Friday, January 1, 2021
It seems a long time since I committed to producing a Blog on a regular basis (too long!). In the meantime, much has happened to affect all of us and the outcomes are most certainly not a cause for celebration ! So here we now are at the onset of a New Year with a large measure of uncertainty hanging over us. To me, the only way forward is to work within the official parameters made available and to make the best of things. Whilst I've remained at home today, setting up various things, I'm still looking forward to what the next twelve months will bring and to the inevitable surprises.
Way back in the autumn of 2018, whilst in Cornwall, I had a bad fall down a steep, cliff footpath , took a battering, injured my left knee, which then took some time to mend. By 2020 I was recovered, starting off the year in Scotland, seeing a few nice things, including White-winged Scoter, and was ready to engage with a year of promise. Later, a week in Norfolk was something of a washout and, shortly after that, the problem with the Covid 19 virus emerged and lockdown restrictions followed on soon afterwards.
Short periods at Spurn in July, August and October, when restrictions eased, revived the spirits and intent and, now, here I am again looking forward to future birding, but with the whole UK enduring various levels of restriction. It seems likely that this situation is going to apply in some form or another for a while yet and, therefore, the challenge is to construct activities within the regulations and get on with it !
For my part I've abandoned all plans to go abroad until at least well into 2022. I've decided to concentrate primarily on local birding, travel within the County as regulations allow and adhering to all the guidance and, then,more widely as restrictions are lifted. Easy, unequivocal and stripped bare of " what if's" and "if onlys". Given my home area is still in Tier 3 I feel very lucky having the opportunity to travel around in what is a countryside area where it's not difficult to avoid people entirely ! I've decided on a personal recording area of two 10 km squares ( OS areas SE 10 and 20 ). Large....yes, ambitious....yes but an area overall with a large variety of opportunity and challenge on the eastern flanks of the Pennines up onto the open moorlands themselves. Reservoirs, woodlands, moorlands, swathes of agricultural land combine to provide a rich variety of habitat.
Whilst the current situation gives rise to serious concerns, there is room for hope once the vaccination programme really gets underway. In the meantime I think everyone should do their level best to accept the disciplines of the guidance and help to minimize the pressures on the NHS to whose staff our heartfelt wishes should be offered. Take care, stay safe and have an enjoyable year.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Quick update !
Hi everyone. Well, I'm afraid my well laid plans and intentions have not really produced. My "local routes" provided a good selection of local birds at the very beginning, but since then have failed to deliver any nice surprises. I have to say that I've really enjoyed listening properly to Blackbird and Song Thrush songsters as, normally, I'd probably only utilise such wonderful outpourings as evidence of presence within a survey of some kind I was undertaking. Yes, I agree , shame on me !
By far the most exciting discovery has been a local Greenfinch on territory. It started off a bit creaky ( if not bronchial ) but has since developed and is now giving daily doses of its rasping calls coupled with a few melodious notes . This is great news in a way as even the presence of an odd bird or flyover within the three/four years I've been here has been has been decidedly thin !
Eyes to the skies from now on in the hope of intercepting something of note. Fairly soon I hope to record the first House Martins that breed in the nearby estate and, fingers crossed, even the lone pair of Common Swift that bred next door last year.! In the meantime I'll continue to flog the "exercise routes" and turn thoughts to what will eventually prove to be a completely relaxed set of circumstances and complete mobile freedom. At the same time I 'll also work hard at suppressing interest in the current system of north east and easterly winds, circumstances that are avidly prayed for usually but now, of all times, impose themselves when we're unable to glean any benefit from the bird passage they might influence. And then I think of the people who might also have had a similar interest, but who, tragically , have succumbed to the effects of the epidemic which confronts us. Time to turn to the uplifting notes of our nearby thrushes and to feel thankful !
By far the most exciting discovery has been a local Greenfinch on territory. It started off a bit creaky ( if not bronchial ) but has since developed and is now giving daily doses of its rasping calls coupled with a few melodious notes . This is great news in a way as even the presence of an odd bird or flyover within the three/four years I've been here has been has been decidedly thin !
Eyes to the skies from now on in the hope of intercepting something of note. Fairly soon I hope to record the first House Martins that breed in the nearby estate and, fingers crossed, even the lone pair of Common Swift that bred next door last year.! In the meantime I'll continue to flog the "exercise routes" and turn thoughts to what will eventually prove to be a completely relaxed set of circumstances and complete mobile freedom. At the same time I 'll also work hard at suppressing interest in the current system of north east and easterly winds, circumstances that are avidly prayed for usually but now, of all times, impose themselves when we're unable to glean any benefit from the bird passage they might influence. And then I think of the people who might also have had a similar interest, but who, tragically , have succumbed to the effects of the epidemic which confronts us. Time to turn to the uplifting notes of our nearby thrushes and to feel thankful !
Sunday, March 29, 2020
New Mammal Atlas for UK.
The book shown below has only just been published and is a volume that should grace the bookshelf \of anyone with an interest in wildlife in the UK.
Inspired by the late Derek Yalden, the Atlas presents the collated results of records from the UK for the period 2000-2016. The design layout and presentation of text, maps, illustrations and diagrams is absolutely excellent, as is the up to date information on all our familiar mammal species. Particularly pleasing and interesting are the details made available on the wide range of bat species and cetaceans, many of which are supported by relatively few records.
A book that can be browsed time and time again, releasing new information, inspiration and delight on each visit. Copies can be obtained from Pelagic Publishing (www.pelagicpublishing.com ) or by visiting the Mammal Society website ( www.mammal.org.uk ).
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Inspired by the late Derek Yalden, the Atlas presents the collated results of records from the UK for the period 2000-2016. The design layout and presentation of text, maps, illustrations and diagrams is absolutely excellent, as is the up to date information on all our familiar mammal species. Particularly pleasing and interesting are the details made available on the wide range of bat species and cetaceans, many of which are supported by relatively few records.
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Saturday, March 28, 2020
Birds of Cyprus.
The book shown below was published at the very beginning of 2020 and joins others in the series of field guides produced by Helm. I was really looking forward to it supplementing the variety of birds to be seen in Cyprus on my visit this Spring , but then current circumstances intervened. I was also looking forward to spending time with Colin ( Richardson ) and to congratulating him face to face on what is an absolutely excellent publication.
This is not a review in a formal sense, more a celebration of what is a tremendous publication that would no doubt have enhanced the enjoyment and experience of many birders visiting Cyprus for the first time this Spring. As might be expected from Helm the standards throughout are beyond first class, be it the layout designs, illustrations, presentation of the text and distribution maps and the reproduction quality of the photographs. The authors and all others involved deserve our thanks for a volume that will give countless hours of enjoyment !
I particularly liked the compendium of birdwatching sites and the exhaustive and precise details for each. Such is a fitting tribute to Colin Richardson's diligent exploration of the island. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone intending to visit Cyprus ( which , currently, is in a more severe form of lockdown than the UK ). Future circumstances will , I am sure, be different and allow the full benefits to emerge from what is a wonderful island. For those who have already reaped the benefits of visiting Cyprus then the book provides a wonderful prompt to reliving the experiences you have accumulated.
Until last year I'd never had a good view of what is now accepted taxonomically as Cyprus Scops Owl. Then the view of a slightly angry looking bird peering down at us from the upper confines of a large thorny bush were superb and the diagnostic slightly darker and greyer plumage well seen . Such has been perfectly replicated in the stunning illustration on Page 142, even to "the look", an experience now depicted in perpetuity. Thank you.
It may well be that visits to Cyprus might now be curtailed for some time. More reason to get a copy of this book, repeatedly savour the contents and build up your enthusiasm for a visit at a future time.
You'll not be disappointed in any respects.
This is not a review in a formal sense, more a celebration of what is a tremendous publication that would no doubt have enhanced the enjoyment and experience of many birders visiting Cyprus for the first time this Spring. As might be expected from Helm the standards throughout are beyond first class, be it the layout designs, illustrations, presentation of the text and distribution maps and the reproduction quality of the photographs. The authors and all others involved deserve our thanks for a volume that will give countless hours of enjoyment !
I particularly liked the compendium of birdwatching sites and the exhaustive and precise details for each. Such is a fitting tribute to Colin Richardson's diligent exploration of the island. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone intending to visit Cyprus ( which , currently, is in a more severe form of lockdown than the UK ). Future circumstances will , I am sure, be different and allow the full benefits to emerge from what is a wonderful island. For those who have already reaped the benefits of visiting Cyprus then the book provides a wonderful prompt to reliving the experiences you have accumulated.
Until last year I'd never had a good view of what is now accepted taxonomically as Cyprus Scops Owl. Then the view of a slightly angry looking bird peering down at us from the upper confines of a large thorny bush were superb and the diagnostic slightly darker and greyer plumage well seen . Such has been perfectly replicated in the stunning illustration on Page 142, even to "the look", an experience now depicted in perpetuity. Thank you.
It may well be that visits to Cyprus might now be curtailed for some time. More reason to get a copy of this book, repeatedly savour the contents and build up your enthusiasm for a visit at a future time.
You'll not be disappointed in any respects.
A challenge to isolation !
Yesterday morning I started what I now intend to be a regular habit in the ensuing weeks, that of covering a given small local area and noting what birds I've seen. Thankfully, where I live is central to two adjacent kilometre squares , one of which has the River Don running through it and the other comprises an upper part of the rising flank of the eastern Pennines.. As a consequence , and easily within reach , are a variety of habitats that inevitably will provide a good selection of birds. I've identified three routes I can follow on my "permitted exercise walk" each day and am quite looking forward to it all.
Yesterday morning was quite cold and a bit misty when I went out ( I suppose the area averages out at a little over 250/260m. ). I confess it was after dawn (0530 hours ) and whilst a few cars were on the move I only saw one other person. Suffice to say I didn't see much, as the route I'd chosen was closest to the houses and predominantly "urban" in all respects despite the rural location. I repeated it again this morning, with, much the same return, excepting a singing Mistle Thrush and a very welcome rasping Greenfinch..
The contribution our gardens make nowadays in supporting our birdlife is of paramount importance given many of the rough corners within our landscape have been lost in the quest to bring all available areas into production. The task of monitoring garden birds has risen in parallel and the results from the surveys organized by the British Trust for Ornithology in this respect have been illuminating ( see www.bto.org/gbw ). The benefits of pursuing an interest in our urban wildlife have been championed by many, including the Urban Birder ( David Lindo ) whose indefatigable efforts have led many into appreciating a hitherto undiscovered world on their very doorsteps. See https://theurbanbirder.com/
Whilst my " local list" has not yet reached twenty , the opportunity to follow my passion within the circumstances imposed upon us all has already improved my own sense of well being and offset a sense of restlessness and frustration. Worth embracing the habit I'd say ! I suspect that we might all discover something within our close neighbourhood that lay ignored previously, driven past as we set off for favoured birding areas a little further afield ! Whilst I doubt I shall see anything exceptional I intend registering the area within the BTO BirdTrack scheme and adding the bird species seen into the population monitoring programme. I'll keep everyone posted on what is recorded within each month and such might be the interest and benefit I gain from it all I might make an effort to keep it going in a permanent sense.
In passing may I add this as a Postscript. Last evening many in my village, along with countless thousands within the UK, emerged on to their doorsteps at 2000 hours and clapped their hands as a gesture of thanks and admiration to the staff of the National Health Service ( NHS ) { and now the 600,000 + volunteers who have come forward to help } for the magnificent job they're doing in countering the effects of the Conovid 19 epidemic..
It was humbling, and not a little emotional, to witness and be a part of something so simple, but so far reaching in a collective sense, happening as it was throughout the country. When I came back indoors I was much reminded of the epic words of Sir Winston Churchill about the Battle of Britain. Substitute "nursing" for "human conflict" and the tribute is as vibrant today as ever was.
Never, in the field of nursing, has so much been owed by so many to so few.
To all in the NHS, thank you, take care and bless you all.
Yesterday morning was quite cold and a bit misty when I went out ( I suppose the area averages out at a little over 250/260m. ). I confess it was after dawn (0530 hours ) and whilst a few cars were on the move I only saw one other person. Suffice to say I didn't see much, as the route I'd chosen was closest to the houses and predominantly "urban" in all respects despite the rural location. I repeated it again this morning, with, much the same return, excepting a singing Mistle Thrush and a very welcome rasping Greenfinch..
The contribution our gardens make nowadays in supporting our birdlife is of paramount importance given many of the rough corners within our landscape have been lost in the quest to bring all available areas into production. The task of monitoring garden birds has risen in parallel and the results from the surveys organized by the British Trust for Ornithology in this respect have been illuminating ( see www.bto.org/gbw ). The benefits of pursuing an interest in our urban wildlife have been championed by many, including the Urban Birder ( David Lindo ) whose indefatigable efforts have led many into appreciating a hitherto undiscovered world on their very doorsteps. See https://theurbanbirder.com/
Whilst my " local list" has not yet reached twenty , the opportunity to follow my passion within the circumstances imposed upon us all has already improved my own sense of well being and offset a sense of restlessness and frustration. Worth embracing the habit I'd say ! I suspect that we might all discover something within our close neighbourhood that lay ignored previously, driven past as we set off for favoured birding areas a little further afield ! Whilst I doubt I shall see anything exceptional I intend registering the area within the BTO BirdTrack scheme and adding the bird species seen into the population monitoring programme. I'll keep everyone posted on what is recorded within each month and such might be the interest and benefit I gain from it all I might make an effort to keep it going in a permanent sense.
In passing may I add this as a Postscript. Last evening many in my village, along with countless thousands within the UK, emerged on to their doorsteps at 2000 hours and clapped their hands as a gesture of thanks and admiration to the staff of the National Health Service ( NHS ) { and now the 600,000 + volunteers who have come forward to help } for the magnificent job they're doing in countering the effects of the Conovid 19 epidemic..
It was humbling, and not a little emotional, to witness and be a part of something so simple, but so far reaching in a collective sense, happening as it was throughout the country. When I came back indoors I was much reminded of the epic words of Sir Winston Churchill about the Battle of Britain. Substitute "nursing" for "human conflict" and the tribute is as vibrant today as ever was.
Never, in the field of nursing, has so much been owed by so many to so few.
To all in the NHS, thank you, take care and bless you all.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Facing the future !
Well, I'd be the first to agree that it's been an absolute age since I last put out a Blog. Many things managed to get in the way, but I suppose 2019 will go down as both a good and bad year !!
Recovering from a knee injury , sustained in 2018, which " insisted" over time in improving, and then deteriorating in equal measure, was somewhat frustrating to say the least. Eventually, in November 2019, things cleared up entirely after over fourteen months. In between, and on a completely different front, I'd had to replace two laptops ( yes two ! ). A complete meltdown on each occasion against which I'm still reaping the penalties. If anyone reads this and realises I haven't been in touch for some time then please E-mail me as I've probably lost your contact details which probably right now reside in some local cyber cemetery!
There were some better times, of course, when I was at Spurn and the time I spent out in Cyprus ( see the Blog entries ). Nonetheless, I was rather looking forward to 2020 as the preceding months appeared , overall, to have moved through less than smoothly !
The New Year started in Scotland from which the return journey allowed a "calling off" at the Firth of Forth where I managed to see both Surf Scoter and the White-winged Scoter. Some local birding followed, including a day south of Doncaster which produced both Common Crane and Rough-legged Buzzard. Not at all bad for South Yorkshire!
A period of stormy weather saw a weekend on the East Coast cancelled and damage sustained to the house roof ! Was the improvement trend faltering I asked myself? A week in Norfolk soon followed , which was largely a washout, and then following on my return home the Covid-19 virus pandemic engulfed us all ! The immediate effect of this was that an intended "Spring sojourn" of several weeks in Cyprus was cancelled and a later trip to the Cairngorms suffered the same fate. I'm afraid I took the view that decisive action was needed, however much of a disappointment this proved to be , as the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances was unlikely to end for some time. Being a "golden oldie" the advice to isolate soon followed and now, of course, we're subjected to "conditioned house arrest". My preferred description ! So it looks as if 2020 is set to be worse than 2019, so how best to approach things?
I rather suspect that the overall implications of what affects us all will extend much further than the three weeks , or even three months, that are currently being offered as popular "milestones". I truly believe it's best not to create such false horizons, much better to construct a timeline of your own , and to determine a series of activities that link to your interests and thereby provide some form of substitute to what you might otherwise be engaged in. A home based bird list, for your immediate area, coupled with the odd migration watch perhaps, a deliberate selection of wildlife documentaries on television from which you can compile your own world list of species "seen" , and a catching up on reading all those natural history books you've bought but not yet opened. I'm sure there are endless other possibilities and I'd be glad to hear of your ideas.
For my part I've decided to continue with this Blog, to include details of birds I've seen on my local "exercise " walk, to include book reviews and reportage on environmental and conservation topics that might yet hit the news. After such an absence of regular entries the "readership" of the Blog will take a little time to build up and so feed back and ideas might be a bit thin on the ground, but keep them coming nonetheless. In the meantime , best wishes to all, take care .
Recovering from a knee injury , sustained in 2018, which " insisted" over time in improving, and then deteriorating in equal measure, was somewhat frustrating to say the least. Eventually, in November 2019, things cleared up entirely after over fourteen months. In between, and on a completely different front, I'd had to replace two laptops ( yes two ! ). A complete meltdown on each occasion against which I'm still reaping the penalties. If anyone reads this and realises I haven't been in touch for some time then please E-mail me as I've probably lost your contact details which probably right now reside in some local cyber cemetery!
There were some better times, of course, when I was at Spurn and the time I spent out in Cyprus ( see the Blog entries ). Nonetheless, I was rather looking forward to 2020 as the preceding months appeared , overall, to have moved through less than smoothly !
The New Year started in Scotland from which the return journey allowed a "calling off" at the Firth of Forth where I managed to see both Surf Scoter and the White-winged Scoter. Some local birding followed, including a day south of Doncaster which produced both Common Crane and Rough-legged Buzzard. Not at all bad for South Yorkshire!
A period of stormy weather saw a weekend on the East Coast cancelled and damage sustained to the house roof ! Was the improvement trend faltering I asked myself? A week in Norfolk soon followed , which was largely a washout, and then following on my return home the Covid-19 virus pandemic engulfed us all ! The immediate effect of this was that an intended "Spring sojourn" of several weeks in Cyprus was cancelled and a later trip to the Cairngorms suffered the same fate. I'm afraid I took the view that decisive action was needed, however much of a disappointment this proved to be , as the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances was unlikely to end for some time. Being a "golden oldie" the advice to isolate soon followed and now, of course, we're subjected to "conditioned house arrest". My preferred description ! So it looks as if 2020 is set to be worse than 2019, so how best to approach things?
I rather suspect that the overall implications of what affects us all will extend much further than the three weeks , or even three months, that are currently being offered as popular "milestones". I truly believe it's best not to create such false horizons, much better to construct a timeline of your own , and to determine a series of activities that link to your interests and thereby provide some form of substitute to what you might otherwise be engaged in. A home based bird list, for your immediate area, coupled with the odd migration watch perhaps, a deliberate selection of wildlife documentaries on television from which you can compile your own world list of species "seen" , and a catching up on reading all those natural history books you've bought but not yet opened. I'm sure there are endless other possibilities and I'd be glad to hear of your ideas.
For my part I've decided to continue with this Blog, to include details of birds I've seen on my local "exercise " walk, to include book reviews and reportage on environmental and conservation topics that might yet hit the news. After such an absence of regular entries the "readership" of the Blog will take a little time to build up and so feed back and ideas might be a bit thin on the ground, but keep them coming nonetheless. In the meantime , best wishes to all, take care .
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Further thoughts on the petition to ban driven grouse shooting.
The above petition is now close to reaching 80,000 signatures, a tremendous achievement. So the next obvious point to make ( of course ! ), is that , if you haven't signed , do so now !.
I'm on holiday at Spurn at present and so have lots of opportunity to consider, again and again, the overall situation as I wander around or complete a slow paced sea watch! Cutting to the chase, the immediate , most important aspect to address and gain improvement against , is the continuing persecution of raptors. Many of those affected are iconic members of our wildlife heritage. If there were to be any kind of similar assault on, say, our artistic heritage, there would be an outcry. As yet that hasn't occurred to the same potential extent, but will if the arrogance and self interests of the shooting fraternity continues even given its Establishment associations.
I've little doubt that any call for an outright ban would take some time to bring into being. However, a debate wherein the persecution issue was properly laid bare and the consequences of no improvement arising made apparent could help tremendously. This is where I believe the RSPB could help by encouraging support from its members. My RSPB Campaign Newsletter arrived this week ,urging people to assist in calling for sustainable farming policies and in resisting any extension of the large power station complex south of the important Minsmere Reserve. Laudable both , but some mention of the continuing plight of raptors wouldn't have gone amiss. To avoid doing so starts to accept the incidents are part of a developing permanent culture and I simply refuse to accept that position.
A recent Blog from the RSPB set out the need for a review of the grouse shooting industry, something I couldn't agree with more. But not all the membership reads such Blogs , a fact I'm reminded of given a series of recent conversations with people at the BirdFair and elsewhere. The question , in one form or another, seems an inevitable component of any conversation........ " What's the RSPB doing about all this raptor persecution?". Now I realise that such a demand is simplistic and with no simple answer, but it prompts me to consider whether the RSPB might be a little out of touch with the expectations of its membership ( straight forward demands in some instances). There's an immensely loyal bunch of people out there with concerns about "its Society " as well as issues like raptor persecution. It seems to me there is an all out need to set out , even repeatedly, the extent of the Society's involvement at any one time and to try and involve the membership wherever possible and curb their frustration. Incidentally , the one comment that comes through , time and again, is support for the magnificent work of the Investigations Team ( I couldn't agree more ). What does seem to go unappreciated are the position statements and summaries of what should be without any accompaniment of action points .
I'd be the first to recognize this is a difficult problem, but let's never accept it as an impossible one, which brings us full circle to the beginning. The need to precipitate action. ACTION THIS DAY, NOT TOMORROW OR THE WEEKEND.......NOW!!
I'm on holiday at Spurn at present and so have lots of opportunity to consider, again and again, the overall situation as I wander around or complete a slow paced sea watch! Cutting to the chase, the immediate , most important aspect to address and gain improvement against , is the continuing persecution of raptors. Many of those affected are iconic members of our wildlife heritage. If there were to be any kind of similar assault on, say, our artistic heritage, there would be an outcry. As yet that hasn't occurred to the same potential extent, but will if the arrogance and self interests of the shooting fraternity continues even given its Establishment associations.
I've little doubt that any call for an outright ban would take some time to bring into being. However, a debate wherein the persecution issue was properly laid bare and the consequences of no improvement arising made apparent could help tremendously. This is where I believe the RSPB could help by encouraging support from its members. My RSPB Campaign Newsletter arrived this week ,urging people to assist in calling for sustainable farming policies and in resisting any extension of the large power station complex south of the important Minsmere Reserve. Laudable both , but some mention of the continuing plight of raptors wouldn't have gone amiss. To avoid doing so starts to accept the incidents are part of a developing permanent culture and I simply refuse to accept that position.
A recent Blog from the RSPB set out the need for a review of the grouse shooting industry, something I couldn't agree with more. But not all the membership reads such Blogs , a fact I'm reminded of given a series of recent conversations with people at the BirdFair and elsewhere. The question , in one form or another, seems an inevitable component of any conversation........ " What's the RSPB doing about all this raptor persecution?". Now I realise that such a demand is simplistic and with no simple answer, but it prompts me to consider whether the RSPB might be a little out of touch with the expectations of its membership ( straight forward demands in some instances). There's an immensely loyal bunch of people out there with concerns about "its Society " as well as issues like raptor persecution. It seems to me there is an all out need to set out , even repeatedly, the extent of the Society's involvement at any one time and to try and involve the membership wherever possible and curb their frustration. Incidentally , the one comment that comes through , time and again, is support for the magnificent work of the Investigations Team ( I couldn't agree more ). What does seem to go unappreciated are the position statements and summaries of what should be without any accompaniment of action points .
I'd be the first to recognize this is a difficult problem, but let's never accept it as an impossible one, which brings us full circle to the beginning. The need to precipitate action. ACTION THIS DAY, NOT TOMORROW OR THE WEEKEND.......NOW!!
Monday, August 26, 2019
A Birder's Journey to the Big 300 By Terry Wells.
Whilst I was at the recent BirdFair at Rutland Water I went to listen to Terry Well's presentation about his new book (pictured below ). There was a certain honesty, lack of drama and ego about his presentation that persuaded me I should buy a copy. I'm glad I did and have no hesitation in recommending it to all. It can be obtained through all the usual channels ( including booksellers listed within Amazon searches ). the full title is as above, the publisher is Silverwood Books Ltd and the ISBN number is 978-1-78132- 862-0.
For many listers their total is very much a personal matter and not open to being published, promoted, and details given of successes and failures. This is where this story is possibly different in that it catalogues a year of effort trying to get to or exceed the magical 300 total. But, first of all, let me refer back to the book in general. As might be imagined the first chapters deal with Terry's "development " as a birder, covers the years when other aspects that affect us all have to be given attention. There are some typical "lad stories" too, the premier one is of Ray Moore and his calculator. I'll not spoil it , but suffice to say I've chuckled every day since I read about it !
But then we come to the real content of the book ! Terry's opportunity , through retirement, to try and see over 300 species in the UK in a single calendar year. He devotes a chapter to each month and this is where I guess other listers will pore over the strategies, sequence of visits and site details with forensic enthusiasm. The approach within these chapters , as with the birding approach itself , is consistent and "full on" with honest admissions about the failures, repeat site visits and decisions behind sometimes discontinuing a twitch. Beginners aren't left out either as interwoven in the text are explanations about white-winged gulls, organizations, official approaches to lists that might otherwise confuse people new to birding. Perhaps a more extended explanation of the RBA Bird Alert Pro facility would have helped at some point.
I'm sure many birders will be enthused by the accounts and dream of, if not plot and plan, an attempt of their own. Setting aside the costs of time and money ( not inconsiderable ! ), the travelling and the sheer unrelenting physical demands, there is the over-riding necessity of turning out almost everyday, whatever the weather, in order to drive the list ever onwards. January and February, even March, might be mastered , but there's a long way to go thereafter and , as Terry's account aptly demonstrates, the effort needed can never diminish. There'll be doubts and desperate, dark moments , all of which are mentioned , and, inevitably, there'll be occasions totally unconnected with birding that have to be accepted and properly dealt with. Life can't be "put on hold" for birding reasons.
Terry deals with all of this in a way that I felt made the book very human and realistic. There's an obvious love of birds and wildlife, even landscape, apparent within his writing, but also a generosity towards people, ( but best not to mention it if you're a dog breeder ! ). And then there's Mary.....partner, bird spotter extraordinaire and general factotum, even suggesting a trip to the SW in the depths of winter in a quest for certain species. Clearly that sort of support is crucial too.
I'd recommend this book to all birders, at whatever level, as each and everyone will be able to identify with the challenges it reflects and the stories it reveals. A great achievement, quietly told in an unassuming style. I've read it , but dipped back into it a couple of times already. Buy it, enjoy it, relive some of your own experiences, perhaps even some of the species and twitches described in the book. And, if you're new to listing, I'm sure this will be a book that helps with your own approaches and activities.
And, finally, to Terry. Thanks for sharing. A standing testament to a lot of effort, but something we can all enjoy too, time and again I suspect !,
For many listers their total is very much a personal matter and not open to being published, promoted, and details given of successes and failures. This is where this story is possibly different in that it catalogues a year of effort trying to get to or exceed the magical 300 total. But, first of all, let me refer back to the book in general. As might be imagined the first chapters deal with Terry's "development " as a birder, covers the years when other aspects that affect us all have to be given attention. There are some typical "lad stories" too, the premier one is of Ray Moore and his calculator. I'll not spoil it , but suffice to say I've chuckled every day since I read about it !
But then we come to the real content of the book ! Terry's opportunity , through retirement, to try and see over 300 species in the UK in a single calendar year. He devotes a chapter to each month and this is where I guess other listers will pore over the strategies, sequence of visits and site details with forensic enthusiasm. The approach within these chapters , as with the birding approach itself , is consistent and "full on" with honest admissions about the failures, repeat site visits and decisions behind sometimes discontinuing a twitch. Beginners aren't left out either as interwoven in the text are explanations about white-winged gulls, organizations, official approaches to lists that might otherwise confuse people new to birding. Perhaps a more extended explanation of the RBA Bird Alert Pro facility would have helped at some point.
I'm sure many birders will be enthused by the accounts and dream of, if not plot and plan, an attempt of their own. Setting aside the costs of time and money ( not inconsiderable ! ), the travelling and the sheer unrelenting physical demands, there is the over-riding necessity of turning out almost everyday, whatever the weather, in order to drive the list ever onwards. January and February, even March, might be mastered , but there's a long way to go thereafter and , as Terry's account aptly demonstrates, the effort needed can never diminish. There'll be doubts and desperate, dark moments , all of which are mentioned , and, inevitably, there'll be occasions totally unconnected with birding that have to be accepted and properly dealt with. Life can't be "put on hold" for birding reasons.
Terry deals with all of this in a way that I felt made the book very human and realistic. There's an obvious love of birds and wildlife, even landscape, apparent within his writing, but also a generosity towards people, ( but best not to mention it if you're a dog breeder ! ). And then there's Mary.....partner, bird spotter extraordinaire and general factotum, even suggesting a trip to the SW in the depths of winter in a quest for certain species. Clearly that sort of support is crucial too.
I'd recommend this book to all birders, at whatever level, as each and everyone will be able to identify with the challenges it reflects and the stories it reveals. A great achievement, quietly told in an unassuming style. I've read it , but dipped back into it a couple of times already. Buy it, enjoy it, relive some of your own experiences, perhaps even some of the species and twitches described in the book. And, if you're new to listing, I'm sure this will be a book that helps with your own approaches and activities.
And, finally, to Terry. Thanks for sharing. A standing testament to a lot of effort, but something we can all enjoy too, time and again I suspect !,
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
A call for support from the RSPB !
It's some little time since I put out an entry on this Blog. There are good reasons for this as it happens , but the explanations can wait as the topic below demands urgent action from us all.
Recently the Directors of Wild Justice registered an E-petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting. I'm presuming at this point that readers are conversant with the background details and arguments surrounding such a plea. As I look at the petition site this afternoon the number of signatures stands at 69,153, a truly remarkable response given the little time which has elapsed since it went public. To gain a debate by elected members of Parliament the number of signatures must reach 100, 000 and preferably be in excess of that figure. As many will probably know there has already been one debate associated with the petition dealing with the same subject matter and based on a previous petition registered by Mark Avery. The ensuing proceedings can only be described as a travesty, if not resulting in a wholly predictable outcome.
Endless details on persecution incidents and their association with grouse moors have been published and there is no justification in repeating those here. What appears to be central to the whole issue is the lack of any intention on the shooting industry's part to cease such persecution despite it being in flagrant disregard of the law. Now, there are those who say it only a proportion of "bad apples" within the industry who are responsible and giving everyone a bad name. Whilst the main plank of the conservation case has been associated with the targeted activities against Hen Harriers the geographical spread of different species affected and birds shot, trapped or poisoned etc suggests we are dealing with somewhat more than a portion of a "crop", but that the prejudiced feelings against raptors is endemic within the industry. But even if that isn't the case the fact that, other than a few published blandishments on the subject by representative organizations, the actions by the industry against its own miscreants is difficult to determine if, indeed, any pressure has been brought to bear at all ?
In my view "enough is very much enough". I was personally convinced that licensing would address the problem and set out my own E-petition some time ago against which the Government response was little more than a joke. Whilst the RSPB chose not to support that petition , nor that initiated by Mark Avery to ban driven grouse shooting, it has latterly suggested that licensing should be adopted, although its efforts to gain support for this measure appear a little less than robust. Since then I have changed my position in the face of no indication for change at all being forthcoming from the shooting industry and persecution incidents, if anything, increasing.
Set against this background, and any historical positioning, it occurs to me that we now have a unique opportunity to try and really get this issue in the public domain.
But first of all, a technical point. Should a General Election be announced the six month period wherein signatures can be submitted on a petition will close and the whole matter fall by the wayside. As seems likely, a General Election will be announced at some point this autumn therefore the opportunity to build up the signature total of the petition might be truncated. This surely moves towards an obvious conclusion that every effort , and by whatever legitimate means, must be employed to not only achieve a high level of signatures and demonstrate the public's abhorrence at the levels of persecution occurring . but to obtain as full a debate as possible on the matter in advance of an election and to move the issue into the very territory of subjects under scrutiny at the time of that election.
Whilst I personally doubt that driven grouse shooting will be brought to a peremptory end in 2019, the further exposure of the current persecution levels is not something the Tories would want to be asked of each of their prospective candidates when appearing on the doorstep. Neither would they want the spectre of regulation being discussed widely, particularly given the recent interest taken by both other political parties and a wide selection of the media around 12th August last ! So now is the time to demonstrate the depth and breadth of feeling on the matter within the British public. The extent to which the shooting industry feels it can set itself outside of the law must be challenged and on as wide a basis as possible. Not only must there be a reverse in fortunes of the Hen Harrier, pictured above, but, as appeared recently, the disgusting sight of a young Golden Eagle flying around with a trap attached to its foot must surely signal an end being brought to such barbaric behaviour by those responsible.
So, enter the RSPB ! It has often been said that the membership level of the RSPB ( oft quoted in excess of a million ) is the envy of some of the political parties. I'm not conversant with the current levels of membership of each of the parties,but I do feel that an opportunity exists for the RSPB to assist in bringing about what could be the greatest exposure of the persecution of raptor problem hitherto. An unequivocal, IMMEDIATE request for its membership to support the above petition , thereby politicising its membership to take part ( at their own volition ) in a bit of old style campaigning, could elevate the issues and allow discussion on the merits of banning , licencing, vicarious liability and so on. The good ladies of Didsbury, Manchester who rose up against the use of bird plumes in the millinery trade would be proud......and look what that led to.
Such action would need to be immediate and not prove to be the subject of endless examination, meetings on the top corridor or a discussion at the forthcoming AGM and so forth. The RSPB appears to have been somewhat cautious in recent times when it comes to overt action and campaigning and what used to be its "one stop shop" position when it came to matters relating to birds has tarnished somewhat. I appreciate that such a request comes at the very beginning of the tenure of its new Chief Executive and apologise accordingly, but time is of the essence and it would signal too that the Society itself has had enough given the resources and effort it has placed against the problem over the years.
Just consider what the response might be , and at this time of disjointed political unity too. Exceeding 100, 000 would certainly seem a reality, but surely 150, 000, even 200,000 is not beyond reach. I doubt there is few, if any, RSPB members who aren't appalled by the continuing presence of persecution of our raptors going on in the background and who wouldn't want the issue to be prevented in whatever way possible. Now is an opportunity to get the issue way up on the agenda.
In this sense the RSPB might be seen as pivotal in terms of improving the success of the current initiative. However, I have to say that, in the absence of overt support, one can only ponder on what, precisely, the RSPB does currently see itself as influencing and what role and positioning it commands. Without being facetious , I have to say " remember the laws which were drummed into us all at school, actions and opposing reactions ". The shooting industry is not going to suffer willingly any Damascene conversion and only action by the conservation organizations can bring about change. In my opinion, now is that time !!!
And a final question! Have you signed the petition ? If not, use the link and sign without delay.
Recently the Directors of Wild Justice registered an E-petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting. I'm presuming at this point that readers are conversant with the background details and arguments surrounding such a plea. As I look at the petition site this afternoon the number of signatures stands at 69,153, a truly remarkable response given the little time which has elapsed since it went public. To gain a debate by elected members of Parliament the number of signatures must reach 100, 000 and preferably be in excess of that figure. As many will probably know there has already been one debate associated with the petition dealing with the same subject matter and based on a previous petition registered by Mark Avery. The ensuing proceedings can only be described as a travesty, if not resulting in a wholly predictable outcome.
Endless details on persecution incidents and their association with grouse moors have been published and there is no justification in repeating those here. What appears to be central to the whole issue is the lack of any intention on the shooting industry's part to cease such persecution despite it being in flagrant disregard of the law. Now, there are those who say it only a proportion of "bad apples" within the industry who are responsible and giving everyone a bad name. Whilst the main plank of the conservation case has been associated with the targeted activities against Hen Harriers the geographical spread of different species affected and birds shot, trapped or poisoned etc suggests we are dealing with somewhat more than a portion of a "crop", but that the prejudiced feelings against raptors is endemic within the industry. But even if that isn't the case the fact that, other than a few published blandishments on the subject by representative organizations, the actions by the industry against its own miscreants is difficult to determine if, indeed, any pressure has been brought to bear at all ?
In my view "enough is very much enough". I was personally convinced that licensing would address the problem and set out my own E-petition some time ago against which the Government response was little more than a joke. Whilst the RSPB chose not to support that petition , nor that initiated by Mark Avery to ban driven grouse shooting, it has latterly suggested that licensing should be adopted, although its efforts to gain support for this measure appear a little less than robust. Since then I have changed my position in the face of no indication for change at all being forthcoming from the shooting industry and persecution incidents, if anything, increasing.
Set against this background, and any historical positioning, it occurs to me that we now have a unique opportunity to try and really get this issue in the public domain.
But first of all, a technical point. Should a General Election be announced the six month period wherein signatures can be submitted on a petition will close and the whole matter fall by the wayside. As seems likely, a General Election will be announced at some point this autumn therefore the opportunity to build up the signature total of the petition might be truncated. This surely moves towards an obvious conclusion that every effort , and by whatever legitimate means, must be employed to not only achieve a high level of signatures and demonstrate the public's abhorrence at the levels of persecution occurring . but to obtain as full a debate as possible on the matter in advance of an election and to move the issue into the very territory of subjects under scrutiny at the time of that election.
Whilst I personally doubt that driven grouse shooting will be brought to a peremptory end in 2019, the further exposure of the current persecution levels is not something the Tories would want to be asked of each of their prospective candidates when appearing on the doorstep. Neither would they want the spectre of regulation being discussed widely, particularly given the recent interest taken by both other political parties and a wide selection of the media around 12th August last ! So now is the time to demonstrate the depth and breadth of feeling on the matter within the British public. The extent to which the shooting industry feels it can set itself outside of the law must be challenged and on as wide a basis as possible. Not only must there be a reverse in fortunes of the Hen Harrier, pictured above, but, as appeared recently, the disgusting sight of a young Golden Eagle flying around with a trap attached to its foot must surely signal an end being brought to such barbaric behaviour by those responsible.
So, enter the RSPB ! It has often been said that the membership level of the RSPB ( oft quoted in excess of a million ) is the envy of some of the political parties. I'm not conversant with the current levels of membership of each of the parties,but I do feel that an opportunity exists for the RSPB to assist in bringing about what could be the greatest exposure of the persecution of raptor problem hitherto. An unequivocal, IMMEDIATE request for its membership to support the above petition , thereby politicising its membership to take part ( at their own volition ) in a bit of old style campaigning, could elevate the issues and allow discussion on the merits of banning , licencing, vicarious liability and so on. The good ladies of Didsbury, Manchester who rose up against the use of bird plumes in the millinery trade would be proud......and look what that led to.
Such action would need to be immediate and not prove to be the subject of endless examination, meetings on the top corridor or a discussion at the forthcoming AGM and so forth. The RSPB appears to have been somewhat cautious in recent times when it comes to overt action and campaigning and what used to be its "one stop shop" position when it came to matters relating to birds has tarnished somewhat. I appreciate that such a request comes at the very beginning of the tenure of its new Chief Executive and apologise accordingly, but time is of the essence and it would signal too that the Society itself has had enough given the resources and effort it has placed against the problem over the years.
Just consider what the response might be , and at this time of disjointed political unity too. Exceeding 100, 000 would certainly seem a reality, but surely 150, 000, even 200,000 is not beyond reach. I doubt there is few, if any, RSPB members who aren't appalled by the continuing presence of persecution of our raptors going on in the background and who wouldn't want the issue to be prevented in whatever way possible. Now is an opportunity to get the issue way up on the agenda.
In this sense the RSPB might be seen as pivotal in terms of improving the success of the current initiative. However, I have to say that, in the absence of overt support, one can only ponder on what, precisely, the RSPB does currently see itself as influencing and what role and positioning it commands. Without being facetious , I have to say " remember the laws which were drummed into us all at school, actions and opposing reactions ". The shooting industry is not going to suffer willingly any Damascene conversion and only action by the conservation organizations can bring about change. In my opinion, now is that time !!!
And a final question! Have you signed the petition ? If not, use the link and sign without delay.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Travelling again!
After the usual few days of sorting out the aftermath of being away for a period , which has precluded any serious local birding, I'm off on my travels again (to Bulgaria ). Sadly I shan't be able to post any entries whilst I'm away . I'm back shortly and will regale you with what I suspect will be some exciting insights about a country that I 'm assured is excellent for birds ( and scenery, and food and the odd vintage too ! ).
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