tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29476519911489423442024-03-13T09:29:07.825+00:00A birding odyssey.Personal birding at home and abroad, plus other natural history and conservation involvements.John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.comBlogger699125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-74945946039468217632023-08-30T10:28:00.000+01:002023-08-30T10:28:10.674+01:00Time to reflect ? 30th August, 2023.<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Back home now following a very relaxing and enjoyable time. Indeed, looking forward to the next session !!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, set against the number of migrants on passage, I get the uncomfortable feeling that an analysis at the end of the autumn will suggest bird numbers have tumbled yet again. Whilst I admit there is a need for more scientific evidence ( which will emerge in due course ) collective opinion does seem to reach the same sort of conclusions! Hopefully we'll be wrong and, for instance, the several evenings of clear skies have allowed a mini exodus of common migrants which has resulted in fewer being around during ensuing days. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At the same time I hear that quite a number of the Cuckoos that have been tagged by the BTO are already south of the Sahara, so all is not doom and gloom. What does need to improve immeasurably is the current Government's response and initiatives to environmental matters. The fine words and promises of yesteryear seem to have been cast upon the wind in many cases with no sincere commitments currently being offered to wildlife policies, indeed DEFRA' 's profile appears to be at its lowest ebb ever. The skewed PR afforded the latest outpourings relating to the current season's brood management figures on Hen Harrier seemingly aimed at bolstering up the grouse shooting lobby whose future increasingly appears to be under stress and strain. Time will tell, but it would be nice to see a slightly more independent view coming forward from the Government's senior advisor on wildlife matters, and equally a more robust position being pursued by the RSPB given the future of grouse shooting in the uplands is increasingly being called into question! Time will certainly tell but with a General Election being held in 2024 now is not too early to be raising expectations of what might comprise future change ! </span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-59837991250957870702023-08-25T08:32:00.000+01:002023-08-25T08:32:07.689+01:00Rewarding day ! 24th August,2023.<p><span style="font-size: medium;">An extremely enjoyable day spent largely around or at kilnsea Wetlands and Beacon Lagoons or nearby. A great variety of waders on offer ( Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Knot, Turnstone, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper , Dunlin, Little Stint, Bar tailed Godwit, Black tailed Godwit ) and additional goodies thrown in for good measure ( Garganey, Little Gull, ).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Later a Hobby zoomed south over our heads and gave tremendous views.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Locally the vast majority of cereal crops and oil seed rape have been harvested and some of the land even prepared for the next overwintering sowing. Some passage Wheatear and Yellow Wagtails have found the newly ploughed land attractive as have large numbers of gulls.</span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-46488293843982947342023-08-23T08:33:00.001+01:002023-08-23T08:33:22.674+01:00Rather routine throughout ! 22 August, 2023.<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">Well, after all the excitement the winds have changed and things seem to have settled into the routine! Whilst a look at the list of things that have been seen on any one day can be very impressive, from an individual's point of view , Spurn's recording area is very large stretching, as it does, northwards to Easington!! That means that choices have to be made as to where you cover ! Alongside all this, dedicated observers covering sea passage or visual migration are on station for long periods of time and miss little. All put together, an individual observer looking out from Sammy's Point when something turns up at the Point way across the Bay has little chance of connecting with it if it's on the move. But that's the excitement that surrounds birding and deciding on the "itinerary" for the day can be part of it ( or suggest your selection criteria needs revising! ). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Deciding on coverage of the core areas around the observatory accommodation down to the Warren wasn't a bad choice followed by a visit to Sammy's Point. Odd migrants were around ( Willow Warbler, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail ) ,out on the Humber numbers of Golden Plover were present, several Whimbrel were around, Greenshank and a fine adult Mediterranean Gull. And the weather was fine , so a very pleasant day in the end . It provided an opportunity for a good chat with friends Robert and Sue Cookson and Dave Spivack and to catch up with family now that telephone reception has improved !!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-31502509507842290782023-08-20T14:51:00.000+01:002023-08-20T14:51:16.697+01:00A day of promise that never really materialized ! 19th August,2023.<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, Storm Betty never seemed to materialize if set against the weather forecasts we'd received. Heavy rain and strong winds didn't appear to be a feature overnight ( although I did close all windows and sleep soundly !! ).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The flurry of early morning announcements of newly arrived migrants being found never really happened. The best I could offer was coming across two rather tired and bewildered Common Sandpipers running around some large puddles on an area of wasteland used by heavy lorries and fishermen for parking and located immediately north of the Gas Terminal in Easington. A period of seawatching produced nothing either !</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Later I visited again the area near Skeffling that is being developed as a wetland. Again little of interest either over the area concerned or the adjacent Humber. Several parties of Golden Plover winged their way overland towards Spurn, a Greenshank flew south calling and a female Marsh Harrier hunted nearby with the weather proving to be fine but blustery throughout. </span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-45203830127115497922023-08-20T14:36:00.000+01:002023-08-20T14:36:06.214+01:00Certainly a much better day ! 18th August, 2023.<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Other tasks took me north of Spurn in the morning but sometime after 0900 hours I had the opportunity to do some seawatching. Several flocks of Teal went through and a quite large pack of Common Scoter along with a gentle procession of terns and Gannets. A single Whimbrel went through before the bully boy form of a Great Skua went south mid way offshore. After an unproductive interval a single Black Tern went through south quite close in , which lifted my spirits, but proved to be the end of passage for a while. By then time was creeping on so I headed off for some lunch back at my unit at the farm.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With tea and sandwiches made a report on the radio then threw things awry ! Icterine Warbler at the Warren heligoland trap area , so guess which won out ! In fact there proved to be two not one. One bird was noticeably more grey on its upperparts than the other, a more typical specimen with light lemon /yellow on the underparts and a distinct greenish appearance above. It was great to have the time to study them in detail and to get good views from time to time of one out in the open. Not a species that is always co-operative during the breeding season , if seen on the continent, where they can spend time in the tree canopy and be obscured.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Back for what was now a late lunch ! A freshly made mug of tea was then interrupted by a report of a Red-backed Shrike not very far from where I'd been !!!! So off again to gain what were quite good views of a bird present along the hedgerow line of the drainage ditch running east from the canal zone. The bird was quite mobile, but with a bit of patience it showed well, occasionally making forays out to adjacent areas to secure prey. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hung about the area on the off chance something else might turn up (it didn't !! ), but I was rewarded nonetheless by entertaining views of a Barn Owl standing for quite a time in the circular entrance of the nest box which is on an elevated pole not far from the YWT Visitor Centre. Besides stretching periodically the bird seemed captivated by the Swallows which kept zooming past over the tops of the nearby bushes. By now it was after 1700 hours so time and hunger were creeping on ! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Reports of some Pied Flycatchers in the tree cover adjacent to the Crown and Anchor pub couldn't be ignored. Sometimes totally lost to view, occasionally one individual of three perched out on a bare branch and provided excellent views.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And so, finally back for what now was moving into a late and formal teatime treat !! New cup of tea made, sandwiches devoured, I then confess I sort of "lost" an hour, but that's another story !!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A good day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-58570632849197473322023-08-20T13:54:00.001+01:002023-08-20T13:54:35.036+01:00A pretty good morning ! 17th August, 2023.<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">Went across to Sammy's Point on Humberside where a brisk easterly wind was blowing across the very "root" of the peninsula below Easington. Clearly birds were cutting across from their southward passage down the North Sea or being deflected by the strength of the wind itself. Noticeable were small groups of terns which kept passing downriver. I kept monitoring those which took short rests on the tank blocks and had some super views of both Common and Sandwich Terns. A little later, as a small group was shifting around choosing spaces, I went through all those present. Imagine my delight as , amongst several Common Terns and a couple of Sandwich Terns, a single Roseate Tern stood out whilst preening itself. Soon they were gone to be followed shortly by a call on the radio reporting two Arctic Skuas over the Humber. I managed to find one, which appeared to settle on the water somewhere off Chalk Bank, but confess that I then lost contact. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Time went on and the tide level began to recede leaving exposed mud where Dunlin and Redshank fed . Later still, and going through the waders present, I found a Little Stint amongst the Dunlin at the same time as a Whimbrel moved through up river. Fairly soon the whole gathering moved off . As time went on gull numbers , chiefly Black headed Gulls , picked over the exposed mud but not before four Little Gulls revealed themselves. It would have been so easy to miss them as they stood immobile for quite a time until, as with the waders, the whole collection moved on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite best efforts nothing else of note appeared other than a couple of parties of Golden Plover moving high over the Humber. Such proved to be the end of the excitement as an examination of two or three different nearby areas produced nothing of note, but the day left nothing to grumble about ! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-16257494600674279262023-08-18T08:23:00.001+01:002023-08-18T08:23:18.658+01:00A day of drama ! 16th August, 2023.<p> When first created the Spurn Migration Festival was held at Westmere Farm, where I stay. The farmer, Andrew Wells, built an observation platform at the eastern end of "the big barn" mainly, at that time , so that exhibitors of optical equipment could be afforded views over to the North Sea. Since then it's been extended up to another level and provides open views of the whole area. A morning spent looking out for birds migrating through can be well spent along with a pot of tea to hand.</p><p>I'd decided to have a morning session and was able to take advantage of a warm, virtually calm morning with good visibility. The session provided a good selection of bird species including a dispersed party of Whimbrel calling excitedly as they made landfall. But, on this occasion , it wasn't birds that stole the show but a Brown Hare and a Stoat. The hare was feeding on an open area of grass just below the platform, the Stoat put in an appearance and proceeded to stalk the hare using a variety of strategies and cover. The hare seemed oblivious to all this as the drama enfolded. The whole episode took on a military element of contain and strike except the hare continuously moved its position and frustrated things! No drama set in the savannahs of Africa could have been as spellbinding as the drama continued, eventually being almost half an hour in duration. The Stoat tried so hard, but eventually the hare moved away into open space even further away and the whole thing fell apart!!</p><p>Set aside the Mustelids and enter the <b>Lionesses !</b></p><p>Well done , girls ! Just as dramatic, I enjoyed every minute.</p><p>The afternoon provided a phenomena worth experiencing too. The NE wind had strengthened and a quite dense sea fret had formed over the coast and inland for 200m or so. The alternative was to go on Humberside which, by contrast, was quite hot and produced very little.</p><p><br /></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-9850001923543979272023-08-16T13:35:00.000+01:002023-08-16T13:35:44.247+01:00 A general day. 15th August, 2023.<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The weather forecast proved its worth and provided a sunny, warm and pleasant day, albeit with a blustery wind at times. I decided to take advantage and visit a range of areas within and around the Spurn recording area. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Called in to the Outstrays development which can be overlooked from the Skeffling pumping station. The site is located between Skeffling and Welwick/Outstrays and will eventually involve the breaching of the Humber embankment to allow the river to enter the various areas which have been constructed/prepared in this vast enclosed area.</span> <span style="font-size: medium;">A large site and one with huge potential for the future and conservation of wildlife.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Again spent the afternoon seawatching and whilst nothing exceptional was seen it was nice to see an almost continuous stream of terns moving south, some waders on the move and numbers of Kittiwake offshore. By way of an ending a Greenshank flew, calling, over the accommodation unit as I cooked an evening meal, a reminder that I'd never made my visit to the wetlands !</span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-50098494980329354692023-08-15T18:44:00.000+01:002023-08-15T18:44:33.462+01:0014th August.........the begining !<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly the morning proved unproductive as the only opportunity I had coincided with rain, I got wet through and the only " bonus" on Humberside was a Whimbrel !!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thankfully I had the afternoon free and so could "dedicate" my efforts into seawatching. Located north of Easington I had most of the afternoon and early evening available, which coincided with the high tide and, hopefully, would catch much of the passage of terns moving southwards to their roost in the marshes of north Lincolnshire. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The time proved absolutely enthralling with a quantity of passage southwards into the strengthening southerly wind. Species I logged in the almost four hours of attendance were as follows ; Gannet, Cormorant, Little Egret, Common Scoter, Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, GBBG, LBBG, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Mediterranean Gull, BHG, Kittiwake, Guillemot , Puffin, ( on the sea ), Arctic Skua , Sandwich Tern , Common Tern, Black Tern ( this latter and the Arctic Skua being the stand out bonus birds)!.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The "formal" counts undertaken by the observatory over the day had a number of wader species on the move and almost 3000 Common Terns heading south. A spectacle to behold.!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-18208286653849051542023-08-14T09:47:00.001+01:002023-08-14T09:47:58.023+01:00Some general background ! <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last week I travelled to Glasgow to attend the World Track Cycling Championships. The journeys to and from Glasgow provided an ample amount of time in which to have a think about various things including resuming Blogging! Recent times, despite firm intentions, have seen renewed attempts simply fade away and fail.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But , to be quite frank, I've suddenly had an urge to start Blogging again, not simply to relate wildlife experiences, but, given the disgraceful record of our current Government as far as environmental matters are concerned , to use the medium to draw attention to these shortcomings and lend an additional voice of criticism and objection , particularly in advance of the upcoming General Election in 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What may have provided a lifetime's interest and enjoyment to many is now being disregarded, if not trashed, in favour of an agenda which seems to have no empathy with the natural environment and to have scant regard for the serious threats which are begining to engulf the planet. To ignore such matters is not just foolhardy, but ignores our contribution to a collective global responsibility which might just have some chance of alleviating disaster. Kicking things into the long grass is a sure route to disaster ! Raising impossible deadlines simply to transfer reality into another administrations term of office is adolescent politics at its most blatant. Sadly, this appears to be the approach which has been embraced on a number of fronts, not just on matters relating to climate change, but also on air quality, water quality, habitat degradation and much more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, while the intent and objectives of all of the above might be plain, the decision caused me a dilemma !! Should I create a separate "environmental/political" Blog or amalgamate more of the latter content alongside the conservation and wildlife focus of Birding Odyssey ( comments please ). Finally I decided that, as I was unlikely to stray into social or economic maters very often, I would leave things as they are, although things can be changed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, there you have it, the " new approach ".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However, given I'm staying in Kilnsea, East Yorkshire at present, which is immediately north of Spurn Bird Observatory and adjacent to both the North Sea and the River Humber, I think you can infer the main emphasis will be on birding activities in the immediate future. How long my residing in such an idyll will maintain my being able to resist venturing into commenting on ever deteriorating circumstances remains to be seen!! </span></div>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-17636316794856359312022-03-13T10:23:00.000+00:002022-03-13T10:23:31.401+00:00General update as at 11.3.2022.<p> Given that President Zelensky appears to be able to successfully lead the defence of his country via the means of a mobile phone I feel somewhat ashamed at my repeated apologies and admissions of failure when it comes to WiFi and akin technical issues. Perhaps being located in Norfolk was not a help , but there you go !</p><p>Following the piece relating to the apparent persecution of a White tailed Eagle and efforts by the local MP to suggest such was unworthy of investigation I did write to the Speaker of the House of Commons and ask if the matter could be taken further. I received a very helpful response explaining that his position demanded neutrality and the means whereby he could take action simply weren't available. It was suggested that I could consider raising the matter with my own MP. No further information or reports have arisen on the subject.</p><p>My time in Norfolk coincided with a period of poor weather ( Storm Eunice etc ) and was hard work in some respects. All of the ten days, barring one , saw rain and accompanying fresh to strong winds at times. Such was disappointing and frustrating, but there were still good birds to be seen. I didn't manage to see everything on offer but, nonetheless, had good views of Siberian Chiffchaff, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, White fronted Geese, Caspian Gull, Goshawk and, above all else, phenomenal views of Red breasted Goose plus most of the "supporting cast" of species that we regularly associate with a birding break in Norfolk. Amongst these was Grey Partridge which, sadly , becomes less of a likelihood in my own local area. I had some prolonged views of a couple of birds at Holkham and admit to thoroughly enjoying the whole episode.</p><p>I returned home to find the village in absolute mayhem. The gas supply pipes are being replaced which means traffic controls, excavations, and general disruption, although it does seem the work is moving forward at pace ( that beloved expression of modern day MP's ). Unfortunately the house I live in is central to the traffic control system, which means parking is no longer available. Hopefully the work will be completed soon, although estimates tend to vary which is not helpful for future planning as , apparently, you've to be around at the point the conversion directly affects your address !! Happy days.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-17271002429345250052022-02-18T12:19:00.002+00:002022-02-18T17:59:47.312+00:00White-tailed Eagle persecution.Around a week ago a report was issued on Raptor Persecution's web site giving details, based in turn from a report issued by the Dorset Police and an accompanying appeal for further information. Essentially a White-tailed Eagle had been found dead in suspicious circumstances on one of the large estates in Dorset. The bird was one of those released under the Isle of Wight scheme and, sadly, joined another of its counterparts also found dead in Sussex last October. To my knowledge neither of these has yet had the routinely associated post mortem or toxicology reports placed in the public domain.
Such follows a now almost regular litany of similar reports on bird of prey persecution, many of which are associated with shooting estates, although, in this case, there is nothing which has emerged which connects the estate in question with the incident. No doubt further information will be reported on in due course by the Police following their investigations. But that is when the whole scenario assumed a rather unfamiliar twist. The local Conservative MP, a Mr Chris Loder, put out public comments on his Twitter account advocating that he did not wish the Dorset Police to investigate what appears to be a criminal incident. Sadly he fell back on what has become a familiar stream of comments based on hysteria and predjudice stating that he didn't want eagles "killing our lambs or plaguing our farmers" and that he felt investigating county lines drug distribution activities were of more importance. I doubt anyone would argue against the need to carry out work on the latter, but it should not be assumed that investigating wildlife crime takes away resources from other section of the police force, a major aspect he appears to have overlooked. Wildlife Crime investigations are carried out by dedicated Wildlife Officers, a function I am sure he would support ( or would he? ). It has been reported that the wealthy owner of the estate in question has been a prominent supporter of the Tory Party and that his wife is involved with the Countryside Alliance, also that Mr Loder himself is a tenant farmer in the county. Whilst there is nothing in any reports to signal any connections with the incident, there is clearly a justification for concern to be expressed when such a clear case of suspected criminality is openly advocated by the local MP to be set aside and ignored. Whether such arises from utter naivete or other reasons is immaterial as, in my view , this is not an activity one expects from an MP.
A colleague of mine recently contacted Mr Loder's office (01305 818446) and was advised that various complaints on the matter had been received from outside the constituency. Similarly the Crime Commissioner for Dorset (01202 229084) had received various contacts on the same subject. I feel the subject deserves airing more widely as there are obvious matters of principle involved given the scenario involves a serving MP. I would remind people that when the Prime Minister sought to "protect" the lobbying activities of the then serving MP, Owen Patterson, the whole sorry episode ended in tears. Here we have a serving MP openly advocating that an active police investigation into a potential criminal activity should be abandoned !! Not a responsibility I was aware MP's were invested with! Whilst it is clear Mr Loder openly opposes the release scheme on the Isle of Wight of White tailed Eagles , an open advocation that criminal activities against such birds should be, by implication, openly tolerated, encouraged and decriminalized is a step too far in my book. I have today sent an E-mail to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker's Office ( Houses of Parliament, Westminster ) drawing the matter to his attention and asking that he refer the matter on to whichever authority within the House of Commons it is that deals with such matters. I make no secret of the fact that, personally, I support conservation initiatives and worked in that sphere for many years and that I accept that the opinions and views of others should be considered equally, however, open advocation that the rule of law should be set aside in the cause of predjudice is not an initiative to be tolerated whether promoted by an MP or not! If other people feel similarly I would encourage you also to E-mail the Speaker ( speakersoffice@parliament.uk ) or,indeed, your own constituency MP. Thank you.John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-36893095951129245322022-02-16T14:02:00.000+00:002022-02-16T14:02:02.811+00:00The Dawning of the Age of Aquarious.I'm aware that, on various occasions in the past, I've "announced" my intention to start Blogging again. Admittedley this has usually been at the cessation of a period of lockdown associated with Covid, or in one case, after an injury and period of recuperation. The honest truth of the matter is that, whilst there was serious intent in the announcements, they never ended up with any continuity attached to them despite regular birding activities. Can do better was an understatement.
Will this one be any better? Well, I hope so as Covid restrictions are being wound down or close to being withdrawn altogether. Admittedley, whilst the situation does seem to be improving, it's still more than a little patchy and, from a personal viewpoint, I think there's every reason to put effort into what might best be described as "personal caution". But, in my case, there's another reason why I hope things proceed differently.
As the title of this Blog suggests ( and do forgive the pun ) I reached my 80th birthday on the 24th January and so fall within the Aquarious star sign. That's simply an unavoidable fact, not something to which I attribute any direct relevance ! But, given that I'm healthy, full of good cheer and free of restrictions I think there's every good reason to make an effort and set out what can happen in "one's personal autumn" given a little focus and concentration is applied to life!
The strategy to be followed, as you might imagine, is not markedley different to anything that's gone before. Travel and birding, family and friends, and generally getting around and enjoying things. So it seemed the obvious addition to all of that was to share the enjoyment and provide a regular account of how things were going, the quirks encountered and the successes enjoyed. So, the eighth decade is born and, hopefully, will provide an encouraging testament to what can be achieved, post 80, and underscore the idea of picking up the baton and continuing ambling!!
I've various UK trips arranged but, as yet, have made no firm arrangements to travel abroad as I don't yet believe "the Covid situation" is under absolute control. I'm sure some would disagree but, after enjoying various "domestic" holidays within the last couple of years, I'm more than prepared to extend the approach a little further. I can't speak for everyone, but I've also found that I've managed to save money within the lockdown periods too. So, I've effected a complete conversion to Swarovski. Having traded everything else in I'm now equipped with a pair of 10x56 binocuars and the new 115mm scope with binocular eyepiece attachment. Yes, the latter is heavy, but I'm not doing as much rampaging about the uplands as in the past and suspect a practical approach will soon emerge to cope with the problem.
And so, despite the imminent weather forecasts, I've a trip to Norfolk planned and will put all of the above to the test. Watch this space.John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-84149501175833274512021-10-01T17:56:00.001+01:002021-10-01T17:56:22.097+01:00The final week ( 21st - 27th ).I'm actually completing this a few days after the 27th when I returned home ! After immodestly launching into what was intended to be a resumption in Blogging I hit problems via a visit from the Gremlin family and things came to a stop. Thankfully birding itself wasn't affected , which was good given a steady trickle of migrants, activity over the sea and Kilnsea Wetlands continuing to produce and shine !!
May I take the easy way out ( apologies ) and refer readers to the official observatory sightings reports given they go into absorbing details of what was happening on particular days ( www,spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/sightings/ ). As for me I guess the verdict is , Can do better !! Thankfully I shall be back at Spurn fairly soon and intend to do just that !John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-12537901683597480272021-09-21T09:25:00.001+01:002021-09-21T09:26:17.411+01:00A quite varied week 13th - 20th SeptemberThe first week of my stay has proved eventful and absorbing. Other than one late afternoon and evening with rain it's also been fine throughout, a real bonus. AS ever I've elected to do at least one period of seawatching each day and been rewarded accordingly.This time of year sees Red throated Divers making their way south and each day has seen birds streaking south, low over the waves or even in small groups at height. A sight I never personally tire of ! Other sightings have included Great Skua, Arctic Skuas and Long-tailed Skua, indeed one individual ( presumed to be the same bird ) has taken up temporary residency offshore of the seawatching hide and has been seen quite regularly. A rather poor sighting ( for me) of a Sabine's Gull was less rewarding, but numbers of Mediterranean Gull in the area have been more than welcome and a few Little Gull have been in evidence.
A couple of days has seen duck on the move with Teal being by far the most numerous. Other species have figured including Velvet Scoter and also the first Dark bellied Brent Geese. A group of Light bellied birds has also been on the Humber for the past few days. One of the star birds of the last few days has been a Dotterel spending time within the Golden Plover flock on the Humber. As might be expected numbers and variety of waders have provided an ever welcome diversion at Kilnsea Wetlands in particular. With winds being mainly in the east each day has produced something good worth searching for, which is the real payback associated with a stay in early-mid September.John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-71054085930068206062021-09-18T14:01:00.000+01:002021-09-18T14:01:45.806+01:00SPURN 2021.Spurn, nowadays, and the approach you have to take whilst birding there, has changed significantly compared to the situation that presented itself when first I used to visit and stay there in the late 1950's. I was still at school, of course,so visits were done on a day basis or during the holidays when we used to stay at Warren Cottage. The penninsula itself, facilities, ownership patterns and even the area covered are much different to those days when , for instance, two fields had to be crossed in order to get to the shoreline from Warren Cottage passing a small reed filled marsh on the way. One thing it has not lost and that is its magic, an aspect that ever increasing numbers of visitors are now begining to discover for themselves!
One thing steadfastly remains and that is that it is one of the premier bird migration locations in the UK, an aspect that even seems to improve and assert itself further as the years go by! The observatory has independent status, has a modern residential facility, staff, a vibrant committee, an ongoing research programme and an ever expanding record of success.
One major element has changed , however, and that is the bird recording area embraced by the observatory.
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As can be seen from the map above , this area has a northern boundary which circumvents Easington village in the north. This "new extension" has , itself, produced a whole string of excellent records and has certainly enhanced the importance in ornithological terms of the extreme tip of south east Yorkshire. The village too has attracted an ever growing population of resident birders !! This "development" has emerged when another important change has occurred to the penninsula itself. Several years ago the penninsula was (finally ) breached and it is no longer possible to journey down to the Point by car. This has made coverage of the recording area for one individual somewhat of a challenge, although the advent of electric bicycles which are able to cross the sandy breached area has improved matters for the lucky few. Alternatively,simply determining a schedule of visiting several of the key areas and picking up on a good selection of what is around is a reasonable startegy. Short wave radios are put to good use , but the frustration of being at Sammy's Point and learning of something good which has turned up at the Point never fails to go away! The fact that such a selection of riches regularly graces the Spurn/Easington area is testament to its unique position and importance. With people seawatching,catching and ringing birds, carrying out visible migration studies coupled with a veritable army of enthusiasts combing the recording area from dawn to dusk each day such prominence is hardly surprising.
So, taking a holiday here presents endless opportunities and guaranteed enjoyment. I've started paying regular visits again since moving back to Yorkshire, an aspect supported over the past couple of years by the ever changing lockdown arrangements. As the Observatory itself provides a very detailed report on line each day drawn from the activities of its staff and volunteers, my entries will simply reflect my own coverage ( considerably much less adequate ) from my stays! I'll also just present it as a weekly summary too, the first one of which is set out below.
John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-33560777121527277592021-09-14T16:39:00.000+01:002021-09-14T16:39:40.900+01:00The start of it all!!A busy day from the onset with packing the car , a supermarket shop and other errands even before setting off. I'd decided to detour from the direct route to Spurn by calling at the RSPB Blacktoft Sands Reserve to try and see the <b>WHITE-TAILED PLOVER.<b></b> </b> It's an easy option to simply turn off the eastbound M62 and go through Goole to the reserve. It wasn't that busy and the bird was actually showing from the first hide next to the Centre. How convenient!!!!
After having my fill of what is an extraordinarily elegant, even shy looking , bird I visited the other hides as it's some time since I was last here due to all the Covid restrictions.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPufElrSKEReLv6D_sRUEhnvpB5ZrxeOLdv9bQbenoZVXO1DKdMb_f7YEwDemJlfqh1fiRWxEiYbUECoyeuNyVdWPT7pmZGaaopo55nkaXLdsOkemjeG0BmT9krMXHBo57bKX-Jmla5ww/s3807/IMG_1636.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3045" data-original-width="3807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPufElrSKEReLv6D_sRUEhnvpB5ZrxeOLdv9bQbenoZVXO1DKdMb_f7YEwDemJlfqh1fiRWxEiYbUECoyeuNyVdWPT7pmZGaaopo55nkaXLdsOkemjeG0BmT9krMXHBo57bKX-Jmla5ww/s400/IMG_1636.JPG"/></a></div>
As I understand it this is only the ninth time this species has been recorded in Britain, so it's quite a significant occurence. ( Yorkshire is somewhat blessed today with a Green Warbler turning up at Buckton and the Black-browed Albatross sporadically returning to Bempton ). As I moved on Cetti's Warbler called loudly from nearby cover and proved to be the best of very few passerine species in evidence and recorded. As might be expected at this time of year waders were in good numbers. It was good to see numbers of Common Snipe , Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, together with a few Greenshank and Lapwing. An adult and immature Water Rail dodged about on the edge of one of the extensive reedbeds, three Marsh Harriers put in an appearance and several duck species were present ( Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Teal.). Conscious that I'd been there for three hours I retraced my steps to the motorway ( the only downside of this cunning plan! ) as I wanted to miss the Friday night exodus from Hull. It proved to be even less busy than previously, despite the roadworks affecting the centre of the city and I managed to reach Spurn by the end of the afternoon.
This weekend coincides with that of the Spurn Migration Festival ( again I believe its ninth anniversary ). Its location has changed this year to the large field on the left immediately before the bad right angle bend at the Blue Bell. Previously held at Westmere Farm ( where I always stay in one of the self catering units) it had proved easy in the past to leap out and intercept old friends that had been spotted amongst attendees. A bit more ingenuity might be required this time around!
Having unpacked the car some nine hours after the reverse process I got sorted out, ate and went to bed!
John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-21856877788993480202021-09-09T16:11:00.001+01:002021-09-09T16:11:41.536+01:00To Blog or not to Blog?When I look at the last Blog entry I made ( 1.1.21.) it's full of some certainty and resolve. A handful of days after writing it [ and after a really great morning of birding with Matthew ( my son ) to celebrate the new year ] we were in lockdown again! Great, I thought, here goes, back to following the intentions set out in the previous Blog dated 20.4.20 and accepting the limitations.
Well, it's not turned out quite as bad as I thought it might as lockdown restrictions were lifted to some extent during the Spring and Summer such that birding might tentatively begin again and I managed to enjoy periods at Spurn in May, July and, more recently, late August. It's not until very recently though that I've felt a sufficient level of certainty that's then allowed a bit of forward planning to emerge. An enthusiasm for following up a few survey ideas has returned together, this time, with sufficient confidence to believe it might prove possible to see things through to the end! I'm just about to go back to Spurn for 2/3 weeks and then, similarly, from mid October to mid November, so life has certainly begun to take on shape again.
Caution is still the word in many respects if a sensible approach is to be followed as I'm sure we'll face one or two "Covid challenges" over the autumn and winter but , nonetheless, I believe we've now reached a point where we can look forward with increasing confidence whilst embracing this new normality. In my case it hasn't yet reached the point of considering foreign travel !!
So, the answer to the question posed in the Blog title is an emphatic "yes" and an accompanying expressed hope that opportunities to put words on paper and share the excitement and wonders of the outside world will now emerge.
Watch this space !!John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-76175343377777485982021-01-01T21:10:00.001+00:002021-01-01T21:38:30.488+00:00It seems a long time since I committed to producing a Blog on a regular basis (too long!). In the meantime, much has happened to affect all of us and the outcomes are most certainly not a cause for celebration ! So here we now are at the onset of a New Year with a large measure of uncertainty hanging over us. To me, the only way forward is to work within the official parameters made available and to make the best of things. Whilst I've remained at home today, setting up various things, I'm still looking forward to what the next twelve months will bring and to the inevitable surprises.
Way back in the autumn of 2018, whilst in Cornwall, I had a bad fall down a steep, cliff footpath , took a battering, injured my left knee, which then took some time to mend. By 2020 I was recovered, starting off the year in Scotland, seeing a few nice things, including White-winged Scoter, and was ready to engage with a year of promise. Later, a week in Norfolk was something of a washout and, shortly after that, the problem with the Covid 19 virus emerged and lockdown restrictions followed on soon afterwards.
Short periods at Spurn in July, August and October, when restrictions eased, revived the spirits and intent and, now, here I am again looking forward to future birding, but with the whole UK enduring various levels of restriction. It seems likely that this situation is going to apply in some form or another for a while yet and, therefore, the challenge is to construct activities within the regulations and get on with it !
For my part I've abandoned all plans to go abroad until at least well into 2022. I've decided to concentrate primarily on local birding, travel within the County as regulations allow and adhering to all the guidance and, then,more widely as restrictions are lifted. Easy, unequivocal and stripped bare of " what if's" and "if onlys". Given my home area is still in Tier 3 I feel very lucky having the opportunity to travel around in what is a countryside area where it's not difficult to avoid people entirely ! I've decided on a personal recording area of two 10 km squares ( OS areas SE 10 and 20 ). Large....yes, ambitious....yes but an area overall with a large variety of opportunity and challenge on the eastern flanks of the Pennines up onto the open moorlands themselves. Reservoirs, woodlands, moorlands, swathes of agricultural land combine to provide a rich variety of habitat.
Whilst the current situation gives rise to serious concerns, there is room for hope once the vaccination programme really gets underway. In the meantime I think everyone should do their level best to accept the disciplines of the guidance and help to minimize the pressures on the NHS to whose staff our heartfelt wishes should be offered. Take care, stay safe and have an enjoyable year.
John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-72745188898347881972020-04-20T11:47:00.000+01:002020-04-20T11:47:08.672+01:00Quick update !Hi everyone. Well, I'm afraid my well laid plans and intentions have not really produced. My "local routes" provided a good selection of local birds at the very beginning, but since then have failed to deliver any nice surprises. I have to say that I've really enjoyed listening properly to Blackbird and Song Thrush songsters as, normally, I'd probably only utilise such wonderful outpourings as evidence of presence within a survey of some kind I was undertaking. Yes, I agree , shame on me !<br />
By far the most exciting discovery has been a local Greenfinch on territory. It started off a bit creaky ( if not bronchial ) but has since developed and is now giving daily doses of its rasping calls coupled with a few melodious notes . This is great news in a way as even the presence of an odd bird or flyover within the three/four years I've been here has been has been decidedly thin !<br />
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Eyes to the skies from now on in the hope of intercepting something of note. Fairly soon I hope to record the first House Martins that breed in the nearby estate and, fingers crossed, even the lone pair of Common Swift that bred next door last year.! In the meantime I'll continue to flog the "exercise routes" and turn thoughts to what will eventually prove to be a completely relaxed set of circumstances and complete mobile freedom. At the same time I 'll also work hard at suppressing interest in the current system of north east and easterly winds, circumstances that are avidly prayed for usually but now, of all times, impose themselves when we're unable to glean any benefit from the bird passage they might influence. And then I think of the people who might also have had a similar interest, but who, tragically , have succumbed to the effects of the epidemic which confronts us. Time to turn to the uplifting notes of our nearby thrushes and to feel thankful !John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-509274508159182492020-03-29T12:02:00.001+01:002020-03-29T12:02:45.047+01:00New Mammal Atlas for UK.The book shown below has only just been published and is a volume that should grace the bookshelf \of anyone with an interest in wildlife in the UK.<br />
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Inspired by the late Derek Yalden, the Atlas presents the collated results of records from the UK for the period 2000-2016. The design layout and presentation of text, maps, illustrations and diagrams is absolutely excellent, as is the up to date information on all our familiar mammal species. Particularly pleasing and interesting are the details made available on the wide range of bat species and cetaceans, many of which are supported by relatively few records.<br />
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A book that can be browsed time and time again, releasing new information, inspiration and delight on each visit. Copies can be obtained from Pelagic Publishing (<a href="http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/">www.pelagicpublishing.com</a> ) or by visiting the Mammal Society website ( <a href="http://www.mammal.org.uk/">www.mammal.org.uk</a> ).<br />
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\John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-15019849144428010132020-03-28T20:50:00.000+00:002020-03-28T20:50:01.241+00:00Birds of Cyprus.The book shown below was published at the very beginning of 2020 and joins others in the series of field guides produced by Helm. I was really looking forward to it supplementing the variety of birds to be seen in Cyprus on my visit this Spring , but then current circumstances intervened. I was also looking forward to spending time with Colin ( Richardson ) and to congratulating him face to face on what is an absolutely excellent publication. <br />
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This is not a review in a formal sense, more a celebration of what is a tremendous publication that would no doubt have enhanced the enjoyment and experience of many birders visiting Cyprus for the first time this Spring. As might be expected from Helm the standards throughout are beyond first class, be it the layout designs, illustrations, presentation of the text and distribution maps and the reproduction quality of the photographs. The authors and all others involved deserve our thanks for a volume that will give countless hours of enjoyment !<br />
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I particularly liked the compendium of birdwatching sites and the exhaustive and precise details for each. Such is a fitting tribute to Colin Richardson's diligent exploration of the island. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone intending to visit Cyprus ( which , currently, is in a more severe form of lockdown than the UK ). Future circumstances will , I am sure, be different and allow the full benefits to emerge from what is a wonderful island. For those who have already reaped the benefits of visiting Cyprus then the book provides a wonderful prompt to reliving the experiences you have accumulated.<br />
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Until last year I'd never had a good view of what is now accepted taxonomically as Cyprus Scops Owl. Then the view of a slightly angry looking bird peering down at us from the upper confines of a large thorny bush were superb and the diagnostic slightly darker and greyer plumage well seen . Such has been perfectly replicated in the stunning illustration on Page 142, even to "the look", an experience now depicted in perpetuity. Thank you.<br />
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It may well be that visits to Cyprus might now be curtailed for some time. More reason to get a copy of this book, repeatedly savour the contents and build up your enthusiasm for a visit at a future time.<br />
You'll not be disappointed in any respects.<br />
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John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-68163300678503898132020-03-28T19:59:00.000+00:002020-03-28T19:59:35.564+00:00A challenge to isolation !Yesterday morning I started what I now intend to be a regular habit in the ensuing weeks, that of covering a given small local area and noting what birds I've seen. Thankfully, where I live is central to two adjacent kilometre squares , one of which has the River Don running through it and the other comprises an upper part of the rising flank of the eastern Pennines.. As a consequence , and easily within reach , are a variety of habitats that inevitably will provide a good selection of birds. I've identified three routes I can follow on my "permitted exercise walk" each day and am quite looking forward to it all.<br />
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Yesterday morning was quite cold and a bit misty when I went out ( I suppose the area averages out at a little over 250/260m. ). I confess it was after dawn (0530 hours ) and whilst a few cars were on the move I only saw one other person. Suffice to say I didn't see much, as the route I'd chosen was closest to the houses and predominantly "urban" in all respects despite the rural location. I repeated it again this morning, with, much the same return, excepting a singing Mistle Thrush and a very welcome rasping Greenfinch..<br />
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The contribution our gardens make nowadays in supporting our birdlife is of paramount importance given many of the rough corners within our landscape have been lost in the quest to bring all available areas into production. The task of monitoring garden birds has risen in parallel and the results from the surveys organized by the British Trust for Ornithology in this respect have been illuminating ( see <a href="http://www.bto.org/gbw">www.bto.org/gbw</a> ). The benefits of pursuing an interest in our urban wildlife have been championed by many, including the Urban Birder ( David Lindo ) whose indefatigable efforts have led many into appreciating a hitherto undiscovered world on their very doorsteps. See <a href="https://theurbanbirder.com/">https://theurbanbirder.com/</a><br />
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Whilst my " local list" has not yet reached twenty , the opportunity to follow my passion within the circumstances imposed upon us all has already improved my own sense of well being and offset a sense of restlessness and frustration. Worth embracing the habit I'd say ! I suspect that we might all discover something within our close neighbourhood that lay ignored previously, driven past as we set off for favoured birding areas a little further afield ! Whilst I doubt I shall see anything exceptional I intend registering the area within the BTO BirdTrack scheme and adding the bird species seen into the population monitoring programme. I'll keep everyone posted on what is recorded within each month and such might be the interest and benefit I gain from it all I might make an effort to keep it going in a permanent sense. <br />
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In passing may I add this as a Postscript. Last evening many in my village, along with countless thousands within the UK, emerged on to their doorsteps at 2000 hours and clapped their hands as a gesture of thanks and admiration to the staff of the National Health Service ( NHS ) { and now the 600,000 + volunteers who have come forward to help } for the magnificent job they're doing in countering the effects of the Conovid 19 epidemic..<br />
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It was humbling, and not a little emotional, to witness and be a part of something so simple, but so far reaching in a collective sense, happening as it was throughout the country. When I came back indoors I was much reminded of the epic words of Sir Winston Churchill about the Battle of Britain. Substitute "nursing" for "human conflict" and the tribute is as vibrant today as ever was.<br />
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<em>Never, in the field of nursing, has so much been owed by so many to so few.</em><br />
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To all in the NHS, thank you, take care and bless you all. John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-29579395114308151432020-03-26T13:46:00.000+00:002020-03-26T13:46:19.788+00:00Facing the future !Well, I'd be the first to agree that it's been an absolute age since I last put out a Blog. Many things managed to get in the way, but I suppose 2019 will go down as both a good and bad year !!<br />
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Recovering from a knee injury , sustained in 2018, which " insisted" over time in improving, and then deteriorating in equal measure, was somewhat frustrating to say the least. Eventually, in November 2019, things cleared up entirely after over fourteen months. In between, and on a completely different front, I'd had to replace two laptops ( yes two ! ). A complete meltdown on each occasion against which I'm still reaping the penalties. If anyone reads this and realises I haven't been in touch for some time then please E-mail me as I've probably lost your contact details which probably right now reside in some local cyber cemetery!<br />
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There were some better times, of course, when I was at Spurn and the time I spent out in Cyprus ( see the Blog entries ). Nonetheless, I was rather looking forward to 2020 as the preceding months appeared , overall, to have moved through less than smoothly !<br />
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The New Year started in Scotland from which the return journey allowed a "calling off" at the Firth of Forth where I managed to see both Surf Scoter and the White-winged Scoter. Some local birding followed, including a day south of Doncaster which produced both Common Crane and Rough-legged Buzzard. Not at all bad for South Yorkshire!<br />
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A period of stormy weather saw a weekend on the East Coast cancelled and damage sustained to the house roof ! Was the improvement trend faltering I asked myself? A week in Norfolk soon followed , which was largely a washout, and then following on my return home the Covid-19 virus pandemic engulfed us all ! The immediate effect of this was that an intended "Spring sojourn" of several weeks in Cyprus was cancelled and a later trip to the Cairngorms suffered the same fate. I'm afraid I took the view that decisive action was needed, however much of a disappointment this proved to be , as the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances was unlikely to end for some time. Being a "golden oldie" the advice to isolate soon followed and now, of course, we're subjected to "conditioned house arrest". My preferred description ! So it looks as if 2020 is set to be worse than 2019, so how best to approach things?<br />
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I rather suspect that the overall implications of what affects us all will extend much further than the three weeks , or even three months, that are currently being offered as popular "milestones". I truly believe it's best not to create such false horizons, much better to construct a timeline of your own , and to determine a series of activities that link to your interests and thereby provide some form of substitute to what you might otherwise be engaged in. A home based bird list, for your immediate area, coupled with the odd migration watch perhaps, a deliberate selection of wildlife documentaries on television from which you can compile your own world list of species "seen" , and a catching up on reading all those natural history books you've bought but not yet opened. I'm sure there are endless other possibilities and I'd be glad to hear of your ideas.<br />
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For my part I've decided to continue with this Blog, to include details of birds I've seen on my local "exercise " walk, to include book reviews and reportage on environmental and conservation topics that might yet hit the news. After such an absence of regular entries the "readership" of the Blog will take a little time to build up and so feed back and ideas might be a bit thin on the ground, but keep them coming nonetheless. In the meantime , best wishes to all, take care .John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2947651991148942344.post-69387614020823391312019-08-27T09:02:00.000+01:002019-08-27T09:02:22.403+01:00Further thoughts on the petition to ban driven grouse shooting.The above petition is now close to reaching 80,000 signatures, a tremendous achievement. So the next obvious point to make ( of course ! ), is that , if you haven't signed , do so now !.<br />
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I'm on holiday at Spurn at present and so have lots of opportunity to consider, again and again, the overall situation as I wander around or complete a slow paced sea watch! Cutting to the chase, the immediate , most important aspect to address and gain improvement against , is the continuing persecution of raptors. Many of those affected are iconic members of our wildlife heritage. If there were to be any kind of similar assault on, say, our artistic heritage, there would be an outcry. As yet that hasn't occurred to the same potential extent, but will if the arrogance and self interests of the shooting fraternity continues even given its Establishment associations.<br />
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I've little doubt that any call for an outright ban would take some time to bring into being. However, a debate wherein the persecution issue was properly laid bare and the consequences of no improvement arising made apparent could help tremendously. This is where I believe the RSPB could help by encouraging support from its members. My RSPB Campaign Newsletter arrived this week ,urging people to assist in calling for sustainable farming policies and in resisting any extension of the large power station complex south of the important Minsmere Reserve. Laudable both , but some mention of the continuing plight of raptors wouldn't have gone amiss. To avoid doing so starts to accept the incidents are part of a developing permanent culture and I simply refuse to accept that position.<br />
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A recent Blog from the RSPB set out the need for a review of the grouse shooting industry, something I couldn't agree with more. But not all the membership reads such Blogs , a fact I'm reminded of given a series of recent conversations with people at the BirdFair and elsewhere. The question , in one form or another, seems an inevitable component of any conversation........ " What's the RSPB doing about all this raptor persecution?". Now I realise that such a demand is simplistic and with no simple answer, but it prompts me to consider whether the RSPB might be a little out of touch with the expectations of its membership ( straight forward demands in some instances). There's an immensely loyal bunch of people out there with concerns about "its Society " as well as issues like raptor persecution. It seems to me there is an all out need to set out , even repeatedly, the extent of the Society's involvement at any one time and to try and involve the membership wherever possible and curb their frustration. Incidentally , the one comment that comes through , time and again, is support for the magnificent work of the Investigations Team ( I couldn't agree more ). What does seem to go unappreciated are the position statements and summaries of what should be without any accompaniment of action points .<br />
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I'd be the first to recognize this is a difficult problem, but let's never accept it as an impossible one, which brings us full circle to the beginning. The need to precipitate action. ACTION THIS DAY, NOT TOMORROW OR THE WEEKEND.......NOW!!John S. Armitagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452035194822027644noreply@blogger.com0