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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 ] 28 Oct Kentish vs. Snowy Plovers [Ian Paulsen ] 25 Oct Windmills: a significant, alarming bird mortality study ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 24 Oct joke [Paul Tout ] 23 Oct Flight 188 ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 7 Aug Launch of BWEA newsletter for all Councillors and Planning Officers [sylvia wallace ] 22 Jul Re: not all kites are welcome! [Paul Tout ] 22 Jul Re: not all kites are welcome! [Jan-Paul Charteris ] 22 Jul not all kites are welcome! ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 12 Jul AOU Checklist Supplement summary [Ian Paulsen ] 11 Jul PARANYS - AN ILLEGAL, NON-SELECTIVE AND MASS BIRD TRAPPING METHOD IN SPAIN [Proact Campaigns ] 11 Jul PARANYS - AN ILLEGAL, NON-SELECTIVE AND MASS BIRD TRAPPING METHOD IN SPAIN [Proact Campaigns ] 9 Jul Re: The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 ["nathalie schorbon" ] 9 Jul **SPAM** RE: The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 [Paul Tout ] 9 Jul The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 8 Jul Tripa rainforest destruction ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 5 Jul Review of the new RBA X3 pager [Graham Etherington ] 29 Jun Re: Fw: OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE - Prof. Bellamy & M. Duchamp [Malcolm Ogilvie ] 29 Jun Fw: OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE - Prof. Bellamy & M. Duchamp ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 26 Jun test [Jim Barton ] 26 Jun taxonimic status Macronesian Shearwater/baroli, boydi [Jim Barton ] 19 Jun Fwd: Golden Eagle [sylvia wallace ] 4 Jun Little Egret with dark eyes ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 4 Jun Little Egret with dark eyes ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 4 Jun Little Egret with dark eyes ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 2 Jun Fwd Golden Eagle death and cover up [sylvia wallace ] 2 Jun Fwd Golden Eagle death and cover up [sylvia wallace ] 21 May Robin - RFI ["Michael Watkins" ] 21 May Re: windenergie has it's down side [Malcolm Ogilvie ] 21 May Fw: OPEN LETTER to RSPB, a responce from the US ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 21 May windenergie has it's down side ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 20 May Birdwatch - issue 204 (June 2009): table of contents ["Chris Harbard" ] 14 May Re: Swifts and House Martins [Michael Rank ] 14 May Re: Swifts and House Martins ["Nick Morgan" ] 14 May Re: Swifts and House Martins ["Richard Thomas" ] 14 May Re: Swifts and House Martins [John McGloin ] 14 May Re: Swifts and House Martins ["NJ Lindsey" ] 14 May Re: Swifts and House Martins ["Rob Robinson" ] 14 May Swifts and House Martins [Mick Farmer ] 13 May book wanted [Ian Paulsen ] 20 Apr Re: **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change [sylvia wallace ] 17 Apr Re: migrating birds and climate change ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 17 Apr ARDEA : 97 ( 1) ["Jacob de Vries" ] 17 Apr Re: **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change ["Rob Robinson" ] 17 Apr **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 14 Apr BirdLife Malta warden shot for the second time [Proact Campaigns ] 12 Apr 10 birds as tourism attractions [Gunnar Engblom ] 27 Mar Fwd: 1000 birds to see before you die [Gunnar Engblom ] 26 Mar Bird expert hits out over RSPB's call for more windfarms, ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 20 Mar Birding World ["Tony Morris" ] 20 Mar State of the USA's biirds - 1/3 of bird populations in decline [Proact Campaigns ] 20 Mar Illegal Hunting and Trapping on Malta [Proact Campaigns ] 27 Feb Wings down ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 25 Feb Birdwatch - issue 201 (March 2009): table of contents ["Chris Harbard" ] 23 Feb Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought [Malcolm Ogilvie ] 22 Feb Re: Gentlemen... ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 22 Feb Gentlemen... ["Jim Barton" ] 22 Feb moult sequence of Alaskan Glaucous Gull ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 22 Feb Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought ["Alf King" ] 22 Feb Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 22 Feb Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills morebirds than previously thought [Malcolm Ogilvie ] 22 Feb Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills morebirds than previously thought ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 22 Feb Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than previously thought [Malcolm Ogilvie ] 20 Feb Re: Alaskan Glaucous Gull ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 19 Feb Alaskan Glaucous Gull ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 15 Feb Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than previously thought ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 07 Feb New Information on Stone Crush Traps [Proact Campaigns ] 06 Feb Proact and CABS on Facebook [Proact Campaigns ] 30 Jan Scandalous persecution of birds of prey in Germany [Proact Campaigns ] 28 Jan After all, what is nature for? Destruction of marshes and its protected wildlife. A great remedy in a crises. ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 26 Jan Birds of SE Asia [Ian Paulsen ] 26 Jan Chance of a lifetime: Volunteer ringers for Eastern Turkey! ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 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 £1.50 to members and £3.00 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 Subject: Kentish vs. Snowy Plovers From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker AT zipcon.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:24:28 -0700 (PDT) HI ALL: I saw this in the October 2009 issue of The AUK: Kentish Versus Snowy Plover: Phenotypic and Genetic Analyses of Charadrius alexandrinus Reveal Divergence of Eurasian and American Subspecies Clemens K�pper, Jakob Augustin, Andr s Kosztol nyi, Terry Burke, Jordi Flguerola, and Tam s Sz‚kely, K. T. Scribner Associate Editor pg(s) 839852 Abstract ABSTRACT. Many shorebird species have widespread geographic distributions comprising several continents. Because shorebirds are excellent flyers and can migrate large distances, it is often unclear whether reproductive barriers between subspecies and populations from different continents exist. Kentish-Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) are cosmopolitan shorebirds. Whether the American and Eurasian subspecies-Snowy Plover and Kentish Plover, respectivelyconstitute a single species is the subject of a longstanding debate. We examined the divergence between American and Eurasian populations to reassess the current taxonomy by comparing genetic and phenotypic characters of the American subspecies C. a. nivosus and the Eurasian subspecies C. a. alexandrinus from seven populations. Genetic analyses revealed that American and Eurasian populations have strongly diverged, the Kentish Plover being more closely related to the White-fronted Plover (C. marginatus) than to the Snowy Plover. These results were consistent across all assessed nuclear markers (26 microsatellites and a partial CHD sequence) and two mitochondrial markers (ND3 and ATPase 6/8). Within subspecies, populations sampled across large geographic distances were not genetically differentiated (all F st ó 0.01 and all èst ó 0.06), which suggests panmixia. Snowy Plovers differed morphologically from Kentish Plovers, having significantly shorter tarsi and wings. Chick plumage and calls also may serve as diagnostic characters to distinguish Snowy and Kentish plovers, although more data are needed to quantify these differences. Our combined results suggest that the taxonomic status of C. alexandrinus needs to be revised, and we propose that Kentish Plover and Snowy Plover be recognized as separate species: C. alexandrinus and C. nivosus, respectively. Are there any records of the Snowy Plover in Europe? 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: Windmills: a significant, alarming bird mortality study From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:08:07 +0100 FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: David Blum To: raptor-conservation AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:12 AM Subject: a significant, alarming bird mortality study Dear members: I haven't read the latest report from Altamont Pass on burrowing owls, but I have read this earlier one from a few weeks ago: http://www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC-500-2008-080/CEC-500-2008-080.PDF This particular study encompassed 62 tubular-tower wind turbines totalling 22 megawatts of rated capacity. Based upon carcasses found and after adjusting for searcher and scavenger removal biases, the authors estimated that 50 raptors out of a total of 95 birds are being killed annually by the 62 turbines. More raptors may be maimed, and manage to escape on foot outside the turbine areas – e.g., both crippled, a golden eagle and a red-tailed-hawk were actually found away from the turbines. Though subsequently euthanized, these victims were not included in the mortality figures, as each casualty must be assigned a turbine number for future reference. Because of this, and of various other factors of uncertainty, the authors note: “the confidence intervals indicate the numbers could be as high as 115 and 240, respectivelyâ€�. The difference between the estimate based on carcasses found, and the higher number calculated by applying a factor of uncertainty, may be explained in part by the following factors: · the crippling bias (number of birds injured by the wind turbines but which die undetected somewhere else). · the radius bias (number of undetected carcasses lying outside the search radius around each turbine - generally 50 m) · the outsider bias: “ birds removed by the wind turbine owners without our knowledge.â€� · the zero-find bias: “Another potential source of error is the proportion of turbine rows where we recorded zero fatalities but where scavengers might have removed carcasses prior to our searches, or where our searches missed carcasses. We did not adjust these zero-values for searcher detection and scavenger removal errors because zero divided by p or R equals zero.â€� Note : the same applies when no carcass of a given species is found for an entire study area. · The search period bias : the longer the period between searches, the higher the zero-find bias. Conclusion: In any event, whether the 62 tubular-tower wind turbines totalling 22 MW are responsible for the death by collision of 50, or 115 raptors per annum, any of these numbers represents the highest raptor-windfarm mortality in the world. It also suggests that collision mortality has been grossly underestimated at Altamont in the past, as well as everywhere else. The "swamping" bias is the cause, and this is a real novelty. I invite you to find out about it by reading the report : http://www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC-500-2008-080/CEC-500-2008-080.PDF The other far-reaching novelty is the finding that declivity winds, not prey, may be the determining factor that attracts raptors to where wind turbines are located. If this is the case, then wind turbines won't stop killing raptors no matter how much land-management is prescribed as mitigation. This is bad news for the wind industry. No wonder Dr. Smallwood gets so much flak from wind farm apologists. This unpleasant working condition for Dr. Smallwood is nothing new: already in 2006 he was the object of a smear campaign, and the American Justice system had to come to his rescue: http://www.iberica2000.org/Documents/EOLICA/BIRD_MORTALITY/Attorney_General_defends_Dr.Smallwood_against_smear_campaign.pdf In a world where money corrupts everything, the good guys are often the ones who get smeared, banned, ostracized. "You cannot slander human nature; it is worse than words can paint it." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon David _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: joke From: Paul Tout <paul_tout AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:54:17 +0200 Dear Kingsmill confessions, I once baked a loaf of bread containing cannabis, and I went to the beach where I fed it to the seabirds. I left no tern unstoned. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_1:092010 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Flight 188 From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:21:29 +0200 has revealed why birds overshoot their intended destination: they fall asleep! Cheers, Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Launch of BWEA newsletter for all Councillors and Planning Officers From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 13:08:35 +0100 What others fail to point out. *This BELOW is being circulated to all Councillors in England and Wales and in it, it clearly states* *Wind Turbines no threat to wildlife, says RSPB.* *Wind groups are looking for honest, trustworthy, completely independent ornithologists prepared to challenge this and carry out proper assessments. Please email me, if interested. Confidentiality assured.* *For wind power, for developers, or for birds ?* Sylvia. Green energy is fascism in the wind: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/mar/29/lovelock-wind-farms Eco friendly ? Socially Responsible ? Sustainable ? See: Mama Abut and her baby near dead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTAxUODTC8&feature=channel Eco fuels - A 21st Century Crime ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxioapZ1nww Wind turbines: Freezers full of dead eagles and wild birds of prey. Biofuels: Freezers full of dead orangutans Sustainable Living: Remote Communities' land under attack! Their living, breathing, self stocking supermarket chopped down, set on fire and destroyed. The true cost of being "Green". 3 indigenous communities speak out about how they are being treated. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJZB2jNHRY Wind power - Disturbance and or /a reckless act ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3148 (Scotland) Part 3 and Schedule 6 of the Act make amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, strengthening the legal protection for threatened species. The species protection afforded to wild birds, animals and plants is extended to include 'reckless' acts. The protection afforded to the nests of certain, threatened, bird species is extended to all times of the year, and the disturbance of certain bird species at their lek sites is prohibited. The Act makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a dolphin, whale (cetacean) or basking shark, and also to sell a self-locking snare, or to possess one without reasonable excuse. Powers are provided to Scottish Ministers to prohibit the sale of certain non-native species. The Act amends and enhances the provisions for enforcement. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is also amended. Concerned about Wildlife ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1378 (England & Wales)_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: not all kites are welcome! From: Paul Tout <paul_tout AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:54:02 +0200 There are similar problems here in NE Italy in the SCI / SPA of the Lagoon of Grado and Marano where a main wader roost is located on a sand-bar just off-shore from a tourist beach. The kite-surfers entertain themselves by 'flying' over the bar and the roost is deserted on windy days. Regards, Paul Tout, Duino (Trieste) ITALIA. Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:09:18 +0000 From: oriole_jan AT yahoo.co.uk To: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk; EBN AT birdlife.fi Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] not all kites are welcome! I noticed the 'string' in said curlew photo, but hadn't picked up on the kites ;) Jan From: Norman D.van Swelm To: UKBN ; EuroBirdNet ; BIRDWG01 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Sent: Wednesday, 22 July, 2009 0:12:36 Subject: [UKbirdnet] not all kites are welcome! In the pictures of the Eskimo Curlew from last year there were amongst you who noticed kite-surfers in the background. They then asked whether this was allowed in SSI areas so rich in nature. Under European law the answer is no of course but what can you say? To see some of the effects have a look here please: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/kite-surfing%20great%20but/kite-surfing%20but.htm All the best, Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet _________________________________________________________________ Share your memories online with anyone you want. http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/products/photos-share.aspx?tab=1 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: not all kites are welcome! From: Jan-Paul Charteris <oriole_jan AT yahoo.co.uk> Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:09:18 +0000 (GMT) I noticed the 'string' in said curlew photo, but hadn't picked up on the kites ;) Jan ________________________________ From: Norman D.van Swelm To: UKBN ; EuroBirdNet ; BIRDWG01 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Sent: Wednesday, 22 July, 2009 0:12:36 Subject: [UKbirdnet] not all kites are welcome! In the pictures of the Eskimo Curlew from last year there were amongst you who noticed kite-surfers in the background. They then asked whether this was allowed in SSI areas so rich in nature. Under European law the answer is no of course but what can you say? To see some of the effects have a look here please: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/kite-surfing%20great%20but/kite-surfing%20but.htm All the best, Norman _______________________________________________ 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: not all kites are welcome! From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:12:36 +0200 In the pictures of the Eskimo Curlew from last year there were amongst you who noticed kite-surfers in the background. They then asked whether this was allowed in SSI areas so rich in nature. Under European law the answer is no of course but what can you say? To see some of the effects have a look here please: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/kite-surfing%20great%20but/kite-surfing%20but.htm All the best, Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: AOU Checklist Supplement summary From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker AT zipcon.net> Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:52:23 -0700 (PDT) HI ALL: In case anyone is interested in the birds of the NEW WORLD, here's a summary of the latest (50th) AOU Checklist supplement: http://djringer.com/birding/2009/07/11/aou-50th-supplement-taxonomic-and-nomenclatural-changes/ 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: PARANYS - AN ILLEGAL, NON-SELECTIVE AND MASS BIRD TRAPPING METHOD IN SPAIN From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:47:34 +0200 Please pass URGENTLY to your lists, contacts, family and friends: STOP ILLEGAL SONG BIRD TRAPPING IN SPAIN Sorry the correct link is http://www.proact-campaigns.net/proact_spain/no_to_paranys.html David Conlin, Proact International and Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: PARANYS - AN ILLEGAL, NON-SELECTIVE AND MASS BIRD TRAPPING METHOD IN SPAIN From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:40:43 +0200 Please pass URGENTLY to your lists, contacts, family and friends: STOP ILLEGAL SONG BIRD TRAPPING IN SPAIN The trapping method known in the Spanish regions of Valencia and southern Catalonia as Parany has been illegal since 2002. Monitoring studies by local conservationists have shown however that this practice has continued almost unabated until the present day. This is because the practice is tolerated (some would say encouraged) by many local authorities and political parties in Valencia. In this region alone it is estimated that over 1 ½ million migrant song birds fall victim to Parany every year - in the course of a single month! The Parany trapping technique involves the planting and cultivation of high stands of trees (mostly enclosed on private property), interlaced with poles to which sticks impregnated with glue or lime are attached. The migrant song birds are attracted to the tree groups as ideal night roosts. To ensure a high catch illegal electronic lures are also employed. The plumage of the birds settling on the sticks becomes glued together and the birds fall helpless to the ground. There they are collected by the trapper who kills them (if they are still alive) - usually by crushing the bird’s skull between thumb and fingers. The ruling party in the Valencian Parliament (PP) has now proposed a change to the Valencian Hunting Law to permit Parany trapping, to be voted on and approved as soon as possible, probably in September. The trapping season for the target migrant birds is in October. A report is to be sent to the EU by Spanish conservationists in order to prevent the legalisation of the rampant Parany trapping in Spain. In the run-up to the official Spanish campaign you are urged to lend your support by sending an Email or letter to the Spanish authorities (copy to the European Commission) urging them to withdraw their support for Parany trapping. Please go today to: http://www.proact-campaigns.net/proact_spain/no_to_paranys and send your mail to the Spanish authorities. At the same time we are petitioning the European Commission to act to stop the illegal trapping, prevent the passing of legislation in contravention of the Birds Protection Guidelines and impose sever financial sanctions on Spain if necessary. This and more on the Proact website, where a draft letter to your MEP and the relevant link is also provided. For all those from outside the European Union - we need your support as well. Thank you for your time and wish us luck, David Conlin, Proact International and Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) David Olmos, Acció Ecologista-Agró, Spain _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 From: "nathalie schorbon" <milvus AT surfbirder.com> Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 05:39:57 -0700 It was very good - the transcript is available on: http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/the_richard_dimbleby_lecture_will_be_given_by_the_prince_of__475089395.html Nathalie --- james AT jcracknell.co.uk wrote: From: James Cracknell To: "Norman D.van Swelm" Cc: UKBN Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:44:17 +0100 It's on the BBC iplayer along with Top Gear and The Mitchell and Webb Look. Saw it last night on BBC HD. J. 2009/7/9 Norman D.van Swelm : > was given last night by HRH the Prince of Wales. Excellent lecture about the > critical phase the world's environment is in. I don't know if it can be seen > somewhere but if it does I strongly recommend you see it. > Norman > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _____________________________________________________________ Surfbirds.com - The World Birding Website _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: **SPAM** RE: The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 From: Paul Tout <paul_tout AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 10:48:49 +0200 Only available (on IPlayer) to UK residents. P. > Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:44:17 +0100 > From: james AT jcracknell.co.uk > To: Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl > CC: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk > Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 > > It's on the BBC iplayer along with Top Gear and The Mitchell and Webb > Look. Saw it last night on BBC HD. > > J. > > 2009/7/9 Norman D.van Swelm : > > was given last night by HRH the Prince of Wales. Excellent lecture about the > > critical phase the world's environment is in. I don't know if it can be seen > > somewhere but if it does I strongly recommend you see it. > > Norman > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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 _________________________________________________________________ Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! http://spaces.live.com/spacesapi.aspx?wx_action=create&wx_url=/friends.aspx&mkt=en-us _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: The Richard Dimbleby lecture 2009 From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:54:49 +0200 was given last night by HRH the Prince of Wales. Excellent lecture about the critical phase the world's environment is in. I don't know if it can be seen somewhere but if it does I strongly recommend you see it. Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Tripa rainforest destruction From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 22:25:05 +0200 Palm oil plantions are on the increase and so is the massive destruction of pristine rainforests all over Southeast Asia in order to facilitate them. Today it is the Tripa rainforest in Aceh, Sumatra that is threatened with destruction, please, as requested by Sander Carpay, send an e-mail to Jardine Matheson's CEO and ask him to stop now! Norman ------- Save the peat forest of Tripa, Aceh, home to the endangered Orangutan The Tripa peat swamp forest in Aceh, Indonesia is rapidly being converted into one big palm oil plantation. Its related land clearing and burning are further reducing the forest that is home to the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan. The destruction of this last pristine tropical peatswamp forest also highly contributes to climate change due to logging and drainage of the impressive carbon stock of its peat soils. It is not too late yet! You can help us in the fight to preserve the remaining forest. Wetlands International and many other NGOs have written a letter to Sir Henry Keswick, Chairman of the UK-based responsible company Jardine Matheson, the owner of palm oil company AAL. We ask to stop the clearing of this forest immediately. Send the letter You can help us by downloading, signing and sending the letter to Sir Henry Keswick through regular mail or by sending him an email. Make a difference: the more emails the company receives, the bigger the pressure! Go to our page on the Tripa peat forest in Aceh and read all about how palm oil is closing in on the Orangutans and accelerates climate change. Kind regards, Sander Carpay Communications Officer Wetlands International Headquarters Tel. + 31 (0) 318 660 930 Fax + 31 (0) 660 950 sander.carpaij AT wetlands.org www.wetlands.org Skype: sandercarpay _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Review of the new RBA X3 pager From: Graham Etherington <britishbirder AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 15:32:21 +0100 Hi, Rare Bird Alert have recently launched their new X3 pager. I've done a review of it on my blog for anyone considering upgrading. http://birds-britishbirder.blogspot.com/2009/07/rare-bird-alert-rba-x3-pager-review_04.html Feel free to leave comments/questions on the blog, especially if you've been using one too and have similar or different experiences. Best wishes, Graham -- Dr. Graham Etherington Norwich, UK _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: Fw: OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE - Prof. Bellamy & M. Duchamp From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:38:20 +0100 Norman, you've been asked before not to repost Duchamp's nonsense here, so will you please cease doing so. It is very sad to see David Bellamy putting his name to such rubbish:, e.g. "Eagles stand to be wiped out". Malcolm In message <094282A801424815896C2326F54702BC AT computername>, Norman D.van Swelm writes >FYI >  >OPEN  LETTER  TO  SCOTTISH  NATURAL  HERITAGE  (SNH) > -- 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: Fw: OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE - Prof. Bellamy & M. Duchamp From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:24:38 +0200 FYI OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE (SNH) co-signed by Professor David Bellamy and Mark Duchamp Dear Sirs, It is disturbing to wildlife conservationists such as ourselves, and we know it is equally disturbing to our numerous Scottish friends, that you should assist in the destruction of Scotland’s remarkable and precious wilderness. Your raison d’être is to preserve this natural heritage ; yet you are time and again endorsing the installation of wind farms in unspoilt landscapes of great beauty, or in natural habitats that are essential to the conservation of endangered birds. Bird reserves are not even spared from this destruction. On the Isle of Lewis, for instance, a wind farm is to be built in a designated Important Bird Area ( Park UK224 ), and another in the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area ( the Pentland Road road windfarm project ). Your modus operandi is to object at first, then to withdraw your objection based on scientifically worthless “revised” bird mortality predictions. More disturbing still : you are helping developers to come up with these lower estimates by suggesting that they use a slightly modified variable that has the effect of minimising mortality predictions well below current available evidence of such mortality. The precautionary principle is one of the cornerstones of wildlife conservation ; but you systematically ignore it and by and large espouse the interest of developers. You tell them they can use an “avoidance factor” set so high that the resulting mortality prediction is but 10% of what it should be if real-life mortality at wind farms were taken into account. We first became aware of this during Mark’s resistance against the approval of the Edinbane wind farm project, in one of Europe’s most strikingly beautiful islands : the Isle of Skye. The location was in itself a crime against Scotland’s natural heritage, but neither you nor your political masters thought anything of it. Opposition was fierce because of the danger to the eagles, another of Skye’s treasures besides a stunning landscape. The developer’s first eagle mortality prediction was too high for comfort, so you invited him to do more studies and to review his copy, especially the mortality prediction. You too did some work, and modified a key parameter for the mortality calculations : from 95% the “avoidance factor” was increased to 98%, which has the effect of reducing mortality predictions exponentially. You also indicated that the predicted mortality should be no bigger than a certain number : this was tantamount to showing the fox how to get into the hen house. Helped by your clue and by the new avoidance factor you had decreed, the developer presented his new prediction and you lifted your objection, which allowed the project to be approved. Yet the viability of the nearby Cuillins SPA, a nature reserve for golden eagles, is at stake in this tragedy. Not only did you discard the precautionary principle in this exercise : you applied it in reverse. What conservationist in his right mind would tell a businessman something that may be summarized as follows : you predict your machines will kill too many eagles, so I´ll help you reduce your prediction by manipulating the numbers - and for cosmetics, I´ll ask you to do some more field studies. Based on mortality evidence available from other countries, of which you are well aware, wind turbines at Edinbane are likely to kill ~150 golden eagles over 25 years, not ~15 as predicted by the developer under your guidance. The wind farm location is a hill where young eagles are seen flying daily, at a rate of about one sighting per hour. Edinbane is known to be a “dispersion area” for eagles, i.e. one where immature birds come to hunt, soar, and interact. It is also located on a commonly used eagle flightpath from one side of the island to the other. Placing lethal wind turbines on their route is not just an aberration : it is a crime against wildlife. Some will say : when a bird is killed by a wind turbine, it is an accident. There is no intent of killing, so there is no crime. But you are guilty of gross negligence, to put it mildly. Numbers have been manipulated in order to minimise mortality prediction by an order of magnitude ( from 150 eagle-kills down to 15 ) ; the precautionary principle has been laughed at ; and the Wild Birds and Habitats Directives of the EU are being violated since there are alternative locations for the project. Eagles don’t avoid wind turbines : they are attracted to them. In California, Dr Smallwood has observed that golden eagles fly twice as often near wind turbines than they would by chance. This explains why so many collide with the blades, which travel at up to 300 km/h at the tip. Two thousand three hundred golden eagles have been killed that way in California, and you know that : an official report confirms it. You strayed even further with the white-tailed sea eagles. With your consent, at Edinbane the risk for sea eagles has been estimated to be near zero whereas it is likely that dozens will be killed during the useful life of the wind farm. Indeed, many of these magnificent birds are being stricken dead every year by wind turbines in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Japan. Ornithologists from these countries have sent us the statistics and the pictures. In the autumn of 2003, a sea eagle was found dead next to a wind turbine on the Scottish island of Pabay, a couple of miles from Skye. An alleged autopsy report appeared on Internet saying that the bird in question had an unusually large heart, and that its death could have been caused by a heart failure in mid air ( sic!). Again in Scotland, golden eagles have been disappearing at or around the Beinn Ghlas wind farm, yet we are asked to believe that Beinn Ghlas is a success story regarding cohabitation with eagles. Beinn an Tuirc is another “success story” being cited in the press as evidence that eagles and wind farms, in Scotland, can live together in close contact. Yet in 2006 the male of the golden eagle breeding pair disappeared from its range at Beinn an Tuirc. All of this is documented, and it is false to say that wind farms do not kill eagles in Scotland. It’s just that the public is not aware of the eagles that die or disappear near wind farms. More eagles, and other birds from protected species, will be colliding with power lines linking wind farms to the grid, resulting in more deaths. You, SNH, never requested that this added risk be assessed for Edinbane or any other wind farm project. Yet you do know that many birds, including eagles, are maimed or killed by overhead cables when they collide with them in poor visibility conditions. For instance, a scientific study has estimated that high tension lines kill on average 200 birds per kilometre/year ( Koops – 1987 ). In migration zones, the toll is higher at 400-500 birds/km/yr ( Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, BirdLife International 2003 ). Based on the Koops study, it was estimated that high tension lines in the US could be killing 150 million birds a year, according to Mick Sagrillo of the American Wind Energy Association (2003). The same figure is also reported in Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines, a Summary of Existing Studies and Comparisons to Other Sources of Avian Collision Mortality in the United States - Western EcoSystems Technology Inc. (2001). How many more eagles and other protected birds will die on Skye and across Scotland on account of new transmission lines built to accommodate wind farms ? You have not commissioned any study on this added hazard, as far as we know. Yet the Scottish golden eagle population is already in demographic difficulty ( Whitfield et al. 2006 ), and the sea eagles are even less numerous. It was clearly irresponsible of you to withdraw your objection to Edinbane, and Mark denounced it many times. You are now applying the same tactics to the Eisgein and Pairc projects on the Isle of Lewis. If approved, these wind farms may kill over one hundred eagles, plus the migrating birds who stopover for food and rest before the long journey to Iceland and Greenland. And on the subject of migrating birds : you seem to be minded to endorse a large wind farm project on Shetland, an island that is a staging post for thousands of migrating birds on their route to and from the Arctic. How irresponsible of you if you do. The Eisgein turbines will be erected in and around a designated Important Bird Area that arguably harbours the most important concentration of adult eagles in the whole of Scotland. But everything indicates that you are about to remove your objection to this project as you did for Edinbane. Indeed, you have now further increased your avoidance factor to 99%, which will have the result of reducing the developer’s mortality prediction, even though with 98% it is already smaller than real life by an order of magnitude. These manipulations are being done under the cover of science. But the famous mathematician John von Neuman once wrote : “Give me four adjustable parameters and I can simulate an elephant. Give me one more and I can wag its tail.” - Your avoidance factor is what wags the tail. Besides the predictable slaughter of eagles, swans, geese and other birds protected by EU and UK legislations, the Eisgein wind farm may have a detrimental effect on a National Scenic Area, and even possibly on other important tourist attractions such as the Callanish Stones and a unique cultural event : the "Birth of the Moon". Several hundred wind farms are to be built in Scotland, yet no cumulative study of their effects on protected bird species has been made. Eagles stand to be wiped out, but you have ignored Mark’s request to consider the cumulative impact of thousands of wind turbines on their vulnerable population. You support the case-by-case approach, but it is a recipe for disaster. It makes a mockery of the cumulative effect principle, which is another cornerstone of wildlife conservation. In the circumstances, we cannot but conclude that you are doing the opposite of what the Scottish people, who pay your salaries, are expecting you to do : that which is embedded in your name. You are also projecting a degraded image of Scotland worldwide. In the international community of wildlife conservation, your country has gained a new reputation, where spin and the reckless destruction of pristine wilderness rise above anything else. Your press releases often end with this line : “Scottish Natural Heritage is the Scottish Executive's statutory advisor in respect to the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of the natural heritage.” - We think your slogan needs editing. _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: test From: Jim Barton <redwingatfp1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:07:24 -0400 test, ignore _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: taxonimic status Macronesian Shearwater/baroli, boydi From: Jim Barton <redwingatfp1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:03:22 -0400 Hello. I'm wondering if there has been any serious recent challenge to the BOU's 2006 conflation of Little Shearwater baroli with Boyd's Shearwater boydi as Macronesian Shearwater? The most recent reports I can find state that studies of boydi voice might indicate that boydi should be place with Audubon's Shearwater. Yours, Jim Barton Cambridge, MA USA _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Fwd: Golden Eagle From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:54:12 +0100 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: sylvia wallace Date: 2009/6/19 Subject: Fwd: Golden Eagle Date: 2009/6/19 Subject: Golden Eagle fwd from contact in Argyll. Just heard on the news that a Golden Eagle has been poisoned in Glen Orchy, Argyll. This is near the Shira and Stacain proposed wind farms. M. Sylvia ,___ -- Eco friendly ? Socially Responsible ? Sustainable ? See: Mama Abut and her baby near dead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTAxUODTC8&feature=channel Eco fuels - A 21st Century Crime ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxioapZ1nww Wind turbines: Freezers full of dead eagles and wild birds of prey. Biofuels: Freezers full of dead orangutans Sustainable Living: Remote Communities' land under attack! Their living, breathing, self stocking supermarket chopped down, set on fire and destroyed. The true cost of being "Green". 3 indigenous communities speak out about how they are being treated. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJZB2jNHRY Wind power - Disturbance and or /a reckless act ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3148 (Scotland) Part 3 and Schedule 6 of the Act make amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, strengthening the legal protection for threatened species. The species protection afforded to wild birds, animals and plants is extended to include 'reckless' acts. The protection afforded to the nests of certain, threatened, bird species is extended to all times of the year, and the disturbance of certain bird species at their lek sites is prohibited. The Act makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a dolphin, whale (cetacean) or basking shark, and also to sell a self-locking snare, or to possess one without reasonable excuse. Powers are provided to Scottish Ministers to prohibit the sale of certain non-native species. The Act amends and enhances the provisions for enforcement. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is also amended. Concerned about Wildlife ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1378 (England & Wales) -- Eco friendly ? Socially Responsible ? Sustainable ? See: Mama Abut and her baby near dead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTAxUODTC8&feature=channel Eco fuels - A 21st Century Crime ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxioapZ1nww Wind turbines: Freezers full of dead eagles and wild birds of prey. Biofuels: Freezers full of dead orangutans Sustainable Living: Remote Communities' land under attack! Their living, breathing, self stocking supermarket chopped down, set on fire and destroyed. The true cost of being "Green". 3 indigenous communities speak out about how they are being treated. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJZB2jNHRY Wind power - Disturbance and or /a reckless act ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3148 (Scotland) Part 3 and Schedule 6 of the Act make amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, strengthening the legal protection for threatened species. The species protection afforded to wild birds, animals and plants is extended to include 'reckless' acts. The protection afforded to the nests of certain, threatened, bird species is extended to all times of the year, and the disturbance of certain bird species at their lek sites is prohibited. The Act makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a dolphin, whale (cetacean) or basking shark, and also to sell a self-locking snare, or to possess one without reasonable excuse. Powers are provided to Scottish Ministers to prohibit the sale of certain non-native species. The Act amends and enhances the provisions for enforcement. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is also amended. Concerned about Wildlife ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1378 (England & Wales)_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Little Egret with dark eyes From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 22:19:36 +0200 About a month ago I photographed an adult Little Egret Egretta garzetta with dark greyish eyes and a pink to purple facial skin. Pictures can be seen here: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/egretta%20garzetta/indexegrettagarzetta1.htm scroll down to the last pictures. As a rule the eyes of Little Egrets are pale yellow in both adults and juveniles. Are there any other records of Little Egrets with dark eyes? Cheers, Norman [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Little Egret with dark eyes From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 22:19:36 +0200 About a month ago I photographed an adult Little Egret Egretta garzetta with dark greyish eyes and a pink to purple facial skin. Pictures can be seen here: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/egretta%20garzetta/indexegrettagarzetta1.htm scroll down to the last pictures. As a rule the eyes of Little Egrets are pale yellow in both adults and juveniles. Are there any other records of Little Egrets with dark eyes? Cheers, Norman [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Little Egret with dark eyes From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 22:19:36 +0200 About a month ago I photographed an adult Little Egret Egretta garzetta with dark greyish eyes and a pink to purple facial skin. Pictures can be seen here: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/egretta%20garzetta/indexegrettagarzetta1.htm scroll down to the last pictures. As a rule the eyes of Little Egrets are pale yellow in both adults and juveniles. Are there any other records of Little Egrets with dark eyes? Cheers, Norman _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Fwd Golden Eagle death and cover up From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 18:41:49 +0100 The undernoted may be of interest to you. Note: "Iberdrola Renewables, the project's owner, originally predicted a toll of three to four raptors annually from collisions with wind turbines. The company's wildlife consultant now estimates that the project kills 31 raptors annually. Independent consultant Shawn Smallwood estimates the number at 49." Sylvia. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: 2009/5/21 Subject: [truth_about_wind] Golden Eagle death and cover up *Washington wind turbines claim first known eagle victim* Monday, May 18 | 8:33 p.m. BY KATHIE DURBIN COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER http://www.columbian.com/article/20090519/NEWS02/705199958 A golden eagle died last month when it collided with a wind turbine blade at a 47-turbine wind farm in Klickitat County. The April 27 collision at the Goodnoe Hills Wind Project southeast of Goldendale was the first known eagle casualty caused by a Washington wind project. "I don't know of any other eagle fatalities in the state in connection with colliding with a turbine blade," said Travis Nelson, the state's lead wildlife biologist on wind power issues. He called the incident "unfortunate." Nelson said X-rays of the carcass conducted at a Washington State University wildlife laboratory in Pullman showed the 10-pound bird had a broken wing and two broken legs. The mature golden eagle has a six-foot wingspan. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is convening a group of stakeholders to review the incident and discuss how to prevent or minimize future eagle deaths, Nelson said. "This is certainly not the outcome that anyone who was involved in planning and permitting this operation would have wanted, especially the project owner," he said. "We have convened a small review group internally to discuss how we can avoid this in the future." The dead bird was found by the crew of URS Corp., a contractor for PacifiCorp, the Portland-based utility that owns the 94-megawatt Goodnoe Hills project. The wind farm began operating on June 30 of last year. The golden eagle, dark brown with a golden sheen on its head and a large hooked bill, is common in Washington and throughout western North America. Though not listed as a threatened or endangered species, it is protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Both laws prohibit infliction of intentional harm on the raptor. New guidelines In April, state and federal wildlife officials, environmental groups and utilities completed a new set of guidelines intended to reduce the impact on birds, wildlife and other natural resources as new wind project proposals proliferate. About 20 groups and agencies took part. The new guidelines call for extensive surveys of proposed wind farms before they are permitted, including monitoring of bird activity during different seasons and in multiple years. They also recommend surveying for raptor nests within a two-mile buffer area around proposed wind projects before those projects are built. Operators of wind projects are required to document bird kills and report them to state authorities. The death of the golden eagle was promptly reported to WDFW, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and PacifiCorp, Nelson said. No public announcement of the eagle's death has been made. "We're participating in a full review of the incident and working with WDFW and USFWS," said PacifiCorp spokeswoman Jan Mitchell. "We have a robust avian protection program and we proactively take steps to assure compliance with all regulations." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman Joan Jewett said her agency has an agreement with wind power operators who voluntarily report birds killed by power lines or wind turbines. The agency issues carcass salvage permits to operators who agree to develop avian protection plans, report bird fatalities and agree to take steps to reduce them, Jewett said. "If it's an eagle, the bird is sent to the National Eagle Repository north of Denver," she said. That federal repository provides feathers to members of recognized Indian tribes for ceremonial purposes. Though the golden eagle death is the first reported in Washington, raptor deaths have been common at wind projects elsewhere. Between 570 and 835 raptors are killed annually in wind turbines at California's Altamont Pass Wind Power Resource Area, the world's largest. Common in Gorge Raptors are common in the eastern half of the Columbia River Gorge, where shrub steppe and grasslands offer prime habitat for prey such as ground squirrels and pocket gophers. The big birds typically soar at an elevation of 300 to 400 feet — about the same height as the rotating wind turbine blades. Wind energy development gained momentum in the Northwest after both Washington and Oregon adopted requirements that utilities meet gradually increasing proportions of their energy loads with wind, solar and other renewable sources. Klickitat County, which issued the permit for the Goodnoe Hills project, has been actively marketing itself as a site for wind development since 2005, when it adopted the nation's first energy overlay zone to speed the granting of wind power permits. Three wind projects currently operate in the county, five others are under construction and three more are proposed. SDS Lumber Co. is proposing to develop yet another wind project on its timberland in east Skamania County, near Underwood. Klickitat's first wind project, the 200-megawatt Big Horn Wind Energy Project, began operating in 2007. Raptor mortality due to wind turbine collisions at the project has been far higher than predicted. Iberdrola Renewables, the project's owner, originally predicted a toll of three to four raptors annually from collisions with wind turbines. The company's wildlife consultant now estimates that the project kills 31 raptors annually. Independent consultant Shawn Smallwood estimates the number at 49. End. Sylvia. Eco friendly ? Socially Responsible ? Sustainable ? See: Mama Abut and her baby near dead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTAxUODTC8&feature=channel Eco fuels - A 21st Century Crime ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxioapZ1nww Wind turbines: Freezers full of dead eagles and wild birds of prey. Biofuels: Freezers full of dead orangutans Sustainable Living: Remote Communities' land under attack! Their living, breathing, self stocking supermarket chopped down, set on fire and destroyed. The true cost of being "Green". 3 indigenous communities speak out about how they are being treated. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJZB2jNHRY Wind power - Disturbance and or /a reckless act ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3148 (Scotland) Part 3 and Schedule 6 of the Act make amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, strengthening the legal protection for threatened species. The species protection afforded to wild birds, animals and plants is extended to include 'reckless' acts. The protection afforded to the nests of certain, threatened, bird species is extended to all times of the year, and the disturbance of certain bird species at their lek sites is prohibited. The Act makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a dolphin, whale (cetacean) or basking shark, and also to sell a self-locking snare, or to possess one without reasonable excuse. Powers are provided to Scottish Ministers to prohibit the sale of certain non-native species. The Act amends and enhances the provisions for enforcement. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is also amended. Concerned about Wildlife ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1378 (England & Wales)_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Fwd Golden Eagle death and cover up From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 18:41:49 +0100 The undernoted may be of interest to you. Note: "Iberdrola Renewables, the project's owner, originally predicted a toll of three to four raptors annually from collisions with wind turbines. The company's wildlife consultant now estimates that the project kills 31 raptors annually. Independent consultant Shawn Smallwood estimates the number at 49." Sylvia. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: 2009/5/21 Subject: [truth_about_wind] Golden Eagle death and cover up *Washington wind turbines claim first known eagle victim* Monday, May 18 | 8:33 p.m. BY KATHIE DURBIN COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER http://www.columbian.com/article/20090519/NEWS02/705199958 A golden eagle died last month when it collided with a wind turbine blade at a 47-turbine wind farm in Klickitat County. The April 27 collision at the Goodnoe Hills Wind Project southeast of Goldendale was the first known eagle casualty caused by a Washington wind project. "I don't know of any other eagle fatalities in the state in connection with colliding with a turbine blade," said Travis Nelson, the state's lead wildlife biologist on wind power issues. He called the incident "unfortunate." Nelson said X-rays of the carcass conducted at a Washington State University wildlife laboratory in Pullman showed the 10-pound bird had a broken wing and two broken legs. The mature golden eagle has a six-foot wingspan. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is convening a group of stakeholders to review the incident and discuss how to prevent or minimize future eagle deaths, Nelson said. "This is certainly not the outcome that anyone who was involved in planning and permitting this operation would have wanted, especially the project owner," he said. "We have convened a small review group internally to discuss how we can avoid this in the future." The dead bird was found by the crew of URS Corp., a contractor for PacifiCorp, the Portland-based utility that owns the 94-megawatt Goodnoe Hills project. The wind farm began operating on June 30 of last year. The golden eagle, dark brown with a golden sheen on its head and a large hooked bill, is common in Washington and throughout western North America. Though not listed as a threatened or endangered species, it is protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Both laws prohibit infliction of intentional harm on the raptor. New guidelines In April, state and federal wildlife officials, environmental groups and utilities completed a new set of guidelines intended to reduce the impact on birds, wildlife and other natural resources as new wind project proposals proliferate. About 20 groups and agencies took part. The new guidelines call for extensive surveys of proposed wind farms before they are permitted, including monitoring of bird activity during different seasons and in multiple years. They also recommend surveying for raptor nests within a two-mile buffer area around proposed wind projects before those projects are built. Operators of wind projects are required to document bird kills and report them to state authorities. The death of the golden eagle was promptly reported to WDFW, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and PacifiCorp, Nelson said. No public announcement of the eagle's death has been made. "We're participating in a full review of the incident and working with WDFW and USFWS," said PacifiCorp spokeswoman Jan Mitchell. "We have a robust avian protection program and we proactively take steps to assure compliance with all regulations." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman Joan Jewett said her agency has an agreement with wind power operators who voluntarily report birds killed by power lines or wind turbines. The agency issues carcass salvage permits to operators who agree to develop avian protection plans, report bird fatalities and agree to take steps to reduce them, Jewett said. "If it's an eagle, the bird is sent to the National Eagle Repository north of Denver," she said. That federal repository provides feathers to members of recognized Indian tribes for ceremonial purposes. Though the golden eagle death is the first reported in Washington, raptor deaths have been common at wind projects elsewhere. Between 570 and 835 raptors are killed annually in wind turbines at California's Altamont Pass Wind Power Resource Area, the world's largest. Common in Gorge Raptors are common in the eastern half of the Columbia River Gorge, where shrub steppe and grasslands offer prime habitat for prey such as ground squirrels and pocket gophers. The big birds typically soar at an elevation of 300 to 400 feet — about the same height as the rotating wind turbine blades. Wind energy development gained momentum in the Northwest after both Washington and Oregon adopted requirements that utilities meet gradually increasing proportions of their energy loads with wind, solar and other renewable sources. Klickitat County, which issued the permit for the Goodnoe Hills project, has been actively marketing itself as a site for wind development since 2005, when it adopted the nation's first energy overlay zone to speed the granting of wind power permits. Three wind projects currently operate in the county, five others are under construction and three more are proposed. SDS Lumber Co. is proposing to develop yet another wind project on its timberland in east Skamania County, near Underwood. Klickitat's first wind project, the 200-megawatt Big Horn Wind Energy Project, began operating in 2007. Raptor mortality due to wind turbine collisions at the project has been far higher than predicted. Iberdrola Renewables, the project's owner, originally predicted a toll of three to four raptors annually from collisions with wind turbines. The company's wildlife consultant now estimates that the project kills 31 raptors annually. Independent consultant Shawn Smallwood estimates the number at 49. End. Sylvia. Eco friendly ? Socially Responsible ? Sustainable ? See: Mama Abut and her baby near dead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTAxUODTC8&feature=channel Eco fuels - A 21st Century Crime ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxioapZ1nww Wind turbines: Freezers full of dead eagles and wild birds of prey. Biofuels: Freezers full of dead orangutans Sustainable Living: Remote Communities' land under attack! Their living, breathing, self stocking supermarket chopped down, set on fire and destroyed. The true cost of being "Green". 3 indigenous communities speak out about how they are being treated. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJZB2jNHRY Wind power - Disturbance and or /a reckless act ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3148 (Scotland) Part 3 and Schedule 6 of the Act make amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, strengthening the legal protection for threatened species. The species protection afforded to wild birds, animals and plants is extended to include 'reckless' acts. The protection afforded to the nests of certain, threatened, bird species is extended to all times of the year, and the disturbance of certain bird species at their lek sites is prohibited. The Act makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a dolphin, whale (cetacean) or basking shark, and also to sell a self-locking snare, or to possess one without reasonable excuse. Powers are provided to Scottish Ministers to prohibit the sale of certain non-native species. The Act amends and enhances the provisions for enforcement. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is also amended. Concerned about Wildlife ? http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1378 (England & Wales)_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Robin - RFI From: "Michael Watkins" <michaelwatkins936 AT btinternet.com> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 19:40:18 +0100 We have a robin which is a regular visitor to our garden. It is noticeable as the red continues from above the eyes, over the crown and part of the way down the back of the neck. In some lights and from certain angles it appears to be (but is not) copmpletely red-headed. Does any one know if this is a mutation or is there some sub-species? Any help greatly appreciated. Michael Watkins _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: windenergie has it's down side From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 09:08:24 +0100 Well, I for one think you are wrong. Those who are interested in Mark Duchamp's diatribes can read them where they are posted, e.g. in windfarm and raptor mailing lists. You have been told before, Norman, that your reposting of material from someone who has been banned from this (and other) mailing lists for unacceptable behaviour, is itself unacceptable. Malcolm In message , Norman D.van Swelm writes >Here is an open letter from Mark Duchamp and a person we all >know and respect, Dr.David Bellamy, to the RSPB worth reading >and discussing I think. >Cheers, Norman > >*OPEN LETTER TO THE RSPB* >Sir, > >The RSPB is advocating in favour of more wind farms across the >UK. Yet in >the United States the State of Birds report, released by U.S. Interior >Secretary Ken Salazar last month, warns of the impact these >installations >are having on bird populations, which are already in sharp decline. > >John Fitzpatrick, the director of the Cornell University Lab of >Ornithology, >helped draft the report along with non-profit advocacy groups. >Yahoo >News reports : *"Environmentalists and scientists say the report >should >signal the Obama administration to act cautiously as it seeks to >expand >renewable energy production and the electricity grid on public >lands and >tries to harness wind energy along the nation's coastlines."* > >This significant impact on biodiversity is corroborated by the >Spanish >Ornithological Society ( SEO-Birdlife ). In a new report >commissioned by the >Spanish government, they warn that the effect of wind farms on >bird >mortality has been grossly under-estimated. Entire species are at >risk, and >among other things they recommend that wind turbines not be >erected closer >than 15 kilometres from eagles' nests. Too many of these great birds >have >been killed by their blades already. > >Yet, in Scotland, there is no setback regarding eagles' nests : on the >isle >of Lewis, the John Muir Trust has approved the erection of 3 wind >turbines >as close as one kilometre away from an active golden eagle nest. >The RSPB is >not objecting to this practice, which threatens the survival of the >UK's >eagles. > >Several Scottish eagles have disappeared near wind farms already, >a fact >that your organisation has not publicised. > >One may wonder why you would encourage the erection of more >wind farms >across the UK when there is so much evidence that many bird >species, from >eagles to song birds, are being killed by these machines in >substantial >numbers. > >It is disturbing enough, but there is more : the RSPB has a financial >interest in the development of wind farms. You contracted a >business >relationship with Scottish and Southern Energy, which sells a >product called >" RSPB energy " - a vector for renewable energy. The conflict of >interest is >evident. > >You also have close ties with governments, working with them to >reduce >opposition to wind farm development. This was again evidenced by >a recent >annoucement : *"Charities, voluntary organisations and NGOs are >to team up >with Government to look at ways to tackle climate change and other >environmental issues in this sector. "* > >Politicians are enlisting the support of charities in their attempt to >convince increasingly sceptical Britons that their landscapes and >quality of >life have to go - a highly controversial decision based on computer >predictions about climate that hundreds of prominent scientists >from around >the world denounce as bordering on fraud. > >The charities' involvement appears to involve spin as well. Recently >the BBC >quoted the RSPB in its praise of Spain ( which has 16,000 wind >turbines >killing half a million birds a year ) : they said the country is >producing >20% of its electricity from wind. Yet the figure is actually 11%. > >Most people who form the one-million-plus membership of the >RSPB think that >wind farms do not harm birds significantly. But this is a perception >they >received from management. Reality proves otherwise in countries >where bird >mortality at wind farms is being investigated. > >In the UK, very few wind farms are monitored for dead birds, and >when they >are the results are not published. The wind turbines at Blyth >harbour are an >exception : they were monitored for one year and low mortality was >found. >But the turbines being located on a wharf, most birds that are hit >fall at >sea and many are never found. > >We as dedicated conservationists, and this opinion is shared by >many RSPB >members and other bird lovers across the country, are increasingly >worried >by the wind farm policy of your bird society. It is bad enough to >sacrifice >the British landscape to produce small amounts of unreliable yet >very >expensive energy. But what are we to think of the RSPB making >every effort >to promote such destruction ? And why do you keep to yourselves >most of the >evidence of high bird mortality at wind farms around the world ? > >*The broad picture.* > >**A report on wind energy claims that wind farm generating >capacity in the >world could reach 7,500GW by 2025. > >Supposing an average of 2 MW per turbine, that's 3,750,000 wind >turbines. > >25 birds killed per turbine/year* ---> 25 x 3,750,000 = 93,750,000 dead >birds/year ( conservative estimate ). > >* As shown by studies not unduly influenced by their funding and >performed >by biologists Lekuona in Spain, Everaert in Belgium, and >Winkelman in the >Netherlands. > >To this must be added the death toll of new high-tension power >lines : 1) >from each windfarm to the national grid, and 2) extensions of the >grid >itself. > >Let's say, conservatively, that this represents 10 km of new HT >power lines >per wind farm, and that a wind farm has an average of 50 turbines : > >3,750,000 divided by ~50 turbines per windfarm = 75,000 windfarms >x 10 km >= 750,000 km of new HT power lines. > >750,000 km x 200 birds per km/year* = 150 million dead birds/year > >Total : 150,000,000 + 93,750,000 = ~250 million dead birds/year > >* Average mortality according to a study in the Netherlands by >Koops (1987) >quoted by the American Wind Energy Association. However, in >important areas >of bird migration, mortality can exceed 500 birds per kilometre per >year, says Birdlife International. > >Bats are another matter : where bats are present, more are killed by >wind >turbines than birds. These flying mammals are attracted to the >blades . A >video has documented this fact. > >The upshot of all this is : 1) many bat species are already on the >endangered list, 2) migrating bird numbers are shrinking rapidly, >and 3) >another study from Birdlife found that most other birds species are >also on >the decline. And now wind farms and their power lines will be >adding another >250 million killings per year. In the circumstances, is it reasonable >for >the RSPB to push for more wind farms ? > >To put things into perspective : Germany has over 20,000 wind >turbines, >Spain 16,000, yet CO2 emissions have continued to increase in both >countries. The need for back-up by conventional power stations >practically >makes redundant this form of intermittent, unreliable electricity. > >Co-signed : > >*Professor David Bellamy* *Mark Duchamp* >_______________________________________________ >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: Fw: OPEN LETTER to RSPB, a responce from the US From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 01:20:07 +0200 ----- Original Message ----- From: Donald Heintzelman To: raptor-conservation AT yahoogroups.com ; Raptor Biology Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 1:59 PM Subject: [RaptorBiology] Re: [raptor-conservation] OPEN LETTER Dear Colleagues: The points that Mark makes are important and the ornithological and conservation communities need to pay careful attention. We should be thanking him for highlighting these issues. The RSPB does have a conflict of interest which I find unacceptable. Here in the United States there are also some conflicts of interest regarding wind power advocacy including certain consultants working for wind energy companies, advisory panels stacked in wind energy favor, confidentiality clauses in voluntary agreements offered by some governmental wildlife agencies (which prevent all information regarding certain wind energy projects from being made public) to wind energy companies, etc. Sincerely, Donald S. Heintzelman Ornithologist and Author Zionsville, PA USA donsh AT enter.net _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: windenergie has it's down side From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 01:13:30 +0200 Here is an open letter from Mark Duchamp and a person we all know and respect, Dr.David Bellamy, to the RSPB worth reading and discussing I think. Cheers, Norman *OPEN LETTER TO THE RSPB* Sir, The RSPB is advocating in favour of more wind farms across the UK. Yet in the United States the State of Birds report, released by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar last month, warns of the impact these installations are having on bird populations, which are already in sharp decline. John Fitzpatrick, the director of the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, helped draft the report along with non-profit advocacy groups. Yahoo News reports : *"Environmentalists and scientists say the report should signal the Obama administration to act cautiously as it seeks to expand renewable energy production and the electricity grid on public lands and tries to harness wind energy along the nation's coastlines."* This significant impact on biodiversity is corroborated by the Spanish Ornithological Society ( SEO-Birdlife ). In a new report commissioned by the Spanish government, they warn that the effect of wind farms on bird mortality has been grossly under-estimated. Entire species are at risk, and among other things they recommend that wind turbines not be erected closer than 15 kilometres from eagles' nests. Too many of these great birds have been killed by their blades already. Yet, in Scotland, there is no setback regarding eagles' nests : on the isle of Lewis, the John Muir Trust has approved the erection of 3 wind turbines as close as one kilometre away from an active golden eagle nest. The RSPB is not objecting to this practice, which threatens the survival of the UK's eagles. Several Scottish eagles have disappeared near wind farms already, a fact that your organisation has not publicised. One may wonder why you would encourage the erection of more wind farms across the UK when there is so much evidence that many bird species, from eagles to song birds, are being killed by these machines in substantial numbers. It is disturbing enough, but there is more : the RSPB has a financial interest in the development of wind farms. You contracted a business relationship with Scottish and Southern Energy, which sells a product called " RSPB energy " - a vector for renewable energy. The conflict of interest is evident. You also have close ties with governments, working with them to reduce opposition to wind farm development. This was again evidenced by a recent annoucement : *"Charities, voluntary organisations and NGOs are to team up with Government to look at ways to tackle climate change and other environmental issues in this sector. "* Politicians are enlisting the support of charities in their attempt to convince increasingly sceptical Britons that their landscapes and quality of life have to go - a highly controversial decision based on computer predictions about climate that hundreds of prominent scientists from around the world denounce as bordering on fraud. The charities' involvement appears to involve spin as well. Recently the BBC quoted the RSPB in its praise of Spain ( which has 16,000 wind turbines killing half a million birds a year ) : they said the country is producing 20% of its electricity from wind. Yet the figure is actually 11%. Most people who form the one-million-plus membership of the RSPB think that wind farms do not harm birds significantly. But this is a perception they received from management. Reality proves otherwise in countries where bird mortality at wind farms is being investigated. In the UK, very few wind farms are monitored for dead birds, and when they are the results are not published. The wind turbines at Blyth harbour are an exception : they were monitored for one year and low mortality was found. But the turbines being located on a wharf, most birds that are hit fall at sea and many are never found. We as dedicated conservationists, and this opinion is shared by many RSPB members and other bird lovers across the country, are increasingly worried by the wind farm policy of your bird society. It is bad enough to sacrifice the British landscape to produce small amounts of unreliable yet very expensive energy. But what are we to think of the RSPB making every effort to promote such destruction ? And why do you keep to yourselves most of the evidence of high bird mortality at wind farms around the world ? *The broad picture.* **A report on wind energy claims that wind farm generating capacity in the world could reach 7,500GW by 2025. Supposing an average of 2 MW per turbine, that's 3,750,000 wind turbines. 25 birds killed per turbine/year* ---> 25 x 3,750,000 = 93,750,000 dead birds/year ( conservative estimate ). * As shown by studies not unduly influenced by their funding and performed by biologists Lekuona in Spain, Everaert in Belgium, and Winkelman in the Netherlands. To this must be added the death toll of new high-tension power lines : 1) from each windfarm to the national grid, and 2) extensions of the grid itself. Let's say, conservatively, that this represents 10 km of new HT power lines per wind farm, and that a wind farm has an average of 50 turbines : 3,750,000 divided by ~50 turbines per windfarm = 75,000 windfarms x 10 km = 750,000 km of new HT power lines. 750,000 km x 200 birds per km/year* = 150 million dead birds/year Total : 150,000,000 + 93,750,000 = ~250 million dead birds/year * Average mortality according to a study in the Netherlands by Koops (1987) quoted by the American Wind Energy Association. However, in important areas of bird migration, mortality can exceed 500 birds per kilometre per year, says Birdlife International. Bats are another matter : where bats are present, more are killed by wind turbines than birds. These flying mammals are attracted to the blades . A video has documented this fact. The upshot of all this is : 1) many bat species are already on the endangered list, 2) migrating bird numbers are shrinking rapidly, and 3) another study from Birdlife found that most other birds species are also on the decline. And now wind farms and their power lines will be adding another 250 million killings per year. In the circumstances, is it reasonable for the RSPB to push for more wind farms ? To put things into perspective : Germany has over 20,000 wind turbines, Spain 16,000, yet CO2 emissions have continued to increase in both countries. The need for back-up by conventional power stations practically makes redundant this form of intermittent, unreliable electricity. Co-signed : *Professor David Bellamy* *Mark Duchamp*_______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Birdwatch - issue 204 (June 2009): table of contents From: "Chris Harbard" <chrisharbard AT hotmail.co.uk> Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 10:47:05 +0100 In a unique and exclusive shock confession, the finder of the 1994 Essex Hermit Thrush retracts the record, admitting that he fabricated the whole episode. Read his account of the subsequent deception of the Raritites Committee in his own words in this month's issue of Birdwatch, on sale from Thursday 20 May Birdwatch - issue 204 (June 2009): table of contents Features Vinicombe, K. Comman and Lesser Kestrels [How to separate the two species in all plumages] Harbard, C. Thriller in Manila [Exploring the endemic birds of the Philippines] Callahan, D. Gold rush [The biology and habits of the Golden Oriole in Britain] Redman, N. Round the Horn [A look at the amazing endemics of the Horn of Africa] Pepper, N. Off the record [The retraction of a faked record of Hermit Thrush in Essex] Punkbirder. Anyone seen any kid listers? [The perceived decline of interst in birding by young people] Obituary Bob Scott - The man who inspired a legion of birdwatchers as RSPB reserves manager Better Birding Data deficit - lack of data on British breeding birds Going for a song Part two: recording bird song and calls Habitats - The low country: lowland heaths Must see - Hobby What's on - June events Optical events - June guide Birding courses and workshops June high-tide tables for Britain and Ireland Garden Birding Plants - Bee happy: flowers to attract insects In the garden - Dunnock Food of the month - Larva hamper: caterpillars Columns Marven, N. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Cocker, M. Brain training for birders: keeping mentally alert to birds Young, S. The sharp end: sharpening digital images Where to watch birds Williams, J. Orkney Harris, J. Dartmoor News and related items News digest - Red list total increases; New raptor DNA database; Protecting ouir rivers; Digest Fraser, M. ListCheck - updating the world view of birds. [New subspecies: Brown-banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri gilesi; New genus: Black-collared and Ruwnezori Apalises Oreolais spp.; Generic assignment: Sparrows and towhees Aimophila and Pipilo spp.; National lists: new species for Peru and Kuwait] Tools of the trade Internet: Researching a country's birding hot-spots; birding in Devon Product review: Barska Naturescape 10x42 binocular Best buys: Paramo spring/summer clothing collection; Opticron Trailfinder II WP binocular; Bridgedale bamboo socks; RSPB 8x42 and 10X42 binoculars; C J Wildbird Foods square hanging table Book and DVD reviews: Where to Watch Birds in Yorkshire by John R Mather (Christopher Helm); A Sky Full of Starlings by Stephen Moss (Aurum Press); The Birds of Borneo by Clive F Mann (BOU Checklist); Birdwatching in the Philippines volume 1 (Philippine Department of Tourism) Book Offer of the Month: The Golden Oriole by Jake Allsop and Paul Mason (Poyser) - £35.99, reduced from £40.00 Accounts of recent rarities in Britain and Ireland Portland's piebald surprise [Collared Flycatcher: Portland, Dorset, 28 April-2 May 2009] Up with the lark [Crested Lark: Dungeness, Kent, 27 April-4 May 2009] Lesser is more [American Golden Plover: Breydon Water, Norfolk, 6-18 April 2009] Portland collars a Bonelli's too [Eastern Bonelli's Warbler: Portland, Dorset, 1 May 2009] A secret sparrow [White-throated Sparrow: Old Winchester Hill NR, Hants, 8 November 2008-20 April 2009] The untickable vagrant? [Wood Duck: Loch of Spiggie RSPB, Shetland, 16 April-May 2009] Monthly highlights summary: April 2009 Recent reports Monthly round-ups from eight regions in Britain, and from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, January 2009, including images of Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis, Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg, Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus, Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, Alpine Swift Apus melba, Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, Little Gull Larus minutus, Spoonbill Platalea leucoroda, Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans, Wood Duck Aix sponsa, Black Kite Milvus migrans, Ring-necked Aythya collaris. Highlights summary for the Western Palearctic in January 2009, including photos of Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus in Lanzarote, Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis in the Netherlands, Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus in Cyprus, breeding Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus in Morocco and Slaty-backed Gull Larus shistisagus in Latvia. Reader holidays Guatemala: 6-19 December 2009 Competitions Win a Leica 8x32 HD Ultravid binocular worth £1,400 Chris Harbard 01480 475116 07739 793958 Skype 0208 144 1068 The home of birding - online www.birdwatch.co.uk 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: Re: Swifts and House Martins From: Michael Rank <rank AT mailbox.co.uk> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 21:59:04 +0100 Swift numbers seem to me about average, or possibly a bit below, over Hackney, London N1 this year, they arrived a few days late, I would say. Michael On May 14, 2009, at 19:01, James Cracknell wrote: > Heck - that's not many Swifts. They were screaming all over Beccles > and > Bungay in the usual spots last weekend (and all this week) and there > was a > huge contingent (40+) nr PC World/Sweetbriar Industrial Estate in > Norwich > hawking over the trees (must have been a good number of insects around > there) > > -----Original Message----- > From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of John McGloin > Sent: 14 May 2009 18:00 > To: Mick Farmer > Cc: UKbirdnet > Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Swifts and House Martins > > I'm in New Malden, SW London. 2+1 swifts seen yesterday, 1 heard 2 days > earlier. > Cheers > John > Mick Farmer wrote: >> Dear UKBN, >> >> Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or >> House Martins this year. >> >> Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? >> >> Regards, >> >> Mick /"\ >> \ / >> Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign >> User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus > signature > database 4075 (20090514) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus > signature > database 4075 (20090514) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > _______________________________________________ > 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: Swifts and House Martins From: "Nick Morgan" <nick.morgan1 AT virgin.net> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 19:58:17 +0100 50 Swifts over my village here in North Yorkshire yesterday and generally normal numbers around if a little late, House Martins too now back in OK numbers but significantly later than recent years Nick -----Original Message----- From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk]On Behalf Of Mick Farmer Sent: 14 May 2009 17:38 To: UKbirdnet Subject: [UKbirdnet] Swifts and House Martins Dear UKBN, Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or House Martins this year. Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? Regards, Mick /"\ \ / Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail _______________________________________________ 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: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.29/2114 - Release Date: 05/14/09 06:28:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: Swifts and House Martins From: "Richard Thomas" <r.thomas AT btinternet.com> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 19:32:57 +0100 2 swifts seen in SW19 (Wimbledon) on 10 May and again today. Richard Thomas ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mick Farmer" To: "UKbirdnet" Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:38 PM Subject: [UKbirdnet] Swifts and House Martins > Dear UKBN, > > Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or > House Martins this year. > > Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? > > Regards, > > Mick /"\ > \ / > Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign > User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail > _______________________________________________ > 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: Swifts and House Martins From: John McGloin <rmkdhjm AT ucl.ac.uk> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 17:59:50 +0100 I'm in New Malden, SW London. 2+1 swifts seen yesterday, 1 heard 2 days earlier. Cheers John Mick Farmer wrote: > Dear UKBN, > > Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or > House Martins this year. > > Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? > > Regards, > > Mick /"\ > \ / > Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign > User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail > _______________________________________________ > 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: Swifts and House Martins From: "NJ Lindsey" <N.J.Lindsey AT Bradford.ac.uk> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 17:58:00 +0100 Hi Swifts arrived in Haworth West Yorks 11th along with House Martins maybe 5 days later than last year. Nigel Dr. Nigel Lindsey Associate Dean Learning and Teaching School of Life Sciences N.J.Lindsey AT Bradford.ac.uk Tel 01274233567 Mobile 07765321996 Dr. Nigel Lindsey Associate Dean Learning and Teaching School of Life Sciences   N.J.Lindsey AT Bradford.ac.uk Tel 01274233567 Mobile 07765321996 Windows Messenger n.j.lindsey AT bradford.ac.uk -----Original Message----- From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Mick Farmer Sent: 14 May 2009 17:38 To: UKbirdnet Subject: [UKbirdnet] Swifts and House Martins Dear UKBN, Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or House Martins this year. Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? Regards, Mick /"\ \ / Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail _______________________________________________ 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: Swifts and House Martins From: "Rob Robinson" <rob.robinson AT bto.org> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 17:50:15 +0100 I've seen a few (only) swifts in Norfolk, BirdTrack does suggest they are late coming in... http://blx1.bto.org/bt-dailyresults/results/s295-20-09.html House martins very thin on the ground after an initial flush, the birdtrack graph is quite startling http://blx1.bto.org/bt-dailyresults/results/s325-20-09.html Happy birding Rob *** Help us celebrate 100 yrs of Ringing http://btoringing.blogspot.com/ ** Dr Rob Robinson, Principal Ecologist British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU Ph: +44 (0)1842 750050 E: rob.robinson AT bto.org Fx: +44 (0)1842 750030 W: www.bto.org/aboutBTO/cvs/rob_robinson.htm ====== "How can anyone be enlightened, when truth is so poorly lit" ======= > -----Original Message----- > From: ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk > [mailto:ukbirdnet-bounces AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Mick Farmer > Sent: 14 May 2009 17:38 > To: UKbirdnet > Subject: [UKbirdnet] Swifts and House Martins > > Dear UKBN, > > Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or > House Martins this year. > > Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? > > Regards, > > Mick /"\ > \ / > Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign > User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail > _______________________________________________ > 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: Swifts and House Martins From: Mick Farmer <mick AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 17:38:29 +0100 Dear UKBN, Here in Lewisham, SE London, I still haven't seen swifts or House Martins this year. Are they late arriving? Are they not in London any more? Regards, Mick /"\ \ / Linux Registered X ASCII Ribbon Campaign User #287765 / \ Against HTML Mail _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: book wanted From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker AT zipcon.net> Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 16:37:27 -0700 (PDT) HI ALL: I'm trying to track down an INexpensive copy of the following: Lewington, Ian et al. A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. Does anyone have a copy they are willing to part with? 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: Re: **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change From: sylvia wallace <sylvia.wallace AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:56:58 +0100 Regarding the Met Office graph, the last years are not shown with enough detail. There is a better graph from the Met Office here (click the link under the graph for an updated one : http://www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=3814 You can see that the global temperature has dropped since 1998, which contradicts the statement from the Met in the article referred by Rob: "A simple mathematical calculation of the temperature change over the latest decade (1998-2007) alone shows a continued warming of 0.1 °C per decade." Their own graph shows significant cooling, yet they imply that it warmed 0.1 °C per decade ! What kind of "simple mathematical calculation" have they applied ! ? So often narrowly defined scientific reports are being used as something quite different in order to play the global warming tune, even when it's cooling. Regarding the other reports Rob mentions, if Mark Duchamp was not barred from this listserve he would find the flaw in these studies, as he did for so many others. Here is an interesting quote from UK's famous science writer Nigel Calder: *"If I wanted to do research on, shall we say, the squirrels of Sussex, what I would do, and this is any time from 1990 onwards, I would write my grant application saying I want to investigate the "nut-gathering behaviour of squirrels with special reference to the effects of Global Warming", and that way I get my money. If I forget to mention Global Warming, I might not get my money."* ** Indeed, how can anyone be enlightened, when the truth is so poorly lit! Sylvia. ** * * 2009/4/17 Rob Robinson > > Without wishing to get into a debate about this topic, a couple of comments > > > and anyone looking at the Met Office data can see that the > > average global temperature has come down significantly since > > the peak of 1998. This being the case, travelling distances > > I think people should look at the graph and draw their own conclusions: > http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/guide/bigpicture/fact2.html > > > Birds can adapt to climate change, however > > abruptly it occurs, but what's killing them is man and his > > high-impact activities - e.g. adverse land use, insecticides, > > high tension lines, wind farms, etc. > > There is direct evidence contradicting the first part of the statement, see > the recent paper in the science journal, Nature, concerning Dutch Pied > Flycatchers > http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v441/n7089/abs/nature04539.html. For > a > broader view of how climate and land-use changes might affect migratory > wildlife people may wish to look at > http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2008/theme/ICC/ICCpp2.pdf which > represents a consensus view from many of the key biologists working in this > area. > > Happy birdwatching > rob > > *** Help us celebrate 100 yrs of Ringing http://btoringing.blogspot.com/** > > Dr Rob Robinson, Principal Ecologist > British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU > Ph: +44 (0)1842 750050 E: rob.robinson AT bto.org > Fx: +44 (0)1842 750030 W: www.bto.org/aboutBTO/cvs/rob_robinson.htm > > ====== "How can anyone be enlightened, when truth is so poorly lit" ======= > > > > -----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: 17 April 2009 10:49 > > To: UKBN > > Subject: [UKbirdnet] **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change > > > > At the risk of being harassed again by some members of the > > list I pass on a letter written to The Scotsman by Mr.Duchamp > > as I think the contents are worth reading. > > Cheers, Norman > > > > > > Dear Sir or Madam, > > > > Re: your article of 15 April 2009 "Birds may have to fly an > > extra 250 miles because of climate change". > > > > The study in question lacks credibility on several counts, > > the first being that the new threat is not of warming, but of > > global cooling. Seven hundred independent scientists say so, > > and anyone looking at the Met Office data can see that the > > average global temperature has come down significantly since > > the peak of 1998. This being the case, travelling distances > > for migrating birds will become shorter, not longer. > > > > In any event, birds have adapted to wide and abrupt > > variations in temperature since they evolved from the > > dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago. They have survived > > a number of ice ages, and many periods of warmth with > > tropical temperatures being enjoyed as far north as the south > > of England. Birds can adapt to climate change, however > > abruptly it occurs, but what's killing them is man and his > > high-impact activities - e.g. adverse land use, insecticides, > > high tension lines, wind farms, etc. > > > > In fact, wind farms and their power lines are the new threat > > to migrations. In Europe, the principal crossing points over > > the Mediterranean are made dangerous by thousands of wind > > turbines. Elsewhere, staging posts such as the Hebrides and > > the Shetland Islands, the Baie de Somme in France, and the > > shores of the Baltic will soon be rendered as deadly. > > > > Millions of birds are being killed in Europe yearly because > > of wind turbines, and millions more by their power lines. But > > nothing is being done about it because the fact is not > > recognised by the RSPB and other bird societies. Only in > > Spain has the ornithological society warned of the danger, > > but this only happened this year, in a country already marred > > by 670 windfarms and 16,000 wind turbines. > > > > The problem lies in a conflict of interest : the first > > employer of ornithologists is the wind industry. They are > > contracted to write pre-construction avian impact > > assessments, and post-construction monitoring reports. This > > is a bonanza for the profession, and a disaster for the birds. > > > > Mark Duchamp > > > > Partida La Sella, 25 > > 03750 Pedreguer, Spain > > > > Tel . + 34 679 12 99 97 > > > > > > > > NB. the Spanish report Duchamp mentions can be found here: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > www.iberica2000.org/documents/EOLICA/EN_ESPANOL/SEO_Directrice > > s_Eolicos_2009.pdf > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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: migrating birds and climate change From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:09:39 +0200 Well, Jamie my lad, there is a response I like but are you saying this study is bad science?: www.iberica2000.org/documents/EOLICA/EN_ESPANOL/SEO_Directrices_Eolicos_2009.pdf Cheerio, Norman James Cracknell wrote: >Norman's forwarding of another Duchamp post. I loved this statement: "Birds can adapt to climate change, however abruptly it occurs, " Stick a chicken in a car for 10 minutes on a hot day and it's dead. There you go an example of abrupt climate change J Climate change can be very abrupt if you look at the geological evidence (which is believed by everyone apart from Creationists!) and you'll spot extinctions along the way given the fossil evidence. Why did the Dinosaurs die out again? Was it because these warm blooded creatures got too warm or too cold or did T Rex build a windfarm and all the Pterosaurs flew into them? I take this from a children's book "Species become extinct when they are no longer able to get what they need to live such as food, water, or shelter. This can also happen when the weather is too hot or too cold for a long time." Oh look, a reference to climate change and extinction for children! Knowing the UK Science syllabus I'd say that's primary school level J <11yrs old. I noticed that this was Mr Duchamp's letter to the Scotsman - it hasn't been published yet has it? However, given that the media has had an obsession with MMR and autism for over 10years based on anecdotal evidence by "an expert" will mean they'll probably fall for it. Someone warn them please! Have a look at http://www.badscience.net/ by Dr Ben Goldacre - it's quite revealing about how people use Science for their own gain. For those in the UK he was also on Newswipe on BBC4. If you fancy a laugh and a cry about the media today have a look at.http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00jhp50 - the BBCiplayer is embedded. View from 11:10 if you just want the Bad Science bits. Oh well I am glad Norm has given me another giggle at the Fox News level of writing.< No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.11.59/2063 - Release Date: 04/16/09 16:38:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: ARDEA : 97 ( 1) From: "Jacob de Vries" <jacobird AT xs4all.nl> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:12:25 +0200 (CEST) hi, all ARDEA 2008 - Jahrgang : 97 (1) kommt raus, und hat als Inhalt (english): Tinbergen J.M. (2009) In memoriam. Rudolf Herman Drent (1937-2008). ARDEA 97 (1): 1 - 6. Delgado M.M., Penteriani V. & Nams V.O. (2009) How fledglings explore surroundings from fledging to dispersal. A case study with Eagle Owls Bubo bubo. ARDEA 97 (1): 7 - 15. Adamík P., Hušek J. & Cepák J. (2009) Rapid decline of Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus parasitism in Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio. ARDEA 97 (1): 17 - 22. Arizaga J., Hernández M.A., Rivas J. & Miranda R. (2009) Biometrics of Iberian Dippers Cinclus cinclus: environmental sources of among-population variation. ARDEA 97 (1): 23 - 30. Kober K. & Bairlein F. (2009) Habitat choice and niche characteristics under poor food conditions. A study on migratory nearctic shorebirds in the intertidal flats of Brazil. ARDEA 97 (1): 31 - 42. Thorup O., Timonen S., Blomqvist D., Flodin L-Å., Jönsson P.E., Larsson M., Pakanen V-M. & Soikkeli M. (2009) Migration and wintering of Baltic Dunlins Calidris alpina schinzii with known breeding origin. ARDEA 97 (1): 43 - 50. Duijns S., van Dijk J.G.B., Spaans B., Jukema J., de Boer W.F. & Piersma T. (2009) Foraging site selection of two subspecies of Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica: Time minimizers accept greater predation danger than energy minimizers. ARDEA 97 (1): 51 - 59. Choi C.Y., Gan X.J., Ma Q., Zhang K.J., Chen J.K. & Ma Z.J. (2009) Body condition and fuel deposition patterns of calidrid sandpipers during migratory stopover. ARDEA 97 (1): 61 - 70. Leyrer J., Pruiksma S. & Piersma T. (2009) On 4 June 2008 Siberian Red Knots at Elbe Mouth kissed the canonical evening migration departure rule goodbye. ARDEA 97 (1): 71 - 79. Vanermen N., Stienen E.W.M., De Meulenaer B., Van Ginderdeuren K. & Degraer S. (2009) Low dietary importance of polychaetes in opportunistic feeding Sanderlings Calidris alba on Belgian beaches. ARDEA 97 (1): 81 - 87. Mullers R.H.E & Tinbergen J.M. (2009) Individual variation in parental provisioning behaviour predicts survival of Cape Gannet chicks under poor conditions. ARDEA 97 (1): 89 - 98. Merkel F.R., Mosbech A. & Riget F. (2009) Common Eider Somateria mollissima feeding activity and the influence of human disturbances. ARDEA 97 (1): 99 - 107. Trnka A., Batáry P. & Prokop P. (2009) Interacting effects of vegetation structure and breeding patterns on the survival of Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus nests. ARDEA 97 (1): 109 - 116. Wiącek J. (2009) Nest site selection of Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus breeding in natural habitats in eastern Poland. ARDEA 97 (1): 117 - 119. Williams J.B., Tieleman B.I. & Shobrak M. (2009) Validation of temperature-sensitive radio transmitters for measurement of body temperature in small animals. ARDEA 97 (1): 120 - 124. Isaksson C. (2009) The chemical pathway of carotenoids: From plants to birds. ARDEA 97 (1): 125 - 128. PhD-dissertation reviews (2009). ARDEA 97 (1): 129 - 136. Gruessen Jacob de Vries / jacobird AT xs4all.nl / www.nou.nu _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change From: "Rob Robinson" <rob.robinson AT bto.org> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:45:15 +0100 Without wishing to get into a debate about this topic, a couple of comments > and anyone looking at the Met Office data can see that the > average global temperature has come down significantly since > the peak of 1998. This being the case, travelling distances I think people should look at the graph and draw their own conclusions: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/guide/bigpicture/fact2.html > Birds can adapt to climate change, however > abruptly it occurs, but what's killing them is man and his > high-impact activities - e.g. adverse land use, insecticides, > high tension lines, wind farms, etc. There is direct evidence contradicting the first part of the statement, see the recent paper in the science journal, Nature, concerning Dutch Pied Flycatchers http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v441/n7089/abs/nature04539.html. For a broader view of how climate and land-use changes might affect migratory wildlife people may wish to look at http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2008/theme/ICC/ICCpp2.pdf which represents a consensus view from many of the key biologists working in this area. Happy birdwatching rob *** Help us celebrate 100 yrs of Ringing http://btoringing.blogspot.com/ ** Dr Rob Robinson, Principal Ecologist British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU Ph: +44 (0)1842 750050 E: rob.robinson AT bto.org Fx: +44 (0)1842 750030 W: www.bto.org/aboutBTO/cvs/rob_robinson.htm ====== "How can anyone be enlightened, when truth is so poorly lit" ======= > -----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: 17 April 2009 10:49 > To: UKBN > Subject: [UKbirdnet] **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change > > At the risk of being harassed again by some members of the > list I pass on a letter written to The Scotsman by Mr.Duchamp > as I think the contents are worth reading. > Cheers, Norman > > > Dear Sir or Madam, > > Re: your article of 15 April 2009 "Birds may have to fly an > extra 250 miles because of climate change". > > The study in question lacks credibility on several counts, > the first being that the new threat is not of warming, but of > global cooling. Seven hundred independent scientists say so, > and anyone looking at the Met Office data can see that the > average global temperature has come down significantly since > the peak of 1998. This being the case, travelling distances > for migrating birds will become shorter, not longer. > > In any event, birds have adapted to wide and abrupt > variations in temperature since they evolved from the > dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago. They have survived > a number of ice ages, and many periods of warmth with > tropical temperatures being enjoyed as far north as the south > of England. Birds can adapt to climate change, however > abruptly it occurs, but what's killing them is man and his > high-impact activities - e.g. adverse land use, insecticides, > high tension lines, wind farms, etc. > > In fact, wind farms and their power lines are the new threat > to migrations. In Europe, the principal crossing points over > the Mediterranean are made dangerous by thousands of wind > turbines. Elsewhere, staging posts such as the Hebrides and > the Shetland Islands, the Baie de Somme in France, and the > shores of the Baltic will soon be rendered as deadly. > > Millions of birds are being killed in Europe yearly because > of wind turbines, and millions more by their power lines. But > nothing is being done about it because the fact is not > recognised by the RSPB and other bird societies. Only in > Spain has the ornithological society warned of the danger, > but this only happened this year, in a country already marred > by 670 windfarms and 16,000 wind turbines. > > The problem lies in a conflict of interest : the first > employer of ornithologists is the wind industry. They are > contracted to write pre-construction avian impact > assessments, and post-construction monitoring reports. This > is a bonanza for the profession, and a disaster for the birds. > > Mark Duchamp > > Partida La Sella, 25 > 03750 Pedreguer, Spain > > Tel . + 34 679 12 99 97 > > > > NB. the Spanish report Duchamp mentions can be found here: > > > > > > > www.iberica2000.org/documents/EOLICA/EN_ESPANOL/SEO_Directrice > s_Eolicos_2009.pdf > > _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: **SPAM** migrating birds and climate change From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:48:41 +0200 At the risk of being harassed again by some members of the list I pass on a letter written to The Scotsman by Mr.Duchamp as I think the contents are worth reading. Cheers, Norman Dear Sir or Madam, Re: your article of 15 April 2009 "Birds may have to fly an extra 250 miles because of climate change". The study in question lacks credibility on several counts, the first being that the new threat is not of warming, but of global cooling. Seven hundred independent scientists say so, and anyone looking at the Met Office data can see that the average global temperature has come down significantly since the peak of 1998. This being the case, travelling distances for migrating birds will become shorter, not longer. In any event, birds have adapted to wide and abrupt variations in temperature since they evolved from the dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago. They have survived a number of ice ages, and many periods of warmth with tropical temperatures being enjoyed as far north as the south of England. Birds can adapt to climate change, however abruptly it occurs, but what's killing them is man and his high-impact activities - e.g. adverse land use, insecticides, high tension lines, wind farms, etc. In fact, wind farms and their power lines are the new threat to migrations. In Europe, the principal crossing points over the Mediterranean are made dangerous by thousands of wind turbines. Elsewhere, staging posts such as the Hebrides and the Shetland Islands, the Baie de Somme in France, and the shores of the Baltic will soon be rendered as deadly. Millions of birds are being killed in Europe yearly because of wind turbines, and millions more by their power lines. But nothing is being done about it because the fact is not recognised by the RSPB and other bird societies. Only in Spain has the ornithological society warned of the danger, but this only happened this year, in a country already marred by 670 windfarms and 16,000 wind turbines. The problem lies in a conflict of interest : the first employer of ornithologists is the wind industry. They are contracted to write pre-construction avian impact assessments, and post-construction monitoring reports. This is a bonanza for the profession, and a disaster for the birds. Mark Duchamp Partida La Sella, 25 03750 Pedreguer, Spain Tel . + 34 679 12 99 97 NB. the Spanish report Duchamp mentions can be found here: www.iberica2000.org/documents/EOLICA/EN_ESPANOL/SEO_Directrices_Eolicos_2009.pdf No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.11.59/2063 - Release Date: 04/16/09 16:38:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: BirdLife Malta warden shot for the second time From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:53:35 +0200 See http://www.birdlifemalta.org/view.aspx?id=170 React please: This is scandalous. The police must crack down. Write letters to the Times of Malta daily AT timesofmalta.com and the Prime Minister of Malta prime.minister AT gov.mt or Secretary to the Cabinet Tel: (356) 22 001 260 Fax: 22 001 262 !!! I have just called the office of the Malta PM on the number shown above. They were surprised to say the least. Let's have more phone calls - it only costs a few cents and makes an impact. Write on the wall with the reaction you get please. 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: 10 birds as tourism attractions From: Gunnar Engblom <kolibriexp AT telefonica.net.pe> Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:37:59 -0500 Hi all Some birds having wow-factor transcend also to non-birders. I have put together a list of 11 (that is OK, it does not have to be 10!) bird attractions in Peru on my blog. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/index.php/11-must-see-birds-in-peru-for-everyone/ This is something that can be done in every country (or maybe state in big countries) all around the world. Pick the 10 most import birds with potential as tourist attractions. They should be birds that people either have heard of or birds that make some marvelous display that appeals to a non-birder. Your end-product are your poster species for conservation, local eco-tourism and to recruit more birders. Think about it! What would those birds be in your country? If you like what you read on my blog, please consider bookmarking it on social bookmarking services on line, such as Digg, Stumble Upon and Delicious (or all) and resend to the birdlists you belong to. Write up a blog post similar to mine for your country, and I shall also link back to yours. End result could be a global awareness of the birds around us....Who knows? Yes, I am dreamer....but that is OK, isn't it? Saludos Gunnar -- Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru. Kolibri Expeditions http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com http://www.birding-peru.com  Peru Birdwatching Portal . Checklists, pics & site info, etc. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/ - Gunnar's Blog - updated frequently. Tel:  +51 1 2737246 . Cell: +51 1  988 555 938,  RPM #752-755 Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix -- Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru. Kolibri Expeditions http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com http://www.birding-peru.com Peru Birdwatching Portal . Checklists, pics & site info, etc. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/ - Gunnar's Blog - updated frequently. Tel: +51 1 2737246 . Cell: +51 1 988 555 938, RPM #752-755 Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Fwd: 1000 birds to see before you die From: Gunnar Engblom <kolibriexp AT telefonica.net.pe> Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:55:12 -0500 Hi, I cracked this idea for a birders bucket list and have decided to write a book. "1000 birds to see before you die". http://bit.ly/1zad Do you want to help and suggest content? Check the link above. It is a fun excersize. If you don't want to list 100 birds for me...pls just send a list of your top 10-100 birds to the list. Number 1 gets 100 points, nr 2 gets 99 and so forth. Right now people participating have a very American (North and South American) biase, so it would be good to have some European perspective as well. They can be both birds you have seen and birds you want to see all around the world. Simply the best birds of your lifetime. They can be rare and remote, but they must be regularily seen at their site. Ivory-billed Woodpecker and Slender-billed Curlew will not make the list I am afraid, but Tuamotu Sandpiper and Scarlet-banded Barbet may if they get voted for. The book will be free for all to download - and I will think of some scheme/campaign in which money can be donated to Birdlife International for the conservation of the threatened birds. Saludos Gunnar Engblom www.kolibriexpeditions.com Lima Peru -- Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru. Kolibri Expeditions http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com http://www.birding-peru.com  Peru Birdwatching Portal . Checklists, pics & site info, etc. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/ - Gunnar's Blog - updated frequently. Tel:  +51 1 2737246 . Cell: +51 1  988 555 938,  RPM #752-755 Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix -- Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru. Kolibri Expeditions http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com http://www.birding-peru.com Peru Birdwatching Portal . Checklists, pics & site info, etc. http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/birdingperu/blog/ - Gunnar's Blog - updated frequently. Tel: +51 1 2737246 . Cell: +51 1 988 555 938, RPM #752-755 Follow me on www.twitter.com/kolibrix _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Bird expert hits out over RSPB's call for more windfarms, From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:27:32 +0100 FYI http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1137922?UserKey= No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.11.29/2023 - Release Date: 03/25/09 18:54:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Birding World From: "Tony Morris" <tonyandpam.morris AT tiscali.co.uk> Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:37:50 -0000 I've just put all my birding worlds in binders and have discovered that I've got 1994-no 11 (Vol 7) missing. Anyone with a spare copy for sale? Or if I lent it to anyone out there- could I have it back please? Tony Morris St Margaret's at Cliffe Kent http://stmargaretsphotodiary.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: State of the USA's biirds - 1/3 of bird populations in decline From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:51:32 +0100 *Washington, D.C. *-- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today released the first ever comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States, showing that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats. The report is available at _http://www.stateofthebirds.org (embargoed until 2:30 pm EDT)_ At the same time, the report highlights examples, including many species of waterfowl, where habitat restoration and conservation have reversed previous declines, offering hope that it is not too late to take action to save declining populations. -- 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: Illegal Hunting and Trapping on Malta From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:38:30 +0100 Online up-to date information from Malta (courtesy BirdLife Malta) As migration begins over Malta illegal trappers and hunters ignore the spring hunting (and permanent EU) trapping ban. The first shot birds are being reported (more later) and local conservationists and the Malta anti-poaching unit ALE have their hands full with illegal trapping. The first nets have been confiscated with a number of trappers taking to their heels. We will have our hands full this spring. 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: Wings down From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:22:30 +0100 I have known this bird for over ten winters and I have still no clue why he is doing this. Has any of you? http://www.radioactiverobins.com/unusual%20behaviour/unusual%20behaviour.htmCheers, Norman No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.3/1975 - Release Date: 02/27/09 07:05:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Birdwatch - issue 201 (March 2009): table of contents From: "Chris Harbard" <chrisharbard AT hotmail.co.uk> Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:38:33 -0000 Here is the latest table of contents of Birdwatch magazine Chris Birdwatch - issue 201 (March 2009): table of contents Features Stephens, M. Death on the rocks [Photo feature depicting the last moments of a Rock Pipit as it is predated by a Jackdaw] Stoddart, A. Mealy and Arctic Redpolls [How to distinguish between these two similar forms of redpoll] Woolfries, S. The way we were [A look back over 40 years of British birding] Shaw, K, and Wynn, R. Chum odyssey [The ultimate Western Palearctic pelagic] Taylor, M. Nouveau dude [What makes a modern 'dude' birdwatcher?] Callahan, D. Laughing from E to C [Will Red-winged Laughingthrush be the next addition to the British list?] Young, S. Room for a zoom [The advantages of zoom lenses] Marven, N. Gorging on geese [Quest for a Red-breasted Goose] Punkbirder. What's the Point? [Birding frustrations] Better Birding Bird movements - coastwatch: March migrants Equipment - through the looking glass Building skills - any port in a storm Must see - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker What's on - March events Optical events - March guide Birding courses and workshops March high-tide tables for Britain and Ireland Garden Birding Plants - Mossing about In the garden - Siskin Food of the month - mixed seeds Garden advice - predator protection Where to watch birds Lidster, J. Isle of Purbeck, Dorset Smith, G. Bradwell and the Dengie coast, Essex Hobson, P. The Upper Derwent Valley, Derbyshire Elwell, M. Thurso to Dunnet Head, Caithness News and related items News digest - forestry plans could harm wildlife; Birdfair brings home the bacon Fraser, M. ListCheck - updating the world view of birds. [National lists: Britain and Brazil. Splits: Lesser Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus fuscus; Plumbeous Antbird Dysithamnus plumbeus; Spotted Bush Warbler Bradypterus thoracicus] Tools of the trade Internet: bookmarking, websites and newsgroup nuggets Product review: Sigma 150-500 mm f5.6-6.3 DG OS HSM Emerging destinations: Bahamas Brochure watch: Birdwatching Breaks Book and DVD reviews: Birds: the Art of Ornithology by Jonathan Elphick (Scriptum Editions); Wild Spain: the Animals, Plants and Landscapes by Teresa Farino (New Holland); Lars Jonsson's Birds by Lars Jonsson (Christopher Helm); British Birds Video Guide by David Gosney (BirdGuides); One Flew into the Cuckoo's Egg by Bill Oddie (Hodder & Stoughton) Birdwatch Bird Book of the Year 2008 Book Offer of the Month: The History of British Birds by D W Yalden and U Albarella (Oxford University Press) - £39.99 (reduced from £55) Accounts of recent rarities in Britain and Ireland Rabbitts, B. Ivory Gull put out to grass [Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea, Clachan, Outer Hebrides, 21-22 January 2009] Kerr, B. Gull roost's boost [Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan, Barassie, Ayshire, 16-18 January 2009] Callahan, D. Eider downer [False Steller's sighting causes a storm] Monthly highlights summary: January 2009 Recent reports Monthly round-ups from eight regions in Britain, and from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, January 2009, including images of Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus (collybita) tristis, Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Black-bellied Dipper Cinclus cinclus cinclus, Smew Mergellus albellus, Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens, Caspian Gull L cachinnans, Iceland Gull L glaucoides, Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus, Lesser Snow Goose Chen caerulescens caerulescens, Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis, American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus and Kumlien's Gull L glaucoides kumlieni. Highlights summary for the Western Palearctic in January 2009, including photos of American Coot Fulica americana in Spain, Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis in Kuwait, Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus and Streak-throated Swallow Hirundo fluvicola in the UAE, Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis and Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys in Sweden, and Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea in France. Reader holidays Texas and Mexico: 15-26 April 2009 Azores: 13-20 October 2009 Competitions Win a Steiner 8x44 Discovery binocular worth £899 Digiscoper of the Year 2009 Chris Harbard 01480 475116 07739 793958 Skype 0208 144 1068 The home of birding - online www.birdwatch.co.uk 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: Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org> Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:16:43 +0000 I think you have been answered by other people who agree with me. If you want to be worried by the effect of windfarms on birds, there are at least two other mailing lists devoted to that subject. Doubtless, several people here subscribe to them, as I do. So, not for the first time, but I hope for the last, please keep this mailing list free of Duchamp, including his non-paranoid postings - if any. Malcolm In message <28F9C52B10A3494DA14B0D79A1C02008 AT computername>, Norman D.van Swelm writes >Dear Malcolm, we are all aware of the fact that you and Mr.Duchamps are >not the best of friends. The inquisitional way of communicating both of >you use makes it rather difficult for ordinary mortals to decide which >of you is right. Yet one thing is clear not everything Mr.Duchamps says >can be labelled as paranoid indeed perhaps nothing of what he says >deserves that qualification! >I have felt free to quote some of Mr.Duchamps messages in order to >allow the readers to judge the contents for themselves since they are >very worrying. >Norman > >Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: > What about them? Are you claiming there are >people with those views >> subscribed to this mailing list? That's a pretty big insult, I would >> have thought. *Almost* all the posters here strike me as being >> intelligent and well-informed. >> >> Anyway, your "excuse" for posting Duchamp's messages cuts no ice. He was >> banned from this mailing list for very good reasons, the same reasons he >> has been banned from other lists. On at least one list, he managed to >> find acolytes to post his paranoid messages on his behalf. Kindly >> refrain from inflicting them on this mailing list. >> Malcolm >> >> In message <07DC92A57B134082A68A90FE6B84F028 AT computername>, Norman D.van >> Swelm writes >>>Ah yes Malcolm you have, of course, but what about all those who think >>>windmills are harmless and only beneficial and do not have the time to >>>shift facts from fiction and wishful thinking? >>>Norman >>> >>>Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: >You have been asked, politely, more than once >>>to refrain from re-posting >>>Duchamp's posts here. Anyone who wants to read what he has to say can do >>>so if they wish in other mailing lists from which, unlike this one, he >>>has not been barred. >>> >>>Anyone interested in the subject will also have long since picked up >>>these new results from Altamont from other sources as I did. >>> >>>In message , Norman D.van >>>Swelm writes >>>>FYI >>>> >>>>----- Original Message ----- >>>>From: mark duchamp >>>>To: Raptor Biology >>>>Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM >>>>Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than >>>>previously thought >>>> >>>>"...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been >>>>killing up >>>>to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors.* >>>> >>>>Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more >>>>than 25 >>>>years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 birds >>>>annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." >>>> >>>>and : >>>> >>>>" A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife >>>>Program >>>>Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn >>>>Smallwood >>>>indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher than >>>>previously >>>>thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes >>>>raptors will be >>>>at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly to >>>>birds." >>>> >>>>http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle >>>> >>>>Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 >>>>INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>>>asp?Id=3729 >>>> >>>>The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>>>asp?Id=1228 >>>>Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of >>>>collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : >>> >>>No virus found in this outgoing message. >>>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>>Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: >>>02/21/09 15:36:00 >> >> -- 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: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: >02/21/09 15:36:00 > >No virus found in this outgoing message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: >02/21/09 15:36:00 -- 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: Gentlemen... From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:24:32 +0100 Jim Barton wrote: > I quite understand why Malcolm says what he says. I propose > that you invite people to consider the person's views without restating or > quoting them; instead, refer people to a site or list where his views may > be found.< Jim, I have no trouble in understanding Malcolm but I value free speech more than anything but you tell that the English nowadays! Thanks to Mr.Duchamps' dedication, determination and razorsharp reasoning I have learned more about the dark side of windmills than from anyone on this and other lists! The number of White-tailed Eagles that died because of windmills in northern Norway and Germany is alarming and thanks to Duchamp we know of it. Just imagine this, last November at a time that may be five or six White-tailed Eagles were present in The Netherlands in the middle of nowhere a young eagle was cut to pieces! Now just imagine what will happen in Norfolk where plans to re-introduce White-tailed Eagles go hand in hand with planning windmill sites on land and at sea! Cheers, Norman No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.3/1966 - Release Date: 02/22/09 17:21:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Gentlemen... From: "Jim Barton" <redwingatfp1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:57:08 -0500 Norman, I quite understand why Malcolm says what he says. I propose that you invite people to consider the person's views without restating or quoting them; instead, refer people to a site or list where his views may be found. Best wishes, Jim Barton Cambridge, MA U.S. Coordinator - Proact defending birds and their habitats before it's too late www.proact-campaigns.net _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: moult sequence of Alaskan Glaucous Gull From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:52:57 +0100 As mentioned before a dead Alaskan Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus barrovianus was found in the Port of Rotterdam being the first occurrence of this taxon in the North Sea. It's identity was confirmed by analyses of it's DNA. The bird in question which is in it's 4th calender year and therefore in 3rd winter plumage has primaries of different ages. P4 to 10 are old(er) and P1-3 are new. I would like to ask those of you who see plenty Glaucous Gulls in winter to confirm that this pattern is common in Glaucous Gulls. Also added are two pictures of Glaucous Gulls taken in Newfoundland in January some years ago by Peter de Knijff. He found these birds amidst a large group of Glaucous Gulls from which they clearly differed, he thinks they are L.h.barrovianus as well. Have a look here: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/gulls/glaucousgull%20alaskan.htm Cheers, Norman No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 15:36:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought From: "Alf King" <alf.king AT ntlworld.com> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:53:33 -0000 We've read them all in the past and have found them to be disingenuous amongst other things, hence he was barred from this list. Your insistence in posting for him is both irritating and insulting to the rest of us who read this list, no matter what your opinions of our intellects are. Please desist as you have been requested to do on previous occasions. Alf King -----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: 22 February 2009 16:40 To: ukbirdnet AT dcs.bbk.ac.uk; Malcolm Ogilvie Subject: Re: [UKbirdnet] Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought Dear Malcolm, we are all aware of the fact that you and Mr.Duchamps are not the best of friends. The inquisitional way of communicating both of you use makes it rather difficult for ordinary mortals to decide which of you is right. Yet one thing is clear not everything Mr.Duchamps says can be labelled as paranoid indeed perhaps nothing of what he says deserves that qualification! I have felt free to quote some of Mr.Duchamps messages in order to allow the readers to judge the contents for themselves since they are very worrying. Norman Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: > What about them? Are you claiming there are people with those views > subscribed to this mailing list? That's a pretty big insult, I would > have thought. *Almost* all the posters here strike me as being > intelligent and well-informed. > > Anyway, your "excuse" for posting Duchamp's messages cuts no ice. He > was banned from this mailing list for very good reasons, the same > reasons he has been banned from other lists. On at least one list, he > managed to find acolytes to post his paranoid messages on his behalf. > Kindly refrain from inflicting them on this mailing list. > Malcolm > > In message <07DC92A57B134082A68A90FE6B84F028 AT computername>, Norman > D.van Swelm writes >>Ah yes Malcolm you have, of course, but what about all those who think >>windmills are harmless and only beneficial and do not have the time to >>shift facts from fiction and wishful thinking? >>Norman >> >>Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: >You have been asked, politely, more than once >>to refrain from re-posting Duchamp's posts here. Anyone who wants to >>read what he has to say can do so if they wish in other mailing lists >>from which, unlike this one, he has not been barred. >> >>Anyone interested in the subject will also have long since picked up >>these new results from Altamont from other sources as I did. >> >>In message , Norman >>D.van Swelm writes >>>FYI >>> >>>----- Original Message ----- >>>From: mark duchamp >>>To: Raptor Biology >>>Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM >>>Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than >>>previously thought >>> >>>"...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been >>>killing up to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them >>>raptors.* >>> >>>Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more than >>>25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 >>>birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." >>> >>>and : >>> >>>" A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife >>>Program Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn >>>Smallwood indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher >>>than previously >>>thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes raptors >>>will be at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly >>>to birds." >>> >>>http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle >>> >>>Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 >>>INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>>asp?Id=3729 >>> >>>The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>>asp?Id=1228 >>>Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of >>>collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : >> >>No virus found in this outgoing message. >>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: >>02/21/09 15:36:00 > > -- > 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: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 15:36:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms killsmorebirds than previously thought From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:39:49 +0100 Dear Malcolm, we are all aware of the fact that you and Mr.Duchamps are not the best of friends. The inquisitional way of communicating both of you use makes it rather difficult for ordinary mortals to decide which of you is right. Yet one thing is clear not everything Mr.Duchamps says can be labelled as paranoid indeed perhaps nothing of what he says deserves that qualification! I have felt free to quote some of Mr.Duchamps messages in order to allow the readers to judge the contents for themselves since they are very worrying. Norman Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: > What about them? Are you claiming there are people with those views > subscribed to this mailing list? That's a pretty big insult, I would > have thought. *Almost* all the posters here strike me as being > intelligent and well-informed. > > Anyway, your "excuse" for posting Duchamp's messages cuts no ice. He was > banned from this mailing list for very good reasons, the same reasons he > has been banned from other lists. On at least one list, he managed to > find acolytes to post his paranoid messages on his behalf. Kindly > refrain from inflicting them on this mailing list. > Malcolm > > In message <07DC92A57B134082A68A90FE6B84F028 AT computername>, Norman D.van > Swelm writes >>Ah yes Malcolm you have, of course, but what about all those who think >>windmills are harmless and only beneficial and do not have the time to >>shift facts from fiction and wishful thinking? >>Norman >> >>Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: >You have been asked, politely, more than once >>to refrain from re-posting >>Duchamp's posts here. Anyone who wants to read what he has to say can do >>so if they wish in other mailing lists from which, unlike this one, he >>has not been barred. >> >>Anyone interested in the subject will also have long since picked up >>these new results from Altamont from other sources as I did. >> >>In message , Norman D.van >>Swelm writes >>>FYI >>> >>>----- Original Message ----- >>>From: mark duchamp >>>To: Raptor Biology >>>Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM >>>Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than >>>previously thought >>> >>>"...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been >>>killing up >>>to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors.* >>> >>>Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more >>>than 25 >>>years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 birds >>>annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." >>> >>>and : >>> >>>" A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife >>>Program >>>Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn >>>Smallwood >>>indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher than >>>previously >>>thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes >>>raptors will be >>>at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly to >>>birds." >>> >>>http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle >>> >>>Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 >>>INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>>asp?Id=3729 >>> >>>The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>>asp?Id=1228 >>>Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of >>>collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : >> >>No virus found in this outgoing message. >>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: >>02/21/09 15:36:00 > > -- > 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: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 15:36:00 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 15:36:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills morebirds than previously thought From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:16:32 +0000 What about them? Are you claiming there are people with those views subscribed to this mailing list? That's a pretty big insult, I would have thought. *Almost* all the posters here strike me as being intelligent and well-informed. Anyway, your "excuse" for posting Duchamp's messages cuts no ice. He was banned from this mailing list for very good reasons, the same reasons he has been banned from other lists. On at least one list, he managed to find acolytes to post his paranoid messages on his behalf. Kindly refrain from inflicting them on this mailing list. Malcolm In message <07DC92A57B134082A68A90FE6B84F028 AT computername>, Norman D.van Swelm writes >Ah yes Malcolm you have, of course, but what about all those who think >windmills are harmless and only beneficial and do not have the time to >shift facts from fiction and wishful thinking? >Norman > >Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: >You have been asked, politely, more than once >to refrain from re-posting >Duchamp's posts here. Anyone who wants to read what he has to say can do >so if they wish in other mailing lists from which, unlike this one, he >has not been barred. > >Anyone interested in the subject will also have long since picked up >these new results from Altamont from other sources as I did. > >In message , Norman D.van >Swelm writes >>FYI >> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: mark duchamp >>To: Raptor Biology >>Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM >>Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than >>previously thought >> >>"...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been >>killing up >>to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors.* >> >>Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more >>than 25 >>years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 birds >>annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." >> >>and : >> >>" A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife >>Program >>Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn >>Smallwood >>indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher than >>previously >>thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes >>raptors will be >>at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly to >>birds." >> >>http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle >> >>Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 >>INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>asp?Id=3729 >> >>The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >>asp?Id=1228 >>Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of >>collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : > >No virus found in this outgoing message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: >02/21/09 15:36:00 -- 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: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills morebirds than previously thought From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:35:32 +0100 Ah yes Malcolm you have, of course, but what about all those who think windmills are harmless and only beneficial and do not have the time to shift facts from fiction and wishful thinking? Norman Malcolm Ogilvie wrote: >You have been asked, politely, more than once to refrain from re-posting Duchamp's posts here. Anyone who wants to read what he has to say can do so if they wish in other mailing lists from which, unlike this one, he has not been barred. Anyone interested in the subject will also have long since picked up these new results from Altamont from other sources as I did. In message , Norman D.van Swelm writes >FYI > >----- Original Message ----- >From: mark duchamp >To: Raptor Biology >Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM >Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than >previously thought > >"...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been >killing up >to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors.* > >Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more >than 25 >years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 birds >annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." > >and : > >" A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife >Program >Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn >Smallwood >indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher than >previously >thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes >raptors will be >at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly to >birds." > >http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle > >Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 >INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >asp?Id=3729 > >The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >asp?Id=1228 >Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of >collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.2/1965 - Release Date: 02/21/09 15:36:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Re: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than previously thought From: Malcolm Ogilvie <Malcolm AT ogilvie.org> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:46:02 +0000 Norman You have been asked, politely, more than once to refrain from re-posting Duchamp's posts here. Anyone who wants to read what he has to say can do so if they wish in other mailing lists from which, unlike this one, he has not been barred. Anyone interested in the subject will also have long since picked up these new results from Altamont from other sources as I did. Malcolm In message , Norman D.van Swelm writes >FYI >  >----- Original Message ----- >From: mark duchamp >To: Raptor Biology >Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM >Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than >previously thought >  >"...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been >killing up >to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors.* > >Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more >than 25 >years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 birds >annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." > >and : > >" A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife >Program >Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn >Smallwood >indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher than >previously >thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes >raptors will be >at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly to >birds." > >http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle > >-- >Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 >INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >asp?Id=3729 > >The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo. >asp?Id=1228 >Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of >collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : >_______________________________________________ >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: Alaskan Glaucous Gull From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:17:12 +0100 All I can say to that is that the bird was less than a week dead. With or without the help of a ship it was alive when entering European waters. As to my believe how it came here the most likely explanation I can think of is that this bird spend the winter off the Atlantic coasts of Canada as so many arctic gulls do and that it was swept across the Atlantic with the help of the fierce storms previous to it's arrival in Europe as so many other arctic gulls did. Cheers, Norman James Cracknell wrote:>Reading the text of your webpage I can only infer that you seem to believe it flew over here and died. What is to say it ended up dead on a ship and was washed overboard once docked? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Norman D.van Swelm Sent: Thursday, 19 February, 2009 5:32:34 PM Subject: [UKbirdnet] Alaskan Glaucous Gull A dead Alaskan Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus barrovianus was found in the Port of Rotterdam, the first occurrence in the North Sea, have a look here: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/gulls/glaucousgull%20alaskan.htm No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.1/1962 - Release Date: 02/20/09 07:26:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Alaskan Glaucous Gull From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:32:34 +0100 A dead Alaskan Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus barrovianus was found in the Port of Rotterdam, the first occurrence in the North Sea, have a look here: http://www.radioactiverobins.com/gulls/glaucousgull%20alaskan.htm Cheers, Norman No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.10.25/1958 - Release Date: 02/18/09 08:57:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Fw: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than previously thought From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:53:22 +0100 FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: mark duchamp To: Raptor Biology Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:10 AM Subject: [RaptorBiology] Altamont windfarms kills more birds than previously thought "...for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to *4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors.* Many of the birds killed here--including golden eagles for more than 25 years, Altamont's 5,400 turbines have been killing up to 4,700 birds annually--as many as 1,300 of them raptors." and : " A recent study led by East Bay Regional Park District Wildlife Program Manager Doug Bell and consulting wildlife ecologist K. Shawn Smallwood indicates *mortality rates in the Altamont are even higher than previously thought.* Based on his extensive observations, Bell believes raptors will be at risk even with taller turbines often touted as less deadly to birds." http://baynature.org/articles/jan-mar-2009/altamont-power-struggle -- Mark Duchamp + 34 679 12 99 97 INCONVENIENT VIDEOS : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=3729 The dark side of windfarms : www.iberica2000.org/Es/Articulo.asp?Id=1228 Pictures of windfarm victims ( eagles etc. ), of turbines on fire, of collapsed turbines, of soil & water contamination etc. : No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.10.23/1953 - Release Date: 02/14/09 18:01:00 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: New Information on Stone Crush Traps From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:23:58 +0100 Please action and pass to your lists and contacts: ** A CABS team visited the Central Massif in the winters of 2007/2008/2009 and studied the 'new' and supposedly 'non-selective' stone crush traps. A brief summary of the conclusions of the study is: The trial of the new traps commissioned by hunters' organisations which led to them being authorised - after a 100 year gap - did not demonstrate the necessary objectivity. Data was also demonstrably manipulated by the trappers taking part in the trial. The methodology used was also scientifically unreliable. The non-selectivity rates achieved in the trial were approximate only and varied vastly from 6.4 % (trappers' carnets) to 56.3 % in random checks by observers. The mortality of the new trap type is 80%. 12% of trapped birds are found alive and 8% escape. No information is provided on the state of health of trapped birds. It is estimated that 84% of trapped birds cannot be released into the wild and the few fortunate birds that escaped from the traps were also observed with permanent disabilities (e.g. fractures). The trapping rate of tendelles is underestimated. This is a key fact. The real catch figures in the years 2005 to 2008 range from a minimum of 16,000 birds, to a maximum of 82,000. It should also be noted that our own average estimates, based on systematic field observations, assume a figure of 45,000 trapped birds per year - exactly midway between the trial results of minimum and maximum estimates. CABS have an appointment with the Environment Directorate of the EC next Tuesday 10 February to present their study and to attempt to convince the Commission to ban this brutal and unnecessary slaughter of song birds. Send an email this weekend to reinforce our efforts and show the EC that there is widespread opposition to this 'traditional' practice. It should be noted that, although this trappin method was banned for over a century it was still practised illegally and the law was never properly enforced. You can find the draft protest mail at:** http://www.proact-campaigns.net/proact_france/stone_traps_2009.html Thank you, 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: Proact and CABS on Facebook From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:07:28 +0100 The CABS support group - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65075075026 and Proact http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47807814355 are both now on Facebook. You can join and contribute by clicking on the links. 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: Scandalous persecution of birds of prey in Germany From: Proact Campaigns <proact-campaigns AT online.de> Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:39:14 +0100 * *In a well-planned and large scale raid by police and teams from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), hunting reserves in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) were searched over a period of 5 days in mid-January 2009. A total of 28 illegal wildlife traps were found including four huge raptor and corvid traps and five steel traps. Eight dead birds of prey, a live Common Buzzard and two shot Grey herons were seized. It is feared that this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as persecution of birds of prey by gamekeepers in Germany is concerned. A full report with a photographic record of the events can be seen online at: http://www.komitee.de/en/index.php?raid_2009 http://www.komitee.de/en/index.php?barbarastein http://www.komitee.de/en/index.php?wesel The NRW branch of the German Hunting Association has condemned the persecution and states: "The swift clearing-up of these criminal actions is welcomed by German hunters". David Conlin CABS International Operations & Liaison _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: After all, what is nature for? Destruction of marshes and its protected wildlife. A great remedy in a crises. From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:15:08 +0100 Mussolini knew it and many politicians followed in his wake! ----- Original Message ----- From: Edward Mayer To: Swifts Mailing List UK : ; Swifts Mailing List Worldwide : ; Ornithology Plus : Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 6:19 PM Subject: Forwarded: Buglife - Court approves destruction of marshes and its protected wildlife Subject: Buglife - Court approves destruction of marshes and its protected wildlife Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:14:31 -0000 Priority: Urgent From: "Zoe Bunter" Dear Friend I am writing to update you on the West Thurrock Marsh Court Appeal. We apologise if you have already received this email as a Buglife member. After a three-year battle to save West Thurrock Marshes from destruction the Court of Appeal has judged that the decision to build on the site was lawful and the Court of Appeal has found against us. Buglife took Thurrock Development Corporation to High Court in February 2008 on the grounds that it had failed to protect the Marshes - rated as one of the three most important sites for endangered wildlife in the country with 17 protected species. The proposed warehouses and car parks will destroy up to 70% of the flower-rich habitat, home to many of these species including the Brown-banded carder bee. Buglife lost its first High Court challenge when Justice Mitting declared that biodiversity protection legislation in the UK was 'weak' and judged that the Thurrock Development Corporation - the unelected planning authority - was right to over-ride national planning guidance and allow the marshes to be destroyed. After such a huge set back for the UK's wildlife protection laws Buglife went to the Court of Appeal in November 2008 with the aim of reversing that ruling. Today the three judges agreed that although Thurrock Development Corporation had failed to follow national biodiversity and planning policy, the Corporation was entitled to rely on a letter in which Natural England the Government conservation body withdrew their objection and mentioned that the new development offered the 'possibility of a long term nature conservation gain for the area'. This is a disappointing decision which reveals the inadequacy of our current wildlife protection. The Government must act now to strengthen its biodiversity legislation and halt the worsening loss of wildlife. The decision is also a setback for a flagship Government initiative which recently identified Thurrock Marshes as one of 22 new green parks for the UK's first 'eco-region'. The Thames Gateway Parklands scheme is the brainchild of Sir Terry Farrell, one of the world's foremost architects. Thank you for supporting Buglife and our campaign to save West Thurrock Marshes. The Court of Appeal decision means that the Buglife now faces legal costs of £30,000. Please consider joining us - you can join online at http://www.buglife.org.uk/joinus/joinbuglife.htm. If you are able to make a donation, please send a cheque or give online at http://www.buglife.org.uk/joinus/makeadonationtoday.htm - thank you Please see http://www.buglife.org.uk/News/destructionwestthurrockmarshes.htm for our web page about the result of the court case. Kindest regards Zoë Zoë Bunter Development Manager Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust First Floor 90 Bridge Street Peterborough PE1 1DY 01733 201210 www.buglife.org.uk Conserving the small things that run the world. A year of bugs! This year put a reminder in your diary each month to check out the new Bug of the Month. Go to the Buglife website to find out about a new bug every month! This January read about the invasive Harlequin ladybird. Click here to find out more Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust is a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England at First Floor, 90 Bridge Street, Peterborough, Cambs, PE1 1DY. Company no. 4132695 Charity registered in England & Wales (1092293) and Scotland (SC040004) www.londons-swifts.org.uk Bringing Life to the Capital! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.14/1920 - Release Date: 27/01/2009 18:15 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet Subject: Birds of SE Asia From: Ian Paulsen <birdbooker AT zipcon.net> Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:38:10 -0800 (PST) HI ALL: I noticed at nhbs.com that Mark Brazil's Birds of SE Asia has been released in the UK. I was wondering if anyone has seen it yet and if so what do you think of it? 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: Chance of a lifetime: Volunteer ringers for Eastern Turkey! From: "Norman D.van Swelm" <Norman.vanswelm AT wxs.nl> Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:04:22 +0100 on behalf of Cagan: The announcement for ringers: Aras & Kuyucuk Bird Ringing (Banding) Stations in northeastern Turkey are looking for volunteers in Spring 2009 (www.kuzeydoga.org) Like every year since 2005, the environmental NGO KuzeyDoga Society (www.kuzeydoga.org) will conduct bird ringing at the Aras & Kuyucuk Bird Ringing (Banding) stations in northeastern Turkey's Kars & Igdir provinces in spring 2009. This is a part of the Kars-Igdir Biodiversity Project led by ornithologist, ecologist and conservationist Dr. Cagan Sekercioglu (www.sekercioglu.org), senior scientist at Stanford University Biology Department and president of the KuzeyDoga Society. Ringing will start on March 15, 2009 and will end on May 30, 2009 at the Aras station (950 m) whereas at the Kuyucuk station (1627 m) it will start in April 2009 and will end on May 30, 2009. We are looking for volunteers who will help ring birds at our stations between these dates. Minimum participation must be at least 15 days, ideally one month or more. While we cover local expenses like food, accommodation and local transportation, unfortunately we can not cover travel expenses to/from Kars . Accommodation at the Aras station will be provided in the former teacher's house with a capacity of 5 beds. Flushing sit-down toilet, hot shower, kitchen, and stove are available in the house. Volunteers are responsible for preparing the meals and supplies will be provided regularly. At the Kuyucuk station, accommodation will be provided in the former teacher's house with a capacity of 6 beds in the village and in a cabin by the lake with a capacity of 4 beds . Flushing sit-down toilet, hot shower and kitchen are available in the house. Volunteers are responsible for preparing meals. Since Lake Kuyucuk is mile-high in elevation, we highly recommend our volunteers to bring their own sleeping bags and thick, winter clothes, particularly in April. Both stations can experience rain showers during the spring, and temperatures can sometimes drop down to 5 C at night. During the day, it will be 10-25 C, warming up as spring processes. Aras Station ( 40º 07' N, 043º 35' E) is in a wetland by the Aras river and is surrounded by reeds and willows. Kuyucuk Lake (40º 45' N, 043º 27' E) is a bird-rich steppe lake surrounded by wheat fields and alpine meadows. We have recorded over 300 bird species in the Kars region, including most of eastern Turkey specialties. Kuyucuk and Aras both have bird lists around 200 species, collectively exceeding 270 species, 60% of the entire avifauna of Turkey. Photos can be seen here: http://kuzeydoga.org/index.php/birds-of-igdir Each station will be led by a licensed master ringer(s) and volunteers will be responsible for checking nets once an hour, collecting birds from nets, bringing to the ringing center, recording the data on data sheets, making orientation experiments, releasing the ringed birds and preparing the meals. We usually have English speaking ringers at the stations. In our stations you can also take a nap (by alternating), read books, go birdwatching, pick up mushrooms, go fishing at Aras river as long as it is catch & release, go hiking, watch spring migration, horse ride, hang around with villagers, watch famous TV shows at nights and warm up with Azeri vodka. You can see the BBC World Reports of our projects here: http://www.kuyucuk.org/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7789585.stm Anybody who is interested and can volunteer at least 15 days between the dates mentioned above, please get in touch with onder AT kuzeydoga.org and let me know your name, last name and the dates you are available to come. Please cc cagan AT stanford.edu. KuzeyDoga Society reserves the right of replacement of volunteers between the stations depending on available capacity in both stations. For further information about our ringing stations, please visit http://www.kuzeydoga.org/index.php/volunteer-opportunities http://kuzeydoga.org/index.php/faq/35-kuyucuk-station/56-faqs-about-kuyucuk-station http://kuzeydoga.org/index.php/faq/36-aras-station/57-faqs-about-aras-station Onder CIRIK KuzeyDoga Society Projects Coodinator http://www.kuzeydoga.org http://www.kuyucuk.org Cagan H. Sekercioglu, Ph.D. Senior research scientist Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology Department of Biology 371 Serra Mall Stanford CA 94305-5020 USA www.sekercioglu.org No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.13/1915 - Release Date: 25/01/2009 18:13 _______________________________________________ UKbirdnet mailing list ukbirdnet AT rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk http://rhea.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukbirdnet