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Updated on Wednesday, September 1 at 04:24 AM ET
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Great Horned Owl

1 Sep Birdwatch issue 219 - September 2010: table of contents ["Chris Harbard" ]
26 Aug Pelagic trip to the Farne Deeps, Northumberland (UK) ["Martin Kitching" ]
26 Aug Pelagic trip to the Farne Deeps, Northumberland (UK) ["Martin Kitching" ]
20 Aug RSPB Central London Group 2010-11 programme [Michael Rank ]
13 Aug Radioactive smoke and soot []
9 Aug Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010 update ["Martin Kitching" ]
9 Aug Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010 update ["Martin Kitching" ]
29 Jul Birdwatch issue 218 - August 2010: table of contents ["Chris Harbard" ]
27 Jul AOU Checklist supplement [Ian Paulsen ]
21 Jul Will ornithologists take their stand on grounds of conscience ? Fwd: [WildlifeConservationDepartment] Media release: a test to the Australian authorities [sylvia wallace ]
16 Jul Canada is at it again! ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
14 Jul for gull lovers only! ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
12 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
11 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Malcolm Ogilvie ]
11 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
08 Jul Memorial article for Derek Goodwin [Proact Campaigns ]
8 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Malcolm Ogilvie ]
8 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
8 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Malcolm Ogilvie ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [KEN TUCKER ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [KEN TUCKER ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [sylvia wallace ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Paul Tout ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Eamonn" ]
07 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Steve Dudley ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Paul Tout ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
07 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [Steve Dudley ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
7 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Vaughan, Robert" ]
6 Jul Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine [KEN TUCKER ]
6 Jul Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
4 Jul Petitions to protect the UK's fast-disappearing wild lands ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
30 Jun Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010 ["Martin Kitching" ]
30 Jun Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010 ["Martin Kitching" ]
11 Jun Fw: [EuroTwitch] EAGLE OWLS destroyed in Bowland - ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
11 Jun Re: When do Blackcaps start singing? ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
7 Jun illegal golfcourse threatens Nationall Parc Mallorca: Call for HELP!!!!!! ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
25 May (no subject) [eric wydenbach ]
16 May Re: Canada Goose ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
15 May Re: Canada Goose ["Jim Barton" ]
15 May Re: Canada Goose ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
15 May Re: Canada Goose [Malcolm Ogilvie ]
14 May Re: Canada Goose ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
14 May Re: Canada Goose ["Roy Hargreaves" ]
14 May Re: Canada Goose [Malcolm Ogilvie ]
14 May Canada Goose ["Eddie Chapman" ]
7 May When do Blackcaps start singing? ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
5 May See: the reward for corruption and deceipt! ["Norman Deans van Swelm" ]
22 Mar Northumberland, UK, pelagics 2010 ["Martin Kitching" ]
22 Mar Northumberland, UK, pelagics 2010 ["Martin Kitching" ]
09 Mar Lesvos Birds 2009 - free annual report now online [Steve Dudley ]
3 Feb FW: North Sea Pelagic ["Carl Chapman" ]
29 Jan Cheshire and Wirral Orn Soc meeting - Friday 5 Feb 2010 - Knutsford ["Sheila Blamire" ]
26 Jan Re: Foxes ["Williams, Nick (AH)" ]
26 Jan Re: Foxes ["Michael Watkins" ]
26 Jan Foxes [Andrew Carter ]
24 Jan Re: Britain has a new birdlist and the 2nd ed.ofCollins'Bird guide is out. At last! ["Alan Dean" ]
24 Jan Britain has a new birdlist and the 2nd ed.of Collins'Bird guide is out. At last! ["Norman D.van Swelm" ]
23 Jan Swaros [Bo Beolens ]
23 Jan Re: advice on tripods [Bo Beolens ]
23 Jan Re: advice on tripods ["Phil J Belman" ]
23 Jan advice on tripods [Michael Rank ]
8 Jan Re: mystery teal from Seattle, USA ["Roy Hargreaves" ]
8 Jan Re: mystery teal from Seattle, USA [Malcolm Ogilvie ]
7 Jan mystery teal from Seattle, USA [Ian Paulsen ]
7 Jan URGENT: LESS THAN 24 hours to act to save 10 pairs of breeding Scottish Golden Eagles. A call for Raptorphiles everywhere to act. [sylvia wallace ]
30 Dec Cheshire and Wirral Orn Soc meeting - Friday 8 Jan 2010- Knutsford ["Sheila Blamire" ]
20 Dec EBN ["Eddie Chapman" ]
13 Nov Kentish Plover ["Eddie Chapman" ]
2 Nov Cheshire and Wirral Orn Soc meeting - Friday 6 Nov 2009 - Knutsford ["Sheila Blamire" ]
2 Nov Fw: [RaptorBiology] Understanding the role of wind energy ["Norman D.van Swelm" ]
2 Nov Fw: [RaptorBiology] vulture hit by wind turbine ["Norman D.van Swelm" ]
28 Oct Re: Kentish vs. Snowy Plovers [Colin Paul Adams ]

Subject: Birdwatch issue 219 - September 2010: table of contents
From: "Chris Harbard" <chrisharbard AT hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:24:18 +0100

Birdwatch issue 219 - September 2010: table of contents Features Alfrey, P. Building the reserve of the future [Transforming Beddington Farmlands] Winter, S. The big dippers [Extract from Tales of a Tabloid Twitcher] Callahan, D. Northumberland wonderland [A winter birding break] Madge, G. The Science of migration [High-tech tracking of birds] Callahan, D. Bringing back the bustard [The latest from the Great Bustard reintroduction scheme] Better Birding ID tips - juvenile and first-winter buntings Garden bird - Tawny Owl Gender assignment - sexual selection Target bird - Little Gull Weather watch - understanding wind directions How to ... set up an online photo gallery How to ... find your target migrant Internet - where to watch birds worldwide plus Shetland News digest - Ruddy Duck cull continues Optical events - September guide September high-tide tables for Britain and Ireland Where to watch birds Crory, A. Tory Island, Co Donegal Wilton, R and Easton, A. Corton to Hopton, Suffolk Parker, T. Hartlepool to Staithes, Co Durham Thorne, R. Sanday, Orkney Plus: Hartland Point, St Catherine's Point, The Lleyn Peninsula Columns Lethbridge, J. Trials of a reluctant twitcher Young, S. Money for nothing? Punkbirder. A global challenge - overseas birding Fraser, M. ListCheck - updating the world view of birds. [Potential split: Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scotica; Relationships: chats and flycatchers] Tools of the trade Product review: Leica digiscoping kit; Vanguard Spirit 8x42 binocular; Book reviews: Bird coloration by Geoffrey Hill (National Geographic); The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland by Jeremy Thomas and Richard Lewington (British Wildlife Publishing) Birdwatch Bookshop - Book of the Month: Advanced Bird ID Guide: the Western Palearctic by Nils van Duivendijk (New Holland) Highlights and reports July 2010 White-tailed wanderer [White-tailed Lapwing: Rainham Marshes RSPB, Greater London, 7 July; Slimbridge WWT, Gloucestershire, 9-10 July; Dungeness RSPB, Kent 11-21 July] River in full flow [River Warbler: Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe, Norfolk, 2-17 July] Finding a Franklin's [Franklin's Gull: Chasewater, Staffordshire, 15 July-1 August] Little Bittern breeds again [Little Bittern, Ham Wall RSPB, Somerset, summer 2010] Holkham home for Spoonbills [Britain's first Spoonbill colony: Holkham NNR, Norfolk, summer 2010] July rarities: a round-up of British rarities with photographs of Laughing Gull, Whiskered Tern, King Eider, Semipalmated Sandpiper, White-tailed Lapwing, House Finch and Spotted Sandpiper. National notebook: other birds news from around Britain, including photos of Wilson's Storm-petrel, Long-tailed Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill and Roseate Tern. Highlights summary for the Western Palearctic in July 2010, including photos of Pallas's Sandgrouse in Finland, Grey-tailed Tattler in The Netherlands, Western Reef Heron in Spain, White-throated Sparrow in Denmark, White-faced Storm-petrel off the Canaries, Kelp Gull and Cricket Longtail in Western Sahara. COMPETITION Three lucky readers can win a Barr and Stroud Sahara 20-60x80 spotting scope with a Vanguard Alta Plus tripod, each worth Ł330, in the simple to enter competition. FREE CHECKLIST Get a free copy of the third edition of Birds of Britain: The Complete Checklist by Dominic Mitchell and Keith Vinicombe. This 36 page checklist has been completely updated and includes ten new species added since the 2008 edition. Chris Harbard 01480 475116 07739 793958 Skype 0208 144 1068 The home of birding - online www.birdwatch.co.uk www.facebook.com/birdwatchmagazine Donate to: www.justgiving.com/priolo_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Pelagic trip to the Farne Deeps, Northumberland (UK)
From: "Martin Kitching" <martin.kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:40:16 +0100

Morning all After the weather put paid to our groundbreaking 10hr pelagic to the Farne Deeps on August 12th we rescheduled for Friday September 3rd and quickly sold all remaining places. Since then a couple of places have become available at a cost of Ł60/person. We will depart Royal Quays Marina at 08:00 on the SarahJFK. The Farne Deeps is an area of deeper water off the Northumberland coast (which has, otherwise, a fairly uniform sea depth). Researchers who have visited the area in previous years have reported excellent numbers of cetaceans; mainly Minke Whales and White-beaked Dolphins but also sightings of Killer Whales. The Northeast Cetacean Project surveys earlier this year found Common Dolphins in the area. If you are interested in taking either of the places that are still available then please call me on 01670 827465 or e-mail martin AT newtltd.co.uk best wishes Martin Kitching Northern Experience Pelagics_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Pelagic trip to the Farne Deeps, Northumberland (UK)
From: "Martin Kitching" <Martin.Kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:40:16 +0100

Morning all After the weather put paid to our groundbreaking 10hr pelagic to the Farne Deeps on August 12th we rescheduled for Friday September 3rd and quickly sold all remaining places. Since then a couple of places have become available at a cost of Ł60/person. We will depart Royal Quays Marina at 08:00 on the SarahJFK. The Farne Deeps is an area of deeper water off the Northumberland coast (which has, otherwise, a fairly uniform sea depth). Researchers who have visited the area in previous years have reported excellent numbers of cetaceans; mainly Minke Whales and White-beaked Dolphins but also sightings of Killer Whales. The Northeast Cetacean Project surveys earlier this year found Common Dolphins in the area. If you are interested in taking either of the places that are still available then please call me on 01670 827465 or e-mail martin AT newtltd.co.uk best wishes Martin Kitching Northern Experience Pelagics [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: RSPB Central London Group 2010-11 programme
From: Michael Rank <rank AT mailbox.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:11:17 +0100

The RSPB Central London Group's programme for 2010-11 is now out. We hold monthly indoor meetings and coach trips as well as weekday and evening outings and walks and welcome new members, from beginners to experts. Read about our new programme here http://www.janja.dircon.co.uk/rspb/ Best wishes, Michael Rank Publicity officer _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Radioactive smoke and soot
From: <norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:45:16 +0200

originating from the Russian bush fires is expected to be blown to Western Europe the coming days. I wonder if the tests on radioactive contamination of songbirds taken in Sweden and Finland just after the Chernobyl disaster have ever been made public. You can find the results from Swedish Robins Erithacus rubecula we detected in a sample from The Netherlands in the autumn following the Chernobyl disaster here: http://radioactiverobins.com/ I also wonder if any bird movements caused by the fires have been noticed or are being expected. Cheers, Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010 update
From: "Martin Kitching" <martin.kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 11:18:55 +0100

Morning all We're down to our last few pelagic spaces for this year, so please give us a call on 01670 827465 to book on any of these; Thursday August 12th. 10hr pelagic to the Farne Deeps, departing Royal Quays at 08:00. Ł60/person. 4 places remaining. Saturday September 4th. 8hr pelagic departing Royal Quays at 09:00. Ł45/person. 1 place remaining. Saturday September 18th. 8hr pelagic departing Royal Quays at 09:00. 1 place remaining. best wishes martin kitching Northern Experience Pelagics_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010 update
From: "Martin Kitching" <Martin.Kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 11:18:55 +0100

Morning all We're down to our last few pelagic spaces for this year, so please give us a call on 01670 827465 to book on any of these; Thursday August 12th. 10hr pelagic to the Farne Deeps, departing Royal Quays at 08:00. Ł60/person. 4 places remaining. Saturday September 4th. 8hr pelagic departing Royal Quays at 09:00. Ł45/person. 1 place remaining. Saturday September 18th. 8hr pelagic departing Royal Quays at 09:00. 1 place remaining. best wishes martin kitching Northern Experience Pelagics [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Birdwatch issue 218 - August 2010: table of contents
From: "Chris Harbard" <chrisharbard AT hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:03:36 +0100

Birdwatch issue 218 - August 2010: table of contents Features Taylor, M. Hunting the hunters [The fight to protect Malta's migratory birds] Hough, J. Ageing waders [Understanding ageing and moult in shorebirds] Caldow, R, and Anthony, S. Save our Seas [Protecting the marine environment] Gooddie, C. Chasing the rainbow [In search of Rainbow Pitta] Ahmed, R. Get smart [Smart phones for birders] Better Birding Birdfair 2010 ID tips - raptors Garden bird - Starling Reptiles - snake in the grass Target bird - Bearded Tit How to... spot an escape How to... phonescope Birdwatch Artist of the Year 2010 Internet Optical events - March guide March high-tide tables for Britain and Ireland Where to watch birds Conlin, A. Wirral Peninsula Gibb, K. Tyninghame Bay and John Muir CP Badley, J. The Lincolnshire Wash Charlton, P. Old Hall Marshes Plus: Tacumshin, Rutland water and Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes Columns Cocker, M. Grumpy old men Young, S. Using a hide Punkbirder. Dedication in the field Fraser, M. ListCheck - updating the world view of birds. [Split: Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens; Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis; Philippine birds] Tools of the trade Product review: Barr and Stroud Sahara 8x32 and 8x42 binoculars; Nikon D3s DSLR camera Book reviews: The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland by David T Parkin and Alan G Knox (Christopher Helm); Fair Isle through the seasons by Mallachy Tallack and Roger Riddington (Z E Press). Highlights and reports June 2010 A Marmora's on the moor [Marmora's warbler: Blorenge, Gwent, 3-15 June] Roll out the Barolo [Macaronesian Shearwater: Lundy, Devon from 5 June] Dogger Bank account [Pallas's Reed Bunting: Dogger Bank, North Sea 9-10 June] Garden Wow-bird [ Brown-headed Cowbird: Sunderland, Co Durham, 10 May 2010] The 10-minute tern [Bridled Tern: East Chevington NR, 21 June] Getting the Booted [Why are dark-morph Booted Eagles difficult to clinch?] June rarities: a round-up of British rarities with photographs of Black Stork, Great Reed Warbler, Black-winged Stilts, House Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Paddyfield and Savi's Warblers, Trumpeter Finch. National notebook: other birds news from around Britain, including photos of Rose-coloured Starling, Red-backed Shrike and Red-footed Falcon. Highlights summary for the Western Palearctic in June 2010, including photos of Wilson's Snipe in Iceland, Swinhoe's Snipe in Russia, Swinhoe's Storm-petrel off Madeira, African Reed Warbler in Libya, White-crowned Wheatear and Pacific Swift in Denmark, Seeböhm's Wheatear on Gran Canaria and Yellow-throated Sparrow in Egypt. COMPETITION Win the brand new EL 42 Swarovision binocular worth more than Ł1,745 in the simple to enter competition. FREE programme Get a free programme to this year's British Birdwatching Fair - price at the event will be Ł2 Chris Harbard 01480 475116 07739 793958 Skype 0208 144 1068 The home of birding - online www.birdwatch.co.uk www.facebook.com/birdwatchmagazine Donate to: www.justgiving.com/priolo_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: AOU Checklist supplement
From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker AT zipcon.net>
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:36:40 -0700 (PDT)

HI ALL: In case you might be interested the latest action by the American Ornithologists' Union checklsit committee are out and are posted here: http://xenospiza.com/ They split the Black Scoter from the Common Scoter. Plus "the wren" is split into 3 species: 1) Pacifc Wren (western North America) 2) Winter Wren (eastern North America) 3) Eurasian Wren (your side of "the pond") Whip-poor-will is split into Eastern Whip-poor-will and Mexican Whip-poor-will. Greater Shearwater becomes Great Shearwater. The other splits are for Hawaii and the neotropics. sincerely -- Ian Paulsen Bainbridge Island, WA, USA " Which just goes to show that a passion for books is extremely unhealthy." from Cornelia Funke's "Inkheart". _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Will ornithologists take their stand on grounds of conscience ? Fwd: [WildlifeConservationDepartment] Media release: a test to the Australian authorities
From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:37:49 +0100

Will ornithologists take their stand on grounds of conscience ? Conscientious objection to the law is not a criminal act. Again, we see more so called "protected" eagles at risk from wind farms and we should take a principled stand, together....to protect their wellbeing. Are those that claim to be "guardians" of birds and wild places giving away special places, eagle habitat to wind developers without our consent ? Sylvia. - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: mark duchamp Date: 21 July 2010 02:13 Subject: [WildlifeConservationDepartment] Media release: a test to the Australian authorities To: wildlifeconservationdepartment AT yahoogroups.com To see the full text with images and links: http://www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=4422 Does the Australian government care about biodiversity? - Yaloak is the test. *Save The Eagles International** Partida La Sella, 25 03750 Pedreguer, Spain Tel : + 34 693 643 736 save.the.eagles AT gmail.com* * * For immediate release: 21 Julio 2010 WILL AUSTRALIAN AUTHORITIES REWARD A CONSULTANT WHO MANIPULATED THE SCIENCE AND LIED TO THEM AT THE EXPENSE OF AUSTRALIAN BIODIVERSITY? Further to, and in spite of our objection of May 21st and media releases of June 2nd and 16th blowing the whistle on him (1), Mr Ian Smales of Biosis Research Pty Ltd persists in manipulating the science, using figures that have proved wrong in the past, and has now added lying to his record. As we have been denouncing, the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle is condemned to extinction because of this consultant´s bias which, favouring windfarm promoters who fund his impact assessments and other reports, is detrimental to Australian biodiversity. Lately, in his reply to critics, Mr Smales shows no remorse for the ecological catastrophe he caused in Tasmania and is cynically cooking the books in the same way for the Yaloak South windfarm application. He goes as far as lying to the Victorian government and to the public about something that can be easily verified. We have exposed his brazen lie, and denounced him once more to the Australian authorities on July 18th. (2) Other experts do not dare to denounce a “colleague”, but for us at STEI the conservation of biodiversity is more important than our relationship with consultants. It is now for the Victorian government to decide. For the sake of Australian biodiversity, we hope they will put an end to this scandal by rejecting the Yaloak South windfarm project, which borders with the Brisbane Ranges National Park and is likely to kill 200-300 Wedge-tailed eagles and tens of thousands of other birds (and bats). (3) The world is watching: will Australia knowingly destroy its unique and remarkable bird life? Will manipulations and outright lies be permitted, and ultimately rewarded, so that wind turbines may “legally” kill protected birds? Mark Duchamp President FOOTNOTES: (1) – STEI objection of 21 May 2010: www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=4313 – STEI media release of 2 June 2010: www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=4371 – STEI media release of 16 June 2010: www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=4382 (2) – Expert opinion of Save The Eagles International, 18 July 2010: www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=4419 (3) Yaloak to kill 200-300 eagles: www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=4313 Contact: Tel : + 34 693 643 736 save.the.eagles AT gmail.com __._,_.___ Reply to sender| Reply to group| Reply via web post| Start a New Topic Messages in this topic( 1) Recent Activity: - New Members 2 Visit Your Group [image: Yahoo! Groups] Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest• Unsubscribe• Terms of Use . __,_._,__________________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Canada is at it again!
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:02:03 +0200

No brains, no heart, no decency have a look: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/883/975/627_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: for gull lovers only!
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:17:34 +0200

http://www.nexusboard.net/showthread.php?siteid=6471&threadid=298208 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:02:46 +0200

A bit over the top that Malcolm without proven cases and a considerable lack of funds. Besides very few Salmonalla fatalities anyway and all food related. Cheers, Norman Malcolm wrote:> Why not try to eliminate all three possibilities, then? > > In message , Norman Deans van > Swelm writes >>Indeed but children are more likely to come into contact with >>salmonella while swimming in sewer infested water or eating poorly >>cooked chicken than they ever will via gulls. >>Norman >> >>Malcolm Ogilvie wrote > Young children are much more vulnerable >>to diseases like salmonella than >>> a fit and strong (and older) gull-ringer like yourself! >> >>> In message >>, Norman >>Deans van >>> Swelm writes >>>>Paul Tout says: >Campylobacter, Salmonella and perhaps >>Hepatitis >>>>A ... but 25 years ago I had all 3 simultaneously and hadn't been >>>>near a gull's a***.< >> >>>>I ringed ca. 25.000 Lesser Black-backs, I was bitten and scratched >>>>many times that number, I even received a fair amount of faeces >>>>into my mouth(!) and loads of stomach contents over my head >>and >>>>here I am, still going strong and able to express my limitless >>>>admiration and respect for them! >>>>Cheers, Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org>
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:27:12 +0100

Why not try to eliminate all three possibilities, then? Malcolm In message , Norman Deans van Swelm writes >Indeed but children are more likely to come into contact with >salmonella while swimming in sewer infested water or eating poorly >cooked chicken than they ever will via gulls. >Norman > >Malcolm Ogilvie wrote > Young children are much more vulnerable >to diseases like salmonella than >> a fit and strong (and older) gull-ringer like yourself! > >> In message >, Norman >Deans van >> Swelm writes >>>Paul Tout says: >Campylobacter, Salmonella and perhaps >Hepatitis >>>A ... but 25 years ago I had all 3 simultaneously and hadn't been >>>near a gull's a***.< > >>>I ringed ca. 25.000 Lesser Black-backs, I was bitten and scratched >>>many times that number, I even received a fair amount of faeces >>>into my mouth(!) and loads of stomach contents over my head >and >>>here I am, still going strong and able to express my limitless >>>admiration and respect for them! >>>Cheers, Norman -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:10:39 +0200

Indeed but children are more likely to come into contact with salmonella while swimming in sewer infested water or eating poorly cooked chicken than they ever will via gulls. Norman Malcolm Ogilvie wrote > Young children are much more vulnerable to diseases like salmonella than > a fit and strong (and older) gull-ringer like yourself! > In message , Norman Deans van > Swelm writes >>Paul Tout says: >Campylobacter, Salmonella and perhaps Hepatitis >>A ... but 25 years ago I had all 3 simultaneously and hadn't been >>near a gull's a***.< >>I ringed ca. 25.000 Lesser Black-backs, I was bitten and scratched >>many times that number, I even received a fair amount of faeces >>into my mouth(!) and loads of stomach contents over my head and >>here I am, still going strong and able to express my limitless >>admiration and respect for them! >>Cheers, Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Memorial article for Derek Goodwin
From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de>
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:19:43 +0200

Hello all, Jerry Jackson, the American ornithologist, is currently writing a memorial or The Auk. The memorial is for Derek Goodwin, the British Ornithologist who died in 2008. He has written to me: "I've learned much from memorials and obituaries published in The Times, Ibis, Avicultural Magazine, but have a couple of things I just haven't been able to get details on. One -- and the one you might be most able to help with - has to do with the RSPB. I've heard that he was made an "Honorary Member" of RSPB, but have nothing in writing about that. I contacted RSPB and they told me that by law they cannot provide information about their members... pity the next generation of biographers! Do you have any suggestions as to how I might find out about this honor? Also, one of his obituaries mentioned that he had resigned his membership in RSPB in protest over their position relative to exotic birds (he loved his exotics -- Golden and Lady Amherst pheasants and didn't want anything done that would jeopardize their existence in the wild in England)." Can anyone help - or suggest where I might try for information. I have a couple of good RSPB contacts ..... David -- David Conlin Proact International www.proact-campaigns.net/team joining costs nothing ..... doing nothing costs birds Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) http://www.komitee.de/en/ .... actively operating against illegal hunting across Europe Skype: david_conlin _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org>
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 07:26:40 +0100

Young children are much more vulnerable to diseases like salmonella than a fit and strong (and older) gull-ringer like yourself! Malcolm In message , Norman Deans van Swelm writes >Paul Tout says: >Campylobacter, Salmonella and perhaps Hepatitis >A ... but 25 years ago I had all 3 simultaneously and hadn't been >near a gull's a***.< >I ringed ca. 25.000 Lesser Black-backs, I was bitten and scratched >many times that number, I even received a fair amount of faeces >into my mouth(!) and loads of stomach contents over my head and >here I am, still going strong and able to express my limitless >admiration and respect for them! >Cheers, Norman >_______________________________________________ >UKbirdnet mailing list >ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk >http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:09:23 +0200

There are limits Ken, I am afraid all birds which soar a lot such as gulls and raptors will always be in danger of being hacked to pieces by modern windmills unless of course they stick to walking. Norman Ken Tucker wrote: > Prime example of adaptation? A shame they're not adapted to living near wind turbines!< From: Norman Deans van Swelm To: James Cracknell ; Steve Dudley Cc: UKBN Sent: Wednesday, 7 July, 2010 12:28:42 Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders James, what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your spoiled bratts! Cheerio, Norman James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the local gull population. J. On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and I was amused when he stated that â€the gulls got in the way of the rotating turbine bladesâ€™. I think it might have been the other way round! He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. Steve _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:02:51 +0200

James Cracknell wrote: > Most of the diseases spread are from the diseased and rotten foodstuffs they will eat. My favourite whilst out ringing one day was one gull pullus/chick that decided to puke up a rat. Look at some gull colonies and they are littered with chicken bones.< They didn't spread it James they recycled it! >Botulism is also possible. < Surely you know the gulls are the victims here? >Hence why some water authorities are in a "panic" because of gulls roosting on reservoirs and during the day feeding on tips.< If it's that bad they ought to blame the source but believe me James no one drinks that water unfiltered. Cheers, Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 23:49:42 +0200

Paul Tout says: >Campylobacter, Salmonella and perhaps Hepatitis A ... but 25 years ago I had all 3 simultaneously and hadn't been near a gull's a***.< I ringed ca. 25.000 Lesser Black-backs, I was bitten and scratched many times that number, I even received a fair amount of faeces into my mouth(!) and loads of stomach contents over my head and here I am, still going strong and able to express my limitless admiration and respect for them! Cheers, Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 16:40:03 +0100

Thought I don't suppose you meant to, you do appear to be saying that the RSPB gave ÂŁ300,000 to a bumblebee charity. And as for the charity, I guess you mean the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, which has its HQ at Stirling. And could you point me at the source of your information about that grant, because I can't find anything on their website about a grant of that size, though they have recently won an award of â‚¬30,000? Was that what you were referring to? Or was it the project to raise ÂŁ300,000 to conserve the Great Yellow Bumblebee in which the RSPB was just one partner and which actually predates the setting up of the Trust? Malcolm In message , sylvia wallace writes >Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis......... and >teacherÂ says birds are flying rats !Â >Â >http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/07/rats-cats-pigs-and-mice-fuelling-bird-extinction-crisis/ >Â >When I last looked at the good work done by those representingÂ >Overseas Territories,Â it seemedÂ the RSPB had only given around ÂŁ >2,000 of donated money for birds to those trying to protect >important internationalÂ bird species, yet a grant of around ÂŁ300,000 >was apparently given toÂ a bumble beeÂ charity based at Stirling. >Â >Wonder if James will write about that in the next RSPB magazine?Â >Will heÂ also include aÂ teacher's view about theÂ effect of a >proliferation of wind turbines in ScotlandÂ on eagles and other flying >rats? >Â >Â Â >Sylvia. > >On 7 July 2010 11:37, James Cracknell >wrote: > Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a > problem with finding bins.Â They eat outside.Â They leave food > behind.Â Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls > (flying rats) and rats!Â PlayingÂ fields (if the local education > authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. > Â > Hence is a school the best place toÂ have a turbine if you want to > reduce the local gull population. > Â > J. > > Â > On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley < > stevedudley AT btconnect.com> wrote: > >> I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio >> the other day and I was amused when he stated that â€the gulls >> got in the way of the rotating turbine bladesâ€™. I think it might >> have been the other way round! > >> He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as >> they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like >> someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for >> the proposed site then. > >> Steve > > > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet > > > > >-- >Who can you trust? Those who profit financially from wind >turbines at your expense? Â Or your neighbours who are simply >suggesting you examine the evidence for yourself? > >Wind Turbines ARE a THREAT to wildlife >http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srPoOU6_Z4 Â Â Felled by a >lethal turbine blade. Â Betrayed by its guardians? Â > >If members were not consulted prior to this endorsement of wind >power and the core cause is being harmed, then exactly who do >these "Green" groups represent ? > >Warning from another windwarrior who claims the following: > >"I received my Co-operative Magazine today 14/11/09 and on page >48, I read I've been signed up, by dint of being a member (divi card), >to the stopclimatechaos campaign's "The Wave" event prior to the >Copenhagen Conference. Â This is supported by WWF and >Greenpeace. I was not asked if I wanted to do this by the >Co-operative Society - I'd resigned a long time ago from both >organisations when they started dictating rather than campaigning. > >I'm collecting my divi in cash on Monday and ditching them. Â " > > >Rubbish is highly likely to be left at "Windparks" - Â once pristine >wild habitats. Â Â Look how rubbish has affected these albatross >chicks ... Pictures are not for the squeamish: Â Â Â Â >http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=11 Â Â Whose >campaigning to protect them, Â or is wind power deemed more >'in-vogue' and profitable ? >_______________________________________________ >UKbirdnet mailing list >ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk >http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: KEN TUCKER <ken.tucker AT btinternet.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 15:35:50 +0000 (GMT)

Prime example of adaptation? A shame they're not adapted to living near wind turbines! Ken > >From: Norman Deans van Swelm >To: James Cracknell ; Steve Dudley > >Cc: UKBN >Sent: Wednesday, 7 July, 2010 12:28:42 >Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > >Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be >grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is >ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance >but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders James, >what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your spoiled >bratts! >Cheerio, Norman > >James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, >I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat >outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They >attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education >authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. > >Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the >local gull population. > >J. > > >On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: > >I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day >and I was amused when he stated that â€the gulls got in the way of the >rotating turbine bladesâ€™. I think it might have been the other way round! > >> >>He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be >>on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental >>impact assessment for the proposed site then. >> >> >>Steve _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: KEN TUCKER <ken.tucker AT btinternet.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 15:30:06 +0000 (GMT)

Gulls are creatures of habit, too. They know what the bells mean and can anticipate when they are about to ring to indicate the children are about to go inside and leave their 'crumbs' on the play ground. Ken > >From: James Cracknell >To: Steve Dudley >Cc: UKBN >Sent: Wednesday, 7 July, 2010 11:37:50 >Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > >Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a problem >with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages >drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields >(if the local education authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also >attract gulls. > >Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the >local gull population. > >J. > > >On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: > >I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and >I was amused when he stated that â€the gulls got in the way of the rotating >turbine bladesâ€™. I think it might have been the other way round! > >> >>He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on >>a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact >>assessment for the proposed site then. >> >> >>Steve _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 14:43:17 +0100

Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis......... and teacher says birds are flying rats ! http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/07/rats-cats-pigs-and-mice-fuelling-bird-extinction-crisis/ When I last looked at the good work done by those representing Overseas Territories, it seemed the RSPB had only given around Ł2,000 of donated money for birds to those trying to protect important international bird species, yet a grant of around Ł300,000 was apparently given to a bumble bee charity based at Stirling. Wonder if James will write about that in the next RSPB magazine? Will he also include a teacher's view about the effect of a proliferation of wind turbines in Scotland on eagles and other flying rats? Sylvia. On 7 July 2010 11:37, James Cracknell wrote: > Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a > problem with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids > of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and > rats! Playing fields (if the local education authority hasn't sold them off > or built on them) also attract gulls. > > Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce > the local gull population. > > J. > > > On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: > >> I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other >> day and I was amused when he stated that ‘the gulls got in the way of the >> rotating turbine blades’. I think it might have been the other way round! >> >> He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to >> be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough >> environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. >> >> Steve >> > > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet > > -- Who can you trust? Those who profit financially from wind turbines at your expense? Or your neighbours who are simply suggesting you examine the evidence for yourself? Wind Turbines ARE a THREAT to wildlife http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srPoOU6_Z4 Felled by a lethal turbine blade. Betrayed by its guardians? If members were not consulted prior to this endorsement of wind power and the core cause is being harmed, then exactly who do these "Green" groups represent ? Warning from another windwarrior who claims the following: "I received my Co-operative Magazine today 14/11/09 and on page 48, I read I've been signed up, by dint of being a member (divi card), to the stopclimatechaos campaign's "The Wave" event prior to the Copenhagen Conference. This is supported by WWF and Greenpeace. I was not asked if I wanted to do this by the Co-operative Society - I'd resigned a long time ago from both organisations when they started dictating rather than campaigning. I'm collecting my divi in cash on Monday and ditching them. " Rubbish is highly likely to be left at "Windparks" - once pristine wild habitats. Look how rubbish has affected these albatross chicks ... Pictures are not for the squeamish: http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=11 Whose campaigning to protect them, or is wind power deemed more 'in-vogue' and profitable ?_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Paul Tout <paul_tout AT hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 14:04:54 +0200

Campylobacter, Salmonella and perhaps Hepatitis A ... but 25 years ago I had all 3 simultaneously and hadn't been near a gull's a***. P. Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 12:46:39 +0100 From: eamonn AT collierkitchens.ie To: james AT jcracknell.co.uk; Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl CC: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine A great man once said “ there are three types of gulls, big ones, little ones and ivory ones” . Alas he never did see an ivory one before he shuffled off this mortal coil. What disease do they spread? bob From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of James Cracknell Sent: 07 July 2010 12:35 To: Norman Deans van Swelm Cc: UKBN Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine Norman May I refer you to this webpage :-) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcasm Gulls can be compared to rats. They are learners, they are adaptors, they are clean - yet they can spread disease. We can apply most of that to the Western Human Population as well :-) J. On 7 July 2010 12:28, Norman Deans van Swelm wrote: Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders James, what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your spoiled bratts! Cheerio, Norman James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the local gull population. J. On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and I was amused when he stated that ‘the gulls got in the way of the rotating turbine blades’. I think it might have been the other way round! He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. Steve This e-mail message has been scanned for Viruses and Content and cleared by MailMarshal _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Eamonn" <eamonn AT collierkitchens.ie>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 12:46:39 +0100

A great man once said " there are three types of gulls, big ones, little ones and ivory ones" . Alas he never did see an ivory one before he shuffled off this mortal coil. What disease do they spread? bob ________________________________ From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of James Cracknell Sent: 07 July 2010 12:35 To: Norman Deans van Swelm Cc: UKBN Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine Norman May I refer you to this webpage :-) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcasm Gulls can be compared to rats. They are learners, they are adaptors, they are clean - yet they can spread disease. We can apply most of that to the Western Human Population as well :-) J. On 7 July 2010 12:28, Norman Deans van Swelm wrote: Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders James, what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your spoiled bratts! Cheerio, Norman James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the local gull population. J. On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and I was amused when he stated that 'the gulls got in the way of the rotating turbine blades'. I think it might have been the other way round! He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. Steve ##################################################################################### This e-mail message has been scanned for Viruses and Content and cleared by MailMarshal ##################################################################################### _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Steve Dudley <stevedudley AT btconnect.com>
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:39:27 +0100

Ah, the good old days! Better then spending ages wading through forums with endless threads that youąre not interested in. I miss the immediacy of UKBN chattter. Steve On 07/07/2010 12:37, "Paul Tout" wrote: > Norman? Steve?? James??? ALIVE and on UKBN???? > > What's this? "Dawn of the Dead" or part 4 of "Twilight" trilogy? > > who are we missing? > who is "not risen"? > > Paul > > > From: Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl > To: james AT jcracknell.co.uk; stevedudley AT btconnect.com > Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 13:28:42 +0200 > CC: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk > Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be > grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is > ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance > but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders > James, what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your > spoiled bratts! > Cheerio, Norman > > James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, > I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat > outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They > attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education > authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. > > Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the > local gull population. > > J. > > > On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: >> >> I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day >> and I was amused when he stated that Śthe gulls got in the way of the >> rotating turbine bladesą. I think it might have been the other way round! >> >> He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to >> be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough >> environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. >> >> Steve > > > Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. > _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Paul Tout <paul_tout AT hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 13:37:09 +0200

Norman? Steve?? James??? ALIVE and on UKBN???? What's this? "Dawn of the Dead" or part 4 of "Twilight" trilogy? who are we missing? who is "not risen"? Paul From: Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl To: james AT jcracknell.co.uk; stevedudley AT btconnect.com Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 13:28:42 +0200 CC: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders James, what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your spoiled bratts! Cheerio, Norman James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the local gull population. J. On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and I was amused when he stated that ‘the gulls got in the way of the rotating turbine blades’. I think it might have been the other way round! He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. Steve _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. https://signup.live.com/signup.aspx?id=60969_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 13:28:42 +0200

Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! So you want to punish the gulls for what we humans do? Be grateful to them, they clear our rubbish for free! Comparing them with rats is ridiculous, the gulls not only will take them for a meal when given the chance but they won't leave a crumb for the rats to eat! Admire these marauders James, what you see is a prime example of adaptation, teach that to your spoiled bratts! Cheerio, Norman James Cracknel wrote in a moment of despair: >Sitting in a school as I am now, I can tell you that children have a problem with finding bins. They eat outside. They leave food behind. Kids of all ages drop food and litter. They attract gulls (flying rats) and rats! Playing fields (if the local education authority hasn't sold them off or built on them) also attract gulls. Hence is a school the best place to have a turbine if you want to reduce the local gull population. J. On 7 July 2010 11:11, Steve Dudley wrote: I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and I was amused when he stated that ‘the gulls got in the way of the rotating turbine blades’. I think it might have been the other way round! He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. Steve _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: Steve Dudley <stevedudley AT btconnect.com>
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:11:47 +0100

I listened to the head teacher being interviewed on the radio the other day and I was amused when he stated that Śthe gulls got in the way of the rotating turbine bladesą. I think it might have been the other way round! He went on to say that the turbines had been badly sited as they appear to be on a regular gull flyway. Sounds like someone did a thorough environmental impact assessment for the proposed site then. Steve On 07/07/2010 11:05, "Norman Deans van Swelm" wrote: > Alas no not even a hybrid! Just Herring Gulls! > Cheers, Norman > > > From: Vaughan, Robert > Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 10:30 AM > To: UKBN > Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > Wilsonąs plovers and slender-billed curlews perhaps? > > > From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Norman Deans van > Swelm > Sent: 06 July 2010 21:45 > To: UKBN > Subject: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > > FYI > > Does anyone know what kind of birds were involved? > > Norman > > > > From: mark duchamp > > Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 4:47 PM > > To: mark duchamp > > Subject: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > > > > "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it > killed 14 in six months" (from full article below - The Telegraph) > > We are talking about a small, 6 KW 30 ft turbine. Imagine the massacre a > large one would cause, one that sweeps an area bigger than a football field, > with blades running at up to 300 kph at the tip. > > The AWEA, basing themselves on their own self-serving studies, claim that wind > turbines in the US kill 1-2 birds a year. In reality, up to 1 MW wind turbines > kill on average, conservatively, 25 birds a year (as per separate studies from > Dr Lekuona in Spain, biologist Everaert in Belgium, ornithologist Winkelman in > the Netherlands - 1996-2001). Bigger turbines, all other things being equal, > kill more birds for they sweep larger areas. Recent studies don't show this, > conducted as they are by "hired-gun" consultants hand picked by the wind > industry. Exception: Dr. Shawn Smallwood at Altamont Pass, hired by public > administrations during 10 years. His figures are mind boggling: the Altamont > Pass windfarm kills yearly over 100 golden eagles (less now as their numbers, > as a result, are dwindling across California), up to 2,000 raptors, and > thousands of smaller birds. Dr Smallwood has now been black-listed by the > Green Industrial Complex: he won't find another job, even with public > administrations. My hat to this > honest scientist, now unemployed. > > Like the wind turbine at Tesco (a UK supermaket), also closed down for similar > reasons, the School turbine stands above a surface where dead birds can be > easily spotted. This is why they make the news. But most wind turbines are > erected in remote places away from the public eye, where bird victims are > removed by raptors, foxes, and windfarm employees. It is therefore easy for > wind promoters to pretend they don't kill many birds. Most ornithologists will > confirm this for a fee, in studies that pay they mortgages and their new car > loans. Bird societies, raking in millions from the windfarm business, will go > a step further and join the Greenpeace/WWF chorus asking for more windfarms. > > Unfortunately for our bird life, all but a tiny fraction of the media (e.g. > The Telegraph, The Washington Times, The National Post) rely on figures they > get from the wind lobby. How ironic it is that the greenest politicians we > ever had are destroying more wildlife, natural landscapes and habitats than > all of their predecessors combined. > > Save for a handful of exceptions, the media thinks of nothing but to applaud > while Rome is burning. > > http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/7870929/Primary-school-forced-to-turn- > off-wind-turbine-after-bird-deaths.html > > > Primary school forced to turn off wind turbine after bird deaths > A primary school has been forced to switch off a Ł20,000 wind turbine because > it keeps killing passing seabirds. > > Sunday Telegraph 04 Jul 2010 > > The rotary blades on the 30ft (9m) structure have struck at least 14 birds in > the past six months. > > The turbine, at Southwell Community Primary School, Portland, was installed 18 > months ago thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. > > Related Articles > Homeowner ordered to switch off 'noisy' Ł20,000 wind turbine > Wind turbines 'killed goats' by depriving them of sleep > > It provided six kilowatts of power an hour, but its performance was > overshadowed by the number of birds killed - far higher than the one fatality > per year predicted by the manufacturer. > > Headteacher Stuart McLeod was even forced to come into school early to clear > up the bodies before his young pupils spotted them. > > School governers consulted seagull eyesight experts and investigated bringing > in bird-scaring plastic owls to solve the problem, but to no avail. > > Mr McLeod said they had tried everything to stop the carnage but had no choice > but to shut the turbine down. > > He said: "We've got the ideal location for wind power but unfortunately > seagulls kept flying into it. > > "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it > killed 14 in six months so we took advice and made the decision to turn it > off. > > "If it had happened at night time you could understand that the birds couldn't > see the blades, which rotate at 135mph but it was happening at all different > times of the day." > Mr McLeod said he worried about the impact on the birds and his pupils, who > got upset when deaths happened during playtimes and lunchtimes. > > He said: "The school governors investigated putting scaffolding up but that > would impact on its performance, we thought about painting the blades a dazzle > yellow but the manufacturer said that couldn't be done. > > "We've even gone as far as Stansted Airport to investigate bird-scaring > plastic owls and we spoke to herring gull eyesight experts at the Natural > History Museum. > > "We've tried so hard to be eco-friendly but now we can't turn it on. > > "We can't get rid of it either because we bought the turbine we had to apply > for grants and the grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change > states that it has to stay on site for five years." > > The school is now negotiating with Dorset County Council about the future of > the wind turbine. > > ------ End of Forwarded Message > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet > > > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 12:05:32 +0200

Alas no not even a hybrid! Just Herring Gulls! Cheers, Norman From: Vaughan, Robert Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 10:30 AM To: UKBN Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine Wilson's plovers and slender-billed curlews perhaps? From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Norman Deans van Swelm Sent: 06 July 2010 21:45 To: UKBN Subject: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine FYI Does anyone know what kind of birds were involved? Norman From: mark duchamp Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 4:47 PM To: mark duchamp Subject: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it killed 14 in six months" (from full article below - The Telegraph) We are talking about a small, 6 KW 30 ft turbine. Imagine the massacre a large one would cause, one that sweeps an area bigger than a football field, with blades running at up to 300 kph at the tip. The AWEA, basing themselves on their own self-serving studies, claim that wind turbines in the US kill 1-2 birds a year. In reality, up to 1 MW wind turbines kill on average, conservatively, 25 birds a year (as per separate studies from Dr Lekuona in Spain, biologist Everaert in Belgium, ornithologist Winkelman in the Netherlands - 1996-2001). Bigger turbines, all other things being equal, kill more birds for they sweep larger areas. Recent studies don't show this, conducted as they are by "hired-gun" consultants hand picked by the wind industry. Exception: Dr. Shawn Smallwood at Altamont Pass, hired by public administrations during 10 years. His figures are mind boggling: the Altamont Pass windfarm kills yearly over 100 golden eagles (less now as their numbers, as a result, are dwindling across California), up to 2,000 raptors, and thousands of smaller birds. Dr Smallwood has now been black-listed by the Green Industrial Complex: he won't find another job, even with public administrations. My hat to this honest scientist, now unemployed. Like the wind turbine at Tesco (a UK supermaket), also closed down for similar reasons, the School turbine stands above a surface where dead birds can be easily spotted. This is why they make the news. But most wind turbines are erected in remote places away from the public eye, where bird victims are removed by raptors, foxes, and windfarm employees. It is therefore easy for wind promoters to pretend they don't kill many birds. Most ornithologists will confirm this for a fee, in studies that pay they mortgages and their new car loans. Bird societies, raking in millions from the windfarm business, will go a step further and join the Greenpeace/WWF chorus asking for more windfarms. Unfortunately for our bird life, all but a tiny fraction of the media (e.g. The Telegraph, The Washington Times, The National Post) rely on figures they get from the wind lobby. How ironic it is that the greenest politicians we ever had are destroying more wildlife, natural landscapes and habitats than all of their predecessors combined. Save for a handful of exceptions, the media thinks of nothing but to applaud while Rome is burning. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/7870929/Primary-school-forced-to-turn-off-wind-turbine-after-bird-deaths.html Primary school forced to turn off wind turbine after bird deaths A primary school has been forced to switch off a Ł20,000 wind turbine because it keeps killing passing seabirds. Sunday Telegraph 04 Jul 2010 The rotary blades on the 30ft (9m) structure have struck at least 14 birds in the past six months. The turbine, at Southwell Community Primary School, Portland, was installed 18 months ago thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Related Articles Homeowner ordered to switch off 'noisy' Ł20,000 wind turbine Wind turbines 'killed goats' by depriving them of sleep It provided six kilowatts of power an hour, but its performance was overshadowed by the number of birds killed - far higher than the one fatality per year predicted by the manufacturer. Headteacher Stuart McLeod was even forced to come into school early to clear up the bodies before his young pupils spotted them. School governers consulted seagull eyesight experts and investigated bringing in bird-scaring plastic owls to solve the problem, but to no avail. Mr McLeod said they had tried everything to stop the carnage but had no choice but to shut the turbine down. He said: "We've got the ideal location for wind power but unfortunately seagulls kept flying into it. "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it killed 14 in six months so we took advice and made the decision to turn it off. "If it had happened at night time you could understand that the birds couldn't see the blades, which rotate at 135mph but it was happening at all different times of the day." Mr McLeod said he worried about the impact on the birds and his pupils, who got upset when deaths happened during playtimes and lunchtimes. He said: "The school governors investigated putting scaffolding up but that would impact on its performance, we thought about painting the blades a dazzle yellow but the manufacturer said that couldn't be done. "We've even gone as far as Stansted Airport to investigate bird-scaring plastic owls and we spoke to herring gull eyesight experts at the Natural History Museum. "We've tried so hard to be eco-friendly but now we can't turn it on. "We can't get rid of it either because we bought the turbine we had to apply for grants and the grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change states that it has to stay on site for five years." The school is now negotiating with Dorset County Council about the future of the wind turbine. ------ End of Forwarded Message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Vaughan, Robert" <robert.vaughan AT kcl.ac.uk>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 09:30:17 +0100

Wilson's plovers and slender-billed curlews perhaps? From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Norman Deans van Swelm Sent: 06 July 2010 21:45 To: UKBN Subject: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine FYI Does anyone know what kind of birds were involved? Norman From: mark duchamp Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 4:47 PM To: mark duchamp Subject: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it killed 14 in six months" (from full article below - The Telegraph) We are talking about a small, 6 KW 30 ft turbine. Imagine the massacre a large one would cause, one that sweeps an area bigger than a football field, with blades running at up to 300 kph at the tip. The AWEA, basing themselves on their own self-serving studies, claim that wind turbines in the US kill 1-2 birds a year. In reality, up to 1 MW wind turbines kill on average, conservatively, 25 birds a year (as per separate studies from Dr Lekuona in Spain, biologist Everaert in Belgium, ornithologist Winkelman in the Netherlands - 1996-2001). Bigger turbines, all other things being equal, kill more birds for they sweep larger areas. Recent studies don't show this, conducted as they are by "hired-gun" consultants hand picked by the wind industry. Exception: Dr. Shawn Smallwood at Altamont Pass, hired by public administrations during 10 years. His figures are mind boggling: the Altamont Pass windfarm kills yearly over 100 golden eagles (less now as their numbers, as a result, are dwindling across California), up to 2,000 raptors, and thousands of smaller birds. Dr Smallwood has now been black-listed by the Green Industrial Complex: he won't find another job, even with public administrations. My hat to this honest scientist, now unemployed. Like the wind turbine at Tesco (a UK supermaket), also closed down for similar reasons, the School turbine stands above a surface where dead birds can be easily spotted. This is why they make the news. But most wind turbines are erected in remote places away from the public eye, where bird victims are removed by raptors, foxes, and windfarm employees. It is therefore easy for wind promoters to pretend they don't kill many birds. Most ornithologists will confirm this for a fee, in studies that pay they mortgages and their new car loans. Bird societies, raking in millions from the windfarm business, will go a step further and join the Greenpeace/WWF chorus asking for more windfarms. Unfortunately for our bird life, all but a tiny fraction of the media (e.g. The Telegraph, The Washington Times, The National Post) rely on figures they get from the wind lobby. How ironic it is that the greenest politicians we ever had are destroying more wildlife, natural landscapes and habitats than all of their predecessors combined. Save for a handful of exceptions, the media thinks of nothing but to applaud while Rome is burning. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/7870929/Primary-school-forced-to-turn-off-wind-turbine-after-bird-deaths.html Primary school forced to turn off wind turbine after bird deaths A primary school has been forced to switch off a Ł20,000 wind turbine because it keeps killing passing seabirds. Sunday Telegraph 04 Jul 2010 The rotary blades on the 30ft (9m) structure have struck at least 14 birds in the past six months. The turbine, at Southwell Community Primary School, Portland, was installed 18 months ago thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Related Articles Homeowner ordered to switch off 'noisy' Ł20,000 wind turbine Wind turbines 'killed goats' by depriving them of sleep It provided six kilowatts of power an hour, but its performance was overshadowed by the number of birds killed - far higher than the one fatality per year predicted by the manufacturer. Headteacher Stuart McLeod was even forced to come into school early to clear up the bodies before his young pupils spotted them. School governers consulted seagull eyesight experts and investigated bringing in bird-scaring plastic owls to solve the problem, but to no avail. Mr McLeod said they had tried everything to stop the carnage but had no choice but to shut the turbine down. He said: "We've got the ideal location for wind power but unfortunately seagulls kept flying into it. "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it killed 14 in six months so we took advice and made the decision to turn it off. "If it had happened at night time you could understand that the birds couldn't see the blades, which rotate at 135mph but it was happening at all different times of the day." Mr McLeod said he worried about the impact on the birds and his pupils, who got upset when deaths happened during playtimes and lunchtimes. He said: "The school governors investigated putting scaffolding up but that would impact on its performance, we thought about painting the blades a dazzle yellow but the manufacturer said that couldn't be done. "We've even gone as far as Stansted Airport to investigate bird-scaring plastic owls and we spoke to herring gull eyesight experts at the Natural History Museum. "We've tried so hard to be eco-friendly but now we can't turn it on. "We can't get rid of it either because we bought the turbine we had to apply for grants and the grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change states that it has to stay on site for five years." The school is now negotiating with Dorset County Council about the future of the wind turbine. ------ End of Forwarded Message _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: KEN TUCKER <ken.tucker AT btinternet.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 21:07:51 +0000 (GMT)

Herring gulls > >From: Norman Deans van Swelm >To: UKBN >Sent: Tuesday, 6 July, 2010 21:45:06 >Subject: [UKbirdnet] Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > >FYI >Does anyone know what kind of birds were involved? >Norman > > >From: mark duchamp >Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 4:47 PM >To: mark duchamp >Subject: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine > > > >"We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it >killed 14 in six months" (from full article below - The Telegraph) > >We are talking about a small, 6 KW 30 ft turbine. Imagine the massacre a large >one would cause, one that sweeps an area bigger than a football field, with >blades running at up to 300 kph at the tip. > >The AWEA, basing themselves on their own self-serving studies, claim that wind >turbines in the US kill 1-2 birds a year. In reality, up to 1 MW wind turbines >kill on average,conservatively, 25 birds a year (as per separate studies from >Dr Lekuona in Spain, biologist Everaert in Belgium, ornithologist Winkelman in >the Netherlands - 1996-2001). Bigger turbines, all other things being equal, >kill more birds for they sweep larger areas. Recent studies don't show this, >conducted as they are by "hired-gun" consultants hand picked by the wind >industry. Exception: Dr. Shawn Smallwood at Altamont Pass, hired by public >administrations during 10 years. His figures are mind boggling: the Altamont >Pass windfarm kills yearly over 100 golden eagles (less now as their numbers, >as a result, are dwindling across California), up to 2,000 raptors, and >thousands of smaller birds. Dr Smallwood has now been black-listed by the Green >Industrial Complex: he won't find another job, even with public >administrations. My hat to this > >honest scientist, now unemployed. > >Like the wind turbine at Tesco (a UK supermaket), also closed down for similar >reasons, the School turbine stands above a surface where dead birds can be >easily spotted. This is why they make the news. But most wind turbines are >erected in remote places away from the public eye, where bird victims are >removed by raptors, foxes, and windfarm employees. It is therefore easy for >wind promoters to pretend they don't kill many birds. Most ornithologists will >confirm this for a fee, in studies that pay they mortgages and their new car >loans. Bird societies, raking in millions from the windfarm business, will go a >step further and join the Greenpeace/WWF chorus asking for more windfarms. > > >Unfortunately for our bird life, all but a tiny fraction of the media (e.g. The >Telegraph, The Washington Times, The National Post) rely on figures they get >from the wind lobby. How ironic it is that the greenest politicians we ever had >are destroying more wildlife, natural landscapes and habitats than all of their >predecessors combined. > > >Save for a handful of exceptions, the media thinks of nothing but to applaud >while Rome is burning. > > > > >http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/7870929/Primary-school-forced-to-turn-off-wind-turbine-after-bird-deaths.html > > > >Primary school forced to turn off wind turbine after bird deaths >A primary school has been forced to switch off a Ł20,000 wind turbine because >it keeps killing passing seabirds. > >Sunday Telegraph 04 Jul 2010 > >The rotary blades on the 30ft (9m) structure have struck at least 14 birds in >the past six months. > >The turbine, at Southwell Community Primary School, Portland, was installed 18 >months ago thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. > >Related Articles >Homeowner ordered to switch off 'noisy' Ł20,000 wind turbine >Wind turbines 'killed goats' by depriving them of sleep > >It provided six kilowatts of power an hour, but its performance was >overshadowed by the number of birds killed - far higher than the one fatality >per year predicted by the manufacturer. > >Headteacher Stuart McLeod was even forced to come into school early to clear up >the bodies before his young pupils spotted them. > >School governers consulted seagull eyesight experts and investigated bringing >in bird-scaring plastic owls to solve the problem, but to no avail. > >Mr McLeod said they had tried everything to stop the carnage but had no choice >but to shut the turbine down. > >He said: "We've got the ideal location for wind power but unfortunately >seagulls kept flying into it. > >"We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it >killed 14 in six months so we took advice and made the decision to turn it off. > >"If it had happened at night time you could understand that the birds couldn't >see the blades, which rotate at 135mph but it was happening at all different >times of the day." >Mr McLeod said he worried about the impact on the birds and his pupils, who got >upset when deaths happened during playtimes and lunchtimes. > >He said: "The school governors investigated putting scaffolding up but that >would impact on its performance, we thought about painting the blades a dazzle >yellow but the manufacturer said that couldn't be done. > >"We've even gone as far as Stansted Airport to investigate bird-scaring plastic >owls and we spoke to herring gull eyesight experts at the Natural History >Museum. > >"We've tried so hard to be eco-friendly but now we can't turn it on. > >"We can't get rid of it either because we bought the turbine we had to apply >for grants and the grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change >states that it has to stay on site for five years." > >The school is now negotiating with Dorset County Council about the future of >the wind turbine. > >------ End of Forwarded Message > > > > > >_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Fw: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:45:06 +0200

FYI Does anyone know what kind of birds were involved? Norman From: mark duchamp Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 4:47 PM To: mark duchamp Subject: UK School turns off bird-killing wind turbine "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it killed 14 in six months" (from full article below - The Telegraph) We are talking about a small, 6 KW 30 ft turbine. Imagine the massacre a large one would cause, one that sweeps an area bigger than a football field, with blades running at up to 300 kph at the tip. The AWEA, basing themselves on their own self-serving studies, claim that wind turbines in the US kill 1-2 birds a year. In reality, up to 1 MW wind turbines kill on average, conservatively, 25 birds a year (as per separate studies from Dr Lekuona in Spain, biologist Everaert in Belgium, ornithologist Winkelman in the Netherlands - 1996-2001). Bigger turbines, all other things being equal, kill more birds for they sweep larger areas. Recent studies don't show this, conducted as they are by "hired-gun" consultants hand picked by the wind industry. Exception: Dr. Shawn Smallwood at Altamont Pass, hired by public administrations during 10 years. His figures are mind boggling: the Altamont Pass windfarm kills yearly over 100 golden eagles (less now as their numbers, as a result, are dwindling across California), up to 2,000 raptors, and thousands of smaller birds. Dr Smallwood has now been black-listed by the Green Industrial Complex: he won't find another job, even with public administrations. My hat to this honest scientist, now unemployed. Like the wind turbine at Tesco (a UK supermaket), also closed down for similar reasons, the School turbine stands above a surface where dead birds can be easily spotted. This is why they make the news. But most wind turbines are erected in remote places away from the public eye, where bird victims are removed by raptors, foxes, and windfarm employees. It is therefore easy for wind promoters to pretend they don't kill many birds. Most ornithologists will confirm this for a fee, in studies that pay they mortgages and their new car loans. Bird societies, raking in millions from the windfarm business, will go a step further and join the Greenpeace/WWF chorus asking for more windfarms. Unfortunately for our bird life, all but a tiny fraction of the media (e.g. The Telegraph, The Washington Times, The National Post) rely on figures they get from the wind lobby. How ironic it is that the greenest politicians we ever had are destroying more wildlife, natural landscapes and habitats than all of their predecessors combined. Save for a handful of exceptions, the media thinks of nothing but to applaud while Rome is burning. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/7870929/Primary-school-forced-to-turn-off-wind-turbine-after-bird-deaths.html Primary school forced to turn off wind turbine after bird deaths A primary school has been forced to switch off a Ł20,000 wind turbine because it keeps killing passing seabirds. Sunday Telegraph 04 Jul 2010 The rotary blades on the 30ft (9m) structure have struck at least 14 birds in the past six months. The turbine, at Southwell Community Primary School, Portland, was installed 18 months ago thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Related Articles Homeowner ordered to switch off 'noisy' Ł20,000 wind turbine Wind turbines 'killed goats' by depriving them of sleep It provided six kilowatts of power an hour, but its performance was overshadowed by the number of birds killed - far higher than the one fatality per year predicted by the manufacturer. Headteacher Stuart McLeod was even forced to come into school early to clear up the bodies before his young pupils spotted them. School governers consulted seagull eyesight experts and investigated bringing in bird-scaring plastic owls to solve the problem, but to no avail. Mr McLeod said they had tried everything to stop the carnage but had no choice but to shut the turbine down. He said: "We've got the ideal location for wind power but unfortunately seagulls kept flying into it. "We were told by the manufacturer to expect maybe one fatality a year but it killed 14 in six months so we took advice and made the decision to turn it off. "If it had happened at night time you could understand that the birds couldn't see the blades, which rotate at 135mph but it was happening at all different times of the day." Mr McLeod said he worried about the impact on the birds and his pupils, who got upset when deaths happened during playtimes and lunchtimes. He said: "The school governors investigated putting scaffolding up but that would impact on its performance, we thought about painting the blades a dazzle yellow but the manufacturer said that couldn't be done. "We've even gone as far as Stansted Airport to investigate bird-scaring plastic owls and we spoke to herring gull eyesight experts at the Natural History Museum. "We've tried so hard to be eco-friendly but now we can't turn it on. "We can't get rid of it either because we bought the turbine we had to apply for grants and the grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change states that it has to stay on site for five years." The school is now negotiating with Dorset County Council about the future of the wind turbine. ------ End of Forwarded Message _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Petitions to protect the UK's fast-disappearing wild lands
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2010 20:33:02 +0200

Please sign and circulate Thursday 24th June, 2010 Petitions launched to protect the UK's fast-disappearing wild land The John Muir Trust has launched two petitions to urge the UK and Scottish governments to give greater protection to the country’s last remaining wild land. The petition in Scotland calls for wild land to be protected by a new environmental designation. The petition for the UK calls for National Park areas to be expanded and created to cover the best areas of wild land. Helen McDade, head of policy, said: “We aim to use these petitions to send a clear signal to the government that many thousands of people care passionately about wild land and want to see it given greater protection. Thousands have expressed concerns about proposed major developments in much-loved wild areas such as the Cairngorms and Snowdonia National Parks, as well as the Western Isles and Shetland. “It is vitally important that everyone who cares about our landscape adds their voice to our campaign through signing this petition.” The petitions are part of the Trust’s Wild Land Campaign, which aims to achieve greater protection for wild land from inappropriate development. Scottish Natural Heritage figures show that the amount of land in Scotland unaffected by visual intrusion fell from 41% to 31% between 2002 and 2008. Wind turbines, electricity pylons, tracks and housing were major factors in this decline. Whilst there is less wild land in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, that makes it particularly valuable as a refuge from the stress of modern life. Add your name to the petitions today. __._,_.__________________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010
From: "Martin Kitching" <martin.kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:38:15 +0100

Morning all With less than a month before the first of this year's Northumberland pelagics, places are filling rapidly. We do have a few spaces on all of trips listed below, so please give me a call on (01670) 827465 for further details or to book. I've added two further dates since originally publicising this year's pelagics; August 12th will be a groundbreaking all day trip to the Farne Deeps, and we've got a Whale & Dolphin Cruise from Seahouses on September 11th - right at the peak time for Northumberland cetacean sightings. Northern Experience Pelagic Trip Programme 2010 Friday 23rd July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 30th July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 6th August 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Thursday 12th August 2010 A 10-hour pelagic to the Farne Deeps departing Royal Quays Marina at 08:00. Cost Ł60 per person. Target species; White-beaked Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Minke Whale Saturday 4th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Saturday 11th September 2010 A 4-hour Whale and Dolphin Cruise departing Seahouses Harbour at 10:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; White-beaked Dolphin, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise. Saturday 18th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Our pelagic trips from Royal Quays take place on the SarahJFK, a 44ft converted lifeboat which is used for sea-angling charters and for the last nine years has been chartered for our pelagic trips. The boat offers an excellent vantage point for observation of wildlife. All of our Royal Quays pelagics are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, allowing all on board a good opportunity to see any birds or cetaceans which are found. Some truly outstanding opportunities for photography occur on our pelagic trips as well, with many birds being attracted very close to the boat. Our Whale & Dolphin Cruise from Seahouses will be on Glad Tidings V. Our pelagic trips have proved very successful and they are an excellent way to enjoy our offshore wildlife in the company of other birders who are always willing to help any less experienced participants. More experienced birders may well find that the North Sea is a new frontier for their birding. Pelagic birding is very unpredictable but highlights of our trips on the SarahJFK have included the 1st British North Sea Wilson's Petrel (2002), Long-tailed Skua (2002), Sabine's Gull (2005), Harbour Porpoise (2006), Minke Whale (2006 and 2007), Great Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater and Pomarine Skua (2007), excellent views of Sooty Shearwater in each of the last eight years and several very close encounters with White-beaked Dolphins. Participants should bring their own food and drink and warm/waterproof clothing. To reserve a place on any of these trips, please contact Martin Kitching martin AT newtltd.co.uk or (01670) 827465 and send a deposit of Ł10 per person per trip (cheque payable to 'Northern Experience Wildlife Tours Ltd', non-refundable if you cancel at a later date) to NEWT Ltd, 18 Frances Ville, Scotland Gate, Northumberland, NE62 5ST. The balance of payment is due 2 weeks before sailing. Martin Kitching_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Northumberland (UK) pelagics 2010
From: "Martin Kitching" <Martin.Kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:38:15 +0100

Morning all With less than a month before the first of this year's Northumberland pelagics, places are filling rapidly. We do have a few spaces on all of trips listed below, so please give me a call on (01670) 827465 for further details or to book. I've added two further dates since originally publicising this year's pelagics; August 12th will be a groundbreaking all day trip to the Farne Deeps, and we've got a Whale & Dolphin Cruise from Seahouses on September 11th - right at the peak time for Northumberland cetacean sightings. Northern Experience Pelagic Trip Programme 2010 Friday 23rd July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 30th July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 6th August 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Thursday 12th August 2010 A 10-hour pelagic to the Farne Deeps departing Royal Quays Marina at 08:00. Cost Ł60 per person. Target species; White-beaked Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Minke Whale Saturday 4th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Saturday 11th September 2010 A 4-hour Whale and Dolphin Cruise departing Seahouses Harbour at 10:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; White-beaked Dolphin, Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise. Saturday 18th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Our pelagic trips from Royal Quays take place on the SarahJFK, a 44ft converted lifeboat which is used for sea-angling charters and for the last nine years has been chartered for our pelagic trips. The boat offers an excellent vantage point for observation of wildlife. All of our Royal Quays pelagics are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, allowing all on board a good opportunity to see any birds or cetaceans which are found. Some truly outstanding opportunities for photography occur on our pelagic trips as well, with many birds being attracted very close to the boat. Our Whale & Dolphin Cruise from Seahouses will be on Glad Tidings V. Our pelagic trips have proved very successful and they are an excellent way to enjoy our offshore wildlife in the company of other birders who are always willing to help any less experienced participants. More experienced birders may well find that the North Sea is a new frontier for their birding. Pelagic birding is very unpredictable but highlights of our trips on the SarahJFK have included the 1st British North Sea Wilson's Petrel (2002), Long-tailed Skua (2002), Sabine's Gull (2005), Harbour Porpoise (2006), Minke Whale (2006 and 2007), Great Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater and Pomarine Skua (2007), excellent views of Sooty Shearwater in each of the last eight years and several very close encounters with White-beaked Dolphins. Participants should bring their own food and drink and warm/waterproof clothing. To reserve a place on any of these trips, please contact Martin Kitching martin AT newtltd.co.uk or (01670) 827465 and send a deposit of Ł10 per person per trip (cheque payable to 'Northern Experience Wildlife Tours Ltd', non-refundable if you cancel at a later date) to NEWT Ltd, 18 Frances Ville, Scotland Gate, Northumberland, NE62 5ST. The balance of payment is due 2 weeks before sailing. Martin Kitching [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Fw: [EuroTwitch] EAGLE OWLS destroyed in Bowland -
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:56:52 +0200

FYI From: LGREUK400 AT aol.com Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 5:15 PM Subject: [EuroTwitch] EAGLE OWLS destroyed in Bowland - See _http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/?p=1183_ (http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/?p=1183) I am appalled to hear from regular observers of the EURASIAN EAGLE OWL population in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, that two of the adults which were attending three fledged owlets have been destroyed, presumably shot dead. Rumours are rife that the RSPB were involved in the killing, following the publication (and promotion of the incident via video evidence by a popular birding press website) of a video showing one of the adults attacking an adult female Hen Harrier which was nesting close by within the Eagle Owl's territory. With just 6 pairs of Hen Harrier now known to be breeding in England and southern Scotland, and the continuation of well-keepered grouse estates to ensure that all are destroyed, the viability of the Hen Harrier population is tenuous at best, unless a 24-hour guard is made of EACH and EVERY nest-site (which is virtually impossible, as the birds continually breed on private moors with no general access). In my exchanges with land gentry/gamekeepers of recent years, and from additional information supplied by those studying the Eagle Owl population in Britain, it seems that the Eagle Owl is not one of their primary targets and they have largely been left alone, and hence why the population in Britain in recent years has exploded and reached as high as 44 territorial pairs in total. If true, it is therefore shameful that the RSPB and English Nature are illegally extinguishing Eagle Owls, as by taking such drastic action, not only will we lose the Hen Harriers but the Eagle Owls too. We have already seen a once thriving Northern Goshawk population in Bowland destroyed, so at this rate, the valley will soon fall silent At the very least, attempts should be made to catch these Eagle Owls in the wild in Britain, particularly if authorities are intent in not allowing them to survive side-by-side with our native wildlife. Lee G R Evans British Birding Association UK400 Club, Rare Birds Magazine, Ornithological Consultant and Conservationist_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: When do Blackcaps start singing?
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:51:01 +0200

Dear Ann, Thank you for your interesting observation. Hereunder you'll find a response from James Wolstencroft about Blackcaps' behaviour in it's true winter quarters in Africa. Have you been able to establish the age of your Blackcap, f.i have you noticed remnants of brown juvenile crown-feathers perhaps? Do your Blackcaps solely eat food you provide or have you seen them eat natural food-sources as well? Norman Ann Scott wrote: Although over the years Bob and I observed Blackcaps during the winter months we never heard them sing. However, this year in February, with snow still around, I had a Blackcap in the garden in full song. It continued for several days. > From: "James Wolstencroft" > Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 7:42 PM > To: "Norman Deans van Swelm" ; "Eurobirdnet" > > Subject: Re: [EBN] When do Blackcaps start singing? > >> The paler, greyer eastern dammholzi Caucasian-Iranian race of Blackcap >> is a common winter visitor to evergreen wooded-montane areas in East >> Africa. We have lots here in Arusha in our wilding/wildening garden >> where they eat and disperse the berries of the incredibly invasive - >> and top of "the most wanted list" - Lantana camara - the "Curse of >> India"! They engage in what seems to be a communal (several birds >> singing close together anyway) plastic or sub-song, which definitely >> gets stronger and more elaborate as the year progresses. It is heard >> chiefly in the afternoon at first, but later throughout the day. >> Starting from at the latest early January and continuing until the >> last male departs at the end of February-beginning of March. >> So yes Norman! Here at least (where of course at that season it isn't >> winter in any sense) I guess it is. >> >> I reckon most Palearctic 'wintering' passerine species here will sing >> like this; especially chats and warblers, just as soon as, or as long >> as, their bellies are full. And usually it is from a safe, sheltered >> location - an impenetrable tangle - and preferably close to a >> 'reliable' food source/good foraging area. >> >> All the palearctics have gone back north now! >> >> James >> On 7 May 2010, at 19:23, Norman Deans van Swelm wrote: >> >>> In the good 'old' days the first Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla were >>> heard singing in The Netherlands around 1st April, after they had >>> returned from their Mediterranean wintering areas. Blackcaps also >>> winter in NW Europe which is said to be a new phenomenon. This >>> winter two Blackcaps arrived in my garden (22nd December). The >>> female left the next day, the male on the other hand stayed and >>> defended the feeding station fiercely. He even managed to remove a >>> Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca subspec. permanently from the >>> garden, chasing it while uttering a loud repetative chatter. It all >>> went to quick to establish if the whitethroat belonged to one of the >>> mysterious desert forms of middle Asia. Anyway, the Blackcap, a >>> first winter male stayed and ate several times a day from the fat >>> blocks. During the first week of February it began to sing be it a >>> mumbling sub-song. A week later he was in full song and he kept >>> singing through March. He visited the feeding station for the last >>> time on 8th April. I am interested to hear if Blackcaps singing so >>> early in winter is normal. >>> Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: illegal golfcourse threatens Nationall Parc Mallorca: Call for HELP!!!!!!
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2010 01:22:38 +0200

I received an urgent call for help concerning Parc Natural de s' Albufera in Mallorca. This a protected Ramsar site of great importance. Near the village of Alcudia an illegal golfcourse is being built at this very moment and already causing lots of damage to rare orchids such as: Orchis coriophora var fragans; Orchis palustris and Ophrys apifera. This is going to be the 25th golfcourse on the island. The site in question is private property. Local authorities are unwilling or unable to stop the destruction. Urgent help is needed in particular from the European authorities. pictures can be seen here: http://picasaweb.google.es/bielperello/SonBoscJGelabert?authkey=Gv1sRgCPCQgNfcydPUNA&feat=directlink thanks in advance for your help, Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: (no subject)
From: eric wydenbach <ericwyd AT hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 20:19:59 +0000

http://sites.google.com/site/vzcqqcdk/eqkzsoi _________________________________________________________________ http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/197222280/direct/01/ Do you have a story that started on Hotmail? Tell us now _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 00:10:59 +0200

Well Jim why not get on the phone with Jamie? I am sure he is more than willing to sing the song for you. He knows it well as he has been listening to the BBC daily during the war years. Better still is listening to lovely Dame Vera Lynn. You'll find more here: http://www.bluebird-electric.net/dame_vera_lynn.htm Cheers, Norman Jim Barton (born 1934) says: Hello. I remember the song, but I don't remember the Bluebirds. On 15 May 2010 10:38, Norman Deans van Swelm wrote: No evidence eh? I thought it was common knowledge. What about the Bluebirds over the skies of Dover then? Norman Age is catching up on you. Surely you must remember listening to the BBC during the war that it is the White Cliffs of Dover the Bluebirds flew over :-) It was all to do with the nearby town of Hastings and the number of rarities there. Didn't you know that? :-) Anyway the new film must be better than the 80's HTW Bristol production of Robin that was on ITV. The ancient pylons featured were wonderful! At least now with programs like Dr Who and Cranford they just scrub out what they don't want you to see with a computer. J._______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: "Jim Barton" <redwingatfp1986 AT comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 15 May 2010 15:55:01 -0400

Hello. I remember the song, but I don't remember the Bluebirds. Yours, Jim Barton (born 1934) Cambridge, MA ----- Original Message ----- From: James Cracknell To: UKBN Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 6:28 AM Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Canada Goose On 15 May 2010 10:38, Norman Deans van Swelm wrote: No evidence eh? I thought it was common knowledge. What about the Bluebirds over the skies of Dover then? Norman Age is catching up on you. Surely you must remember listening to the BBC during the war that it is the White Cliffs of Dover the Bluebirds flew over :-) It was all to do with the nearby town of Hastings and the number of rarities there. Didn't you know that? :-) Anyway the new film must be better than the 80's HTW Bristol production of Robin that was on ITV. The ancient pylons featured were wonderful! At least now with programs like Dr Who and Cranford they just scrub out what they don't want you to see with a computer. J. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Sat, 15 May 2010 11:38:28 +0200

No evidence eh? I thought it was common knowledge. What about the Bluebirds over the skies of Dover then? Norman Malcolm Ogilvie states: > There is no evidence of "swarms of" Canada Geese entering the skies of > Britain before they were introduced here in the 17th century. The only > geese that came from Canada would have been Brent, just as is the case > now. > > I've never heard of "swarms of" Eskimo Curlews entering the skies of > Britain either and would be interested in your evidence for this > phenomenon! > In message <7801A70AC7AB4506BD86A806D7968631 AT NORMAN>, Norman Deans van > Swelm writes >>Well Eddie in those days there were was no Ducks Unlimited but the numbers >>of geese, ducks and Eskimo Curlews in Canada were limitless and every >>autumn >>swarms of these birds entered the skys of Britain so the film is correct >>in >>that and there is more. Did you hear Russell Crowe's accent? Indeed, Robin >>Hood was a Scot! Scots knew this ofcourse for a long time allready and now >>no one can deny it! >>Cheers, Norman >> >>Eddie Chapman wrote: > Last night I went to the movies to see the new >>Robin >>Hood film. I am sure >>> the film makers used a huge amount of money to get things correct in a >>> historical prospective. In one scene a ship is entering the mouth of the >>> river Thames on its way to London. It is an aerial view of the mouth of >>> the >>> estuary with the ship in the background. To make an effect a flock of >>> geese >>> fly past, and though you can't ID them, they do sound like Canada Geese. >>> And >>> here is me thinking Canada Geese were introduced in the 17th century. >>> See >>> what you think if you see the film. >> >>_______________________________________________ >>UKbirdnet mailing list >>ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk >>http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet > > -- > Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.437 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2875 - Release Date: 05/15/10 06:26:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org>
Date: Sat, 15 May 2010 08:20:46 +0100

Norman There is no evidence of "swarms of" Canada Geese entering the skies of Britain before they were introduced here in the 17th century. The only geese that came from Canada would have been Brent, just as is the case now. I've never heard of "swarms of" Eskimo Curlews entering the skies of Britain either and would be interested in your evidence for this phenomenon! Malcolm In message <7801A70AC7AB4506BD86A806D7968631 AT NORMAN>, Norman Deans van Swelm writes >Well Eddie in those days there were was no Ducks Unlimited but the numbers >of geese, ducks and Eskimo Curlews in Canada were limitless and every autumn >swarms of these birds entered the skys of Britain so the film is correct in >that and there is more. Did you hear Russell Crowe's accent? Indeed, Robin >Hood was a Scot! Scots knew this ofcourse for a long time allready and now >no one can deny it! >Cheers, Norman > >Eddie Chapman wrote: > Last night I went to the movies to see the new Robin >Hood film. I am sure >> the film makers used a huge amount of money to get things correct in a >> historical prospective. In one scene a ship is entering the mouth of the >> river Thames on its way to London. It is an aerial view of the mouth of >> the >> estuary with the ship in the background. To make an effect a flock of >> geese >> fly past, and though you can't ID them, they do sound like Canada Geese. >> And >> here is me thinking Canada Geese were introduced in the 17th century. See >> what you think if you see the film. > >_______________________________________________ >UKbirdnet mailing list >ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk >http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 21:51:14 +0200

Well Eddie in those days there were was no Ducks Unlimited but the numbers of geese, ducks and Eskimo Curlews in Canada were limitless and every autumn swarms of these birds entered the skys of Britain so the film is correct in that and there is more. Did you hear Russell Crowe's accent? Indeed, Robin Hood was a Scot! Scots knew this ofcourse for a long time allready and now no one can deny it! Cheers, Norman Eddie Chapman wrote: > Last night I went to the movies to see the new Robin Hood film. I am sure > the film makers used a huge amount of money to get things correct in a > historical prospective. In one scene a ship is entering the mouth of the > river Thames on its way to London. It is an aerial view of the mouth of > the > estuary with the ship in the background. To make an effect a flock of > geese > fly past, and though you can't ID them, they do sound like Canada Geese. > And > here is me thinking Canada Geese were introduced in the 17th century. See > what you think if you see the film. _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: "Roy Hargreaves" <roy.hargreaves AT btinternet.com>
Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 12:02:51 +0100

Never mind the Bee-eaters, Scop's and Tengmalm's Owls I have heard in supposedly English countryside. -----Original Message----- From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Malcolm Ogilvie Sent: 14 May 2010 10:10 To: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Canada Goose In message <000001caf327$1e883ec0$5b98bc40$ AT no>, Eddie Chapman writes >Hallo all, > >Last night I went to the movies to see the new Robin Hood film. I am >sure the film makers used a huge amount of money to get things correct >in a historical prospective. In one scene a ship is entering the mouth >of the river Thames on its way to London. It is an aerial view of the >mouth of the estuary with the ship in the background. To make an effect >a flock of geese fly past, and though you can't ID them, they do sound >like Canada Geese. And here is me thinking Canada Geese were introduced >in the 17th century. See what you think if you see the film. > They should be Brent Geese at the mouth of the Thames! Collared Doves can frequently be heard during outdoor scenes of period costume dramas :-) -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Canada Goose
From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org>
Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 10:10:18 +0100

In message <000001caf327$1e883ec0$5b98bc40$ AT no>, Eddie Chapman writes >Hallo all, > >Last night I went to the movies to see the new Robin Hood film. I am sure >the film makers used a huge amount of money to get things correct in a >historical prospective. In one scene a ship is entering the mouth of the >river Thames on its way to London. It is an aerial view of the mouth of the >estuary with the ship in the background. To make an effect a flock of geese >fly past, and though you can't ID them, they do sound like Canada Geese. And >here is me thinking Canada Geese were introduced in the 17th century. See >what you think if you see the film. > They should be Brent Geese at the mouth of the Thames! Collared Doves can frequently be heard during outdoor scenes of period costume dramas :-) -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Canada Goose
From: "Eddie Chapman" <echapman AT online.no>
Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 07:34:25 +0200

Hallo all, Last night I went to the movies to see the new Robin Hood film. I am sure the film makers used a huge amount of money to get things correct in a historical prospective. In one scene a ship is entering the mouth of the river Thames on its way to London. It is an aerial view of the mouth of the estuary with the ship in the background. To make an effect a flock of geese fly past, and though you can't ID them, they do sound like Canada Geese. And here is me thinking Canada Geese were introduced in the 17th century. See what you think if you see the film. Regards, Eddie Chapman, Voss, Norway. http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/Norway/ _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: When do Blackcaps start singing?
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 18:23:48 +0200

In the good 'old' days the first Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla were heard singing in The Netherlands around 1st April, after they had returned from their Mediterranean wintering areas. Blackcaps also winter in NW Europe which is said to be a new phenomenon. This winter two Blackcaps arrived in my garden (22nd December). The female left the next day, the male on the other hand stayed and defended the feeding station fiercely. He even managed to remove a Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca subspec. permanently from the garden, chasing it while uttering a loud repetative chatter. It all went to quick to establish if the whitethroat belonged to one of the mysterious desert forms of middle Asia. Anyway, the Blackcap, a first winter male stayed and ate several times a day from the fat blocks. During the first week of February it began to sing be it a mumbling subsong. A week later he was in full song and he kept singing through March. He visited the feeding station for the last time on 8th April. I am interested to hear if Blackcaps singing so early in winter is normal. Norman_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: See: the reward for corruption and deceipt!
From: "Norman Deans van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 11:52:59 +0200

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) just released a new plan that would overturn the global ban on commercial whaling, and even open a whale sanctuary near Antarctica for hunting. A final decision could happen as soon as next month, and Germany has a key role in the IWC's decision -- please write the German Federal Ministry for Agriculture and stop the sell out of the whales » Japan, Norway and Iceland have continued to hunt whales in defiance of the worldwide commercial whaling ban. The proposed plan would make their hunts legal again. A decision on the plan to resume killing whales could come as soon as next month! petition address: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/175446210?z00m=19842944 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Northumberland, UK, pelagics 2010
From: "Martin Kitching" <martin.kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:14:40 -0000

Northern Experience Pelagic Trip Programme 2010 (in association with Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club) Friday 23rd July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 30th July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 6th August 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Saturday 4th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Saturday 18th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Our pelagic trips take place on the SarahJFK, a 44ft converted lifeboat which is used for sea-angling charters and for the last nine years has been chartered for our pelagic trips. The boat offers an excellent vantage point for observation of wildlife. Our strategy involves 'chumming' to attract seabirds and we now have a chum grinder to make this a more efficient/effective process. All trips are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, allowing all on board a good opportunity to see any birds or cetaceans which are found. Some truly outstanding opportunities for photography occur on our pelagic trips as well, with many birds being attracted very close to the boat. Our pelagic trips have proved very successful and they are an excellent way to enjoy our offshore wildlife in the company of other birders who are always willing to help any less experienced participants. More experienced birders may well find that the North Sea is a new frontier for their birding. Pelagic birding is very unpredictable but highlights of our trips on the SarahJFK have included the 1st British North Sea Wilson's Petrel (2002), Long-tailed Skua (2002), Sabine's Gull (2005), Harbour Porpoise (2006), Minke Whale (2006 and 2007), Great Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater and Pomarine Skua (2007), excellent views of Sooty Shearwater in each of the last eight years and several very close encounters with White-beaked Dolphins. Participants should bring their own food and drink and warm/waterproof clothing. To reserve a place on any of these trips, please contact Martin Kitching martin AT newtltd.co.uk or (01670) 827465 and send a deposit of Ł10 per person per trip (cheque payable to 'Northern Experience Wildlife Tours Ltd', non-refundable if you cancel at a later date) to NEWT Ltd, 18 Frances Ville, Scotland Gate, Northumberland, NE62 5ST. The balance of payment is due 2 weeks before sailing. Alternatively, you can pay online by visiting our website http://www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk/tours.php?id=15 and following the link to our online shop. Martin Kitching_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Northumberland, UK, pelagics 2010
From: "Martin Kitching" <Martin.Kitching1 AT btopenworld.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:14:40 -0000

Northern Experience Pelagic Trip Programme 2010 (in association with Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club) Friday 23rd July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 30th July 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Friday 6th August 2010 A 4-hour evening pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 18:00. Cost Ł30 per person. Target species; Storm Petrel, Great Skua, cetaceans Saturday 4th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Saturday 18th September 2010 An 8-hour day pelagic departing Royal Quays Marina at 09:00. Cost Ł45 per person. Target species; skuas, shearwaters, cetaceans Our pelagic trips take place on the SarahJFK, a 44ft converted lifeboat which is used for sea-angling charters and for the last nine years has been chartered for our pelagic trips. The boat offers an excellent vantage point for observation of wildlife. Our strategy involves 'chumming' to attract seabirds and we now have a chum grinder to make this a more efficient/effective process. All trips are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, allowing all on board a good opportunity to see any birds or cetaceans which are found. Some truly outstanding opportunities for photography occur on our pelagic trips as well, with many birds being attracted very close to the boat. Our pelagic trips have proved very successful and they are an excellent way to enjoy our offshore wildlife in the company of other birders who are always willing to help any less experienced participants. More experienced birders may well find that the North Sea is a new frontier for their birding. Pelagic birding is very unpredictable but highlights of our trips on the SarahJFK have included the 1st British North Sea Wilson's Petrel (2002), Long-tailed Skua (2002), Sabine's Gull (2005), Harbour Porpoise (2006), Minke Whale (2006 and 2007), Great Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater and Pomarine Skua (2007), excellent views of Sooty Shearwater in each of the last eight years and several very close encounters with White-beaked Dolphins. Participants should bring their own food and drink and warm/waterproof clothing. To reserve a place on any of these trips, please contact Martin Kitching martin AT newtltd.co.uk or (01670) 827465 and send a deposit of Ł10 per person per trip (cheque payable to 'Northern Experience Wildlife Tours Ltd', non-refundable if you cancel at a later date) to NEWT Ltd, 18 Frances Ville, Scotland Gate, Northumberland, NE62 5ST. The balance of payment is due 2 weeks before sailing. Alternatively, you can pay online by visiting our website http://www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk/tours.php?id=15 and following the link to our online shop. Martin Kitching [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Lesvos Birds 2009 - free annual report now online
From: Steve Dudley <stevedudley AT btconnect.com>
Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:56:02 +0000

This is the first annual report for the island and covers all species recorded during 2009 and details of many rare and scarce species records from previous years. A4, 50 pages covering 257 species, many colour photographs. It is completely free to view online or to download (in low and hi res versions - see below) As well as accounts of commoner species, records covered also include many notable scarce and rare species including details of the first Lesvos records of Steppe Eagle, Pectoral Sandpiper, Red Knot, Little Swift, White-throated Dipper and Bluethroat; the fourth Whooper Swan; the fourth and fifth Terek Sandpipers; the fifth White-tailed Eagle; the eighth Common Pochard; and tenth Egyptian Vulture. In addition, the report includes the first recorded winter records of Black Kite, Turtle Dove sp. and Short-toed Lark. Links to the free web version PDF and free high res PDF download (37Mb) on the Lesvos Birding website at www.lesvosbirding.com. __________________ Steve Now available - A birdwatching guide to Lesvos www.lesvosbirding.com _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: FW: North Sea Pelagic
From: "Carl Chapman" <carl AT wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 22:18:15 -0000

I hope you don't mind me making this post but it is such a unique opportunity it would be a shame to let it pass by. The area of the Dogger Bank, which as you are probably aware, is about 70 miles into the North sea, is such an important area for seabirds and cetaceans it is surprising there have never been any Pelagics to the area previously. The Whale and Bird population that is reported by anglers frequenting the area makes it worthy of more attention. Only one charter boat on the whole of the UK's east coast is licensed to carry passengers that far out to sea. Undoubtedly, this has contributed to the area being relatively unexplored for seabirds and cetaceans. I shall be running a 24-hour trip to the area next August - the boat will leave from Whitby on the Yorkshire coast. I am able to organise cheap transport to Yorkshire and back for several individuals from the Norfolk/Suffolk area. If you are interested in coming along could I ask you to visit the following page of my website, read the information and register your interest. http://www.wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk/north-sea-pelagic/4538161660 Many thanks Regards Carl Chapman Wildlife Tours and Education "Showing You Wildlife" Mobile 07833 463 034 Office 01263 826 889 Website: www.wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Cheshire and Wirral Orn Soc meeting - Friday 5 Feb 2010 - Knutsford
From: "Sheila Blamire" <sheila AT onlybirding.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:24:36 -0000

This meeting should be of interest to anyone within a reasonable travelling distance of Knutsford, Cheshire (Junction 19 M6 or junction 8 M56) Friday 5th February 2010 ‘BENEATH THE DARK CANOPY’ by Mike Leach. A tropical rainforest is the richest habitat on Earth. It contains more than half of all known animal species. But what exactly is a rainforest? Using his experiences in Indonesia, the Amazon Basin, West Africa and Central America, Michael explains how a forest works and with an emphasis on birdlife, The talk explores the lives of hummingbirds, macaws, kingfishers, bellbirds, pottos, spectacle owls and hoatzins amongst other highly specialised animals that have evolved to live in this fragile and intricate environment. Cranford Suite (situated behind the cinema), Civic Centre, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 0PE An entrance fee of Ł1.50 to members and Ł3.00 for non-members will be charged at all meetings except the AGM when there will be free admission. A coffee break is taken halfway through the evening. The doors open at 7:30pm for a 7:45pm start. For further information contact Clive Richards: progsec AT cawos.org _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Foxes
From: "Williams, Nick (AH)" <Nick.Williams AT defra.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:11:30 -0000

Hi Andrew Sorry to disappoint you but Foxes are very capable swimmers and I don't think you'll be able to create a water barrier against them. Some years ago I carried out some intensive radio-tracking of several individuals for months on end. One young male had a regular habit of crossing to the other side of a major river to forage. It took me three nights, and lots of running, to get to grips with what he was doing. On the third night he again ran off and was on the other side of the river by the time I re-located him. But when he turned homewards at about 0330 hours I was ready for him and positioned myself on the river bank. It was dark but I was equipped with a superb pair of image intensifier binoculars. I watched him emerge from woodland and trot along to the edge of the water. The river was c250m wide at the point he chose and was particularly fast-flowing due to recent rains and it being partially tidal. He slipped into the water and paddled across. I don't have my notebook to hand but recall that it took him around 10 minutes to reach the other side. Amazingly, he was dragged almost 1Km downstream by the time he emerged, but he simply shook off the water, snuffled about and then trotted back home! Nick -----Original Message----- From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Andrew Carter Sent: 26 January 2010 19:11 To: UKBN Subject: [UKbirdnet] Foxes Hi - I'm trying to plan a fox proof piece of grassland in lowland meadows using water filled diteches - and have the following questions: What width of water would be fox proof - would 2 metres be enough? Would a fox readily swim a larger piece of water (5M's or 10M's?) if it thought nice young waders could be found on the otherside? Does still or running water make a difference? Hope someone can help. Thanks Andrew Carter _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) This email and any attachments is intended for the named recipient only. If you have received it in error you have no authority to use, disclose, store or copy any of its contents and you should destroy it and inform the sender. Whilst this email and associated attachments will have been checked for known viruses whilst within Defra systems we can accept no responsibility once it has left our systems. Communications on Defra's computer systems may be monitored and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes._______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Foxes
From: "Michael Watkins" <michaelwatkins936 AT btinternet.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:07:01 -0000

Hi I suggest you look at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-466429/Daring-raid-vixen-swims-river-times-steal-eggs-gooses-nest.html You should gather that swimmig the English Channel may be beyond a fox but I think a mere 10 metres maight be regarded as a training exercise! Regards Mike Watkins ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Carter" To: "UKBN" Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 7:10 PM Subject: [UKbirdnet] Foxes > Hi - > I'm trying to plan a fox proof piece of grassland in lowland meadows > using water filled diteches - and have the following questions: > What width of water would be fox proof - would 2 metres be enough? > Would a fox readily swim a larger piece of water (5M's or 10M's?) if it > thought nice young waders could be found on the otherside? > Does still or running water make a difference? > Hope someone can help. > Thanks > > Andrew Carter > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Foxes
From: Andrew Carter <standlynch AT btinternet.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:10:49 +0000

Hi - I'm trying to plan a fox proof piece of grassland in lowland meadows using water filled diteches - and have the following questions: What width of water would be fox proof - would 2 metres be enough? Would a fox readily swim a larger piece of water (5M's or 10M's?) if it thought nice young waders could be found on the otherside? Does still or running water make a difference? Hope someone can help. Thanks Andrew Carter _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Britain has a new birdlist and the 2nd ed.ofCollins'Bird guide is out. At last!
From: "Alan Dean" <alan_r_dean AT btinternet.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:18:56 -0000

It should be noted that in the accounts of Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gull in 'The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland', the winter status of the two taxa have been inadvertently reversed. It is indicated that in winter roosts Caspian is much commoner than Yellow-legged and that, in the BTO Gull Survey (2003/4 - 2005/6), over 100 Caspians were recorded compared with only 5 Yellow-legged. In fact the numbers were the other way around, with Yellow-legged much the commoner species. (In the last couple of winters, Caspian has been catching up fast in some parts of England!) Another error which has crept in involves a confusion in the nomenclature of the Isabelline Shrikes. In the paragraph on Distribution, the Daurian form is referred to as speculigerus and the Tarim Basin form as isabellinus (the original nomenclature). However, in the paragraph on Status records in Britain are attributed to phoenicuroides and isabellinus. Here isabellinus is referring to the Daurian form and not the Tarim form (i.e. isabellinus here is the modified nomenclature following Pearson's (2000) re-identification of the type specimen). In a book dealing with every species on the British list a few errors are inevitable, and, notwithstanding the above, 'The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland' is a thoroughly admirable work. Regards, Alan Dean ------------------------------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Norman D.van Swelm Sent: 24 January 2010 19:05 To: UKBN; BIRDWG01 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU; BirdsinRussia AT yahoogroups.com; EuroBirdNet Subject: [UKbirdnet] Britain has a new birdlist and the 2nd ed.ofCollins'Bird guide is out. At last! In 1971 the BOU published an avifaunal check-list under the name 'The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland' (ISBN 0 632 08140 6) and now in 2010 after forty years Christopher Helm cq A & C Black publishers ltd. have published a new list under the same name (ISBN 978-1-4081-2500-7) written by David T.Parkin and Alan G.Knox. The decay of the British landscape as a result of over-population and modern agriculture was already apparent in 1970 but forty years later unlimited human immigration, huge over-fishing and EC agriculture subsidies have had a mind boggling destructive effect on NW Europe's nature and Britain is no exception. Hundred's of thousands km's of hedges have been cut down and burned, paid for by the European taxpayer and for what? Crazy! Crazy and criminal! A long list of songbirds went into decline since and the results of BTO censuses are included in the book. Unhindered Intensive farming has diminished biodiversity to a minimum, fields once full of all kinds of life forms are now more or less dead. Only one bird has benefited: the Mediterranean Gull which thrives on fields 'drowned' in manure. After settling in large colonies near the Dutch-Belgian 'manure' belt from the late 1980's onwards ca 500 pairs breed in Britain at present. No line drawings such as the ones which illustrated the 1971 list have been included in the new book which is a pity. On the other hand the new book contains photographs which illustrate typical scenery and even some endemics such as Hebridean Songthrush. Parkin and Knox have done an impressive job and no one interested in faunistics can do without their monumental work. The weakness however is the urge to implement the most recent developments and publications at all cost. The new list is said to follow the sequence of K.H.Voous' 1977 BOU 'List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species' yet the authors saw it fit to modernise Voous' list which is confusing and unpractical as now the list begins with ducks instead of grebes which in turn are now placed before the raptors. There are more such shifts and this gives a rather messy impression. The late Kenneth Williamson explained already in the 1950's which weather systems were responsible for the arrival of south-eastern rarities at Fair Isle. Not only rarities arrive under these specific circumstances. They displace common species as well among them Blackcaps. Yet the authors seem overwhelmed by nonsense tales that Blackcaps have changed their migratory habits and are now even developing into a new form! It is rather surprising that an important British bird such as the Scottish Dunlin is lumped with the Baltic Dunlin despite their obvious differences. In the 1971 list all large white-headed gulls with grey mantles were called Herring Gull Larus argentatus of which only two subspecies were recorded in Britain & Ireland: L.a.argenteus the breeding stock and nominate L.a.argentatus from the Murmansk area immigrating from July onwards in order to winter. Other Herring Gull subspecies mentioned as possible visitors but not recorded with certainty were L.a.taimyrensis,L.a.michahellis and L.a.heuglini. L.a.cachinnans wasn't even mentioned! How the world of gulls changed! Before 1995 very few people knew the Caspian Gull L.cachinnans existed nor that it is a European breeding bird let alone what it looked like! From our colour-ring studies in the Ukraine it became clear that Caspian Gulls dispersed to W.Europe and an excellent study by Garner & Quinn in British Birds (1997) showed that Caspians spend the winter in England. Curiously enough Parkin & Knox do not even mention this important British study of a new British bird! Whatever, I wonder, became of this splendid artist David Quinn? Parkin & Knox go to extreme length to introduce new genetic studies and translate them into modern taxonomy, very brave but also very risky as these are new unchartered waters which may change rapidly as new results are being published almost on a monthly basis. Mixing old and new taxonomy may lead to strange conclusions. Parkin & Knox state: "The nominate race (argentatus) breeds in Germany and Fennoscandia, and is dispersive rather than migratory." Fact is that nominate argentatus which is recognizable by it's dark grey mantle does not breed in Germany nor Fennoscandia but breeds rather exclusively along the North Russian coast near Murmansk and the adjacent part of N.Norway and as for their migratory behaviour they fly thousands of km's to winter along the southern North Sea. Indeed one of the birds colour-ringed in our Norwegian project dispersed from N.Norway to Agadir in Morocco! The Dutch Herring Gull L.a.argenteus enters the Baltic in the West and then grades into the world of the Marsh Gull L.omissus, an old species which disperses westwards and sometimes reaches Britain as has been shown by ringing in the Baltic states! Another unhappy mix of old and new taxonomy which leads to almost comic results is the way Parkin & Knox deal with the Yellow-legged Gull L.michahellis. Michahellis is the name given to the Adriatic Yellow-legged Gull and thefore all yellow-legged gulls must be given that name in classic taxonomic thinking. The reality however is that the Atlantic yellow-legs and Mediterranean yellow-legs form two distinct groups whereby the Alantic yellow-legs are small, short-legged birds with dark grey mantles while the Mediterranean yellow-legs are larger (the birds from the Camarque and NE Spain are truly colossal!), long-legged gulls with light to dark grey mantles.Historically the Atlantic gulls are the oldest so naming them michahellis seems a bit far-fetched and confuses an already complicated case without need. The result is that Parkin & Knox paint a vague picture for the British situation which hampers progression unnecessary since quite a bit of knowledge on the subject has been gained over the last 20 years see f.i. the sections on Yellow-legged and Atlantic Gulls here: http://home.planet.nl/~swelm001/navigationindex.htm The other newcomer among gulls is ofcourse the American Herring Gull first as subspecies of L.argentatus and now as species L.smithonianus. It wasn't even mentioned in 1971 let alone expected to turn up in Europe! Now it has. There is one more thing that deserves more detailed clarification in my opinion and that is the geographic origin of the small breeding population of Snow Buntings in Scotland, they are said to be both the nominate Plectrophenax n.nivalis as well as the Icelandic subspecies insulae. It would be interesting to see this phenomenon illustrated. All in all a great book and whole-heartedly recommended. The Collins Bird Guide 2e edition Also just out and eagerly awaited. When I opened the book for the first time I thought I had a misprint as the first birds on show were DUCKS! Just imagine since the first Peterson Guides way back in the 1950's any decent fieldguide opened with DIVERS, GREBES, PELICANS and so on and so on but now DUCKS! Mind you I like ducks that's not the question but to begin with ducks is many steps to far! I know a recent study has shown that ducks are the oldest amongst equals but still this is a fieldguide and not a scientific guide! And a fieldguide opens with DIVERS! My interest went out to the implementation of recent knowledge about gulls of course! In the first edition Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans was non-existant, now it has three quarters of a page with all ages illustrated, very well done. Even Heuglin's and Baraba Gull are illusrated allbeit rather reluctantly and Baraba of similar size as Heuglin's wheras in my opinion the latter is larger. Even the Marsh Gull L.omissus is mentioned in the text where it is mentions as having yellow legs just as in the old days was said for cachinnans. I believe in both species yellow legs are rather unusual. On the other hand the treatment of Atlantic and Yellow-legged Gull is very disappointing indeed with f.i. one juv. shown only. Just imagine the Iberian peninsula alone has 4 subspecies with different juvenal plumages! Surely with 700,000 copies sold an artist can be asigned to go out there and paint the little buggers, the climate is good, the peoples are nice and the beaches great? A recent addition to the list is the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus which now breeds near Agadir, Morocco and has already been seen twice in Europe is also missed. I am also still surprised that a good series of pictures of Eskimo Curlew Numenius borealis is missing. Some people will argue that it is extinct but may I remind them that some people consider the Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris as extinct as well yet it is included in the guide! If you don't know what to look for any species becomes extinct! Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Britain has a new birdlist and the 2nd ed.of Collins'Bird guide is out. At last!
From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:05:09 +0100

In 1971 the BOU published an avifaunal check-list under the name 'The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland' (ISBN 0 632 08140 6) and now in 2010 after forty years Christopher Helm cq A & C Black publishers ltd. have published a new list under the same name (ISBN 978-1-4081-2500-7) written by David T.Parkin and Alan G.Knox. The decay of the British landscape as a result of over-population and modern agriculture was already apparent in 1970 but forty years later unlimited human immigration, huge over-fishing and EC agriculture subsidies have had a mind boggling destructive effect on NW Europe's nature and Britain is no exception. Hundred's of thousands km's of hedges have been cut down and burned, paid for by the European taxpayer and for what? Crazy! Crazy and criminal! A long list of songbirds went into decline since and the results of BTO censuses are included in the book. Unhindered Intensive farming has diminished biodiversity to a minimum, fields once full of all kinds of life forms are now more or less dead. Only one bird has benefited: the Mediterranean Gull which thrives on fields 'drowned' in manure. After settling in large colonies near the Dutch-Belgian 'manure' belt from the late 1980's onwards ca 500 pairs breed in Britain at present. No line drawings such as the ones which illustrated the 1971 list have been included in the new book which is a pity. On the other hand the new book contains photographs which illustrate typical scenery and even some endemics such as Hebridean Songthrush. Parkin and Knox have done an impressive job and no one interested in faunistics can do without their monumental work. The weakness however is the urge to implement the most recent developments and publications at all cost. The new list is said to follow the sequence of K.H.Voous' 1977 BOU 'List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species' yet the authors saw it fit to modernise Voous' list which is confusing and unpractical as now the list begins with ducks instead of grebes which in turn are now placed before the raptors. There are more such shifts and this gives a rather messy impression. The late Kenneth Williamson explained already in the 1950's which weather systems were responsible for the arrival of south-eastern rarities at Fair Isle. Not only rarities arrive under these specific circumstances. They displace common species as well among them Blackcaps. Yet the authors seem overwhelmed by nonsense tales that Blackcaps have changed their migratory habits and are now even developing into a new form! It is rather surprising that an important British bird such as the Scottish Dunlin is lumped with the Baltic Dunlin despite their obvious differences. In the 1971 list all large white-headed gulls with grey mantles were called Herring Gull Larus argentatus of which only two subspecies were recorded in Britain & Ireland: L.a.argenteus the breeding stock and nominate L.a.argentatus from the Murmansk area immigrating from July onwards in order to winter. Other Herring Gull subspecies mentioned as possible visitors but not recorded with certainty were L.a.taimyrensis,L.a.michahellis and L.a.heuglini. L.a.cachinnans wasn't even mentioned! How the world of gulls changed! Before 1995 very few people knew the Caspian Gull L.cachinnans existed nor that it is a European breeding bird let alone what it looked like! >From our colour-ring studies in the Ukraine it became clear that Caspian Gulls dispersed to W.Europe and an excellent study by Garner & Quinn in British Birds (1997) showed that Caspians spend the winter in England. Curiously enough Parkin & Knox do not even mention this important British study of a new British bird! Whatever, I wonder, became of this splendid artist David Quinn? Parkin & Knox go to extreme length to introduce new genetic studies and translate them into modern taxonomy, very brave but also very risky as these are new unchartered waters which may change rapidly as new results are being published almost on a monthly basis. Mixing old and new taxonomy may lead to strange conclusions. Parkin & Knox state: "The nominate race (argentatus) breeds in Germany and Fennoscandia, and is dispersive rather than migratory." Fact is that nominate argentatus which is recognizable by it's dark grey mantle does not breed in Germany nor Fennoscandia but breeds rather exclusively along the North Russian coast near Murmansk and the adjacent part of N.Norway and as for their migratory behaviour they fly thousands of km's to winter along the southern North Sea. Indeed one of the birds colour-ringed in our Norwegian project dispersed from N.Norway to Agadir in Morocco! The Dutch Herring Gull L.a.argenteus enters the Baltic in the West and then grades into the world of the Marsh Gull L.omissus, an old species which disperses westwards and sometimes reaches Britain as has been shown by ringing in the Baltic states! Another unhappy mix of old and new taxonomy which leads to almost comic results is the way Parkin & Knox deal with the Yellow-legged Gull L.michahellis. Michahellis is the name given to the Adriatic Yellow-legged Gull and thefore all yellow-legged gulls must be given that name in classic taxonomic thinking. The reality however is that the Atlantic yellow-legs and Mediterranean yellow-legs form two distinct groups whereby the Alantic yellow-legs are small, short-legged birds with dark grey mantles while the Mediterranean yellow-legs are larger (the birds from the Camarque and NE Spain are truly colossal!), long-legged gulls with light to dark grey mantles.Historically the Atlantic gulls are the oldest so naming them michahellis seems a bit far-fetched and confuses an already complicated case without need. The result is that Parkin & Knox paint a vague picture for the British situation which hampers progression unnecessary since quite a bit of knowledge on the subject has been gained over the last 20 years see f.i. the sections on Yellow-legged and Atlantic Gulls here: http://home.planet.nl/~swelm001/navigationindex.htm The other newcomer among gulls is ofcourse the American Herring Gull first as subspecies of L.argentatus and now as species L.smithonianus. It wasn't even mentioned in 1971 let alone expected to turn up in Europe! Now it has. There is one more thing that deserves more detailed clarification in my opinion and that is the geographic origin of the small breeding population of Snow Buntings in Scotland, they are said to be both the nominate Plectrophenax n.nivalis as well as the Icelandic subspecies insulae. It would be interesting to see this phenomenon illustrated. All in all a great book and whole-heartedly recommended. The Collins Bird Guide 2e edition Also just out and eagerly awaited. When I opened the book for the first time I thought I had a misprint as the first birds on show were DUCKS! Just imagine since the first Peterson Guides way back in the 1950's any decent fieldguide opened with DIVERS, GREBES, PELICANS and so on and so on but now DUCKS! Mind you I like ducks that's not the question but to begin with ducks is many steps to far! I know a recent study has shown that ducks are the oldest amongst equals but still this is a fieldguide and not a scientific guide! And a fieldguide opens with DIVERS! My interest went out to the implementation of recent knowledge about gulls of course! In the first edition Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans was non-existant, now it has three quarters of a page with all ages illustrated, very well done. Even Heuglin's and Baraba Gull are illusrated allbeit rather reluctantly and Baraba of similar size as Heuglin's wheras in my opinion the latter is larger. Even the Marsh Gull L.omissus is mentioned in the text where it is mentions as having yellow legs just as in the old days was said for cachinnans. I believe in both species yellow legs are rather unusual. On the other hand the treatment of Atlantic and Yellow-legged Gull is very disappointing indeed with f.i. one juv. shown only. Just imagine the Iberian peninsula alone has 4 subspecies with different juvenal plumages! Surely with 700,000 copies sold an artist can be asigned to go out there and paint the little buggers, the climate is good, the peoples are nice and the beaches great? A recent addition to the list is the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus which now breeds near Agadir, Morocco and has already been seen twice in Europe is also missed. I am also still surprised that a good series of pictures of Eskimo Curlew Numenius borealis is missing. Some people will argue that it is extinct but may I remind them that some people consider the Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris as extinct as well yet it is included in the guide! If you don't know what to look for any species becomes extinct! Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Swaros
From: Bo Beolens <bo.beolens AT btinternet.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:33:18 +0000

I have some brand new boxed swaro EL 8x32and 10x32 bins for sale... open to offers bo _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: advice on tripods
From: Bo Beolens <bo.beolens AT btinternet.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:32:13 +0000

Personally I use Swaovski carbon tripod and find the head fluid and the whole thing rock steady... you can even get something to hang beneath it for steadying it in a wind but I use it to seawatch all the time and its also light to carry bo On 23 Jan 2010, at 21:26, Phil J Belman wrote: > Michael, > > You might want to pop into Calumet to see what is > available at the pro end of the (photo) market > http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/Studio/Tripods/ > (I have no link with the store) > and then go for whatever you feel suits you on > design and price. Heavier is generally better, but > it is more a question (in my opinion) of how solid > the whole arrangement is and how easily legs extend > and lock. > > For me the main thing is that it must be light and > compact enough to carry on a trip. > > Regards, > > Phil > PJBelman AT compuserve.com > Southall, UK > > _______________________________________________ > UKbirdnet mailing list > ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: advice on tripods
From: "Phil J Belman" <PJBelman AT compuserve.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:26:20 -0000

Michael, You might want to pop into Calumet to see what is available at the pro end of the (photo) market http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/Studio/Tripods/ (I have no link with the store) and then go for whatever you feel suits you on design and price. Heavier is generally better, but it is more a question (in my opinion) of how solid the whole arrangement is and how easily legs extend and lock. For me the main thing is that it must be light and compact enough to carry on a trip. Regards, Phil PJBelman AT compuserve.com Southall, UK _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: advice on tripods
From: Michael Rank <rank AT mailbox.co.uk>
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:36:46 +0000

I'd welcome some advice on telescope tripods. I looked at a few in a shop today, brands like Manfrotto, Slix, Velbon, they vary quite a lot in weight and I'm not sure if I should go for a lighter one (easier to carry around) or a heavier one which should be more stable on a seawatch off Snettisham. What do you think? I made a bad buy last time (nothing to do with the weight, to do with adjusting the head) and don't want to make another expensive mistake. Many thanks, Michael _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: mystery teal from Seattle, USA
From: "Roy Hargreaves" <roy.hargreaves AT btinternet.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:58:27 -0000

Ian, I am guessing that what had people suggesting Garganey is the paler loral spot and the faint dark bar across the ear-coverts parallel to, and under the eye-stripe. I see a number of Eurasian Teal that look like this every winter at Tring Reservoirs and would suspect that this also occurs in Green-winged Teal. The stripe across the ear-coverts is not distinct enough for Garganey and really should reach the bill. Also the bird's bill looks too short for Garganey and Blue-winged Teal - both of which also have a slightly more spatulate bill than Eurasian Teal. There are other structural features that are wrong for Garganey, but of course Malcolm's succinct appraisal about the speculum is obviously spot on as well. Again head pattern and wing-pattern as well as bill structure are also wrong for Blue-winged Teal. I would certainly put it down as a Green-winged/Eurasian Teal if I saw it locally - I might be hard-pushed to call it a Green-winged though:-) Regards Roy -----Original Message----- From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Malcolm Ogilvie Sent: 08 January 2010 15:47 To: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] mystery teal from Seattle, USA The green in the speculum rules out Garganey and Blue-winged Teal. The comparison with the Mallard suggests it is a bit large for a Green-winged Teal, but if the comparison is distorted by perspective, then I think that's what it probably is. Malcolm In message , Ian Paulsen writes >Hello: > A mystery teal has been seen off and on in Seattle, Washington State, >USA. A couple of photographs are here: > >http://www.flickr.com/photos/crappywildlifephotography/ > >Some think it's a Garganey, but others think it's a green-winged or >blue-winged teal. I was wondering if anybody on your side "of the pond" >has any ideas as to which species it is? > >sincerely -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: mystery teal from Seattle, USA
From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org>
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 15:47:19 +0000

The green in the speculum rules out Garganey and Blue-winged Teal. The comparison with the Mallard suggests it is a bit large for a Green-winged Teal, but if the comparison is distorted by perspective, then I think that's what it probably is. Malcolm In message , Ian Paulsen writes >Hello: > A mystery teal has been seen off and on in Seattle, Washington State, >USA. A couple of photographs are here: > >http://www.flickr.com/photos/crappywildlifephotography/ > >Some think it's a Garganey, but others think it's a green-winged or >blue-winged teal. I was wondering if anybody on your side "of the pond" >has any ideas as to which species it is? > >sincerely -- Malcolm Ogilvie, Isle of Islay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: mystery teal from Seattle, USA
From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker AT zipcon.net>
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 23:30:31 -0800 (PST)

Hello: A mystery teal has been seen off and on in Seattle, Washington State, USA. A couple of photographs are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crappywildlifephotography/ Some think it's a Garganey, but others think it's a green-winged or blue-winged teal. I was wondering if anybody on your side "of the pond" has any ideas as to which species it is? sincerely -- Ian Paulsen Bainbridge Island, WA, USA " Which just goes to show that a passion for books is extremely unhealthy." from Cornelia Funke's "Inkheart". _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: URGENT: LESS THAN 24 hours to act to save 10 pairs of breeding Scottish Golden Eagles. A call for Raptorphiles everywhere to act.
From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 21:28:32 +0000

Dear Raptorphiles Your help is urgently needed Please act right away. More Scottish eagles are at risk...again! Glen Affric to Strathconon is of special nature conservation importance. The area holds good numbers of golden eagles with high productivity. The wind turbine application site supports 10 pairs of golden eagle, 2.2% of the GB population, thereby meeting Stage 1 of the UK SPA guidelines for Annex 1 species. The area also meets five of the seven Stage 2 guidelines. I note below my letter of objection to the Highland Council. Can Raptorphiles also please object immediately to help these 20 eagles, all at risk from being chopped to death by more wind turbines in their territory.. The link to object http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?action=showSummary&caseNo=09/00693/FULRC ** *THE DEADLINE IS TOMORROW 8TH JANUARY 2009. PLEASE ACT NOW TO SAVE THESE EAGLES FROM EVEN MORE TURBINES IN THEIR WILD HABITAT.* ** *You will note there are only 2 objections to this development. This is because the link has been down since BEFORE the holiday break and during it ! * ** *I'd drafted this email on the 27th December to send it to the listserve awaiting the link being restored. I learned only today that it is live again after the holidays and when I tried to register my objection, it seems to reject or doesn't like gmail email accounts. Therefore it DID NOT register my objection so I have had to sent it to * planning.inverness AT highland.gov.uk Raptorphiles may encounter similar problems. There should be more objections to this site (only 2) but that's because they are not being registered on the site. Objections to this application CLOSE TOMORROW 8TH JANUARY 2010, hence urgent request. Lochluichart nearby has already been given approval, so the area will soon become another lethal bird trap for Golden Eagles. Please send a letter of objection today. (Some people may wish to use mine as a template and adjust accordingly, if desired.) I have also sent a letter of complaint to the Highland Council because the site has been down, thus meaning one could not object. Only 2 objections and one wonders why ! ? This madness to develop known eagle territory must stop. Grateful if Raptorphiles could please act before it is too late. If one cannot register their objection on the above website link to David Mundie then please send your objection and complaint to Planning queries: 1-3 Church Street Inverness IV1 1DY Tel: (01463) 720 606 Fax: (01463) 711 332 Email: planning.inverness AT highland.gov.uk Reference: 09/00693/FULRC Alternative Reference: Application Received: 02 Dec 2009 Address: Corriemoillie Forest Gorstan Garve Proposal: Erection of 19 wind turbines, anemometer mast and wind farm control building, formation of temporary construction compound, access tracks and borrow pits Status: Pending Consideration *Unable to object on the official website!* ** Maybe one might get some satisfaction to this wholly unsatisfactory situation. Why are links to such applications almost always down ? Sylvia. My objection below: Application Number *09/00693/FULRC* *Corriemoillie Wind Farm application* I strongly object to this proposal on the following grounds: 1. The site is adjacent to the recently proposed Glen Affric to Strathconon golden eagle Special Protection Area. Eagles are commonly known to be vulnerable to disturbance from the construction of wind farms and indeed there have been reported incidents of eagles being killed by turbines. SNH state that, "Golden eagles tend to be traditional in their use of range such that, without external influences, populations tend to be largely stable and fluctuate over time between narrow limits. Glen Affric to Strathconon is of special nature conservation importance within Britain and the EU for regularly supporting a population of European importance of the Annex 1 species golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The area holds good numbers of golden eagle at moderate density and with high productivity. The site supports 10 pairs of golden eagle, 2.2% of the GB population, thereby meeting Stage 1 of the UK SPA guidelines for Annex 1 species. The area also meets five of the seven Stage 2 guidelines." A Special Protection Area or SPA is a designation under the European Union directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. Member States of the European Union have a duty to safeguard the habitats of migratory birds and certain particularly threatened birds. Together with special areas of conservation or SACs, the SPAs form a network of protected sites across the EU, called Natura 2000. 2. The Cumulative effect on the landscape as the site is adjacent to the Lochluichart wind farm which has already been approved. This scheme would effectively double the number of turbines in the area. Wildlife in that area will be affected and this is further harm to the wildlife in the area. 3. The site impinges on the areas of wild land known as the Fannich and Beinn Dearg Special Areas of Conservation. A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is defined in the European Union's Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. This leigislation is meant to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1000 species listed in annex I and II of the directive which are considered to be of European interest following criteria given in the directive. What's the point of paying for all that legislation for it to be ignored, or wiped away in favour of wind turbines ? There should be a presumption against development so close to eagle territories and areas of high value. Please register my objection with immediate effect. Yours faithfully, S Wallace -- ** Wind Turbines ARE a THREAT to wildlife http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srPoOU6_Z4 Felled by a lethal turbine blade. Betrayed by its guardians?_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Cheshire and Wirral Orn Soc meeting - Friday 8 Jan 2010- Knutsford
From: "Sheila Blamire" <sheila AT onlybirding.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:53:14 -0000

This meeting should be of interest to anyone within a reasonable travelling distance of Knutsford, Cheshire (Junction 19 M6 or junction 8 M56) Friday 8th January 2010 ‘GATEWAY TO SAHARA’ by Keith Offord. Morocco is so close to Europe and yet so far, both in terms of culture and wildlife. It is a country rich in diversity, from the high alpine crags of the Atlas Mountains to the edges of the Sahara desert. Internationally important wetlands can be found along the coastline and it is hardly surprising that Morocco boasts a fascinating range of birds and other wildlife. Cranford Suite (situated behind the cinema), Civic Centre, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 0PE An entrance fee of Ł1.50 to members and Ł3.00 for non-members will be charged at all meetings except the AGM when there will be free admission. A coffee break is taken halfway through the evening. The doors open at 7:30pm for a 7:45pm start. For further information contact Clive Richards: progsec AT cawos.org" _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: EBN
From: "Eddie Chapman" <echapman AT online.no>
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:21:55 +0100

Hallo all, I am having problem sending a mail to Eurobirdnet. Have they changed their e-mail address? What address should I use to send a mail to that group? Merry Christmas one and all, Eddie Chapman, Voss, Norway. Blog: http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/Norway/ _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Kentish Plover
From: "Eddie Chapman" <echapman AT online.no>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:56:15 +0100

Maybe of interest to some? http://www.bath.ac.uk/news/2009/10/22/plover-species/ Eddie, Voss, Norway. http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/Norway/ _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Cheshire and Wirral Orn Soc meeting - Friday 6 Nov 2009 - Knutsford
From: "Sheila Blamire" <sheila AT onlybirding.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:12:19 -0000

Hi All This meeting should be of interest to anyone within a reasonable travelling distance of Knutsford, Cheshire (Junction 19 M6 or junction 8 M56) Friday 6th November 2009 DISPERSAL OF THE HEN HARRIER IN N. ENGLAND by Stephen Murphy Based on his research with Natural England on a 5-year project Stephen’s study aims to increase knowledge of the raptor’s ecology by monitoring the only viable breeding population in England. When and where do the young birds go in their first and most demanding year? Why is there high productivity yet declining population? Dispersal remains one of the least understood factors in conservation biology yet is a critical process in the spatial dynamics of populations. Could we help if we record tagged birds ‘straying’ into Cheshire or more likely Wirral in winter? Cranford Suite (situated behind the cinema), Civic Centre, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 0PE An entrance fee of Ł1.50 to members and Ł3.00 for non-members. The doors open at 7:30pm for a 7:45pm start. For further information contact Clive Richards: progsec AT cawos.org _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Understanding the role of wind energy
From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:23:43 +0100

FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: Donald Heintzelman To: raptor-conservation AT yahoogroups.com ; Raptor Biology Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 1:48 PM Subject: [RaptorBiology] Understanding the role of wind energyHere are links to two essential reading items that help people understand the failure of utility-scale wind power in relation to modern electricity generation and grid operation. Because utility- and community-scale wind energy presents potential and real threats to raptors--especially migrating raptors--and other wildlife including migrating swans, this information is relevant and pertinent to raptor conservation and raptor biology. Therefore, please do read both! http://www.masterresource.org/2009/10/industrial-wind-plants-bad-economics-bad-ecology/ And then there is this follow-up http://www.masterresource.org/2009/10/industrial-wind-technology-interview-of-jon-boone-by-allegheny-treasures/ Sincerely, Donald S. Heintzelman Ornithologist and Author Zionsville, PA USA donsh AT enter.net www.raptorcorridor.org_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Fw: [RaptorBiology] vulture hit by wind turbine
From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:07:35 +0100

FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: Fabrice Delorme To: Raptor Biology Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 11:39 AM Subject: [RaptorBiology] vulture hit by wind turbinecheck this incredible video where you clearly see a vulture hit by a wind turbine : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srPoOU6_Z4&feature=autofb Fabrice_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet
Subject: Re: Kentish vs. Snowy Plovers
From: Colin Paul Adams <colin AT colina.demon.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:36:52 +0000

>>>>> "Ian" == Ian Paulsen writes: Ian> HI ALL: I saw this in the October 2009 issue of The AUK: Ian> Kentish Versus Snowy Plover: Surely this should be Kentish Plover versus Plover of Kent? (according to which side of the Medway they are to be found) -- Colin Adams Preston Lancashire _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet

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