Seeing Red!

Ask anyone to conjure up an image of Scottish wildlife and the chances are that the first thing they will think of is that great monarch of the glens - the Red Deer. Undoubtedly the Red Deer has inspired poets and artists across the generations. Standing stately on heather clad hills with antlers probing through the all too familiar Scots mist it has become the embodiment of the spirit of a nation. In reality it is well established with a healthy population spread across the country. At the opposite end of the scale in terms of size is another of Scotland's great wildlife icons.  It also has the red 'Celtic' hair but its future is far less secure. I am talking of the Red Squirrel.

Red Squirrel (Scirius vulgaris)

The Red Squirrel has been part of Scotland's natural landscape, and indeed the landscape of much of Europe and Asia for centuries. Hence it is more correctly known as the Eurasian Red Squirrel or, to give it its latin title, Sciurus vulgaris. Yet in Scotland the survival of the Red Squirrel is hanging precariously in the balance and it would take very little to push it into extinction. That is not an exaggeration. It is the harsh reality of where this beautiful little creature finds itself as a consequence of man's interference in the natural world.

Red Squirrel (Scirius vulgaris)

The story goes back to the late nineteenth century when wealthy Victorian landowners could enjoy easy access to the far flung corners of the globe. It was a demonstration of wealth and status to be able to populate the gardens of large country mansions with what was perceived as exotic flora and fauna from distant lands. It is for this reason that Scotland is fighting today to control several invasive species that have adapted all too readily to their new home and have spread out of control. There are too many to name here but the list includes, Japanese Knotweed, Rhododendron and Himalayan Balsam. These species alone cost Scotland millions of pounds per annum to clean up and to deal with the environmental damage. The problem isn't restricted to plants but also encompasses a range of fish and animals that were prized for their novelty value. This included the north American Grey Squirrel. It was the importation of this little creature in the late 1800s that sadly now is ringing a very deafening death knell for its distant cousin, Scotland's native Red Squirrel.

Red Squirrel (Scirius vulgaris)

Grey Squirrels were introduced in both England and Scotland but what wasn't known at the time was that those introduced in England carried a deadly disease whilst those imported to Scotland did not seem to. This may have hindered initial thinking into what was causing the decline of Red Squirrel numbers across England. What is known is that someone suddenly wakened up to the fact that large areas of England were devoid of the once commonplace Red Squirrel. As ecologists prepared maps of those areas of the UK where Red Squirrels could still be found and where Greys were largely in control it became evident that England's green and pleasant land was dominated by Greys and there was hardly a Red to be found. Today, the Red Squirrel is virtually extinct in England save for small numbers in isolated locations in the north of the country. As the Grey Squirrel march is a northwards one and the Reds are rapidly succumbing to the alien advance, Hadrian's Wall, the Roman legacy that marks the boundary between Scotland and England has once again become a very important battle line.

Red Squirrel (Scirius vulgaris)

Squirrel pox is a particularly nasty virus that is carried by Grey Squirrels that have developed immunity to the disease and appear unaffected by it. Red Squirrels have no immunity and the effect is devastating. Once a Red Squirrel comes into contact with the virus it will develop weeping lesions and sores around the eyes, nose, mouth and genitalia. These will spread and the animal will have difficulty in seeing properly or feeding. Death is slow and painful and will take place about two weeks after initial infection. There is no cure and at present it is believed to carry a 100% death rate. Since 2005 there have been localised squirrel pox outbreaks with devastating results at several locations just inside the Scottish border. Rapid action halted these outbreaks but the fear is that other Greys may have slipped through the net. Southern Scotland is on high alert for any suspicious deaths of Red Squirrels. 

Red Squirrel (Scirius vulgaris)

Squirrel pox is certainly the principle factor in the decline of Red Squirrels but it is not the only one. Grey Squirrels are larger, live longer, eat more and are able to travel across open land more easily than Reds which generally need areas of linked woodlands in order to spread. They out-compete Reds in almost every way. Wherever Grey Squirrels appear Red Squirrels seem to disappear irrespective of disease. Squirrel pox just makes the process more unpleasant and much faster.

Scotland does have the advantage of seeing the danger looming rather than reacting once the damage has been done but it needs resources and commitment to halt the problem. Ecologists and vets are working hard to find solutions. It is by no means an easy task. At present things may be under control but it won't take much for that situation to change. It is not scare mongering to say that this icon of Scottish wildlife could disappear from the country in the course of the next couple of decades. 


Let's hope that we all keep seeing Red for a very long time!

Red Squirrel (Scirius vulgaris)

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From Svalbard to the Solway Firth

Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis)

Last month I wrote about the Whooper Swans that migrate from the Iceland to the UK every winter with a good number of these beautiful birds coming to take advantage of the rich feeding on the merse and farmland around the Solway Firth. About the same time that the swans visit there is usually a significant number of geese. Perhaps the most famous to be seen around the Caerlaverock Nature Reserve on the Solway Firth are the huge numbers of Barnacle geese that overwinter here.

Barnacle Goose in its natural wetland habitat

Typically, there can be as many as 30,000 of these birds in the area during the winter months and that's an astonishing number considering the fact that the Barnacle population was down to some 300 or so birds in the period immediately after WWII. So what has brought about this incredible increase in numbers? The answer is quite simply good conservation and land management skills. Prior to WWII the shooting of ducks and geese, or wildfowling as it is know, was becoming an increasingly popular sport. The need to hunt and eat is recognised and accepted but around the Caerlaverock area there were no clear zones designated for shooting. Consequently birds were being hunted indiscriminately across a wide area of the landscape. The continual movement of humans accompanied by the sound of loud guns was also detrimental to the wildfowl that did manage to escape being shot. Their natural habitat had become an uncomfortable one and it became an environment to be feared. Wildfowl numbers dwindled.

That wasn't the only problem though. Fishing was on the increase from both shore and boat and that brought further disturbance. The natural landscape was also being taken over by local farms. Advances in technology, new drains, new crop methods and fertilisers etc meant that ground, largely unusable previously, could now be claimed for additional farmland. Given that the land immediately around the Solway Firth is often waterlogged and marshy by nature the chance to grab extra fields was a great opportunity for many farmers. The available natural land diminished in quantity and it was the natural land that provided the rich feeding and brought the wildlife. As it diminished in size so did the flocks of winter birds.

Finally, both world wars had also taken their toll on this beautiful corner of Scotland. Along the northern edge of the Solway Firth were significant numbers of munitions factories and Ministry of Defence buildings. Weapons were manufactured and testing was undertaken across a wide area. Collectively, all these things had a devastating effect upon the wildlife. In the immediate aftermath of WWII Barnacle geese numbers had slumped to about 300 birds.

Barnacle Goose on sentry duty

Thanks to the famous, and influential, conservationist Peter Scott and the Duke of Norfolk, who owned the land, Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve was established in 1957. For the first time, a policy of managing disparate land interests - agriculture, wildfowling, fishing and conservation - was agreed. Further assistance came when the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) took over Eastpark Farm on the edge of the Reserve in 1970, and began expanding and consolidating the area's natural habitats. Today, we reap the benefit of such vision with some 30,000 Barnacle geese wintering in the area alongside Pink-footed and Greylag geese.

All the Barnacle geese that visit the Caerlaverock area come from Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Circle. Depending upon the severity of the winter the birds, many with young that were born in Svalbard just a few months previously, will fly south around November. Most will work their way down the Norwegian coast before making the big flight across the North Sea. Timing is critical. Judge the weather correctly and the odds of a successful migration are in the birds' favour. Get it wrong and the consequences can be disastrous with birds being lost at sea. Tired and hungry, birds will often pause on the east coast of the UK before continuing on to the Solway Firth. Once there they will spend some 5 months building up fat reserves ready for the long flight back to the Arctic.

Barnacle geese feed on green shoots of leaves, grass and crops. They are sociable birds, gathering in large numbers on land and in the air. They are easily recognised with a very distinctive black head, neck and chest with a white face. Their wings and backs display a beautiful striped monochrome pattern.

Barnacle Geese in Flight
(the bird on the extreme right has a radio transmitter fitted)

Life has become increasingly difficult for the Barnacle geese in Svalbard. Changes to the Arctic ice floes mean that Polar bears cannot easily access their usual food source of seals and, in desperation, they are traveling further afield. Barnacle geese lay their eggs in nests on the ground or on rocky cliffs. The eggs and the young chicks make a small but essential contribution to the Polar bear's diet when times are tough. The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust are undertaking a study programme to get a better understanding of these birds amidst concerns that Polar bears are causing serious damage to future generations of Barnacles.

I have spent the last few months photographing these birds and as you read this I will be making the most of their last few weeks in Scotland to get some more shots before they disappear back to the land of the midnight sun.

Barnacle Geese in flight

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From the Real Iceland

Two Whooper Swans in flight

Having met up with some visitors from Iceland in December I have yet to arrange my visit to their homeland to photograph the penguins and polar bears. If you think I'm going mad check out my last blog for it seems that Iceland offers some pretty amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Maybe I shall put it on my list of possible destinations for next winter. Of course, the alternative is that Iceland's wildlife comes to visit me in Scotland. I guess the polar bears will struggle to cross the vast expanse of sea and it's probably too far for the penguins to fly but it certainly isn't too far for one of my favourite birds, the Whooper Swan. As I write this there are several hundred of these magnificent birds on the Caerlaverock Nature Reserve and surrounding area in SW Scotland.

A Whooper Swan tries to keep warm in winter

Every year some 25,000 Whooper Swans fly from Iceland to overwinter in the UK. Although Iceland can get very cold in winter it is also one of the most volcanic places on the planet. Consequently, warm volcanic springs in some parts of the island mean that not all Whooper Swans have to migrate to escape the cold. Around 2,000 birds will remain in the warmer parts of Iceland all year round. Their natural habitat is a wetland one. Nests are constructed near to good clean water sources that provide the main food source of aquatic vegetation. They live in family colonies and larger groups, becoming territorial mainly during the breeding season. Interestingly, not all adult Whooper Swans breed and only a small percentage account for the perpetuation of the species. Three or four cygnets is the norm with occasional broods of five or six. Generally birds will pair for life and whilst 'divorce' is uncommon it does occur occasionally.

A young Whooper Swan gliding to land

Around mid October as the winter chill spreads south from the North Pole the Whooper Swans prepare to head to warmer climes. Some of these family groups will have youngsters that are only a couple of months old. Calm, moonlit nights are a favourite for the migratory flights. Birds will gather and characteristic whooping and head bobbing signals their intention to fly. Running on land or water to gain speed they stretch those huge white wings and lift off. They don't fly particularly high in the sky and tend to stay close to the surface of the sea. With almost silent wing-beats and only the occasional whoop cutting through the silence of the night they make their way to the Scottish coastline. It is a perilous journey and not all of the birds will make it. Some will become separated from their family groups and others may perish in bad weather having been blown miles off course. This is not a journey of choice but of necessity and survival. If all goes well many birds will rest on the Isle of Lewis before heading further south.

Some 500 Whooper Swans come to the Solway area near to Caerlaverock with around 300 taking up winter residence on the reserve. It is always exciting to see parents arriving with new offspring, for the same birds tend to return each year. However it is a sad occasion when a bird known to have left Iceland remains unaccounted for. Once here, they are sometimes seen alongside our resident Mute Swans but, with their distinctive yellow and black bills emitting frequent ‘whooping’ noises, they are easy to distinguish.
 

A Whooper Swan on an icy pond

Each winter at WWT Caerlaverock the reserve wardens and scientists catch large numbers of Whooper Swans to enable them to further their research and understanding of these birds. The swans are weighed, measured, have blood samples taken to check for viruses and toxins, and ringed.

With international law now protecting Whooper Swans it would be reasonable to assume that the birds should reach their normal lifespan of 10 – 12 years without facing significant danger. Sadly, this is not the case; lead shot is still a major problem. Although banned in the UK it is permitted in Iceland. Shot from spent gun cartridges or fishing is swallowed by the birds and just 3 pellets will cause a prolonged and painful death. Despite international protection a staggering 14% of Whooper Swans have lead  pellets embedded in their bodies as a consequence of being shot. However, despite all of the hazards the swan population is actually healthy and growing steadily to the extent that WWT no longer regard Whooper Swans to be a conservation concern.

Long may the current optimism continue for these wonderfully vocal birds are part of the Solway scene and somehow winter would never be the same without them. 

Three Whooper Swans in flight

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The Spirit of Christmas

Winter Festival Fun in George Square, Glasgow

Recently, I ended up in Glasgow for a weekend. Although I have a love of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors I also love big cities and I am very fond of Glasgow. I had read in the papers that there was to be a Sunday Santa Dash for charity involving a couple of thousand Santa look-a-likes running 5km through the streets of the city. Grateful for a bit of photographic inspiration I decided my portfolio could do with some new Christmas and winter images. I mentioned it to my dear wife who immediately turned me off the whole thing by saying, 'What a good idea and we could do some Christmas shopping.' Aaargh...this was not at all what I had planned! I was ready to ditch the whole idea when she added, 'We could go up for the whole weekend and get a room somewhere. That way, I can shop 'til I drop and you can go and take as many photos as you want.' It was, as they say, a result! It wasn't that we didn't see each other over the weekend. We did rendezvous for coffees and meals. She also decided she would like to see the spectacle of a Santa Dash and, if truth be told, she prefers shopping without me anyway. I can't think why! Then the discovery that our niece and a friend were running in the event clinched the deal and off we went.

I knew that Glasgow always does a great winter festival event in George Square and I guessed that there may be some interesting Christmas lights and decorations to photograph. However, I had forgotten that they also have an ice rink, a big illuminated helter-skelter, chair-o-plane (which I believe is called a 'chair swing ride' or 'wave swinger' in some countries), and a big wheel. Ever since the unveiling of the London Wheel, or Millennium Wheel as it was originally known, it seems that every aspiring city needs a big wheel! I checked out a few locations around the square where I thought I would get the best pictures and then it was a case of killing time until it got dark and everything came to life. It seemed like a good chance to have a browse around a few shops alone to get some inspiration for my other half's Christmas. I was just about to leave George Square to head for the shops in Buchanan Street when my mobile phone rang and my dear wife's face filled the screen. She was in a jewellers shop and had seen something that would be 'just perfect' as her Christmas present from 'yours truly'. Experience has told me to check the price before acceding to this seemingly innocuous and remarkably convenient request. However, rather astonishingly, it was quite reasonable and I muttered something about how I would miss the fun of browsing the shops and using my imagination! I pressed the 'end call' button and, as her lovely face disappeared back into the miniscule circuitry from whence it had come, I muffled a cry of joy. It was time for coffee and then not long until it got dark.

There were several other photographers up to the same thing as me that evening and we exchanged pleasantries, told each other about interesting vantage points we had found and got our respective shots. I concentrated on the ice rink, trying to capture the movement of the groups of skaters along with the whole feeling of Christmas and winter fun. There was a great atmosphere and as we headed back to our hotel for a nice meal I was reasonably confident that I had managed to get some decent pictures. My wife was reasonably confident that she had got most of the presents and, looking at the vast array of shopping bags, I was more than confident that it would be reflected in our next bank statement!

Ice Skating in George Square, Glasgow

The following morning it was a case of being up for an early breakfast and heading back to George Square to get a good position near to the start / finish line for the big Santa Dash. Soon the entire area was awash with red suited, white bearded Santas in an incredible variety of sizes, sexes (well only two - to the best of my knowledge), and shapes. Some were even pushing buggies with children in them! There were the obvious serious runners, the charity runners, the fun runners and those at the back who were most definitely not runners of any kind! The weather was kind, the sun shone and it was great to see so many children getting into the Christmas spirit. I took my pictures, trying again to capture the movement, colour and excitement of the spirit of Christmas. Then we met up with my niece and her friends and headed off for another coffee and mince pies. It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Santa Dash, Glasgow

It was now Sunday afternoon and my wife decided another couple of hours at the shops was essential before we headed home. I noticed some interesting characters in winter costumes passing through the crowds around George Square and I wanted to get a few more shots. 

The Ice Queen

Jack Frost

I was concentrating on the Ice Queen and Jack Frost when another character, looking rather like a giant snowflake, ambled alongside and we started chatting. I commented that her accent certainly wasn't local and I inquired which part of the world she came from. She replied 'Iceland!' I asked if she was being serious or was she just being 'in character'. 'No, no I am from Iceland. We are all from Iceland,' she said nodding towards her winter comrades. 'Really?' I asked again not sure if she was being entirely truthful. 'Yes, absolutely,' she replied. 'We are here because we come from Iceland.' 'That's fantastic,' I said. 'I've always wanted to go to Iceland and its on my wish list of places to visit.' 'You will love it,' she added, smiling through the giant snowflake surrounding her head.  I explained that one of the main reasons I wanted to go was because I was a wildlife photographer and Iceland offered some great opportunities. 'It certainly does. It's a photographers' paradise,' she said and for someone like you, you will love it. 'There are penguins, polar bears and ...' I interrupted, ' there are no penguins in Iceland!' She looked at me with her sparkling blue eyes through snow encrusted lashes. 'There are in our Iceland,' she said and she turned and walked away.

For me, that summed up the magic of Christmas. Wherever you are and whatever you believe in, have a...

Very Merry Christmas.

Two Santas from Glasgow's Santa Dash

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Strange Murmurings at Gretna

Tens of thousands of starlings against an evening sky at Gretna, Scotland

For those of you that follow my blog and my various other sites you will know that I live near to the Solway Firth in Scotland. It is a very important place for wildlife all year round but with winter approaching it becomes especially exciting.

Although autumn this year in Scotland ended much warmer than usual the temperature has been dipping in some more northerly countries. When this happens the bird populations in places like Russia, Scandinavia and Greenland look for favourable wind conditions and make their great escape before it becomes too late and they lose that all important 'window of opportunity'. In recent weeks we have seen, along with many other species, an influx of wigeon, whooper swans and thousands of barnacle geese. We have also had an influx of starlings. Starlings can be found all year round in Scotland but when winter comes migrant birds can boost the numbers significantly.

The murmuration passes close by

In late autumn and early winter starlings start to flock together in large numbers. These flocks are known as murmurations. Feeding off the land during the day the birds tend to move to a group roosting site as dusk falls. It is around these sites that the large murmurations can be seen. Although there are several such locations in the UK one of the best in the country is located near to the township of Gretna on the Scottish / English border. It is only ten minutes from where I live. From about November onwards, and throughout much of the winter, one of the most spectacular events in nature can be seen here. As the sun dips the first birds will start to fly towards the roosting site. In this instance it is a small area of woodland. First it is a mere handful of birds and then they start to arrive in tens or twenties. Soon it is streams of hundreds and then thousands that fly in and eventually the sky is filled with tens of thousands of starlings. Some of these may fly from twenty miles away to join the murmuration and the benefits of the group roosting site.

Thousands of starlings overhead

As the numbers swell the giant swarm moves about the sky creating wonderful shapes against the fading sunlight. The whole event will last about twenty to thirty minutes and then the woodland swallows them up. They spiral down into the trees like some large black funnel. The sky empties and the chatter of noisy starlings fills the wood.

So why do they do it? The answer is probably for several reasons. There is safety in numbers. It is harder for birds of prey to pick off starlings in a massive flock than it is to take a lone bird out of the sky. The starlings are more at risk of attack as they fly from their feeding grounds to their roosting sites. It is a brave bird of prey that would attack a swarm. The risk of injury is high. As the spectacle of the murmuration is at its peak it is not uncommon to see a peregrine falcon skirting the edge of the flock trying to isolate a lone bird or pick off a straggler. However it is not an easy task. Also, in a large roost it is harder for a predator to sneak up unnoticed. There may be many thousands of eyes watching and the entire flock can be warned instantly with one call of alarm. It is believed that this social behaviour may give rise to useful communication and transference of information; for example where the best feeding grounds lie. It is also easier for birds to keep warm in winter in large numbers. To some extent they will generate their own heat. 

Starlings create their own black starburst

I have observed these incredible murmurations many times now and still they never cease to amaze me. It is truly one of the most incredible events in nature and certainly in this part of the world!

Patterns in the sky - A giant murmuration

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On the Doorstep

There is a definite chill in the air as I write this. There may also be some unusual chirping and honking because the winter migration that brings so many different species of birds to our shores is underway. It's hard to think that some of these seasoned travellers actually find Scotland a warm destination in winter! Yet that, and the ensuing food source, are precisely why they come here. 

If you are like me that means donning a few extra layers of warm clothing, heating up a nice flask of warm soup and making sure the camera batteries are fully charged before heading off to welcome the new arrivals.

In an earlier blog I wrote about the love I held for the Solway area of Dumfries and Galloway and how it wasn't always necessary to head for some sunny destination overseas to get those exciting landscape or wildlife photographs. Whilst that may be fun, don't forget to appreciate what may be on your doorstep. 

As a consequence of foolishly injuring myself earlier this year I was forced to spend more time than usual at home and in my own garden. Once again, I came to appreciate what I may often overlook in my quest for the more unusual. It made me think of the expression I hear so often from birdwatchers or nature lovers...'oh! It's just a...' Often, it is uttered whilst focusing on something through a pair of binoculars and can be completed with the name of any one of our more common wildlife residents..."oh! It's just a jackdaw,"  "oh! It's just a wood pigeon" or "oh! It's just a mallard" to name but a few. I have come to realise that that comment completely undermines the beauty of these creatures, just because familiarity blinkers our vision. Open your eyes and look again! 

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)

Don't get me wrong. I love the thrill of chasing new migrants with a camera but I also have learned to appreciate and enjoy what is on my doorstep. Have you ever looked closely at a jackdaw and admired his black coat? Have you pondered the subtle grey, blue and mauve shades of the wood pigeon or been dazzled by the iridescent velvety green head of a Mallard duck? If the answer is no then look again before you chase the newcomers. The beauty of the natural world is closer than you think!

Tom

Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

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Autumn Winds

Traction Kiting

Despite being fooled by a few days of unusually warm temperatures, it is Autumn. It's an interesting season for photographers and the challenge is to find new ways of making something that has been photographed a million times before look new. However, sometimes something completely new comes along just because you happen to be in the right place at the right time. That is exactly what happened to me on a windy autumn day a couple of years back and it has resulted in new friendships and new photographic opportunities

I was walking along the dunes close to a large expanse of sandy beach in western Galloway with my camera. There was a bit of an autumn breeze blowing and I was looking for inspiration in the waving dune grasses and the drifting sand. It's always worth commenting again, even although it's been said a hundred times before, that cameras do not like salt water or sand! I was being extremely careful.

Lone Kiter

Over the top of the dunes I could see brightly coloured kites bobbing around against a blue sky. Intrigued, I wandered closer and discovered a group of traction kiters having great fun on an empty beach with the tide well out. Now, I don't do a lot of sports photography although I have covered a few sporting events in the past but this was something different. There was speed, colour, fun and those superbly bright billowing kites. Additionally it was a new thing for me. It was too much to resist. I wandered down to chat to the guys and girls - for I soon discovered it's very much a unisex sport.

The Black Knight (reminds me of the baddie in a James Bond movie)

Half an hour later I was getting lots of photos but more importantly I was learning quickly the best way to get the photos I wanted. I wanted to capture the lone kiter and the vastness of the space in which he was travelling. I also wanted to capture speed along with the splashes where the receding tide had left large pools and I wanted to capture those zany moments where things don't go according to plan. 

The Thrill of the Race

Since my initial meeting with the kiters I have followed them from Galloway to the beaches of St Andrews in Fife to get more of these photos. I can now admire the skill in the sport and whilst I haven't yet ventured into a buggy I have had a couple of shots at flying the kites. It's not as easy as it looks! To be honest it's all too much like hard work and I much prefer being on my side of the lens.

All Wrapped Up

I hope that you enjoy the photos and if you are a photographer it's a good lesson in getting out there and trying something new.

Tom

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