by John S.Armitage – out of retirement
Part 1
At the risk of the following article seeming more than a little self orientated I thought that I’d better try and explain why I’ve submitted it. The facts presented speak for themselves, the sentiment behind it is a different matter. An evaluation of the efforts, from a variety of people, over the last decade show that these are not producing the desired results as far as raptor protection in Bowland is concerned. This is in no way criticising all the hard work that has been put in, but we have to face facts! It’s true that holding the line, short term gains, and a consolidation of success in some parts has been enjoyed, but elsewhere the situation is not improving, a fact we must all? recognize and not allow ourselves to accept otherwise. I’m not suggesting that I have a single solution, far from it, but what I do have is time. Time that I’m more than willing to offer, to lend weight to overstretched efforts to bring about permanent change. I’m utterly disgusted by the current situation, it’s immoral and, in this day and age, it can’t be allowed to continue!!
Continue reading Hen Harriers…..A Plea for Urgent Action!
Raptor persecution is not only confined to the Forest of Bowland, it has been happening in Cumbria for the whole of the 20th century, but more particularly in the northern Pennines which is the main area for game (grouse) shooting activities. Peregrine falcons that try to establish a breeding territory in the area get very short shrift from the persecutors and disappear very quickly.
In 2005 there were no young birds raised at any of the five sites on or adjacent to these Northern Pennine grouse moors. Sadly an adult female Peregrine was also found poisoned in the area. In addition one of only two that hatched young in 2006 had all 4 chicks stolen. Continue reading Raptor Persecution in the North Pennine Region
In the many years that field workers have been monitoring and studying in Bowland, a lot of experience is gained about individual sites, birds and rearing capabilities. These can obviously vary as the same bird and even same pair of birds aren’t guaranteed to be in the same site every year, but to a point, over time you gather a good understanding for each site.
Site 6 is a new one but we are fairly confident that it is the same pair of birds from a previously well used site in the near area which obviously isn’t occupied this year.
This understanding of the birds gives a great insight when inspecting. For example some falcons and tiercels will be completely silent until field workers are within 30-50metres of the nest. Other pairs will be vocal the moment a human or any sort of disturbance that they deem intolerable is in sight – often when you are well in excess of 300-400 meters away. It has to be remembered that Birds Of Prey have tremendously good eye sight, much better than the best pair of binoculars money can buy. Continue reading Site 6 Private Estate 18.5.2009 – Persecution or Natural Causes? You decide!
by John S.Armitage – out of retirement
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