Try collar-bells, thorny bushes and jet sprays! RSPB's update on how to reduce feline cat predation in gardens

                                                            

Mischief in mind? Cat stalking its prey in the long grass 

THE RSPB has insisted that it takes public concern about cat predation of wildlife "seriously" and  promotes measures to reduce the vulnerability of garden birds. 

In its latest utterance on the subject, it states: "Although it is very difficult to change cat behaviour, we try to make it widely known to their owners that fitting bells to collars and keeping them indoors overnight are simple ways to reduce the number of garden birds and other wildlife they catch. 

"As a science-led organisation, we continue to review new literature and other research to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of cats on urban, rural and island populations of birds.

"We recommend using an ultrasonic deterrent device such as CatWatch. 

"These devices have proven to reduce both the number of cat visits and the amount of time cats spend in such protected gardens. 

"There are also other deterrents that can be used in combination such as jet sprays and some even have motion detectors." 

The society continues: "Strategically placing thorny bushes in borders or constructing simple climb-deterrent fences around feeding areas can also create cat-free areas. 

"Products such as Citronella  can also be effective for protecting small areas." 

The charity concludes: "We try to share these suggestions as widely as possible." 

RSPB reveals that 2,300 members registered for its 2025 annual meeting held online

                                             

Chance to meet staff - flashback to previous RSPB annual meeting held in central London

IT looks unlikely that the RSPB will revert to holding its AGMs in person.

In response to a member who expressed disappointment at no longer having "the opportunity to meet and converse with key people", the society responded:  "Following our move to an online AGM, we have had incredibly positive feedback, with people joining not just from around the UK but globally, too.

"For the 2025 event, we had more than 2,300 registrations - far higher than we could achieve with an in-person event. 

"In a survey we conducted after the AGM in 2024, which asked about the format of future events, only one person said that they would like to return to an in-person AGM." 

The society adds: "We continue to review the format of our AGM each year, taking into consideration feedback from members and ensuring value for money."  

Nature campaigner Chris Packham insists: 'I'm the most modest person you'll ever meet.'

The newspaper interview

HAVE conservation organisations lost their "campaigning edge"?

Yes, according to high-profile  naturalist and activist Chris Packham (64) who is subject of a full-page interview in last Saturday's edition of The Daily Telegraph.

In his assessment of environmental organisations (he does not specifically name the RSPB, of which he is a vice-president), he is quoted as saying: "There is a lot of fear and timidity."

The broadcaster goes on to express frustration that those "with the capacity to communicate with large numbers of people don't exercise it", regarding it as a "dereliction of duty".

He acknowledges that his style is sometimes confrontational and that, because he is straight-talking, he can come across as "aggressive" but he rejects allegations of "arrogance". 

He tells interviewer Ed Cumming: "I'm the most modest person you'll ever meet.

"I don't like myself. How can I be arrogant?"   

Delightful watercolour by His Majesty - but why did he not include a Golden Eagle or an Osprey?

                                                                     

There is certain to be interest when this 2002 painting by Prince Charles - now King Charles III - goes under the hammer at a sale of  contemporary art to be held on February 28 at the saleroom of Tennants auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Alas, its interest to birders is likely to be limited because of the absence of a raptor, such as a Golden Eagle or Osprey, or indeed any birdlife. The study of Ben Avon, near Braemar, is not an original but one of 20 limited edition prints. It is expected to realise between £500 and £700.  

                                                                            

Wessex population of Stone Curlews numbers about 150 pairs according to latest RSPB update

                                                      

A bird worth fighting for! RSPB determined to increase Stone-curlew numbers in Wessex. (Photo, via Wikimedia Commons, taken in Italy by Francesco Venonesi) 

ACCORDING to its latest tot-up, the RSPB estimates that the breeding population of Stone Curlews in  Wiltshire, Hampshire   and other parts of England's Wessex area is approximately 150 pairs.

For the past 30 years, this has been a target species of the society's conservation efforts, and it works with landowners, including the Ministry of Defence, to safeguard habitats.

For a five-month period this spring and summer, an officer - to be based at its Winterbourne Downs nature reserve in Gloucestershire - will be recruited to count birds and help safeguard habitats. 

Says the job description: "The postholder will be part of a small team working on the Wessex Stone-curlew Project and will be responsible for delivery of Stone-curlew monitoring and protection, mostly in the key area of Salisbury Plain and surrounding farmland, but possibly in the wider Wessex area as well.

"Excellent field skills are required for this tricky and inconspicuous bird, including experience with optics and the ability to spot minute details from a distance. 

"The work includes locating Stone-curlew pairs, monitoring breeding attempts, finding nests, liaising with farmers, contractors, and landowners, and carrying out intervention measures on vulnerable sites. 

"The work also has a strong data gathering and recording component with the need to record measurements quickly and accurately. 

"The field officer will also be required to maintain electronic records. 

"Although the postholder will often be conducting field work alone using their own initiative, they may also work alongside volunteers. 

"Lone working often in remote locations is commonplace in this role. Some evening and weekend work will be required. 

"The field officer will need to be comfortable driving a 4x4 vehicle off road and spending multiple hours per day in a vehicle. 

"Stone-curlew pairs are spread across a wide geographical area and a significant proportion of the monitoring is done from inside a vehicle using a window-mounted spotting scope.

More information from Julie Sims at: julie.sims@rspb.org.uk   

The Stone Curlew's other UK stronghold is the Brecks region of  East Anglia where there are are reckoned to be about 200 pairs.                                                            

Winterbourne Downs - photo: RSPB

Duke of Westminster may take a view on plans for windfarm in raptor-rich site near Cape Wrath

                                               

The remote site earmarked for up to 18 turbines each as high as 200 metres 

PROPOSALS to build a windfarm on a wilderness in north-west Britain could spark objections from birders and conservationists.

Although no planning application has yet been submitted by Edinbugh-based Galileo Empower, the company  is exploring the potential for installing up to 18 turbines, each  with a maximum height of up to 200 metres outside the coastal village of Kinlochbervie, near Cape Wrath which is the most north-westerly point of the British mainland. 

Subject to technical studies, solar photovoltaic panels are also being considered at the location along with a battery energy storage system to hold the renewable energy that would be produced on the site.

However, this rugged landscape is thought to be a foraging habitat for Golden Eagles, White-tailed Eagles and possibly Dotterel and other rare moorland-nesting species, all of which may be at collision or disturbance risk from such a project.

It is likely also that Ospreys frequent the nearby Reay Forest Estate which is part of the Grosvenor land and property empire owned by the Duke of Westminster who is understood to have misgivings about the potential impact on the impact on the scenery and wildlife of what is an uspoiled part of  Britain.

In advance of a planning application being submitted to the Highland Council, Galileo Empower says it will consult with statutory consultees such as NatureScot and Historic Environment Scotland.

It is likely that the RSPB Scotland will also be invited to comment.  

Watery and wonderful - eagle's eye view of part of the Reay Forest Estate

Hard-hitting dossier takes aim at RSPB over how it investigates allegations of bird crime

Pulling no punches - the new report

THE RSPB has come under fire in a new report commissioned by an organisation called the Campaign for the Protection of Moorland Communities.

Entitled RSPB Uncovered, the document  claims to expose misteps in how the society conducts wildlife crime investigations.

The study examines 14 investigations by the charity between 1990 and 2025, concluding that a pattern emerges of "routinely scapegoating rural communities".

In particular, it exanmines the activities of RSPB Senior Investigator Guy Shorrock and Head of Investigations Mark Thomas, working under the leadership of the charity's former Director of Conservation, Mark Avery.  

Says report author A.B. O’Rourke, a former deputy foreign editor of Hongkong's South China Morning Post: "It is shocking that charity workers, with no authority or legal powers, have seemingly been allowed to run amok through the countryside, firing accusations at anyone they believe is morally inferior for the sole purpose of furthering the agenda of their masters."

"Cases where gamekeepers, bird breeders or egg enthusiasts end up with criminal records based on the RSPB's flawed or non-existent evidence and misinformation ought to be re-examined and public apologies issued. 

"The fact this anarchy has gone on so long proves it is sanctioned by the charity's senior management."  

The report also explores the case of Paul Morrison, the former warden of Coquet Island, off Northumberland, who was controversially sacked in 2024 despite his efforts over quarter of a century to safeguard its  breeding colony of rare Roseate Terns.

RSPB Uncovered has received extensive coverage in the shooting Press, but not so far in the birding Press. It can be viewed online at:  RSPB-Uncovered.pdf 

It is not known if the RSPB will respond to the claims.