Thursday, 13 January 2011
Peat and the photography of Walter Rintoul
Photographs are from the archives of the Museum of Islay Life
The shots give some indication of the scale of peat cutting in times past on Islay. There is also a suggestion of the amount of labour involved in cutting, drying, stacking and transporting the fuel. I am unsure of the dates of these photographs - but suspect the 1950's
Peat forms when plant material, usually in marshy areas, is inhibited from decaying fully by acidic and anaerobic conditions. It is composed mainly of marshland vegetation: trees, grasses, fungi, as well as other types of organic remains, such as insects, and animal remains. Under certain conditions, the decomposition of the latter (in the absence of oxygen) is inhibited, and archaeologists often take advantage of this.
Peat layer growth and the degree of decomposition (or humification, transformation to humus) depends principally on its composition and on the degree of waterlogging. Peat formed in very wet conditions accumulates considerably faster, and is less decomposed, than that in drier places. This allows climatologists to use peat as an indicator of climatic change. The composition of peat can also be used to reconstruct ancient ecologies by examining the types and quantities of its organic constituents.
Under the proper conditions, peat is the earliest stage in the formation of coal.
Most modern peat bogs formed in high latitudes after the retreat of the glaciers at the end of the last ice age some 9,000 years ago. They usually grow slowly, at the rate of about a millimetre per year.
The peat in the world's peatlands has been forming for 360 million years and contains 550 Gigatonnest of carbon. (Wikipedia)
Carl
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Volunteering to help Scotland's Nature - SNH Press Release
Kick off the European Year of Volunteering in 2011 with a resolution to help wildlife in Scotland, suggests Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).A recent SNH report found that only 23% of organisations involved with wildlife surveys felt they had enough volunteers to meet their needs and 60% found geographic coverage a problem.
Wildlife recording has a long and important history in the UK for science and conservation, and has always been led by volunteers. Amateur collectors had a key role in developing natural history collections in the 19th and early 20th century and were the first biological reporters, which also spawned many local nature history societies.
Peter Rawcliffe, SNH’s Head of People and Places, said: “Volunteers play a crucial part in conserving Scotland’s wildlife. For example, we need to know if the number of certain birds, animals or insects is dropping, so we can take quick measures to protect them. Volunteer surveyors play a big role in getting this information.
“If you love nature, surveying is a great hobby. Most organisations need help throughout the country, but if you live in a remote spot, all the better – surveys need to cover all of Scotland, and many organisations have trouble finding volunteers to cover remote areas.”
The report also asked volunteers why they donated their time as wildlife surveyors. Most said they wanted to contribute to wildlife conservation and research. They also commented: “It’s great fun,’ ‘I can do it anywhere, anytime,’ it gives ‘personal satisfaction, a positive aspect to our daily walks,’ and it provides ‘health and relaxation – a great hobby – always something of interest wherever you go.’
There are many organisations which need volunteers, including local ranger services and wildlife societies, as well as national organisations such as Biological Recording in Scotland (BRISC), Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Butterfly Conservation, Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI), Plantlife, British Lichen Society, British Bryological Society, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, the Bat Conservation Trust, British Dragonfly Society, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
There are also regional and local groups throughout Scotland, such as the Inverness Bat Group, the Highland Biological Recording Group, Curracag (the Outer Hebrides Natural History Society), the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the Glasgow Natural History Society, Edinburgh Natural History Society and the Paisley Natural History Society.
For general advice on where to volunteer across Scotland, local records centre are usually a good place to start, including the North East Scotland Biological Records Centre, Fife Nature Records Centre, The Wildlife Information Centre for the Lothians and Borders, Dumfries and Galloway Biological Records Centre, and the Shetland Biological Records Centre.
As well, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and other organisations offer training in surveying and recording wildlife, much of which is free to volunteers. BTCV Scotland has been involved in biological recording projects for a number of years now. The charity delivers a range of training workshops, many of them free, which supports local community bio-recorders, allowing them to develop essentials skills and the confidence to become established recorders. As well as these workshops, BTCV is planning a number of BioBlitz events, and will make 2011 the year that every one of the 10,000 volunteers it engages with has the opportunity to gain experience of wildlife surveying.
ohn McFarlane, BTCV Scotland’s Environment Development Officer said: “Once people get the recording bug, they’re often hooked for life! But the journey of an established and confident recorder can be long and often arduous, requiring a lot of support, training and mentoring from key conservation organisations such as BTCV. We’re aiming to provide continuing support and more opportunities for individuals and communities throughout Scotland to try out wildlife recording and develop a wide range of skills that they will enjoy putting into practice.
“Using the skills and infectious enthusiasm of our Natural Talent and Natural Communities Apprentices, we will inspire and support people from all walks of life who want to begin their recording journey.”
The BTCV Natural Talent and Natural Communities programmes provide 12-18 month apprenticeships to develop taxonomic and habitat specialism and environmental community engagement skills. For more information, see www.BTCV.org/scotland
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| Greylag geese (Anser anser) - Photo: Scottish Natural Heritage |
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Islay Photographs - George Robertson
George was out and about with his camera over New year and has sent us some shots - much appreciated...
Machir Bay
Leorin Farm
Fishing boat leaving Port Ellen
Monday, 10 January 2011
Somebody loves us!!
We at “onlineclasses.org”, wanted to let you know that we featured your blog in one of our recent articles on our own blog. (50 Best Blogs for Studying the History of Science), is linked below and could be a fun way to share this announcement with your readers.
50-best-blogs-for-studying-the-history-of-science
Either way, I hope you continue putting out great content through your blog. It has been a sincere pleasure to read.
Thanks
Jasmine Hall
Sunday, 9 January 2011
A Siskin (Carduelis spinus) - for Louise
I have posted this picture of a male Siskin for Louise who is just starting to identify some of the birds coming to her garden feeders in Port Charlotte. This was taken a couple of years ago at Lorgba.
Loch Indaal
A little self indulgence - four shots of my favourite subject - Loch Indaal - all taken this morning.
Carl
Extraordinary colours
Today was a day for extraordinarily vivid colours when the sun came out. The yellow lichen in the bottom photo is lifted a little by the use of a flash, but the sphagnum moss in the upper shot is naturally lit using the super macro setting on the Canon compact SX200IS
Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) in flight
This shot of Barnacle geese flying overhead illustrates the extraordinary stresses to which the primary feathers on the end of the wing are subjected in flight. The central shaft of the feather (called the rachis) has to be extremely flexible and able to withstand many hundreds of thousands of flexings without breaking.
The vane of the feather is made up of a series of barbs which are locked together by hooked structures called barbules. The bird is able to relock these barbules, should they become separated, by running the feather through its beak. Being able to do this repair work is essential to the birds ability to maintain itself in an airworthy condition.
It is the primary feathers (of which there are ten on each wing I believe) which provide the forward thrust for flight, the secondary feathers, inboard of the primaries, are the ones which make up the aerofoil which provides the lift for the wing.
Carl
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
This Song thrush was successfully hunting for worms on the lawn in front of the doctor's surgery in Port Charlotte this morning. The population of Song thrushes has declined to such an extent in the UK that they are now on the RSPB 'Red List' because numbers of breeding birds has fallen by more than 50% since the baseline date of 1969. Globally, the species is not threatened, but the decline in the UK has been dramatic, particularly on farmland - probably due to changes in agricultural practices and the increased use of pesticides.
Common Whelk (Buccinum undatum) encrusted with Keel worms (Pomertoceros triqueter)
This shell, probably of the Common Whelk which is a gastropod that lives relatrively close inshore and feeds on seaweeds, has been encrusted with the Keel worm, which is also common. This one was found on the Strand near Uiskentuie yesterday. Whelk egg cases are often found washed up on our shores, looking rather like scrunched up piles of beige bubble wrap. Baby whelks are cannibalistic apparently - the first ones to hatch eat their siblings...
Above is a close up view of live Keel Worms. You can see the feathery tentacles of this filter feeder sticking out of the end of the calcareous tube in which the worm lives. It is extremely common in all rocky areas of Britain's coastline where it can be found adhering to virtually any hard surface. In the photograph it has established itself on an area of encrusting red algae which itself has grown over a section of bedrock. It is a very successful animal as its hard tube appears to be resistant to the browsing activities of other animals such as sea urchins.
Carl
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
One should never dally on Islay - it was the most glorious morning here with a startlingly blue sky, a bright yellow sun and little fluffy clouds, but we stupidly did a few chores before climbing on the bikes and pedalling up the loch to the Strand, by which time it had all gone pear-shaped. Never mind, there is always something to see - here a flock of Turnstones and Dunlin are flying along the shoreline with Bruichladdich pier and Loch Indaal lighthouse in the background.
We were stalked all the way up by a big black cloud, which duly dumped its load of snow and sleet on us as we headed back towards Port Charlotte.
Here a Turnstone, in its relatively drab winter plumage, is crossing a bit of beach covered with frozen hailstones.
Carl
New Year Bird List, as per Tim Drew
Happy New Year everyone! I thought it was about time I made a reappearance, albeit in the guise of my brother who was here (in my house) with his partner for three days from 30th Dec to 2nd Jan, whilst I was on Eigg with my partner. We saw 36 species of birds (big cheer please) on Eigg and were quite pleased with ourselves until I got home and saw Tim had been kind enough to leave their bird list for me - standing at 84 species, it far exceeded ours! Thanks Tim!
Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver (from ferry), Great Crested Grebe (2), Little Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, pink-footed Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Wigeon, Common Scoter, Scaup, Eider, Goldeneye, Teal, Pintail, Long-tailed Duck, Shoveler, Red-breasted Merganser, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Greenshank (1), Redshank, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit (1), Kestrel, Merlin (2, inc. one flying over house), Buzzard, Golden Eagle (1st Jan), Peregrine, Sparrowhawk (2), Pheasant, Woodcock (1), Jackdaw, Hoodie, Chough, Rook, Raven, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Starling, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Twite, Chaffinch, Stonechat, House Sparrow, Goldcrest, Collared Dove, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting.
To rub salt into the wound, they also saw three otters - one near Bruichladdich, one at Claggain Bay and one near Ardbeg. Still, no Great-spotted Woodpecker there (as on Eigg) and whatever happened to Redwing?
Happy wildlife watching in 2011 everyone,
Becky
Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver (from ferry), Great Crested Grebe (2), Little Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, pink-footed Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Wigeon, Common Scoter, Scaup, Eider, Goldeneye, Teal, Pintail, Long-tailed Duck, Shoveler, Red-breasted Merganser, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Greenshank (1), Redshank, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit (1), Kestrel, Merlin (2, inc. one flying over house), Buzzard, Golden Eagle (1st Jan), Peregrine, Sparrowhawk (2), Pheasant, Woodcock (1), Jackdaw, Hoodie, Chough, Rook, Raven, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Starling, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Twite, Chaffinch, Stonechat, House Sparrow, Goldcrest, Collared Dove, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting.
To rub salt into the wound, they also saw three otters - one near Bruichladdich, one at Claggain Bay and one near Ardbeg. Still, no Great-spotted Woodpecker there (as on Eigg) and whatever happened to Redwing?
Happy wildlife watching in 2011 everyone,
Becky
Friday, 7 January 2011
Crescent Moon
The cold weather has returned. Hard frost again last night. This was taken a few minutes ago at the top of Loch Indaal where the merse has frozen. Woodcock were flying in to feed and there were groups of Scaup close to the shore, but too dark to photograph.
Carl
Thursday, 6 January 2011
"What do seals eat? Seals poop, Scientists scoop!" - Lindsay Wilson writes....
The harbour seal is in decline around Scotland. Trying to understand why is a group of scientists from the University of St. Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit.
What and how much do seals eat? This is what PhD student Lindsay Wilson is trying to work out. Travelling the coast of Scotland every 3 months, including visits to Islay, Jura and Gigha, Lindsay and her small team spend most days on the water looking for seals.
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| Lindsay and Ross Waddams plan their scooping strategy in Orkney where they used a helicopter to access the colonies |
Over the last 10 years harbour seals have declined by one-third around Scotland (current estimate 20,000 animals) while the grey seal population has expanded dramatically (current estimate 180,000 animals). Lindsay has visited the islands twice in the last 6 months as part of a yearlong study to understand what role diet may play in the expansion or decline of Scotland’s seal populations.
Working mostly from a boat the team scans the coastline looking for seals. Once located seals are counted and identified to species before the team make their way ashore to collect seal scat (faeces). Samples are scooped into plastic bags, much like you would pick up after your dog and sent back to the lab to be analysed. Using the hard parts of prey which remain in the scat, the team can identify between different fish prey such as sandeel and cod using ear bones (otoliths) and between squid and octopus using their beaks.
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| Scooping action near Port Ellen |
Through scat analysis Lindsay hopes to document the diet of Scotland’s harbour seals and answer a number of questions. Recent population estimates for the west coast showed no decline in seal number whereas seal counts in Orkney suggest the harbour seal population has declined by up to 65%, are the seals in these different areas eating different prey? By collecting scat over a 12 month period the team hope to understand, does diet change throughout the year? And, by understanding the diet similarities or differences between harbour and grey seals, is there competition between grey seals and harbour seals for prey?
Lindsay and her team continue to travel around Scotland collecting seal scat and will be back visiting Islay and Jura again soon to try and understand what and how much seals eat. You can follow their exploits on their web diary at
http://www.sealdietscotland.co.uk/
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| http://www.photo-natur.de/ |
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Another Christmas Card
Here's another home-produced Christmas Card - this one is from Colin and Celia of Tyneside who are great Islay enthusiasts. I call this one a bit ostentatious - its a bit like showing off - but hey - Colin used to be the Chair of the BBRC.... And they don't even mention Steller!!
More cheers
Carl
The Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and Optimism
It is not a great day outside today - lots of sharp showers interspersed by mostly grey skies, and although the strong southerly wind of this morning is dropping, it has been a day for staying indoors and catching up on a few tasks. I have ventured out a few times however, and thought it would be good to include a picture of snowdrops in the garden pushing their way upwards and heralding at least the start of the end of what seems to have been a very long winter already.
Incidentally, being unaware of the scientific name of the snowdrop, I visited the always excellent Wikipedia and came across the following:
"Some snowdrop species are threatened in their wild habitats, and in most countries it is now illegal to collect bulbs from the wild. Under CITES regulations, international trade in any quantity of Galanthus, whether bulbs, live plants or even dead ones, is illegal without a CITES permit. This applies to hybrids and named cultivars as well as species. CITES does, however, allow a limited trade in wild-collected bulbs of just three species (G. nivalis, G, elwesii and G. woronowii) from Turkey and Georgia."
I am aware that large quantities of snowdrops have been harvested (commercially) from the colossal colonies in Bridgend Woods for a number of years, which would seem to be at odds with the above. Does anyone have any more information about this?
Top Christmas Card
I could not resist sharing this rather excellent image sent to me on a Christmas card from INHT members Carol and Andy from Bruichladdich. Rather splendid.
Cheers!! Carl
Stoat or Ermine
Some of the stoats on Islay go white in winter (qualifying for the name "ermine"), some partially, some completely, while others retain their normal plumage. Going white in Islay would normally increase the risk of predation one would have thought, but last winter and again last month, it could be seen to have been an advantage helping to conceal the stoat from its prey. Generally, most stoats in northern Britain, i.e. much of Scotland and northern England, go white in winter, wholly or partially, while in the southern half of England few if any do.
If anyone has seen a white stoat on Islay this winter or last, do please let us know at info@islaynaturalhistory.org. But beware confusion with the white form (actually creamy-yellow) of the introduced ferrets - which are anyway a good bit larger.
Malcolm
If anyone has seen a white stoat on Islay this winter or last, do please let us know at info@islaynaturalhistory.org. But beware confusion with the white form (actually creamy-yellow) of the introduced ferrets - which are anyway a good bit larger.
Malcolm
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| Photo: Dan Brown |
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Where are the Barnacles?
I cycled down to Portnahaven yesterday, and then around Loch Indaal this morning to Uiskentuie, pedalling along the Gruinart Flats, followed by a circumnavigation of Loch Gorm and back via Rockside. There were the usual parties of Whitefronts, and small flocks of Greylags, but the big battalions of Barnacle geese which one would normally encounter regularly on such a ride were nowhere to be seen. The biggest flock was about 200 at Rock Mountain. My very unofficial impressions will need to be confirmed by the SNH goose counters, but things are certainly very different in Goose World at the moment.
There were plenty of other birds about - including a good sized flock of Lapwings at Ballinaby and lots of Curlews and corvids feeding on the fields. A Kestrel pretended to be a Merlin for a while at Carnduncan, and there were some Reed buntings cheering up the hedgerows around Gorm.
Carl
Crofts near Portnahaven
I walked up the hill behind Cladville Farm near Portnahaven today and looked down over the crofting land that dominates this most southern part of the Rhinns of Islay. Much of this ground is not particularly productive from an agricultural standpoint, but it is extremely valuable for wildlife. It was a rather grey day to start 2011, and is difficult to pick out the Stevenson-built lighthouse on Orsay Island.
Carl
Saturday, 1 January 2011
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