RSPB ‘HELPED FUND RESTORATION OF GROUSE MOOR’

AN announcement that the RSPB it is to undertake a review into driven grouse shooting has prompted a bemused- whether genuine or feigned -  response from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

It is thought that the outcome of the RSPB review will prompt the charity to ditch its current neutral stance in favour of a new position - that of opposition to shooting.

This week, the GWCT’s director of communications, Andrew Gilruth, fired off the following letter to the Press:

“It sounds unlikely the RSPB would decide to oppose shooting because they have spent the past ten years helping to fund the recovery of a driven grouse moor, at Langholm on the Scottish Borders, which aimed to shoot 1,000 brace a season. 

“They supported the use of traditional moorland practices, such as heather burning to restore the habitat, the killing of foxes and crows to help recover the ground-nesting bird species, and the use of medicated grit to reduce worm burdens in red grouse.

“All of these techniques are regulated, but legislation does not always work – especially in cases of wildlife conflict. 

“Langholm Moor has also provided the best evidence that the conflict between red grouse and hen harriers is genuine. 

“This is why the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust supports the testing of innovative ideas, such as Defra’s hen harrier brood management scheme, which seeks to address the underlying conflict behind the illegal killing of harriers – in the interests of both.”

BYGONE BIRDING (10): ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM NORFOLK,1898

From The Zoologist, March 1899



WITH the Editor's permission, I apply myself to the office of Coroner for the Birds of Norfolk.


However, I am glad to say an East Anglian naturalist's notebook is not such a deathroll as it used to be except for hawks and owls, the law seeming to be a dead letter as regards these birds. 

A more self-opinionated race than gamekeepers does not exist. 

One of the fraternity remarked in my hearing that he did not think the Kestrel did much harm, but he added significantly: "It is all the same to me; if I have my gun, I shoot all hawks." 

I think all masters should forbid indiscriminate shooting. 

Surely there is no preserver of game to whom it would not be mortifying to see a beautiful Kestrel swinging in a post-trap, which, in its last struggles, has thrown up a large pellet of beetles' wings.

This was witnessed on  August 16 when there was no excuse for setting a pole-trap. 

The keeper's onslaughts on the Sparrowhawk may be pardoned because this thief is almost entirely a bird-eater, and there is no fear of his exterminating that species.

I do not wish to give the pretty butcher-bird a bad name, but I have it on pretty good authority that our Red-backed Shrike was again convicted of killing some very small Pheasants at Cromer. 

This is no surprise to anyone who has seen this strong bird carrying off in its feet a prey half as big as itself, but keepers should know that the large yellow-tailed bumble-bee is its favourite food. 

Another deadly robber of game-eggs is the Carrion Crow, but, for all that, I am glad to say they have again this summer nested by the river at Keswick, though not in their old plantation. 

We found the nest, which is always a large construction with a very substantial foundation of thick sticks, and I think it is more cup-shaped than a Rook's nest. 

A very few of these birds still keep to our river valleys, but before long they will be as extinct as the Raven. 

Mr. Caton Haigh tells me they are still abundant in Lincolnshire, as well as the Magpie which is becoming very rare in Norfolk. 

There is another class which is suffering greatly - I mean the marsh birds - which, in the past, have helped to render Norfolk Broads so attractive by their presence. 

This great diminution is no doubt in part due to the decreasing area of our Broads, most of which are gradually "growing up"; but still more owing to the number of river yachts and wherries which visit these attractive waterways, and scare the birds, to say nothing of what has been done to compass their destruction by a well-known dealer in birds' eggs in the West of England. 

It is now several years since the Reeve has bred in Norfolk, in fact, not since 1889, when, walking over "Rush-hills," I found the nest, and was near treading on the four eggs. 

The last appearance, or rather re-appearance, of these birds in any quantity was in 1893 when, for some reason. there was an unprecedented passage of waders of all sorts through Norfolk.

On May 24 of that year my correspondent, the Rev. M.C. Bird, observed more than 20 Ruffs and Reeves at their old home, some of the males with fine frills, a sight neither he nor any other naturalist is likely to see again. 

Coincident with the increase of the Shoveler, the Garganey has become very rare, and the reason is not obvious. 

The marshman at Sutton has not known of a nest for some years, and I doubt if 1898 saw two nests hatched off in the whole Broad district; while there is no other spot in England where these birds breed. 

I remember when their eggs were not uncommon at Hickling, but now Mr. Bird's notes from time to time only mention the Garganey as a great rarity compared to the Shoveler, and generally seen in April. 

Mr. Bird has not been able to definitely ascertain whether any Garganeys have bred in the Hickling district since 1891. 

Of another species, the Spotted Crake, formerly very characteristic of the Broads, Mr. Bird, in a recent letter, writes: "Spotted Rails have not been nearly so frequent of late years.

"One at Potter Heigham, on October 5, is the only one I have heard of being shot for some time." 

It appears that, up to 20 years ago, Spotted Crakes were pretty numerous, but since September and October, 1881, when there was a migration, they have been steadily decreasing in East Norfolk.

I have no doubt the presence of so many visitors on our principal Broads helps to drive them away.

DYNAMIC ACTION TO HALT COUNTRYSIDE ABUSES? NO, JUST A LEISURELY REVIEW

Red grouse in Northumberland's Cheviot hills  (photo MPF via Wikimedia Commons)

THE RSPB is poised to come down off the fence in its approach to gamebird-shooting. . . or is it?

Up to now, it has always maintained a neutral stance for fear of upsetting the landed gentry and others in high places.

It has also been wary of forefeiting its Royal charter - members of the Royal Family have long been fieldsports enthusiasts.

But, bowing to publish pressure - much of it generated by TV personality Chris Packham and environmental author/ blogger Dr Mark Avery - the  charity today announced a review.

At its annual meeting and members' day in London, the chairman of its council, Kevin Cox, said: "There is growing concern about the environmental impact (including for carbon, water and biodiversity) of intensive forms of gamebird-shooting and associated land management practices.  

"This includes both driven grouse moor management (which involves shooting our native red grouse) and large scale releases (in excess of 40 million birds annually) of non-native game birds - primarily pheasants and red-legged partridges."

Kevin Cox - saying more later

Related public concerns, now acknowledged, by the RSPB include:

* The ongoing and systematic illegal persecution of birds of prey, such as hen harriers, on some sporting estates

* The ecological impact of releasing high numbers of captive-bred gamebirds  into the countryside, thereby  increasing the density of generalist predators

* The mass culling of mountain hares in some parts of our uplands

* The use of lead in ammunition

* The impact of burning peatlands 

* The medication of wild animals prior to sport shooting

Mr Cox continued: "This is an emotive and  controversial subject, but we want to use our scientific rigour to develop a set of conservation tests for management practices associated with gamebird shooting.  

"We will use these to guide the RSPB’s conservation policy, practice and communications, consistent with the ongoing climate and ecological emergency, respectful of our charitable objectives and maintaining the confidence and support of our members. 

"We intend to do this, informed by the views of members and other stakeholders, many of whom we have engaged with on these issues for decades."  

The RSPB says it intends to complete the review as soon as possible, but, in order to engage people in the right way and ensure we have the best available evidence, it might take until next year's  AGM.

Mr Cox added: "I shall say more on this subject in due course."

The Wryneck says: Is this really the best the RSPB can do?After decades of largely turning a blind eye to issues such as poor environmental practice, cruelty and crime, it has proposed  a “review” of the issues surrounding gamebird-shooting. Has it been asleep for the past 20 years? There is no need for a review. The data has long been readily  available. What is needed from the RSPB is firstly to reach a correct conclusion and secondly the political will, energy and courage to act on that conclusion.  Instead of dancing to the tune of  other pressure groups, it should be at the forefront of exerting pressure itself. Alas for her, new chief executive Beccy Speight has inherited a flabby, unfocused organisation with weak management.  Whether she can provide the dynamism and sense of purpose so desperately required remains to be seen.

BYGONE BIRDING (9): PUGNACIOUS BLACKCAP'S ATTACK ON WOUNDED RABBIT

Male blackcap - repeated assaults

From The Zoologist, 1843

THE pugnacious disposition of the blackcap  has long attracted my attention, and  I now purpose giving a short account of an attack made by this bird on a wounded rabbit.

In July last, I had an opportunity of witnessing a more than ordinary degree of pugnacity in this delightful warbler. 

As I was shooting those destructive animals, rabbits, I wounded one severely.

When endeavouring to escape, it was immediately assailed by a male blackcap which had been busily engaged in feeding its just-flown young.

It repeated its assaults and loud vociferations in quick succession, until the rabbit had become motionless and stiff in death.

Thereupon, it instantly retired, apparently rejoicing in  the victory it thought it had obtained over its more unfortunate adversary, in order to resume its parental duties with the assiduity of an
affectionate parent.

I could not help admiring the rash courage of so feeble a bird.

Further I thought of the wonderful provision which Nature has given to so many of its species to protect their helpless charges from frequently impending danger. 

I have repeatedly seen the blackcap chase, with the greatest success.  the greater and blue titmice when intruding on its precincts.

This songster is really a treasure to our groves and thickets. 

I have heard it pour forth its rich melodious strains for a full half hour, with little intermission, or without moving from its well-selected twig on the summit of some favourite tree or bush. 

Mr William Yarrell, in his History of British Birds, says with
regard to the variations in the song of the blackcap: "Like most other birds that are gifted with great powers of voice, the blackcap is an imitator of the notes of several others, and occasionally detracts from the character of his more natural song by the in-
troduction of variations." 

This I can verify, for I have often heard the blackcap imitate the lower notes of the blackbird, some notes of the thrush, and others of the robin. 

Having never yet heard the song of that far-famed songster, the nightingale, a treat which I am anxiously longing for, I think the blackcap makes an excellent substitute.

If it would only tune up its pipes during the dead stillness of midnight, I have little doubt that it would be thought nearly equal to the nightingale. 

When the female of this bird is sitting, I have noticed that the male becomes more shy and restless.

He rambles to the surrounding woods, and his song is more hurried and less sweet, and uttered only for a short time. 

After the young are able to provide for themselves, the blackcap, is most difficult of approach, and it is only with the greatest caution that the observer is permitted to take a view of this restless bird.

Vivian Walmesley 
September 9, 1843. 

RSPB DIRECTOR REJECTS CHARGE THAT CHARITY IS FAILING TO DEFEND WETLANDS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Could charity do more to safeguard Northern Ireland's whooper swans?

SOME 400-plus members attended last year's RSPB annual meeting. As always, the liveliest part of the proceedings was the question-and-answer session. But just eight members were able to participate in the time allotted. The questions and responses have now been published by the organisation. See below.

Alan Parfitt said that he was impressed by the results for the year’s accounts and felt that the RSPB had done very well given the current financial climate and the loss of income other charities had been suffering. He asked for comment regarding the current internal review and subsequent loss of staff.

Mike Clarke (RSPB chief executive) said that the guiding principle was to maintain financial resilience and remain within the agreed range of financial reserve.  He said that the RSPB is very much a people-based organisation, so staff represent a significant part of the organisation’s costs. Over a three-year period, in order to ensure balanced finances, the RSPB was reducing spend, including looking at staff levels, using natural turnover, prioritisation of work and reallocation of resources. The RSPB was also looking at other structural efficiencies which would involve changes in roles. The RSPB was doing everything possible to avoid compulsory redundancies but that may need to be considered as a last resort.  

Bob Coursey asked about State of UK Birds report of the threat to farmland birds and asked why more farmers had not been persuaded to adopt wildlife-friendly methods such as those successfully demonstrated at Hope Farm. 

Martin Harper (RSPB conservative direction)  agreed that the  report highlighted that agriculture was the single most important area of reform to halt the decline in biodiversity. He said that the UK Government has stated that it is determined to restore the losses of the last 50 years and needs to be held to account. Because of the decision to leave the EU, the UK needs to recreate its agriculture and land use policy, including payment schemes for farmers. The amount of support through the agricultural budget has been inadequate to date, so this is a great opportunity to make sure that the UK adopts a future policy that is adequately supported to deliver a reverse in the declines. 

Chris Murphy spoke at length about the protection of wetlands in Northern Ireland, in particular Lough Beg and surrounding areas.  He was highly critical of RSPB Northern Ireland, which he said had an abysmal record and had failed to act to defend the wetlands. He asked the RSPB to seriously consider their role in the scheme to build the A6 road through the wetlands. 

Shaun Thomas (director of UK Countries) said that the RSPB was not opposed to all development but that, where it affects nationally and internationally important sites and species, the organisation was strident in its campaigning. In this case, the RSPB objected to the first and second proposed routes of the A6 and pushed the Northern Ireland government to put mitigation in place to secure the interests of the whooper swan. The government came back with a set of proposals for measures including improved drainage, management and extension of the size of the fields, that the RSPB judged would mitigate the impact of the road and so withdrew its objection.  The decision was based on the fact that there was no scientific evidence that the swan populations will be affected. Further studies would be carried out to monitor the impact and to ensure that the binding mitigation measures are delivered. 

More widely, Mr Thomas took issue with Mr Murphy’s comments and strongly defended the extensive work of the team at RSPB Northern Ireland, including in the Lough Beg area where the strategy involved intensive work to improve the fortunes of waders and some of those species mentioned by Mr Murphy. The team also worked with the NI government to ensure that agri-environment schemes deliver favourable outcomes for curlew, redshank and other species. In 2018, RSPB NI had secured, for the first time, a group of farmers to form a collective agri-environment scheme to have maximum positive impact in the area. 

Mr Thomas said that, while there was always a wish to be able to do more, not only in Northern Ireland, he was confident that the team were doing their utmost to protect this and other special areas. 

Caroline Turner asked for comment on unwelcome developments such as the third runway at Heathrow that threatened homes for wildlife. She suggested that new housing developments should be built around wildlife.

Mike Clarke said he agreed with the sentiments and that the RSPB took the stance of supporting the right developments in the right places and that a strong planning framework to guide decisions was needed. He added that the RSPB works very hard to ensure clear ground rules exist that protect important places for wildlife, while also recognising the growing national housing shortage. He said that it was a core part of what the RSPB does to work with the UK’s biggest housebuilders to ensure that developments are in the right place and done in a way that is both nature-friendly and also creates green space and improve peoples’ quality of life. 

Mr Andrew Coles said  the recent IPCC report was a wake-up call regarding the impact of climate change. One key recommendation was that we should all eat less meat. He asked whether the RSPB would consider joining the “meat free Monday” initiative in its cafes, restaurants, offices and reserves to raise awareness of the crisis and that this simple step can make a big difference.

Martin Harper said it was a good question and that the report highlighted a massive gap between the political response to the crisis and what we need to do to reduce our emissions.

Mr Harper said this had been a very tough week when two dear colleagues had passed away - John Lanchbery, who had been dedicated to shaping policy to tackle climate change, and Roy Taylor, who spent his life on wetland and peatland restoration to store carbon. 

He said he wanted to ensure that their legacy continues through the work of the RSPB and the wider movement, so the RSPB would continue trying to ensure our economy is decarbonised; that any revolution in energy is in harmony with the environment; and that the natural habitats that sequester carbon were protected both here and globally. 

Mr Harper said that we also need to think about the way we consume food, so that this was a fair challenge and he would come back next year with an answer as part of a wider review of the implications of the IPCC report for RSPB policy, practice and communications.

Mr Cox responded that, as a vegetarian, he would hold Mr Harper to that pledge. He agreed that it was of course a matter of personal choice, but that some choice should be about reducing our consumption of meat and dairy products. 

Clive Cohen asked a) whether Nature’s Home could be produced in larger fonts for the benefit of those with eyesight problems; b) having visited Minsmere and finding 2 out of 3 vehicles out of action, whether more disabled vehicles could be provided at reserves, perhaps investing in some at a lower cost, and  c) whether a digest of questions from members be made available each year.

Rebecca Munro (director of fundraising and communications) said the RSPB was committed to ensuring that as many members and supporters as possible have access to the benefits of being part of the RSPB. She confirmed that Nature’s Home is not available in large print but a spoken version is available free of charge on CD for each issue. A digital version is also available along with a monthly podcast by enquiry through Supporter Services.

Regarding accessibility on reserves, Ms Munro said that the RSPB works closely with Birding for All who are experts and advocates for people’s access to wildlife and nature, particularly birds. Guidance has been provided for reserve managers on how to make reserves as accessible as possible, including mobility scooters. She said that due to the nature of the terrain, a level of robustness was required that increased the cost, but that Minsmere was investigating replacement of the two vehicles that were out of action as soon as possible.

Keith Cowieson asked whether, given the success of several reintroductions such as red kite, golden eagle, and white-tailed eagle, the RSPB would consider reciprocating the ‘reaching out’ by Michael Gove, by endorsing the Defra plan for reintroduction of hen harriers to South-west England. Notwithstanding reservations about the brood management element, he said it would be a generous and magnanimous gesture as well as an important part of restoring the region’s native ecosystem, would increase our influence within Defra, and would represent working alongside others.

Mr Harper replied that it is for government to ensure that any reintroduction of hen harrier abides by IUCN guidelines which must include making sure that threats associated with the species have been addressed prior to any release. For hen harriers that would mean that the illegal killing of them, particularly associated with grouse moors would have to stop, and that was a condition that Defra would have to respect. 

Miranda Krestovnikoff (RSPB president) drew the questions to a close with apologies to those who had not been able to ask their question. She urged them to speak to staff or trustees in the break or fill in a question card. 

The Wryneck says: As happens every year, many attendees missed out on the chance to put their questions. This is highly unsatisfactory. In future, the timetable should be rearranged to allow more members the opportunity to ask questions and make comments as a core part of the meeting.

BYGONE BIRDING (8): CREAM-COLOURED COURSER AT LONDON'S HACKNEY MARSHES

From The Zoologist, 1858

I am indebted to Mr. Cooper for sending me, in the flesh, a very perfect female specimen of that rare bird the Cursorius isabellinus of naturalists. 

It was shot in the Hackney Marshes, on the 19th of October, 1858, by Mr. George Beresford.

The bird was exceedingly tame, probably tired with a long flight.

The last recorded instance of the occurrence of this bird in Britain is in the Zoologist for 1855.

That specimen was shot by Mr. Walter Langton, on East Down, Salisbury Plain, on the 2nd of October, 1855. 

Mr. Langton was following a wild covey of partridges which had pitched on the open down when his dogs stood at this bird. 

It rose, flew about a hundred yards, and settled again. 

He followed it, and finally shot it on the ground.

The late Mr. Yarrell saw and handled the bird in the flesh.
I had the same pleasure.

Mr. Cooper will be pleased to show his more recent specimen to any gentleman who inclines to call on him.

Edward Newman

THIRD TERM AS RSPB PRESIDENT BECKONS FOR BROADCASTER MIRANDA KRESTOVNIKOFF

The president - diving expert and TV star Miranda Krestovnikoff
 (photo:rodw via Wikimedia Commons)

MIRANDA Krestovnikoff is expected to be  re-elected president for a further three-year term at the RSPB’s AGM on Saturday October 26.

Having originally been elected in 2013, it will the third term for the 46-year-old, a TV presenter specialising in wildlife and/ or archaeological programmes, especially those with a diving or underwater content.

A zoology graduate from the University of Bristol, she continues to live in the city along with her husband, Nicholas, their two children and an assortment of pet chickens.

She is a strong champion of opportunities for women.

“I believe they should have a strong voice and a powerful presence,” she says.

The Wryneck says: Miranda K is an engaging broadcaster who comes across extremely well in the media. But should she allow herself to be nominated for a third term as president? Her contribution to bird protection, to the RSPB and to its members has not been notably conspicuous, so perhaps not. Doubtless it enhances her profile to hold such a pretigious honorary position, but the time has come for her to be magnanimous. She should be gracious enough to decline her re-election in order to allow someone else to enjoy the role and whatever perks it brings. Her predecessor, broadcaster Kate Humble (another female TV celebrity) set an example - she stepped down as president after serving just a single term.

BYGONE BIRDING (7): PROTEST OVER 'FOOLISH AND CRUEL' SHOOTING OF A HOOPOE

 'THE GREATEST ENEMY TO BIRDS ARE ORNITHOLOGISTS'

Letter in The Zoologist, 1858

SIR -

In The Times of this morning there is an account of the appearance and destruction of a very rare bird, the hoopoe, which was shot by Mr. P. Matthews, of Ongar, on Wednesday last. 

Permit me a brief space to protest against this foolish and cruel act. 

The hoopoe is an unusual visitor to the British Isles, but has been met with in almost every county in England and in many parts of Wales. 

It is a most amusing bird in its habits, of peculiar and beautiful plumage, and, being entirely insectivorous, is perfectly harmless both in our gardens and orchards. 

They are numerous in many parts of Europe, particularly in the marshes near Bordeaux. 

They have been known to breed in this country and would doubtless increase, but the moment they appear they are wantonly destroyed, as in the instance above recorded. 

Owing to this spirit of persecution, many species of birds which were once numerous in Great Britain have entirely disappeared, and, year by year, many of the Sylviadae are becoming exceedingly scarce. 

Last spring, a black redstart, being the first recorded in Hertfordshire, took up its abode in a friend's garden in this town, but it was destroyed notwithstanding our efforts to preserve it. 

It has been stated, and I fear with some truth, that the greatest enemies to birds are ornithologists who should be their warmest friends.

No sooner is a strange bird discovered than war to the death is waged against it, and happy the pseudo-naturalist who succeeds in depriving the wretched little wanderer of its life. 

Its fame is duly chronicled in the county newspaper, and a skilful taxidermist employed to set up "the specimen" and exhibit it to his admiring friends. 

I am aware that all this is justified as being in the cause of science, but I would ask how is science advanced by the death of Mr. P. Matthew's hoopoe? 

If a specimen were wanted, it could have been procured from France at the price of a few shillings. 

Last year, in a journal devoted to Natural History, there appeared a notice of a nightingale in Devonshire. 

Now, all naturalists are aware that, from some cause which we cannot explain, these sweet songsters seldom visit that or the adjacent county of Cornwall. 

One would have thought that its very unusual appearance there would have been hailed with delight, and so it was, probably, by most of the residents. 

But, in an unlucky hour. it was discovered by a naturalist, and - with indignation I write it - he barbarously and selfishly took its life. 

"I was fortunate," writes this cruel philomelicide, "to shoot it as it was singing on the topmost sprig of a hawthorn bush.'' 

I protest as I write. I can hardly restrain my pen within the due bounds of courtesy, and I shall not trust myself to comment upon it.

But I indignantly deny to those destroyers the honourable name of naturalists. 

To my mind, the great end and aim of the study of Natural History is to induce us to note the wonderful instinct by which each animal and bird procures its food, conceals and rears its young, and the adaptation to the situation and circumstances in which it has been placed by the Great Creator, and so to teach us "to look from nature up to nature's God". 

Nor do I consider that in any case we are justified in depriving these innocent creatures of their life, even though it were necessary in the cause of science.

James S. Walker
New England House
Hitchin
Herts

April 19, 1858

SPOTLIGHT ON LITTLE TERNS AT RSPB MEMBERS' DAY

Little tern and chick. Photo: RSPB 

THE focus will fall on the fight to save the little tern as a British breeding species at this month's annual RSPB Members' Day.

The species' eggs and chicks is highly vulnerable to disturbance from people, predators and curious dogs.

Because they nest on the shore, high tides can also prove devastating.

Between 1914 and 1918, the RSPB embarked on an  EU-funded project  to protect little terns across 20 sites by:

• Erecting warning signs and raising awareness
• Fencing off nests to protect chicks
• Creating safer nesting sites
• Sheltering chicks and relocating nests threatened by flooding

As a result, says the charity, 2,933 young successfully fledged, "helping to slow local population declines".

At the Members' Day to be held at the Queen Elizabeth II conference in London on October 26, guests will hear an update on what has been achieved this year and of proposed initiatives for the future.

BYGONE BIRDING (6): 'GOOD SPORT' CHASING THE DIVERS

Slavonian grebe in winter plumage

From The Zoologist, Vol 16, 1858


Occurrence of rare birds near Barnstaple

Singular to relate, although the commencement of the past winter was  unusually mild, birds which are rare visitants here even when the weather is  severe, have appeared on our river in some numbers. 

I refer especially to members of the family Colymbidee (divers). 

What seemed to be a small flock of Colymbus glacialis (great northern diver) frequented the river throughout the greater part of December.

At high water, on more than one occasion, good sport was had by parties in boats in chasing one of these divers, and they generally had to make a good pull for it, and to expend a considerable quantity of cartridges before a specimen was hauled dead into the boat. 

All the birds which were shot were in an immature state of plumage. 

C. septentrionalis (red-throated diver) has also been shot this winter as well as a beautiful specimen of Podiceps cornutus (Slavonian grebe).

This grebe is obtained on our river with some regularity nearly every winter. 

One day, in the early part of January, I saw a fine specimen of Lanius excubitor (great grey shrike), but did not get very near to it.

I watched it fly some distance down the valley, its grey and white plumage making it visible at a considerable distance.

Its flight is in a straight line, with regular dips, closely resembling that of Turdus viscivorus (mistle thrush). 

I also observed a specimen of Emberiza nivalis (snow bunting) on a marsh close to the town, a far from common winter visitant with us.

The bird in question I saw frequenting the same spot for more than three weeks.

His favourite haunt was a turnip field bordering on the marsh where he associated amicably with a flock of skylarks, always leaving them on the approach of any one, and often settling on the top of a tall tree in the hedgerow.

There, when the sun was shining brightly, he glistened as if a small ball of the purest snow were attached to the topmost branch. 

Rev Murray A. Mathews

Raleigh 

near Barnstaple

Devon

March 15, 1858.

NOISE AND SPEED - THE WATERSPORTS ENTHUSIASTS WHO SPOOK THE HUMBER ESTUARY'S WADERS

SEEN here, the  oystercatchers and black-backed gulls don't seem too disturbed by jetski action off Cleethorpes.

However, knot, bartailed godwit, curlew, grey plovers and some other species were thrown into panic.

There was no indication that the sports enthusiasts were deliberately targeting the birds, but the commotion was not good to see (video below).

The Humber Estuary is a Special Protection Area for waders and wildfowl - notably knot which arrive in thousands during winter from their breeding grounds in Canada, Greenland and elsewhere.

It is an offence to disturb them as they feed and roost on the sand- and mud-flats - prime habitat for certain shore waders and wildfowl.

At high tide in daylight hours, jetski enthusiasts pursue their sport along the estuary all the way from Cleethorpes Pier to the Humberston Fitties.

BYGONE BIRDING (5): EAST COAST SKUAS

From The Zoologist journal, December, 1880

Pomatorhine Skuas on the Durham and Yorkshire coasts

I have to record the occurrence of another large flight of Pomatorhine Skuas at Redcar, a flight similar in some respects to that which visited this place on the 14th October last year, but not in such vast numbers.

Similar in this, that it consisted almost entirely of mature birds of the white-breasted variety, only three or four being dark-plumaged, but whether immature or adult I could not ascertain. 

While the terrific storm of October 28th was at its height, considerable numbers, amounting to several hundreds, of these Skuas passed Redcar, coming from eastward and seaward and going N.W. and W.

They passed along the front of the town flying close to the esplanade and houses, struggling to make headway against the storm, and, although possessed of great strength of wing, many of them were obliged to rest for a time on the water or else were driven inland. 

Unconscious of danger, they flew within a few yards of those persons who had courage to venture out. 

I did not hear of any having been shot or captured in any way.
In fact, it was well nigh impossible to stand out in the face of a blinding storm of hail, rain and sand driven by a N.E. hurricane of fearful severity, and shooting was entirely out of the question. 

Several Storm Petrels were observed, and a birdstuffer at Marske obtained three, two of which I have secured, as also a Fulmar picked up by a Redcar fisherman. 

Two Gannets were captured during the storm in an exhausted condition, and another Fulmar was picked up about the middle of October. 

Attention has been called to the manner in which the Pomatorhine Skua carries its tail, shut up like a fan. 

I may here state that last year, when the great flight of Skuas occurred at Redcar, I was very much struck by the peculiar appearance of the tails of these birds, especially those of the mature examples. 

When flying straight ahead the tail was closed, and had a most strange and unnatural look, giving the bird when seen from underneath almost the appearance of a cross, the wings being nearly motionless and the tail seeming to be much longer than was found to be the case on examining them after having been shot. 

The structure of the Pomatorhine Skua is eminently adapted for rapid flight, and the tail plays an important part in guiding its owner in its evolutions when pursuing the Gulls and Terns. 

In several instances when I had shot a Skua, others came to the dead or wounded bird, and in their twistings and turnings while swooping round, continually opened and shut their tails, much in the same way as Terns do when fishing over a shoal of sprats.

T. H. Nelson
North Bondgate
Bishop Auckland
Co Durham

BYGONE BIRDING (2): A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY?

From The Zoologist, Vol 16, 1858

The snow bunting that wasn't

In the April number of The Zoologist, Mr. Mathews states that a snow bunting was in the habit of perching upon a tall tree in a hedgerow. 

Surely this is a mistake. 

At page 281 of British Ornithology, Mr. Selby, in speaking of the snow bunting, says "they run with ease and celerity, like the lark genus and never perch on trees.

I can confirm Mr. Selby 's statement from my own observations. 

I have seen numbers of these birds on the coast of Essex, but in no instance have I ever seen one attempt to perch on a bush or tree, but they will occasionally upon low, broad railings. 

I may also say that the pure black-and-white plumage is their summer livery in which state they are very rarely seen in Britain. 

In winter, the black feathers of the back are broadly edged with ferruginous, and the head, neck and all the under parts are strongly tinged with the same colour, becoming of a deep chestnut on the crown of the head and back of the neck; in the breeding plumage, these parts are pure white.

Henry Doubleday
Epping.

 April 16, 1858. 

Editor: There is certainly a mistake in Mr. Mathews's statement which it is important to correct. Was the pied flycatcher the bird that he saw?

BYGONE BIRDING (4) SLAUGHTER OF THE SEABIRDS ON THE YORKSHIRE COAST

Blasted from the cliffs - anything with wings was shot at

The following paragraph is extracted from The Guardian of November 18, 1858 

 “On a strip of coast eighteen miles long near Flamborough Head, 107,260 seabirds were destroyed by pleasure parties in four months.


"Of these, 2,000 were killed for their feathers to adorn women's hats, and 79,500 young birds died of starvation in nests. 


"Commander Knocker (of Bridlington Coastguard), there stationed, who reports these facts, saw two boats loaded above the gunwales with dead birds.

Kittiwake - killed both for sport and for millinery

"One party of eight guns killed 1,100 birds in a single week.”


Note: Public outrage at the slaughter of seabirds intensified such that, in 1869, it was outlawed, at least during the breeding season. This was largely through the detemination of a Bridlington clergyman. His forthright initiative is chronicled in a new e-book, Saving Britain's Seabirds : The Campaign to End Bird Murder on the UK Coastline (price £1 via Amazon/Kindle).

Shooting took place from land as well as vessel

APPEAL FOR SIGHTINGS OF 50 CURLEWS THAT WERE 'HEADSTARTED' AT SLIMBRIDGE IN SUMMER

Curlew feeding on Cleethorpes Beach - watch out for birds with rings on both legs

WATCH out for curlews 'headstarted' at Slimbridge, in Gloucestershire, during July.

Headstarting is the technique whereby eggs are taken under licence from nests - invariably on Ministry of Defence land - then  incubated in confinement to prevent them being predated by creatures such as rats.

The chicks remain in confinement until they are mature enough to be released into suitable habitats in the wild.

Curlew eggs - removed under licence from MoD land (photo: WWT)

The 50 birds in question could  turn up feeding anywhere - on muddy estuaries, on playing fields and even in cemeteries.

For ease of identification,  each bird has been fitted with a yellow ring at the top of the right leg and a white ring with a number at the top of the left leg.

The organisation behind the headstarting project is the Slimbridge-based Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) which is appealing for information on sightings.

It says: "Please include as much information as you can - date, time, location, ring number and what they were up to.

"Is it feeding? Is it in a high tide roost? We’d love to know.
"If you manage to capture a picture of the bird - even better!"

Although common locally in winter, UK-wide curlew numbers have declined by over 65 per cent  since 1970.

Continues the WWT: "Modern landscapes are making it increasingly difficult for adults to rear enough chicks to fledging age.

"Because curlew live for a relatively long time, the hit on their population hasn't been obvious, as adult birds are still readily seen - but the lack of new chicks is becoming more and more apparent.

"Predators are having a major impact. Curlew eggs and chicks are predated by mammals and birds.

"This is a natural process, but some of these predators – such as foxes and crows - are more abundant in the UK than anywhere else in Europe, and there’s simply too much predation for the curlew population to sustain.

"The efficiency of modern farming, along with a warming climate, means that hay and silage crops are harvested earlier by larger, faster modern machinery. In some places, eggs and chicks accidentally fall victim to the mower.

"Breeding curlews favour open, usually damp, grassland and heaths, which provide safe nest sites and places for both adults and chicks to feed.

"But over recent decades, the land has become drier, more uniform and supports fewer insects, making it harder for curlews and their chicks to find food.

"The curlew is now regarded as the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK where we hold a quarter of the world’s population.

"Its  decline  is not just the loss of a valuable wetland species, but a significant cultural and heritage loss too.

"We are working with farmers and landowners, conservationists and communities to improve the curlews’ chances."

Anyone who detects one of the ringed birds is urged to email the info to: curlew@wwt.org.uk

Curlew cutie - one of the headstarted chicks (photo: WWT)