[Peewit]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/content..._feature.shtml

http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s...rtford_warbler

Some news about the Dartford Warbler in their battle to survive changes, and the cold harsh weather.

[joannec]

The second link is a good article, Peewit. Thanks for posting it. I've been concerned about the Sussex DWs. We don't yet know how they've fared this winter. We had prolonged cold spells this winter that we haven't known for years.

[Peewit]

Originally Posted by joannec

The second link is a good article, Peewit. Thanks for posting it. I've been concerned about the Sussex DWs. We don't yet know haw they've fared this winter. We had prolonged cold spells this winter that we haven't known for years.

hi Joanne

Thank you for your comments.

I was wondering about the Dartford Warbler too. They seem to have had a haphazard life, and their numbers have fluctuated over the years to the point of them disappearing all together.

Such a dependancy on food which can be sought after under a blanket of snow, but the excessive cold can destroy the food that is there for the birds.
The Dartford Warblers remind me of Wrens who seem to suffer with the cold weather just as much. They are specialised feeders and that their forte, and their downfall too.

So the news item mentioned that spring will be the best time to understand how the DW's will be. A bit of wait, but to hear what people say and people experience will be interesting to find out about.
It is mentioned that any Dartford warbler sightings have to be reported to the Ranger, or whoeverlooks after the reserve.

Ask a silly question here, if Dartford Warblers are an all year resident Heathland bird, and thrive on Gorse and heather as their main food source - it makes me think that the Scottish climate would be ideal in that sense (though I have to say it is colder). Just my thoughts about it?
There is so much Heathland, Gorse, and open space in Scotland it has surprised me that they have not got a foothold there and are thriving!

It is good to know that Sandy RSPB H/Q's are trying to recreate the Heathland which the Dartford Warbler thrives upon. I hope that the project and the environment that is being created works in the future. It would a great success story!

Has anyone had the luck to see a Dartford Warbler at all?

[Quercus]

Originally Posted by Peewit

Ask a silly question here, if Dartford Warblers are an all year resident Heathland bird, and thrive on Gorse and heather as their main food source - it makes me think that the Scottish climate would be ideal in that sense (though I have to say it is colder). Just my thoughts about it?
There is so much Heathland, Gorse, and open space in Scotland it has surprised me that they have not got a foothold there and are thriving!

There certainly is lots of gorse and heather in Scotlland, and the West Coast (Argyll and the Islands) is probably milder in winter than Suffolk, but they would suffer with the wet! (I did!)