The Varley and Gradwell study fascinates me - nineteen years of painstaking field work to establish population dynamics as a scientific discipline. It's kinda mind-blowing how that level of commitement to one species generated such foundational insights. The antifreeze protein detail is also brillant, especially knowing those proteins are now being studied for organ preservation. Nature's solutions always seem more elegent than our attempts to engineer them from scratch.
Thanks - I didn't know that about the Barbastelles! Regarding the delayed breeding, some mammals (including some bats) have a somewhat different strategy - rather than delaying mating they mate but then delay implantation of the embryos, apparently.
Fascinating report, as ever, thank you and beyond thrilled to be mentioned. I thought of you the other morning when a Winter Moth was sitting on the kitchen table, seemingly waiting for breakfast, obviously having flown in the night before. Despite the wet and wind (or beginning to think because of it) there are one or two Winter moths on our windows most evenings by 7pm. On 7th January there were 6 and on 11th and 18th, 4. We are on the edge of a conifer wood that includes plenty of deciduous trees. We do have a lot of great tits and blue tits. (I feel I should add that I don't know why my Substack username is so formal. My first name is Sarah. I will change it but I will wait awhile - I don't want to mess up your report. Best wishes.)
Thanks Sarah, it’s reassuring to know you’re seeing good numbers of them. It might be getting a bit late in the season now, but I think if you went out into the woods with a torch early evening (5 - 6 pm ish) and looked on the trunks of the deciduous trees you might be lucky enough to find a female or even a mated pair.
The Varley and Gradwell study fascinates me - nineteen years of painstaking field work to establish population dynamics as a scientific discipline. It's kinda mind-blowing how that level of commitement to one species generated such foundational insights. The antifreeze protein detail is also brillant, especially knowing those proteins are now being studied for organ preservation. Nature's solutions always seem more elegent than our attempts to engineer them from scratch.
Indeed, I found her last post very interesting and am intending to write some comments when I can get my act together!
Very interesting read Dennis. I was fascinated by the bits re delayed breeding.
I also have an article to read about Barbastelle bats which apparently commonly fly in sub zero temperatures. A popular food source are winter months.
Thanks - I didn't know that about the Barbastelles! Regarding the delayed breeding, some mammals (including some bats) have a somewhat different strategy - rather than delaying mating they mate but then delay implantation of the embryos, apparently.
Badgers also I believe.
Suspect @katebradbury will find this interesting when she returns from her travels!
Fascinating report, as ever, thank you and beyond thrilled to be mentioned. I thought of you the other morning when a Winter Moth was sitting on the kitchen table, seemingly waiting for breakfast, obviously having flown in the night before. Despite the wet and wind (or beginning to think because of it) there are one or two Winter moths on our windows most evenings by 7pm. On 7th January there were 6 and on 11th and 18th, 4. We are on the edge of a conifer wood that includes plenty of deciduous trees. We do have a lot of great tits and blue tits. (I feel I should add that I don't know why my Substack username is so formal. My first name is Sarah. I will change it but I will wait awhile - I don't want to mess up your report. Best wishes.)
Thanks Sarah, it’s reassuring to know you’re seeing good numbers of them. It might be getting a bit late in the season now, but I think if you went out into the woods with a torch early evening (5 - 6 pm ish) and looked on the trunks of the deciduous trees you might be lucky enough to find a female or even a mated pair.
Interesting and informative as always Dennis. Thank you. Cannabalistic caterpillars! 🐛 Grim!
Thanks Linda. I don’t think this is the only species that would resort to cannibalism if they’re kept in crowded conditions!
Thank you!