Comments for Raptor Politics

Comment on Sir Simon Jenkins makes clear the position of the National Trust on Wind Farms. by Owlman

Owlman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:36:16 +0000

Myself and my friend have been hearing Eagle Owls calling but not anywhere near the well-known nesting location in Bowland. Having spent hours listening we had our first glimpse of one a few weeks ago. Is there anyone we can pass this detail to at Raptor Politics?
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Comment on Female eagle owl spotted in South Tyneside causing mayhem. by Mark Newsome

Mark Newsome — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:08:23 +0000

The Eagle Owl did actually rip someone’s coat. At Boldon Flats, in the early evening, a friend was watching the bird when it repeatedly flew down to where he was standing – maybe associating humans with food? It did strike him and slightly ripped his jacket. OK, bit of journalistic license used and not sure where the jogger bit came in, but it happened.
The Eagle Owl has been causing concern to locals – sitting on house roofs and calling, making their dogs go a bit mad. No doubt the odd cat has been taken – an Eagle Owl won’t discriminate between cats, rabbits, rats. All just a food source. It’ll be much better for the birds welfare if it could be recaptured, even though it still seems to be surviving quite well. It’s still in the area as of a couple of days ago.

Comment on The North West Raptor Protection Group supports an e-petition in an attempt to provide improved protection for England’s Raptors. by Karl Stabler

Karl Stabler — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:02:53 +0000

Hi, I’m currently a full time mature student at Newcastle University and I’m researching ideas for my dissertation for next academic year. I have 18 years experience as a falconer and was looking at studying and writing something on our native goshawk population, in both Scotland and England and Wales.

I’m looking for information on population numbers and also the persecution of the hawk and potential effects of shooting estates with a view to developing a project with maybe the RSPB and DEFRA which could involve the capture and release of goshawks from high risk areas to other suitable habitats. I’m studying countryside management and would like to start researching the project as early as possible.

Thanks in advance

Karl Stabler

Comment on Heads below the parapet – RSPB Investigations. by Jock Scott

Jock Scott — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:30:12 +0000

Terry, yes I did know that many people who signed the RSPB campaign were non members, I was one of them.
I also did my bit to campaign for the introduction of VL in Scotland.
I feel your response was rather defensive. I can assure you that my comments were simply observations not criticism.

Jock

Comment on Heads below the parapet – RSPB Investigations. by TerryPickford, North West Raptor Protection Group

TerryPickford, North West Raptor Protection Group — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:06:44 +0000

Jock Scott many people I am sure will be comforted to know you have at least signed the e-petition Mrs Harper had the courage to submit. However I feel it is important to point out an e-petition can only be submitted by an individual member of the public, submissions made by groups or organisations are not acceptable. I agree with the points you make regarding the RSPB’s raptor campaign, and your view as to perhaps why this generated so much public support are also on the mark. This is why the RSPB should now place the full might of their membership fully behind this petition regardless of who submitted it don’t you think? One additional point, the RSPB campaign was supported and signed by many individuals who were not members did you know that?

Comment on Reflections on raptor persecution by John S. Armitage by John S. Armitage

John S. Armitage — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:37:03 +0000

Hi John. I honestly don’t know and it bothers me. Rangers supporters doubtless have a lot of anger at the moment, but I guess they will remain faithful, make their views known etc Birders appear not to be good at putting pen to paper, taking action etc , yet they’re obsessive about their hobby. It plays into the hands of the other side as it signals we’re not committed enough. Why?

All it does as well is create the further problem of “mobilising” them and that seems to be a difficult task to work out. Ideas please, from anyone!!!!

Comment on Heads below the parapet – RSPB Investigations. by Jock Scott

Jock Scott — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:12:03 +0000

It’s an interesting question as to why the RSPB campaign gathered so much support in such a short time when the vicarious liability online petition has been somewhat of a damp squib at least so far.
I think the broad “support for birds of prey” agenda the RSPB petition offered along with this charity’s incredible publicity machine would be key to its success. The public are led to sign (perhaps unwittingly!) by a name which is recognisable and reputable on a very simple question.
On the other hand the V.L online petition is run by an unknown lady who is apparently owner of some sort of owl sanctuary. The petition is publicised as “her” petition which implies that you are signing for her not to save birds of prey or to protect our own natural heritage.
After speaking about this petition to many people who actually work with raptors it would appear that it is viewed as a one woman crusade not as a serious campaign.
If this is the case within the “raptor world” then the petition has very little chance of gaining wider support.

PS. I have signed this petition and would urge anyone else with the slightest interest in the natural world to do the same.

Comment on Donald Trump accuses Alex Salmond of ‘destroying Scotland’s coastline’ with wind farm plans by Jock Scott

Jock Scott — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:31:45 +0000

Corinne,
I think you are quite correct in your summing up of this post and Paul Williams’ ridiculous comment.
It is true that a minority of raptor enthusiasts become so involved or wrapped up in their own species or area (or both) they fail to see the bigger picture.
But, please remember that this is a minority, most of us have broad concerns over a wide range of environmental issues and manage to maintain some degree of sanity.
Don’t be put off and continue to stand up for what you know is right!

Comment on Heads below the parapet – RSPB Investigations. by Gary Burgess

Gary Burgess — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:21:19 +0000

Maybe people have started to see the big picture. Of how the RSPB under estimate their numbers and don’t listen to people who may suffer as a consequence.

Look at the demise of our songbirds, look at the demise of our small mammals. Look at the plight of the pigeon fancier. In fact I think it’s time everyone sat up and saw the big picture.

Comment on Reflections on raptor persecution by John S. Armitage by John Miles

John Miles — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:21:48 +0000

‘There is a lot of anger and concern amongst birders’ but why have they not signed the petition!!!