Is Usutu virus affecting Blackbirds in the UK?
Finley Grant
Yes – Usutu virus (USUV) was first discovered in the UK in Blackbirds in Greater London during summer 2020 and appears to have spread across south-east England. Some bird species are considered more susceptible to USUV, and Blackbirds are particularly vulnerable. The virus is associated with the population declines in mainland Europe seen in recent decades.
Transmission occurs through bites by virus-carrying mosquitos. Symptoms may include lethargy, weakness, incoordination, seizures and death. Although mainly found in birds, in rare cases USUV can affect humans, although current evidence suggests that risks are low and infection mostly asymptomatic.
In general, standard hygiene precautions are advised, such as avoiding direct contact with sick or dead wild birds. Please report any sick or dead garden birds to our partners at Garden Wildlife Health.
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is also running a survey to understand the potential impact of USUV on UK Blackbird populations.
A pair of Mute Swans in flight. Photo: Mike Lane (rspb-images.com)
Is it normal for Mute Swans to be seen alone?
Emily Stephenson
This can be sad to see but the swan should be perfectly able to take care of itself and find its way in its own time. While Mute Swans typically mate for life, if they lose their mate, they may move on to a new water source and find a new mate or fly off and rejoin a flock.
During autumn and winter, we get more reports of Mute Swans being seen on their own. Often these are juveniles from previous years which have been pushed out by their parents to become independent. It’s normal to see them on their own until they join a flock.
Dunlin (left) and Knot (right). Illustration: Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Dunlin or Knot?
Both of these small sandpipers are lovely waders to spot. However, when Knot and Dunlin are in their juvenile and non-breeding plumage, the two species can be very difficult to tell apart. Both will flock in large numbers around our coast and are some of the most common waders to see during winter months. Identifying key features such as leg colour, beak length and shape, body size and certain plumage markings is key to telling these two apart when they’re in their winter plumage.
Dunlin
- Small body, similar in size to a Starling; smaller than a Knot
- A slightly downcurved and relatively long bill, no strong features in the face, with softer gradients between markings
- Black legs
- More subtle white wingbars when in flight
Knot
- Larger body, similar in size to a Blackbird; chunkier and stumpier than a Dunlin
- A shorter and straighter bill, grey head with white eye-stripe and dark feathers between eye and bill
- Dull green legs
- Dark outer wings with pale inner wing
Grey seals. Photo: James Hodgson (Alamy Stock Photo)
Why are there so many Grey Seals on the beach during autumn?
Charlie Hart
Although the breeding season has come to an end for some, autumn is still a busy time for Grey Seals!
Females will gather on the shore, each giving birth to a single pup – the result of last year’s mating. The pup will be covered in a thick, creamy-white coat to help keep it warm until it begins to fatten up on its mother’s rich milk.
After approximately three weeks, they will begin to lose their juvenile coats and their mothers will abandon them, as those mothers will be looking to mate again.
During autumn and the early winter months, our coastline is usually a busy place with mothers, pups and territorial males looking for mates. Therefore, it’s best to minimise any disturbance to them.
How to…
Choose a good place for a Tawny Owl nestbox
As Tawny Owls are primarily woodland birds, their nestboxes are best fixed to trees in a woodland or in large gardens.
Tawny Owls need good visibility from the nest and a clear flight path, and the entrance should face away from the prevailing wind.
Site the nestbox somewhere secluded and away from disturbance – for instance, a garden with small children may not be appropriate.
Tawny Owls are sensitive to disturbance when incubating and can be very protective parents, so it can be dangerous if they or their young are approached.
Tawny nestbox. Photo: Nick Upton (rspb-images.com)
White Saddle. Photo: Freya Jones
What is this fungus I’ve seen in Sherwood Forest?
Freya Jones
This is White Saddle, a common fungus found throughout British and Irish woodlands that can often be seen beside footpaths during autumn months.
Often capped with two or three main undulations with a few smaller curled edges, the White Saddle is cream in colour and supported by a stem with many ornate ridges. The upper side of the cap is smooth, while the underside is slightly downy. It usually stands at 8–10cm tall with a cap 3–8cm in diameter; however, the sizes do vary greatly.
Next time you’re out walking in the woods, particularly beech or oak woodlands, keep an eye out for a White Saddle along the path. Look but don’t touch though; it’s not recommended to eat this fungus.
