Author Archives: Thomas Whitlock

About Thomas Whitlock

I'm a third student at the University of Reading, currently studied for a degree in Zoology. I have a wide interest in biodiversity, most notably British wildlife. I have an especial interest in British mammals and birds. I hope to become a wildlife cameraman or photographer after I graduate, and I feel that blogging will be a key component of any future job in Zoology. This is my first blog, so please be kind!

Data Collection Day 18 – Pearman’s Copse

Yesterday was my final dusk data collection at Pearman’s copse down by the M4 motorway. The weather was very pleasant, a very nice 18 degrees in fact, and in total 15 bird species were recorded, although none which hadn’t already been … Continue reading

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Bird of Interest 17 – Song Thrush and Recent Research

In Britain, the song thrush (Turdus philomelos) is categorized as a species of high national conservation concern because of a large population decline during the last three decades. Song thrushes ringed as nestlings, juveniles and adults during April–September were used … Continue reading

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Bird of Interest 17 – Song Thrush

The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a dainty and well-marked thrush. Despite its subdued colouration, the Song Thrush ranks as a favourite among bird watchers, and its beautiful and distinctive song contributes in no small way to its appeal. The sexes … Continue reading

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Data Collection Day 17 – Redhatch Copse

Tonight was the turn of my second dusk sampling at Redhatch Copse behind Sibly hall. The weather held out, and was a pleasant 22C! In total 13 species were recorded, with only the song thrush not being spotted previously. 

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Bird of Interest 16 – Long Tailed Tit and Recent Research

Long–tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) are cooperative breeders in which helpers exhibit a kin preference in their cooperative behaviour. Experiments have found that there are significant differences in the responses of breeders to the vocalizations of kin and non–kin, suggesting that vocal cues … Continue reading

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Bird of Interest 16 – Long Tailed Tit

A delightful and often confiding little bird, the Long tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus) has a proportionally long tail and almost spherical body. The long-tailed tit is often seen in large animated flocks; it moves in a rather jerky fashion and has … Continue reading

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Data Collection Day 16 – Pearman’s Copse

This morning was my first morning data collection point at Pearman’s Copse. As it was before dawn, the M4 was relatively free of traffic, which meant I could actually hear bird song! In total, another 16 bird species were recorded … Continue reading

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Bird of Interest 15 – Blackcap and Recent Research

Young avian migrants of many species are able to find their species- or population-specific wintering area without the help of conspecifics. In orientation tests hand-raised birds have been demonstrated to choose appropriate population-specific migratory directions, suggesting a genetic basis to … Continue reading

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Bird of Interest 15 – Blackcap

The Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is a well-marked and distinctive warbler. The Blackcap has an engaging and musical song, and is easy to identify in all plumages. The sexes are dissimilar. 

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Data Collection Day 15 – Redhatch Copse

Today was the turn of my first dawn sample at Redhatch Copse, behind Sibly Hall. It was very cold this morning – about 4 degrees – but 12 species were still spotted, with a further 5 species being recorded. In total 17 … Continue reading

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