A random thread for the wildlife stuff - you know the drill

[The French Tandem]

"Les grues ont passé" This afternoon I saw two big groups (flights?) pass over Limoges heading up north. That is usually the sign that the wintry weather is finished. (For us commoners grue is a generic term for any group of birds flying at altitude in V formation - the actual bird type might not be a grue!.

Over here in Nevers, it's rather "Les oies". Both groups of birds probably belong to the same specie, although no one really knows whether they are geese or cranes!

[mzjo]

"Les grues ont passé" This afternoon I saw two big groups (flights?) pass over Limoges heading up north. That is usually the sign that the wintry weather is finished. (For us commoners grue is a generic term for any group of birds flying at altitude in V formation - the actual bird type might not be a grue!.

Over here in Nevers, it's rather "Les oies". Both groups of birds probably belong to the same specie, although no one really knows whether they are geese or cranes!

I think we have both in two separate waves but everyone refers to them as "les grues" regardless. Going out in autumn there are several weeks between the two. Spring seems to be a little less obvious. We are quite definitely on a flight path in Limoges - they may be using the lakes of the Brenne as a refuelling stop!

[Mr Larrington]

RIP Freddie the seal

[Mrs Pingu]

RIP Freddie the seal

Just saw that, very upsetting. Wish more dog owners were more considerate.

[hellymedic]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-56535979

[Sergeant Pluck]

Does anyone know what these tubular items are, attached to the branches?

[Flite]

Grey squirrel traps?
Don't look if easily upset....
https://www.greysquirrelcontrol.co.uk/spring-traps.php

[Sergeant Pluck]

I think you might be right.

It’s the only tree in the place (Marble Hill Park, SW London) that has them. They are restoring the park at the moment, planting huge numbers of trees and shrubs, including 2 orchards, and that tree stands in one of those.

Presumably they are concerned about tree damage. To be fair the park is awash with greys.

[Flite]

I know control of greys is used in areas up here that still have red squirrels. But I think the preferred method is live trap and despatch to make sure it's only the target species that is removed.  Not likely to be any reds in London, so as you say almost certainly they are kill traps to reduce damage to new trees.

[Kim]

Does anyone know what these tubular items are, attached to the branches?

I was contemplating a rectangular item of similar size and position that has appeared on today's ride.

[Sergeant Pluck]

I asked via their twitter and they tell me these are owl boxes. I don’t think so. Perhaps they have read my tweet but haven’t looked at my photo.

[Flite]

Not surprised that they will not admit on twitter that they are killing "cuddly furry mammals."
Lots of town folks will be feeding greys in gardens - regard them as pets.
Council can't pretend those are live traps and the animals will be released elsewhere as that is illegal.
Disclaimer: I know nothing about London.

[Sergeant Pluck]

They confirmed they are owl boxes when I expressed some doubt. I don't want to press the matter too hard as it may well be the case that they want to avoid controversy, so I jus thanked them for their reply. But they don’t look like any of the many other owl boxes I’ve seen in that park, and I doubt if you would have 3 owl boxes so close together on the same tree.

[Sergeant Pluck]

On the other hand:

https://gardenature.co.uk/product/little-owl-box-no-20

[PeteB99]

Ever wondered where your cat is?

https://twitter.com/generoom/status/1376084811421454337/photo/1