What should the RSPB be called?

Ever the polemicist, Mark Avery in his Blog today   ( see here Standing up for Nature ) poses the point that it is inevitable that the RSPB will need, at least at some stage, to consider a name change and review its future role. I confess that I read the entry with a great deal of interest and voted for one of the options for an alternative name which he provided ( see the end of this entry for the answer! ) . Do read the entry on Mark's Blog, and the Comments, as I believe it's important the subject is given a thorough airing and that the RSPB is made aware of the opinions being expressed.

After taking a look at the "local patch", which didn't produce much other than a "new" Starling flock of 79 birds, a Whinchat and a very pale Redpoll sp ( whitish underparts with very little streaking, bright forehead patch and small bill!!! ), which disappeared as quickly as it popped up and sat on a fence line, I returned home disgruntled and spent the rest of the morning in a blur of domesticity within which the above subject ( and the Redpoll )  kept recurring time and time again!!  I kept considering submitting a "Comment" to Mark's Blog, but then thought it would be a little unfair as I felt I had so much to express on the issue, so I decided to set out an entry on my own Blog.  I have to say that I'm also currently awaiting delivery of a copy of Mark Avery's latest book, "Fighting for Birds" within which a chapter considers the future of the RSPB. It will be interesting ( it might also be acutely embarrassing ) to see if any ideas are in agreement.

I have to confess that, over the twelve years or so since I took early retirement from the RSPB, I've become increasingly concerned over what might best be termed the "popular image " surrounding the Society. Given it tells the truth, it's not as universally popular as one might think, but I also personally believe it is not as forceful as it ought to be!!  In 1979 I felt a deep and sincere affiliation with an organization pledged to the protection and conservation of the UK's birds. Previous to that date I'd served on the Council of the (now named ) Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, been involved with the Yorkshire Naturalist's Union Ornithological Committee and worked, professionally, on environmental conservation issues for several years. A good mix of either distinct or inter-related responsibilities connected with wildlife and the environment. However, what filled me with joy when I joined the Society's staff was  the clear cut, major commitment to the UK's bird life which the RSPB displayed. For me, the picture was as clear as that which had motivated the good ladies of Didsbury, Manchester almost a hundred years previously when they campaigned to stop the commercial exploitation of egret plumes for the millinery trade. That eventually led to what we know as the RSPB today.

I was particularly impressed , and in awe, of the Society's willingness to fund major land purchases, be they on estuaries, in the uplands, freshwater marshes or remnants of Caledonian pine forest. That continues today and so it should! Its parallel willingness to confront Central Government, the Forestry Commission, MAFF, the River Authorities and many others in the cause of habitat protection displayed the steel and determination required of such a premier campaigning organization.  Sadly all that seems to be so much less apparent nowadays and I don't feel terribly convinced that lasting progress is being achieved either. Access to the machinery of government can be felt to be progress, but the value of independence can be a much stronger weapon to wield. Cosy meetings, and good manners, that lead nowhere in terms of enhanced regulation or legislation can be no substitute for the exposure and promotion of good sense , logic and the fruits of research. Whilst the Society may have achieved maturity, in the sense of acceptance by Whitehall and Brussels, the same old problems prevail and the political will of the powers that influence such aspects remains relatively unchanged. At some point the RSPB will have to confront the values of the Establishment,  which perhaps necessitates a process of reflection and where it would wish to see itself in ten or twenty five years time.

Nowadays I can't help feeling disappointed, coupled with real sadness even, that the fire in the Society's belly has dimmed and the stances of yesteryear are increasingly less obvious. The increasing widening of its areas of interest I suspect are diluting its ability to address a whole series of issues affecting the UK's birds. It's simply not possible to address everything and be all things to all conservationists!!  Now it may well be that all this is nonsense and is nothing to worry about. The flame of bird protection, as a beacon of intention, may be burning as brightly as that which has overseen the recent and current Olympic events, but the messages received, and the PR stance portrayed by the Society, appear to indicate otherwise. Much may be going on in the background, but it doesn't feel like progress, expressed concern or determined commitment. Meet-ups with previous staff members, retired staff members and those still involved with the Society all end up generating the same indictment.....the RSPB seems to have lost focus!! It doesn't please me to make such remarks, and I'm sure some will find it difficult to forgive, but the fact remains that such is the impression being arrived at!! As such it is a problem to be addressed, surely?

Within the UK we have endless organizations pledged to protecting and enhancing its wildlife heritage ( the Wildlife Trusts, Butterfly Conservation, and many others ). That we need a strong organization promoting the conservation interests of our bird life is of paramount importance. The RSPB was IT, but, somehow, now seems intent on diluting that self evident role. There is a crying need for an RSPB, whatever the name , and that is the starting point.  There are so many problems confronting our bird life that to try and address such alongside trying to deal with parallel problems affecting other wildlife can only lead to confusion and an increasing lack of efficacy. I am not saying such requirements on Society held landholdings shouldn't be addressed, but more general actions should be left to others. The attraction of a "biodiversity" name tag I'm , therefore, not convinced about!  I can't personally see the actual benefit of the Society being  "Royal" either. I'm sure it makes some people feel more comfortable , but I can't see any real benefits arising. Such a change would need to be an RSPB Council decision and undoubtedly involve more than a few discussions elsewhere if change was considered. As you can probably guess, I feel the Society should pull in its horns somewhat and concentrate on BIRDS.  But there's another dimension, and one that I never agreed with!! Indeed I even cancelled my subscription to the Society for a period!!  The Society's close involvement with land holdings abroad I feel to be wrong. I'm a great advocate of the BirdLife International "system" and the organization and, whatever the problems, I've felt it wrong that the RSPB should have got involved with land ownership and management abroad , particularly given the endless problems still remaining within the UK.  Support from the Society for BirdLife International by all means, and I'd even sanction a proportion of my RSPB subscription being used in that context, but the bottom line is that the Society should be addressing, and dealing  with, UK problems. Its expertise can be used to assist new countries entering into the BirdLife "family", and even financial assistance offered, but that should be the limit to involvement otherwise the exercise begins to smack of  "conservation imperialism" in my view.

So, where does this emotional rant leave us?  Well, I'd change the RSPB 's name to BirdLife UK and concentrate on birds!  The RSPB is already the UK partner for BirdLife  ( whose BirdLife International headquarters are situated, perhaps somewhat confusingly , in Cambridge, UK ). I don't believe a name change is likely to cause any permanent problems if the PR promotion of such is handled properly and the name firmly communicates the area of concern or operation. Coupled with a full review of future intentions, policies and the like , such a change could be a much needed renaissance in the fortunes of bird conservation in the UK.  What do other people think?  Let's have comments please, supportive or otherwise!!!

This is not a call for rejection!  The RSPB, and many other conservation organizations, will require our increasing support and commitment in the future whatever they choose to call themselves. However, in the meantime, I believe it to be in their interests for them to have a clear view of what their supporters think even if, in the short term, that can't result in change and may not be terribly palatable!!

Migrants trickling through. 1.9.2012.

A day of two halves in some respects as the fine morning later turned into a time of  "thin mist" and light rain. The wind had changed from the light northerly at the end of last month ( August ) to a quite blustery South-westerly. Yesterday, in the area I now treat as my "local patch" for monitoring migration  ( I might yet select out the most appropriate vantage point and contribute to the VisMig project ......just put this into your browser if you're interested! ), there had clearly been a small fall of 10-15 Northern Wheatear with a single "Greenland" Wheatear amongst them. Little else seemed to be involved and they quickly dispersed.

This morning , with the rather stronger headwind arising, it suggested odd other migrants involved in being swept southwards previously had been impeded in their progress , if not held up altogether.  Common Whitethroat, Whinchat, a few Northern Wheatears  and noticeable numbers of Meadow Pipit and Barn Swallow were in evidence. The latter remained around most of the day contrasting with the dispersal of the other birds, which I suspect gradually made their way down the Rinns peninsula.

A later attempt to settle in and try and age some Grey lag Geese met with no success as they persisted in keeping to undulating ground or being on the edge of a crop field where clear views were impossible. Malcom Ogilvie had enjoyed some considerable success with the same task on Friday ( 31.8.2012 ) when he'd managed to age a considerable number of the birds at Gruinart. The coming week promises somewhat more stable weather being forecast so some of the barley may be cut fairly soon, which will undoubtedly prompt a quick move out afterwards onto the stubble. Even the full moon is now in wane, which will mean the potential for night feeding is lessened and better circumstances emerge for viewing and counting the birds!!

BTO Breeding Bird Survey Report 2011.

The above report is the seventeenth in the series and , besides much other crucial data and information, includes trends in breeding bird populations in Scotland for 2010-2011 and 1995-2010. As such it provides an important barometer of change which can obviously be the basis for other comparisons and direct interest towards conservation policies. It's also fascinating to focus the results into one of local interest and see if the trends follow what is appearing at a much wider level.

In all 358 BBS were surveyed in Scotland in 2011, with 156 species being recorded within them of which the most widespread were Chaffinch, Willow Warbler and Woodpigeon. Of the 60 species for which trends could be calculated, eight have declined significantly and sixteen have increased significantly sine the commencement of the survey.

Birds that declined in Scotland between 2010 and 2011  included Kestrel, Skylark, House Martin, Mistle Thrush, Grey Wagtail, and Reed Bunting. The only one of these, in a local context,  that I would be a little sceptical about is Reed Bunting given we carry a seemingly widespread and successful population that , as yet, appears to be pretty stable. Of the other species, then I think full acceptance of the trends can be recognised.

Between 2010 and 2011 Bullfinch increased the most in Scotland,  along with four warbler species which showed large increases (  Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat ).  Again, based on a gradually increasing incidence of sightings,  I would contend the situation on Islay mirrors the results in a modest sense.

The most severe declines since the start of the survey have been shown by Kestrel, Curlew, Lapwing, Swift, and Starling. I suppose, with the exception of Swift which doesn't breed on Islay, general agreement could again be offered to the conclusions and other species added to the mix too. Based on personal impressions assembled over the same period, species that might be added to the above, as far as Islay is concerned, are Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Snipe and even Peregrine, which I appear to come across with reducing regularity. Obviously such impressions are extremely subjective , which underlines the value of long standing surveys such as BBS and the need to have as many plots as possible in order to generate results for a wide ranging selection of breeding species.

In parallel to the above declines, the greatest increases since the start of the survey have been with Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Goldfinch and Whitethroat.  Certainly the incidence of woodpecker records on Islay has increased over the decade, although breeding, or even presence throughout a breeding season, has yet to be proven. Again, it would be difficult to deny that the presence of the last three species in the list appears to be more obvious than previously. Clearly seasonal differences occur and lend hope to what might then be a continuing positive trend. In this context the apparent numbers locally of Cuckoo and Whinchat this season have increased, but the numbers locally of Northern Wheatear appear to be reduced. In a very local context, on Wednesday, I had my highest count ever of Woodpigeon on Islay ( 28 ) at a single location, having had several other small parties during the day too.  Given its apparent success in urban environments, and a BTO Press release this week reporting it is now the third commonest visitor to gardens in the UK ( behind Blue Tit and Blackbird ), one could easily assume it might be gradually increasing generally. It's not that common a bird here, although widespread, so we may well be joining the common trend ( something we try hard to avoid on Islay in a non-biological context!!).

All such again emphasises the need for long term monitoring and the absolute value that the BBS survey brings to the debate. 

Grey lag Goose survey ! 28.8.2012.

Well, finally, the actual  "day" arrived after time being taken up previously with reconnaissance checks, coverage arrangements and the like. Fortunately the weather had improved too, following the poor showing over the couple of days beforehand. Today dawned fine, although some quite heavy rain showers developed later!

You may have seen previous entries on this subject as, for several years now, I've completed a survey  when the autumn accumulation of birds occurs on Islay. The early years were easy as the birds chose a limited number of spots and all of these could be easily monitored. Nowadays it's more of an island wide operation with several other people involved on the day in order to secure a complete picture.

When I first came to Islay in 1999 there was only a handful of breeding pairs of Grey lag Geese present and virtually all of them were around Loch Gorm, which was quite convenient given the house overlooked the whole area. Gradually numbers increased and autumn gatherings began to reach the low hundreds. It must be mentioned here that, in many respects, Islay is a potential paradise when it comes to the availability of breeding sites. These range from innumerable isolated lochans to offshore islands and islets and endless bits of suitable rough areas in between!!  In the early years the wintering population, largely remained close to where I now live in the south west of the island, was relatively static and numbered around a hundred or so, indicating some birds left and returned the following Spring. There has been much conjecture about the increase over the years, although I tend to think the solution is quite simple. In the early years there was never any real check on breeding numbers and I believe these increased exponentially, season after season, possibly recruiting "new blood" as birds returned after the winter ( from where,we don't know incidentally!! ). Small numbers of non-breeding birds were encountered and, in parallel, the breeding numbers continued to increase until, at its highest point the autumn gathering reached over 2,500. Following the moult the birds appeared to vacate many areas and congregate in the north of the island around Loch Gruinart and at the head of Loch Indaal.  As new feeding areas became available they became frustratingly mobile, but opportunities always arose to monitor "the assembled flock" when it chose to concentrate its activities at a small number of sites, which were close to one another, or at roost.

Now, of course, interest began to be raised as concentrated feeding on areas used by the wintering  populations of Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Geese wasn't seen as desirable!! And, of course, from a farming viewpoint, the geese were seen as affecting managed pastures for cattle and sheep just as much as the above wintering birds. The situation also became complicated as undoubtedly Grey lag Geese on passage use Islay and fluctuating numbers occurred. Evidence for this came from first hand accounts at the RSPB reserve at Gruinart and birds actually seen passing  at sea along Islay's western coastline or down the Sound of Islay. Whatever the derivation, or the theorising, the fact remained that we were seeing increasing breeding numbers present on the island resulting in a similar increasing number in autumn. The extent to which these were supplemented by passage birds, moved off themselves, or remained in increasing numbers, was academic to many set against what was seen as an increasing problem affecting farming enterprises. As an aside, the numbers remaining in winter are beginning to be around 50% of the total congregation seen in autumn. Where the absent birds move to is anybody's guess and possibly a subject which will only be resolved when a sample of birds is caught and fitted with numbered collars which can be observed and reported upon.

With final figures yet to become available, the next step will then be to put everything together and compute what appears to be the outcome of this season, which is probably the easiest part of the task!!

I suppose a switch can now be made onto a bigger canvas!  The problem is also being experienced in several other parts of Scotland, either based on burgeoning breeding populations or increased presence in winter due to incoming birds from Iceland.  Understandably many farmers have expressed concerns about the situation and petitioned for action to be taken. Currently the Scottish Government is looking at the means by which such populations can be managed to ensure that a representative population remains in place, but that any exponential  increases are limited. Not the easiest of tasks I suggest!!  Licensed shooting can be carried out previous to the actual season commencing on 1st September each year and doubtless this has led to some containment of these populations, including here on Islay.

Another aspect which was central to concerns last year, but is less so this season, is the habit of the birds to enter ripening barley fields and generally cause mayhem!  Last year several fields were affected in this way, but the problem appears to be far more concentrated this season. With a full moon in evidence at present the  opportunity for the birds to feed during the night and undisturbed also becomes a reality. This is then followed by their use of sheltered, and far less obvious locations, during the day where they preen, rest and generally do very little!! Areas of moorland, isolated fields and even spells spent out on the larger lochs make counting a bit of a challenge.  Incidentally some of this barley is destined for use  by one of the island's accompanying important industries, that of producing malt whisky, although none of such fields appear to be affected this year

And so the story takes on an even more convoluted aspect and, I suspect, one might  hear strident calls for action from some who have never even set eyes on a Grey lag Goose !!

South easterlies aren't in favour at present. 26.8.2012.

The past few days seem to have sped by. Completing reports and setting up arrangements for the forthcoming survey of Grey lag Geese, plus some observation work on the latter, have eaten up more time than first anticipated.  Seawatching has acted as a  safety valve, but generated frustration at the same time, as passage has been pretty much routine and somewhat predictable. South easterlies aren't the best supporter of good passage!! Mind you, I feel guilty at complaining as watching endless Manx Shearwaters and Gannets  stream past interspersed with other species is something to feel very fortunate about.

As I write this after a night of strong ( yes, you've got it! ) south easterly winds, the rain is lashing on the windows and conditions outside are pretty rough. Various ferries in the Outer Hebrides appear set to be affected by the 45 knot winds, or already have been, but ours is currently described as being on "Normal Service". Whilst you don't really need to know all that it might well be an indicator that conditions are set to improve!!

Since writing about the "pulse" of passage of various warblers and chats, the situation seems to have settled down enormously with no similar movement taking place. As yet the noticeable "falls" of Meadow Pipits haven't occurred and the recurrent south easterlies might be playing a part in this scenario too by holding birds back

Wildlife legislation review.

Whilst I was in the midst of trying to bring a series of conflicting commitments into some sense of order, a task I never managed and which resulted in my having to cancel arrangements to go to the BirdFair , I was surprised to find a notification had arrived on my PC advising that the consultation documents relating to the Law Commission's review on wildlife legislation were available. Moreover, the consultation period is to run from 14th August to 30th November, 2012. It immediately seemed to me that the likelihood of final recommendations and the like appearing much before the middle of 2013  seems somewhat remote.

Well I have to say that , as might be expected from a review put together by legal eagles and their researchers, it's not the most user friendly array of suggestions I've ever come across. After more than a sufficient time to digest the analysis and accompanying proposals I guess many of us will still need to turn to our requisite advisers within the conservation organisations to determine whether our conclusions are correct and whether they represent  what is required!! I shall look forward to receiving comment too from my eldest daughter who, as a solicitor, will be able to detect any issues that are deliberately being covered in obfuscation. Sadly, I suspect there could be several, even many!

In the introductory announcement, the objective of simplifying the existing complex framework associated with wildlife law and placing same under a single statute appears entirely sensible and laudable. But then I was less convinced on reading that  there was " an intention to try and reduce the dependency on criminal law by allowing an appropriate mix of regulatory measures, such as guidance,advice and a varied and flexible system of civil sanctions.....such as fines and bans". Seems we could add wrist slapping to that as well, but we'll see!!

So, an immediate task it would seem, for the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts and other similar organizations, is to unravel the core elements and , in turn , advise their members in straightforward language what they might include in any responses they are willing to submit. It is thirty years since the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 ( as amended ) came into being and, in the meantime , there has been much that has been amended so there is a clear need to update things. This, however, is an opportunity to ensure that what applies over the next thirty years is sensible, workable and adequately protects our natural heritage, be it sites or species.

If you wish to see the whole consultation document, or even a summary, then it can be found here (Review of wildlife law.) Happy reading!

Now, what do we find within this outpouring of wisdom and intention that refers to practical measures that one might anticipate as far as raptor persecution is concerned. Well, in the time I've had available, which was not much and I wasn't in a terribly charitable frame of mind either given my not being able to make the BirdFair (!), I discovered the old chestnut of VICARIOUS LIABILITY gets an airing. On first reading I'd best describe the proposal and the way its being handled as being one close to a cricketer smashing a huge "six" into the Pavilion and it taking some time to retrieve the ball as it trickles down between the rows of seats!! In the meantime everybody gets a breather!   "Kicked into touch",or a "long grass approach" might also be appropriate.  I would hope not, as it means the approach taken on other matters might equally lack definition. Mention of open questions, accompanied by no real firm resolve , time-scale etc and a hint that it depends on what is seen as necessary by the public and what happens in Scotland smack of prevarication and lack of intention in my book. I may be wrong, I may be doing the authors an injustice, but we shall see what a more relaxed reading and the views of others provides.

It does occur to me that if the mood of the country is in need of being tapped we could provide a response to the question even in advance of the Closing Date (30th November )  for the consultation. The ill-fated E-petition may yet have a role to play. The cessation date for this petition is 17 November, 2012, at 1638 hours to be precise ( only the UK could enshrine such detail!! ). This morning the number of signatures stands at 9949. Whilst the wording of the petition leaves something to be desired, the RSPB and others could give an early indication to the Government of its feelings on this subject by putting the might of the conservation membership behind the it. A simple announcement in all literature reaching the membership this autumn would be a start linked to other means ( press releases , Twitter, Blogs etc). It seems to me that this is the one major issue that can bring on a case of the vapours within the fraternity whose actions are aimed at reducing our raptor populations.  As I understand it this aspect of legislation is something the RSPB wishes to see brought forward. Giving the Government an early indication of what will then be argued for and endorsed within , hopefully, the many submissions on these proposals will do no harm and I'll be ensuring the idea wings its way to Sandy without delay!!

England expects, Naturally!!

A discussion with a close friend and colleague last evening about Hen Harriers caused me to ponder somewhat later on the continuing saga surrounding the lack of  results arising from English bred satellite tagged birds. In a bit of a "take" on that famous expression, " England expects",  one actually does really wonder what we might anticipate from the research undertaken by Natural England and when.. Such work has been funded from the public purse and I believe we are entitled to a greater amount of access to the data than is being provided at present. Clearly the senior management of Natural England are avoiding such provision to avoid political embarrassment, either to pursue some form of personal survival or at the instigation of their political masters. Remember an acknowledgement has already been issued by that agency, within its report published by its parent Ministry, DeFRA, admitting that there is a correlation between persecuted raptors and upland grouse moors. Might we then rightfully  ask whether such results are being deliberately "suffocated" to protect other interests, namely those of the shooting fraternity? We are naturally concerned at the situation one might say.

Now let's dispel any confusion about the potential difficulties of such information and data  being made available to the public and the level of detail that might be expected !  May I suggest a look be taken at the following (  Raptor tracking in the Cairngorms. ) which provides, or has provided, access to individual birds and the results of their movements following them being fitted with satellite tags. Much additional information besides is made available and is further bolstered by similar data and facilities on the Highland Foundation for Wildlife web site (Raptor tracking and information.).  Even the much quoted Langholm Moors Demonstration Project has a web site where one is provided with some access and information to individual birds which have been tagged  ( Hen Harriers tagged at Langholm ). The results arising from this latter research have been dogged by repeated analysis, criticism , praise for the realism involved and, of course, the anticipated prejudice from those who condemned the efforts from the start and have delighted in repeated doses of "I told you so" outpourings at various intervals. And yet they openly provide a form of summarised information for all to access. However, the point is that one has been able to follow the fortunes of individual birds on various  web sites until the satellite transmitter has ceased to supply data.  So why have no details emerged from the Hen Harrier Recovery Project research being administered by Natural England? Is our curiosity and concern for harriers, now on the verge of extinction as a breeding species in England if they have not already reached it, being viewed with contempt by the Authorities concerned or have they pertinent facts to hide with the potential for such causing embarrassment for the Tory grandees associated with the Government?  With a worsening situation as far as the fortunes of this species and increasing condemnation of the shooting fraternity, within whose hallowed boundaries the illegal persecution would appear to take place,  are we seeing a policy of protectionism being mounted by the agency concerned. One might naturally leap to that conclusion!

The situation is now becoming ludicrous and one shudders to think of the time being spent, and the accompanying cost, of responding to the various letters of enquiry and Freedom of Information requests which have been submitted. Surely the agency is not going to try and justify such information can never be disclosed?  If so, why and what is it that is being protected as a succession of data about where birds flew to is hardly going to put the Nation at risk?  Or is it perhaps a certain sector of the Nation that might have its interests placed under further scrutiny that is the basis of the prevarication and obfuscation. There has to be a reason and I suspect far more effort is going to be placed in the direction of its disclosure in the future unless some imminent change of stance is detected.  

Basking Shark tagging project!!

Have just been sent some extremely exciting news about a joint project being undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage and the University of Exeter. Several Basking Sharks have been fitted with satellite tags and are being followed as they move around in Scottish waters.

The idea is to try and find out how long they remain in certain areas, how are they using their chosen feeding locations, where they go after they spend the summer in Scottish waters and, even , whether some of them actually remain with us through the winter and in deeper waters. Without stealing their thunder, read all the details on this helpful web site (Basking Shark tagging project. ). I know I'm going to find this exercise utterly absorbing given we see Basking Sharks off Islay's shores from time to time, with records arising from a variety of places, ( Outer Loch Indaal, off the west coast close to Portnahaven and at various locations off the southern part of the island ). In late August, 2010 several were around for a few days in the Sound of Islay and provided tremendous views. Not that you see a lot of them, other than a fin, given the huge size of many of the individuals!!! The public are encouraged to assist via the return of any of the  tags ( they detach after a period ) which may be found on a beach or elsewhere, so more information will undoubtedly follow.

Acknowledgment to R.Pickering ( Photographer ).

But the story gets even better and I guarantee will be as compelling as your viewing of the Olympics in past days. You can actually access a web site and follow the journeys of each of the individuals concerned. Better still, you can elect for daily E-mail updates on what is happening ( Follow your favourite Basking Shark!! )
You have to accept certain understandable conditions about not using the data, but the request for updates etc is absolutely "painless" and the plethora of information overwhelming.Well done to all concerned. I shall now go and bask in the wonder of it all!!

Sunday, 12th August, 2012.

Would you believe, I've actually no intention of firing off a few rounds of comment or criticism to add any form of acknowledgement or recognition  to this day or date. It's best consigned to being an anachronistic token!   Must stop now, but feel I did well......

Basically it was a foul day here. A strong, blustery south east wind accompanied by rain , mist at times and overcast conditions, although it felt very mild. The passerines moving through the local area yesterday had all gone, leaving a  strange, empty atmosphere cloaking the hill land, never at its best with this type of accompanying weather!!

And so, after spending too much time at a computer, planning some work on Grey lag Geese, what was left?  Yes, it had to be the Olympics!   Endless summaries of accomplishments, all of which were soundly deserved, after which came the Closing Ceremony. In all honesty I think one's impression could only ever reflect  the output the television broadcasts provided and that you really needed to be there to fully appreciate the spectacle.  I will admit that, throughout the fortnight, I've felt very proud of what we were achieving in providing the whole series of events and the way in which things were being conducted, in addition to our phenomenal performances in a whole range of sports. Well done!   A time to feel very British and proud of the fact and proud too of the goodwill and many friends made within the process. . Why is it "we can" when we have to?  Now,  let's tackle some of our national problems with the same fervour, consideration and zeal!!

Within all this extravaganza no one mentioned the Perseus Meteor Showers anticipated for last night during most of the hours of darkness until dawn, with anticipated sightings even reaching several per hour.  I somehow guess the London area with its own immense "lightshow" was badly placed to pass judgement as were we given the overcast weather conditions!! There's an outside chance there may be a repeat tonight!!
 

Raptor persecution.....it's muck or nettles I'm afraid!

There's an expression used in the North of England (  "Aye, well, it looks like its muck or nettles". ) that arises when an implacable situation is faced and no easy solution is likely. None of the choices are terribly attractive and it's either a question of leaping into the muck heap or the nettle bed!  Strange therapies these Northerners go in for!

It rather seems to me that this is the situation we've now reached when considering what might be done when it comes to solving the current raptor persecution problem. Productive dialogue, aimed at some form of  improvement, now appears to be in "lock down mode" with the shooting fraternity and conservationists being at utter loggerheads.  We've now even got the former openly advocating the RSPB should be ignored in any such process due to their intransigence and bullying tactics ( or even truth telling perhaps? ). Such is the advice coming from Roy Green ( formerly , or currently, of Buccleugh Estates ) in an article in the current issue of the Shooting Times, followed closely also by claims from the Scottish Gamekeepers Association that it is they and their management of the countryside who are keeping the rural economy afloat in these times of recession.  Minions doing the Masters job, the contents of which articles being little better than self delusion.

As we all know upland and lowland shoots are largely commercial entities. Evidence associated with court cases and from other official sources show that activities on some of these estates result in numbers of our raptors being persecuted. Such activities are against the law, often occur on areas which are also designated to protect key wildlife species and for which owners can receive Government subsidies, i.e. tax payers money, in order to maintain appropriate land management with that objective in mind ( not to improve the habitat to maximise Red Grouse production and its concomitant financial returns, ere the while removing the key raptor species! ). Accompanying this at present are increased outpourings of prejudice against all raptor species, calls for controls and so on. Clearly the landowning fraternity, along with , now, their self promoting serfs, appear intent on exercising what they see as "their rights" in "their interests", if necessary in direct contravention of the law and without exhibiting any sense of public, or even national, responsibility. It has to be said that,coupled with some of the attitude trends portrayed by some senior members of the current majority interest in our Government there appears to be more than a faint flush of nostalgia for the halcyon days of the Victorian era and not necessarily associated with shooting matters either!

Surely it's not just me that suspect's this barely disguised trend?  The rapid  and clearly orchestrated demise of the English Hen Harrier population, both in winter and as a breeding species, backed up by research and statements from one of the Government's own departments ( DeFRA ) , pays testimony to the fact that there is an ever emergent, brash intention to "play the game in any way we choose".  In the light of all this, and with the English breeding Hen Harrier population being all but extinct, what signs do we see from from the RSPB or Natural England to indicate that this deplorable situation is going to be addressed with anything resembling spirit, fire or firm resolve?

Well, actually, nothing that is terribly apparent, not even a bit of heated indignation!!

When will the penny drop that this problem is not going to be resolved by cosy policy discussions with Government agencies when such antipathy exists towards the subject from the latter's political masters? When will the penny drop that some evidence of some firm action is needed, not passive commentary appearing on Blogs and elsewhere?  And when will the penny drop that, amongst others, the RSPB membership is looking for some major public stance to be taken?

One has to ask what options are open for action?  Further discussions would now seem to be a waste of time if the views expressed in the Shooting Times are to be acknowledged. Doubtless these will echo around many a noble drawing room as the "mini-conventions" in the aftermath of today ( 12th August ) gather and mutually firm up their resolve. And so the "muck or nettles" scenario arises!  Is the RSPB going to capitulate and set back raptor conservation by an unimaginable margin or is it to create a "Thin Red Line" of opposition the likes of which has not emerged since the good ladies of  Didsbury, Manchester dug in their collective heels over a hundred years ago and said " No" to the plume trade that was threatening a variety of iconic species. Such capitulation would automatically award an opportunity to the land owning fraternity to repeatedly pick and choose the balance of our natural heritage in the future, albeit one best suited to their commercial interests be it in shooting, farming or woodland management and such like.  A great store of anticipation appears to be being extended to the forthcoming results from the Law Commission's review of wildlife legislation requested by DeFRA. Given the current aggressive climate of opinion being adopted by the shooting fraternity,  a less than enthusiastic Chancellor for anything "environmental" ( from whom any funding would need support) , an admission by the appropriate Minister ( Richard Benyon ) that he would monitor closely the progression of the Vicarious Liability legislation adopted in Scotland  can we really believe there is likely to be some automatic adoption of  ground breaking revisions?  Such is going to be the battle ground upon which the future of our raptor communities rests unless we are very careful indeed. The RSPB needs to take the whole matter "to the country" and, if necessary, put its very history on the line in an attempt to draw a halt to these increasing trends in persecution. Yes it means taking on the Establishment, becoming unpopular, even diminishing its position in an advisory context, but can the alternative scenario be contemplated? I think not!

Muck or nettles I'm afraid.