Handsome study of Peregrine Falcon sells for above estimate at weekend auction in Yorkshire

                                                                

On patrol - the magnificent raptor

BRUCE Henry (1918-2011) is not the best known of bird artists but his fine study of a Peregrine Falcon on a rocky outcrop definitely caught the eye at a sale yesterday in North Yorkshire.

The pre-sale estimate of Leyburn-based auction house Tennants was that the watercolour-and-gouache would fetch between £300 and £500, but bidding had reached £750 before the hammer fell.

Interestingly, the painting was formerly in the picture collection of  the pioneering bird photographer Eric Hosking. 

At the same sale, a sketch by Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935) of a  Woodpigeon and a Turtle Dove sold for £350 against a pre-sale estimate of £200-£300.

                                   

Thorburn sketch

For now, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts remain users of Elon Musk's X - but will they decide to jump ship?

                                                                

How the BTO revealed that it was lapsing its X account in favour of various social media alternatives 

NEXT Friday January 16 marks the first anniversary since the BTO decided to stop using X, formerly known as Twitter, for social media posts.

It was one of many organisations that took objection both to the acrimonious comment that was often being posted and to the  political views of X's owner, Elon Musk.

Since May last year, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has also deactivated its X account, announcing its decision thus: "Over the past few months, we have seen a steady loss of followers and engagement with our content. 

"At the same time, under Elon Musk’s ownership, we have seen a rise in negative and abusive commentary, hate speech and misinformation.

"We have been mulling over whether to leave X for a while, but there have been recent developments that have given us the final nudge.

"WWT is a value-led charity, and we speak up boldly for those values, especially during challenging times. 

"We are innovative, proactive, inspiring, collaborative and progressive - and what’s happening on X right now clearly shows us that it is time to move on.

"Social media continues to help us reach you with important news about our conservation work. 

"You can still help us in our mission to restore and protect wetlands by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube." 

Following this week's fresh controversy about X and its AI sister, Grok, it is likely that the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts might also come under pressure to pull out. 

  

Revised and updated hardback book is most comprehensive yet on birdlife (and habitats) of Greenland

Author David Boertman records Waxwings as becoming a new breeding species for the island 

WITH Greenland in the international news headlines, publication this winter of  an updated and much enlarged edition of Birds of Greenland is timely.

The author is David Boertmann, an academic at the University of  Aarhus in Denmark's second largest city. He almost certainly knows more about the subject than anyone.

Although there have been similar titles, their content has been nowhere near as comprehensive - understandably so given that much of the habitat on this huge island is close to being inaccessible, especially in winter when temperatures plummet.

Just over 30 years after the first edition of this book was published, this new version - published in hardback two months ago - covers all 268 species known to have occurred in Greenland.

For the 58 regularly breeding species, distribution maps are presented, based on the author's own observations and information given in all kinds of published bird accounts, numbering more than 13,000 records. 

The introductory chapters give a brief introduction to Greenland - its history, politics, climate, geography and more.

Since the previous list, Canada Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Redwing have established breeding populations and Bohemian Waxwing seems to be doing the same. 

The text is illustrated with numerous photographs of birds and habitats.

The book is priced at £50 on Amazon UK, though delivery is not guaranteed until March 30 at the earliest.

Perhaps there ought to be a copy in the library in The White House?  

The author - photo: University of Aarhus 

 

New reserve team to be recruited in shake-up at showcase Caerlaverock wetland reserve in Scotland

  

Popular with birders - the reserve is on the shores of the Solway Firth and a magnet for overwintering wildfowl

THE Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust says a new reserve team is to be recruited during temporary closure of  its site at Caerlaverock near Dumfries in Scotland.

To the dismay of birders wanting to seek out over-wintering Whooper Swans and other wildfowl, the reserve closed to visitors on December 21.

Says the WWT:  "We are making some changes to how we operate at WWT Caerlaverock to make sure the site thrives in the future.

"We’ll be spending the next few months; recruiting a new reserve team, doing work to the reserve, making improvements and carrying out annual maintenance."

It continues: "We recognise that during this period of change, there has been some disruption to your experiences with us. 

"We have tried our best to remain open and offer you the very best experience during this time, but the reality is, we have not been able to fulfil that.

"As well as making physical changes to our main entrance, we are  restructuring the team at WWT Caerlaverock. 

"We are moving from people working in our shop and cafe to a team focussed on developing the reserve so it’s the best it can be for wildlife and people in the future. 

"In the short term, this means we don’t have the number of people needed to make sure we can offer visitors the experience that they expect.

"We understand - and share - the disappointment that this will cause to everyone who spends time with us at WWT Caerlaverock. 

"And we are particularly sorry to be closing at a time when we know you love to come and experience the wildlife spectacles that winter brings with it.

"We can’t wait to open our doors again so that we can share the superpowers of wetlands with you all."

Needs must! Icy conditions prompt seldom-seen bird to venture forth from its reedbed habitat

So secretive is the Water Rail that the species is seldom seen outside the seclusion of its reedbed habitat. But this week's icy conditions at the country park in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, have prompted this bird to venture into the open in its quest for something to eat. 

RSPB recruiting now for raptor enthusiast to patrol Pennine reserve for Hen Harriers

                                                         

The reserve covers some 5,000 hectares in beautiful countryside near Brampton in Cumbria (photo: RSPB Images)

THE RSPB is seeking to recruit a raptor enthusiast to serve as a Hen Harrier Protection Office on its reserve at Geltsdale in the North Pennines.

The contract is for four-five months this spring and summer on the equivalent of  £24,571 - £26,231 per annum.

Says the job description: "We are looking for someone with raptor experience and the ability to spend long hours alone in remote and difficult upland terrain.  

"The early part of the contract will concentrate on patrolling the reserve to spot harriers returning and setting up breeding territories.  

"If we have nesting harriers the emphasis will be on watching the nest site and possibly being part of a team of staff and volunteers undertaking 24-hour surveillance."

It adds: "This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations. Candidates will need to be able to meet the rigour of the role.

"There will be occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so the officer will need to be flexible."

Essential skills include:

* A proven track record completing work alone and working within a varied team.

* Good birdwatching and identification skills, particularly of raptors.

* Experience of upland working and navigation.

* Full driving licence valid for use in the UK.

The closing date for applications is January 30 with interviews from February 16.

More information from Steve Garnett at steve.garnett@rspb.org.uk

                                    

Good raptor identification skills required for the post

It may not be the grandest bird study by Archibald Thorburn, but auction price may be quite modest

                                                             

Original studies by Archibald  Thorburn (1860-1935) typically cost four-figure sums when they come up for auction. Featuring a Woodpigeon and a Turtle Dove,  a pencil sketch attributed  to the great Scottish artist  is expected to achieve a more modest sale price - between £200 and £300 - when it goes under the hammer at a sale to be conducted on Saturday January 10 by Tennants of Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Also included in Lot 15 is a pencil study, also attributed to Thorburn, of ivy on old timber.