Monday 1 April 2013

Impact of Global Warming on Morecambe Bay

Despite the recent arctic conditions we are, as a planet, still in the grip of global warming.  Whatever your belief in the cause of this phenomenon temperatures across the planet are set to rise over coming decades and with that will come a change in local flora and fauna - but what will that mean on a local level?  As followers of this blog will know we have recently taken a keen interest in the local wildlife and have specifically been learning more about local birds so it was with some interest that I learned that the future for Morecambe Bay might look something like this:

Morecambe Bay 2020
Where currently we enjoy watching Oystercatchers and Snipe, by 2020 Flamingos are likely to be a common sight.  Naturally drawn to mudflats the broad bay is wide enough to accommodate their large flocks and the shallow water will suit their feeding habits perfectly.

How will they get here?  Well in much the same way that escaped parakeets formed the basis of the now famous flocks Kingston Parakeets in the South East, experts have suggested that it is only a matter of time before a breeding pair of Flamingos escape captivity from a local reserve, such as Martin Mere, and take up residence in the bay.

The issue of new and exotic species colonising our shores has caused such concern that DEFRA has set up a special sub-committee to monitor developments.  Any sightings of Flamingos in the bay should therefore be reported immediately to the Association for the Protection, Rehabiliation and Integration of Life From Other Overseas Lands. Thank you.

2 comments:

  1. I hope you posted this before midday! Like it! I'll sharpen up my binoculars!

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  2. Thanks Jaki - I shall await your first photos. :-)

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