Alarming drones
Natural HistoryOut in the garden, examing the moth trap (that didn’t take long – we’re catching little or nothing this year) when we heard the screaming of birds in the sky. First thought was gulls rising for an ant swarm, but it soon became clear the sound was more like a wader alarm call. Finally we
International Dawn Chorus Day
Birds . Field Trip . Natural HistoryThe first Sunday in May is International Dawn Chorus Day. What started as a 4am birthday party in the 1980s – hosted by naturalist Chris Baines in the Midlands – has now spread throughout the UK and across the world. And in a little bit of the New Forest 5 hardy souls braved the 1c
On not so little pines…
Natural History…do mighty Cedar trees grow. In this case, a Himalayan Cedar. Nature Note by Graham Manchip There is a tree in my local patch. I believe it to be a Himalayan Cedar Cedrus deodara around 30ft or more tall and, although I had seen the top, I had never seen the base as it was
British Science Week
Natural HistoryGuest post from Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths held from 8-17 March 2019. This year’s theme is ‘journeys’ and the BNSS has organised three special adult education lectures around this topic. Lectures are open to all, so if you’re naturally inquisitive and
A touch of summer…
Natural History . Photography…in frosty February. The opening of ‘Chasing Butterflies’ – a retrospective of John Vetterlein’s 13-year obsession with photographing butterflies – was absolutely heaving at the Harbour Lights Cinema in Southampton last evening. A selection of his best work is on display in the gallery space until the 27 February and covers common and less common
End of year party…
Natural HistoryThe common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a pretty gregarious animal. And even more sio when it comes to the huge flocks that appear from Novemeber to March or thereabouts. As we often do at Christmas, Jan and I took a trip to Ham Wall RSPB reserve in Somerset to see one of the biggest starling
Operation Wallacea
Natural HistoryOne of our members, Josh Phangurha, recently gave an illustrated talk to the Society on the Reptiles of Buton, Sulawesi. But behind the research is an unfolding tragedy for local people following a recent catastrophic tsunami in the region. Josh is now trying to raise funds for the local Red Cross appeal by selling prints of
An update from Peartree Green
Natural HistoryFrom Phil Budd As reported back in January the city council granted Peartree Green a Local Nature Reserve in November 2017. Following this, there was an official opening of the green on 7th April 2018 by Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith and Southampton City Council leader Simon Letts. Since then there have been many events
Any Eggsplanations for this?
Natural HistoryAt a recent meeting Cath brought out an egg (or was it?) for our inspection. It was sort of egg-shaped, although a little more symmetrical than most bird eggs. It seemed to have pores and felt light(ish) and was hard. Discussion ranged around turtle eggs, bird eggs, Cadbury Cream Eggs, oddly worn stones, or unusual
Remember to submit your moth records
Natural HistoryJan and I been trapping moths on and off for a year or three now. And for those of you who don’t know, we have a small garden right in the centre of Southampton. Surrounded by pubs, clubs, street lights and neon. We think we’re doing well if we get half a dozen moth records