Preston Society - Natural History and Birdwatching

Re: Wrong Doers in the Forest of Bowland

2012-01-28T22:41:00.003Z

Please read the unbelievable garbage being uttered by the head of the Countryside Alliance regarding persecution. I don't know how she sleeps at night!

http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/2012/01/27/hen-harriers-the-rspb-and-persecution-according-to-the-countryside-alliance/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Upcoming Talks

2012-01-24T20:16:00.000Z

Here are three more talks for you to get excited about, staring with one on Monday 30th January (blimey! one month gone already):

Followed by:-

And then -

(please note the changed venue for this talk)

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

INNOCENT GAMEKEEPER??

2012-01-24T16:54:00.001Z

In another posting I have published the outcome of the Derbyshire case where a gamekeeper appealed against his conviction despite being caught red-handed. His arrogance in appealing in the first place, and the outrageous claims he made against the RSPB were seen for what they were by the Courts, and his appeal dismissed.
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Take a look at the report at the foot of the following post:-
http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1188407898806675491#editor/target=post;postID=6220376246872163130

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Wrong-doers in the Forest of Bowland

2012-01-23T19:25:00.000Z

Some of our readers may be aware that I have been having a discussion with a gentleman on the Lancashire Evening Post Letters Page.
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The story so far:

ORIGINAL LETTER:-

L.E.P. Thursday 15th December 2011

MY REPLY:-

L.E.P. Friday 30th December 2011

MR GITTIN'S SUBSEQUENT REPLY:-

L.E.P. Wednesday 11th January 2012

MY REPLY TO THE ABOVE:

LEP Monday 23rd January 2012

Below, I have reproduced an article written by a former RSPB employee, who, for 20 years worked in Bowland. The article, which is a generalised view of a number of shooting estates, was published today (12th January) on a blog, the address of which appears at the end of the article. You may find it interesting - as well as saddening.

Raptor persecution.....a continuing shame!

Over the thirty or so years in which I've had an interest and concern about raptor persecution generally much has been said , many statistics have been trotted out and an increasing number of incidents taken to prosecution or reported on. The situation nowadays is no better than at the end of the 1970's, indeed, it would be very easy to conclude that it has got worse, which is most certainly my own view. At some point in the near future I intend putting out a background summary, based on one area, showing how much things have deteriorated. Read more.......................

Despite the best efforts of many, particularly the RSPB which, in staff time and resources alone, has put an appreciable proportion of its funds into combating these shameful acts, the malpractice still persists, carried out by an arrogant and self-serving minority associated with game management who set themselves above the law. Whilst I currently live in Scotland, my abiding concern is with the situation in England and, in particular, with the ever diminishing population of Hen Harriers within the Forest of Bowland with which I had a nigh on twenty year involvement prior to my early retirement from RSPB.. The harrier population has contracted, numbers less than 10 pairs, and is largely concentrated on the upland estate of the water utility company, United Utilities, who have a close "operating partnership" with the RSPB. Now don't run away with the idea that I personally and exclusively agree with the approach taken currently in the Bowland area, because I don't, as I feel it is insufficiently inclusive of the wider "collection" of estates which comprise the magnificent Forest of Bowland landmass. However, such disagreements are best resolved "in house" or "within the family", a sentiment which I have always embraced and shall continue to believe in.

What I feel can be increasingly condemned is the arrant behaviour of the upland estates who feel they can divorce themselves away from the collective wishes of the electorate, the requirements of the law and a recognition that they have a responsibility to nurture some of the most iconic members of our natural heritage. These latter species, such as Merlin, Peregrine and Hen Harrier , even have especial status under the provisions of Schedule 1, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 ( as amended ). Now, I give you an analogy!! If such upland estates were Trustees of our National Art Heritage and willingly and deliberately allowed the deterioration of our most treasured and beloved items within our cultural heritage to be damaged, lost and generally abused, what do you feel the outcome would be? Uproar, public condemnation and a call for them to be brought to book. More importantly, what do you think the implications for the self-serving incompetents would be in the sense of being allowed to continue in such positions of responsibility? And yet in the cause of commercial gain the persecution of raptors persists and a convenient blind eye is taken by many who could, if they wished, through peer pressure and condemnation , put paid to the dubious side of what is painted as a continuation of a romantic Victorian "pursuit". It is carried out to make money , very often with subsidies from the public purse being made available to manage areas given special status based on their suitability to play host to the very iconic species which are then removed. Nice one!!

Now all this might suggest the conservation charities, the police and others, even a proportion of the most responsible upland estates , are doing nothing. This couldn't be farther from the truth! Similarly, as is evidenced by a steady flow of court cases linked to such incidents ( see Raptor Persecution Scotland's web site), details of campaigns carried out to bring about changes in the law and so on, much is being done. One thing that is sometimes evident is the absence of independent condemnation and action by the public, and sometimes, let it be said, by birders themselves!! Grumpy old man and ill constructed comments by all too regular contributors on websites are not action. They may make you feel better but have little effect. So, with rightful indignation now in full flow, let me highlight a time when hopefully hackles can be raised and protest can flow unabated!! As I understand things DEFRA has asked the Law Commission to review inadequacies within wildlife legislation , with a report being issued mid year 2012. Doubtless many wildlife bodies will carefully scrutinise the details and recommendations, and either provide wholehearted support, or the opposite against any inadequacies. Clearly the circumstances attached to raptor persecution should figure prominently at that point and a more precise situation suggested for the future. If such is absent then all hell needs to be let loose on a Government, which has claimed will be the Greenest ever, and whose Leader ( David Cameron ) pledged, even as recently as last week, that he would offer as much protection as needed towards the countryside. Unfortunately, it has to be said, the E-petition relating to raptor persecution, and embodying a call for a " vicarious liability " clause to be debated in Parliament, may have been a little pre-emptive in the light of the above, but it has until November this year to run. It certainly will do no harm to sign it now, but its time may yet really arrive in the middle of 2012!!! Vicarious liability has already been approved, but not yet enacted, in Scotland and provides for upland estate owners to be considered for prosecution alongside their keeper(s) if incidents occur on their Estate. In the event of blatant inadequacies appearing in the report anticipated from the Law Commission then a period of intense action will be required.........be ready for it and don't fail the wildlife resource you love best!!!

John Armitage

http://www.birdingodyssey.blogspot.com/

And elsewhere:
For those who are still arrogant enough to think that gamekeepers are no longer involved with the things they used to be, have a look at what one allowed a work-experience 16 year old to be doing (next door to the Royal Sandringham Estate):-
http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/2012/01/15/gamekeepers-apprentice-filmed-his-dogs-ripping-apart-a-fox-on-a-norfolk-estate-neighbouring-the-queens-sandringham-residence/#more-6538

Not in the Forest of Bowland - but another gamekeeper who is innocent of all wrong doing (except this one was caught red-handed!!!!) So why the appeal? Guess what!!

Derbyshire Gamekeeper appeal hearing - the prosecution evidence concluded yesterday (18th January)

After nearly 3 weeks of intense testimony heard in the appeal hearing brought by Derbyshire gamekeeper Glenn Brown against his conviction for wildlife crimes, the case for the prosecution at Derby Crown Court was completed (Wednesday 18th January). Brown together with his witnesses began giving their testimony today (Thursday). It seems possible the case will continue throughout the next two to three weeks. What ever the outcome of this protracted appeal the legal costs for one side or the other are likely to be huge adding to the £10.000 in costs already incurred by Brown.

Glenn Brown was convicted of several wildlife crimes in June last year, three weeks ago he launched an appeal against his conviction. The basis for the appeal is not known at this time. Raptor Politics has surmised this may have more to do the shooting tenant’s wish to retain the shooting rights granted by the National Trust. If Brown’s appeal is unsuccessful, it seems likely the shooting tenancy will not be reinstated by the National Trust. Inside information has also revealed, even if Brown’s appeal is successful, his former employer is most unlikely to ask him to return to his old job as he was seen to let the side down – by getting caught red-handed:

Raptor Politics readers will recall Brown was convicted last June at Chesterfield Magistrates Court of seven offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act after a 10-day hearing. Brown was also ordered to pay costs of £10,000 and carry out 100 hours community service for attempting to trap and kill birds of prey.

DERBYSHIRE GAMEKEEPER LOSES APPEAL- An Expensive Lesson.

A Derbyshire gamekeeper, working on an estate within the Peak District National Park, has lost an appeal today (Tuesday 24 January 2012) against a previous conviction and sentence on seven charges relating to the illegal use of a trap baited with a live pigeon in order to take birds of prey, the intentional taking of a sparrowhawk and a number of animal welfare offences.

Glenn Brown was originally convicted of seven offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Animal Welfare Act 2006 in June, 2011 at Chesterfield Magistrates Court. He was originally sentenced to 100 hours community service and he had been ordered to pay £10,000 costs.

At a lengthy hearing at Derby Crown Court – which began on 3rd January – Brown’s defence brought a blistering attack against the integrity of the RSPB, claiming evidence had been planted to incriminate Brown.

Judge Watson today dismissed the appeal commenting that all the RSPB staff were credible witnesses. Brown was ordered to pay a further £7,000 costs. This figure now brings the total costs for Brown of £17,000.

Martin Harper is the RSPB’s conservation director. He said: “We are delighted, but not surprised that the integrity and honesty of our investigations officers has been found to be beyond reproach after coming under forensic examination in this case.”

Brown was originally arrested by Derbyshire Police in May 2010, following a covert surveillance operation by an RSPB investigations team. RSPB officers filmed Brown using a cage trap baited with a live domestic pigeon. Although cage traps are legal when trying to trap some species, such as carrion crows, it is illegal both to use a pigeon as bait and to capture birds of prey.

Mark Thomas is an investigations officer with the RSPB. Commenting from Derby Crown Court, he said: “With so much evidence, convicting Brown during the first trial, we are stunned that his defence felt comfortable mounting an appeal suggesting the RSPB had framed him.

“Bird of prey persecution remains a top wildlife crime priority in the UK, and it is one that we are determined to help the police reduce. The problem remains particularly severe in upland areas dominated by grouse shooting, where crimes have a direct impact on the conservation of some of our rarest birds of prey.

“With his appeal failing, Brown will now have to face the consequences for his crimes. Since 1990 there have been over 100 gamekeepers convicted of crimes relating to the despicable persecution of birds of prey.”

Martin Harper added: “Crimes such as these illustrate links between driven-grouse shooting and the illegal killing of birds of prey. This is why industry leaders and employers need to do more to stamp out these crimes. We believe that land managers and owners should be held legally accountable for any wildlife crimes that are committed by their staff, as is the case in Scotland.”

The Law Commission should give serious consideration to including vicarious liability in their legislative reform for England and Wales. A petition calling for vicarious liability can be found at:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23089

Many people have become increasingly concerned about the poor breeding success of birds of prey in the dark peak region of the Peak District National Park. In 2006, the RSPB produced a report Peak Malpractice, which graphically outlined its concerns in relation to goshawks and peregrines on the north-east Peak moors. Since then, the breeding success of both species has collapsed in the adjacent Derwent Valley, prompting the undercover investigation leading to this court case.

The RSPB would like to thank the Derbyshire Constabulary, the Crown Prosecution Service and the expert witnesses in the case.

ends

Terry Pickford, North West Raptor Protection Group

January 24, 2012 at 4:42 pm · Reply

On behalf of each member of the North West Raptor Protection Group I thank the RSPB, in particular their investigation team for a job well done. We should also not forget the work undertaken by the Derbyshire Constabulary and the CPS. I was particularly please to see that the RSPB enclosed details of the e-petition in their Press Release…lets just hope now that RSPB members and the Media get behind this important petition.

It will be interesting to see who pays Brown’s court costs and if the National Trust offer the shooting rights back to Brown’s employer.

HARE COURSING OCCURRENCE 22-1-2012

2012-01-22T12:55:00.004Z

On the morning of Sunday 22nd January 2012, hare coursers were seen to be operating on Newton Marsh. The facts have been reported to the police (who, for a change arrived at the scene within 7 minutes). They then spoilt it by asking the observer how they could get out onto the Marsh to speak to the offenders!

When the offence was reported to the police, the observer was informed that they could only respond if he could give them a postcode!!!! Not easy to give one for Newton and Freckleton Marsh area. Be prepared to explain in more detail. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LOCAL KNOWLEDGE?!

FOR THE GUIDANCE OF ANYONE WITNESSING HARE COURSING, I am duplicating a posting on the Fylde Bird Club website, which gives all the information required, and suggested action to take.

Can I also add my word of caution - Please don't get involved with the perpetrators themselves. They're not 'nice' people in any sense of the word. We can, however, safely play our part by helping the police in the manner prescribed:-

Hare Coursing on Newton Marsh

After a number of recent hare coursing incidents at Newton and Freckleton Marsh over the last few months, RSPB have met with the Lancashire police, and they are looking to escalate their response to this situation.

To ensure they can do this effectively, we need to support the police by reporting all incidents, so they can see the scale of the problem, and also respond to individual incidents appropriately.

If you are at Newton or Freckleton Marsh, and you see hare coursing taking place, then please:

· Record exactly what you see – number/description of people/dogs involved, what they are doing, wildlife disturbed/killed, vehicles involved (make and registration number), and the location of this activity. More info is better than less.

· Report it to the police on telephone 101 from Nov onwards and request a police response.

· Get a police log number for the incident.

· We do not advise approaching or challenging people involved in hare coursing.

It is worth noting that hare coursing is a problem for several reasons - hunting with dogs is illegal, disturbance to wintering birds has an impact on the designated features of the SSSI, during the breeding season it disturbs Schedule 1 birds (black-tailed godwits), and it could potentially damage the new and expensive electric fence that helps protect breeding birds on the marsh from predation. Furthermore, it leaves the local community feeling very threatened and intimidated.

Andrew Gouldstone
RSPB Area Conservation Manager
Cheshire, Merseyside, Grt Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria.

NORTH WEST WILD IMAGES

2012-01-17T18:07:00.004Z

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Young local bird-ringers and their work.

2012-01-16T10:20:00.000Z

During the 2012 - 2013 Winter Season of talks we are to have a visit from two members of a local bird-ringing team, to explain their work. This will probably be concentrated on Coot, Black-headed Gulls, and Whooper Swans.

They include Kane Brides, Ciaran Hatsell, Chris Bridges and Zac Hinchcliffe, and one or two I don't know yet. Their ages range from 19 to about 22. They are all very personable young men (and a lady I've not yet met), and I will be doing what I can to help them as a group to further their works and migration studies.

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There follows a 41/2 minute video of their 2011 adventures, and it's well worth watching.
http://kanebrides.smugmug.com/Animals/Kanes/20809606_mD8dx6#!i=1651851109&k=sMRHjSs&lb=1&s=A
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Hope you enjoy it!
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Posted by: Steve Halliwell

BATS

2012-01-14T21:40:00.000Z

As a prelude to our talk about bats with Charlie Liggett on Monday 23rd January, I thought you might like to view the following footage, which demonstrates the innate behaviour of bats in locating water.

Extremely interesting

Double click the arrow, and then enlarge the screen.

For those of you who think that bats are 'flying mice', I've got some news for you. They're more closely related to humans than they are to mice!! Watch the following film, which although it relates to mainly American species, the ecology of them is more or less identical to the species found in this country. An excellent introduction to a fascinating group of mammals.

The Charlie Liggett talk begins at 7.30pm in St. Mary's Church Hall, Cop Lane, Penwortham, and non-members are very welcome to attend - £2 may on the door.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

WORLD WIDE VISITORS

2012-01-13T21:48:00.001Z

Since the blog was begun in about 2009, we have had visitors from all over the world. Now we can keep a record of where our visitors come from.
Free counters

MET OFFICE 5-DAY WEATHER FORECAST

2012-01-11T21:32:00.000Z

If you click on the 'Options' tab, you can key in whatever location you desire.
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office

CROCODILE BIRD TALK REPORT

2012-01-10T12:42:00.000Z

Monday 9th January's talk by Mike McKavett attracted an audience of 101. Not bad for the first talk of 2012. It was also another well-presented well-delivered talk by Mike, who is so easy to listen to. Mike's photographs were a composite of many Gambian trips spread over the last 25 years, with his 'goal bird' being the Egyptian Plover - the bird known as The Crocodile Bird.
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There follows some interesting footage of the bird(s) - take a moment to have a peek:

Double-click on the image, and then enlarge the screen. Make sure your sound's on as well.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

FIELD TRIP TO STOCKS RESERVOIR 4th February

2012-01-09T11:18:00.002Z

At 10am on Saturday 4th February we will be meeting at Stocks Reservoir car park, SD733564. The reservoir and its surroundings are always full of surprises, so you can look forward to an interesting day out.
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Although there are never any guarantees with wildlife watching, and for those who are prepared to wait until dusk, there is the possibility of a Starling roost and its attendant display. Watch the video clip, which was filmed at Stocks Reservoir.

Double-click on the image to view, and then expand the screen.

Same instructions as above of a Starling 'murmuration' at Gretna Green - and there's no better place to have one of those!!
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You don't have to book for the trip, and like most of our other days out, it's free.

Not a member? Not a problem!

Just turn up on the day, and you'll be made welcome.

For details of our other Field Trips, click on the following link:

http://www.prestonsociety.co.uk/search/label/Field%20Trips%202012

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Further details? Write to me and ask.

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

First Field Trip of 2012

2012-01-07T17:23:00.001Z

The weather was reasonably good - compared to the previous 6 days or so -for our customary first Field Trip of the year to Marton Mere. We go specifically for the Long-eared Owls, although this year there would seem only to be a singleton. A dog-walker told us he'd seen "2 or 3" that morning, but he didn't seem to have any binoculars.

The R.S.P.B. were in attendance with 'scopes conveniently trained on the appropriate tree, so all 24 of us in the party were able to see the bird.
I have just noticed that on David Beattie's blog, he writes the following: "There were two owls just visible, one with difficulty the other with extreme difficulty"
Read his blog: http://twintal.blogspot.com

Most of the party of 24 people, looking at the Long-eared Owl.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

One of the hides on the caravan (south) side of Marton Mere.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

One of the Mute Swans was particularly aggressive - seen here

getting up a head of steam.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

This is the south-west corner of the mere. A Cetti's Warbler was

heard singing in the blackberry undergrowth just to the east of this point.

Photo: Steve Halliwell

COMPLETE LIST OF SPECIES SEEN TODAY

Great Spotted Woodpecker; Grey Heron in flight; 1 Long-eared Owl; 7 or 8 Fieldfare; 2 Common Snipe; 2 Mute Swans in the fields to the east of the mere, plus 4 on the mere; Buzzard; Tufted Duck, Wigeon; 3m and 1f Pochard; 8+ Shoveler; 2 large flocks of Pink-footed Geese took off from one of the fields to the east - approx. 300 birds; Many Coot; many Mallard; c.100 Teal; Goldeneye; 3 Moorhen; 3 Cormorant; Kestrel; Cetti's Warbler (singing); Dabchick; 50+ Canada Geese; Greylag Geese; 2 pairs Pintail; and at the feeding station - Blue Tit (many); Great Tit (many); 4 Long-tailed Tit; male and female Reed Bunting; Robin; Chaffinch; Dunnock; Greenfinch; 3 Woodpigeon; cock Pheasant; Goldfinch; a Grey Squirrel and a Rabbit.

About 8 of the party then went to Lytham Crematorium where we saw 5 Ring-necked Parakeets.
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If you'd like to see a Long-eared Owl being mobbed by a thrush, double-click on the following image to be able to enlarge the image:

And now for a Long-eared Owl that's hunting:

And a short clip of some images taken at the Marton Mere, Blackpool roost.
Don't forget to double-click on the image, and then enlarge it:

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

CHANGE TO LECTURE SYLLBUS

2012-01-04T22:09:00.001Z

PLEASE NOTE:

The visit of the RSPB's Gavin Thomas to give his talk about The Bowland Wader Project, is to take place on Monday February 20th instead of the 13th, when he is unavailable due to work commitments.
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The talk will be given at St. Leonard's Church Hall, Marshall's Brow, Penwortham, rather than our normal meeting place.
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The Member's Evening, which should have been on the 20th, will now by on the 13th at St. Mary's, Cop Lane.
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If you have any doubts or queries, go to the Contact tab, and send me your question.
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Posted by: Steve Halliwell

THE FORUM

2012-01-03T17:08:00.003Z

For those visitors to the site that weren't the recipient of an email from me on New Year's Eve promoting our Forum, would you please consider making use of it during 2012.
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Whether it's bird life, or any other genre of natural history, it will all add to the value of the website, and as a consequence to the overall health of the Society.
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Tell us of your sightings of birds, mammals, butterflies, moths, wild flowers, fungi, etc., etc. Say where and when you made your observations, and if appropriate give a Grid Reference.
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Just click on the following link, and register:
http://www.prestonsociety.co.uk/p/visit-our-forum.html
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Posted by: Steve Halliwell

LIQUORICE - Plant of the Year 2012

2012-01-01T19:02:00.000Z

Liquorice named “Medicinal plant of the year 2012”

Monday, November 21, 2011 at 8:00

A plate from Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz published in 1885 depicting liquorice; the plant has been used as a medical cure for centuries

This Youtube video has been inserted into the body of the article.
Double-click on the image and you'll be able to expand the screen to view

—Liquorice has been selected as “Medicinal plant of the year 2012” because of its paramount importance to human well-being world-wide.

The selection was made by a panel from the University of Würzburg, WWF and TRAFFIC and will be announced today at an event organized by WWF Germany.

“Liquorice is special because it can quickly soothe sore throats and coughs and was used centuries ago to treat coughing, hoarseness and asthma by Ancient Greek and Egyptian physicians,” said Professor Johannes Mayer, an expert on the history of medicinal botany at the University of Würzburg.

According to the mediaeval German nun, Hildegard von Bingen, or Saint Hildegard, liquorice can help lift peoples’ moods and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antispasmodic actions, and can also protect mucous membranes.

The liquorice plant is a woody shrub native from the Mediterranean to East Asia, the Americas and Australia, and grows up to a metre tall and is a member of the Fabaceae (pea family).
It is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties, and also for use in beverages.

Only the root is utilized, from which a wide variety of compounds—400 to date—have been isolated. Among the most important is glycyrrhizin, a chemical that possesses almost 50 times the sweetening power of cane sugar.

Today, liquorice is used as an important ingredient “gan cao” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), while in Germany, Europe’s major consumer and trader in medicinal plants, around 500 tonnes of liquorice are imported each year, 100 of them consumed domestically in medicinal teas.

The root is also used in confectionary and in many herbal liqueurs. In Japan, liquorice is used mainly in medicine although also as an ingredient of cosmetics.

“The healing properties of liquorice make it a key constituent of any natural pharmacy,” said Susanne Honnef, a conservation expert at WWF Germany.

“In recent years, the German public has become increasingly aware of the intrinsic value of natural medicines, and as a result the medicinal plant trade has experienced a true renaissance.”

“However, this can place pressure on wild plant populations, placing them in danger of over-exploitation.”

WWF and TRAFFIC are trying to counteract such pressures, and in 2010 helped introduce the FairWild Standard, an international standard to ensure the wild collection of medicinal and other plants is carried out sustainably.

The FairWild Standard combines strict rules to ensure environmentally sound, socially just and economically sustainable collection of wild plant resources, and serves as a basis for certification of plant products and as a basis for the development of laws and regulations governing their trade.

“The FairWIld Standard was a major step forward in securing the sustainability of wild plant products and consumers can purchase FairWild certified products with confidence,” said Roland Melisch, Programme Director with TRAFFIC.

“As well as helping producers and to develop strategies to ensure sustainable use of resources, those helping implement the FairWild Standard are also committed to ensuring the benefits of trade are distributed fairly, right down to the low-earner gatherers, who are often those who most heavily depend on the income for their livelihoods.”

[TRAFFIC in Conservation awareness, Plants - medicinal and aromatic]

POSTED BY: Steve Halliwell

Bird Watching Magazine's 'BIRD CLUB OF THE MONTH' - JULY 2010

2011-12-28T09:56:00.000Z

Re-publication of article to demonstrate recent progress:

We are proud to announce that the following article appeared in the July 2010 issue of Bird Watching Magazine, as their 'Bird Club of the Month':

Then look at the update below (click to enlarge).

Update: At the end of the 2010 - 2011 Winter Season we had 143 members, and by Christmas 2011 the average attendance at the weekly talks had risen to 110. The highest Monday evening attendance had risen to 153 for the talk by Gordon Yates - "Arctic and Hebridean Odyssey".

P.S. Steve Halliwell's phone number is now 01772 768637

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES | DO WE NEED BIRDS?

2011-12-23T13:41:00.002Z

There is to be a conference at THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER from 3rd April 2012 – 5th April 2012, entitled:

"ECOSYSTEM SERVICES / DO WE NEED BIRDS?"

This conference will consolidate our understanding of the ecosystem services provided by birds and showcase current research into the importance of birds in ecosystem functioning.

Save ££s with early bird rates to 19 February 2012!

Students — special rates!

Go to the following link to learn more...
http://www.arocha.org/gb-en/11999-DSY.html?branch=1&language=2

TREASURER REQUIRED FOR THE N.W.N.U.

2011-12-21T11:07:00.003Z

An opportunity has arisen for somebody to take over the important role of Treasurer with the North West Naturalist's Union.

Whilst using the word 'important' I don't wish to make it sound an onerous task, because it isn't particularly. It is important in so much as the Treasurer co-ordinates the insurance cover enjoyed by many Societies and groups such as our own. If we were to negotiate cover on our own behalf, we would have to pay a premium which is equal to that paid by the Union on behalf of us all!!
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In other words, it would be prohibitive, and leave us without insurance cover.
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The present Treasurer, Mike Walton, has indicated that he will fully train any incumbent.
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Interested? Please write to me initially at prestonbirder@aol.com
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Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Hen Harriers Close to English Extinction

2011-12-12T10:10:00.001Z

Hen Harrier Close to English Extinction

Reproduced from an email from "Focusing on Wildlife' This daily email Newsletter can be obtained by subscribing via the link on the left hand side of this page.

December 08, 2011 - The hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) is the bird most likely to become extinct in England because of human pressure, says the RSPB. A 2011 joint survey of the English uplands by the RSPB and Natural England found that only four nesting pairs of hen harrier successfully raised young; all on a single estate in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.

This is believed to be the lowest population in England since they recolonised in the 1960s following extinction in the late Nineteenth Century. Historically, the hen harrier was widespread in England.

A government-backed report – the Hen Harrier Conservation Framework – proved that illegal persecution on driven-grouse moors is the main factor restricting the growth of the hen harrier population in the UK. The framework reported that England’s uplands could support at least 320 pairs of this bird of prey.

Breaking commitments
Hen harriers disappearing from England for a second time will see the government break its recent commitment in the revised England Biodiversity Strategy to avoid any human-induced extinctions before 2020.

Hen harriers were formerly widespread in the UK, but persecution forced the mainland extinction of the hen harrier in Britain, and by 1900 it was confined in the UK to Orkney and the Western Isles of Scotland. In the 1940s, it recolonised mainland Britain, and two decades later it recolonised England. Hen harriers sometimes prey on red grouse on upland shooting estates, making them unpopular on many grouse moors. Given the bird’s potential for extinction in England, the RSPB and Natural England are appealing to grouse moor owners to support techniques being trialed to reduce predatory impacts on grouse from harriers.

A demonstration partnership project at Langholm Moor, in the Scottish Borders, is looking at the effectiveness of a measure known as ‘diversionary feeding’, where an alternative food supply is left for the harriers, so that the birds have a source of food and won’t be tempted to take red grouse chicks. Early results look promising, enabling the birds to nest successfully without causing alarm to grouse moor owners and managers. Preliminary results show no grouse chicks have been brought to monitored hen harrier nests in four years at the study site.

Martin Harper is the RSPB’s Conservation Director. He said: “With only four pairs of hen harrier in England, this bird only has four steps before extinction and the Government has very little time to act to prevent breaking their promise.

“We believe the potential for diversionary feeding will provide a lifeline for the recovery of the English hen harrier and a way for grouse moor managers to maximise the number of grouse.”

Recolonisation of the British mainland began in 1939 in Scotland and the birds have regained some of their former range, but they remain almost completely absent from land managed for intensive grouse shooting. The last 20 years has seen a perilous decline of an already tiny English population, to leave it barely clinging to existence in England.

Skydancer
The RSPB has recently launched the ‘Skydancer’ project with over £300,000 financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The ‘Skydancer’ project, which is designed to help the hen harrier recover across northern England, will provide a mix of community engagement and direct conservation work over four years to inspire people about this magnificent bird of prey.

The Skydancer project is named after the male hen harrier’s ‘rollercoaster’ aerial display, known to many as ‘skydancing’.

The 2010 hen harrier survey recorded an estimated 646 pairs of hen harriers nesting in the UK and the Isle of Man. This is down from an estimated 806 pairs in 2004.

The hen harrier is one of 52 species of bird which appear on the red list of the Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK.

This post was written by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654.

POSTED ON THIS SITE BY: Steve Halliwell

STOP PRESS.......RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR GORDON YATES

2011-12-06T09:21:00.001Z

On Monday 5th December, Gordon Yates attracted a stupendous audience of 153 people, 51 of whom were non-members. FANTASTIC!
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His film, entitled "ARCTIC and HEBRIDEAN ODYSSEY" was as memorable as his previous productions.
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Gordon had been the holder of the record from his December visit to us in December 2009 (123), but this year he had been overtaken by Marcus Conway (146) and Jeff Clarke (136).
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It makes you wonder where this can all end. The limit for the hall is an audience of 216, so we've a way to go before it becomes an issue.
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For those who have never paid us a visit, come and see what all the fuss is about. Have your say, and help to shape the future of the Society.
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Onwards and Upwards!
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Posted by: Steve Halliwell

5-DAY VISIT TO GREAT YARMOUTH 2012

2011-12-02T10:54:00.001Z

Just when we thought we'd sold the last place for the trip, I have been able to secure two further rooms. Both are twin rooms with a sea-view, and will therefore attract a 'sea-view supplement'. The cost per person will be £196 + £20 for half-board accomodation.
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See the original post for further details: http://www.prestonsociety.co.uk/search/label/SUFFOLK%20TRIP%202012
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We will be staying at the New Beach Hotel in Great Yarmouth. If you want to get a flavour of the place, visit: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g190788-d624688-Reviews-New_Beach_Hotel-Great_Yarmouth_Norfolk_East_Anglia_England.html
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Details about how to book are on the first link, above. Don't forget your £50 per person deposit.
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Posted by: Steve Halliwell

Field Study Council Courses

2011-11-10T11:16:00.001Z

For anybody who fancies an educational break along with like-minded people, you could do worse than follow this link:

http://view.digipage.net/?userpath=00000645/00015144/00070991/

where you will find all manner of tempting courses, all of which are in stunning locations, often with unique wildlife and surroundings to explore. Some are also suitable for continuing professional development.

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2012 Bird Courses can be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/bm48elg
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Take a look

Posted by: Steve Halliwell

A BEAUTIFUL DAY ON HILBRE ISLAND

2011-11-01T11:04:00.001Z

There are a number of opinions about who the sun may or may not shine on, but the members of the society's trip to Hilbre Island on Sunday 30th October, were certainly 34 of them!!

Some of the group approaching Middle Island, with the main island of Hilbre in the background.

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For the purists it probably wasn't the best birding weather, with strong north-westerlies blowing the 'good stuff' into the bay, etc., but one mustn't grumble.

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A group of four Purple Sandpipers were worth the trip over in themselves:

The sandpipers remained on this ledge until the rising tide persuaded them to move.

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The ebbing tide saw the arrival of a flock of 96 Brent Geese into the stretch between Middle Island and the main island, feeding on the Eel Grass (Zostera marina) which will have been out of their depth at high tide.

Just three of the 96 Brent Geese.

ANOTHER HUGE AUDIENCE FOR BISCAY TALK

2011-11-01T10:37:00.002Z

The second highest audience count for a Monday night event gathered in St. Mary's Church Hall, Penwortham, on Monday 31st October.

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136 members and visitors attended the most entertaining talk 'Biscay and Picos,' by Jeff Clarke of Warrington. Jeff runs a company who specialise in wildlife tours to northern Spain, so it was no real surprise that he has a thorough knowledge of the Picos de Europa region, an area half the size of Lancashire, but with 145 species of butterflies compared to the maximum of 59 in the whole of the U.K.

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The comprehensive coverage of the birdlife of the region culminated in wonderful photographs of one of Jeff's favourite birds, the mountain-loving Wall Creeper

Wall Creeper Tichodroma muraria

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It was also an evening for those who have travelled to Spain aboard the 'Pride of Bilbao' to reminisce about those whale-watching trips that have now, sadly, come to an end. Let's hope that somebody introduces a similar service in the future.

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Next Monday, the 7th November, Steve Williams of the Hilbre Island Bird Observatory will be speaking to the group about the bird life and his work there.

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Non-members are welcome, £2 pay on the door.
Don't forget - IT'S WHAT MONDAY NIGHTS ARE FOR!!