Snow Bunting takes centre stage in enchanting Oliver Heywood painting which comes up for auction next week

Handsome male Snow Bunting in breeding plumage

DURING his lifetime (1920-1992), Gloucestershire artist Oliver Heywood was perhaps somewhat under-appreciated.

As a result,  his landscape paintings command firm - but not spectacular - prices when they come up for sale.

Heywood, who had his home and studio near Stroud, was an ornithologist who often liked to incorporate birds into his work which he felt was the outlet for his "spiritual energy".

This is the case with two of a trio of his paintings which are due to be sold as a single Lot - number 200 - at an auction to be conducted by Dominic Winter at their sale room in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, on March 11.

One depicts perched Cormorants and Herrings Gulls in flight, while the other, more interesting study is of a male Snow Bunting in breeding plumage with Arctic Terns overhead.

The Lot is expected to fetch between £300 and £400.      

                                                                       

Herring Gulls in dancing flight over rock where Cormorants are perched 

Worrying time for many birders currently on holiday in Oman and neighbouring Gulf states

                                                                   

Oman is a favourite destination for British birders at this time of year

THE flare-up in the Middle East has created a worry for the many birders currently on holiday in Oman and other parts of the region during for the spring migration.

There are already deadly missiles in the sky, and the situation will only get more dangerous if Iran decides to expand the conflict.

Among tour companies currently running holidays in Oman is Naturetrek whose customers are believed to be midway through a 13-day break in pursuit of  desert specialities (including sandgrouse and Greater Hoopoe-Lark), seabirds (such as Persian Shearwater, Jouanin’s Petrel and Red-billed Tropicbird) and numerous waders, plus exciting residents including Arabian Eagle-Owl, Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak and Arabian and Hume’s Wheatears. 

Oman is not in the front line of conflict apart from one incident at  the commercial port, Duqm, which  was targeted by two drones, one of which struck a mobile workers' housing unit, injuring an expatriate worker

Debris from the second drone landed in an area adjacent to fuel storage tanks, with no resultant loss of life or material damage. 

However, Foreign Office advice to nationals is not to travel to the southern city of Salalah (or within 100km) where the last four days of the birding holiday are due to be spent before the flight back to Heathrow.

Gone but not forgotten - the last-known example of the now-extinct Slender-billed Curlew

Extinct but definitely not forgotten - Chris captured this unique photograph of the world's last-known Slender-billed Curlew 

THERE are still a few limited-edition prints available of the last-known Slender-billed Curlew, a species that was officially declared extinct in October last year.

In what must have been an unforgettable encounter, it was snapped by former RSPB photographer Chris Gomersall  at at Merja Zerga, Morocco, in February, 1995.

Says he: "The image was  originally shot on film but subsequently re-scanned and digitally restored to the highest standard possible. 

"Unmounted prints - the edition has been limited to 50 - are signed on the reverse, authenticated by an emboss stamp plus accompanying certificate, and posted flat-packed (to UK addresses only). 

"The initial offer price is £95 per A3 print, including postage (image size 375 x 250mm).

"For each print sold I will make a donation of £10 to Curlew Action (registered charity no. 1187172)."

Prospective purchasers can email Chris at chris@chrisgomersall.co.uk with contact details, including postal address, and he will reply with information on how to pay securely.

Sixty-minute twitch: Pode Hall and Willow Tree Fen, near Spalding, Lincolnshire

Was a  Snow Goose among these Whooper Swans? Too far away to tell 

Date: February 22, 2026

Time: 3.55pm - 4.55pm

Weather: Sunny but blustery

Target species: Snow Goose (one had been reported here earlier in the week)

Star species seen: Crane

Other species seen included: 

* Long-tailed Tit

* Blue Tit

* Marsh Harrier

* Red Kite

* Little Egret

* Whooper Swan

* Shoveler

* Barn Owl

* Wigeon

* Mallard

* Cormorant

The copse at Pode Hall provides habitat for Long-tailed Tits and other passerines 

Distant view of Red Kite on the move

This group of birders' quest for an elusive Snow Goose proved in vain 

As many as 11 Marsh Harriers were counted at the two sites 

Willow Tree Fen is noted for its all-year population of wetland birds

Cranes - the star attraction at Willow Tree Fen

Likely to be plenty of bidding interest when Sir Peter Scott's captivating Cuckoo painting goes under hammer

THERE is likely to be interest from birders as well as art collectors when this study of a Cuckoo flying over sand dunes goes under the hammer next month.

It is the work of Sir Peter Scott (1909-1989) who is far better known for his paintings of waterfowl.

Signed and dated 1971 by the artist, it is an oil-on-canvas, measuring 49.5cm x 59.5cm (19.5in x 23.5in).

According to Knightsbridge-based auction house, Bonhams, it is expected to fetch between £2,500 and £3,500 at their sale of British and Irish Art which is being conducted online between March 9-18.  

More information from Catherine.King@bonhams.com or  tel 020 7393 3884.                                                   

Intriguing new book by Dumfries-based birder will explore journey of raindrop from source to sea

The countdown is on for the eagerly-awaited fifth book by Dumfries-based Stephen Rutt (pictured) who has been an avid birder since he was 14. The Waterlands tells the story of a single raindrop on its journey from source to sea - and the many lessons it teaches us. It is due to be be published by Elliott and Thompson on  March 26.     

                                                     

Sad fate of slaughtered Stone Curlews is to find themselves up for sale at Yorkshire auction house

                                                  

The days when Stone Curlews were killed for sport - and/or profit - will be recalled when a pair of stuffed and mounted birds are due to go under at a sale in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on April 22. They date back to between 1870 and 1900 when the birds fell into the hands of Roberts and Son, so-called 'naturalists', of Cattle Market Street in Norwich. Auction house Tennants  expect the birds, which are in a glass display case, to sell for between £150 and £200.                                        

Twenty-minute twitch: East Hide, RSPB Frampton Marsh, near Boston in Lincolnshire

A party of Golden Plover coming in to land

Date: February 22, 2026

Time: 12.55pm - 1.15pm

Weather: Sunny but blustery

Target species: Scaup

Star species seen: Pintail

Other species seen included: 

* Snipe

* Wigeon

* Pochard

* Gadwall

* Shoveler

* Tufted Duck

* Linnet

* Skylark

* Lapwing

* Golden Plover

* Dunlin

The East Hide provides fabulous view of wetland birds 

This drake Pintail was one of up to 20 present

These plentiful Wigeon were briefly joined by a Skylark

A group of about five Linnets spent a minute or two looking for seeds before flying off

Like the Linnets, this Snipe could scarcely have been better camouflaged

Lapwings galore!

A single Dunlin was on the prowl

Rarities galore! New two-volume publication will cast spotlight on the wonders of Fair Isle

AN eagerly-awaited new study of The Birds of  Fair Island - in two volumes - is to be published next month.

Famed for being a rarities hotspot, this remote island in The Shetlands - and its birdlife - are celebrated by authors  Ian Andrews, Roger Riddington, Paul Harvey, Will Miles and Rebecca Nason

There are also credits for  Steve Arlow, Alexander C. Lees, Deryk N. Shaw and Glen A. Tyler for their contributions and to some 80 photographers including Alex Penn, Lee Gregory, Roger Broad, Dan Gornall and Georgia Platt.

In total, the two volumes contain 944 A4 pages and include more than 800 photographs

The contents consist of a foreword by Roy Dennis, 11 introductory chapters, 401 species accounts, five appendices and a comprehensive bibliography.

The price is £70 plus postage (£5 UK, £12 Europe or £45 worldwide).

For more details about how to buy a copy, email bofi@fairislebirdobs.co.uk

                                                                   

                                                                                 

                                                 

                                                                                   

Bad news for England's deer but Whitehall initiative should reduce threat to Nightingales and other wild birds

                                                             

With no apex predator, England's population of deer has soared

CULLING of wild deer is to be encouraged in England in an initiative that is expected to benefit Nightingales and other songbirds.

One-third of the country's woodlands are estimated to have been damaged by deer, and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs insists "urgent action" is needed to protect trees and wildlife from their grazing activities.

In a statement issued today, Defra says: "Landowners, foresters and farmers across England will benefit from this new 10-year plan.

"Deer are an iconic feature of the English countryside but their excessive browsing and trampling  prevents young trees from establishing, degrades habitats, and damages crops. 

"Without  action, this damage risks undermining woodland creation, nature recovery and domestic timber production."

It continues: "Overgrazing reduces the diversity of ground flora and scrub, including flowering plants essential for pollinating insects and fruiting shrubs that support birds and mammals such as dormice.

"Reducing deer pressure has been identified as a key management activity to support the recovery of England's  Nightingale population which has declined by more than 90per cent since the 1960s.

"Deer damage also affects wetlands, with recent surveys of the Norfolk Broads showing more than 10 per cent of rare fen habitat has been impacted.

"Three of the six deer species present in England are non-native

"Current management approaches have not kept pace with the rising impact. 

"There is a need to reduce reliance on fencing and tree shelters and to increase effective, active deer management at landscape scale."

Nature Minister Mary Creagh comments: "Our trees and native wildlife are under huge strain from deer damage.

"This new measure will also help restore nature, boost our home grown timber industry and protect the millions of trees we are planting across the country."

A package of proposed measures includes:

* Dedicated deer officers to provide clearer, more accessible advice and coordination

* Grant funding to support effective deer management activity

* Streamlined licensing processes to cut red tape and enable faster action

The Government will also support the domestic market for wild venison which is siad to be a healthy, high‑protein food, rich in essential amino acids and lower in cholesterol and saturated fats than many other red meats.

Forestry Commission chief executive Richard Stanford comments: "Action has been long overdue.

"We can all help in this endeavour by eating wild venison, the most climate-friendly red meat there is."

Today's statement follows Defra’s Grey Squirrel Policy Statement, published on 29 January, which set out measures to tackle damage to trees and woodlands caused by invasive grey squirrels.

It is hoped that managing the impact of wild deer and grey squirrels will support the Government’s plans to  plant millions of new trees - including three new national forests - thereby increasing woodland cover to at least 16.5 per centf total land area in England by 2050.

Support for the Government initative has come from celebrity naturalist Chris Packham who says:

"To ensure we establish the richest mosaic of habitats, we unfortunately have to make some hard choices - and managing a burgeoning population of deer is one of them. 

"This is not sports shooting or hunting - it is about management by culling.  

"If we want to re-forest, if we want woodland birds and butterflies, we currently have no other option." 

                               

The Muntjac deer is a non-native species

All you need to know about the birds of Dumfries and Galloway - Linda's lively presentation to RSPB group

                                                      

Never happier than when she is birding on the Solway Estuary - Linda Jenkinson

WHEN birders choose Scotland for their holidays, the favoured destinations tend to be the Highlands or the islands.

By contrast, lower-profile and perhaps less spectacular places such as Dumfries and Galloway, in the south-west,  tend to keep their delights to themselves.

At the February indoor meeting of Grimsby and Cleethorpes RSPB, it emerged from a show of hands that very few attendees had visited this region even though it is not much more than 100 miles north of the border.

However, things  might change following an inspirational presentation by Leeds-based teacher, tour guide and Galloway enthusiast  Linda Jenkinson who, in words and pictures, showcased the subtle beauty of this part of Scotland's  scenery and its wealth of birdlife, especially  in winter.

In just over an hour, she took her audience on a whistlestop winter tour of RSPB Mereshead, WWT Caerlaverock, Balcary Bay and various other wildfowl-rich locations on or near the wetland fringes of the Solway Estuary.

Many species of geese and duck, often in large numbers, are invariably conspicuous, not least the 33,000 Barnacle Geese that migrate here from their breeding grounds on the Norwegian archipelago, Svalbard (and Old Norse word meaning 'cold edge').

Among other birds often to be seen in winter are  Guillemots, Black Guillemots and Razorbills plus diver species, Whooper Swans, Slavonian Grebes and many kinds of wader, both short-billed (Ringed Plovers) and long-billed (Whimbrel).

Among Linda's favourites are Pintailed Ducks, especially the "elegant" females, Green-winged Teal and "playful" Purple Sandpipers as they splash among waves breaking on rocks.

Evidently, she also has soft spot for "industrious" Turnstones which, with their hunched gait, seem to be "carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders".

But perhaps the accidental star bird of her talk was a Kookaburra, an Australian native species and one of two that are thought to have flown from an animals and birds collection in Kircudbright. 

Linda runs her own company, Start Birding, which runs courses and field excursions tailored for beginners.

It was refreshing to have a female speaker (they are a relatively uncommon breed) at the February meeting.

Following a vote of thanks from Joy Croot, Linda was warmly applauded for her excellent talk.

A Shropshire lad - pioneering field guide author and illustrator who is now all but forgotten

Wilfrid Hodges - author and illustrator who loved birds

ALTHOUGH contemporary birders will never have heard of him, author and illustrator Wilfrid Hodges made a real contribution to the development of identification guides with his slim volume, Common British Birds - how to identify them.

Its limitations are obvious  - only 90 species are described, none of them seabirds, and including only two waders Curlew and Common Sandpiper.

Most of his drawings are black and white only and, at least by today's standards, not notably impressive .

But in style and layout, the book paved the way for the phenomenally successful Observer's Book of British Birds which was first published two decades later in 1937.

The book went into three editions between 1913 and 1919, and notable inclusions include species that, 113 years later, are far from 'common', among them Red-backed Shrike, Corncrake (Land Rail), Nightjar, Brambling, Marsh Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

Also described is the Hawfinch of which Hodges writes: "Appears to be increasing in numbers in England."

Hodges, whose home was in Ellesmere, Shropshire, concludes his short introduction thus: "I should recommend all bird-lovers to obtain, if possible, a pair of field-glasses as these, even if only moderate in power, will prove of the greatest service."

One of only two colour illustrations - Water Rail (left) and Common Sandpiper

The other colour illustration - from left, Bullfinch, Brambling and Goldfinch

A sample of the text - similar in format to that adopted later by The Observer's Book of British Birds

First published in March 1913, there were subsequent editions in March 1916 and February 1919

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.