SWIAS
SIGHTINGS: 4.4 Carol watched 50+ Starlings performing a small ‘murmuration’ proving numbers are rising. 20.4 Carol & Sheila both had a hog feeding. 14.4 Christine Porteous & Helen Pocock both saw a lone Red Kite on Beech Hill Rd & (low over) Helen’s garden. 16.4 First pair of Swallows returned to Swanland Equestrian Centre. 15.4 at last we’ve a positive sighting of a Goshawk. 25.4 Mike Johnson (B.H. Rd) has a Blackcap (m), Chiff-Chaff, Bullfinches in his garden. 1.5 Tina Rudge (W.Dale) has 2 pair of House Martins rebuilding nests. They arrived a week earlier than last year.

SOS: its hog season so if you see one of any size out during the day it will be sick, injured or distressed and in IMMEDIATE need of help. Phone Lorraine on 502441 (Hull Hog Hosp) or Carol (advice only) on 632178. Do keep a strong cardboard box, towel & gloves handy to rescue hogs with. Pick them up gently from underneath with towel, put in a warm, dry place, don’t give food or water. Contact the above for help. THANKS!!

WARNING: we’ve been advised that dogs in our County are being stolen. Keep yours in plain sight when out or in a secure garden. Pedigree breeds are at particular risk.

BEE SWARMS: Contact (Beekeeper) Stewart Beckett on 633 523. Don’t approach, keep children & pets inside. He will safely remove the swarm & give them a home!
Remember WE NEED our bees they’re in serious trouble & urgently need our help.

LOOK & LISTEN FOR * young Goldfinches with grey heads (colours come later) * Red Admiral & Small Tortoiseshell butterflies * Elephant Hawkmoths hovering around Honeysuckle * various Ladybird species * late flowering Bluebells!

MONTHLY WILDLIFE GARDENING: * before trimming/removing hedges, bushes & trees check for nesting birds. It’s illegal to interfere with nests and/or chicks during March-Sept. SWIAS gives advice (see contacts) * REMEMBER slug pellets /pesticide /strimmers either fatally poison or kill/injure wildlife. Use NATURAL alternatives!

PLEASE KEEP SENDING US YOUR SIGHTINGS, NEWS & STORIES.

SPP

PROJECT NEWS: Marshy Area has been completed! The plants are fragile & will need care. The cages covering them need to be in place until the plants are well anchored & more robust. But we hope for some colour this year & for protection for amphibians at last from the predatory ducks & fish.

PLANNING TEAM has a new Secretary to replace Carol who had been with the team since its formation in 2006. We also NEED NEW MEMBERS! No previous experience of ponds is required just enthusiasm & concern for the village COMMUNITY pond. Our pond is a living reminder of the village’s historical past & wildlife pond for the future!!

If you’re interested DO talk to the SPP contacts above

LOOK & LISTEN FOR * Dragon & Damselflies active on warm, sunny days * more baby ducks & Moorhen chicks * Bats feeding on insects at dusk * birds drinking at the edges.