Wildlife

Are there Great Crested Newts in the Pond?

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Written by Administrator Friday, 01 May 2009 19:43

The Hampshire  and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Information Team are  currently working on  a new project, funded by the Environment Agency, to pinpoint ponds used by   Great Crested Newts. The aim of the project is to help assess the  current distribution and population status of Hampshire’s great crested  newts. The information gathered will help  inform Local Authorities, Natural England and the Environment Agency in their  strategic planning and when making decisions on development control. It will  also enable the Trust and others to strategically direct our resources and  effort to effectively conserve the species and their habitats.

The project has access to some historical records from the 1980's and 1990's. Our pond in its current form is much more recnet than that: but it may have hosted newts during that period. If  you  have any records, however old, that are relevant, the Trust would like to hear from you! If anyone has any relevant information, please contact Jane  Somerville (Biodiversity  Information Administrator) at Hampshire  and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Hampshire  and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

“Beechcroft”
Vicarage  Lane
Curdridge
Nr.  Botley
Hampshire  SO32 2DP
Registered  Charity No.201081
Company  Ltd by guarantee & Regd in England No.676313
Direct Dial: 01489 774409
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit the Hampshire and Isle  of Wight Wildlife Trust's website at www.hwt.org.uk

 

Have you seen this bird?

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 17:12 Written by Administrator Thursday, 05 March 2009 22:29

Tree Sparrow sightings

treesparrow_on_feeder

Between the 1970s and 1990s Tree sparrow populations crashed by up to 95%.  Today, this species is showing good signs of recovery in many parts of the Country – but not Hampshire.  In fact, experts believe the tree sparrow may already be extinct in Hampshire as a breeding species – but no-one is absolutely sure.  In November 2007, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust joined forces to launch an appeal for any sightings that farmers, gamekeepers or the general public might have seen over the winter and spring months.

The response was tremendous, and although many of the sightings followed up turned out to be either house sparrows or dunnocks, we were still able to confirm at least two separate sightings of tree sparrows and identify a number of common  ‘clusters’ across the county.  One such ‘cluster’ was not that far from Clanfield, with potential sightings noted at Hambeldon and Fareham and one sighting confirmed in Meonstoke. 

In both instances where sightings were confirmed, the birds were recorded on bird feeders, in small groups of approximately 2-4 birds.  The first confirmed tree sparrows spotted (see photograph opposite) are known to originate from Wiltshire – due to a colour coded ring noted.  With some encouragement – primarily through supplementary feeding (bird tables, grain hoppers, spreading tail end grain etc.) - we are hopeful that these birds may stay in the local vicinity and breed. 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A TREE SPARROW

 

treesparrow

Tree sparrow

housesparrow

 

 

House sparrow

 

Tree sparrows are quite similar to their close cousins the House sparrow, but have some key differences to help you identify them. The male Tree sparrow has a reddish brown chocolate coloured cap to its head, whereas the male House sparrow has a grey cap.  Male Tree sparrows also have a very distinctive pure white side to their heads with a big black cheek patch, whereas male House sparrow have dusky grey sides to their heads with no cheek patch.

We are still keen to receive records of tree sparrows noted over the coming months so please do keep a look out for tree sparrows in your local area and indeed on your bird tables at home. Should you be lucky enough to spot one, we would love to hear about it so that we can help this once common bird re-establish itself again in Hampshire.  A photograph if at all possible is ideal as it aids the identification process.  Contact Debbie Miller of the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07713333179.   

By Debbie Miller

Farm Conservation Adviser (FWAG)