Springwatch FeedSpringwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Blog.
A place to talk UK Nature.2014-07-09T11:53:57+00:00Zend_Feed_Writer/blogs/natureuk2014-07-09T11:53:57+00:002014-07-09T11:53:57+00:00/blogs/natureuk/entries/00528a0d-4e97-35eb-88b5-a74ccfe44c79Guest blogger<div class="component prose">
<p>I’ve always wondered what happened to
them. Those historic young brothers Itchy and Scratchy, the sea eagle twins
from Springwatch Series 1, Programme 1, May 2005. The five week old siblings
captured our hearts when they were beamed into the living rooms of an
unsuspecting British nation as this new TV wildlife phenomenon burst onto our
screens that late spring evening.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As the countdown to the live OB from Mull
got ever closer, our pulses quickened. Jenny in the Gallery Truck calmly stated
“coming to Mull in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6…”. Simon got himself comfortable on the damp
tree stump:“…4, 3, 2, 1…and cue Simon…”</p>
<p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hjj1.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p022hjj1.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p022hjj1.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hjj1.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p022hjj1.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p022hjj1.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p022hjj1.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p022hjj1.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p022hjj1.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Itchy & Scratchy by Iain Erskine</em></p></div>
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<p>As I looked anxiously at the monitor,
there was the glorious adult female Frisa feeding those two mischievous chicks.
She’d flown in right on time and was poised mid-feed as if she knew what to do
on live telly. What a pro. Itchy still had some down on his head; Scratchy had
lost most of his. Apart from that slight difference they looked well matched
and of equal size. Their future looked bright. </p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hjl0.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p022hjl0.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p022hjl0.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hjl0.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p022hjl0.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p022hjl0.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p022hjl0.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p022hjl0.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p022hjl0.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Itchy as a chick by Iain Erskine</em></p></div>
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<p>As the director cut to Camera 2
there was the noble Skye, Frisa’s loyal mate, preening in the early evening
sun. It couldn’t have gone better. The first live link to Mull and the eagle’s
nest was a ratings hit. Over the following week, there was much more <strong>to</strong>
come; viewers saw the chicks grow larger even in that short time but we were
always left wondering…what happened next?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Both Itchy and Scratchy fledged
successfully in late July. They loitered around Forestry Commission Scotland’s
Loch Frisa estate through the late summer and early autumn. Scratchy was first
to disperse and Itchy soon followed. I last saw him in October 2005 perched
atop a mighty conifer as I dashed for the ferry early one Saturday morning. He
was looking out across the Sound of Mull and to the vast wild country beyond.
He’d been safe on Mull but what awaited him as he wandered far and wide through
the hills and glens of mainland Scotland?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sea eagles can still have a hard time in
parts of Scotland, just as they did in the late 19<sup>th</sup> and early 20<sup>th</sup> Century just prior to
their extinction as a native British breeding bird. They were shot, poisoned
and persecuted until only a few survived. Then the egg collectors and
taxidermists finished the last ones off. A very sorry track record in Scottish
history. We’d like to think things have changed now, for the better. They have
in many ways: sea eagles are back after 40 years and three phases of
reintroduction attempts on the west and east coasts. They’ll soon be at 100
pairs. It sounds a lot but it’s not. They and other birds of prey remain vulnerable
to many of the same antiquated, out-lawed methods of persecution that wiped
them out in 1918. A modern, forward-looking Scotland needs to address this
stubborn stain on its character. The eyes of the world are watching.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Luckily for sea eagles (and Itchy in
particular) they also have many friends. Some landowners, farmers, ‘keepers and
local communities actually have no issue (and many quite like) having this long
lost native birds back in their midst. Despite the headlines, most work quietly
and under the radar to ensure they thrive and we should all be grateful for
that. The conservation NGOs and Government agencies like SNH and FCS all
embrace the return of the sea eagle and take their responsibilities seriously
by protecting the sea eagles which nest on their land, often having to adjust
forest plans to accommodate them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Scratchy was last seen in 2008. A
farmer’s dog in the Highlands near Spean Bridge was appearing at the back door
with fish bones. The farmer followed the dog one day to the secret cache of
fishy delights by the river bank and their above him was Scratchy in a tree
eating a salmon. He had done well to survive that long and there’s every chance
he’s still out there today. I like to think he is. Maybe we’ll find him one
day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Their amazing parents Skye and Frisa are
20 and 22 years old respectively and this year are feeding the next generation
of Scottish sea eagles. We ringed her the other day and she was feisty and
strong. The hands of our ringer Justin have the scars to prove it! It’s always
a good day when I see Skye and Frisa, perfectly at home, back where they
belong. And I’m always reminded of Frisa’s mum, Blondie, who raised that first
chick of the reintroduction project, here on Mull, way back in 1985. What a
superb pedigree they all have from the Matriach herself…gone but not forgotten.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And so to Itchy – well I’m delighted,
relieved, over-joyed and proud to say he is alive and well, now aged nine and
paired up with a family of his own. As was seen in the Springwatch film with
Iolo Williams and our Mission Impossible to a ‘secret location, somewhere on
the wild west coast’. </p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hj4g.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p022hj4g.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p022hj4g.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hj4g.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p022hj4g.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p022hj4g.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p022hj4g.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p022hj4g.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p022hj4g.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Itchy's Daughter by Iolo Williams</em></p></div>
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<p>Again, we’re indebted to the landowner and his farming
and stalking staff who keep an eye on his well being. He has chosen well. A
perfect nest site, abundant prey and a good mate. He should have many more
productive years ahead of him. Maybe we’ll come back to see him on the 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Springwatch ?</p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hj90.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p022hj90.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p022hj90.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p022hj90.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p022hj90.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p022hj90.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p022hj90.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p022hj90.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p022hj90.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Itchy as an adult by Catherine Fotheringham:RSPB</em></p></div>
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<p> </p>
<p>As we left him to his wild domain, he was
soaring way out to sea. His white tail gleaming against the blue Hebridean
waters. All the Springwatch crew wished him well. He was probably still
watching us go. The eagle with the sunlit eye.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a title="Mull Eagle Watch" href="http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/mull/mull-eagle-watch" target="_blank">Mull Eagle Watch</a> is a
partnership between Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland,
Mull & Iona Community Trust, RSPB and Police Scotland. VisitScotland assist
the project and the local community and volunteers help protect the eagles.
Itchy and Scratchy were named by pupils from Dervaig Primary School in 2005.
Now<em> </em>at High School and beyond, some students still ask after Itchy and
Scratchy…</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Dave Sexton</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="RSPB Mull" href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/tracking/mulleagles/" target="_blank">RSPB Mull Officer</a></strong></p>
<p> </p><p><strong>Picture credits - Iain Erskine, Catherine Fotheringham & Iolo Williams</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p>
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2012-11-02T18:42:33+00:002012-11-02T18:42:33+00:00/blogs/natureuk/entries/b503c85c-9479-3cbc-a85d-63feba09aa9ePaul Deane<div class="component prose">
<p>Toget you in the mood for the Unsprung Pub Quiz tonight, we've put together a little warm-up quiz.</p>
<p>9 eyes from 9 UK animals for you to guess.</p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010ltkq.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p010ltkq.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p010ltkq.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010ltkq.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p010ltkq.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p010ltkq.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p010ltkq.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p010ltkq.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p010ltkq.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Eyes quiz</em></p></div>
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<p> </p><p> </p><p>...Spoiler Alert....</p><p> </p><p>And here's the answers. Thanks to everyone for having a go and well done to Richard Evans for being the first to Reply.</p><p>A- Kestrel, B- Short eared owl. C- Fox, D-Slow worm, E- Jay, F- Kingfisher, G- Red squirrel, H- Nuthatch, I- Hedgehog</p>
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2012-11-02T17:24:33+00:002012-11-02T17:24:33+00:00/blogs/natureuk/entries/b5457bc1-2c34-36fd-96d8-9884809878d0Paul Deane<div class="component prose">
<p><strong>It's a pleasure to introduce hedgehog enthusiast Duncan Richardson of <a title="Lilac Grove" href="http://www.lilacgrove.co.uk/" target="_self">The Lilac Grove</a>, to share his tips on hedgehogs and gardens</strong></p><p>.</p><p><strong>How to tell if you have hedgehogs</strong></p><p>One of the problems with finding hedgehogs is that they are nocturnal. So, how do you know if you have hedgehogs in your garden? The signs are quite subtle, but once you have your ‘eye in’ they are quite easy to see.</p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lqn1.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p010lqn1.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p010lqn1.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lqn1.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p010lqn1.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p010lqn1.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p010lqn1.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p010lqn1.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p010lqn1.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Hedgehog footprints</em></p></div>
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<p>The most obvious are footprints. Although hedgehogs are quite heavy (about 1kg) they don’t leave many footprints unless the ground is really soft. A small mud or wet sand trap is easily set up to see if you get some. The prints are about 2.5cm long and 2.8cm wide. The front toes are quite widely splayed, but the back toes are quite long and slender. </p><p>If you see poo around, that is a good indicator! The poo is 1.5-5cm long and 1cm in diameter. They are normally quite dark coloured due to being full of beetles.</p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lqsp.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p010lqsp.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p010lqsp.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lqsp.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p010lqsp.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p010lqsp.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p010lqsp.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p010lqsp.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p010lqsp.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Hedgehog signs - tunnel</em></p></div>
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<p>Hedgehogs tend to leave slight tracks through the grass of a lawn or small tunnels through undergrowth as they go about their foraging. A good time to see these is in the morning through the dew on the lawn.</p><p>Go into your garden at night and listen. Hedgehogs are noisier than you think, and you may hear them snuffling and huffing around as they search for food. In the spring they can get very noisy, as they fight over females.</p><p><strong>Gardening For Hedgehogs</strong></p><p>If you already have hedgehogs, or want to encourage them into your garden, what can you do? </p><p>The first and most important thing is access! A lot of gardens are fenced and there is no way a hedgehog can get in. A small hole under or in the fence will do, about 3 inches is usually sufficient. If you have the option, a native hedge is fantastic, hawthorn etc, make a very good hog friendly border. Hedging provides easy access and shelter for them and other wildlife</p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lr5b.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p010lr5b.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p010lr5b.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lr5b.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p010lr5b.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p010lr5b.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p010lr5b.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p010lr5b.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p010lr5b.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Leaving a hedgehog-sized gap under a gate</em></p></div>
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<p>Keep parts of the garden a little untidy. Try leaving an area of long grass and some shrubs for hogs to root around in. Piles of leaves, logs or a compost heap can also provide them with a place to nest and rear their young, or to hibernate. </p><p>Water is a very important commodity for hogs. The best way to provide it is a pond, but make sure the pond is either shallow, or has shallow parts, so that if a hog does fall in it can easily get back out again. If that can’t be done, leave out a water bowl!</p><p>Put out food for them. Dog/Cat food and shop bought hedgehog foods are great. Dry food is also good, if it is small, such as puppy food, this will last and is good to leave out in the winter in case they wake up from hibernation. They also love mealworms. Don’t feed milk or bread as this will make them ill. Set up some feeding stations for them tucked out of the way or under hedges.</p><p>Provide some shelter, hedgehog boxes, compost heaps, piles of twigs, logs or leaves will always be welcome.</p><p></p>
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<img class="image" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lr6t.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p010lr6t.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p010lr6t.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p010lr6t.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p010lr6t.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p010lr6t.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p010lr6t.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p010lr6t.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p010lr6t.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Hedgehog shelter</em></p></div>
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<p>Encourage your neighbours to do the same. Gardens are a vital resource for hedgehogs. Consider joining and become a <a href="http://www.hedgehogstreet.org" target="_self">Hedgehog Champion</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Dangers to Hedgehogs</p><p> - Don’t feed milk or bread, this will make them ill.</p><p> - Don’t use plastic netting as this can entangle the hedgehogs and cause serious injuries.</p><p> - Slug pellets are very dangerous. Hedgehogs enjoy the odd slug, and any poison they ingest can kill.</p><p>- Check compost heaps before turning. Hogs may use them to nest and hibernate.</p><p>- Check under hedges and bushes before strimming. Strimmers can cause very nasty injuries to hogs.</p><p>- Check bonfires carefully for hedgehogs. Better still rebuild them before lighting.</p><p> - If you disturb a nest please replace it and leave well alone.</p><p> - If shed doors are left open overnight, don’t suddenly shut them, a hog may have made it it’s home and this will trap them. Check first.</p><p> - If a hog is seen out in the day it usually means it’s in trouble. Please contact your local hedgehog society for advice. More information can be found here- <a href="http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk" target="_self">http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk</a></p><p>>></p><p>Here's Duncan on Autumnwatch 2012</p><p></p>
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<em>Martin Hughes-Games finds some prickly secrets with hedgehog enthusiast Duncan Richardson</em>
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<p>You can follow the Duncan's garden's hedgehog activity on <a title="lilac grove" href="http://www.lilacgrove.co.uk/" target="_self">The Lilac Grove</a>. </p>
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2012-10-17T10:46:14+00:002012-10-17T10:46:14+00:00/blogs/natureuk/entries/2c3217a2-669a-3268-ad34-fcc619decc90Martin Hughes-Games<div class="component prose">
<p>Fancy joining us for a wildlife pub quiz? We’ve been putting our heads together to think about “unsprung” on the last day of Autumnwatch… (Friday2nd Nov) and have decided to let our hair down, turn the studio into a pub and settle down – with you – for our very own “Autumnwatch Unsprung pub quiz and lock in”… Complete with cocktails and exotic barmaids (level headed Jo of course…)</p><p>Here’s the twist – not only can you join in at home – (either by shouting answers at the telly – or were hoping to have a downloadable question sheet) but – we’d love it if YOU could set the majority of the quiz questions.</p><p>Think - who, what, where, when, odd one out, what happened next, mystery objects, photo quizzes, sound quizzes etc etc.</p><p>So if you, or perhaps a group of you, fancy becoming our quiz setters for the night and can come up with intriguing questions for our teams (and the entire nation) - drop us your question by email to autumnwatch@bbc.co.uk – we’ll use your them to drive the “Unsprung Pub Quiz”.</p><p>Thankyou!</p><p><strong>UPDATE: We've had a problem with our email between 11th - 19th October. If you did try to contact us during that period we'd really appreciate it if you re-sent the email.</strong></p>
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2012-10-08T08:32:00+00:002012-10-08T08:32:00+00:00/blogs/natureuk/entries/8ad246a9-cb45-3d02-9c1c-ffb503a7e8fdMartin Hughes-Games<div class="component prose">
<p>Well, the leaves are starting to turn - the first signs of autumn are upon us and in just a few weeks we'll be "live" from the wonderful Scottish Highlands at our new base, Aigas.</p>
<p>Back at Bristol HQ we're busy preparing - currently discussing important questions like "do squirrels eat conkers?" - er....we're not actually sure just yet!</p>
<p>As ever we love seeing your superb pictures on the <a href="http://flickr.com/groups/bbcautumnwatch/">Flickr site</a>. We're also fascinated by videos of British wildlife, particularly because you sometimes show us things we would never normally see - really astonishing behaviour. <br><br>
This year we'd like to spread the net a little wider - so as well as your own videos we'd also love to know about any other wildlife clips you may have enjoyed recently, think "Youtube", "Vimeo", "Facebook" etc.<br><br>
So if you have been browsing the web and discovered something fascinating, funny, dramatic or really intriguing to do with wildlife, please send us a link as a reply below or share them on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/鶹ԼSpringwatch">Facebook group</a>, on <a href="http://flickr.com/groups/bbcautumnwatch/">Flickr</a>, on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/鶹ԼAutumnwatch">@鶹ԼAutumnwatch</a> or just <a href="mailto:autumnwatch@bbc.co.uk">email</a> us a link.
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We have big plans for our one "Unsprung" - hoping to make it something of a grand finale to this year's "Autumnwatch" - we're going to need your help on that one so stand by!<br><br>
So...what does eat conkers?.....</p>
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