Birds versus new homes - planning inspector will decide whether to approve development on curlew field

The curlews come to Britain in winter to escape the bitter cold of Scandinavia

AN independent planning inspector will decide whether a housebuilding company should be granted consent to develop a grassland  habitat favoured by birds.

Cyden Homes Ltd, has lodged an appeal after North East Lincolnshire Council refused his company’s application to build 225 homes on a site in Humberston, near Cleethorpes.

The application did not go before the authority's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by a senior case officer. 

Largely on the basis of advice from Natural England, he took the view that the proposed development would result in the "irreversible loss" of land that is "functionally linked" to the Humber Estuary, an area which enjoys special protection because it is home to many important wetland birds - curlews among them. 

The species’ rapidly-dwindling British population is augmented in peak and late winter by the arrival of others that have mostly bred in Nordic countries, particularly Finland.

However, they are shy birds and their their presence at inland sites such as this particular field is always determined by the extent of inadvertent disturbance by dog walkers as well as by other factors such as the weather and the wetness of the ground.

An objection to the proposed development was also submitted by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. 

No date has been set for the planning inquiry, nor whether it will be heard in public, but it is unlikely that the inspector's verdict will be known until well into next year.

The field - other birds to be seen here include  barn owls which hunt for voles and other small mammals

It could be farewell to wildlife as councillors are urged to back salmon-rearing factory on South Bank of Humber

                                               

The wildlife site - with Grimsby dock tower in the background

 

A NATURE-rich  site on the South Bank of the Humber could be forfeited to make way for a salmon-rearing factory.

The former railway sidings  land in Cleethorpes, near Grimsby, was designated of wildlife interest by North East Lincolnshire Council because  of its wealth of biodiversity - especially wildflowers and 22 species of butterfly.

It also attracts rare and unusual migrant birds such as whinchats, snow buntings and black redstarts.

There are also records of bluethroat and both red-backed and great grey shrike.

For a few days in April this year, an Alpine swift circled overhead.

However, a London-based firm has  earmarked the site for a £75-million factory that would create 80 jobs.

It says mitigation, such as nestboxes, would be installed to compensate for the loss of other wildlife.

No objection has been raised by Natural England.

At a meeting on November 29, councillors will be recommended to grant planning consent for the project. 

                                         

Bluethroat - one of several rare species recorded on the site

Book review: The Extraordinary World of Birds by David Lindo

                                           

BECAUSE of overseas commitments, London-born David Lindo - the Urban Birder - has in recent years become less conspicuous on the UK birding scene.

However, he remains a regular contributor to the RSPB Magazine, Bird Watching and other publications, and there is invariably a speaking slot for him at the annual Global Birdfair in Rutland where he  pulls in large audiences.

What is more, via Zoom, he regularly conducts live interviews with guests from all over the world  about their lives and their work and how both have been enriched by affinity with Nature. A couple of days later, these chats are posted on YouTube where they attract an ever-increasing audience. 

Among those to have featured are Alison Steadman, the popular TV actress (she prefers the term 'actress' to 'actor')  and best-selling novelist Margaret Attwood.

During her chat, the former came up with an intriguing fashion aside -  passed down  either by her grandmother or an aunt - that when it comes to colour co-ordination, you cannot go wrong by studying the plumage of birds.

                                   

It is unlikely that the actress played any part in the production of David Lindo's latest book, The Extraordinary World of Birds,  but the vivid illustrations by his collaborator, Claire McElfatrick, seem to bear out this tip.

Some birds are sombre in their feathering and some are colourful but, whatever the case, Nature has ensured their hues are always balanced and appropriate.

Although this fascinating book has been produced for primary age children (they will love it), the entertaining and informative content ensures that the appeal spans the generations.

In a series of crisp, concise and colourful snapshots, The Extraordinary World covers the spectrum of what it means to be a bird - camouflage, flying, feeding, nesting, migrating, flocking, migrating (by night as well as by day) and more. 

Also explored are the different sorts of habitats (including desert and city) and how some species, such as the Senegal thick-knee, are evolving to survive in a world that is endlessly shaped and reshaped by humankind, often with little regard for what impact this might have on wildlife.

Thankfully, David Lindo never lectures, he just says it how it is, and lets the reader drawn his/her own conclusions on what actions, if any, need to taken if Nature is to recover.

In 80 refreshing pages, the author also manages to cover much else - for instance, how birds have evolved from dinosaurs  and what it takes to be a birder.

Massive credit also to the aforementioned Ms McElfatrick and to her design and production colleagues for their roles in  creating such a vibrant package - one where the birds seem to fly (or hop, wade or waddle) out of every page.

The Extraordinary World of Birds is published (£14.99) in hardback by Dorling Kindersley.

Briefly back in the spotlight - Archibald Thorburn, surely one of the greatest artist-ornithologists of all time?

Wow - what illustrious thrush-family company for the blackbirds!

                                                              

NOWADAYS there are so many excellently-illustrated field guides that the art of Scottish bird enthusiast Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935) tends to be forgotten.

Yet it was he who was at the forefront of portraying birds in a natural way as opposed to the stylised mode of counterparts such as, say, the American, John James Audubon.

Earlier this month, a copy of Thorburn's  masterpiece, British Birds  - published  in four volumes between 1915 and 1918 -  came up for sale at the Gloucestershire premises of auctioneers Dominic Winter.

Bidding was brisk until the hammer fell at £700 - hardly  an excessive price to pay for such a superb set of books containing no fewer than 80 mounted colour plates, each with a tissue guard, and depicting a total of more than 400 species.          

                                     

Great for watching sea ducks, divers and shorebirds - unofficial bird 'observatory' comes on market

Look carefully centre left - isn't that a purple sandpiper scampering about on the rocks?

A SEVEN-storey 'observatory' building with spectacular views over the North Sea is up for grabs to any deep-pocketed individual or organisation.

The Grade II Listed watchtower in Tynemouth, Northumberland,  stands  at the edge of Longsands beach with views over the sea, the Cheviot hills  and even Scotland on a clear day.

Through a 'scope, it should be possible to detect a range of  marine species, shoreline-feeding waders and migrating passerines.

An unusually shaped building, it is built of reinforced steel and concrete.

The seventh storey would have been where, during the 1914-18 war, a gun was installed. It now has an observatory room and a large terrace

Owned by the current home owner since 2000, the property is now available on the market, with offers above £500,000 being sought.

According to agents  Hive Estates, the three-bedroomed building could be "an ideal seaside home, investment or coastal retreat for owner occupiers, investors or families wanting an iconic property on a sought-after coastline".

                                        

What a great place to scan the ocean for for divers and auks 

Sanderling and plovers on the beach? Fieldfares and waxwings in flight? 

* Brochure pictures by Newcastle-based Hive Estates - tel: 0191 261 8500.

Rewilding pioneer and keen birder Dominic Buscall joins board of BTO along with university prof Stephen Willis

Dominic Buscall - founded Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk 

DOMINIC Buscall who, in 2018, set up the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project in North Norfolk has been elected a trustee of the BTO.

The site, which regularly features in BBC TV's Springwatch, combines rewilding, regenerative farming and traditional conservation, the aims being to restore nature, fight climate change and engage and educate people about the natural world.

Dominic’s previous background was in management consulting where he developed strategic skills. 

Away from work he enjoys cycling, swimming and birding.

Also elected to the board at the BTO's annual meeting held online via Zoom yesterday (November 18) was Stephen Willis, Professor of Ecology and Conservation, Director of Research and Deputy Head of Department at Durham University. 

He has had a lifelong interest in birds and the study of birds led to his academic career in ecology.

Stephen has been involved with BTO in various ways over the years, including survey volunteering, learning to ring and participating in research collaborations. 

                                                               

Stephen Willis enthusiasm for birds led to career as academic ecologist

What am I bid for this study of two black-throated divers? Bird art under the hammer at Gloucestershire auction

 

This striking hand-coloured lithograph of black-throated divers caught the eye at an auction conducted by Dominic Winter this week at the firm's salerooms in Gloucestershire. Measuring 375mm x 520mm and mounted within a glazed frame, it originally appeared in The Birds of Europe, printed by C. Hullmandel and published by John Gould (1832-37). A study of a red-throated diver from the same publication was part of the same lot. The hammer came down at £200.

Did she jump or was she pushed? Few tears will be shed over Cabinet departure of Thérèse Coffey

                                                      

It's farewell to Government, but Ms Coffey (third right) can now concentrate on constituency duties in Suffolk

JUST hours after returning from attending the United for Wildlife global summit in Singapore, Thérèse Coffey is out of Government.

It is believed she got wind of her dismissal as Environment Secretary in advance of a telephone call from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and decided to jump the gun by resigning before she could be sacked.

Dr Coffey made few friends in the conservation world because she seemed to show  little appreciation and awareness of the environment and Nature. 

Although undoubtedly tough-minded, her attitude was often brusque, and she seemed to bear a grudge against those who crossed her. For an experienced politician, she was also surprisingly gaffe-prone.

As a result her departure has been met with unrestrained glee from many high-profile birders.

Author Stephen Moss tweeted:  "The worst Environment Secretary ever (and that takes some doing!) has resigned.

"Good riddance Thérèse Coffey - you were utterly useless, and according to one leading conservationist who met you, the rudest and most uninterested politician they had ever met."

And Mark Avery said. "Thérèse Coffey resigns as Environment Secretary, saying it is 'right time' for her to leave government. No, that time was long ago."

However, to her credit, she was the RSPB's parliamentary champion for the bittern.

In a gracious reply to Dr Coffey's resignation letter, the Prime Minister has written as follows:

Dear Thérèse

Thank you for your letter. I want to express my gratitude to you for your years of dedicated ministerial service and your friendship to me personally. 

As Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs you have worked hard to deliver for our rural communities. The Farm to Fork summit, which I was delighted that we could host together in Downing Street, did a great job of promoting the wonderful food and drink produced by our farmers. 

You have driven work across Government to support the rural economy and taken measures to protect food production here at home. You have been a consistent champion of better rural broadband. 

Our international leadership on nature is a source of pride to us as a country, and you have taken that forward. Your support for a moratorium on deep sea mining is a powerful example of UK leadership in this field. 

I am also grateful to you for all your work as Health Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister which helped prepare the health service for the winter. In a difficult time for our party - your teamwork and positivity helped bring everyone together. 

During the pandemic, your leadership of the Department for Work and Pensions ensured that the welfare system kept working and supported people at a time of exceptional stress. I am pleased that our work together on Kickstart helped young people to get skills and jobs following the pandemic. 

Your record is one of dedicated service. 

With thanks for your service and friendship.

Lancashire-born Ms Coffey, who is 52, single and a diehard Liverpool FC fan, will now be able to concentrate on her responsibilities at her constituency, Suffolk Coastal. 

                                                   

Plenty of interest in bird watercolours at sale of British, European and Sporting Art in Yorkshire town

 

Hammer came down at £750

TWO bird paintings sold for more than double pre-sale estimate at auction on Saturday (November 11).

The signed watercolour above, attributed to John Cyril Harrison (1898-1985), went for £750 - significantly higher than the top estimate  of £300.

Meanwhile, the signed watercolour by Rodger McPhail (born1953) of pinkfooted geese over an estuary fetched £1,000 compared with a pre-sale estimate of £250-400.

The two paintings were included in an auction of  British, European & Sporting Art conducted by Tennants at their saleroom in Leyburn in North Yorkshire.  

£1,000 for geese in flight

Thérèse Coffey tells global conference in Singapore: 'Tackling wildlife crime is personal priority for me'

Lush and leafy - no wonder the minister described Singapore as 'dazzling'

 

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey was in Singapore last week to attend the United for Wildlife global summit. She took time off sightseeing to deliver a speech to delegates from around the world.

Thank you for bringing us together here in dazzling Singapore

Thank you, too, and for all the work you do to build a safer, more sustainable future for communities that depend so deeply on the natural world and on threatened species right around the globe.

I know just how much our own native species mean to us back in the UK.

So much in fact that many of the species of flora and fauna we are working hard to support will be celebrated on the first coins being minted to mark the new reign of King Charles III, reflecting his the love of the natural world that he has nurtured over decades, and very clearly passed on to his son, the Prince of Wales.

We know that the love of nature, of flora and fauna is reflected around the world often being used with pride as national emblems.

We all rely on the natural world for everything from food to water to the air we breathe, the functioning climate and weather systems, and the peace and prosperity we all want to see.

And at a time when a quarter of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, many within decades, we know that for some of the most endangered species in the world, the illegal wildlife trade is the gravest threat they face.

Transnational criminal trade - to the tune of £23-billion dollars a year - brings violence and corruption to countries and communities who are and must be at the forefront of finding solutions and more sustainable alternatives as well.

This has been a personal priority for me over many years.

Tackling this illegal trade is very important for the UK government.

We have continued to build on work we have done since we hosted the first global Illegal Wildlife Trade conference back in 2014.

We have committed over £51-million to 157 projects, and I think there are several organisations here who may have benefited from that. 

That means working in more than 60 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe and protecting a broad range of threatened species, including pangolins, jaguar and orchids.

In recent years, we have achieved 288 arrests, 482 cases for prosecution, 141 successful prosecutions and millions of pounds worth of illegal-wildlife trade products seized in collaboration with many of you.

We are continuing to support projects designed to help communities, from the Lower Mekong to the Amazon to build more sustainable livelihoods, including through our newly-established £100m Biodiverse Landscapes Fund.

And by backing the work of the International Consortium for Combatting Wildlife Crime we are helping to bring key agencies together to build the long-term capacity in law enforcement that we need around the world if we are to combat wildlife crime effectively.

We all know we have to keep learning about about the major transnational syndicates and routes and tackling them is going to require a collective approach to targeting high-level criminals and deterring this crime.

But what we do know is that the gangs who traffic natural capitalise on weak governance in our systems.

And while vast flows of ill-gotten gains are moved on to massive markets across the region, too often criminal enterprises go unchallenged.

That is why the UK is supporting the efforts of countries at both ends of the Africa-Asia route and tackling this in partnership wherever we can.

Working in partnership across sectors is key to making it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance, or profit from illegal wildlife products.

We need to stay one step ahead of the criminals, to achieve further seizures, forfeitures and arrests.

We need to prevent, detect and disrupt the financial activity of major transnational syndicates involved in wildlife crime so there is no place for them to hide.

I am pleased pleased to be here to support these efforts.

I wish you well as you scope out what happens next in order to help nature to recover.                       

Environment Secretary - concern for species at risk 

What exactly is a swift? And what is a swift nestbrick? Hannah explains all to Government minister

What am I supposed to do with it? Levelling-up Secretary Michael Gove looks slightly bemused as he is presented with a swift nestbrick by Hannah Bourne-Taylor who is campaigning for these to become mandatory in new housebuilding projects. With the duo is Lord Goldsmith who is backing her initiative.Their subsequent conversation was fruitful, and a further meeting between Ms Bourne-Taylor, who is an author, and the minister  is on the cards.

Fieldsports Channel presenter's plea to Chris Packham: 'Stop calling us psychopaths and hate terrorists'

                                             

Charlie Jacoby: 'We will continue to shine a light' 

A DEFIANT note has been sounded by Fieldsports Channel TV after its bruising legal encounter with celebrity wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham.

"Chris hasn't killed us," says lead presenter Charlie Jacoby. "He has not ended Fieldsports Channel which is marvellous. 

"We will continue to shine a light where Chris does not want us to share a light." 

During a 15-minute hearing in the High Court on Monday, Fieldsports Channel decided not to contest a defamation action brought against it by  the BBC Springwatch presenter.

But Mr Jacoby revealed afterwards that it had agreed to pay £30,000 in  damages - £10,000 now, £10,000 in January and £10,000 in April.

Its legal costs - put at £70,000 - have been paid by subscribers to the channel which broadcasts via  the YouTube platform.

It has also published a retraction and an apology on its website.

According to Fieldsports' estimate, Mr Packham's various litigation actions during the year have cost him about £150,000.

However, he, too, has been the beneficiary of substantial financial support from his allies.

The BBC man's legal representative, Carol Day, told the court: "Given the public apology and the other steps undertaken by the defendants, the claimant is content to let the matter rest."

After the hearing, Mr Jacoby expressed the hope that, in future, Mr Packham would desist from labelling his critics - some of them field sports enthusiasts such as shooters and anglers - "psychopaths" and "hate terrorists".

* The full statement made in open court can be read on the Fieldsports Channel website at:

Statement in Open Court – Fieldsports Channel

Has Natural England sounded death knell for theme park redevelopment project on Lincolnshire Coast?

Sunlight through the trees on an autumn day at former theme park - but is there light at end of tunnel for developers?

THERE has been a fresh setback to a longstanding  scheme to redevelop  the site of a former theme park  on the Lincolnshire Coast.

A consortium led by supermarket chain Lidl wants to clear Pleasure Island, including almost all the trees and shrubs, to make way for a discount supermarket, 272 holiday 'lodges', a games arcade and, eventually, two hotels.

The project would change the face of this part of Cleethorpes and give a boost to the economy of this part of the seaside town.

But the Government body, Natural England, has this week again warned that it "may need to oppose the application".

This is because the consortium's agents have so far been unable to provide evidence that their client  has either the will or the capacity to safeguard the birds and other wildlife - both on the site and on the neighbouring shoreline which is a designated Special Protection Area. 

It is insisting that much more ecological survey work is required - work that will be expensive and take months, if not years, to complete.

Even then, there is no guarantee that it will meet Natural England's stipulations.

Specific NE concerns include:

* Noise  disturbance 

* After dark light spill

* Air contamination from dust during construction and road traffic during operation

* Holidaymakers spilling on to sensitive shoreline habitat to partake of watersports activities

* Provision of a suitably qualified wildlife ranger/warden and staff

Natural England is not convinced either that the consortium's  proposed policy of banning dogs will be steadfast.

It is seeking assurances both on "how this would be secured and on the enforceability of it for the lifespan of the development". 

In determining the application, the planning authority at North East Lincolnshire Council is not compelled to abide by Natural England's stipulation, but it would risk significant reputational damage if it were to show wilful disregard for the welfare of nature and the advice of a Government body.

There is also another abiding headache for the consortium. 

Despite talks, there is no indication yet that the Environment Agency has withdrawn its longstanding objection over potential flood risk - either from a coastal surge or overtopping of the Buck Beck in the event of extreme rainfall.  

'Up until now, British and Irish nature writing has been almost exclusively white'

                                                     

Only one extract in anthology has a black author

AUTHOR and journalist Patrick Barkham has expressed disappointment  that so few nature-focused books have been written by black, Asian or ethnic minority authors.  

He says: "Until now, British and Irish nature writing has been almost exclusively white.

"As recently as 2020, I knew of only two published books of what would widely be considered nature writing by writers of a black, Asian or ethnic minority background.

                                                      

  Patrick Barkham - 'whiteness is stark'

                                              

"The whiteness of British and Irish nature writing is stark.

"It is shared by the whiteness of professional conservationists with studies showing conservation to be one of the whitest industry in the country."

Patrick Barkham, whose work is regularly published in The Guardian newspaper, makes the observation in his introduction to an excellent anthology of nature writing - The Wild Isles.

One of the black-authored extracts he has chosen  comes from The Grassling, a memoir by Elizabeth-Jane Burnett which, he says, "fizzes with joy, poetry and originality".

Does it matter whether authors are white or black?

Barkham answers the inevitable question thus: "Some readers might wonder what barn owls or stag beetles care about the colour of the skin of the person writing about them?

"Creatively, why is it relevant?"

To this, he answers: "If British and Irish nature writing is to grow and endure, to survive the whims of fashion, publishing and parody, it must be diverse, complex, multi-faceted and dynamic - and relevant to everyone who lives on this land."

On the plus side, he says "belatedly the sector is taking steps to change the situation".

The Wild Isles is published by Head of Zeus.

Celebrity naturalist Chris Packham was 'subject of egregious slur on reputation' says law firm

                                           

Legal action success for TV naturalist Chris Packham 

 "IF anyone publishes or perpetuates lies about me or my conduct I will challenge them and I will win."

Thus spoke celebrity naturalist Chris Packham today after winning a defamation success he had brought against TV production company Fieldsports Channel Ltd and one of its presenters.

He had been wrongly accused of writing a fake death threat to himself.

As a result, the company will now have to pay an unspecified amount of damages to the broadcaster and contribute to his legal costs.

The BBC Springwatch presenter's solicitors, Leigh Day, say its client had been the subject of "an egregious slur against his reputation based on the flimsiest of evidence that failed to stand up to even the most basic form of scrutiny".

A post-hearing statement is still awaited from the TV company, but it is understood that, under the terms of the settlement, it will also have to issue an apology and a pledge not to repeat the defamation.

Amy's happy-go-lucky moment in Orkneys quest for elusive bird of the summer hay meadows

 

Amy Liptrot - lure of The Orkneys (and corncrakes)

A FORMER  contract warden for the RSPB has revealed that, one summer night, she took all her clothes off and went for a run around a nature reserve.

The incident occurred while Amy Liptrot was monitoring calling  corncrakes in the Orkneys.

Says she: "One still-pink dawn, just before midsummer, I stopped at the Ring of Brogdar on the way home.

"There's no one around, and I took all my clothes off and ran around the Neolithic stone circle."

Amy's account comes in her book, The Outrun (Canongate Books), which won critical acclaim (and the Wainwright Prize) when it was published in 2016.

She compiled it while she was working for the RSPB at the same time as she was recovering from an alcohol addiction that stemmed from her club-going lifestyle while living in London.

In the Orkneys, where she grew up, her nightlife could not have been more different from that in the bright lights of the city.

It involved surveying  every one-kilometre map grid reference square containing suitable corncrake habitat - hay and silage fields and areas of tall vegetation such as nettles or iris.

The Brodgar stone circle on mainland Orkney- setting for exuberance

"Somehow this bird became my thing," she writes. "I changed the ringtone on my phone to a corncrake call.

"Their well-documented decline is undoubtedly down to human activity so it seems right that we should take responsibility to conserve the last few."

The author, who now lives in West Yorkshire with her partner and two sons, admits that, at times, she craved a bottle of wine and is grateful that Orkney has no 24-hour off-licences. She had to make do with a flask of coffee.

Amy also researched the species, noting with dismay that only 30 per cent of the birds that overwintered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo returned to their vanishingly scarce breeding haunts in Britain, some of them trapped and killed in hunters' nets in North Africa.

During her seven week as a surveyor, Amy also delighted in the company of curlews, lapwings, oystercatchers and short-eared owls - known locally as 'catty-faces'. 

She counted a total of 32 calling male corncrakes - one more than had been logged the previous year.

Corncrakes are notoriously hard to see, so did she ever strike lucky?

She writes: "Then, one night, just when I finished my survey, I pulled slowly away in the car and something unexpected happened.

"It's just a moment but it's in the road right in front of me, a  corncrake, running into the grass verge.

"Its image, the pink beak and ginger wing, keep darting through my mind - just a second that confirmed the existence I'd spent months searching for. 

"My first and only corncrake! 

"Usually dawn comes slowly but, tonight, I drive out of a cloud and suddenly it's a new day."

Magical!

Amy Liptrot's prize-winning book

The names of some birds are 'clouded by racism and misogyny' says American Ornithological Society

 

The bird shown is Say's pheobe
(Sayornis saya) named after Thomas Say

NAME changes are in prospect for American birds  that have been named after individuals - often those who discovered them.

The American Ornithological Society will focus on up to 80 species that occur primarily within the U.S. and Canada.

The AOS says a "much more inclusive and engaging scientific process is needed - one that focuses attention on the unique features and beauty of the birds themselves".

It states: "The AOS commits to changing all English-language names of birds within its geographic jurisdiction that are named directly after people."

The name-change initiative  will also embrace other names "deemed offensive and exclusionary".

The statement continues: "The AOS commits to establishing a new committee to oversee the assignment of all English common names for species within the AOS’s jurisdiction.

"This committee will broaden participation by including a diverse representation of individuals with expertise in the social sciences, communications, ornithology and taxonomy."

The committee adds: "The AOS commits to actively involving the public in the process of selecting new English bird names."

There is no indication that the AOS has consulted with any other bird societies either in the U.S. and Canada or in the UK and other parts of the English-speaking world.

At a stroke, it will create muddle. Bird species field guides will become out of date.

One notable  casualty of the shake up will  be the Paisley-born Scot, Alexander Wilson, after whom species such as Wilson's phalarope, Wilson's storm petrel, Wilson's plover, Wilson's snipe and Wilson' warbler are named.

One of the first names likely to be dropped is Audubon's shearwater because members of John James Audubon's family are known to have kept slaves.

Says AOS president Colleen Handel (pictured below): "There is power in a name, and some English bird names have associations with the past that are exclusionary and harmful." 

                                         

Agreement comes from the society's chief executive, Judith Scarl, who says: "There has been historic bias in how birds are named, and who might have a bird named in their honour. 

"Exclusionary naming conventions developed in the 1800s, clouded by racism and misogyny, don’t work for us today, and the time has come for us to transform this process and redirect the focus to the birds where it belongs.

"I am proud to be part of this new vision and am excited to work in partnership with a broad array of experts and bird lovers in creating an inclusive naming structure."

The society has form when it comes to name changes.

In 2020, it chose to change the name of the McCown's longspur to  the thick-billed longspur because John P. McCown was thought to have links with slavery and racism.

Ironically, in a vote earlier this year, the Audubon Society decided not to change its name.

The AOS says that, since 1886, it - and its predecessor, the  American Ornithologists’ Union - has been the arbiter of official English-language names for birds in North America (and more recently, South America). 

It states: "These names are widely used by schools and universities, government agencies, conservation organisations, the news media, artists and writers, birders and photographers, and many other members of the English-speaking public worldwide."

The Wryneck says: This initiative will surely put the cat among the pigeons. In some cases, it will be difficult to come up with suitable replacement names. And who will be entrusted to make the decisions? A name deemed appropriate in the U.S. might be less so in other parts of the English-speaking world. We believe the existing names should be retained - they provide a valuable link with our birding forefathers. Maybe some of these individuals were prejudiced - shamefully so by modern standards - but that does not diminish or devalue their pioneering contributions to ornithology.  And has anyone really been put off birding by the name of a species? Ridiculous even to contemplate. Let the Wilson's phalarope and the Audubon's shearwater live on!