For the day after the carnage in the name of sport I wrote the following.
A DEADFULL 13th
the guns are quiet now
a few corpses remain
in "every-mans-land"
over the top we will
have to go again
into yesterday's
resumed hell
and so it begins again;
they're coming!
the cries grow louder
from the beating army
powerless we are;
we have to flee,
fly higher and higher
to beat the guns
it's an outrage
it's murderous
it's carnage
Sunday 13 August 2017
Saturday 12 August 2017
Another Day of Death
The Twelfth? Never!
quick upward escaping flight
crack crash-crack
suddenly altered into
a fast whirling out-of-control
plunge,
crack crash-crack
dead or, worse still,
only dying, bombs into
the eco-system that
nurtured it, allowing
a feather to break free
from the body that
was its life
crack crash-crack
they hear the call
of death once more,
filling the skies
with harmed and harmless birds,
with toxic lead shot,
with death
echo after echo re-echoes
the vision stays
the guns go silent
the dogs begin their work
quick upward escaping flight
crack crash-crack
suddenly altered into
a fast whirling out-of-control
plunge,
crack crash-crack
dead or, worse still,
only dying, bombs into
the eco-system that
nurtured it, allowing
a feather to break free
from the body that
was its life
crack crash-crack
they hear the call
of death once more,
filling the skies
with harmed and harmless birds,
with toxic lead shot,
with death
echo after echo re-echoes
the vision stays
the guns go silent
the dogs begin their work
Friday 11 August 2017
The Day Before - Natural Enemies
NATURAL ENEMIES?
natural enemies! pa-ah!
"they don't exist no more",
but we watch the skies, just
in case... you never know.
humans come and leave
things. We peck at stuff
and then there's that bunch
of feathers tied to the post.
It's really scary, that,
and the unseeing eye
socket scares us all,
but hey-ho
we eat our way
to plumpness:
good enough to eat -
and THEN...
JE(C)04/08/1
natural enemies! pa-ah!
"they don't exist no more",
but we watch the skies, just
in case... you never know.
humans come and leave
things. We peck at stuff
and then there's that bunch
of feathers tied to the post.
It's really scary, that,
and the unseeing eye
socket scares us all,
but hey-ho
we eat our way
to plumpness:
good enough to eat -
and THEN...
JE(C)04/08/1
The Day Before The Slaughter
AGAIN BAD NEWS FOR MOORLAND AND GROUSE.
Here it is again that day before Red Grouse can legally be blasted out of the sky by those that are able to afford to do it. Apparently, that is a sport!
I understand that traditions and culture have remained for centuries and in a decade where it seems where many that are involved in conservation are 'light' years away and miles apart from those that damage the environment and kill for pleasure. Red Grouse are one species that is bred to be shot, but what else goes on?
It is perceived by the breeders that anything that is seen as a danger to the rearing, feeding and the general health of Red Grouse should be exterminated. So let's wipe out the predators and slaughter the Mountain Hares and that is what is happening in a country where we boast about the RSPB, National Trust and other organizations. Yet still the slaughter goes on.
This year only four breeding pairs of Hen Harriers have been recorded and this sad total is in a country that boasts of animal protection and could support a population of over three hundred pairs.
Only yesterday, Raptor Persecution UK posted the following allegedly from West Yorkshire Firearms Licensing that "Study finds Grouse Moors protect rare birds - contrary to media opinion!
Retweet This!" WhiteMoorSporting apparently being the source. Hopefully not that many will! Impartiality should exist, but not with this tweet.
On the same day West Yorkshire Police announced that they were investigating the theft of eggs from a Marsh Harrier nest that was being monitored by RSPB. It was video protected, but unless it was being continually monitored what effect would that produce? Stolen eggs unfortunately and maybe for the eggs to be incubated and for the birds to be bred in captivity. It happens, and there are still collectors out there. It is an age old pastime. Oh yes! The video footage was not of sufficient quality to enable an identification of the perpetrators. And not forgetting that this another wildlife crime.
It seems that those of us that care about wildlife protection are being ignored and being continually frustrated by those that kill for pleasure and slaughter birds and animals that should exist side-by-side with us. It seems those with political power are aiders and abettors!
Here it is again that day before Red Grouse can legally be blasted out of the sky by those that are able to afford to do it. Apparently, that is a sport!
I understand that traditions and culture have remained for centuries and in a decade where it seems where many that are involved in conservation are 'light' years away and miles apart from those that damage the environment and kill for pleasure. Red Grouse are one species that is bred to be shot, but what else goes on?
It is perceived by the breeders that anything that is seen as a danger to the rearing, feeding and the general health of Red Grouse should be exterminated. So let's wipe out the predators and slaughter the Mountain Hares and that is what is happening in a country where we boast about the RSPB, National Trust and other organizations. Yet still the slaughter goes on.
This year only four breeding pairs of Hen Harriers have been recorded and this sad total is in a country that boasts of animal protection and could support a population of over three hundred pairs.
Only yesterday, Raptor Persecution UK posted the following allegedly from West Yorkshire Firearms Licensing that "Study finds Grouse Moors protect rare birds - contrary to media opinion!
Retweet This!" WhiteMoorSporting apparently being the source. Hopefully not that many will! Impartiality should exist, but not with this tweet.
On the same day West Yorkshire Police announced that they were investigating the theft of eggs from a Marsh Harrier nest that was being monitored by RSPB. It was video protected, but unless it was being continually monitored what effect would that produce? Stolen eggs unfortunately and maybe for the eggs to be incubated and for the birds to be bred in captivity. It happens, and there are still collectors out there. It is an age old pastime. Oh yes! The video footage was not of sufficient quality to enable an identification of the perpetrators. And not forgetting that this another wildlife crime.
It seems that those of us that care about wildlife protection are being ignored and being continually frustrated by those that kill for pleasure and slaughter birds and animals that should exist side-by-side with us. It seems those with political power are aiders and abettors!
Thursday 10 August 2017
Inglorious 12th
This came into my inbox via thunderclap.it
The so called Glorious 12th (August) sees the start of grouse shooting season in the uplands.
You may hear lots of stories about how the uplands are managed and all the benefits that come with that for some breeding birds like Curlew for example; but there is of course a darker side to all this in the form of raptor persecution. Grouse moors are intensively managed to produce unnaturally large numbers of Red Grouse, many of which will then be shot. But anything that would naturally prey on the Red Grouse is not welcome on the shooting estates and it is worrying to see a lack of natural predators in these areas.
Something I am learning is that where there is big money to be made there can also be criminal activity. Wildlife crime is not something you hear about enough in the news, as the environment and natural world are so far down the list of priorities in government, business, education etc.
The evidence just keeps getting clearer and clearer that serious wildlife crime is taking place in the uplands. Modern day technology is helping to bring these activities to light more and more.
Just one more statistic for you. In theory, the uplands in England could support over 300 pairs of hen harriers. Last year we had just 4 breeding pairs. Only about 1% of what could be there. Not really a statistic to be pushed down the priority list. And this year's number of breeding hen harriers in England is not looking promising either. But even if the numbers doubled to 8 pairs, it still wouldn't be acceptable.
So as the social media posts about the so called Glorious 12th start flooding in, wouldn't it be great to see #Inglorious12th trending and raising much needed awareness about the criminal activity that continues to plague these important breeding grounds.
The so called Glorious 12th (August) sees the start of grouse shooting season in the uplands.
You may hear lots of stories about how the uplands are managed and all the benefits that come with that for some breeding birds like Curlew for example; but there is of course a darker side to all this in the form of raptor persecution. Grouse moors are intensively managed to produce unnaturally large numbers of Red Grouse, many of which will then be shot. But anything that would naturally prey on the Red Grouse is not welcome on the shooting estates and it is worrying to see a lack of natural predators in these areas.
Something I am learning is that where there is big money to be made there can also be criminal activity. Wildlife crime is not something you hear about enough in the news, as the environment and natural world are so far down the list of priorities in government, business, education etc.
The evidence just keeps getting clearer and clearer that serious wildlife crime is taking place in the uplands. Modern day technology is helping to bring these activities to light more and more.
Just one more statistic for you. In theory, the uplands in England could support over 300 pairs of hen harriers. Last year we had just 4 breeding pairs. Only about 1% of what could be there. Not really a statistic to be pushed down the priority list. And this year's number of breeding hen harriers in England is not looking promising either. But even if the numbers doubled to 8 pairs, it still wouldn't be acceptable.
So as the social media posts about the so called Glorious 12th start flooding in, wouldn't it be great to see #Inglorious12th trending and raising much needed awareness about the criminal activity that continues to plague these important breeding grounds.
Sunday 6 August 2017
Inland Spain for summer birds
Another early start on Friday 4th August so that we would be in Higüera before 8am and it paid off. As we approached the high speed railway line there were half-a-dozen or so Stone Curlew calling, feeding and flying around. Close by on the other side of the tracks six Great Bustards were feeding near the field margins. A Common Buzzard showed well. What a start to the day! We carried on towards the village and amongst the populars we were entertained by Golden Oriels, screeching, calling and flying in out of the trees. Some good clear views and sometimes just glimpses. At a guess somewhere between four or six birds. Added to that several Mistle Thrushes, at least two Jays, both a Green and a Great Spotted Woodpeckers called. Also one Treecreeper, some Hoopoes and several Rock Doves and one Turtle Dove flew past which we can add to the list. It pays to get out early.
We carried on towards the other bridge across the railway and on the nearby water there were numerous ducks. But first flying low and close to us was a Red Kite and we could see it 'ruddering' as it turned and adjusted its position. They maybe common in UK, but very good to view in Spain.
On the water were both species of Pochard and in shallow water were three Wood Sandpipers and maybe an indication of seasonal movement. There was at least a dozen White-headed Ducks. Other sightings there were both Little and Black-necked Grebes among the Moorhens, Coots and BW Stilts. There were also two Flamingos. We did see more Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier.
After that we headed to Petrola and saw very little on the way. At the Lagunas there was a very large number of Flamingos with at least 5-6 hundred juveniles. Does that mean they breed there?
Driving through this vast area we saw little else and we were able to drive through the dried out water near Coral Rubio and with not one Bustard in sight. We had hoped for the Little Bustards as well because all the corn had been cut and this provided clear views across the fields, but not even one glimpse.
The heat of the day had arrived, but we decided to see what Estepas de Yecla could provide, but it was not worth the effort. We headed for home after a terrific first couple of hours and with no intention of going out for some weeks. It was great to be out after at least two months. The temperature ranged from a pleasant 16 to a high of 40 in the car on the way back.
We carried on towards the other bridge across the railway and on the nearby water there were numerous ducks. But first flying low and close to us was a Red Kite and we could see it 'ruddering' as it turned and adjusted its position. They maybe common in UK, but very good to view in Spain.
On the water were both species of Pochard and in shallow water were three Wood Sandpipers and maybe an indication of seasonal movement. There was at least a dozen White-headed Ducks. Other sightings there were both Little and Black-necked Grebes among the Moorhens, Coots and BW Stilts. There were also two Flamingos. We did see more Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier.
After that we headed to Petrola and saw very little on the way. At the Lagunas there was a very large number of Flamingos with at least 5-6 hundred juveniles. Does that mean they breed there?
Driving through this vast area we saw little else and we were able to drive through the dried out water near Coral Rubio and with not one Bustard in sight. We had hoped for the Little Bustards as well because all the corn had been cut and this provided clear views across the fields, but not even one glimpse.
The heat of the day had arrived, but we decided to see what Estepas de Yecla could provide, but it was not worth the effort. We headed for home after a terrific first couple of hours and with no intention of going out for some weeks. It was great to be out after at least two months. The temperature ranged from a pleasant 16 to a high of 40 in the car on the way back.
Tuesday 1 August 2017
To Commemorate Ypres and Passchendaele
This poem was put into an email from the Poetry Society in London. It comes after the two days of ceremonial respect on the eve and anniversary of the Third Battle of Ypres which is more widely known as Passchendaele.
On Sunday last the fantastic show that was created to commemorate the deaths of 100 years ago took place in the town of Ypres. It was truly a great piece of theatre delivered in a way that was both respectful and showing the horror of war. So thank you to Dame Helen Mirren, Michael Morpurgo and Warhorse, Ian Hislop and The Wipers Times, Alfie Bow and all the choirs, marching men and bands and everyone who made it spectacular. We should never forget.
War
by Hedd Wyn
Gwae fi fy myw mewn oes mor ddreng,
A Duw ar drai ar orwel pell;
O'i ôl mae dyn, yn deyrn a gwreng,
Yn codi ei awdurdod hell.
Pan deimlodd fyned ymaith Dduw
Cyfododd gledd i ladd ei frawd;
Mae sŵn yr ymladd ar ein clyw,
A'i gysgod ar fythynnod tlawd.
Mae'r hen delynau genid gynt,
Ynghrog ar gangau'r helyg draw,
A gwaedd y bechgyn lond y gwynt,
A'u gwaed yn gymysg efo'r glaw.
Why must I live in this grim age,
When, to a far horizon, God
Has ebbed away, and man, with rage,
Now wields the sceptre and the rod?
Man raised his sword, once God had gone,
To slay his brother, and the roar
Of battlefields now casts upon
Our homes the shadow of the war.
The harps to which we sang are hung,
On willow boughs, and their refrain
Drowned by the anguish of the young
Whose blood is mingled with the rain.
Hedd Wyn (born Ellis Humphrey Evans, 13 January 1887–31 July 1917) was a Welsh-language poet who was killed on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I.
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