Species Update
Bird Watching|November 2017

Numbers of wintering Shelducks in the UK are falling – and the reason for this is unclear, as Kate Risely explains…

- Kate Risely
Species Update

Shelducks are a familiar sight on flat, muddy shores, where their large black-and-white bodies stand out among the smaller estuarine waders and wildfowl.

Unlike most other waterfowl, they nest in holes in the ground, often occupying Rabbit burrows in sand dunes, though they will also nest in cavities formed by tree roots, or among other objects, such as hay bales.

Though most often seen by the sea, they can also live comfortably inland, and the Breckland landscape around my home in Norfolk was historically a stronghold for breeding Shelducks. The sandy soil and dry climate meant that this area was poor for agriculture but perfect for cultivating Rabbits, and warrens occupied the landscape from the 14th Century until a few hundred years ago, providing an abundance of burrows.

Shelducks were noted breeding in coney burrows around my own village – ‘and other wild places’ – in the 17th Century, and records show that in the 19th Century they were eradicated from the area due to the belief that they disturbed the breeding Rabbits.

この蚘事は Bird Watching の November 2017 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Bird Watching の November 2017 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

BIRD WATCHINGのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Bird Watching

Weedon's World

Recent trips to a couple of his favourite local birding sites have resulted in encounters Mike would rather do without

time-read
3 分  |
October 2017
Bird Watching

Bee-Eater Breeding

There was much speculation online about why a Bee-eater breeding effort in Nottingham had failed. Here, we attempt to get to the truth by speaking to those in the know… 

time-read
3 分  |
October 2017
Bird Watching

Grumpy Old Birder

Bo reveals the pleasure he gets watching birds and wildlife enjoy an ‘all-you-can-eat buffet’ in his garden…

time-read
2 分  |
October 2017
Bird Watching

#My 200 Bird Year 2018

If you’ve enjoyed trying to complete our #My200BirdYear challenge in 2017, or if you’ve been watching with interest but biding your time, or if you’re a complete newcomer to  Bird Watching magazine, then now’s the time to sign up for #My200BirdYear 2018 at birdwatching.co.uk/my200 

time-read
2 分  |
November 2017
HOLME
Bird Watching

HOLME

Varied habitats and one of the UK’s top observatories

time-read
2 分  |
March 2018
Backbury Hill
Bird Watching

Backbury Hill

A walk to a multi-vallate hillfort with birds on the way

time-read
1 min  |
March 2018
Castlemartin Corse
Bird Watching

Castlemartin Corse

A relic of a once-great wetland 

time-read
2 分  |
March 2018
Lend A Helping Hand
Bird Watching

Lend A Helping Hand

Wildlife centres can often be the only venues for many to see birds close up. Here, one volunteer explains the important work they carry out.

time-read
5 分  |
March 2017
Bringing Back The Tree Sparrow
Bird Watching

Bringing Back The Tree Sparrow

The story of how one man helped establish a Tree Sparrow colony around his Suffolk home.

time-read
6 分  |
March 2017
The Urban Birder Visits Ushuaia, Argentina
Bird Watching

The Urban Birder Visits Ushuaia, Argentina

A wide variety of interesting birds can be seen in the world’s most southernmost city.

time-read
3 分  |
March 2017