1972 - The Vasculum

Collared Dove: During January and February, up to three pairs were observed in the area of the
Leazes and Exhibition Parks, and the University and Hancock Museum grounds in the centre of Newcastle.
Goldcretst: A pair in the Beamish woods on March 26th.
Kestrel: On March 11th, three kestrels were observed together in an aerial display over Newcastle
University.
Marsh Tit: On April 3rd, a party of three birds were noted in the Causey Woods, whilst during the
same month two pairs were observed in the Beamish woods.
R. Marston Palmer.
The Peppered Moth a reversal of a trend ? In the Times of April 5th, 1972, there is a report from
Manchester of moths changing colour. Until a few years ago, when a programme against smoke pollution in the
North-West began to take effect, zoologists had noticed that moths hiding from predaors on the sides of
Mancheser buildings had black wings.
During the past decade, in which Manchester's air has become steadily cleaner, its sunshine records
improved, the zoologists have recorded that the moths' wings are changing colour to the peppered form. This
matches the cleaned up stonework on the buildings. Hence the trend towards melanism in industrial areas of
Biston betularia L. is in the process of being reversed.
We have not noticed any comparable change in our Durham populations but this is understandable
since we are in the path of pollution being blown from the west. It is more than likely that the effect of smokeless
zones both here and in the west will eventually have a similar result. It will be a worthwhile project for all
naturalists to keep a sharp lockout for Peppered Moths in our areas and report any observations to the Editor.
Mrs. A. N. Gibby.
Barnacle Geese. On May 17th, 1972, a pair of Barnacle Geese arrived on Joe's Pond, one of the
Trusts's properties. This was a sufficiently unusual occurrence at this time of the year to make a special note of it.
Later it was learnt that two birds had been seen at Barmston Ponds during the previous week, probably the same
pair.
T. C. D.
Spoonbill. A Spoonbill was present on the Barmston Ponds near Washington during part of May
and the greater part of June this year. The hypothesis most favoured by the ornithologists is that it was a young
bird hatched jfrom a nest in one of the Dutch colonies earlier in the year. During the usual process of dispersal
from the nesting area after growing up, it had strayed across the North Sea in our direction.
T. C. D.
The Glow-worm, Lampyris noctiluca L. On the evening of July 1st, 1972, the flickering lights of
female Glow-worms were seen quite frequently in Commondale, N. Yorks. It appeared to be more abundant than
is the case in most colonies.
Peter Morgan.
This is a particularly important observation. It is some time since this insect was reported from our area. (Ed.)
RECORDS.
MOLLUSCA SNAILS AND SLUGS
Potamopyrgus jenkinsi. 67
Big Waters; Prestwick Carr.
Carychium minimum. 67
Riverside at Chollerford; Whittle Dene; woodlands at Simonburn; Plankey Mill.
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