The day of the Islay and Jura Agricultural Show, with even the weather being kind.
Warblers local to home now seem to have "dried up" , although an odd Northern Wheatear and a Whinchat put in an appearance. I suspect we are to see some really large numbers of Meadow Pipit in the next couple of weeks as local presence is already high even before the main passage from the north reaches us.
An enjoyable day at the Show. It seemed larger than normal numbers of stock had been entered and an increased number of displays to be present. The RSPB even managed to win the Show Champion slot with a young white heifer, whose value at the winter sales will doubtless now be enhanced by the recognition. A large part of the day is spent talking to friends and acquaintances , as it's a misnomer to believe that just because you live on an island you're forever bumping into everyone you know. For me there was an opportunity to check who had Grey-lag Geese visiting newly cut silage fiels or emergent re-seeds, to check with a couple of the keepers how "their" local pair of eagles had done this year and to have a good long chat with "Pat the Bat", an RSPB volunteer who hails from Surrey and who visits annually to help with work on the reserve. During these visits he's put a few good bat records " on the map" and is always full of sound advice and assistance. A good day and a deserving one for all the hard work which is put into the event by the local organizers.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
12th August, 2009.
Not that pleasant a morning , finally improving by mid-afternoon with sunshine and open skies!
Seawatching might best be described as "routine" despite a light westerly! To a visitor the array of seabirds parading past the south west point of the island would have seemed somewhat of a bonanza, but sadly it contained no surprises .Our terns seem largely to have gone and so any future sightings will be of passage birds. Whilst most of the seabirds seem to still be on feeding movements doubtless this will alter very shortly with birds being on the move. This is when the pattern changes and all movement is predominantly south, as opposed to an equitable mixture as was today.
A good selection of waders with some real mixtures of plumage apparent, particularly in Dunlin. Other migrants seemed in short supply, but a few Northern Wheatears were apparent and the odd Willow Warbler. "Alba" wagtails seemed to everywhere, mainly along road margins, but also in beach areas . A loose party of 12+ Rock Pipits in one local area was a nice surprise, a species much ignored in many respects. Another species which receives occasional mention , but little else, is Rock Dove ( the genuine sort, that is! ). Soon they'll be forming roving flocks with numbers usually showing that they appear to do quite well. After being relatively "quiet" during the breeding season birds suddenly can be found zooming around the sky in ones and twos, to what end I'm not at all sure!!
Loch Indaal carried very little other than Eider and a couple of collections of Red-breasted Merganser in moutlting parties. My main interest was in pinning down Grey-lag Geese, many of which are still in distinct groups at various locations. One gathering of nearly 300 had a further 100+ join them over the succeeding hour, dispersed over six groups and all coming in from the east or south.
It would be inappropriate to pass by the "Glorious Twelfth" without some comment. For foreign readers this is the date when the shooting season for grouse begins in the uplands. Over recent days the blatant destruction of a late Hen Harrier nest containing young in the Forest of Bowland , Lancashire is yet another example of the complete disregard for the law those involved in the management of such areas can display. Given this occurred on a tenanted shoot on land owned by the water company, United Utilities, one imagines they will be pursuing something so much at odds with their declared "green credentials". It's a matter of national shame in my opinion that an appreciable number of our most magnificent raptors ( Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, Red Kites and others ) are now being lost to the depradations of those involved in managing uplands in order to artificially "crop" populations of Red Grouse that are then significantly reduced by shooting every year. To those who are about to enjoy the "spoils" at dinners around the country, I would ask for a few moments of reflection on what the accompanying costs are to our natural heritage. A little selfless compromise wouldn't go amiss within a system so replete with selfish indulgence!
Seawatching might best be described as "routine" despite a light westerly! To a visitor the array of seabirds parading past the south west point of the island would have seemed somewhat of a bonanza, but sadly it contained no surprises .Our terns seem largely to have gone and so any future sightings will be of passage birds. Whilst most of the seabirds seem to still be on feeding movements doubtless this will alter very shortly with birds being on the move. This is when the pattern changes and all movement is predominantly south, as opposed to an equitable mixture as was today.
A good selection of waders with some real mixtures of plumage apparent, particularly in Dunlin. Other migrants seemed in short supply, but a few Northern Wheatears were apparent and the odd Willow Warbler. "Alba" wagtails seemed to everywhere, mainly along road margins, but also in beach areas . A loose party of 12+ Rock Pipits in one local area was a nice surprise, a species much ignored in many respects. Another species which receives occasional mention , but little else, is Rock Dove ( the genuine sort, that is! ). Soon they'll be forming roving flocks with numbers usually showing that they appear to do quite well. After being relatively "quiet" during the breeding season birds suddenly can be found zooming around the sky in ones and twos, to what end I'm not at all sure!!
Loch Indaal carried very little other than Eider and a couple of collections of Red-breasted Merganser in moutlting parties. My main interest was in pinning down Grey-lag Geese, many of which are still in distinct groups at various locations. One gathering of nearly 300 had a further 100+ join them over the succeeding hour, dispersed over six groups and all coming in from the east or south.
It would be inappropriate to pass by the "Glorious Twelfth" without some comment. For foreign readers this is the date when the shooting season for grouse begins in the uplands. Over recent days the blatant destruction of a late Hen Harrier nest containing young in the Forest of Bowland , Lancashire is yet another example of the complete disregard for the law those involved in the management of such areas can display. Given this occurred on a tenanted shoot on land owned by the water company, United Utilities, one imagines they will be pursuing something so much at odds with their declared "green credentials". It's a matter of national shame in my opinion that an appreciable number of our most magnificent raptors ( Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, Red Kites and others ) are now being lost to the depradations of those involved in managing uplands in order to artificially "crop" populations of Red Grouse that are then significantly reduced by shooting every year. To those who are about to enjoy the "spoils" at dinners around the country, I would ask for a few moments of reflection on what the accompanying costs are to our natural heritage. A little selfless compromise wouldn't go amiss within a system so replete with selfish indulgence!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
11th August, 2009.
Back in the fold , but with the weather being utterly unco-operative with rain and mist , little could be done!!
The joys of being on the Atlantic seabord!
The joys of being on the Atlantic seabord!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
5th August,2009. (additional posting ).
Based on some information passed by a colleague the following are facts that, in England at least, might receive serious consideration by the Government's Agency, Natural England, and its overarching role relating to the natural fabric of the countryside and the wildlife it contains!
I understand that up to 86% of grouse moors in England may be designated as , or within, SSSI's ( Sites of Special Scientific Interest ). Given that , in many cases , the very justification upon which that designation rests includes the species present , or using, the area , some of which are now being persecuted, leads one to a realisation a little more should be done to scrutinise why such national wildlife " value" is being undermined. To bring in a cultural analagy again, if the roof of the National Gallery was leaking one would expect the Trustees, or whoever is responsible , to do something about it.
Under designation a series of "damaging acts" can be scheduled which are deemed detrimental to the value of the site and should not implemented. Given the applied elements of grouse moor management include, in some cases , the reduction of raptor species that are seen to be in conflict with the aims and productivity of the moor, the way forward would seem clear! Until such time as persecution ceases Natural England should ban grouse shooting as a damaging act , a radical move that I guess would indicate how seriously the situation has become.
Given past history with our Government agencies I doubt such a possibility would even get to committee stage for consideration!! And perhaps that's the real problem ! But given that the whole system seems to be in melt down, perhaps we should accept that such agencies are little more than Nero's footsoldiers and turn to prayer!
I understand that up to 86% of grouse moors in England may be designated as , or within, SSSI's ( Sites of Special Scientific Interest ). Given that , in many cases , the very justification upon which that designation rests includes the species present , or using, the area , some of which are now being persecuted, leads one to a realisation a little more should be done to scrutinise why such national wildlife " value" is being undermined. To bring in a cultural analagy again, if the roof of the National Gallery was leaking one would expect the Trustees, or whoever is responsible , to do something about it.
Under designation a series of "damaging acts" can be scheduled which are deemed detrimental to the value of the site and should not implemented. Given the applied elements of grouse moor management include, in some cases , the reduction of raptor species that are seen to be in conflict with the aims and productivity of the moor, the way forward would seem clear! Until such time as persecution ceases Natural England should ban grouse shooting as a damaging act , a radical move that I guess would indicate how seriously the situation has become.
Given past history with our Government agencies I doubt such a possibility would even get to committee stage for consideration!! And perhaps that's the real problem ! But given that the whole system seems to be in melt down, perhaps we should accept that such agencies are little more than Nero's footsoldiers and turn to prayer!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
5th August,2009.
Yes, this is a very early post covering both yesterday and today!! Both days will have been devoted to writing various articles and comments about raptor persecution and what is needed in the future!
Within 24 hours of my talking about such matters in Angus a Golden Eagle was found poisoned on a private estate within the county. Found, because it was fitted with a satellite transmitter that allowed the corpse to be located. Sad, because this individual was the one whose transmitter was fitted around two years ago at a site in the Highlands by Roy Dennis and whose movements have been followed and enjoyed by many via a web site link. Obviously the police will investigate and one hopes those who are guilty will be brought to book. Yet another demonstration of the targetted management activities employed on grouse moors gaining another victim! Strong words from politicians and lots of hand wringing from others , but what action will result to bring about change? A difficult problem admittedley but one that , quite frankly, is ludicrous if it continues . It's not just the fact that the law is being broken, but that is being broken deliberately and persistently by a minority who obviously believe they are above its constraints. Such arrogance usually precedes a major fall from grace in my opinion, however long one has to wait for the result!!
I'm fast coming to the belief that driven grouse shooting should be banned! Our immersion in looking for ways to limit or eradicate persecution is leading us all away from a main "component" in the overall equation. If an activity is persistently seen to involve the law being broken then it should be stopped! High handed? Tough!! Given the absolute lack of willingness on behalf of those causing the problem to offer any compromise strong action is needed. It's the only way as it avoids the mealy mouthed , insincere and hypocritical utterances that one sees from time to time issued in support of this grand activity that will culminate on the 12th August in a frenzy of killing! So we are seeing some of our most magnificent members of the avian raptor community killed to better accomodate the slaughter of endless other birds reared under " artificially" supported circumstances, i.e. the removal of any possible factor that involves a threat, be it mammalian or avian. This is the 21st Millenium , folks, lets get real about all this!
I shall have spent a lot of time within these 48 hours cogitating this problem. Realistically , it seems to me, that only if estates can demonstrate that their areas actively support populations of raptors should they be allowed to run shoots. A little while ago the RSPB proposed some form of licensing, details of which I'm still trying to get hold of. I suspect the initiative may have hit a few problems but the emergent lesson is that the thinking is maturing in the right direction. I have certainly no sympathy for upland or lowland shoot owners who deliberately encourage the law being broken. Instructions given " on the nod" are just as implicit as direct orders in my book. Perversely, I do have some sympathy for keepers who find themselves with a family, in a tied house, on limited earnings, against whose endeavours there are high expectations held from employer and clients alike. High fees, poor bags are not a combination those in charge of the sport appear tolerant about it would seem! And yet, in my book, anybody even able to contemplate operating a shoot is not likely to be drawing State Benefits ( well, not from the Post Office but possibly via subsidies!! ) and, therefore, should be willing to accept a reduction in bags that the presence of , say, a pair of harriers is held resoponsible for. Given some of them claim knowledge of absolutely everything they will, of course, be aware that prey/predator relationships are unlikely to result in them being knee deep in " the damned things" ( such, of course , are never referred to by name but by allusion ).
I've begun to openly advocate to colleagues that a full blown campaign is needed to bring a bout cahnge. A campaign that expresses the indignation of the general public, not just birders and conservationists! The question we must ask ourselves is whether we care enough or, as in so many instances, "they" are held to be the body that must sort it out. Our environment, its wildlife and their habitats, are a function of what we hold to be valuable, both as individuals and as a nation. I've little time for the "also rans", the "barrack room lawyers" and those whose silence at times when action is needed tells all about their real commitment and integrity. Time will tell, but in the words of Jeanette McKay the other day, "If the public really knew what was happening, there'd be an uproar".
As a feature within our modern day society raptor persecution is a tradition emanating from Victorian times and before, bringing no benefit to the ordinary man and redolent of a time when indulgent pastimes were the order of the day for those with time and wealth to enjoy them. In some aspects little, therefore , has changed.
Within 24 hours of my talking about such matters in Angus a Golden Eagle was found poisoned on a private estate within the county. Found, because it was fitted with a satellite transmitter that allowed the corpse to be located. Sad, because this individual was the one whose transmitter was fitted around two years ago at a site in the Highlands by Roy Dennis and whose movements have been followed and enjoyed by many via a web site link. Obviously the police will investigate and one hopes those who are guilty will be brought to book. Yet another demonstration of the targetted management activities employed on grouse moors gaining another victim! Strong words from politicians and lots of hand wringing from others , but what action will result to bring about change? A difficult problem admittedley but one that , quite frankly, is ludicrous if it continues . It's not just the fact that the law is being broken, but that is being broken deliberately and persistently by a minority who obviously believe they are above its constraints. Such arrogance usually precedes a major fall from grace in my opinion, however long one has to wait for the result!!
I'm fast coming to the belief that driven grouse shooting should be banned! Our immersion in looking for ways to limit or eradicate persecution is leading us all away from a main "component" in the overall equation. If an activity is persistently seen to involve the law being broken then it should be stopped! High handed? Tough!! Given the absolute lack of willingness on behalf of those causing the problem to offer any compromise strong action is needed. It's the only way as it avoids the mealy mouthed , insincere and hypocritical utterances that one sees from time to time issued in support of this grand activity that will culminate on the 12th August in a frenzy of killing! So we are seeing some of our most magnificent members of the avian raptor community killed to better accomodate the slaughter of endless other birds reared under " artificially" supported circumstances, i.e. the removal of any possible factor that involves a threat, be it mammalian or avian. This is the 21st Millenium , folks, lets get real about all this!
I shall have spent a lot of time within these 48 hours cogitating this problem. Realistically , it seems to me, that only if estates can demonstrate that their areas actively support populations of raptors should they be allowed to run shoots. A little while ago the RSPB proposed some form of licensing, details of which I'm still trying to get hold of. I suspect the initiative may have hit a few problems but the emergent lesson is that the thinking is maturing in the right direction. I have certainly no sympathy for upland or lowland shoot owners who deliberately encourage the law being broken. Instructions given " on the nod" are just as implicit as direct orders in my book. Perversely, I do have some sympathy for keepers who find themselves with a family, in a tied house, on limited earnings, against whose endeavours there are high expectations held from employer and clients alike. High fees, poor bags are not a combination those in charge of the sport appear tolerant about it would seem! And yet, in my book, anybody even able to contemplate operating a shoot is not likely to be drawing State Benefits ( well, not from the Post Office but possibly via subsidies!! ) and, therefore, should be willing to accept a reduction in bags that the presence of , say, a pair of harriers is held resoponsible for. Given some of them claim knowledge of absolutely everything they will, of course, be aware that prey/predator relationships are unlikely to result in them being knee deep in " the damned things" ( such, of course , are never referred to by name but by allusion ).
I've begun to openly advocate to colleagues that a full blown campaign is needed to bring a bout cahnge. A campaign that expresses the indignation of the general public, not just birders and conservationists! The question we must ask ourselves is whether we care enough or, as in so many instances, "they" are held to be the body that must sort it out. Our environment, its wildlife and their habitats, are a function of what we hold to be valuable, both as individuals and as a nation. I've little time for the "also rans", the "barrack room lawyers" and those whose silence at times when action is needed tells all about their real commitment and integrity. Time will tell, but in the words of Jeanette McKay the other day, "If the public really knew what was happening, there'd be an uproar".
As a feature within our modern day society raptor persecution is a tradition emanating from Victorian times and before, bringing no benefit to the ordinary man and redolent of a time when indulgent pastimes were the order of the day for those with time and wealth to enjoy them. In some aspects little, therefore , has changed.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
3rd August, 2009.
A pretty miserable day, contrasted against yesterday, with a strong blustery wind and rain. Everything seemed to "have its head down" and be hard work. Up to RSPB Gruinart to sort out some arrangements provided an opportunity to spend time at the reserve , but to little positive effect. Around 40 House Martin feeding on the lee side of Gruinart Wood was quite a good gathering for here, although they seem to have been in higher numbers generally this breeding season.
Called to see Clive McKay and family , who are over on holiday. Clive is leading the development of a bird recording programme that subsequently will be made available to all Scottish County organizations and their supporters. It will provide a consistent application out of which both county and the Scottish Reports can be prepared more easily, besides supporting the easy extraction of material for other "facilities" such as the Rare Bird Breeding Panel and others. Its ability to store dataover a protracted period will allow many useful summaries to emerge on breeding and wintering communities. The whole project is being backed by the Scottish Ornithological Club and the British Trust for Ornithology. We did talk of other things as well!!! Clive and Jeanette formerly lived on Islay, but are now in Angus so there was a little discussion on harrier persecution in eastern Scotland too!!
Had a further run around various sites but conditions were poor so returned home mid-afternoon. An immature female Sparrowhawk streaked down the road in front of the car on the stretch north of Portnahaven and managed a very respectable 35mph for quite a distance!!
Called to see Clive McKay and family , who are over on holiday. Clive is leading the development of a bird recording programme that subsequently will be made available to all Scottish County organizations and their supporters. It will provide a consistent application out of which both county and the Scottish Reports can be prepared more easily, besides supporting the easy extraction of material for other "facilities" such as the Rare Bird Breeding Panel and others. Its ability to store dataover a protracted period will allow many useful summaries to emerge on breeding and wintering communities. The whole project is being backed by the Scottish Ornithological Club and the British Trust for Ornithology. We did talk of other things as well!!! Clive and Jeanette formerly lived on Islay, but are now in Angus so there was a little discussion on harrier persecution in eastern Scotland too!!
Had a further run around various sites but conditions were poor so returned home mid-afternoon. An immature female Sparrowhawk streaked down the road in front of the car on the stretch north of Portnahaven and managed a very respectable 35mph for quite a distance!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
2nd August,2009.
mA completely different day with warm sunshine and blue skies until cloud began to build in the late afternoon in advance of the impending weather front.
An initial seawatch showed plenty of birds to be around , but doubtless all were on feeding movements. Shags, Gannets, Manx Shearwaters , Fulmar and Auks were all in evidence and a noticeable movement northwards of Kittiwakes. My guess is that these were also returning to their breeding colony, perhaps some from Sanaigmore cliffs, after feeding off The Oa.
Moving northwards a single Merlin moved south in a determined fashion over an expanse of farmland. Outer Loch Indaal carried virtually no birds at all. Somehow I'd got the tide times wrong so, once I arrived at the Inner Loch, the birds were way out on the mud besides vision being distorted by glare and heat haze. Nonetheless a few birds were seen. Flocks of waders were around and identified with patience ( Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Bar-tailed Godwit ), a Red-throated Diver flew over and a couple of Northern Wheatear were on the edge of the beach. All of the Shelduck present recently appear to have moved away, presumably to moulting grounds.
Over to Loch Gruinart where the same waders species were in evidence but also 4 Greenshank and Turnstone. By contast 38 Shelduck were present on one of the sand bars. Overall on the Rinns I'd counted around 530 Grey lag Geese with the majority being on the RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve on newly sown pasture!! The build up has started this week and seems a little earlier than in previous years, but the food source may have been the attraction.
A "purple patch" at home on my return showed various species to be around the garden which suggested birds were on the move ( Sedge Warbler, Willow Warblers (3), Whinchat, plus young Reed Bunting, Stonechat and Song Thrush that were presumed to be more locally bred.).
Sunday, August 2, 2009
!st August, 2009.
A bit of a miserable day in reality with mist, showers, rain and little change! A call from a local keeper led to an opportunity to examine two Puss Moth caterpillars he'd found near his home. What magnificent creatures they were too! Bright green with a lavendar coloured "saddle" on the back and a two pronged tail!!
Went through to Andy's for a meal with James and Elsie Wolstencroft and family. An evening where we put conservation to rights, considered skua passage routes around Islay, lamented various emergent problems in Africa and enjoyed the inevitable "craic"! Great to see them again , even if we can't match the weather with that of Tanzania. In a local context, Andy mentioned he thought one pair of " his" Tree Sparrows on The Oa may have laid a second clutch!! Wouldn't this be great if this was the start of a permanent presence!!
The journey back from the south east of the island to the south west produced multiple good sightings of various mammals.........Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Brown Hare, Rabbit, and Hedgehog.
Went through to Andy's for a meal with James and Elsie Wolstencroft and family. An evening where we put conservation to rights, considered skua passage routes around Islay, lamented various emergent problems in Africa and enjoyed the inevitable "craic"! Great to see them again , even if we can't match the weather with that of Tanzania. In a local context, Andy mentioned he thought one pair of " his" Tree Sparrows on The Oa may have laid a second clutch!! Wouldn't this be great if this was the start of a permanent presence!!
The journey back from the south east of the island to the south west produced multiple good sightings of various mammals.........Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Brown Hare, Rabbit, and Hedgehog.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Computing bonanza!
A slightly unsettled day offered no comfort to planning so I settled down and , finally, conjured up the motivation and discipline to get all the biological recording programmes I use on to a single laptop. This will allow for future mobility and keeping things up to date whilst I'm away from here. So life comprised of manuals and disks, frustration , a comment or two but, finally, success.!
BirdBase, BirdArea plus the Add-ons, MapMate, Argyll Bird Recording system plus a few other lesser "cyber-mortals" are all in there. Decisions on settings have been made and all that now remains, in the case of BirdBase, is to input all details from foreign trips carried out since 2002 and the more significant UK ones too. I sense I've a long way to go with both MapMate and the ABC systems , but I can thoroughly recommend BirdBase. Running totals of life lists for different world and local areas, the ability to add in substantial notes to individual observations, .....the programme is packed full of extremely useful features any birder requires. Based on the James Clements World List regular updates are available based on taxonomic changes .
Locally bred Goldfinch, Siskin and Stonechat have formed a loose feeding flock around the house in spite of different feeding strategies. They bring incessant activity and colour to the local landscape ! Stonechats appear to have done rather well this breeding season with birds in many places. The adjacent fells are now somewhat quiet with all Curlews having moved to feeding areas elsewhere around three weeks ago with Lapwings having gone way before that.
BirdBase, BirdArea plus the Add-ons, MapMate, Argyll Bird Recording system plus a few other lesser "cyber-mortals" are all in there. Decisions on settings have been made and all that now remains, in the case of BirdBase, is to input all details from foreign trips carried out since 2002 and the more significant UK ones too. I sense I've a long way to go with both MapMate and the ABC systems , but I can thoroughly recommend BirdBase. Running totals of life lists for different world and local areas, the ability to add in substantial notes to individual observations, .....the programme is packed full of extremely useful features any birder requires. Based on the James Clements World List regular updates are available based on taxonomic changes .
Locally bred Goldfinch, Siskin and Stonechat have formed a loose feeding flock around the house in spite of different feeding strategies. They bring incessant activity and colour to the local landscape ! Stonechats appear to have done rather well this breeding season with birds in many places. The adjacent fells are now somewhat quiet with all Curlews having moved to feeding areas elsewhere around three weeks ago with Lapwings having gone way before that.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Migrant Cuckoos.
Quite a fresh sea with plenty of birds about, but nothing especial. Shearwaters were absolutely whizzing through, taking advantage of the SW wind and the endless troughs. Gannets, as ever, were much in evidence with over 300 around Frenchman's Rocks. A local friend explained that it happens around the ebb tide for a couple of hours or so. The whole sea conditions are whipped up around the rocks, with the accompanying chaos for fish in the area, particularly the smaller ones which are preyed upon by their larger counterparts. It is these the Gannets are after and, sure enough, as tide conditions changed, so did the concentration of birds. However an endless procession of lines of these birds continued in both directions, plying to and fro from what I presume is their colony north of the Solway. More immature birds, of differing age classes, are evident at present than I ever recollect seeing in previous seasons.
A suspected Cuckoo, seen as I was driving , went out of view too soon for confirmation but, later, was followed by another definite immature bird at a different location.
A suspected Cuckoo, seen as I was driving , went out of view too soon for confirmation but, later, was followed by another definite immature bird at a different location.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)