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NEWSLETTER No. 44 - Autumn 1999
WEST MIDLANDS BRANCH, BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION
A Polish Experience
My holiday started with a drive to Harwich followed by a nineteen hour crossing
to Hamburg. My destination was Bielowieza Forest on Poland’s eastern border;
after a day and a half I arrived at Bielowieza village and booked into the Iwo
Hotel.
The main reason for this trip was birdwatching but mammals and butterflies were
high on the agenda.
Bielowieza Forest is the last truly primeval Forest left in Europe with an
amazing biodiversity. It was to be the first location in a two part holiday the
second being the Biebrza Marshes to the north.
On my first morning in the Forest butterflies encountered were Chequered
Skipper, Northern Chequered Skipper and Spotted Fritillary.
Birds included Nutcracker, Green Sandpiper and Lesser Spotted Eagle. As my stay
advanced I added Lesser Purple Emperor, Poplar Admiral,
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Pearl-bordered Fritillary in good
numbers but alas no Camberwell Beauties. Many more birds, but the
highlight for me was a European Bison and a Wild Boar, three sows with about
fifteen piglets in a family group.
All too quickly it was time to move on to the Biebrza Marshes although I would
be happy to leave the mosquitoes behind as I was beginning to feel like a mobile
dining table.
On route I decided to visit Siemanowka Reservoir - here I saw Glanville
Fritillary and Alcon Blue; birds seen included White Tailed Eagle, Marsh and
Montague Harriers - but the sight of a pair of Citrine Wagtails feeding young at
the nest was an unforgettable experience. I decided to head for Gniadz for its
central position in the Bielboza River flood plain - an immense area. The
marshes are one of the major wetlands left in Europe with a biodiversity to
challenge Bielowieza. Although I had not booked ahead, I was lucky enough to be
able to rent a house near the river where I could watch White Winged Black Tern,
Black Tern, Black Stork and various raptors.
On the insect front, pride of place must go to the dragonflies which were
prolific, Yellow Winged Chasers being particularly numerous. Butterflies
included Bog, Heath, and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Short Tailed Blues, Purple-shot Coppers and Lesser Fiery
Coppers.
The bird list was extensive - some of my favourites were Crane, Aquatic Warbler
and Bittern. I found the nests of Golden Oriole, Penduline Tit, Woodlark and
Wryneck (a bird I’ve wanted to see for a long time) to mention a few. One of the
most memorable experiences of the trip was listening to the evening chorus over
the marshes. This included booming Bitterns, Thrush, Nightingales, Cuckoos,
March and Willow Warblers plus Corncrakes and their cousins topped off by a
multitude of Frogs.
After Bison the other mammal that I really wanted to see was Elk (Moose) and on
my last morning I was lucky enough to encounter a cow with calf at close
quarters. This seemed the ideal way to finish what was an experience that would
be very hard to beat anywhere else in Europe and relatively inexpensive.
Mark Farmer
South West Shropshire Signing off
The butterfly season met a sudden wet end. The rain came like a curtain pulled
across our memories of sunny days. Looking on the bright side Andy must have
received records far earlier than if September had continued as it started.
South West Shropshire may be signing off for the Atlas but there is now a
network of recorders many of whom are ready to continue into 2000. Our records
have had an enormous boost from Bill Davidson who has come to live in the area.
His is a case of enthusiasm and energy being matched with expertise and a nose
for the right places. Bill works at home so that days with any prospect for
butterflies are days in the field and other work is done at night. New sites
have been found for many key species, stacks of Purple Hairstreaks, many
Greens and some White Letters. There have been several new ones
for Walls, a few Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and Wood
Whites. The Atlas will show it all.
One day Bill took me to see Dingy Skippers where he’d seen them the day
before. Clouds came over, it turned cold but we began searching, tramping over
the dry area, heads down but ears as well as eyes open.
“There’s a Redstart.”
“Plenty of Goldfinches”
“Good to hear a Marsh Tit”
“A garden Warbler --------“
“---------and a Black Cap on the other side.”
Then Bill exclaimed, “I wish these damn things would sing!”
I vaguely wondered what song a Peacock would have and if the Holly
Blue would sound a little like the well known Christmas carol.
Starting next year Bill plans to make an annual systematic report on butterflies
in South Shropshire, so if anyone in the area is interested, gardens only and of
course beyond, please be in touch. Tel 01588 640 727.
Jean Armstrong