Planning thumbs-up for warden's bungalow to be built on Norfolk site of intriguing ruff-breeding project

Ruff - conservation-minded  farmer is keen to establish a breeding presence in Norfolk and beyond 

THERE has been a boost for Norfolk-based Highland cattle farmer and wader enthusiast Andrew Crean.

He has this week been given the planning go-ahead to build a warden's bungalow and new bird-breeding aviaries on marshland near Brancaster in Norfolk in order to further his attempts to reintroduce breeding ruffs to this part of England.

West Norfolk council's planning officer for the case recommended refusal of the development because of the countryside location. She felt temporary accommodation, such as a caravan, would be more suitable.

But councillors on the planning committee gave the green light because of the conservation value of Mr Crean's project which he is funding out of his own pocket.

Also involved is the Max Planck Institute in Bavaria which is understood already to have supplied, via Heathrow Airport, almost 100 captive-bred ruffs for breeding purposes. These were quarantined for three months.

In a report, Mr Crean's planning agent,  Ian Cable, states: "A variety of release techniques will be developed and monitored with the University of East Anglia and will result in a series of ongoing PhD research and other studies.

"Further conservation habitat creation will also occur based on favoured breeding ‘lek’ dimensions and locations from core breeding sites in Finland. 

"Satellite tracking of a portion of  the birds released will provide valuable data on ruff migration.

"It is hoped that this tracking information will be available for wider educational purposes and local interest. 

"All released ruff will be individually identifiable (numbered leg rings) and a portion of these  birds will also be fitted with satellite trackers so that their movements can be followed on migration. 

"The Zoological Society of East Anglia  will also develop an exhibit connected to the project at Banham Zoo. 

"It is hoped that ultimately the project will also develop a suite of habitat management prescriptions that can be incorporated into breeding wader options in agri-environment schemes to provide suitable conditions for ruff. "

Mr Cable continues: "Andrew Crean has been privately funding nature conservation work for breeding waders and other habitat and species conservation works both at this site, Deepdale Marsh,  and beyond for more than  15 years and his commitment (along with that of  the Max Planck Institute) is ongoing.

"The concept of creating a Trust is being developed  to ensure that this  valuable conservation work is maintained and enhanced well beyond the applicant's  own lifetime." 

Raptors set to steal limelight as superlative bird paintings go under hammer at auction in Yorkshire

 

The raid in the snow by George Lodge - pre-sale estimate £1,000-£1,500 

A SELECTION of impressive bird studies will catch the eye at an auction in Yorkshire later this month.

The sale includes paintings  of bramblings being pursued by a sparrowhawk, gyr falcon, sparrowhawk and fieldfare.

The respective artists are George Edward Lodge (1860-1954), John Cyril Harrison (1898-1985), George Morrison Reid Henry (1891-1983) and Raymond Booth (1929-2015).

The sale of British, European and Sporting Art is being held by Tennants at their saleroom in Leyburn from 9am on Saturday March 16. 

Studies of a sparrowhawk by George Henry - pre-sale estimate £250-£400

Gyr falcon by John Harrison - pre-sale estimate £1,000-£1,500 

The catalogue describes this by Leeds artist Raymond Booth 
as "a study of a cuckoo" but it is surely more likely to be a fieldfare. The pre-sale-estimate is £100-£150.

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A question of authenticity. Who is the author? Is it Chris Packham or is it Rob Hume?

                                                     

"Join Chris Packham as he shares his knack of spotting, identifying, watching and enjoying birdlife. 

"His insight and curiosity will enrich your time in nature and open your eyes and ears to the captivating world of birds . . . "

That is what it says on the back cover of the latest book from publishing house DK - formerly known as Dorling Kindersley.

The celebrity naturalist gives his name to the title, and his photograph is on the front cover. 

But did he actually write the book?

Apart from the introduction and a few quotes sprinkled about the narrative, possibly not.

Step forward, Rob Hume whose long list of books includes  Birdwatching - A Complete Guide to Observing British and European Birdlife and the very similar Birdwatching for Beginners - Everything You Need to Know.

Is he the real author?

In fact, this latest 'Chris Packham' title reads suspiciously like a rehash and update of the two self-same books, first published, also by DK, back in 2003.

                                     

In fairness, whoever the author might be, this latest offering - due out tomorrow, March 7- has much to commend it.

The illustrations (by Phil Gamble, Ali Scriven and others) are vibrant and the content, though sometimes patronising in tone, is informative

There are sections on on the extensive range of bird habitats - from  garden to urban, from lakes and reservoirs to heath and scrubland - as well as on nestboxes, bird-gardening and what to wear.

The book also points a way to choosing the most suitable optical equipment such as binoculars, scopes and cameras.

There are even a few lines on 'etiquette' in bird hides.

Suggests the author (whoever he might be): "If you see something interesting through your lens, offer to share your equipment, so others can see it too.

"Make sure that everyone gets at least a quick book in case the bird flies away."

But back to the introduction, definitely  written by Chris Packham.

Says he: "You don't need posh binoculars and you don't need to live on a nature reserve.

"You don't have to be an expert. No ticket required, no queue and no qualifications needed.

"A life in the presence of birds offers a whole world of simple joy."

Chris Packham's Birdwatching Guide is published in hardback at £12.99. 

The Wryneck says: Though none of it is startlingly original, there is plenty of common sense content in this book. But what is slightly disquieting is the representation that Chris Packham is the author when this might not be the case. Anyone buying the book in the expectation that it will contain fresh insights from the popular TV naturalist could have good reason to feel duped. Some clarification, perhaps from the broadcaster, might not come amiss.

Out now - Tim Mackrill's authoritative account of the life and times of a most remarkable raptor

Tim Mackrill with his authoritative book that is now available for sale

GOOD luck to Tim Mackrill with sales of his newly published title, The Osprey 

Persecuted mercilessly in Britain, the species  was almost completely eradicated by the early twentieth century. 

However, it has made a much-celebrated comeback, returning initially (and famously) to Loch Garten in Scotland in the 1950s. 

The recovery of the bird has been slow, but reintroduction programmes at Rutland Water and Poole Harbour have been successful, and this remarkable raptor is now an increasingly common sight in our skies.

The Osprey looks at the distribution, foraging ecology, breeding behaviour and population dynamics of this spectacular bird, with emphasis placed on conservation efforts in Britain, as well as elsewhere in Europe and North America and in the species' African wintering grounds. 

It also tells the story of Osprey migration and the remarkable journeys of individual birds across oceans and deserts, the study of which has been greatly aided by advances in satellite tracking technology.

The Osprey is published by T & A D Poyser (part of Bloomsbury) at £60 in hardback and £35 in paperback. 

                 

Your chance to follow in the Blacktoft Sands footsteps of spoonbills (and that famous 2021 white-tailed lapwing)

Spoonbills such as these are not infrequent visitors to the reserve 

THE RSPB is seeking an assistant warden for its wetland reserve at Blacktoft Sands in East Yorkshire.

Says the job description: "We are seeking someone to  help deliver our busy work programme across the RSPB Humber Reserves holding (currently 1600ha of land around the wider estuary).

 "Applicants must be able to demonstrate some previous experience of working on reserves or similar and ideally be trained in the use of brushcutters, tractors and use of handheld sprayers. 

"This role will also include working on some weekend days and occasionally involve face-to-face visitor work. 

It continues: "The role will be varied, covering a wide range of tasks, so you will need to be energetic, adaptable and have the desire to achieve. 

"You willl work as part of a team to assist in delivering a wide range of operations such as reedcutting, agricultural field operations, estate maintenance and biological survey work, while you will also be expected to engage positively with a wide range of stakeholders and help manage our  volunteer team.

"It is important that you are a strong team player, with the ability to generate ideas and see them through to high standards. 

"You will have a passion for natural history, and you will enjoy working outside in all weathers.

"Training will be provided as required to help you to fulfil your whole potential."

 The salary is £25,723.00 - £27,614.00 per annum and the deadline for applications is March 27.

 For further information, contact pete.short@rspb.org.uk or gareth.tate@rspb.org.uk

                                                

This white-tailed lapwing was a star attraction at the reserve in autumn three years ago

Those clever people at Artemis fund managers have found new ways to depict winged creatures

 

Birds have been used in advertisements hundreds, if not thousands, of times. In one of the latest, fund managers Artemis has adapted a  photograph of a murmuration of starlings to represent a flying creature of yesteryear. Rather clever.  Hats off to the photographer/artist/designer!

 

Note: In ancient Greek mythology, Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity. She was often said to roam the forests and mountains, attended by her entourage of nymphs. 

Rare opportunity to spend summer monitoring stone-curlew population in west of England

                                           

Stone-curlew - just two strongholds left in Britain 

THE deadline is approaching for anyone applying to be a stone-curlew field officer in  the south-west of England.

The RSPB says midnight on Tuesday March 5 is the cut-off point.

The job description for the  post reads: "We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with skills in wildlife surveying to join our team conserving stone-curlews across the Wessex area.

"The species has undergone significant decline across the UK over the last century leaving only two strongholds, the Brecks in East Anglia and Wessex. 

"Some 30 years of conservation efforts have seen the population recover with the RSPB working closely with landowners and farmers, including the Ministry of Defence, to provide suitable habitat for breeding pairs. 

"The population in Wessex is now approaching 150 pairs, but continued recovery of this species relies on monitoring and protection."  

It continues: "The postholder will focus on monitoring and protection in the key area of Salisbury Plain and the surrounding farmland. 

"The role has a strong fieldwork focus during the peak breeding season (April to September), and excellent field skills are required for this tricky and inconspicuous bird. 

"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.

Although the postholder will often be conducting field work alone, he or she will also be taking a lead role working alongside survey volunteers. 

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

This is a fixed-term role for six months (April to September).  Full-Time for 37.5 hours per week. 

Interviews will be conducted  from week the commencing March 11.

The salary is the equivalent of £21,255 - £22,818 per annum.

For further information, contact megan.gee@rspb.org.uk.

* Photo, via Wikimedia Commons, taken in Italy by Francesco Venonesi