now the annual walk over Pegsdon Hills
where we enjoyed the early sight of 9 Ring Ouzels feeding out on the open hillside.
Looking ahead we have a car trip to the Norfolk Broads on Sunday 12th July which includes a guided
boat trip on Hickling Broad. This will take us to a part of the reserve which can only be accessed by
boat. Apart from some bird specialities such as Bearded Tit and Bittern we are hopeful of recording
Swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk Hawker dragonflies amongst other local gems . We have spare
places available as we go to press and need to confirm numbers by the end of May so you probably
still have time to book, just give me a call on 01582 867258. See our website for more details.
I hope to see some new faces on the upcoming events, especially members who we rarely have the
chance to meet.
Don Green
NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the following new members to the Beds Bird Club:
Tom Barker, Bedford
Dorothy Bashford, Moggerhanger
Laurence Key, Biggleswade
Kim Phillips, Luton
Peter Wildman, Bedford
We hope you will enjoy many years of membership with us.
Mary Sheridan
A BRIEF REPORT OF THE 2015 BIRD CLUB AGM
The AGM was held at Maulden Village Hall on Tuesday 24th February, and was attended by 68
members.
David Anderson chaired the meeting.
The elected officers for 2015 are:
President (2014-16):
Hon. Chairman (2015):
Hon. Secretary:
Hon. Research Officer:
Hon. Assistant Treasurer:
Hon. Bulletin Editor:
Hon. Meetings Secretary:
David Anderson
Richard Bashford
Sheila Alliez
Graham Goodall
Sonnie Wing
Andy Grimsey
Don Green
County Bird Recorder:
BNHS Membership Secretary:
Steve Blain
Mary Sheridan
The elected committee members for 2015 are:
Kathy Blackmore
Matt Burgess
Stuart Elsom
Roger Hicks
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The Club membership at the end of December was 297. In his summary of the accounts, the
Assistant Treasurer stated that, due to invoices for the Bird Report and the November Hobby arriving
sometimes in December and sometimes in January, comparing year with year was not straightforward.
Instead he would concentrate on genuine variations between the years. Cost of the (larger) Bird
Report was up by £200, and postal charge increases meant postage was substantially more; hall hire
and speaker costs were also up by £100. Income was up by £120, mainly due to the Christmas raffle.
Thanks were due to Opticron, who had generously increased their sponsorship of indoor meetings.
The Research Officer summarised the work of the Records & Research Committee: the Corn bunting
survey, a new County Red List of birds, a new confidentiality policy agreed with the BRMC, and a
start on revising the list of County Wildlife Sites. The Research Officer had also been involved with
advising the owners of Thurleigh Autodrome in advance of a planning application.
Following the completion of business, David Tipling gave an illustrated talk entitled “Field Notes”.
Sheila Alliez
Hon. Secretary
CONGRATULATIONS
We would like to pass on our congratulations on behalf of the Bird Club to Mary Sheridan who has
been awarded lifetime membership of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society in gratitude for her
work over the years in support of the Society and its membership.
As a member of the Council and other committees, Mary’s service to the Society has been continuous
for 35 years. She has served as Honorary Secretary of the Society for four years from 1980 – 1983 and
as Membership Secretary from 1989 to the present day, a service of over 25 years.
In this role, Mary is managing the sending out of all our postal communications, including this edition
of The Hobby and our Annual Reports as well as all the tasks around maintaining the membership list
and collecting and chasing our annual subscriptions.
I am sure we all, as members, appreciate the time and effort that Mary has put in to help our Society
and Bird Club section become as successful as it has.
RSPB SWIFT INVENTORY
The RSPB asks people each year to enter their sightings of swift nest sites around the UK and lowlevel screaming parties, into their survey form at www.rspb.org.uk/applications/swiftsurvey The data
is then shared at the end of each year with the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) where the
public, planners, developers etc can download the records and see if swifts are already nesting in an
area of interest or might want to. The aim behind this is to protect existing nest sites when people are
refurbishing their homes or provide new nest sites in new developments where swifts are present. To
make the data even more beneficial we ask that people continue to enter data year after year to give us
a more accurate idea of whether nest sites are being lost and/or if the swifts are not returning every
year
.
We will all be casting our eyes upwards and pricking our ears over the next few days and weeks as
migrants continue to return. So when you see hear screaming swifts, or see them return to their nest
sites in your local area, please remember to contribute to this project by entering your sightings, and
also spread the word with your friends and family.
Steph Morren
Species Recovery Officer
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WHITE WINGED BLACK TERN AT BROOM GP
A White-winged Black Tern found at Gypsy Lane East pits at Broom was the first for the site and the
sixth for the County. This species has occurred on two previous occasions in Spring and three in
Autumn, all in the clay pit lakes of the Marston Vale as follows:
Stewartby Lake, - adult on 16th and 17th May 1961
Stewartby Lake, - adult from 28th August to 4th September 1967
Stewartby Lake, - juvenile from 19th to 12th August 1983
Marston Vale CP – adult on 4th August 2003
Brogborough Lake – adult in spring plumage 27th April 2004
This species occurs annually in the south east in spring and autumn when misplaced from its normal
migration from tropical Africa into Eastern Europe and Russia. In our neighbouring counties since
the 2001, there have been two autumn sightings at Tring Reservoirs in Hertfordshire, ten autumn
records and one spring record in Cambridgeshire, three autumn birds in Oxfordshire, one autumn
bird in Northamptonshire and no sightings in Buckinghamshire. It would seem that spring adults are
a relative luxury, so it is a treat that our two most recent birds have been in this plumage and stayed a
full day to allow many birders to get good views.
Andy Grimsey
THE NEOTROPICAL BIRD CLUB SUMMER MEETING
The Neotropical Bird Club will be holding a summer meeting in Cambridge on Saturday 25 July and
members of the Bedfordshire Bird Club are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held at St John's
Church Hall in Hills Road. Entrance is free, doors open at 10:30 for coffee & cakes and the meeting
starts at 11:00. The talks will include Trish Allison on 'The state of birds in the Neotropics', Richard
Thomas on ' Birding the Colombian Andes: how I learned to love tapaculos', Chris Sharpe on ' Three
Decades of Birding in Venezuela', Tom Stuart on 'Recent NBC Conservation Awards' and Raymond
Jeffers on ' Northeast Brazil: land of endemics and more!". A sandwich lunch will be available, and
the meeting will close around 5.00.
David Fisher
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BTO HOUSE MARTIN SURVEY 2015 - REMINDER
The BTO will be running a UK House Martin Survey, spanning two years, which will commence in
spring 2015. House Martins are in trouble, with long-term monitoring revealing a 65% population
decline between 1966 and 2012 but the reasons for these declines are unknown. The survey over the
next two years will collect more information on population size, breeding ecology and habitat
preferences, so that some key questions about this eagerly awaited summer visitor can be tackled. In
2015 the nationwide random square survey will involve volunteers visiting 2,000 – 3,000 ‘random’ (i.e.
pre-selected) 1-km squares throughout the UK. By surveying random squares a robust population
estimate to monitor future changes can be produced. The survey will consist of three visits – a recce
visit in mid to late May to map the location of colonies followed by two survey visits (an early visit in
the first three weeks of June; and a late visit in the last week of June or the first half of July). During
the survey visits, volunteers will be asked to record some basic information about the nests and the
buildings they are on, and to count the number of complete nests and the number of apparently
occupied nests. I will be advised of the county’s random squares in January-February so if you are
interested in participating in this survey, please let me know as soon as possible. Hopefully, it will be
possible to extend this survey on a local basis if the random squares are all allocated and there are
additional observers wishing to take part, allowing a more complete coverage of Bedfordshire and
giving an idea of how Bedfordshire’s House Martin population is faring. In 2016 the Nest Monitoring
Study will involve volunteers making regular observations at individual nests to collect information
about nesting activity. This study will be ideal for observers who have nests on their home or place of
work. If you are interested in taking part in either, or both, years of this survey please contact Roger
Hicks at rogerkhicks@hotmail.com
Roger Hicks
REPORT OF THE BEDFORDSHIRE BIRD CLUB RARITIES COMMITTEE
Following recent meetings of the committee, the following records have all been reviewed and
accepted for the period January to September 2014.
Species
Glossy Ibis
Pink-footed Goose
Siberian Chiffchaff
Mealy Redpoll
Kittiwake
Great Northern Diver
Great Northern Diver
Siberian Chiffchaff
Sandwich Tern
Long-tailed Duck
Glossy Ibis
Spoonbill
Golden Oriole
Caspian Gull
Caspian Gull
Wryneck
Hawfinch
Barred Warbler
Location
Langford Mill Meadows
Wardown Park, Luton
Broom GP
Southill
Stewartby Lake
Stewartby Lake
Chimney Corner South Lake
Marston SW
Stewartby Lake
Radwell Lakes
Marston Vale CP
Meadow Lane GP
Willington GP
Broom GP
Stewartby Lake
Henlow
Biggleswade Common
Blows Downs
Date
04/01/2014
19/01/2014
21/01/2014
25/01/2014
09/02/2014
19/02/2014
22/02/2014
08/03/2014
25/04/2014
26/04/2014
05/05/2014
29/05/2014
30/05/2014
18/08/2014
13/09/2014
16/09/2014
17/09/2014
29/09/2014
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Last date # Finder
10/01/2014 1 Stuart Warren
16/02/2014 1 Andy Grimsey
25/01/2014 1 Steve Blain
1 Steve Heath
1 Neil Wright
?
1 Keith Owen
?
1 Andy Grimsey
09/03/2014 2 Neil Wright, Paul Wright
1 Martin Palmer
?
1 Richard Bashford
1 Kev Roy
1 Richard Bashford
1 Patrick Giles
1 Steve Blain
1 Martin Palmer
1 John Cookson
1 Richard Bashford
05/10/2014 1 John Lynch
THE IDENTIFICATION OF IMPORTANT SITES FOR BIRDS
Introduction.
As members of the Bedfordshire Bird Club (BBC) we all participate in a wonderful hobby; bird
watching or birding if you prefer. A key part of our hobby involves recording the species we see and
submitting our records – hopefully via Bird Track – on an annual basis.
The collection of data has become known as ‘citizen science’ in recent years. I believe our
ornithological data can play a much more important role in protecting the biodiversity of our county.
Most bird species have specialised requirements that can only be met in certain locations, usually
where their chances of survival are enhanced. These sites are probably those that are familiar in terms
of food resources, predator risk, and habitat. Losses of these sites force the birds to try other areas,
which may not be so beneficial. The increased density of birds forced into smaller areas, results in
competition, possibly greater mortality, and a decline in numbers (Pritchard et. al. 1992).
As a result, population levels are influenced by the availability of food, the productivity of the
previous breeding season, the weather, and other environmental factors, some of which may be manmade. The measure of diversity is the number of species recorded in a given area, or in a defined
community or habitat type (Fuller, 1982) (Elkins, 1983).
These ecological factors make it imperative that sites of importance for birds are identified, conserved
and protected, particularly those that may face the threat of future built development. To do so, their
value must be demonstrated using sound ecological methodologies and reasoning. It must also be
recognised that sites can be damaged, lost, or their value diminished by a lack of, or the way in which
they are managed (Collis and Tyldesley, 1993).
Sites of importance for biodiversity.
Ecological sites come in various forms and these are set out below.
International importance.
• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) are sites of European importance for nature
conservation and receive legal protection under the EC Habitats Directive (1992). This was
incorporated into UK legislation via the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations
2010. All SAC are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
•
Special Protected Areas (SPA) are sites of European importance for birds, as designated under
Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds 1979 (the EC Birds
Directive). All SPA are designated as SSSI.
•
Ramsar sites are identified under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
1971. They are wetlands that are particularly important for wildfowl. Most are also
designated as SPA or SSSI.
National importance.
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are nationally important and are designated as a result
of the habitats and species they support. They receive some protection through the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981 and this protection was extended by the Countryside and Rights of
Way (CroW) Act 2000.
•
National Nature Reserve (NNR) are nationally important reserves designated by Natural
England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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•
Local Nature Reserve (LNR) are a statutory designation by local authorities under Section 21
of the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act 1949.
Regional importance.
• Sites that are important at a regional or government area; eg. the East of England. Identified
as supporting Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species that are scarce within the region;
eg. The Brecks, and Stone-curlew.
County importance.
• County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are non-statutory sites and as such, receive no statutory legal
protection. They are identified by meeting local (county) criteria, usually botanical, but can
also meet local criteria for other species; eg. populations of bats (roosts), GCN breeding sites,
and birds.
District importance.
• Sites support biodiversity features of value at a district level. They are identified by meeting
county criteria, but can also be locally important.
Ancient Woodland.
• The Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) of England is a register (database) of woodlands
that are classified as 'ancient'; eg. sites that have been continuously wooded since 1600. Many
of these sites will be identied as County Wildlife Sites.
Bedfordshire does not have any sites of international importance. However, we do have a range of
important sites, both nationally and locally. Set out below is a list of sites in Bedfordshire and Luton;
correct as of 27/11/2013.
• NNR; 3
• SSSI; 40
• LNR; 20
• CWS; 402
• DWS; 15
Plus, we have an area within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
How County Wildlife Site (CWS) are identified.
CWS are usually identified by habitat type using botanical data and have to meet specific criteria and
minimum thresholds. Gathering sufficient information and data can be a fairly lengthy process, but
once it has been compiled, it should be submitted to the CWS Panel for consideration, and hopefully
adoption, as a CWS.
It is well worth the effort. I was able to get my local patch identified as a CWS in 2012 by describing
the habitats at the site and submitting 5 years of supporting bird data.
The CWS system is managed by the Local Sites Partnership, which maintains an overview of the
county system. The majority of the work is carried out by a sub-group; the WS Panel, which is made
up of the Wildlife Trust, Bedfordshire Biodiversity Recording and Monitoring Centre, Greensand
Trust, Bedfordshire Natural History Society, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, Forestry
Commission, Natural England and Local Government authorities.
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The Selection Guidelines for identifying CWS in Bedfordshire and Luton and other useful documents
can be found via the links listed below:
•
•
•
•
•
http://www.bedscape.org.uk/BRMC/newsite/index.php?c=sites_ls
The CWS selection guidelines. Pages 5-14 give some details on the selection process.
http://www.bedscape.org.uk/BRMC/newsite/docs/CWS_selection_guidelines.PDF
The CWS Panel’s Terms of Reference.
http://www.bedscape.org.uk/BRMC/newsite/docs/CWS_terms_of_reference.PDF
The Local Sites partnership (which oversees CWS and Local Geological Sites Panels).
http://www.bedscape.org.uk/BRMC/newsite/docs/Bedfordshire%20and%20Luton%20part
nership%20roles_October%202012.pdf
Local Sites landowner contact policy
http://www.bedscape.org.uk/BRMC/newsite/docs/LS_landowner_contact_policy.pdf
Why are CWS important?
CWS are very important for biodiversity and help protect habitats and species that are national
priorities for conservation in the UK and county Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP). However, the area
of these habitats is very small and it is sobering to know that our CWS account for less than 7% of
the county’s area.
This is why it is so important that existing sites are protected and managed appropriately. It is equally
important that new sites are identified and brought to the attention of the WS Panel.
How can we protect our CWS once they are identified? - Biodiversity and the planning
system.
The county system helps us to identify CWS, so that they can be brought to the attention of Local
Authorities and Planning Officers if they are ever threatened with development.
Local Authorities have a legal duty to have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity under
Section 40(1) of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006.
“every public authority must in exercising its functions have regard.…….to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”
This duty includes restoring and enhancing biodiversity and particular emphasis is placed on the
Government's list of species of principal importance. The list was revised by the Priority Species and
Habitat Review Working Group in 2007 and comprises 65 Priority Habitat Action Plans (HAP) and
1,149 Species Action Plans (SAP).
The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c. Regulations 2010), otherwise known as the Habitats
Directive. Regulation 9(5)states:
“a competent authority, in exercising any of their functions, must have regard to the requirements of the Habitat
Directive so far as they may be effected by the exercise of those functions”
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) came in to force in March 2012 and guides local
Planning Authorities through the process of assessing planning applications and their potential
impacts on the natural environment.
References.
Collis, I. and Tyldesley, D. (1993). Natural Assets: Non-statutory Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.
The Local Government Nature Conservation Initiative.
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Elkins, N. (1983). Weather and Bird Behaviour. Carlton. T & A. D. Poyser.
Fuller, R. J. (1982). Bird Habitats in Britain. Carlton. T & A. D. Poyser.
HM Government (1981). Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. HMSO, London.
HM Government (1991). Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act. HMSO, London.
HM Government (1992a). Statutory Instrument 1992. No. 2350 [Variations to Schedules 5 and 8 of
the Wildlife and Countryside Act]. HMSO, London.
HM Government (1998). Statutory Instrument 1998. No. 878 [Variations to Schedules 5 and 8 of
the Wildlife and Countryside Act]. HMSO, London.
HM Government (2000). Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000. HMSO, London.
HM Government (2006). Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006. HMSO, London.
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). (2012). National Planning Policy Framework.
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). (2005). Circular 06/2005: Government Circular:
Biodiversity and geological conservation – statutory obligations and their impact within the planning
system. ODPM, 16th August 2005.
Pritchard, D. E., Housden, S. D., Mudge, G. P., Galbraith and Pienkowski, M. W. (eds). (1992).
Important Bird Areas in the UK including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. RSPB; Sandy.
Graham Goodall
MOORHEN DIVING
Moorhens Gallinula chloropus are regularly seen on the River Ivel behind Henlow Grange either
swimming jerkily across the river or foraging at the water’s edge. So it was not unusual on 10
November 2014 to see two Moorhens in mid-river swimming upstream towards the Poppy Hill Farm
bridge. What was unusual and unexpected was when one of those birds dived, not something I can
remember seeing before. It dived another couple of times in the same area, where the river is about 1
m deep, before continuing up stream. Each time it seemed to struggle to get under the water, having
to use its wings and legs, yet barely breaking the surface before quickly popping back up as though it
was too buoyant. None of the dives appeared to be successful. BWP notes that Moorhens obtain
food ‘rarely by diving’.
Roger K. Hicks
IMAGES BY:
Steve Blain:
Sean D’Arcy:
Martin Palmer:
Little Gull, White-winged Black Tern
Garganey
Lady Amherst Pheasant
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The Bedfordshire Bird Club is the ornithological section of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society
Registered Charity Number 268659
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