Action on Hen Harrier persecution!

From time to time on this Blog I have commented on the need for greater concerted action to improve the status of Hen Harriers, particularly since the levels of persecution have brought the English breeding population in 2012 down to a single pair. Unconfirmed sources report that two of the four young reared by that pair last season have since been killed. Clearly this utterly ludicrous situation is one which cannot remain unaddressed.

Whilst I am sure that sincere efforts are being directed towards various solutions by differing organizations, the fact remains that the endless discussions are not leading to any imminent and satisfactory outcome. The species continues to be singled out for wanton persecution resulting in its population being at low ebb due to the relentless pressure.

The last few winters has seen a deliberate targeting of these birds at their roosts, despite adamant claims of innocence from those clearly involved.  Research by DEFRA, as part of the Hen Harrier Recovery Programme involving birds being fitted with satellite tags, has seen a significant number of the birds involved simply disappearing, often at known roost sites associated with upland grouse moors. The implications are obvious and yet the veil of silence and hypocritical denials persist. Sadly damning evidence, worthy of impactive news headlines, is being retained by DEFRA and looks likely to remain so in the foreseeable future  despite calls for its release.

Running in parallel to all such debate is a series of statements or responses on the subject from the shooting fraternity, usually claiming innocence or that the persecution is the work of persons unknown. Quite frankly, until such time that a genuine and sincere contribution is evident from its ranks, those who do play the game and obey the law unfortunately will be tarred by the same brush as those responsible for the misdemeanours.  It is the shooting fraternity's choice and debate about what proportion of people are legitimate constituents of its membership is wasteful and pointless. The "bad apple" point is no longer credible as it is abundantly clear that the present dire circumstances affecting Hen Harriers has been achieved by widespread and concerted action. It is happening within your ranks, you're aware of it, the ridiculous state of affairs continues and, therefore, justifiable action demands to be taken. Blame can also be levelled at the Government, which is showing a marked lack of resolve on the matter despite prosecution statistics showing otherwise and calls for action, not further discussion, arising over time. Whilst conservation organizations are no doubt doing all they can such, in my view, is not prominent enough in terms of securing change in the short term.

So where does that leave us?   Clearly the "independent" stance being assumed by the shooting fraternity, as far as their arrogant dismissal of the laws protecting birds of prey, needs to be curtailed and the "industry" brought under regulated scrutiny. Remember we are talking of commercial enterprises!  With that in mind I have, today, laid an E-petition within the Government's formal system focussing attention on the need to licence upland grouse shoots, but also to introduce an accreditation or licencing system on all gamekeepers as well.

The details can be examined via the link below and I would hope all UK readers will register their support by registering their signature.

Licencing of upland grouse moors and gamekeepers.


Doubtless some people will claim this is a potentially punitive measure in intent. In fact, besides drawing attention to the general topic of persecution and the need to contain its effects, the main objective of such licencing would be to isolate , gradually, those enterprises and individuals who insist on breaking the law. Raptor persecution in any guise is breaking the law of the land, denying the rightful opportunities of us all to enjoy our wildlife heritage and reducing, by deliberate intent, the biodiversity of the UK.

So, we need to act!  Doubtless much more will be said in forthcoming weeks but, in the meantime, please provide your support if you agree with the initiative and, more importantly, pass on the details to family, friends and colleagues. The need to promote this issue is of paramount importance and it is down to us to try and bring about change for the better.

Persistence clearly pays with petrels!

It's a sobering thought that the natural extinction rate of bird species is, apparently, one in every Century. It's an absolutely alarming prospect to learn that, in the last 30 years, twenty one (21) bird species have been declared extinct! Such provides the motivation behind the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme which currently contains 197 species viewed as Critically Endangered !! That's a truly shocking statistic and sets in context the challenges which modern day conservation faces.

Well, here's a story that bucks the trend and serves to bring hope for the future set against so many depressing stories which emerge!  Enter the New Zealand Storm-Petrel!  This species was considered extinct until 2003 when birds were seen at sea. Three specimens had previously been taken in the 1800's and are nowadays held in museums.

In 2012 24 birds were caught at sea using a specially designed net gun. These sparrow-like birds were then fitted with tiny ( 1 gm ) radio transmitters, which fed back signals to automated receivers. The fact that birds showed incubation patches brought hope that the research would lead to their breeding grounds being discovered. I suspect that no one quite believed that such an area would be within 50 km. of Auckland City!
The received data narrowed the search to the Hauraki Gulf area and the research team stationed themselves on several of the islands concerned. Then, the big break through!  Observers actually saw birds coming inshore and proceeding inland on Little Barrier Island, Hauturu in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Later , a signal was received from a bird clearly located at a stationary site in a forest area.

Such is the significance of this find that automated equipment is being used by the team, led by Chris Gaskin and Matt Raynor, the data from which will feed into a seabird management plan for the Hauraki Gulf area, now quite rightly being described as a globally significant biodiversity hotspot.

Besides several New Zealand based funding sources, the work is being supported by the BirdLife International Community and the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Congratulations should be offered to all involved for what is an uplifting story of commitment and unselfish support. There are many lessons contained within the "story line" that many politicians throughout the world might take on board and reflect on. Our current Government's attitude in the UK towards conservation  being a necessary partner within development is perhaps at the extreme end of what might best be described as misguided nonsense! Things can change, and for the better, as the above story shows, which underscores why our resolve to gain the best should never waiver.

Listing with BuBo.

Recently I've put some effort into sorting out my bird records, a task long overdue!!  Unfortunately I lost all my records previous to 2001, except for an odd foreign trip, so I've had an opportunity to begin things anew. Having promised myself that, with these "new" records, I'd be disciplined and utterly diligent,               I've now begun to bring the various systems I've decided upon into practice. And having promised myself that I'd "get around to computerizing everything one day" I've actually now begun that task as well.

Nowadays I keep a Field Logbook cum diary and enter daily sightings into " Bird Journal", which takes care of the more immediate end of the process. As far as lists go I rely on BuBo (BuBo Listing ) , indeed you'll notice I've recently installed a widget on this Blog which gives details of my current totals in BuBo for my World List and Western Palaearctic list. As yet these more reflect how much I've devoted time to entering records than to their totals as it's very much a "work in progress"  task and one which will see the totals increase dramatically as particular trips are added. Having seen in excess of 150 species already this calendar year I've also now decided to reinforce this within the blog by indicating the total reached when mentioning any new year list species for 2013.  So, for example, Harlequin Duck  ( remember it's only an example! ) will be followed by ( 152, 2013 ). But moving to BuBo..........

BuBo was created, and is maintained, by Andy Musgrove and Mike Prince. The potential it offers birders to maintain lists of their sightings is enormous and I believe we owe both of them a huge debt of gratitude for the  time and dedication they make available. The use of the site is free, but contributions are clearly welcome as this allows even greater developments to be added to the site's facility overall. As such provision is made to create, store,compare and print off as many lists as you wish to maintain and much, much more. You can commit records to more than one list as you're entering items, see who else has seen what, determine how many species you might have seen in a particular Continent, determine what your "target species" might be within the current year and so on. The facilities appear endless and more you use the site, the more you appreciate its value. Most importantly, new taxonomic changes are incorporated soon after they are revealed by the various authorities and the necessary changes made to country lists. Added to all this is a patient and thorough "back up" system provided by the above two organizers for any queries which might arise as well as a Forum facility being available. It's something we all should support given its thorough provision of detail, but , above all else, it's actually a great system to use and it's FUN!!  So take a look at it, try it and enjoy!

Despite all my enthusiasm for the above I don't think I'll ever discard my Clements book with its dutifully marked up little species boxes! It's not quite an ornithological comfort blanket but I do gather a lot of inspiration and motivation from simply looking through it. It's not a question of realising what I've seen, as I'm not into competitive birding, but realising how many great birds there are still to see and the exotic places they inhabit. Childlike wonder? Maybe, but I don't care as I continue to gain as much enjoyment from seeing birds and other wildlife as I've ever done.  

All good things come to an end. 19.2.2013.

Transfers to and from the island are dominated by the ferry schedules and so we were on the road well before 0600 hours. Sadly both ferry terminals are at "opposite ends" of the island to my home location so both departures and arrivals have an extra leg of  necessary travelling. Our birding had not quite finished though as, shortly after setting off, we had a single Woodcock tower away at the periphery of our headlights. Previous to leaving we'd spent a few rather chilly minutes simply looking at the night sky and enjoying the absolute silence. Given the wind direction not even any sounds were emanating from the nearby  coastline!  The only light pollution came from the occasional sweep of the lighthouse beam at Portnahaven, which was somewhat faint given hill land in between.

At various points of the first part of our journey we encountered both Roe and Red Deer, indeed I'm really beginning to wonder how many of the latter there are confined within the Rhinns conifer plantations! Whilst crossing roads and clearing fence lines don't usually present them with a problem , one hind had somehow managed to become "perched" on top of of a stone wall!!  This was as ridiculous as it was entertaining as she swayed too and fro whilst maintaining her balance. Shortly afterwards two Barn Owls showed well along the hillside north of the farm that no doubt served as home.

Eventually we reached Port Askaig as tankers, lorries and a few cars were being loaded below the arc lights.   The first glimmer of light began to rise in the east as a couple of Robins sang in the background. Goodbyes and boarding completed the boat then left within a few minutes and made its way down the Sound in the diminishing darkness.

The return journey showed more frost than I'd appreciated previously, but the emerging weather promised such conditions would be short lived. Whilst little of any exception appeared I was impressed with a large flock of 120+ Common Gulls systematically feeding across a field at the farm north of the house. Even before I'd made it inside home for my second breakfast, a party of 8 Choughs flew past me, tumbling and crying out as if in celebration. An apt conclusion to what had been a rewarding and enjoyable few days.

Later I went out locally for a while and was again struck by the presence of Stonechats in various places. They appear to have made a good comeback after suffering from the prolonged winter conditions of a couple of winters or so ago. We'd seen quite a few over the past days, including equal numbers on Jura.  They appear to abandon the most exposed moorland areas and make use of more coastal locations at the very height of winter.

As a commentary on what can be achieved, and how "small" our busy world has become, the journey to Sheffield takes little more than seven hours, so even eagles, Choughs and much more are within easy reach given weather, ferries, and road conditions are kind!!  Long weekends are feasible , but you probably need to add on an extra day to recover after all the excitement!!!

Eagles galore! 18.2.2013.

The forecast suggested that the weather would be improving so we took a gamble and decided to spend the day on Jura.  It was still cold in the wind, but the sun broke through eventually although still leaving some haze in the distance.

Such was perfect viewing conditions which increasingly began to pay off as the day progressed. Even before we got to Jura we'd had a single, although distant, Golden Eagle at one site and then watched another in display for a brief period at another location.  On Jura itself it first looked as if it might be a harrier day given we quickly encountered an adult male, an immature male and , then, a female in a relatively short distance!  Two or three Buzzards were in evidence and it began to look as if the conditions would entice raptors to display.  In passing through Craighouse a small party of Light bellied Brent Geese was present along the shoreline, which might be yet another signal of them extending their local wintering areas as I have had birds in the Sound of Islay in previous winters as well.

As we moved north inquisitive Red Deer became a roadside feature, suggesting few people had passed their way in the early morning. Birds were less in evidence, although various passerines were seen around Ardlussa. The removal of the mature conifers along the approach route and south of Tarbert now brings an altogether different vista to the journey. Sadly the road has "suffered " and doubtless work will now be needed to upgrade it once again.

Mid afternoon saw us undertaking our return journey, after briefly calling in to see friends and almost "winning" a spaniel in the process. It managed to install itself in the car's footwell and look appealing until we discovered that such behaviour is its party piece!!!  Thereafter provided some particularly exciting birding as we moved to the crest of an undulating bit of road and discovered  a 1st W Golden Eagle coming towards us  about 40 m. away. It provided the best views I've ever had of an immature bird as it veered off and then gradually circled away northwards. Soon after, or so it seemed, another sub-adult appeared, only to be joined by another bird , as they then  made their way towards the coast. When we thought everything had subsided Matthew then found a further, but distant, adult bird which was soon joined by another!! The obvious smaller male of the two began to display and we were entertained to some brief, but breathtaking views of this large bird plummeting towards the ground before sweeping upwards in a huge arc during which time its larger mate drifted around nearby.  Why is it such memorable birding always comes lumped together in this way!!

Later we actually found another two birds on Islay, admittedly distant but showing their golden heads nonetheless, which brought our total to nine different individuals, almost double that which I've ever had previously in a day and not something I'd like to try and equal.  Luck comes in strange doses it seems.  

We would have been selfish indeed to even expect any more from the day as we drove down the Rhinns.  The day itself was drawing in and, with it, the temperature, which was dropping noticeably and heralding a cold night in store for us all. The frenetic activity of the day was now past, but leaving indelible memories that doubtless will never be repeated, even by boys from Barnsley!!

Success despite the weather. 17.2.2013.

Overnight the southerly wind had freshened and serried lines of waves with "white horses"  made their way to the head of Loch Indaal. It also seemed much colder despite it developing into a bright day

The day started well with a party of 6 Chough around the house as we took breakfast ( that looks terribly blase), but few other birds other than odd Herring Gull and GBBG were in evidence as the wind gusted and howled around the house. Not the most supportive conditions!

The north eastern sector of Loch Indaal was somewhat calmer and held some duck , although the numbers have already beginning to reduce, partly due to season but, also, I suspect, because of poor weather previously. A fragmented group of 20-30 Common Scoters had various males in display with much splashing, short flights and diving. Close by a couple of Slavonian Grebe loosely associated with the birds. A fine male Long-tailed Duck showed briefly, but water conditions and the gusting wind made telescope usage more than a bit difficult! Northern Eiders and odd Red-breasted Merganser were dotted across the loch but it was awkward trying to get any precise numbers.

After a quick supermarket "shop" we continued on with our intended quest to try scrutinize goose flocks for birds of interest!  Loch Tallant had around 30 Teal and a Mallard but nothing else and examination of an area for Common Crossbill drew a blank. A female Hen Harrier sailed gracefully around above a plantation before slipping away quickly using the benefit of the wind. After looking at various large flocks we came across one which held a Light -bellied Brent Goose and a fine Lesser Canada Goose, in fact the latter was the closest bird to us at one point!!  Excellent views in good light over a prolonged period ensured we were very satisfied with bioth our efforts and the outcome.

Afterwards we almost did a  reverse of the route we'd followed yesterday, but we didn't come up with anything new other than a female Sparrowhawk at Ballinaby. Its presence appeared to have ensured that any passerines present had  disappeared as neither finches nor larks were in evidence.

Eventually we meandered home, our journey finishing with the sight of a Common Buzzard and a female Peregrine circling around over the hill south  of the house.

A couple of unexpected bonuses! 16.2.2013.

After breakfast a brief session outside after dawn produced a Skylark in song, an odd Meadow Pipit and a few Fieldfare. A period  seawatching provided a single adult Gannet and a Glaucous Gull, probably a 2ndW bird,  flying past south. The latter may well be the 1st W bird from last winter that frequented the area. A nice Black Gullemot in full summer plumage was offshore.

We gradually moved northwards up the Rinns examining the various goose flocks for more exciting " constituents" as we went, but to no avail. The Loch Gorm area held few geese but we located a small , but mixed, party of Linnet and Twite. A journey down to Ardnave along the west side of Gruinart produced more geese, Chough and a variety of birds on Loch Ardnave ( Whooper and Mute Swan, Goldeneye, Teal ). Moving gradually around Loch Gruinart we had a splendid flock of Golden Plover in flight for several minutes and remarked on how many Lapwings were back on The Flats, a great forerunner to this year's breeding season. Curling around onto the eastern side we watched a variety of duck and waders, including a Greenshank, all of which were repeatedly spooked by a male Peregrine we'd seen earlier.

Loch Indaal was now a little choppy and yielded very little other than birds we'd seen before except for a party of around 30 Greater Scaup. Visits to a selection of other spots soon took us towards dusk , so we started on out journey back home. The final surprise was to find a Merlin sitting atop a road sign north of Bruichladdich, which I managed to photograph and which was a nice surprise.

Whiter than white! 15.2.2013

Spent the whole morning on a series of routine things, mainly phone calls given the lack of computer facilities.  Matthew duly arrived on the afternoon ferry into Port Askaig amidst quite nice weather. It's not always like that on Islay , folks!

Given we'd only a couple of hours of daylight left we remained around the Sound of Islay and Bunnahabhain area. He'd already picked up a handful of  species ( Hooded Crow, Shag, Black Guillemot ) but we pressed on in the hope of more. Tide and sea conditions were good and odd Great Northern Divers were in the northern part of the Sound.

We continued down to the Distillery and after a few minutes located the adult Iceland Gull. Whilst I can't locate the precise date, I believe this is the 9th or 10th winter it has been with us. It first appeared as an immature and has been returning to this favourite spot each year since.

From it's vantage point on the wharf it sallies out and joins incoming fishing boats into Port Askaig, riding on the prow very often, and then presumably avails itself of the material discarded on sorting. A nice bit of learned behaviour!!  Whilst it's not a particularly sharp photograph, the following shot of the bird in flight does show the quite nice broad white trailing edge to the wing.

So, after such initial success we made our way down to Loch Indaal and slowly southwards home to Portnahaven. It was good to spend time near the house at dusk listening to the natural world gradually "wind down". Odd parties of geese overhead, a Common Snipe calling and displaying (!), corvids moving into roost and then, finally, silence! A good start to what, hopefully, will be a productive weekend.

WiFi update! 15.2.2013.

Hi folks.  Had a slight hiccup with my WiFi set up!!!  No details as they're too embarrassing to disclose.  Suffice to say No.1 Son sorted it out within five minutes of arriving for an intensive birding weekend!

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible, read  "as soon as I've the gall to describe myself as a computer user".  I thought age brought wisdom?

Hen Harriers...........a wall of silence.

Now I don't know about you, but I've seen precious little in the media in recent times which, essentially, keeps the appalling situation relating to Hen Harrier persecution "alive".  I personally believe this is absolutely necessary. Given, for example, the flawed views of the Moorland Association claiming there are plenty of harriers around in England, without acknowledging their presence in winter from more northerly origins, makes it  necessary to continually devote time to correcting such views before they gain wider acceptance.

But there is something of even greater concern!  I've received several  reports, admittedly based on rumour, that at least two of the four young which fledged last year from the only nest in England, have been found dead, with one report suggesting they had been shot. I've every reason to accept there is at least some truth in these reports given the sources involved, which automatically causes various questions to arise. One imagines that sat tagged birds were involved and, of course, the only body involved with such "research" is the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. The policy so far has been to refuse outright to reveal any findings from this study despite questions being raised, even in Parliament. Given this is public money, and that the expenditure has occurred over several years as part of the Government's Hen Harrier Recovery Plan, there appears to be a clear case for disclosure. Similarly, given the Plan has failed so spectacularly, there would also seem to be a case for the justification of such activities continuing to be funded from the public purse to be examined. With this in mind I have sent off various E-mails to my own Member of Parliament and to others to explore the matter and will set out the responses in due course.

But why should DEFRA be so keen to retain information that clearly is in the public interest and of particular assistance to a body like the RSPB and the Police?  Well, of course, a DEFRA report some little time ago did confirm that there was a correlation between upland grouse moors and the loss of contact from various tagged birds, but followed up by stating later that such could not be construed as being the location at which the unfortunate individuals had met their demise. That, I suppose, was the public element associated with their position, as one imagines that, on each and every occasion, the reports of such losses were reported to the appropriate Police Authority. The fact of the matter is that, very often, such areas comprise upland shooting estates against which one might assume the disclosure of such information would cause embarrassment, particularly given the apparent empathy existing within DEFRA towards such enterprises.
So, a wall of silence with the reasons for its construction and maintenance being robustly upheld!!

However, what of the conservation organizations? Whilst I always assume there is plenty going on in the background, I believe more should be made apparent to the public in order to keep such issues alive. Clearly our opinions diverge on this one if , for example, one looks at the latest edition of the RSPB's  Birds magazine. I can find no mention of harriers, the continuing persecution problem with the species or any declared lines of action, even if these are a reiteration of what has been put in place in previous seasons.  I concede that, over the years, the RSPB has spent an immense amount of money on this individual problem , but I suspect its membership, (now declared to be 1,087,712. ) would be happy at seeing such continuing expenditure. Why not ask the question in a future edition?  I fervently believe that, at the end of the day, it will be public opinion which will tip the balance and that those within the shooting community who continue to uphold illegal raptor persecution, as an expression of how THEY will ensure THEIR ends are best served, will have the most to lose. In the meantime, the lack of condemnation over yet more harriers possibly being killed is lamentable, is certainly a subject which would benefit from a public airing, even if it involved a correction to the facts!! It is certainly more important than ever at this point in time to continue to put up a fight on the issue to avoid, if nothing else, the situation gently slipping into the mists of acceptance. If that means putting up a wall of resistance, as opposed to wondering, from behind a wall of silence, what can be said that is new, then repeat the mantras of the past if nothing else.