CLOT DE GALVANY TO EL HONDO

Clot de Galvany proved to be a very good spot to be on the morning of 28th February.  We arrived at 8am, a clear sky, a light wind and a temperature of only 10.  The scrapes had been cleared and we had excellent views of:-

Grey Wagtail

White Wagtails - many

Meadow Pipit

Little Grebes

Blackbird

Song Thrush 

Robin

Black Redstarts

Chiff Chaffs

Common Pochards

Red Crested Pochards

Teal

Northern Shovellers

Mallard

Morehen

Common Coot

Shelduck

Iberian Green Woodpecker

Marsh Harrier

Spotless Starling

Crag Martins

Barn Swallows (our first for this spring)

House Sparrows

Grey Heron

After just under one and half hours we were content with that list and 

we headed towards El Hondo hoping to find our first Great Spotted Cuckoo who are early arrivals, but there was no sight of one. And on the way we saw:-

Crested Larks

Common Kestrel

Collared Doves

Wood Pigeons

Goldfinches

Linnets

Magpie

This was not a great list and there were many absentees.  We moved on to the Information Centre at El Hondon and saw:-

Wood Sandpiper

Snipe

Purple Swamphen

Red Knobbed Coot

Marbled Duck (X24)

Kingfisher

Penduline Tits (X2)

Blackcap

Cetti’s Warbler

Glossy Ibis - many

Little Egret

Booted Eagle (X3)

Southern Grey Shrike

Again we moved on to Santa Águeda and we saw flying and perched the Great Spotted Eagle.

Palm Farm Road provided nothing of note and at El Pinet there was:-

Slender Billed Gulls (within meters)

Spoonbill (X6)

Black Tailed Godwits ( 30 plus)

Avocets - numerous.

The full morning of sun had raised the temperatures to mid twenties,  The birds are on the move with winter ones still with us and others beginning to arrive.  I seldom complete a list and on this occasion, to give a visitor an idea of what can be seen.  I have not listed birds seen in more than one location.  Here’s to the impending arrivals and hopefully rain.  It is bone dry.

Photographs were taken by Bryan Thomas and will be posted as soon as possible. 

ESTEPAS DE YECLA

THE MIGRATION IS ON IT's WAY

On Monday 18th February Bryan and I agreed that Estepas de Yecla could  be worth the effort as we had not visited there since November.  The weather was good with mostly full sunshine although with some cloud and a gentle but cold wind.  This strengthened in the early afternoon and was of no consequence to our enjoyment.

At 9am we listened to and watched numerous flying Mistle and Song Thrushes .  They were in and around  Olive Trees and we thought they could be on migration as there was a good number of them.

Green Finches in their bright spring colours were easily seen.  Goldfinches, Linnets, Chaffinches too with Stonechats perched in full view.  We clearly heard a Blackcap calling and a female was observed on the ground. Wood Pigeons were in the wires.

We have visited here many times and this was the least amount of human activity that we have witnessed.  The soil had been tilled between the pruned vines, and all cultivatable land had been prepared.  Apart from some winter corn showing through the landscape was a quiet light brown seemingly awaiting warming sun and a good soaking.  This area is ‘bone-dry’.   

As usual we slowly worked the valley and listened, but it was quiet.  A few Crested Larks were there and knowing that Calandra Larks are normally in their hundreds we were not disappointed.  Nature is on the move and these larks displayed and posed.  We were lucky to get a clear view of a Short-toed one and it’s image was captured too.

We were able to confirm that Lesser Kestrels were still there and identified as such.  One inspected two of the nest boxes on the wall of the barn.  Maybe they will breed here. Two others were seen on the ground.

Several Crows, two Ravens, sixty to eighty Jackdaws, some Magpies, but our Corvid list lacked the usual Red-Billed Choughs.

Common Buzzards were not seen until late in the morning and on hearing them we saw three of them with two displaying.  We again saw two as we began to leave this valley.  We had great views as they flew overhead and then away, but they were the only large raptors that we saw.

Around the buildings adjacent to the Bodega were a good number of both House Sparrows and  Tree Sparrows that were identifiable in the mixed flock.  It is a reliable place to find both, but you have to look closely.

We know that things are moving and we had hoped for birds passing through on their way north.  Generally, in that respect,  it was disappointing particularly as we know that Great Spotted Cuckoos, an early arrival, have been seen.  But not today.

We needed to good bird to make our day and there only a few meters away from us were six Black Bellied Sandgrouse feeding in a field.  As usual, they soon flew, but with clear views without the need for binoculars. 

Absentees were Chough, Eagles, Pipits, Black Wheatears, Hoopoes and even Rock Sparrows today.  Only one Southern Grey Shrike appeared, six Little Owls entertained us and Black Redstarts were still around.  Spring is almost upon us and with that our summer arrivals will be here, with some staying, and others continuing on.  It will happen.  We just have to be out there.

Photographs taken by Bryan Thomas should appear soon but in the meantime go to Bryan’s own blog.  http://birdingcostablanca.blogspot.com On there you will find some excellent comments regarding his trip to Gambia with the Bargain Birders.  Of course there will be some great photos too of birds that are not to be seen in Spain.

BOOK REVIEW - ONLY THE DEAD BY MALCOLM HOLLINGDRAKE

ONLY THE DEAD - ‘a sinister game of revenge’

The front cover of Malcolm Hollingdrake’s book suggests a ghoulish story.  The image of a gas mask, full frontal and historic, with the lenses imitating the unseeing eyes is atmospheric .  And all relevant too.  It is impressive and the ‘feel’ of the cover is gorgeous to the touch! 

You know now that this a crime story, and as the detail unfolds, tales of criminal activities are revealed.  Small beginnings take the reader meticulously through to more significant events..  Two major themes interconnect with studious relevance.  It is there in detail and it is has layers.

The characters are brilliantly conceived too and several have been ‘well laid’, it would appear!  It's the image that matters and the participants attracted me.  But not everyone is perfect. 

Location is important and the author has excelled here; in this case several of them as events go between Yorkshire and France and back again.  These places create images and they become as important as characters.  We are blessed with detail given impressions of immense wealth, indulgence and affluence.  

I enjoyed the way it moved from decades past to the present bringing into focus the issues that are present today; traumas that we have to live through and we should care deeply about.

As an aside, part of the book could interest a ‘petrol head’ as there are some classy cars referred to.  Just something added, but it helps to emphasize power and greed.

I found it was not an easy book to comment upon as the detailed thoroughness gave me plenty to absorb.  So I read it twice and enjoyed it more on the second occasion.  Thankfully other details were omitted as in the case of legal procedures and investigative means.  Also no jargon. But every good crime novel needs some great detectives, doesn't it?  You can decide whether you loved them or if they got under your skin.

The DCI Cyril Bennett Harrogate Crime Series was published by Bloodhound Books and Malcolm Hollingdrake has recently notified us that from 28th February the rights of the seven books in the series will revert to him.  They will still be available as audio books and will be available later on Kindle. His latest CROSSED OUT will be here soon.

WiILD JUSTICE IS LAUNCHED - Dr. Mark Avery

We launched Wild Justice #wildjustice @WildJustice_org today @ChrisGPackham @RuthTingay & me) 

Website: ow.ly/DRie50lh7Ph 

Thanks for all the messages of encouragement and support.  We are looking forward to working with others and doing our bit for nature.

GORDON BANKS - a tribute to the greatest goalkeeper ever

I felt like crying

                       it came like a ripple through the head

      like a puff of wind on a stillwaterpond

                       it came

                                   gone in a moment

                                   a moment of passing

 a fleeting pass on my mortality

                                                 the thought never ending until

                                                                                                 we reflect on our own

reminded by the passing of another

his job 

            to keep the ball out of the net

                                                           our job to see

   

                                                            be there

and now no muddy shorts

                                         referees whistles

                                                                    Pelé with his head in his hands

Gordon Banks dead at 81

                                        an icon gone in a mad world

john edwards 12th February, 2019

CARCASSES DUMPED - IT'S CRIMINAL

DEAD PHEASANTS DUMPED

One of the last reports on the Raptor Persecution site is a photograph of another quantity of carcasses dumped in blue plastic clearly visible.

Photographs don't lie except if there is a suggestion that it is part of a ‘fake news scam’!  I believe it is not as there have been dumps of carcasses reported from Scottish Borders, Perthshire, Co. Derry, West Yorkshire, North York Moors National Park, North Wales. Mid Wales, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Berkshire.  That is only the ones that have been found and there must be more and some have been dumped on the sides of roads.  And in plastic too.  They don't care.  It appears to be a total disregard for people, places, the environment, wildlife and with no respect for the pheasants and partridges that are bred for one purpose only and that is for the ‘pleasure’ of some people to blast out of the sky in the name of ‘sport’.  It's not sporting at all.

I enclose a few lines from that report:

It seems to be a widespread problem, doesn’t it? That’s hardly a surprise when the game shooting industry is permitted to release as many non-native pheasants and red-legged partidge as it likes (estimated to be at least 50 million EVERY YEAR), with minimal regulation, and no requirement to report on what happens to those birds once they’ve been shot for a bit of a laugh.

And let’s not forget this is the same game shooting industry that is responsible for the vast majority of illegal raptor persecution, done, it says, to protect gamebirds. That’ll be the gamebirds that are shot and then dumped, with no respect for the quarry and no respect for the local residents who’ll have to foot the bill to have the caracasses removed.

And you can view images on the Raptor Persecution Sites.

From NICK LYALL

The following post is from the chair of the NATIONAL RAPTOR PERSECUTION PRIORITY DELIVERY GROUP.

Let me start this latest blog by offering a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has offered me their support since I took on the role as National Chair of the RPPDG in September last year. Having been in post for around six months, I chaired my first RPPDG meeting just a couple of weeks ago.

Being trusted by the people of England & Wales to chair this group is a great honour for me, and a role that I will fulfil to the very best of my abilities. I will ensure that I give the role my all, with the aim of making raptor persecution a thing of the past, after all 2019 will be the `Year of the Raptor`.

RPPDG 

The RPPDG was formed in 2009 and contrary to many social media reports is not a DEFRA led initiative. The RPPDG is one of a number of similar PDG meetings that are governed and held to account by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead for Wildlife Crime, currently DCC Craig Naylor of Lincolnshire Police, through the UK Tasking and Coordinating Group Meeting.

As I previously spoke about, I attended my first TCG after just a few weeks in post and updated the previous TCG chair on my plans to move the RPPDG forwards with rigour, accountability and at considerable pace. The RPPDG is ten years old this year and I fully intend to make the most successful one yet.

RPPDG Meeting 16^th January 2019

Again much has been written about this meeting in both the national and social media space, and mostly focused on some empty seats at the table, I intend however to focus this update on the extremely positive steps we took forward as a group during this meeting.

I have repeatedly given my absolute commitment to making the work of the group open and transparent and that through this blog I would update you all, so here is an overview of my first meeting in the `hot seat`.

The group was joined by a number of guests, all of whom added real value to the day, and are now considering how they can support us moving forwards including potentially joining the RPPDG as core-members. I will introduce these people in future blogs once they have decided on how and if they can add meaningful value, which I am sure they all will.

The group is now well on the way to having an agreed Terms of Reference, a really important document that will provide focus, direction and absolute clarity of purpose for everyone involved. Some may say this should already be obvious, but recent history would demonstrate this hasn’t always been the case.

The Tactical Delivery Plan is also now much more tightly defined and currently with group members for further feedback following the first ever National Workshop I held in December. This plan, and members support in delivering it, will be our key tool in the fight to end raptor persecution.

We spent a good chunk of the meeting discussing the need for a national awareness raising campaign and how I believe the award winning `Operation Owl` should be the brand for this. Utilising this approach has worked extremely well for `Operational Galileo` and hare coursing and I was able to share with the group some early concept work that had been produced on my behalf (thanks Chloe). Working closely with North Yorkshire Police, 2019 will see a number of high profile `Operation Owl` days as we look to broaden the reach of the brand and highlight the relentless persecution issue.

It is hoped that this in turn will lead to greater public awareness and increased intelligence reporting as a direct result. This will feed the newly forming Enforcement Sub-Group, to tackle head on those people responsible for shooting, poisoning and trapping our birds.

The group was updated on a number of other important issues, including the proposed White tailed Eagle Isle-of-White reintroduction, the Hen Harrier Action Plan and the three recently released Golden Eagle chicks (Edward, Beaky & Emily) in Southern Scotland. I look forward to working to support these initiatives moving forwards.

The group next meets towards the end of April, and will be hosted by North Yorkshire Police. During this meeting I very much hope to identify leads for a number of the initial critical actions and kick-start work to deliver them, including the nationwide roll-out of Operation Owl….

Let me close by saying this, the prevention of the ongoing and relentless persecution of OUR birds of prey has swiftly become a matter of real passion for me. Those that attempt to get in our will just strengthen my resolve to see it end.

Together we are stronger.

Nick

Photo credit- image from google search (Male Hen Harrier)

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WORTH PROTECTING.

TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE,

KILLING WILDLIFE - LETS STAND TOGETHER

I have been distracted from any blogs regarding the destruction of habitat or any wildlife, but this short piece from Des McKenzie came to me via a tweet.
It is to the point and I thought I could include here.

One Shooter Says, 'Fuck You All
Who Cares About Those Harriers?'

Another Says, 'We Seek Progress
But Let's Put Up Some Barriers'

Another States, 'Don't Let Them In
Or The Shoots Will All But Fail'

Don't Trust The Bastards That Kill For Profit

Is The Moral Of My Tale

BOX OFFICE STARS ERASED

It won't leave me alone this interview of Liam Neeson. It’s the third consecutive day for an article in The Times.

‘Hacked-off’ and ‘Pissed-off’ with freedom, that's what I am. All because of some people who have to object. That's ‘freedom’, of course, the right to express an objection. But I am homing in on my ‘freedom’ to shout out loud “I don't like what is going on” because I don't see why the majority have to be controlled by a minority. Alright, rant over, but I am serious.

There are stories circulating that are stoked up by media sources, but nevertheless will contain the truths of hardships and injustices. We hear them because we are free to. Prejudice and abuse are full of hurt and there is plenty of it around. I now come to the point of my rant and the question is a simple one. Where does a rational objection to some incident or a collection of words from a small number of objectors become the template for restriction of the freedom of others.

Fine words are just those until they sit-side-by-side with what is happening out there. Yes, I am back to Liam Neeson again as he has created a ‘real storm’. For me it is not what he actually said, although I did not like it. Are we going to judge him on his own reality of 40 years ago and ‘kick him into touch’ for feeling that way? And don’t forget he reacted to the rape of a friend. That's a very emotive and an awful event isn't it? How would you react?

It seems to me with any perceived wrongdoing, any allegation however weak or strong or even a suggestion can be turned into a threat.

Splash News reports: ‘there have been calls to cut (Liam Neeson) his role in Men in Black: International’ I comment: Let's erase him from our gaze as in the case of Kevin Spacey. But why because a small number want it? I am supporting neither criminal or abusive behavior, but I am standing up for my own right not to be controlled by over reaction and downright prejudice. Yes, that's right, prejudice for I hate it!

Liam Neeson told a story that was very personal to him relating to an event 40 years ago. Are any of us the same person we were then. Speaking for myself I don't suppose that I am, but it is subjective. There have been people who have been sympathetic to his situation, but it seems ‘erasure’ could be the result.

The band Queen, fronted by Freddie Mercury, were brilliant and the recent film was terrific. Should I not be allowed to to watch, listen to this band because Freddie Mercury took drugs and is purported to have had other than a ‘normal’ sex life? That's nonsense. Whatever is decided you will not erase him from my memory. And now, Bryan Singer, who was involved as a director, of that film, stands accused and, in consequence, it has been withdrawn for a nomination for a Bafta award. There could be justification for it and I hope however subjective the decision was, I can only hope that it has been a fair process.

The Pledge is on Sky TV. It is always lively and I heard only part of their discussion on Mr Neeson, but they were divided and a poll, suggested by them showed 44 percent thought he was right and 30 did not. One of the panel thought that he was an idiot for saying it. I think that it is better for being out there.

Finally, in a poem by ee cummings there is a line that says:
‘freedom is a drug that is bought and sold’. I may have taken it right out of context, but it it's worth a thought or two, at least.

LIAM NEESON WITH A STORY

LIAM NEESON TELLS A STORY
I have been thinking of freedom for several weeks. It cropped up when I heard the two same comments from someone that I know. The first line of an intended verse popped straight into my mind as ‘the bigot speaks out’. That's judgmental even if not downright condemnatory. And as I wrote more lines my perspective started to change. It is not that I adapted my view of the orator or about the comments, but about the right to speak out; to be able to speak one’s mind.

This is where it gets tricky because there will always be someone who will say ‘you can't say that’. Well, legally and criminally they maybe correct, but the important point is that where does social exclusion and revulsion kick in. Where’s the tipping point when the ability to speak out is tempered by fear?

Words, such as these, lay out the framework, but can mean very little without a reference to an incident and so, it is helpful to have facts. The evidence is seldom laid out before us. Often it is the news that gives a smattering of detail. Sound bites to moisten the mind; hard headlines to sell the reader into buying the product advertised. And there it is the story of death and abuse wrapped up in misleading words.

Yesterday Liam Neeson was interviewed in connection with a film Cold Pursuit. The subject of the film is revenge or the pathway for it. It is reported, and the article by Mathew Moore, media correspondent for The Times Newspaper, can be read in full. I will make no reference to any comments or observations made by journalists, but give the bare facts as I see them.

Following on from the theme of the film Neeson says “I will tell you a story. This is true”.
He explains that a person that he knew had been raped and his feelings afterwards were strong enough for him to go out with a cosh, (presumably hidden) and to go out with it intending to find a subject upon who he could take revenge. That's simple enough, isn't it? We can have feelings of anger, revulsion and even the need to act upon them.

Now the one question he did ask was about the colour of the perpetrator. You can guess what's coming. Yes, black is the colour. There is no explanation why that question was asked and what, if any, prejudices were revealed. So, now we have the race element brought into it. Mention skin colour and fingers leap to the keyboards and journalists ramp up the sound bites. We get their slant as they want to portray the world.

If we could turn this event around and let a black person being raped by a white person then the question of colour would be to establish a fact, not necessarily to bring the racial element into it. Well, maybe. It’s as though we are groomed to see things certain ways.

Neeson told it as he remembered it. The indications are that he won't be remembered for telling it, but for that one question. Now I come back to freedom and his right to say certain things in the context of the occasion of interviews about the film and his own experiences. If there is a racial element in this then that's for him to declare and for others to accuse. Foolish or otherwise, this story as it stands, in my opinion is better out there. I will expand in that in few more lines later.

I hate prejudice, but I temper that statement with the knowledge that I have my likes and dislikes. My opening line in a poem was simply this - Prejudice: I hate you. - with the last line stating - Prejudice fuels hate. That's simple enough to, but put that into the cauldron of confrontation then it gets messy. I have witnessed prejudice. Black brother on black brother, black on white, white on black and of course homophobia and sexual slur. It's all out there and even though the football authorities want to stamp out racism in sport they will never stop people feeling their own bias.

I would rather have it out there. Downright prejudice leading to violence I abhor, but we have to reflect upon that one vital part of our life and that is freedom. Just be careful what you say and where!

Finally, it has been said, that ‘freedom is the right to say what people don't want to hear’.