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.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Not much happening!!
I suppose with birds like Chough, Hen Harrier, and various seabird species on the doorstep it's wrong to moan that little seems to be about!. In fact it's somewhat true, with little turn around in the suite of species which can be seen at the moment. Set against the reports of exotics elsewhere, Crossbill invasions and so on, a day spent flogging around and seeing the self same things was a bit of a frustration, so I put it down to bad luck, although everyone seems to be complaining about the self-same thing ! Not to worry, it will happen at some point!
However, may I say a big public " thank you " to Barrie and Tricia Galpin, who have just spent a whole week on Jura generating Roving Records for the BTO Atlas Survey. They've absolutely loved it, which just goes to show "us residents" should be more appreciative of what we have around us and the part of the world we live in!! We are really!!
One thing intrigues me currently. The number of parties, and total, of Grey lag Geese to be seen at present is very low and nowhere near the total that will "emerge" towards the end of August. Previously I had seen pairs with young that now seem to have simply disappeared! Is it that the adults are in moult and hunkered down around some of the far flung lochans and, therefore, not much in evidence ? Much to be done, not enough time to do it in!!
However, may I say a big public " thank you " to Barrie and Tricia Galpin, who have just spent a whole week on Jura generating Roving Records for the BTO Atlas Survey. They've absolutely loved it, which just goes to show "us residents" should be more appreciative of what we have around us and the part of the world we live in!! We are really!!
One thing intrigues me currently. The number of parties, and total, of Grey lag Geese to be seen at present is very low and nowhere near the total that will "emerge" towards the end of August. Previously I had seen pairs with young that now seem to have simply disappeared! Is it that the adults are in moult and hunkered down around some of the far flung lochans and, therefore, not much in evidence ? Much to be done, not enough time to do it in!!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Frustrations, as in yesteryear!
Yesterday, as today (Sat.), I need to be based at home with no opportunity for active birding. It has provided me with the opportunity of reflecting heavily on the raptor persecution subject yet again and to work through a vast amount of information I've been sent or gained access to via the net. I also managed to unearth some , not all, of the notebooks I kept during the 1980-90's relating to bird of prey surveys, ringing and persecution reports. Such make depressing reading as they clearly demonstrate that old habits die hard and that the situation is little different today than in those past days. The overall total of birds of prey destroyed, or their breeding attempts interefered with, from that period to the present is difficult to comprehend in this day and age when conserving species and their habitats is so much to the fore. The willingness of some to pursue solutions reminiscent of Victorian times, in their own self-interests, is disgusting and does little except label them as pariahs within what , generally, is a more supportive national community.
But what of Bowland? Currently there are more active "war zones" than in Afghanistan!! Arguments between different factions, equally as convinced of their own rights and position, is clouding main objectives in my view.. There are a plethora of points to be resolved but bureaucracy, intransigence and personality issues are absorbing valuable time, particularly for the voluntary workers. A lead should be taken by one of the "formal" organizations aimed at resolving utterly the mish mash of cavalier activities, apparent prejudicial attention towards some individuals and the growing veneer of formality that is begining to cloak the whole operation. Instead there appears more of a willingness to frustrate initiatives by an ever growing set of rules relating to access, ringing licences, liaison requirements and so on.
Is there an operation in a corporate sense? It certainly seems not from the outside ,and what commenced as best efforts to address an issue of real concern are now begining to disintegrate. None of this will lead to better protection for raptors or to the comprehensive collection of data which will be the base upon which telling argument can rest.
It's ironic that, thirty years ago, many of the same volunteer workers active in Bowland at present were attempting to do the same as now, that is monitor the resident bird of prey populations and bring about an improvement to their status. Their continuing presence is a tribute to their passion and belief, as opposed to any political aspirations which one suspects motivate others! Seemingly their experience is being cast aside in a quest by others to dominate a situation against which the lessons of yesteryear are being ignored and fruitless activities being put in their place. In this day and age of surveillance I find it hard to believe that members of the police fraternity are given management permission to traipse around the uplands simply gathering data and that no attempts are being made to insert technology that will result in those responsible for persecution being brought to book. A list of regular sites at risk is known and could provide the basis for an initiative that demonstrated a real commitment by the Lancashire Police towards halting persecution. Is it not time for a 21st Millenium solution to be considered ?
But what of Bowland? Currently there are more active "war zones" than in Afghanistan!! Arguments between different factions, equally as convinced of their own rights and position, is clouding main objectives in my view.. There are a plethora of points to be resolved but bureaucracy, intransigence and personality issues are absorbing valuable time, particularly for the voluntary workers. A lead should be taken by one of the "formal" organizations aimed at resolving utterly the mish mash of cavalier activities, apparent prejudicial attention towards some individuals and the growing veneer of formality that is begining to cloak the whole operation. Instead there appears more of a willingness to frustrate initiatives by an ever growing set of rules relating to access, ringing licences, liaison requirements and so on.
Is there an operation in a corporate sense? It certainly seems not from the outside ,and what commenced as best efforts to address an issue of real concern are now begining to disintegrate. None of this will lead to better protection for raptors or to the comprehensive collection of data which will be the base upon which telling argument can rest.
It's ironic that, thirty years ago, many of the same volunteer workers active in Bowland at present were attempting to do the same as now, that is monitor the resident bird of prey populations and bring about an improvement to their status. Their continuing presence is a tribute to their passion and belief, as opposed to any political aspirations which one suspects motivate others! Seemingly their experience is being cast aside in a quest by others to dominate a situation against which the lessons of yesteryear are being ignored and fruitless activities being put in their place. In this day and age of surveillance I find it hard to believe that members of the police fraternity are given management permission to traipse around the uplands simply gathering data and that no attempts are being made to insert technology that will result in those responsible for persecution being brought to book. A list of regular sites at risk is known and could provide the basis for an initiative that demonstrated a real commitment by the Lancashire Police towards halting persecution. Is it not time for a 21st Millenium solution to be considered ?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wader passage increases.
With little happening over the sea I decided to follow a route that took in Loch Indaal and then passed by some of the conifer plantings on the island in the hope of finding some crossbills. That part of the mission failed completely so will have to repeat the approach later!
Oystercatcher and Curlew numbers are begining to increase on Loch Indaal with the paler juveniles of the latter being noticeable, their bill length being significantly shorter too. Ringed Plover seem to have flocked, but I suspect the majority are local birds. A few groups of Dunlin were present, with the majority still in summer plumage and showing off their black bellies. Best of all was a single adult Sanderling, still in summer plumage and an absolutely stunning bird.
Whilst the majority were well offshore 27 Shelduck, with the majority being juveniles, was welcome news as it's a species ( like Eider ) that doesn't appear to enjoy the highest breeding success on Islay. Both Arctic Terns and Little Terns were at the head of the loch, seven of the latter being a good number!
Later, whilst checking out butterflies along the "Glen Road" two distant adult Golden Eagles were sailing high over the tops of the distant hills, a good contextual sighting!!! Later, and whilst gossiping about a possible past Common Rosefinch record, a Corncrake called from a nearby field west of the RSPB Gruinart Reserve.
Our passerine summer visitors are begining to deplete. During the morning, as expected, several sightings of Willow Warbler, all young birds were seen flitting along fence lines in the very south west of the island. Northern Wheatear numbers appear quite low now compared to previously although still widely present.
Oystercatcher and Curlew numbers are begining to increase on Loch Indaal with the paler juveniles of the latter being noticeable, their bill length being significantly shorter too. Ringed Plover seem to have flocked, but I suspect the majority are local birds. A few groups of Dunlin were present, with the majority still in summer plumage and showing off their black bellies. Best of all was a single adult Sanderling, still in summer plumage and an absolutely stunning bird.
Whilst the majority were well offshore 27 Shelduck, with the majority being juveniles, was welcome news as it's a species ( like Eider ) that doesn't appear to enjoy the highest breeding success on Islay. Both Arctic Terns and Little Terns were at the head of the loch, seven of the latter being a good number!
Later, whilst checking out butterflies along the "Glen Road" two distant adult Golden Eagles were sailing high over the tops of the distant hills, a good contextual sighting!!! Later, and whilst gossiping about a possible past Common Rosefinch record, a Corncrake called from a nearby field west of the RSPB Gruinart Reserve.
Our passerine summer visitors are begining to deplete. During the morning, as expected, several sightings of Willow Warbler, all young birds were seen flitting along fence lines in the very south west of the island. Northern Wheatear numbers appear quite low now compared to previously although still widely present.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Warblers begin to move!
Another session seawatching! A very light ESE wind produced near calm sea conditions, the absence of sound along the coast being quite strange!.
Feeding seabird parties again moving both N and S, but also with the first adult LBBG on the move S and two Sand Martin. Endless lines of Gannets moved by, plus a stream of Manx Shearwaters. In these calm conditions the shearwaters were using a "flap and glide" flying technique and were rather slow, often being passed by Gannets and both being outstripped by passing auks, mostly Razorbills. The local Black Guillemots maintained their whirring "clockwork wing " impressions as they returned to shore.
Some young Whinchats at Claddach and perversely, a singing Common Whitethroat on overhead wires as if on territory. A couple of young Willow Warblers in the garden early morning were the first of the autumn, acknowledging, as usual, the last ten days or so of July being the point at which they begin to move out.
I was engaged by the recent story arising from a ringing expedition to the Shiant Islands off Scotland. A ringed, old Atlantic Puffin ( an OAP ) was recaptured 34 years after it was first marked making it the oldest known Atlantic Puffin within UK records. It was even recovered by the same person who'd ringed it originally. When stories emerge of some seabird populations being at low ebb it's encouraging to learn that this doesn't necessarily apply to all colonies.
I'd quite like to be an OAP and 34!!
Feeding seabird parties again moving both N and S, but also with the first adult LBBG on the move S and two Sand Martin. Endless lines of Gannets moved by, plus a stream of Manx Shearwaters. In these calm conditions the shearwaters were using a "flap and glide" flying technique and were rather slow, often being passed by Gannets and both being outstripped by passing auks, mostly Razorbills. The local Black Guillemots maintained their whirring "clockwork wing " impressions as they returned to shore.
Some young Whinchats at Claddach and perversely, a singing Common Whitethroat on overhead wires as if on territory. A couple of young Willow Warblers in the garden early morning were the first of the autumn, acknowledging, as usual, the last ten days or so of July being the point at which they begin to move out.
I was engaged by the recent story arising from a ringing expedition to the Shiant Islands off Scotland. A ringed, old Atlantic Puffin ( an OAP ) was recaptured 34 years after it was first marked making it the oldest known Atlantic Puffin within UK records. It was even recovered by the same person who'd ringed it originally. When stories emerge of some seabird populations being at low ebb it's encouraging to learn that this doesn't necessarily apply to all colonies.
I'd quite like to be an OAP and 34!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Timely reappearance!
No, not my return to Islay but the delivery of my main telescope lens from Swarovski after its repair. As I said previously they run a phenomenal customer support service and well deserve their reputation.
And so it was away to Frenchman's Rocks this morning for a seawatching session. What with being back into the swing of things, plus the telescope now at its best, it was pure enjoyment all the way despite nothing special going through. Oh, there were plenty of birds around but no migrants as such. An endless procession of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake and Auks, all on feeding movements, and moving in both directions, made for a really enjoyable morning. A local Buzzard flying to one of the offshore islands was attacked by Arctic Terns and went lower and lower until it was skimming just above the surface of the sea. As it pitched on to one of the first rocks jutting above the water you could almost see the tension and relief ebb through its body!!
And then the weather really closed in with heavy rain coming through in a succession of showers and more prolonged intervals , hence this early post. You can't have it all.
And so it was away to Frenchman's Rocks this morning for a seawatching session. What with being back into the swing of things, plus the telescope now at its best, it was pure enjoyment all the way despite nothing special going through. Oh, there were plenty of birds around but no migrants as such. An endless procession of Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake and Auks, all on feeding movements, and moving in both directions, made for a really enjoyable morning. A local Buzzard flying to one of the offshore islands was attacked by Arctic Terns and went lower and lower until it was skimming just above the surface of the sea. As it pitched on to one of the first rocks jutting above the water you could almost see the tension and relief ebb through its body!!
And then the weather really closed in with heavy rain coming through in a succession of showers and more prolonged intervals , hence this early post. You can't have it all.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Almost back to normal!
Journeyed up to Inverness to take the girls back to Kirkhill. As anticipated, quite a lot of traffic around. The gameplan was to do a "stock up " shop in Inverness to cover the forthcoming seawatching "season" and then to take a leisurely drive back overnight and enjoy the Highlands without traffic, plus remember it's light very early up here!
Well, some of it worked out. Flashing signs on the A9 advising torrential rain and expected floods materialised in part and then a neccessary stop behind a bad accident for a couple of hours meant I arrived for the ferry somewhat shattered!! A "classic" perched Tawny Owl on a telegraph post was about all I'd seen and little was seen on the journey across.
Since then I've slept............. back in harness Monday!
Well, some of it worked out. Flashing signs on the A9 advising torrential rain and expected floods materialised in part and then a neccessary stop behind a bad accident for a couple of hours meant I arrived for the ferry somewhat shattered!! A "classic" perched Tawny Owl on a telegraph post was about all I'd seen and little was seen on the journey across.
Since then I've slept............. back in harness Monday!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hen Harrier debate rumbles!
From feedback received it's obvious people are both reading up about Hen Harriers and concerned about the situation, but such a position has been in place for years. With conservation efforts failing, what is the next step? Have the now perennial campaigns gone stale and people pass over the clarion calls to take action and register their disapproval? To abandon hope at this point would be a disaster! As John Miles, in the piece he submitted to Raptor Politics explained, there are ways that can be considered, but the time has come to stop wasting money and to call for Central Government action.
Is that possible given that the clientele supportive of grouse and pheasant shooting come from the ranks of those whose influence could most easily bring about positive change, but, conversely, retain the status quo if so desired? We are talking about a very obvious chasm which exists between such people and those who would forever be unable to afford the sport, even if they were interested. The former are willing to cock a snoot at the law of the land in order to enjoy their sport, except when a misdemeanour unfortunately reveals sufficient evidence to get the case in court. I find that disgraceful and a personal affront. Their passion for shooting is no different to that exhibited by the veritable army of wildlife enthusiasts within the UK who draw countless hours of enjoyment from simply observing wildlife. That the former pay for the "privilege" of indulging their passion is no justification for them supporting the law being broken in order to provide the facilities for their form of enjoyment.
Numerically, wildlife enthusiasts must far outnumber those whose passion impinges on some of the most majestic members of our natural heritage, be it Hen Harrier, Peregrine or other raptors. Opinion must forcibly be brought to bear on the whole subject area yet again and some rational, positive outcome secured against the shame that is raptor persecution. I find little solace in reading about protection initiatives in Malta, Cyprus and elsewhere when this is happening on our own doorsteps! Endless monitoring is a waste of time with thirty years of evidence providing the bedrock against which change can be justified! Such monitoring is little more than actively cataloguing disaster! Whilst no one is calling for a ban on shooting there is a need for change within that sport, and the methods employed within its management, before public opinion turns against the overall practice!!
Until Saturday I'll be much involved in other things than birding. It would be good to see some written comment and opinion appearing, preferably on the Raptor Politics website, which has a much wider readership than this Blog ( otherwise E-mail me jsa@ornquest.plus.com ). Over to you, folks!
Is that possible given that the clientele supportive of grouse and pheasant shooting come from the ranks of those whose influence could most easily bring about positive change, but, conversely, retain the status quo if so desired? We are talking about a very obvious chasm which exists between such people and those who would forever be unable to afford the sport, even if they were interested. The former are willing to cock a snoot at the law of the land in order to enjoy their sport, except when a misdemeanour unfortunately reveals sufficient evidence to get the case in court. I find that disgraceful and a personal affront. Their passion for shooting is no different to that exhibited by the veritable army of wildlife enthusiasts within the UK who draw countless hours of enjoyment from simply observing wildlife. That the former pay for the "privilege" of indulging their passion is no justification for them supporting the law being broken in order to provide the facilities for their form of enjoyment.
Numerically, wildlife enthusiasts must far outnumber those whose passion impinges on some of the most majestic members of our natural heritage, be it Hen Harrier, Peregrine or other raptors. Opinion must forcibly be brought to bear on the whole subject area yet again and some rational, positive outcome secured against the shame that is raptor persecution. I find little solace in reading about protection initiatives in Malta, Cyprus and elsewhere when this is happening on our own doorsteps! Endless monitoring is a waste of time with thirty years of evidence providing the bedrock against which change can be justified! Such monitoring is little more than actively cataloguing disaster! Whilst no one is calling for a ban on shooting there is a need for change within that sport, and the methods employed within its management, before public opinion turns against the overall practice!!
Until Saturday I'll be much involved in other things than birding. It would be good to see some written comment and opinion appearing, preferably on the Raptor Politics website, which has a much wider readership than this Blog ( otherwise E-mail me jsa@ornquest.plus.com ). Over to you, folks!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Very much a routine day!!
We all have them , and this most certainly qualified! Little time to note any wildlife due to other tasks and involvements. A single Whimbrel at the head of Loch Indaal was about the only comment and contribution I can make!
Having said all that may I mention Swarovski!! For those of us with their equipment, may I just say what a first class company they are. Necessarily having to send in my telescope recently , and a lens, I received the former back today looking like new with everything sorted out. The after sales service is superb, without fuss, rapid and efficient. Thank you! I shall very much remain a Swarovski Optik man!
The article re Hen Harriers and my future intended actions went out on the Raptor Politics web site yesterday ( read it and, more importantly, the comments made by John Miles as an adjunct). It's absolutely imperative that a head of steam is built up on this issue, and remain in no doubt that your contribution towards action will be requested in the form of some written protest at an appropriate point!!
Having said all that may I mention Swarovski!! For those of us with their equipment, may I just say what a first class company they are. Necessarily having to send in my telescope recently , and a lens, I received the former back today looking like new with everything sorted out. The after sales service is superb, without fuss, rapid and efficient. Thank you! I shall very much remain a Swarovski Optik man!
The article re Hen Harriers and my future intended actions went out on the Raptor Politics web site yesterday ( read it and, more importantly, the comments made by John Miles as an adjunct). It's absolutely imperative that a head of steam is built up on this issue, and remain in no doubt that your contribution towards action will be requested in the form of some written protest at an appropriate point!!
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