SEEN 8.3

From infamous alumnus, John Poland “one of the biggest Hawfinch irruptions I’ve known in the UK at the moment, thanks to Storm Ophelia. Over 500 birds reported so far and still coming in. Some more info at http://www.express.co.uk/comment/columnists/stuart-winter/869786/storm-ophelia-hawfinch-invasion-UK. Although I wouldn’t normally quote a tabloid as a source, the reporter (Stuart Winter) is actually a very good birder!” Thank you, John!

The Hawfinch irruption is popular on Twitter too, including posts from @RareBirdAlert  https://twitter.com/RareBirdAlertUK , with a post from 1^st November showing records at 451 sites!  @HawfinchesUK is also full of sightings. A map of the irruption is available here https://www.birdguides.com/articles/review-of-the-week/review-of-the-week-25-31-october/ and a nice blog post here https://bagginsontheloose.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/hawfinches.html . This species has been declining in the UK, with only 5 populations recorded last year, so the influx was unpredictable. It remains to be seen how many will actually spend the winter here. So if you’re a birder you’ll need to get out as quickly as possible to see them. The ornithology arm (or should it be wing!) of the natural history society have a weekly birding trip each Wednesday. Their email address is uosnathissoc@gmail.com, if you’re interested in joining them.

Hurricane impacts on wildlife http://voicesforbiodiversity.org/articles/hurricane-impact-on-wildlife

Staff contributor of the week, Mark Chapman “A light hearted look at wildlife (and also the only good thing to ever come out of the Daily Mail):

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5053847/See-40-finalists-Comedy-Wildlife-Photography-Awards.html” thank you, Mark!

British Ornithologists Twitter conference, 28^th-29^th November https://www.bou.org.uk/bou17tc/

UK to ban neonicotinoids https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/09/uk-will-back-total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides-michael-gove-reveals?CMP=share_btn_tw  the underlying debate http://www.nature.com/news/the-bitter-battle-over-the-world-s-most-popular-insecticides-1.22972 . Lots more on Twitter #neonicotinoids

GM apple goes on sale in the US https://www.nature.com/news/genetically-modified-apple-reaches-us-stores-but-will-consumers-bite-1.22969