After a period of not having internet access ( not an unusual situation here!! ) I can declare I'm "back on line"!! It's frustrating when it happens and, on this occasion, I have to pass thanks to an Islay resident ( Liz Hathaway ) who put me right and advised the system generally was "down" after a period of my checking plugs, connections, wiring etc etc , phone calls and, generally, confusion and no success.
So, starting today as opposed to backtracking, I've been participating in the routine goose counting scheme operated by Scottish Natural Heritage. I think I've said before that actual goose counting leaves little opportunity for other birding as you're forever scanning for geese!! Still a fine Sparrowhawk, a collection of Lapwings around a lens of floodwater, a single Whooper Swan on an isolated stretch of water and simply being out in much improved weather looking at geese was a bit special, and signalled things were on the up!
On the way home the outline of a female Hen Harrier caught in the diminishing light of dusk and, later, a Grey Heron sculpted in silhouette alongside Loch Indaal were indicators of the more artistic aspect of watching birds , as opposed to birdwatching!!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Challenging Patchwork!
Today appeared to be the first real opportunity to do some real birding. Well, that was the theory, in reality things turned out differently!
I'd intended carrying out the first intensive visit to "the Patch" and to hopefully get a few photographic shots of the best bits of habitat within it. Well, forget the second bit as things proved to be dull and miserable, set against inevitable better opportunities that will arise in the future! Generally conditions weren't ideal anyway as the F5/6 onshore wind was blustery, the sea somewhat angry and visibility impaired with mist.
Several flocks of geese were around with well over a hundred Greenland White-fronted Geese ( none carried collars unfortunately! ) and a few Barnacle Geese in a couple of sheltered fields. Later 4 Grey lag Geese flew around over the coast. Other than Herring Gulls and Fulmars nothing was on the move offshore. Several Shags were feeding in the relative shelter of various bays and still managing to lift themselves out of the huge breakers coming onshore before diving into the turbulent waters. Single Red-throated Diver and Eider were located momentarily before being lost to view. At this stage the forecast heavy seas weren't anywhere near there worst, although rocks emerging two metres above the surface were obscured with ease by swirling walls of cascading water.
Clearly conditions were set to get worse so it seemed sensible to try and cover the area as quickly as possible. Previous to arriving at the bay above I'd parked for a while in a convenient spot to watch over the sea to watch for birds on the move. A dead Brown Hare nearby attracted two Buzzards and a Hooded Crow which all "held station" in the onshore wind, doubtless keeping an eye on their booty in anticipation of my departure! Across on McKenzie island Atlantic Grey Seals were hauled up on each of three small beaches well above the splash zone and, at the north end 11 pairs of Fulmar crouched blissfully on their selected territories. Other than Starlings, no passerines were encountered, so I moved on to another bay, which is sheltered , and regularly attracts a few waders and other feeding birds.
Nothing was in the tiny bay, the whole beach area was piled high with kelp and the inflowing stream, swollen with recent rain, forced an energetic course through to the sea. An then it started to rain ( seriously rain, as we're used to "regular" rain hereabouts ) suggesting things might be coming to an end. Covering the rest of the "Patch area", I was surprised to see eight rather round brown bundles exposed towards the centre of a field. Eventually I determined they were all Brown Hares, tightly pulled in around themselves and occupying what must have been a relatively sheltered patch in an otherwise seemingly open field exposed to the wind.
And that was it, with nothing else new seen, and the weather deteriorating rapidly. Looking at past Blogs we have had things worse around this time of year ( snow on odd occasions, four days without power on another.......in fact the location of "the torch" and "the stove" are in a rehearsed position at home since then ). This recent weather is nonetheless beginning to be wearing and hopefully we'll get some respite soon. As for "the Patch" I guess the challenge still remains, and in major part too!!
I'd intended carrying out the first intensive visit to "the Patch" and to hopefully get a few photographic shots of the best bits of habitat within it. Well, forget the second bit as things proved to be dull and miserable, set against inevitable better opportunities that will arise in the future! Generally conditions weren't ideal anyway as the F5/6 onshore wind was blustery, the sea somewhat angry and visibility impaired with mist.
Several flocks of geese were around with well over a hundred Greenland White-fronted Geese ( none carried collars unfortunately! ) and a few Barnacle Geese in a couple of sheltered fields. Later 4 Grey lag Geese flew around over the coast. Other than Herring Gulls and Fulmars nothing was on the move offshore. Several Shags were feeding in the relative shelter of various bays and still managing to lift themselves out of the huge breakers coming onshore before diving into the turbulent waters. Single Red-throated Diver and Eider were located momentarily before being lost to view. At this stage the forecast heavy seas weren't anywhere near there worst, although rocks emerging two metres above the surface were obscured with ease by swirling walls of cascading water.
Clearly conditions were set to get worse so it seemed sensible to try and cover the area as quickly as possible. Previous to arriving at the bay above I'd parked for a while in a convenient spot to watch over the sea to watch for birds on the move. A dead Brown Hare nearby attracted two Buzzards and a Hooded Crow which all "held station" in the onshore wind, doubtless keeping an eye on their booty in anticipation of my departure! Across on McKenzie island Atlantic Grey Seals were hauled up on each of three small beaches well above the splash zone and, at the north end 11 pairs of Fulmar crouched blissfully on their selected territories. Other than Starlings, no passerines were encountered, so I moved on to another bay, which is sheltered , and regularly attracts a few waders and other feeding birds.
Nothing was in the tiny bay, the whole beach area was piled high with kelp and the inflowing stream, swollen with recent rain, forced an energetic course through to the sea. An then it started to rain ( seriously rain, as we're used to "regular" rain hereabouts ) suggesting things might be coming to an end. Covering the rest of the "Patch area", I was surprised to see eight rather round brown bundles exposed towards the centre of a field. Eventually I determined they were all Brown Hares, tightly pulled in around themselves and occupying what must have been a relatively sheltered patch in an otherwise seemingly open field exposed to the wind.
And that was it, with nothing else new seen, and the weather deteriorating rapidly. Looking at past Blogs we have had things worse around this time of year ( snow on odd occasions, four days without power on another.......in fact the location of "the torch" and "the stove" are in a rehearsed position at home since then ). This recent weather is nonetheless beginning to be wearing and hopefully we'll get some respite soon. As for "the Patch" I guess the challenge still remains, and in major part too!!
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Early Bird Survey......something for all who feed birds!
If you feed birds in your garden , then this is a survey for you and one that is not very time demanding.
On Thursday, 9th January, 2014 the British Trust for Ornithology are organizing a survey to see which species begin visiting garden feeding stations the earliest and what other factors might be influencing their behaviour, essentially overnight temperatures and light pollution. First of all the survey can be completed on any day surrounding the 9th ....... I'm going to complete mine on the 7th hoping that the feeders have not been blown away again!!
To gain a full insight into what is involved, visit this link and gain the full instructions Early Bird Survey .
It's easy to overlook the fact that, in bad weather in mid-winter, birds are really up against it and the availability of food, and their capability to exploit such resources to the maximum, is a life or death matter. Some small passerine species rely, utterly, on their body fat to get them through each of the long winter nights where sub-zero temperatures can be encountered. Factors which enhance this capability are clearly positives and shorter nights , slightly higher temperatures and the opportunity to commence feeding early due to the influence of ambient light may make a difference. Certainly, with my nearest neighbours' houses requiring binoculars to see them, the benefit of an incidental light source is minimal to non-existent in my case!!
So, the requirement is to be in place before dawn, (thankfully rather late at this time of year ), cup of tea to hand, A4 recording sheet ready to scribble your observations on and the task of recording the first ten species to visit. Fill the feeders up the night before and, if you have a max/min thermometer, set it up in a suitable place ( if you haven't got one it doesn't matter ).......and bascically that's it!! Wogan's radio show is a personal option, why not try the Today programme, there may well be a piece on about the survey, you never know.
On Thursday, 9th January, 2014 the British Trust for Ornithology are organizing a survey to see which species begin visiting garden feeding stations the earliest and what other factors might be influencing their behaviour, essentially overnight temperatures and light pollution. First of all the survey can be completed on any day surrounding the 9th ....... I'm going to complete mine on the 7th hoping that the feeders have not been blown away again!!
To gain a full insight into what is involved, visit this link and gain the full instructions Early Bird Survey .
It's easy to overlook the fact that, in bad weather in mid-winter, birds are really up against it and the availability of food, and their capability to exploit such resources to the maximum, is a life or death matter. Some small passerine species rely, utterly, on their body fat to get them through each of the long winter nights where sub-zero temperatures can be encountered. Factors which enhance this capability are clearly positives and shorter nights , slightly higher temperatures and the opportunity to commence feeding early due to the influence of ambient light may make a difference. Certainly, with my nearest neighbours' houses requiring binoculars to see them, the benefit of an incidental light source is minimal to non-existent in my case!!
So, the requirement is to be in place before dawn, (thankfully rather late at this time of year ), cup of tea to hand, A4 recording sheet ready to scribble your observations on and the task of recording the first ten species to visit. Fill the feeders up the night before and, if you have a max/min thermometer, set it up in a suitable place ( if you haven't got one it doesn't matter ).......and bascically that's it!! Wogan's radio show is a personal option, why not try the Today programme, there may well be a piece on about the survey, you never know.
A first class motivator!
This is a book to be read as the wild winds of winter blow outside, rattle tiles on the roof and the rain incessantly lashes down! And so it was, and still is! But enter "Scilly Birding....joining the madding crowd" which will serve to strengthen anyone's determination and resolve, whatever the weather, to enter the New Year with renewed focus!!
It's an engaging book and in many different respects. For those who know little about birdwatching, and particularly twitching, it serves to explain much about the obsessive and disciplined efforts which can be applied to the hobby. For those who are involved, it goes far in setting in print the emotional highs and lows, the sheer dedication required on some occasions in order to see something special and the planning which can accompany such efforts.
Whilst it's only just been published, the events describe a first visit of a fortnight to the Scillies in October in the mid-eighties. Anticipation, angst, anxiety and sheer relief all flood from the pages. I've no intention of outlining the events portrayed, as that would spoil a good read, other than to say the style of narrative and detail is consistent throughout and certainly holds your attention.
Besides planning, fieldcraft, discipline and focussed determination, it also manages to highlight that success might be assisted by a regular intake of beer and pasties and beef stroganoff ! It's hilarious in places, serious and informative in others. I couldn't put it down and would recommend it to all.
Scilly Birding by Simon Davey. ISBN 978-1-908241-17-7
www.bramblebybooks.co.uk
It's an engaging book and in many different respects. For those who know little about birdwatching, and particularly twitching, it serves to explain much about the obsessive and disciplined efforts which can be applied to the hobby. For those who are involved, it goes far in setting in print the emotional highs and lows, the sheer dedication required on some occasions in order to see something special and the planning which can accompany such efforts.
Whilst it's only just been published, the events describe a first visit of a fortnight to the Scillies in October in the mid-eighties. Anticipation, angst, anxiety and sheer relief all flood from the pages. I've no intention of outlining the events portrayed, as that would spoil a good read, other than to say the style of narrative and detail is consistent throughout and certainly holds your attention.
Besides planning, fieldcraft, discipline and focussed determination, it also manages to highlight that success might be assisted by a regular intake of beer and pasties and beef stroganoff ! It's hilarious in places, serious and informative in others. I couldn't put it down and would recommend it to all.
Scilly Birding by Simon Davey. ISBN 978-1-908241-17-7
www.bramblebybooks.co.uk
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
And so to 2014!
Happy New Year to everyone and a sincere wish that your birding in 2014 will be fulfilling and exciting!
Back in situ , back in harness and back to Blogging!!
Today was always going to be difficult in that promises had been made against that times many repeated old line, " Well, give me a ring on New Year's Day", and so it proved to be. Thankfully, the weather wasn't all that kind, with the best part being at the beginning of the day preceding the wind rising and showers appearing!
So a busy day of sorts, but one that also provided an opportunity to prepare for better things to come. Besides sorting out a new approach for recording details within the BuBo programme I also got myself registered ( I think! ) within the Patchwork Challenge scheme. Take a look at Patchwork Challenge 2014
Basically you submit details of the species seen within your favourite local birdwatching patch on a monthly basis, each particular species earns points and you end up with your name in lights or needing to try harder!!! More complicated than that, of course, but it provides an opportunity to make birdwatching fun and is a motivating factor too. The size of your chosen area is limited to 3 km squares in extent and the whole idea links to having somewhere nearby to home where you can grab a period of time on a regular basis and hopefully ensure you're not missing much that's going on.
At some point soon I'm going to go around my selected patch ( so named SW Islay ) and take a few photographs of the various mini habitats/sites within it and set out details on the Blog. And this being the day of resolutions, I also promise to declare the scores that I tot up throughout the year ( foolish boy!).
Back in situ , back in harness and back to Blogging!!
Today was always going to be difficult in that promises had been made against that times many repeated old line, " Well, give me a ring on New Year's Day", and so it proved to be. Thankfully, the weather wasn't all that kind, with the best part being at the beginning of the day preceding the wind rising and showers appearing!
So a busy day of sorts, but one that also provided an opportunity to prepare for better things to come. Besides sorting out a new approach for recording details within the BuBo programme I also got myself registered ( I think! ) within the Patchwork Challenge scheme. Take a look at Patchwork Challenge 2014
Basically you submit details of the species seen within your favourite local birdwatching patch on a monthly basis, each particular species earns points and you end up with your name in lights or needing to try harder!!! More complicated than that, of course, but it provides an opportunity to make birdwatching fun and is a motivating factor too. The size of your chosen area is limited to 3 km squares in extent and the whole idea links to having somewhere nearby to home where you can grab a period of time on a regular basis and hopefully ensure you're not missing much that's going on.
At some point soon I'm going to go around my selected patch ( so named SW Islay ) and take a few photographs of the various mini habitats/sites within it and set out details on the Blog. And this being the day of resolutions, I also promise to declare the scores that I tot up throughout the year ( foolish boy!).
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Wild,wild weather!!
Whilst I have to say that living on an island like Islay makes you somewhat immune to the drastic changes and extremes of accompanying weather for the area. However, occasionally more noticeable events occur or are predicted. We're in the middle of one at the moment, although I don't believe it's going to be "extreme" in the more accepted sense.
I suppose it's easy to be cynical towards some of the more "simple", but nonetheless genuine, comments that arise in the media whenever extreme events occur. For some people who have usually avoided the "pleasure" of high winds, lashing rain, high seas and general disruption it may well be a very significant occurrence in their lives and one they don't want to see repeated either! By contrast, it's a bit of a " you puts up with what you get" situation for us in many senses given island life regularly includes wild weather. However, I must, somewhat mischievously, repeat the television report I heard yesterday of someone ringing in to say his refuse bins had been blown across the yard. Well as a wild weather "indicator" I'm afraid that's way down on the scale of severity given I've had to retrieve bins from across an adjacent field on more than one occasion. Currently they're tucked away in the barn and have been for several days!
On a serious note I've just checked my barometer and it's reading 940 millibars, which is actually the end of the scale on the device. I'm told the lowest ever recorded pressure reading in the UK is 923 so we're not far away from that position. In 13/14 years of being here I recollect only two or three really fierce storms, i.e. wind speeds in excess of 110 mph. They're not a nice experience as damage to property etc is a given; they're actually quite scary too as the accompanying noise is horrific as very high winds have a roaring sound and, if your power supply is still retained, the volume control on the TV or radio usually needs hiking up. Doing anything outside is usually out of the question and a thought must be given in those circumstances to farmers needing to deal with stock and to the various emergency services whose personnel have to turn out to rectify matters. Thankfully, floods aren't the problem experienced in many other areas, although unbelievable quantities of water can descend upon us!! It's the waters we're surrounded by that can so easily generate problems, which is precisely what is happening at present with the two earliest ferries today having been cancelled. It's rather traditional for Islay to see family get-togethers at Christmas/ New Year, a situation which can be severely affected by events such as those now affecting the Hebrides/ Western Isles. It has to be said that, in my opinion, Caledonian Macbrayne ferries do their damnedest to "deliver" in such difficult circumstances and if cancellations occur then they reflect the severity of the circumstances involved!!
As for wildlife then I have to say that I'm just about to put the kettle on and then rely on the delights contained within the latest BirdWatch magazine. A review of Christmas arrangements and accompanying opportunities can be taken later when all the excitement dies down!!
Despite the best efforts of the weather may I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year and enjoyable birding during 2014.
I suppose it's easy to be cynical towards some of the more "simple", but nonetheless genuine, comments that arise in the media whenever extreme events occur. For some people who have usually avoided the "pleasure" of high winds, lashing rain, high seas and general disruption it may well be a very significant occurrence in their lives and one they don't want to see repeated either! By contrast, it's a bit of a " you puts up with what you get" situation for us in many senses given island life regularly includes wild weather. However, I must, somewhat mischievously, repeat the television report I heard yesterday of someone ringing in to say his refuse bins had been blown across the yard. Well as a wild weather "indicator" I'm afraid that's way down on the scale of severity given I've had to retrieve bins from across an adjacent field on more than one occasion. Currently they're tucked away in the barn and have been for several days!
On a serious note I've just checked my barometer and it's reading 940 millibars, which is actually the end of the scale on the device. I'm told the lowest ever recorded pressure reading in the UK is 923 so we're not far away from that position. In 13/14 years of being here I recollect only two or three really fierce storms, i.e. wind speeds in excess of 110 mph. They're not a nice experience as damage to property etc is a given; they're actually quite scary too as the accompanying noise is horrific as very high winds have a roaring sound and, if your power supply is still retained, the volume control on the TV or radio usually needs hiking up. Doing anything outside is usually out of the question and a thought must be given in those circumstances to farmers needing to deal with stock and to the various emergency services whose personnel have to turn out to rectify matters. Thankfully, floods aren't the problem experienced in many other areas, although unbelievable quantities of water can descend upon us!! It's the waters we're surrounded by that can so easily generate problems, which is precisely what is happening at present with the two earliest ferries today having been cancelled. It's rather traditional for Islay to see family get-togethers at Christmas/ New Year, a situation which can be severely affected by events such as those now affecting the Hebrides/ Western Isles. It has to be said that, in my opinion, Caledonian Macbrayne ferries do their damnedest to "deliver" in such difficult circumstances and if cancellations occur then they reflect the severity of the circumstances involved!!
As for wildlife then I have to say that I'm just about to put the kettle on and then rely on the delights contained within the latest BirdWatch magazine. A review of Christmas arrangements and accompanying opportunities can be taken later when all the excitement dies down!!
Despite the best efforts of the weather may I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year and enjoyable birding during 2014.
Greenland White-fronted Goose census.
Last week ( 17th-18th ) saw the completion of the International Census of Greenland White-fronted Geese in which Islay plays a prominent part given its significant wintering population. Such counts are completed at three distinct points over each winter, supplemented, on Islay, by the counts arising from within the formal counts regularly undertaken as part of the monitoring of geese associated with the subsidy system for farmers.
As has been said before the Greenland White-fronted Goose is actually a sub-species, but because of its distinct breeding distribution and wintering areas is treated as if it were a full species. Recent years has seen growing concerns about its numbers which have reduced dramatically. For this reason its numbers are monitored over the whole of its regular wintering areas to gain an insight into its current status as clearly attempting to monitor the population in Greenland itself is nigh on impossible.
To achieve this on Islay the island is split into six distinct sectors and counted over each of two consecutive days recognizing that birds may be missed due to a variety of circumstances. The average figure is then used in the various summaries drawn together, although with keen attention being paid to the constituent totals for each individual day. Last week that figure was 5869, which was remarkably "close" to the figure derived from the November counts, 5888. Comparison of the figures associated with the individual days for each sector can show some changes as birds move around a little of their own volition or are disturbed and move onto ground in another of the designated sectors. Whilst it would be easy to conclude the totals are derived from a few large flocks within each sector such is certainly not the case and the totals very often arise from the accumulation of sightings of endless smaller groups. It makes for a long couple of days involving the exploration of all known favoured sites and other sheltered nooks and crannies, particularly if the weather is a bit iffy and the birds seek shelter which they're very adept at identifying.
At the same time all numbers of Barnacle Geese encountered are also logged on the recording sheets. Last week saw 36,244 birds "in residence", contrasted against the 46,931 birds logged in November suggesting perhaps that some birds had moved on. One pleasing aspect this winter has been to note that there is a significant presence of young birds within the Greenland White-front flocks which is a very welcome sight. Previously the general rule was to note that, whilst Barnacle Goose numbers were increasing, those of Greenland White-fronts were moving in the other direction!! In that sense it seems, temporarily or otherwise, a corner may have been turned, which justifies the basis upon which the census work rests. Good news!
As has been said before the Greenland White-fronted Goose is actually a sub-species, but because of its distinct breeding distribution and wintering areas is treated as if it were a full species. Recent years has seen growing concerns about its numbers which have reduced dramatically. For this reason its numbers are monitored over the whole of its regular wintering areas to gain an insight into its current status as clearly attempting to monitor the population in Greenland itself is nigh on impossible.
To achieve this on Islay the island is split into six distinct sectors and counted over each of two consecutive days recognizing that birds may be missed due to a variety of circumstances. The average figure is then used in the various summaries drawn together, although with keen attention being paid to the constituent totals for each individual day. Last week that figure was 5869, which was remarkably "close" to the figure derived from the November counts, 5888. Comparison of the figures associated with the individual days for each sector can show some changes as birds move around a little of their own volition or are disturbed and move onto ground in another of the designated sectors. Whilst it would be easy to conclude the totals are derived from a few large flocks within each sector such is certainly not the case and the totals very often arise from the accumulation of sightings of endless smaller groups. It makes for a long couple of days involving the exploration of all known favoured sites and other sheltered nooks and crannies, particularly if the weather is a bit iffy and the birds seek shelter which they're very adept at identifying.
At the same time all numbers of Barnacle Geese encountered are also logged on the recording sheets. Last week saw 36,244 birds "in residence", contrasted against the 46,931 birds logged in November suggesting perhaps that some birds had moved on. One pleasing aspect this winter has been to note that there is a significant presence of young birds within the Greenland White-front flocks which is a very welcome sight. Previously the general rule was to note that, whilst Barnacle Goose numbers were increasing, those of Greenland White-fronts were moving in the other direction!! In that sense it seems, temporarily or otherwise, a corner may have been turned, which justifies the basis upon which the census work rests. Good news!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Catch up!
It's five weeks since I had an opportunity to contribute to my Blog due, in the main, to work, but also to my being away on the mainland. Besides work associated with goose monitoring, diversionary feeding studies and studies of Barnacle Goose roost sites in that period, I've been involved in a round of various meetings and discussions linked to conservation issues which , at the time , were absorbing and informative but which I didn't realise were taking as much time as they did!! Added to that has been a period spent in Inverness with my daughter, Katherine, previous to getting back here. Within that time, a freak gale occurred, we had snow, lost power and heating and, generally, had more than a few adventures, including my being yanked off my feet by the dogs and taking a hard tumble and, on another occasion, being pulled by them along an icy road as if on a sled. All absorbing stuff best enjoyed by later reflection!!
Having returned to Islay I've just realised how much has happened, or is happening, on the conservation front, mainly at Government level with funding proposals linked to farming being imminent, with important public statements being made recently relating to raptor persecution and a plethora of other issues arising too.
So, much to catch up on. The International Greenland White-fronted Goose counts are this week, although it looks as if the weather is unlikely to be "kind" with strong winds for several days. Ferries were disrupted yesterday and I suspect conditions might be a bit challenging later too! Still, it is December and, perhaps more importantly, only a few days yet before we're past the worst and the days begin to gradually lengthen!
Having returned to Islay I've just realised how much has happened, or is happening, on the conservation front, mainly at Government level with funding proposals linked to farming being imminent, with important public statements being made recently relating to raptor persecution and a plethora of other issues arising too.
So, much to catch up on. The International Greenland White-fronted Goose counts are this week, although it looks as if the weather is unlikely to be "kind" with strong winds for several days. Ferries were disrupted yesterday and I suspect conditions might be a bit challenging later too! Still, it is December and, perhaps more importantly, only a few days yet before we're past the worst and the days begin to gradually lengthen!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Support needed for Greenland White-fronted Goose.
Here on Islay we witness each winter the presence of large numbers of geese from the Arctic. Predominantly these are Barnacle Geese, but lesser numbers of Greenland White-fronted Geese are present as well. There are acknowledged conflicts with the farming process, but the Scottish Government has acknowledged this situation and subsidy mechanisms are in place. Arguments sometimes reign over the extent of these and the Governments representative body, Scottish Natural Heritage, has been at the centre of such discussions and initiatives for many years. Clearly the challenge is one of balance in all respects, but currently the problem is made all the more difficult by seemingly increasing numbers of Barnacle Geese set against repeated reductions of Greenland White-fronted Geese!!
Many of you will know that the Greenland White-fronted Goose is actually a subspecies, but has been afforded protective status within a variety of legislation due to its distinctiveness. Breeding in Greenland, separated from the "main" population of White-fronted Geese distributed across Russia, it winters in Scotland and Ireland with a small population in Wales. Over the fourteen years I have been on Islay the numbers have reduced very noticeably and similar concerns are being expressed from elsewhere too. As yet it's not entirely clear precisely why the population is reducing, which makes the task of tackling the decline so much harder. Nonetheless, various efforts have and are still being made to try and improve this situation, including initiatives on Islay, of which more in due course. Studies have shown that the birds are extremely sensitive to hunting pressure and shooting of birds is banned virtually everywhere, except in Wales!!
Wales plays host each winter to a small population centred on the Dyfi estuary. Whilst there is a voluntary ban on shooting by local wildfowlers, in theory at least it is still feasible to shoot birds in Wales and, of course, any voluntary undertaking is not enshrined in law. Given the current concerns for the species and conservation efforts being implemented virtually everywhere else where the birds winter, it seems bizarre in the extreme that this situation should exist in Wales given it could be rectified so simply through Government process.
The Wales Ornithological Society has long drawn attention to this anomaly but now more direct action is being taken. A petition has been raised on the Welsh Assembly calling for the position to be regularised
Greenland White-fronted Goose petition
NOW ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS CLICK THE LINK ABOVE AND SIGN. THANK YOU.
If I simply say that Wales is the only place where this bird is not protected within its range the scenario becomes even more of a nonsense. Whilst I'm sure the Welsh Assembly has not set out to isolate the birds in question, the current situation does question why, in a devolved structure, there is not some element of "joined up thinking". But let's not go there and, instead, concentrate on putting right what is a simple element that requires action, little effort and at the very least demonstrates everyone is on side when it comes to protecting these magnificent birds. My only personal apology ( on what is concerning a particular favourite of mine ) is that I can't for the life of me find a suitable photograph to accompany this!! A call for an update to my file system I suspect.
Many of you will know that the Greenland White-fronted Goose is actually a subspecies, but has been afforded protective status within a variety of legislation due to its distinctiveness. Breeding in Greenland, separated from the "main" population of White-fronted Geese distributed across Russia, it winters in Scotland and Ireland with a small population in Wales. Over the fourteen years I have been on Islay the numbers have reduced very noticeably and similar concerns are being expressed from elsewhere too. As yet it's not entirely clear precisely why the population is reducing, which makes the task of tackling the decline so much harder. Nonetheless, various efforts have and are still being made to try and improve this situation, including initiatives on Islay, of which more in due course. Studies have shown that the birds are extremely sensitive to hunting pressure and shooting of birds is banned virtually everywhere, except in Wales!!
Wales plays host each winter to a small population centred on the Dyfi estuary. Whilst there is a voluntary ban on shooting by local wildfowlers, in theory at least it is still feasible to shoot birds in Wales and, of course, any voluntary undertaking is not enshrined in law. Given the current concerns for the species and conservation efforts being implemented virtually everywhere else where the birds winter, it seems bizarre in the extreme that this situation should exist in Wales given it could be rectified so simply through Government process.
The Wales Ornithological Society has long drawn attention to this anomaly but now more direct action is being taken. A petition has been raised on the Welsh Assembly calling for the position to be regularised
Greenland White-fronted Goose petition
NOW ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS CLICK THE LINK ABOVE AND SIGN. THANK YOU.
If I simply say that Wales is the only place where this bird is not protected within its range the scenario becomes even more of a nonsense. Whilst I'm sure the Welsh Assembly has not set out to isolate the birds in question, the current situation does question why, in a devolved structure, there is not some element of "joined up thinking". But let's not go there and, instead, concentrate on putting right what is a simple element that requires action, little effort and at the very least demonstrates everyone is on side when it comes to protecting these magnificent birds. My only personal apology ( on what is concerning a particular favourite of mine ) is that I can't for the life of me find a suitable photograph to accompany this!! A call for an update to my file system I suspect.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Autumn glory!
Other than a few showers late morning it was a glorious day with a blue sky and cloud and sunny too. In a few secluded spots even insect swarms were on the wing!
Most of the morning was spent seawatching from a couple of locations. Although not a great deal was on the move, other than parties of auks and mostly distant ones at that, it was good to be out without getting soaked. A few Black Guillemots in winter plumage whirred about inshore and possibly the most unexpected species was a high flying Grey Heron moving south!
Given the wind was light, and water surface conditions on Outer Loch Indaal fairly calm, I decided to do a routine survey of the outer loch "basin". Other than divers ( Great Northern 11, Black-throated 2, Red-throated 10 ) not a lot was apparent, possibly a consequence of the poor recent weather having driven them into the Inner Loch. This was the next stop but, by early afternoon, the glare reflecting off the water surface made counting impossible. Such was both tantalising and frustrating as various species could be picked out in isolation ( Long tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Greater Scaup, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser ). Candidates for another occasion.
Large numbers of Barnacle Geese fed on open pastures nearby and occasionally rose in panic and confusion from some unknown cause.
Needing to go north I eventually went through to Bunnahabhain from where the view of the Paps of Jura across the Sound of Islay was tremendous. Despite weather warnings of snow for other areas of Scotland the Paps were as yet unadorned ( unless it had melted off early ! )
A period spent watching out over the Sound of Islay produced nothing other than a Great Northern Diver and then absolutely stunning views of a large dog Otter coming out onto a small island with prey. I suspected this to be a large crab, which the Otter had some difficulty in controlling, but which eventually succumbed within which time another Otter swam towards shore in the bay immediately to the north. The dog Otter was the largest I've ever seen on Islay with a very noticeable prominent head.
Eventually I set off on my return journey , only to encounter a Red Deer stag at close quarters!
He knew I was there, but not quite where!!
Unfortunately conditions overseeing Inner Loch Indaal were no better than previously with the glare from the now waning sunlight being quite strong. The tide was almost at its fullest extent, and quite a high one at that, which meant that the water was well into the inner saltmarsh areas. Surface feeding duck explored creeks normally relatively dry and groups of waders perched atop isolated islands of saltmarsh vegetation.
After simply watching the activities of birds moving around and a flock of 104 Greater Scaup, within whose ranks were a few Slavonian Grebes, mirrored a little farther out by a tight flock of almost 60 Eiders, the day was beginning to draw to a close. The light and colours were an ever changing tapestry of light and intense colour as I made my way homeward down the Rinns. A good day!
Most of the morning was spent seawatching from a couple of locations. Although not a great deal was on the move, other than parties of auks and mostly distant ones at that, it was good to be out without getting soaked. A few Black Guillemots in winter plumage whirred about inshore and possibly the most unexpected species was a high flying Grey Heron moving south!
Given the wind was light, and water surface conditions on Outer Loch Indaal fairly calm, I decided to do a routine survey of the outer loch "basin". Other than divers ( Great Northern 11, Black-throated 2, Red-throated 10 ) not a lot was apparent, possibly a consequence of the poor recent weather having driven them into the Inner Loch. This was the next stop but, by early afternoon, the glare reflecting off the water surface made counting impossible. Such was both tantalising and frustrating as various species could be picked out in isolation ( Long tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Greater Scaup, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser ). Candidates for another occasion.
Large numbers of Barnacle Geese fed on open pastures nearby and occasionally rose in panic and confusion from some unknown cause.
Needing to go north I eventually went through to Bunnahabhain from where the view of the Paps of Jura across the Sound of Islay was tremendous. Despite weather warnings of snow for other areas of Scotland the Paps were as yet unadorned ( unless it had melted off early ! )
A period spent watching out over the Sound of Islay produced nothing other than a Great Northern Diver and then absolutely stunning views of a large dog Otter coming out onto a small island with prey. I suspected this to be a large crab, which the Otter had some difficulty in controlling, but which eventually succumbed within which time another Otter swam towards shore in the bay immediately to the north. The dog Otter was the largest I've ever seen on Islay with a very noticeable prominent head.
Eventually I set off on my return journey , only to encounter a Red Deer stag at close quarters!
He knew I was there, but not quite where!!
Unfortunately conditions overseeing Inner Loch Indaal were no better than previously with the glare from the now waning sunlight being quite strong. The tide was almost at its fullest extent, and quite a high one at that, which meant that the water was well into the inner saltmarsh areas. Surface feeding duck explored creeks normally relatively dry and groups of waders perched atop isolated islands of saltmarsh vegetation.
After simply watching the activities of birds moving around and a flock of 104 Greater Scaup, within whose ranks were a few Slavonian Grebes, mirrored a little farther out by a tight flock of almost 60 Eiders, the day was beginning to draw to a close. The light and colours were an ever changing tapestry of light and intense colour as I made my way homeward down the Rinns. A good day!
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