WildlifeWatch Issue 90 Summer 2019

WFHRAELEE! TURNING MAKING ART Issue 90 Summer 2019 INTO GOO FROM LITTER POSTER What really happens Spreading the word inside a chrysalis? about plastic pollution WFGOOIRLD BLEURGH! PONDS Which bird Make your own mini sounds like a wildlife haven! fairy being sick?

WILD THINGS News from our Wildlife Watchers ECDOIRTNOERR’S GRACE IS A NATURE LMEAANNCNHEESTER RANGER! Editor, Wildlife Watch Abig well done to Grace aged 13 who Happy summer to our fantastic received her Nature wildlife watchers. Ranger award from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust This is a special issue of the earlier this year. She did her magazine for me – because it’s project on bats and spent time my last! I’ll still be at The Wildlife with a bat group. If you want to Trusts, so I’ll enjoy hearing all become a Nature Ranger too, about your wildlife adventures, speak to your Wildlife Trust. but I’m passing the magazine on to my wonderful colleague, Tom. WIND IN THE WILLOWS INSPIRES ACTION Tom loves wildlife! He spends Tristan, from Ludlow Junior his weekends bird ringing or School, was inspired by just out seeing what wildlife our Wind in the Willows he can spot. He’s a marine film trailer to help wildlife! biologist but he has a special With the help of his mum and his place in his heart for birds. He’ll friends Joe and Raife, Tristan gave introduce himself in the Autumn out leaflets to make other children magazine, but you can read his aware of the dangers facing our article on storm petrels on page wildlife. He 20. For now, I hope you enjoy also inspired this issue of Wildlife Watch, go the Assistant wild for 30 Days Wild and have Head Teacher the BEST summer. to set up an after-school I’ve had such a brilliant time club with editing Wildlife Watch. It’s been the help of the best job in the world, and Shropshire most of all I’ve loved getting to Wildlife Trust. know all of you. You are such How amazing! inspiring, passionate young people and I know you’re all BUZZING working hard to make the world ABOUT a better place in the future, for us BEES and for wildlife. 10-year-old Aron made this Stay wild! fantastic bee hotel himself! He and his family are also making a wildflower meadow in their garden, so they’re hoping to have some bee residents very soon. Thank you so much to Aron and his family!

FANTASTIC FOSSIL Pic: © Tom Marshall 06 William, aged 7, was Cover pic: © Ross Hoddinott / 2020VISION, pic of swift on front cover: © Chris Gomersall / 2020VISION Pic: © Ross Hoddinott / 2020VISION 18 IN THIS ISSUE… so excited to find this 22 amazing fossil on Pic: © Danny Green / 2020VISION 02 Wild Things Walton beach! We’d 04 Plastic Clear for a Year! be happy too with such a fantastic 05 Your stories! find. William loves fossil hunting – in fact, his grandma says there’s Read stories from Wildlife Watchers! nothing he likes better. What do you like searching for? 06 Batty about Bats 08 Making Art from Litter WOODPECKER ERROR 10 Homes Under the Sea In the Spring 2019 issue we shared a feature about our woodpeckers. The mud We’re so sorry that the illustration was wrong. Lesser spotted woodpeckers 11 Orchid Poster are our smallest woodpeckers, not 12 Garden Party great spotted woodpeckers. Which birds can you see in your garden? Check out wildlifetrusts.org/ 14 Gallery privacy-policy to find 16 Weird Nature out how we keep your information safe. Slime moulds WILDLIFE WATCH 90 17 How to… Editor: Make a musical rain stick Leanne Manchester 18 Make a Splash for Wildlife! Editorial Team: Ben Cook Ponds Anna Heathcote Mary Porter 20 Storm Riders Mike Watson Adrian Royston Our seabirds Lynn Victor Branwen Messamah 22 Feature Creature Otter 23 What Happens inside a Chrysalis? 24 Competitions WHAT’S WILDLIFE WATCH? GET IN TOUCH The Wildlife Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts. Join Wildlife Watch Trusts and start your nature adventure - prices range from £10-24 per year for Email us at: [email protected] Registered child-only membership and £30-60 for family membership. or ring: 01636 677711 or write to us at: Charity No Wildlife Watch, The Kiln, Mather Road 207238 You’ll receive a starter pack and four issues of Wildlife Watch magazine Newark, Notts, NG24 1WT a year. This is packed full of amazing pictures, posters and competitions. KEEP WATCHING! We also have a really wild website and e-newsletter full of wild ideas and wildlifetrusts @wildlifetrusts nature-spotting tips. Plus you get access to local events and groups. Go to thewildlifetrusts wildlifewatch.org.uk to find out more.

PCLLFAEYOASERARTIARC! B ex Lynam is living plastic clear for a year! MY TOP SWAPS She tells you how she managed to limit her Using glitter for a school project or to decorate plastic on her holiday this year. your face? Use eco glitter instead! It’s made from plants rather than plastic. POLNATSTHIECGFOR!EE Easter has been my other challenge in the last month. Make plastic free party bags. Fill them The big challenge for me over the Easter eggs often come with chalk or colouring pencils, last few months has been plastic with excessive and foil wrapped chocolate, home free travel. I’ve been lucky enough unnecessary amounts of baked cookies or cake, all to go abroad on holiday. That’s plastic packaging. I made wrapped in scraps of fabric great, but it means there are big sure I only bought eggs tied with leftover ribbon. obstacles to tackle! that were wrapped in foil, which can be recycled. Use bubble bath bars. Where I travelled to you can’t You just break a small drink tap water, which means it’s piece off in to the impossible to avoid buying plastic AN UPDATE bath and swirl for an water bottles. But we bought as OMYNOUUCH’HVOEWPLUASSETDIC extra bubbly bath. little plastic as possible by buying vTehreynlawrgeetrcaonnstfaeirnreedrsthfuell wofawtear tienr.to My ‘plastics bin’ is filling up, Do you take a packed our own reusable water bottles. but it’s only shoe box size, lunch to school? Use and I’m pleased with how a container filled with Here in the UK, when I’m out much I’ve managed to avoid plastic free treats – fruit, and about I use the Refill App. using. Most of the plastic I’ve cheese, dips, sandwiches, This handy mobile app tells me used came from ‘one off’ items etc. Make sure you bring a where I can fill my reusable bottle such as equipment packaging or bottle filled with your favourite juice. with water for free – amazing! You medicine, which is unavoidable. might like to ask your mum or dad The biggest challenge is still Baking is great fun – and you might get to to download this. finding plastic lick the spoon! Ask mum and dad if you can ALWAYS HUNGRY! free food items make your in supermarkets. own snacks. Now I don’t know about you, but But many I eat a lot of snacks! Many of the supermarkets are Take really sunpaicnkpslayosuticc.aInnsbteuayda, rIebrwinrgapspoemde happy for you to good care of snacks that already come with take your own the things you their own wrapper – like fruit. containers to already have Fruit is a great on-the-go snack, their deli and – this way you healthy, cheap and there’s no meat counters won’t need prep required. and fill them up. to replace them quite so quickly. 04 Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2018

SYTOOURRIES Pic: © Alan Price Gatehouse Studio Our Allotment EbyxSqteuWieslilste(agEead 8r)thworms by Evie (aged 10) StIbhaeamet htghoretoetwTwwabiooltilitiillornlidaoeddnngtfltnlsgtmiorfctsealshwoooe,coeeuvfntutferrrtsbtao.fshhrtugmTuoeeethoiedttfifeldews,asrtsaduaflihilssdiycnweetblhdhihsfRoioreiarndcaimevsht.snefoerdsrteatotTtsrrbhoearhteeewwmearniaobsnctele.hlinvoasrIerttibniammrebuymspaneyforrdnasaileaftnltloeesnndIrnopdchir-eltaaaiydsnvnsoarsevpdofdtibasb’snsieliotlneiornwrscrig.nseta.sar Ithink it’s amazing that oobfetsciohnnuuhalooecrttaRtttslhbulpsbeeluo.eodruvniwuoeTnifncnfhptnteogiswniibtsmntagwaoyogwtnpafaectsoadthfllroeko.steileeyerntlIse,nqrsgbhescgusuetatotihiwigpadhnnresegpmeedg,ii,enretapgddwvhgnnnlreaehaltdatinn.tihgtactitrsWonelhslee.lngmo,ecWiflctfisywsmriacleeeilaetlslseslitvnteownmreagrytassnryretitdsaoboccbihynyadnirrceuwdpbabldceaaanrbukdottoascseadotu.erllkhslir-Iniooynfaflguaooountlruvorilhidnen-dcoecgctafgawhwlrewienbenaata-iotsltdinentnelsrigfe, every piece of soil that we habitat to many interesting step on has passed through bugs such as earwigs, and sbotEpntmhgrnoaraaoeeromEieimNkttnnohtaaeseoygtwrcehowtachtthpoau,hoorwrItecsatm’owcmhEyoeotltohl,esragfhiimnrosiimgretmrcstdohoshnlaseursse.iwi’nknnliecmtiziggvoatnesirebtrrlesa?tommrooconiiiunncfrTssonetutyhaeehuidaassedlanp,tlrtlyaiutetdigytesnyrhaoewhorenshelrurtshsoegetytoaehtrsohawocnntaaodhriumadttinw.aashnnioTv.vsidbnehnivcbweiselobriraendyahuhlcgityprhmioirtsoro.tatueobhntwvTstrsesetheytsy,yhie..ans’wecrynTmgeohhdmaotaieprcotllueyrlhhoLdphenabi.uaisetraliilenrbsdly devil’s coach horse. The eaethaabertteihrntwtuoetowrrrinepmnldasticsnmenf.raeoTkrm,hebettuyhhtniestohspteoloayilnnhfleoyetrlp birds love to stop by for a gthraesssoailn! dThfuenygcuasnttourgnrorwottining THANK quick snack if there’s room food into healthy compost. YOU after all those berries. Juicy worms are their favourite. to Evie I love the allotment, I love & Ste! nature and I try my best to encourage everyone to do their Believe it or not, I love bit to support our wildlife and those little wigglers! Do you want to write their habitat. for the magazine? Send your stories and ideas to [email protected]! Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 05

ABBBAAOTTTUSYT! HbWeylaelnsh Pic: © Stephen Dalton / naturepl 06 Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 IhHfieneadlerinonugWanBbtopraultftoehohltdsoeweftahdahferm-saaikrsscctsouic’otsnavcsonajiknrueatniadnsisbnet,gomagrbnsumfiyoamtaetttahtnsnahtz-rddmaeibunsrtuemUegats!hKnatsflIianhg’nlysstolig,efnbsawwgcamicnnritteatis,shhae.bbsascisialohiuirttn.ipseoetsuor.t www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Pic: © Hugh Clark Pic: © Tom Marshall BAT STATS lHnwTTikohheheecerilcetsryuheeatleocarinearbsecnsaeluo1tefi,dm8tflweiesinhttptoihaicenfehcmgtithieiasanestrytcobohhcuafebontbosmsdaxizymtt,ehoiaoneuonn’tfrUdhepaKteimph.pUieesoKtashr.tree!flltey, BROWN LONG-EARED BAT Has ears nearly as greyish-brown fur. long as its body and Pic: © Tom Marshall Wingspan: 20-30cm Weight: 6-12g Found: Everywhere, except some Scottish islands Myth 1 Myth 3 SCOOPMRMANOON,PNIPAITSHTRUESLIULSE’ AND BATS BATS SUCK BLOOD BATS GET TANGLED Our smallest bats, they have IN YOUR HAIR and a dark mask around the dark brown fur Despite their reputation, our bats in the UK face. don’t suck blood. They are all ‘insectivorous’. The amazing echolocation bats use to This means that they eat insects, like midges, navigate the dark keeps them well away from Wingspan: 20-23cm moths and beetles. It might only be small, but your head! Bat roosts are also hidden away in Pic: © Tom Marshall Weight: 3-8g a common pipistrelle bat can wolf down 3,000 caves or high up in treetops, so they probably Found: Everywhere, except some insects a night! won’t be anywhere near your hair, anyway. Scottish islands Our bats are Serotine bats are the first to appear before nocturnal, so it’s even dark, looking for insects attracted to they hunt at street lights. Daubenton’s bats can be seen IfNyaoobtunaiotfi0,nn3cado4l n5Batana1t3cinH0t j0teuhlr2pee2ldin8e. night. They just after sunset, skimming the surface of DAUBENTON’S BAT look for food lakes, ponds and canals. But around 75% A small bat with in woodlands, of all sightings are pipistrelle bats. Pic: © Dale Sutton / 2020VISION grey belly, and a fluffy, brownish fur, a silver- meadows, pinkish face. gardens and Myth 4 wetlands. Flying Wingspan: with super speed BATS LOVE HALLOWEEN 24-27cm and agility, they will Bats are often hibernating by the time Weight: 7-12g often feed on the wing Halloween comes around. They will mate in Found: Everywhere (while flying), scooping their prey up with their autumn, just before settling down for a long legs and chomping as they go. winter’s nap. When they wake up in spring, Myth 2 the female bats come together to live in large NOCTULE BAT ‘maternity colonies’. They usually have just dOaurrklaeragressatnbdatawdiathrkgfoalcdee.n-brown fur, BATS ARE BLIND a single pup in early summer. The pup Wingspan: will stay with its mother until it is fully 32-40cm Weight: 18-40g Although ‘blind as a bat’ vdeporyrno’ittAttmhhedleelcpiiitUsroretKrhrudtooarbobbmnasytttethslstashea!awamrnte.dyoItor’su weaned and able to fly and find Pic: © Tom Marshall Found: England is a common saying, food on its own. and Wales bats actually have very good eyesight. Yet, in Myth 5 the dead of night, other senses come into play… BATS ARE PESTS Bats usually find their Bats may be thought of as dirty prey using something and a nuisance, but they are actually SEROTINE BAT called ‘echolocation’. They really helpful for both gardeners and call out with high-pitched farmers. By eating lots of insects, they keep Has long, dark brown fur and a pale yellow belly. sounds that reflect off the objects pests away from crops. Because they are around them and echo back to their special affected by things like pesticides used to keep Pic: © Kim Taylor / naturepl Wingspan: 32-38cm ears. They use this information to tell them insects at bay, if we study bats they can tell us Weight: 15-35g what their surroundings are like, exactly where how the whole food chain is doing. Found: Southern their prey is and how fast it is going! Most of England and So, rather than fearing bats, let’s show them South Wales these sounds can’t be heard with the human some love! Try putting up a bat box in your ear - you need a bat detector to listen in. But, if garden or helping your local Wildlife Trust to you’re really lucky, the low calls of the Leisler’s make habitats for bats. bat may be heard just before sunset. 07Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019

CbEmlfiraaetoatasremotkcrSlehisubsnhcseeaeslaeerBctcaxoofh.nrnlSoeleedhmsrc!eiftsrtsahoalemso MALWCLHEYIARANBIETNAGCTK?H TIFENTIRRNUGTRONIOA!NRGT!RMUBBISHBIemtcde’snasaotiaavnnuunfndirgdcrldedgoekeaenenomi,a’rnmfbtofittseeluIeieigdtawssna.eeoctSivet.htseiosnItiasc,ytgoi!tldoIferrooepuatmrnwoincoaiketssuunhertetapiesdemiskidbbuieavteyepelcisattaro.mhycfnvToheyrdehr,ebrerktwieetehynduahaeocsericiawrndahlnpdibi,lnnisiltgangegtteenn!hbhrtdee.aorIigwtWrtioshnotpiehopattftTieeohveEenwtohgoevanIs(itueieesfraprhtlyarlsIoetrIleleeybhsinamrcksvuteibdriletebawgnleebilyinppirngfianhrbutcytld,esltoeaipnaesiphsidsvvattrdshuitdeeegnreirwebstv,aaeegsttrmeeohiunwn,ygtnann.uesdtdaragahcoetelskfdwhseouftttitheushhnyfnhjacuicpiegegndelstftes)eevehg.rtbfaldreeoridoIwetiounnurdrptsnydebmpissatenwidtsrtytynebgo,tihhsteuhaeni,neonaetpaaadIsaoprtypwfttn,ehioriuponnIeIdt.ehureudfgcaIiaeononrbiernaprludueiebilcendltaintalciataygdneldkalsocbi.erdbhsthtiudesefiaioserpdslednwsl.ads ., swuahTosfAaoohoppenteSusbnpaertlflitdaaoorBtueboplreokeusmsIywlbteitwfipnhttpcnthaeiaimoheeacgeacrhgeacrosvutarrtearahbicbteedmaltIodthkpaaorlucbwamfoyiteeegfsnlhcholetmosiskosotstglaeuwa.nlhoepIryayvtosneeeathlmemnstefpfsbnoea.mspd.dlaauadwpanoTveIokaytktslhobohcuu’ptegstdehauwrpiiortegceeisentrtwslooihieoaanyuiptwejnnpaeeutryroofnig.geallnesfnekmlneidotlycgeuhiptctohaeahhrsItetea’giais!ekhomnoltfoprsvoeeyotwtntp,hiioswpnnu,fsmltaretgpohgasasohtcaioooirnnkmenthchekm!podeglygaeee,bebe.glncaaptpigetrhgagnhaiaenefitbuncnsshpg Pic: © Andrew Parkinson / naturepl 08 Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

GHOST NETS Pic: © Juergen Freund / naturepl WANT TO HELP? GlsoWfigpchdsfisntoarwhottehsoeeheteshaechateastsni,pthyndemtndtesiigthniteteootrh’te.g’sitasbuwhnserBh.oteearnateteToauhnoacarahttnteeipahmnreltdcel.uehioybyomaeWsyecnindgrflleeyasofnhaotaalfithtresenahhhlinselscngtuefhaseltroeamwr.eiettnehrawrdesaoagoenwi.etsunutdenTonsrissnmhrue’d.cdttttatnhoahos,atetew’hscrhanev, e 2 minute beach clean is an online community, or a big family, of beach cleaners! This family has people of all ages, from all over the world. When you are out cleaning the beach with your family, you can take a photo of the litter you see and ask your parent or guardian to use #2minutebeachclean on Instagram. This means that your litter can get added to a database – it’s your way of being a young scientist and getting active against plastic pollution! Being a beach cleaner is a great way to show the place you enjoy that you love it! Beaches and other environments, like parks and playgrounds, can’t clean themselves. By helping out and picking up litter with an adult, you are helping all the animals and people that live there too. Here’s some very important things to remember if you’re picking litter, to keep you safe: Never do this by yourself! Always make sure you have an adult with you Make sure you wear gloves if you’re picking up litter, whether you’re on a beach or in your local park There can be dangerous things on the floor outside, so make sure your adult checks what you are picking up Always respect the sea! It’s a natural environment and it can change its mood very quickly Also, remember to always think before buying single-use plastics. If you’re going on a long journey, fill up a water bottle before you go! Try saying no to plastic straws - do you really need one in your drink? 09Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019

Just like us, animals need to find homes to live in. This time we’re telling you about MUD, and some of the animals that live in it! The burrowers!byDonalGri n Pic: © Ernie Janes / naturepl lobvoeuyrsfrteoeliawkrscBeetairirtnstdhc!gsihs,oenr, ThoUoeuKfyrfaasserasecayicsnw.oaOevteniknrenegotdhcwiirnnemgamotwurueredea,dssboaaonknunddt otcahwrneittdthseusorirsulf!tag,Hchceer,reieosafatthitrnhaegetjmuhhsuootmgoaenefsaethrfweoa!arnhswuoenf dtdhroeedassebaaoflunotdothtrheaobruoosuattnondmdsthoef LUG WORM Pic: © Elaine Whiteford / natureplDBUAYBLPIRNAWN RAZOR SHELL SEA POTATO Pic: © Julie Hatcher ‘Casts’ of a lug worm Pic: © Tom Hibbert Pic: © Julie Hatcher The lug worm is very common around the UK and builds its own These orange coloured prawns After a storm you might find razor Sea potatoes are covered in U-shaped house (or burrow) in the also create their own burrows in shells washed up on the shore. fur-like spines - weird! These seabed. These marine worms find the mud which are about 20-30 They are easy to identify as they strange looking animals use tiny particles of food to eat in the cbmacdkeeenptraanncdeh. aThveeyaafrroenptraenddators have two long, narrow clam shells. their long tube feet to pass food sandy mud. Most people never alanrdgescfraovnetnpginecrse!rsThtoeycaupsetutrheepirrey Razor shells usually live burrowed from the sand to their mouth. Like see the lug worm itself, but keep such as worms and small fish. into the sand the razor shell, you may find the an eye out for their coiled ‘casts’ These prawns look like lobsters, on the shore. These are a sure just smaller! and use empty shells of sea potatoes sign these segmented worms washed up on the shore. aren’t far away. their powerful foot to dig down to a safe depth. 10 www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Pic: © Ross Hoddinott / 2020VISION OORRRCRH-ISDOSM! E OoTbaoihfarlneninctkitshthdlesroreiaepodJttscehyuawstrnildossayialfsdflmlrbnoiooefldeetitowsdehtaahwaeeoruvelrerfettiihorsbanfruegrugwurcleeptchlotiasaenoeirdsrrraalgJds.flsnuctiIe!aettadn,srnes, blue butterfly! Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 11

Pic: © J Would you like to see more birds in your backyard? Then why not invite a few feathered friends round for a... on Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography GPAARRDTEYN?! by Pete Dommett G etting birds to visit your garden, balcony, TT5 OOTOYAPOTUTTRRIPAGSCAOTRNBDIHERNOD!WS window box or 1 (aaHnawdningredbmoiwredmffeebeeeddreetrorsocirlnepayuontuutrhpegamarbdrieerdgnu,talgaberlltey). 2 mOunfefseaarllwtaeodrrampnesg.aenouftsb,irfdatf-oboadll,sliaknedseeds, green space is easy. Just like people, if you offer them something to eat and drink, they’ll soon show up! Here are just a few of the 3 bfIofirrydobbuiradhtshatvooerdsarpilnaakcrgefr,eolesmaauvaecnedoruwwt aiflrlsewhshoinrw.kAabteesrt. garden guests that might stop by Put up nestboxes summer for birds this summer… 4 at the end of this to breed in next year. 12 Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 5 gIfayrdouencaton,glreoawveaabcitowrniledr. of the www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

ROBINS HOUSE SPARROWS BGLRUEEATTITTISTASND Pic: © Mike Read / naturepl Pic: © Fergus Gill / 2020VISION Pic: © Joan Burkmar Rlshaionouacnsbmrpgeoipn,mcsysbtsseuth.torhtSawteosnhhmhggeaeyrearon’rerureotohonusbeudoniyrnmdi’ngsreeoasbtubreiemdraucehsroencyomshsmbheworaeefsisrteaodhadpetuliaprlnsmyetg,oet.hieazsToirtehnhpeegapyitin’nreg TgSffbaohpaimoirarsdddriblrefyioeinnrwsed!,odTbsisehmulriebtksayeiotkaeuptenonnrdsojdsoubtbyitrcaoierakbdsylwghyotaooiuwtbohw’voldeetnihstnsg’e,tooibfcrsatauhfcerlt-leineupinnoiprneduaffygsrelooohraunmtnrehd.e Ycbtteooaoiirutsmwdhtydseminrotw!rdon)e.ion’laPtlwthaeussvant(euapdifnpnpycdinooalyeultonhveouieedsfrsyiffteat’urbfrelegotcehnaxhdeoraademtrnrefasudnscsaotttsehotmytreasseeyce–ahmetebeitdogrhsthehtseeven they’ll even feed from your hand! vegetarian options on offer. stay all summer! BLACKBIRDS WRENS SSVPUIESMICMTIAOERLRS Pic: © Bob Coyle Pic: © James Rogerson SFPLYOCTATTECDHERS These plain, brown birds might look a bit boring, but they’re brilliant Tosltihhpkf eeebidysume’ersreehbsaevuaeslswrryesyoeltinrhtamtolerecisisrh.byuiWingrsdgruuesaefnosslsrctssunfmo-raroalcyidyska.tsbebB,neoebeusoumttutlettthahsfeoella,rybnbtaohdultesttoiorm to watch. As their incredibly loud song. Bglaarcdkebnir.dTshfleoiakyrTetjhruauteoinncnyyb,athewwrioncohuegrenmnntdthsrtaeh,thtceoehgyf’aelvaattettswteehirnnniantldtioghooetnahkirneiinngwirgrtahfiillyyel. name suggests, of food, they’ll serenade you from the roof of your house with a they pounce soothing sweet song! on flies from a perch (like a garden fence or tree-branch) and snap them up in mid-air! Spotted flycatchers can be, GOLDFINCHES LONG-TAILED TITS Pic: © Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photographyr er, spotted in bigger Pic: © Richard Steel gardens during the summer, but spend the winter in Africa. Pic: © Alan Price Gatehouse Studio HOUSE MARTINS Look up for these aerial acrobats feasting on flying insects high above your garden in summer. Why not encourage house martins to make Look out for these tiny birds, their mud nests breezing in and out of your back Ipbfpfarryiocciogekbuhsatthslb–yepl-gymoceotatoalo‘vucuflehtorraoeycrfdkemthxob’icfisoribtdtfleeisgrdsdo–sailndwbinfiaoitnhnufacthtunhsenceesyteii.rdddTcyrshleoc!esowTsshren,neiietsy’srh’llof gTfrhaoermdyemfanitgl-pibkhreaet lstflltstyyoionsprogfpoolinerqaauthnomeuryitic’nfreeeueatgedlloestonorserf,tesabe!gudat in. on your home the garden or from special feeders. Chaffinches and Long-tailed tits visit gardens by providing a greenfinches may also drop more often these days, but blink in for a nibble. and you’ll miss ‘em! muddy puddle for them to use as building material? Or you could put up a ready-made Pic: © Margaret Holland nestbox and give them a head start! 13Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019

GALLERY Send in your photos, poems, artwork and letters for your chance of featuring in the gallery. If your artwork is Twphiicnekeypodeurarfesvcethtreystosatwratn-ruedpnratsrwyetyinofogur’kllit! any budding artist. 1 3 2 5 4 6 HEwomOWTirTtaWhhwihliedletrhwliTWtiKefeOaeiisltltnodWcuE,hlbuNiaMf@jseetTcawcaEThttrtRi:hulliGdneslaetrisfleR‘lGetorraauyldlsetrsy.oerngtry’ ostfhWnhonianeIarafoirgclmrwmdtuleweulr!eitedfyoWTet,ofeworeakueTaiyrigtrnwuotmteeudcsuerlirtruagr,eapwdnhsfiwayoreditlosgliandtuelgsor!son’t 14 NNeowttas rNkG24 1WT

1) Owl by Ralf, aged 8 (Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust) We were blown away by Ralf’s amazing owl! We just love his use of colours. Every time you look at it, you see something different. Well done, Ralf – you’re our star winner! 2) Fox at midnight by Sophie, aged 11 (Surrey Wildlife Trust) What a beautiful scene this is! This painting is so peaceful, we’d like to climb inside it and say hello to the fox ourselves. 7 8 3) 3D fish model by Constance, aged 12 (Norfolk Wildlife Trust) We are so impressed by Constance’s fantastic fish model! Her theme was fish around the UK, and it took her nearly all summer to complete it. She loved finding out about the fish found in her local environment. 4) Blue tits by Rosie, aged 10 (Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) These blue tits are so delicate and beautifully painted. We really love that Rosie has used different materials in her artwork. She’s captured the character of these adorable little birds so well too! 5) Hare by Daisy, aged 9 (Scottish Wildlife Trust) We do love a good hare, and Daisy has drawn this one so well – we especially like its twitchy nose. As you can see from her drawing, hares have much longer ears than rabbits! 9 6) Kingfisher by Joe, aged 10 (Yorkshire Wildlife Trust) Joe’s put a lot of effort into showing off the beautiful bsfeeeaevtheseoryrmshouafcrdthhetdoekstinapgiol fitbs–ehhbeiunr.tdIsf toyhoeruecwlooaloorkdurcinslo.gsKweinlhygeyfinoshuyeocruasndcoa.n 7) Harvest mouse by Ella Rose, aged 10 (Yorkshire Wildlife Trust) Oh now, here’s an adorable drawing! Harvest mice often perch on plants, because they’re so light they find it easy to run up and down them. 8) Green woodpecker and roe deer by Meredith, aged 10 (Durham Wildlife Trust) Meredith loves wildlife and is lucky enough deer near her house! She told us that she’s to see lots of even made tfhrieant sdhsewhitahsaubseladcktobicrrde.aWteetrheisalmlyalosvteerpthieecwe.atercolours 9) Sparrowhawk by Erica, aged 9 (Yorkshire Wildlife Trust) This sparrowhawk looks like it’s soaring, looking for its prey! Its beady eye is fixed on the ground. Erica has done a great job of drawing the feathers on this special bird. 10 11 10) Robin by Max, aged 8 (South & West Wales Wildlife Trusts) Max and Addie spent lots of time on some fantastic paintings – here’s one of them, by Max. We especially love the background! It looks like a very picturesque 12 sunset. Well done to both of you! 11) Pretty birds by Nicole, aged 7 (Lancashire Wildlife Trust) Nicole’s mum told us that when they completed the Big Garden Birdwatch they saw 114 birds. That’s amazing! It inspired Nicole to write this beautiful poem. We’re so impressed – well done! 12) Bug hotel by Harry, Logan and Fraser,aged 10, 9& 7 (Dorset Wildlife Trust) A big well done to Harry, Logan and Fraser who made this fantastic bug hotel in their churchyard! They’ve done a fantastic job creating a habitat minibeasts. Why don’t you give it a go for all sorts of or community space? in your garden

WNAETIURRDE EIRD-O-MESWwbsClwwiouEemhomeIrteReneiterchDddtmtkeh!hetyFooorihnof’uuruuiergngltldylghtadyhesstciae…fattfosurerseearbetlShelnyUetfP.uyEnRgi L • • • • WACKY • W TE •R• • WEIRD WONDERFU Pic: © James & Dawn Langiewicz THIS ISSUE: SLIME MOULDS by Jo Richards EGG-SHELL SLIME MOULD DOG SICK SLIME MOULD FCAALUSLEIFPLUOFWFBEARLSLLOIMRE MOULD Pic: © Valter Jacinto Pic: © Derek Parker Found on twigs and sometimes even pine Dlamiistcskuitosdeiormccunoukdopoglbovdals?eelg!rtaorWIcocestuofkicedcnm,dalkldsaanimuitnnythtscdsoupyoo,nrotiuuenhcuilgsiendourphnupSbbe!sedaceoApiiwcnasftttkhaeelhgleygpmrirteapaoidfbrensoisdetsae’tgsreur.onnfsrIafvatii,gcetfdihbtnkhreoaunetrsettidilgatislnm.ohwnoot’ettiklalgsnodt crtTdmDeehoiltifaluodfbeanrveynrpgeeofaetanauordcirtrkote,fshnruahoebonamyewsdoptawueaitmnhn,epaisegetu’etsnsffyaafppotbrhlroscuaoeehtnlbmlagpo(amudfbasffaulolnfiymbysodahadleamrlls?otmielusoiTmrhsomdahiuesi)fnrl.fiodmidIscfosuoyoimtcloutnhaustledoan. .sbig needles, egg-shell slime moulds can look like miniature bunches of grapes. Give them SCRAMBLED EGG SLIME MOULD MANY-HEADED SLIME MOULD a couple of days and you’ll see why they get their name. They EXPLODE! This releases their spores, which means they can multiply. After this, they look like cracked eggs! WOLF’S MILK SLIME MOULD Pic: © James & Dawn Langiewicz Pic: © Derek Parker Pic: © Allen Norcross agrdTarheseneamegsdneaeiwlsiltnihson-tcoyibcodblklao,laocuiltkbl’rl.,slyIfeofrcaooyaormzneurobpapueionnbfpkdoryi.ugo-Tnghnhdrteleeyowyyntciotahn Tlspmishocvlliihexiigmenmiiamcptgeavesmeyltushitnnrhesihatnetayaatigshnotrlssaa.umit,Irtsrctbelgeaglsuoisonapvtvsfereettb.dhescsLeeenioaitntpoospliotcktpusghriostoaricsoowaumownrstleoobuofrououmlusernnrs(d)mttdhhtttohoeeeipsegrmmlyamgaweanaflaottlkneosgoey.rwidcthe Although it doesn’t have a brain, the ‘many- tdceooelnoth’ut twrheoaduntgtothoo,thbapesaipts’ultletdt-ilnoikgyeothluiqisnuooidn.gyYoooouudr! headed’ slime mould is a great puzzle-solver. When two meals are on offer, this amazing slime 16 Wildlife Watch Magazine // Spring 2019 mould finds the shortest route between them. If it is offered more than two options, it sets up a network – a bit like the London underground system – so that it can move around the different feeding spots as quickly as possible! www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 17

HianbtohveeEbawviovtea,eunttneyhdioref urtyteoooeuidsvseaeoaermnlwsslsytoeaomwlpyflspaeieestslcodifhpmeae.feonrFtfrdrhooairlmnomfgoeitknwteoegedmnsapyaiinrottuatian…tceyrpsoionbynsaodetu?cic’trsse Pic: © Anna Williams Pic: © Anna Williams MFASOPKRLEAWASIbHy ELden JaDcksonLIFE t / 2020VISIONPic: © Ross HoddinotPic:©N FULL WHERE HAVE Pic: © Tom Marshall ick Upton / 2020VISIONOF LIFE THEY GONE?? 18 The reason why ponds are such hives Sadly, over the years, a lot of ponds, rivers and streams have disappeared. of activity is because they provide Often the land where they used to be has been built upon or the water food, water and a home to a very drained out of it due to farming. Because of this many of the animals big range of creatures! Insects, such that rely on ponds have nowhere to live. as pond skaters and water spiders, But all is not lost! There is a lot we live on the surface of the water can do in our own gardens or outdoor spaces to help. Ponds don’t need to be and provide a great snack for big to make a big difference. You can e Massey / 2020VISION make your own mini pond by following Pic: © Richard Burkmar frogs, birds and newts. Other the instructions on the next page. An old washing up bowl or plant pot can animals, like water snails be transformed into a feeding ground for insects, frogs, birds and bats! and mayfly larvae, hide lower down amongst slippery rocks and plants. Lots of animals will also Pic: © visit a pond for a drink. Thirsty Luk bees, butterflies and even hedgehogs may drop-by in the summer months! www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

HOW TO BUILD A Illustrations: © Corinne Welch Animal MINI WILDLIFE POND watch-list! Damsel Gre YOU WILL NEED: at diving beetle A watertight Old bricks, rocks and pebbles Pic: © Jack P erks container (it Pond plants could be an old fly Edwardes / 2020VISION washing-up bowl, sink or plant pot. Aim for 20-30cm deep) Spade Newt ecey Pic: © Guy Pic: © Anna Williams WHAT TO DO Pic: © Philip PrDragonfly 1. Choose a spot. Your out. If your container water milfoil are pond will want light, but isn’t sunk in you’ll need great. You can visit not full sunlight all day. a ramp from the ground wildlifetrusts.org/actions/ You can dig a hole and outside the pond. how-create-mini-pond sink your container, or just have it sitting on top. 4. Fill your pond. Use for more ideas. 2. If the container isn’t watertight, e.g. an old rainwater, because 6. Now watch and wait! Hedgehog Pic: © plant pot, then add a tap water contains Wildlife will come to piece of pond liner. unwanted chemicals. your pond by itself. 3. Add a layer of gravel and rocks. Use logs or 5. Start planting! You Don’t introduce frogs, Nick Upton / 2020VISION stones to create a range only need one fish or even of depths and a slope for or two plants. water from creatures to climb in and Flowering rush, frboubmyuYotgpumaaosrncadkadkefnepopnrllsaacunennranttesstti.ryveoesu, another Photography hornwort or pond as this spiked can spread disease. Pic: © Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Water spi der F 2020VISION rog Pic: © Katrina Martin / Pic: © Dale Sutton / 2 020VISION 19

SRTIDOERRMS bHyibTboemrt S ome birds Pic: © Chris Gomersall / 2020VISIONOur special Holing up cross oceans Pic: © Dawn MonroseseabirdsStorm petrels are tiny, only a little bigger than every year as they fly between Some seabirds can fly through the house martins that visit us in summer. From countries, but others can spend most of storms, using strong above they look a little their life out at sea. They paddle on the winds to soar faster and faster. A house martin bit like house martins, water, or fly low over Others can dive and swim almost too. They are mostly the waves, many of them only returning as well as a dolphin, hunting fish black, with a big white to land when it’s time to nest. These are the more than 100 metres below the patch on the bum and seabirds, and they’re some of the toughest surface. Even when they return to a white band under animals around. 20 Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 land, seabirds do things the hard each wing. way – some nest on tiny ledges on They nest in burrows cliff faces. and little gaps between We have lots of amazing rocks, usually on small seabirds in the UK - it’s one of islands to stay safe the best places in Europe to see them. There’s from predators. If you the black-and-white puffin, which waddles go to a storm petrel colony at night you can hear along like a penguin with a colourful beak, them singing from their holes. Their song is a soft and the gannet, one of our largest birds with a purring with squeaky “ter-chik” calls every now wingspan as long as a tall adult. But one of our and then. Some people describe it as sounding most impressive seabirds is also our smallest… like a fairy being sick! www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Spot a seabird! Pic: © Tom Hibbert Longhaven Cli s Aberdeenshire South Pic: © P Stack Get spectacular views of Anglesey seabirds and seals. Guillemots and icasa razorbills nest on the steep cliffs. Pic: ©Tom Hibbert Farne Islands Northumberland mersall / 2020VISION One of England’s largest Arctic tern colonies. Skomer Pic: © Chris Go Island Wales Pic: © Neil Aldridg Flamborough Head Yorkshire This wild island fills with puffins In summer the cliffs are packed in summer. with tens of thousands of breeding seabirds, including gannets. e Pic: © Pete Pic: © Robin Chittenden / naturepl r Cairns / 2020VISION Take a big whi ! bpleiekitneregSalstsofisacromkiru!ynd The petrels flutter low over the sea, flying almost like a bat. When they find food they put You won’t just hear storm petrels at their legs down, patter their feet on the water a colony, you’ll smell them too. They and snatch food with their beak. Our storm have a lovely musky scent. Scientists petrels mostly eat plankton, the tiny creatures have found that storm petrels can that drift around in the ocean. recognise each other by smell. They may even use smell to help them find their The stu of legends own burrow in the dark - very important when there’s a hungry chick to feed! There are many myths and legends surrounding storm petrels. Some sailors Walking on water believed they were the souls of people lost at Their impressive sense of smell also helps them sea and belonged to a dangerous sea-witch find food out at sea. It helps them to home in on blood and fish oil – mmm yum! One of the called Mother Carey. But not all of the legends most amazing things about storm petrels is the way they catch their food. Some seabirds dive are bad. Some sailors thought they headfirst into the water, others swoop low and skim the surface, but storm petrels are special. were a blessing, a sign that they They walk on water! Strooetrhcmoethgrpebneyyitsrseethmlseeeacwlcal.ahny would be protected from a coming storm. Really, you should count yourself lucky if you see one of these little birds from a boat – they’re beautiful! 21Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019

FEATURE sOWutpteAersr TsawrEeimpRmlaeyLfruslO., inVteElligRenSt and CREATURE somaonraelmYyroatmueucnctemhusm,aitgwilbmlhyeeterraenoislnoaefttlwtsehredaiasatntefloiadrs.mebsatiiotldy,abgtthuesa!rtstTo,hstptpeeieynrs’neredsthe OTTER etwchaaeernObswtbdataeeinvtrdeedsrfa,aneasroeenstdtdvhereieeltsrhlpypewfaytahhscseeat1mn4snwumteonivmedemtemnreorwcesvl.reaosTst;theheterhr!toiehruyegirh by Mary Edwards kfwbtceugiOrHtrheminsrittcaohe,tdeakOupmergsrlnuoesrrbMgadpoasgern,tssoosirdbvssmoEueouorrinsrneturwdetmSbbrimmhvi“bivorheWeoteleshenolsrpst!.lbsltuysEBsTlaia.nh”vtanh.ndeeEbkTedeyyihsynrT,lteoihlpnudiytviitesesleHedeunrtiisishasgsnOeolwalaoyifrrbMuhoeuhtoelndocrvdeaEleteltlher de ESSFAENCTTISAL FOOD LOVERS ScieLnuttrifiacluntraame Life span thmhfofOroaaoadtovvtgkeeedesertelsiesoascxanntfithcrgdsteeeh,hlmoelsc,etitabhrnivfruefptenwtrhrrievtysehhoymagei.rsreoyakinsoelwl!gdraiTslalnphwcniermaedhirdtiaccsfaahlhisgtvochthoorretusao,l.rypw.iTfitTehhtshhehiceey,hym 5-10 years twgchlaereemWiarsnhtetaliisennilngsgin!,ocwttlhutieetdhryseeloasavlrcieedhnitnoo’tgthhpduelaonrywtai!nnnTgdhb,ecasihrlneafkeasspvi,noingugrioter fisOshttwh,tAeederymee’pvptaeohezoanbinydesgmieonnrfgeaslelocmsatntleiiknwllegyh!at ttwhhphouAKeeeraunleOllmmttdpeeeEonerrnttichtphrneciESecnoretorhooogwstaoPeaho.thtthetft,TtaoaIefechSwolpvrsoheNswruheobawewfpiaotcuttsioGhesmhtabr,efiatchrttter.armhchkaWaSnihbeefvfphtueiohtycerhesrsAuak.maegawttteTynchriiohReonrhidealtelpwiehmntreayhMseecnsvehnrlwiaheedta’thwotnaeaelvikewvantadeieeietcrtrbreetathaopofinyregs.rt!fihoshsio,chfk. 22 then lets it go for the pups to chase. Otters nearly became extinct in the 20th Century, due to hunting and chemical pollution in rivers. Now, thankfully, things are improving for the otter, and they live in most counties of the UK. If you’re very lucky, Pic: © Chris Lawrence you might even spot a river near you. one on

HWAPHPAETNS Pic: © Paul Hobson / naturepl CINHSRIYDSEAALIS?by Connor Butler Pic: © Kim Taylor / naturepl WTHAT IS A CHRYSALIS? NOTWIQNHUSAIIDTTEEH?AALPLPGENOSO FREEDOMAoecpambTsrucfnIaocilgtehttuhnaantieatmerfvgeatefswnolbdtraeeolhrncidgepeitsiedtanholthu,osrlxsdslfreelplaaenna!typmcstitataihtacatelohlerctslotieotsaa–telechhsncunyttsrtmsahic,ettrfehrjnkafnoowurarhlhctufl.sigdiyyhounsttthstlestyTeeeltidenfoi,istaplehtrlrnivhy!dlshmoiopfsleiiegrikrstlesTesmgifioivosleoh.ilfl,ngiecmtalyos.efewsdVarrahosyyp–ieCncttalthsrhlsaiayceenaytersnrrsgeciioaorstgrtfig.l!filnefkaae,oeubWg.locrsll,su-ThyapisopypsnChcyetsooeiaunhfnhmluatartlipAarapr-naanttycysohiamdalnascrslsea.rbanswahbtgeyiderhMd-slilrsueaileiieifylstscseharootoseamaat!itort?aafnnvehtureaWledesicsrnsctioflbirwlofihkcgsuyucroa-toaetldItioddhttoetwpiiogneguurnLneeefl.ssto?s’heseytttctssdeieiamtisotdtrshloyfalAsasebbbrgiitdtmtneynoauibeusnidatgdgtuypmarmpoetdnWeeoytomAel“layt,ossueatrbrmdefihtwahcatent:flvrtgnrofuruaeoheorearyhtoisflEoettoslnonmeag,rdt.tiyutsgwioc!u.teods’tattOgtiashrafnhhnnrhophutlt,ocflinhsrdiesr”.laelisooaoyiLstowcteifr,Id’uitdalewfnentwsssaulosesteinr.cecashnyhsimvp,eprdnydhxtIciesaeaemeecvcarltg!ekaiis,ocaecdhlkanscspemcTaybPrieoed,tdhtaphhucygbooeuf.hi,artlulepcitetsepyhnp–aghHtnebhapagcsdh!ieacosetalnleoanaiioseeans,ostgiw.fblodbnyn.ttbiots–aeeTti’ishtinrsTurwgow,soorriaeahanartepfltaeisigtteegnhtsionjiuitlhrutrrlt,etuaoa,rdaeieosvnmbdtwrn!tie’enosdgtanghr’coethaCwisriirnazoe4etWe5Toarsbe0eshi!-utnuhgrr2eatdepateti1tnitttnbceinmchcilnaalrdlrhdortaflusoaheglioyinmruyecnsdsgssgagpb)pahy,lnuserinotetaptd’duhtsaleisresdtstrrmsholetsflcereoayaaahgiitfitfdnlisrieaslgnsyyicdgithc,sardwasrgrattfteintaiethnshlloneaii’c,nefgsetgredkbtsfltcacbyh.abehyhyueutIgtmetlcoaotaotsimcltntnewanefieyewg.tgrltcramloeflehfliAlyncte,uysyeehfgayttasrstec.selerganaqtomrWtearakdsu.liforedtrhee(Ltewluseasapeeeikri,fysaznd.ttateiheootreinghntsfrgategi,n! 23Wildlife Watch Magazine // Summer 2019 Pic: © Amy Lewis Pic: © Kim Taylor / naturepl

COMPETITIONS HWAENOLIRMLLOADLS! FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN: D iscover some Fill in the boxes, telling us what of the most animal you’d like to be and why! incredible creatures on If was an animal I’d be…. Earth in this beautiful atlas of world I picked this animal because… wildlife. There’s lots to discover in this book! Lift the flaps to explore the wonders of the natural world. We’ve got FIVE copies to give away. RRP: £14.99 wtru.st/hello-world-animals WWIILLLDOBWOX& EINCCORSEYDSITBELME S! W e’ve got an T ake a journey exciting prize through the world’s ecosystems, 6tBfoy-bowoaWemoraxriaTtoxjkoeF!iuherWnui’nsTimOdlvslngtthieosfhluhpdrjlRoiaolesesaigdnrswmgagpo,yugYgyatoearatb-oO&iiurnprdnzntsuddwraeacUdWeep3v–rtconuinuie-Respkia?8dlrirsvedntyegduieCWdogrflbrieaen,nyHhssvacsac?optrArtuaeiiMprrNfvietttaeeidCaoyrbntniaEhtedsciinstytTci,goovoOwuittogoieelkiovWdsiwvenoeagIanoN.lowtuott:asokiyidnk!egn!ofDowro. myoinuibliekaests exploring the plants and animals that we share our planet with. This book explains how our planet works, the dangers of climate change and ideas for how to protect the environment. We’ve got THREE copies to give away! FOR Answer the following questions. The answers can all CYTOOHUAWRNINCE: be found in the magazine! How many species of bat live in the UK? What are ghost nets? Which slime mould oozes a toothpaste-like liquid? EIstnahhxbiatpshorecueloodtemrWvweepiilntelmhottwittWhoioa&irnllteo,Wywy:ooiwlud&u aaicWlrotleoniwlcdswihellwoonaswht enotaondnwtadhwislwilsapiisllrdwdhobacibonerixnosn.esgcxroy,o.o.ycufuokoyru/o.frpuruecarokeginnestfsuao/brcpmstrciiavnriatfpiocotryinom-.npaR.oteBliioacyndyewmntiolel rrbeineg RRP: £12.99 Buy online at: wtru.st/Incredible-Ecosystems Send your competition entries to us: By einmclaudilewyaotuchr cnoammpes,@agweildalnifdetCaruOwstaMsy.oPorfgEcToBInTytIaOpcoNtisntgRWyUoilLduEliwfSeithWyaotcuhr,eTnhtery!KDilnE,AMDaLtIhNeEr:R3o1adA,uNgeuwsat r2k,0N19ottinghamshire NG24 1WT Don’t forget to