I have combined Sunday’s sightings with Monday morning as we covered the same ground twice over. We know we are the ‘new boys in town’ and we are on our own when it comes to hearing and spotting wildlife. We never saw another birder in our three days there. It is a tranquil island and the purr of King-cabs and Harley’s thumping engines fitted in nicely.
St George is a long way from anywhere and after all those hours flying and a further six hours driving north we guessed that we would need a quiet day. I was surprised by the lack of Heron and Egret activity and waders in general. Also the lack of hirundines except for the very occasional Barn Swallow. Yes, there are smaller birds around and we had fun learning all over again.
We drove out to St George Island State Park where we checked out the Terns. On the water’s edge there was a good cluster of them. It was good to see restricted areas for nesting and other areas were definitely out of bounds due to Storm Michael. We photographed and identified Royal, Sandwich and a small number of Least Terns.
This is a Snowy Plover site too, but they avoided us! A warning sign says it all! A problem here for this species is the abundance of Laughing Gulls.
In the park there is a Youth Camp, ramp for boats, kayaks for fishing and beach areas too. It is well used but not over crowded. We checked every bush and tree and saw: Common Grackles, Northern Mockingbirds, the beautiful and delightfully beautiful Common Ground Doves, a female Northern Cardinal, one Osprey and a flying Great Blue Heron. A small lizard slipped away and one squirrel was in a tree.There were various calls and some birds eluded us. Two lagoons yielded nothing except the sign warning about Alligators. Also fly pasts of Brown Pelicans.
We were fortunate to see two Common Dolphins swimming only a short distance away. They are always a joy.
Returning out of the park we checked the beach nearer our accommodation and we now have one identified plover and my previous comments about seeing two Snowy Plovers was very premature. We will work on it. But we can add Ruddy Turnstones.
We’re in Best Western Apalachicola surrounded by trees and tomorrow we will walking around. We have guided trip planned for Wednesday to St Vincent Island and we will see what that brings. It is a restricted area.
I am currently running a Wordpress site as well and the photos will be on there via Michellle and her camera.
Monday, 29 April 2019
Sunday, 28 April 2019
ST GEORGE ISLAND BEACH AND BIRDS
BEACH, SUN, SHORE BIRDS AND PEACE
We watched the sun come over The Gulf of Mexico and shortly afterwards we were out. Four Mourning Doves fed on the grass below the balcony. An Osprey flew and within minutes we had located the nest on a communication tower. One bringing in nesting materials for the other to use. We saw Eastern Kingbirds again and European Starlings too. Brown Pelicans are numerous and we had a fly past of eleven.
Grackles, Boat-Tailed and Common were constant. At the beach there were two Snowy Plovers (to be confirmed) two Willet, a Ring-Billed Gull and a gorgeous Great Blue Heron. There were fisherman casting from the beach but none of the birds minded human presence.
Opposite our room is a bushy area with pine trees. In there Michelle spotted both a male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. These two were first for us. We think we also saw a Baltimore Oriel. One Eurasian Collared Dove and two Barn Swallows made it an hour well spent. The only mammal was a Grey Squirrel. Eventually I tracked down a singing male Northern Cardinal.
At 1pm we went to Paddy's Raw Bar for the St George Island Beer Fest in aid of Franklin County Humane Society. What can be better on a sun filled afternoon with like minded friendly people raising money to rescue cats and dogs. And with 40 different beer companies allowing samples to be dispensed and live music it was a pleasant few hours. We had booked on line paying $44 each and there was no chance we could drink the equivalent in dollars.
On the way home we stopped at the bar across the road for a snack and a beer. Afterwards we sat on our balcony and watched an Osprey and a Bald Eagle disturb the gulls and listened to more live music from the same bar.
Saturday, 27 April 2019
THE GULF OF MEXICO & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
It was a recovery morning after our two long flights. Avis car rental obliged with an up-grade at $4 per day. Again, so easy and efficient. Going north from Orlando was complicated by the weather, road closures from which we eventually escaped. It took a good hour before we were traffic free and heading northwards.
We were birding as soon as we stepped out of the hotel but only a Common Grackle flew. Where are the birds? On our way we did see both Turkey and Black Vultures on several occasions. Michelle saw a Swallow Tailed Kite and a Bald Eagle. It was disappointing as we zoomed past meadows and roads edged with yellows and pinks of the natural flowers of the verges.
Later on St George Island Laughing Gulls were more than obvious! Cormorants and Pelicans were easy also. Three Kingbirds perched on a wire. Terns were there to be seen and everything else will be there in the morning after a restful night.
First light is at seven and tomorrow is a toll free day!
We were birding as soon as we stepped out of the hotel but only a Common Grackle flew. Where are the birds? On our way we did see both Turkey and Black Vultures on several occasions. Michelle saw a Swallow Tailed Kite and a Bald Eagle. It was disappointing as we zoomed past meadows and roads edged with yellows and pinks of the natural flowers of the verges.
Later on St George Island Laughing Gulls were more than obvious! Cormorants and Pelicans were easy also. Three Kingbirds perched on a wire. Terns were there to be seen and everything else will be there in the morning after a restful night.
First light is at seven and tomorrow is a toll free day!
Friday, 26 April 2019
ON WAY TO THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
OSLO AND HARD ROCK WITH MOOSE AND GUINNESS
I love early mornings when there is a damn good reason for it. Thursday 25th we parked the car and we were in ample time for a 7.55 flight from Alicante to Oslo with Norwegian Airlines.
It was all easy. Oslo Airport is modern, efficient, friendly, and remarkably clean.
Because we had a six-hour-stopover we travelled into central Oslo. Again all efficient, easy and a brief opportunity to see a Scandinavian city. Comfortably seated I watched the countryside slide by. Winter had left its mark with field edges holding patches of snow with grass starting to green-up after the cold blanket it had been under. Trees emerging too and showing leaves and buds.
The ever present graffiti brightened up the track side walls. I think it is better than plain concrete block walls. It is artistic! The painted farm buildings seemed to add neatness and colour. A smartness among the fields.
A small poetic offering.
graffiti summons
winter cold to blow away
for pansies smug faces
Oslo Central Train Station is a modern edifice juxtaposed with older style buildings. We walked, taking in our surroundings. It is a city that is on the move after the cold. Large circular metal bowls showed a bright mixture of blues and purples of the pansies. The tree lined squares were planted too in readiness to make the most of the summer. I was impressed. Many areas had granite sets as opposed to smooth slabs. They gave me no comfort as I like evenness underneath my feet. It's an age thing!
One goal was The Hard Rock Café. Only a brief lunch time interlude this time but enough to keep our record going as we are now into double figures for visits in different countries. We forewent the customary T as we have bought enough. But a pint of Guinness, as per the norm, for it is a Guinness everywhere I go. Because we are en route to Florida I tried to avoid a burger but then just had to go for their Moose one. Hmm. It was different. A heavier type of meat and not one I will order again.
Black Headed Gulls squabbled with Feral Pigeons and a House Sparrow chirped.
One Common Gull was spotted. In a field a Hooded Crow and no other hoody in sight! It's not the fashion here.
Another efficient journey back for our afternoon flight to Orlando International Airport and a nine hour flight to endure. Then the fun began. The Americans are a tad touchy about who they let in. You get quizzed. It’s as simple as that and then more. Preferentially selected for a swab or two. It is to sit and wait, answer the questions and a superficial swab across the IPad and my ‘carry-on’ too. All perfectly necessary, of course. They are ‘precious’ about their country.
It's a Boing 787 Dreamliner we are on. We have good leg room, but then people want to take a short cut across our feet. The bastards! I even had to ‘out persist’ a strange ‘lady’, in white jeans, white matching jacket and a red trilby style hat - straw and cheap, I think. She crossed over once into our space and then wanted, even insisted on doing it in reverse. She even lied by saying there was no other way around. There was. I played her game. You have to smile, inwardly of course.
As writers will tell you, there is no need to invent characters they are everywhere. Notes made and she could get included - the cow! Oh and just for future information this plane is cold, but you can buy a blanket for $5. What a scam. I worked away re-looking at previous poems and stories that needed a tweak or more. Why waste nineteen hours of traveling?
It is a long day, but all of it is within twenty-four hours. The other route is to fly in England and overnight in an hotel to fly the next day. That is more expensive and maybe justified?
I love early mornings when there is a damn good reason for it. Thursday 25th we parked the car and we were in ample time for a 7.55 flight from Alicante to Oslo with Norwegian Airlines.
It was all easy. Oslo Airport is modern, efficient, friendly, and remarkably clean.
Because we had a six-hour-stopover we travelled into central Oslo. Again all efficient, easy and a brief opportunity to see a Scandinavian city. Comfortably seated I watched the countryside slide by. Winter had left its mark with field edges holding patches of snow with grass starting to green-up after the cold blanket it had been under. Trees emerging too and showing leaves and buds.
The ever present graffiti brightened up the track side walls. I think it is better than plain concrete block walls. It is artistic! The painted farm buildings seemed to add neatness and colour. A smartness among the fields.
A small poetic offering.
graffiti summons
winter cold to blow away
for pansies smug faces
Oslo Central Train Station is a modern edifice juxtaposed with older style buildings. We walked, taking in our surroundings. It is a city that is on the move after the cold. Large circular metal bowls showed a bright mixture of blues and purples of the pansies. The tree lined squares were planted too in readiness to make the most of the summer. I was impressed. Many areas had granite sets as opposed to smooth slabs. They gave me no comfort as I like evenness underneath my feet. It's an age thing!
One goal was The Hard Rock Café. Only a brief lunch time interlude this time but enough to keep our record going as we are now into double figures for visits in different countries. We forewent the customary T as we have bought enough. But a pint of Guinness, as per the norm, for it is a Guinness everywhere I go. Because we are en route to Florida I tried to avoid a burger but then just had to go for their Moose one. Hmm. It was different. A heavier type of meat and not one I will order again.
Black Headed Gulls squabbled with Feral Pigeons and a House Sparrow chirped.
One Common Gull was spotted. In a field a Hooded Crow and no other hoody in sight! It's not the fashion here.
Another efficient journey back for our afternoon flight to Orlando International Airport and a nine hour flight to endure. Then the fun began. The Americans are a tad touchy about who they let in. You get quizzed. It’s as simple as that and then more. Preferentially selected for a swab or two. It is to sit and wait, answer the questions and a superficial swab across the IPad and my ‘carry-on’ too. All perfectly necessary, of course. They are ‘precious’ about their country.
It's a Boing 787 Dreamliner we are on. We have good leg room, but then people want to take a short cut across our feet. The bastards! I even had to ‘out persist’ a strange ‘lady’, in white jeans, white matching jacket and a red trilby style hat - straw and cheap, I think. She crossed over once into our space and then wanted, even insisted on doing it in reverse. She even lied by saying there was no other way around. There was. I played her game. You have to smile, inwardly of course.
As writers will tell you, there is no need to invent characters they are everywhere. Notes made and she could get included - the cow! Oh and just for future information this plane is cold, but you can buy a blanket for $5. What a scam. I worked away re-looking at previous poems and stories that needed a tweak or more. Why waste nineteen hours of traveling?
It is a long day, but all of it is within twenty-four hours. The other route is to fly in England and overnight in an hotel to fly the next day. That is more expensive and maybe justified?
Friday, 19 April 2019
Easter Time and John Donne
Hello. It's Easter Time and I wish everyone the best time they can make it. For me, it is a time of reflection and roast chicken for the Easter Sunday lunch when I was a child. It is a time for religion too and we are reminded of it, living in Catholic Spain.
Here is one from John Donne.
Batter my heart, three-person'd God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp'd town to another due,
Labor to admit you, but oh, to no end;
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be lov'd fain,
But am betroth'd unto your enemy;
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.
Here is one from John Donne.
Batter my heart, three-person'd God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp'd town to another due,
Labor to admit you, but oh, to no end;
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be lov'd fain,
But am betroth'd unto your enemy;
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.
Thursday, 18 April 2019
EARLY MORNING IN CABO DE GATA - UPDATED
We over-nighted at Cabo de Gata and we were out birding by 8am. We travelled slowly along AL3115 hoping to see Trumpeter Finches again. We checked the same spot twice, but with no success.
However, we always look and work hard. It paid off this morning for in a little over an hour we saw the following:
A female Black Eared Wheatear was on the same small ridge as the Trumpeters yesterday.
A lone Raven flew and we saw two being mobbed by raucous Yellow Legged Gulls near to the Lighthouse.
A Peregrine Falcon perched on a pylon and within minutes two were seen flying away from the Lighthouse area.
On the hillside overlooking the car park Chiffchaffs were active and gave us clear views. In the same bush as a Chiff was active female Sardinian Warbler. Showing her white throat and a rich brown back.
We had seen Black Wheatears yesterday and today we saw three more with two males perched and singing.
Yesterday was windy and with less of it this morning and with hardly any traffic we saw more than we expected. It pays to get out early!
Photographs will be added soon to these two posts, courtesy of Bryan Thomas.
At Los Urritas we looked for the Rose Coloured Starling and with only a vague idea of where it had been, we failed. It would have been beneficial to have at least one exact location where it had been seen. I always try to be helpful.
That's it for about five weeks in Spain as we will be in the Gulf of Mexico and central Florida soon.
However, we always look and work hard. It paid off this morning for in a little over an hour we saw the following:
A female Black Eared Wheatear was on the same small ridge as the Trumpeters yesterday.
A lone Raven flew and we saw two being mobbed by raucous Yellow Legged Gulls near to the Lighthouse.
A Peregrine Falcon perched on a pylon and within minutes two were seen flying away from the Lighthouse area.
On the hillside overlooking the car park Chiffchaffs were active and gave us clear views. In the same bush as a Chiff was active female Sardinian Warbler. Showing her white throat and a rich brown back.
We had seen Black Wheatears yesterday and today we saw three more with two males perched and singing.
Yesterday was windy and with less of it this morning and with hardly any traffic we saw more than we expected. It pays to get out early!
Photographs will be added soon to these two posts, courtesy of Bryan Thomas.
At Los Urritas we looked for the Rose Coloured Starling and with only a vague idea of where it had been, we failed. It would have been beneficial to have at least one exact location where it had been seen. I always try to be helpful.
That's it for about five weeks in Spain as we will be in the Gulf of Mexico and central Florida soon.
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
BIRDING AT THE END OF THE WORLD AT CABO DE GATA - UPDATED
It was an early start from San Miguel and we were in Cabo de Gata at 9.30am. We got ‘at it’ straight away as we had ‘an itch to scratch’! We had failed on our previous trip to see the Trumpeter Finch and this time we wanted to get it.
En route sharp-eyed Bryan spotted a perched Black Shouldered Kite and a male Blue Rock Thrush as we sped down the AP7.
We spent two hours in and around the Lighthouse area which we searched diligently. We had little to show for our efforts except for several Crested Larks, one Black Eared Wheatear, and a couple of Sardinian Warblers called. House Sparrows flitted around the car park. We were in full sunshine but with a stiff breeze but birds were few. Yellow Legged Gulls flew and Slender Billed as well.
We changed tactics and headed for the beach road where there are dunes along side of the Salinas. We took the Camino, parallel with this road, and starting from the round-a-bout we travelled slowly along and within two hundred meters Michelle spotted a male and female Trumpeter. They soon flew away, but Bryan did get the photo to prove it. Itch well and truly scratched.
Afterwards we saw Two Southern Grey Shrikes and a distant Woodchat perched. One Common Kestrel flew across our front
We returned to the Lighthouse area but by this time it was very windy with too many tourists around. A first year Mediterranean Shag perched on the rocks and that was the only sea bird visible. It was a disappointing return and the Salinas disappointed too. The lagoons yielded only the usual Flamingos, Avocets, but 15-20 Glossy Ibis flew in the distance. We knew Ravens were here and then one flew in full view.
Our accommodation at Camino Viejo del Faro, 65 Almadrama is excellent, two bedrooms, clean, comfortable and cheap at 70€ per night. It is within a few meters of the salt works that is passed on the way to the Lighthouse. We would recommend it.
We again searched where we had seen the T.F. and located a very active warbler which could have been a Wood Warbler. Only fleeting glimpses and no camera shot to prove it either way. We continued to look for it and found a Chiffchaff instead. The Retamar end of the Salinas yielded a Greenshank with 7 Gull Billed Terns close by. It was a disappointing return for both waders and warblers. We expected to see more movement in this migratory period, but we did not.
We feel we have ‘done this area’, cracked the Trumpeter Finches, and we are happy. Would we travel here again? No, but glad that we have done it. In fact our local Salinas are much better than these ones and if it was not for the Finches it would not have been worth the effort. So think hard before making a trip!
We will spend a few more hours tomorrow morning before traveling home. However, we intend to stop at Los Urritas to search for the reported Rose Coloured Starling
En route sharp-eyed Bryan spotted a perched Black Shouldered Kite and a male Blue Rock Thrush as we sped down the AP7.
We spent two hours in and around the Lighthouse area which we searched diligently. We had little to show for our efforts except for several Crested Larks, one Black Eared Wheatear, and a couple of Sardinian Warblers called. House Sparrows flitted around the car park. We were in full sunshine but with a stiff breeze but birds were few. Yellow Legged Gulls flew and Slender Billed as well.
We changed tactics and headed for the beach road where there are dunes along side of the Salinas. We took the Camino, parallel with this road, and starting from the round-a-bout we travelled slowly along and within two hundred meters Michelle spotted a male and female Trumpeter. They soon flew away, but Bryan did get the photo to prove it. Itch well and truly scratched.
Afterwards we saw Two Southern Grey Shrikes and a distant Woodchat perched. One Common Kestrel flew across our front
We returned to the Lighthouse area but by this time it was very windy with too many tourists around. A first year Mediterranean Shag perched on the rocks and that was the only sea bird visible. It was a disappointing return and the Salinas disappointed too. The lagoons yielded only the usual Flamingos, Avocets, but 15-20 Glossy Ibis flew in the distance. We knew Ravens were here and then one flew in full view.
Our accommodation at Camino Viejo del Faro, 65 Almadrama is excellent, two bedrooms, clean, comfortable and cheap at 70€ per night. It is within a few meters of the salt works that is passed on the way to the Lighthouse. We would recommend it.
We again searched where we had seen the T.F. and located a very active warbler which could have been a Wood Warbler. Only fleeting glimpses and no camera shot to prove it either way. We continued to look for it and found a Chiffchaff instead. The Retamar end of the Salinas yielded a Greenshank with 7 Gull Billed Terns close by. It was a disappointing return for both waders and warblers. We expected to see more movement in this migratory period, but we did not.
We feel we have ‘done this area’, cracked the Trumpeter Finches, and we are happy. Would we travel here again? No, but glad that we have done it. In fact our local Salinas are much better than these ones and if it was not for the Finches it would not have been worth the effort. So think hard before making a trip!
We will spend a few more hours tomorrow morning before traveling home. However, we intend to stop at Los Urritas to search for the reported Rose Coloured Starling
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
ON THE WAY TO CABO DE GATA VIA THE CLOT - UPDATED
On Tuesday 16th April I collected Bryan in Gran Alacant before our journey south to Cabo de Gata on Wednesday. But first some very profitable minutes spent at Clot de Galveney. In full view was a male Garganey (and a mucky eye) with both Red Crested and Common Pochards easily seen. A Purple Swamphen showed well. Mallards with young, Coot and Moorhen made up the ensemble. Then a first for both this year when we heard a Nightingale sing from somewhere close by. Secretive as usual. A sub-adult Night Heron flew in and perched.
Male Garganey
Female Red Crested Pochard
Male Red Crested Pochard
Sub-Adult Night Heron
Overhead Barn Swallows, Red Rumped Swallows, House Martins and high above a Pallid Swift flew. My first for the year. And then we heard and saw Bee-eaters flying above us.
What a lovely piece of water this is and it was good to see other birders there from Scandinavia and Spain. It is essential that we protect what we have.
In the lowlands and over the Salinas a male Montague’s Harrier flew as we headed towards San Miguel.
In San Miguel House Martins were active in our strong-hold for them. Our Pallid Swifts I have not seen. Now we can look forward to Cabo de Gata tomorrow.
Male Garganey
Female Red Crested Pochard
Male Red Crested Pochard
Sub-Adult Night HeronOverhead Barn Swallows, Red Rumped Swallows, House Martins and high above a Pallid Swift flew. My first for the year. And then we heard and saw Bee-eaters flying above us.
What a lovely piece of water this is and it was good to see other birders there from Scandinavia and Spain. It is essential that we protect what we have.
In the lowlands and over the Salinas a male Montague’s Harrier flew as we headed towards San Miguel.
In San Miguel House Martins were active in our strong-hold for them. Our Pallid Swifts I have not seen. Now we can look forward to Cabo de Gata tomorrow.
2019 THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR LONGLIST REVEALED
We have 9 of the 18 on the longest and I have read 3.
The Longlist in Full:
Snap by Belinda Bauer – Transworld
Our House by Louise Candlish – Simon & Schuster UK
Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh – Hachette
Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves – Pan Macmillan
This Is How It Ends by Eva Dolan – Bloomsbury Publishing
Take Me In by Sabine Durrant – Hodder & Stoughton
The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths – Quercus
London Rules by Mick Herron – John Murray Press
Broken Ground by Val McDermid – Little, Brown Book Group
The Quaker by Liam McIlvanney – HarperCollins
The Way of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry – Canongate Books
East of Hounslow by Khurrum Rahman – HarperCollins
Hell Bay by Kate Rhodes – Simon & Schuster UK
Salt Lane by William Shaw – Quercus
The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor – Penguin Random House
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – Bloomsbury Publishing
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan – Simon & Schuster UK
Changeling by Matt Wesolowski – Orenda Books
I have read three authors already. Those are Simon Turton,Val McDermid and Ann Cleeves. I have attempted to read CJ Tudor's book, The Chalk MAn and decided it was not for me. So, what will I read next?
The Longlist in Full:
Snap by Belinda Bauer – Transworld
Our House by Louise Candlish – Simon & Schuster UK
Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh – Hachette
Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves – Pan Macmillan
This Is How It Ends by Eva Dolan – Bloomsbury Publishing
Take Me In by Sabine Durrant – Hodder & Stoughton
The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths – Quercus
London Rules by Mick Herron – John Murray Press
Broken Ground by Val McDermid – Little, Brown Book Group
The Quaker by Liam McIlvanney – HarperCollins
The Way of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry – Canongate Books
East of Hounslow by Khurrum Rahman – HarperCollins
Hell Bay by Kate Rhodes – Simon & Schuster UK
Salt Lane by William Shaw – Quercus
The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor – Penguin Random House
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – Bloomsbury Publishing
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan – Simon & Schuster UK
Changeling by Matt Wesolowski – Orenda Books
I have read three authors already. Those are Simon Turton,Val McDermid and Ann Cleeves. I have attempted to read CJ Tudor's book, The Chalk MAn and decided it was not for me. So, what will I read next?
Monday, 15 April 2019
Higueruela and the plains of Bonete - UPDATE!
WITH ONLY DISTANT VIEWS AND ONE CAMERA SHOT THE THINKING IS THAT THIS IS AN IMMATURE SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE.
Friday 12th April has proved to be more interesting day that I have so far reported. The bird that I saw flying along the ridge and away from view is the subject of discussion, I initially thought that it could have been a Black Kite as we have seen one here before. However, it was a much larger bird and luckily Bryan managed to get one shot of it and that is what we had to work on. When it appeared again we only had distant views of it and when being 'mobbed' by a male Marsh Harrier, the size difference was obvious. Upon inspecting the photograph the feeling seemed to be a Golden Eagle. A decision made but not a convincing one.
The great bit about many birders and when a post is written for all out there to see, the comments can arrive. And this is the case now. Julian Sykes, that we both have know for years, has fortunately commented and this is what he had to say.
Julian says:
This is an interesting bird and I still think it’s a young SIE, the only other thing that it might be is a male Marsh Harrier but I sure it isn’t and you would get so much moult at this time of year with an adult or sub-adult.
SIE tails can look barred in their early years and this is probably a 1st winter going to 1st Summer or 2cy (2nd calendar year). Also the amount of abrasion going on a smaller primary might be missing?
However would be interested in other people’s thoughts on the bird.
Spanish Imperial Eagle??
So the opinion is that it is an immature Spanish Imperial Eagle. If that is correct then this is the first time that we have seen one in this locale. I am happy with that.
Well, thanks for that Julian and maybe some one else can come in with a comment too.
I ommited to mention that we had our first sighting of Gull Billed Terns and in good number. On two occasions they were following a tractor when it was turning the soil. Obviously after the small stuff exposed by the ground being worked. These birds were busy and their calls were loud. It was good to see them again and what other Terns will be arriving soon?
((Julian Sykes is easily found and you can find him - birdwatchingspain.net-julian-sykes. And on Face Book too.)
Thank you for the input.
Friday 12th April has proved to be more interesting day that I have so far reported. The bird that I saw flying along the ridge and away from view is the subject of discussion, I initially thought that it could have been a Black Kite as we have seen one here before. However, it was a much larger bird and luckily Bryan managed to get one shot of it and that is what we had to work on. When it appeared again we only had distant views of it and when being 'mobbed' by a male Marsh Harrier, the size difference was obvious. Upon inspecting the photograph the feeling seemed to be a Golden Eagle. A decision made but not a convincing one.
The great bit about many birders and when a post is written for all out there to see, the comments can arrive. And this is the case now. Julian Sykes, that we both have know for years, has fortunately commented and this is what he had to say.
Julian says:
This is an interesting bird and I still think it’s a young SIE, the only other thing that it might be is a male Marsh Harrier but I sure it isn’t and you would get so much moult at this time of year with an adult or sub-adult.
SIE tails can look barred in their early years and this is probably a 1st winter going to 1st Summer or 2cy (2nd calendar year). Also the amount of abrasion going on a smaller primary might be missing?
However would be interested in other people’s thoughts on the bird.
Spanish Imperial Eagle??So the opinion is that it is an immature Spanish Imperial Eagle. If that is correct then this is the first time that we have seen one in this locale. I am happy with that.
Well, thanks for that Julian and maybe some one else can come in with a comment too.
I ommited to mention that we had our first sighting of Gull Billed Terns and in good number. On two occasions they were following a tractor when it was turning the soil. Obviously after the small stuff exposed by the ground being worked. These birds were busy and their calls were loud. It was good to see them again and what other Terns will be arriving soon?
((Julian Sykes is easily found and you can find him - birdwatchingspain.net-julian-sykes. And on Face Book too.)
Thank you for the input.
Saturday, 13 April 2019
SUPERB! SUPERB! SUPERB!
That sums up our day, for from this morning on, we have ‘really’ cracked it. That's the way we feel after a full day out in those immense fields in and around Higueruela.
Michelle and I left San Miguel in the cool of a Friday morning, travelled to Gran Alacant to collect Bryan. Then we headed north along A31 and we were where we wanted to be by 9am. A chill wind, plenty of sun and a low of 7 degrees greeted us.
Bryan had visited the area the week before so we knew our route for the day and our target birds.
We took the Camino in the direction of ‘the pig farm’ knowing that we would finish by ‘station corner’. We decided to re-trace our route and eventually we spent three hours in this area.
It was excellent the first time around and it was even better on the second traverse. Our first hour we saw very clearly fourteen Great Bustards and eight Little Bustards. We have always seen the bigger of the two species, but Little Bustards have been more difficult. This morning having spotted all the birds and knowing where they could still be we went around for the second time. It payed off. Great Bustards were again easily seen and in flight too. However, it was the little ones we really needed to get close to. And we did. We saw them in the distance and gradually worked our way slowly towards them. They were in two groups comprising one male and three females in each. Bryan’s camera was busy and then we were as close as we could get without stressing the birds. That's the benefit of Brian’s skill with his camera and lens. I will let his photographs do the ‘talking’ for me. We felt privileged to be out there and seeing them. Michelle was able to photograph her very first Little Bustard. I think that's success, don't you?
In the same area we saw a flock of Yellow Wagtails, feeding amongst the sheep. We had fun too, as there were Donkeys next to them. The sap was surely rising as two consenting adult donkeys got together and a young one was spooked by a rabbit! This is a great area to bird in with many of the smaller species to be seen including Tree Sparrows.
Calandra Larks filled the air with their song, They were everywhere, flying around, calling and displaying and eventually one sat long enough for the cameraman. A male Northern Wheatear posed too. There are still many absentees.
At the ‘railway station corner’ we all saw a male Merlin fly.
After spending three hours photographing the Bustards we moved on towards Petrola, to the other railway line and the bridge overlooking a large span of water. Here, water birds as usual, but what we wanted to observe were Marsh Harriers. Females flew and males stunned us with their aerial skills. Then a large bird appeared and wondering what it could be, the cameraman with his lens, proved it to be an adult Golden Eagle. Always good to see.
Also another flock of Yellow Wagtails. They were a bit lively, but clearly seen. Could it get any better?
We kept going and moved toward Lagunas de Petrola. We had no aspirations as we knew many wet areas were dry. However, there was one Common Sandpiper, a male and female Kentish Plover, several Black Winged Stilts and in the far distance 200 Flamingos. Not a great return, but something to watch and photograph.
In the large corn growing areas we were lucky enough to witness six flying Great Bustards who then flew back across and landed in a cultivated field. Again super views. Five Kestrels were spotted in a field and their behaviour suggested they were Lesser Kestrels. A clear sighting confirmed it. Several Lapwings called and flew. I love watching them. They have character.
We turned for home taking the road to Montealegre to where there is water. I can say the usual water fowl were present but nothing exceptional. Maybe as the season progresses it will get some migrants in too.
What a great day. I will remember this one for ever! Thank you, World.
Michelle and I left San Miguel in the cool of a Friday morning, travelled to Gran Alacant to collect Bryan. Then we headed north along A31 and we were where we wanted to be by 9am. A chill wind, plenty of sun and a low of 7 degrees greeted us.
Bryan had visited the area the week before so we knew our route for the day and our target birds.
We took the Camino in the direction of ‘the pig farm’ knowing that we would finish by ‘station corner’. We decided to re-trace our route and eventually we spent three hours in this area.
It was excellent the first time around and it was even better on the second traverse. Our first hour we saw very clearly fourteen Great Bustards and eight Little Bustards. We have always seen the bigger of the two species, but Little Bustards have been more difficult. This morning having spotted all the birds and knowing where they could still be we went around for the second time. It payed off. Great Bustards were again easily seen and in flight too. However, it was the little ones we really needed to get close to. And we did. We saw them in the distance and gradually worked our way slowly towards them. They were in two groups comprising one male and three females in each. Bryan’s camera was busy and then we were as close as we could get without stressing the birds. That's the benefit of Brian’s skill with his camera and lens. I will let his photographs do the ‘talking’ for me. We felt privileged to be out there and seeing them. Michelle was able to photograph her very first Little Bustard. I think that's success, don't you?
In the same area we saw a flock of Yellow Wagtails, feeding amongst the sheep. We had fun too, as there were Donkeys next to them. The sap was surely rising as two consenting adult donkeys got together and a young one was spooked by a rabbit! This is a great area to bird in with many of the smaller species to be seen including Tree Sparrows.
Calandra Larks filled the air with their song, They were everywhere, flying around, calling and displaying and eventually one sat long enough for the cameraman. A male Northern Wheatear posed too. There are still many absentees.
At the ‘railway station corner’ we all saw a male Merlin fly.
After spending three hours photographing the Bustards we moved on towards Petrola, to the other railway line and the bridge overlooking a large span of water. Here, water birds as usual, but what we wanted to observe were Marsh Harriers. Females flew and males stunned us with their aerial skills. Then a large bird appeared and wondering what it could be, the cameraman with his lens, proved it to be an adult Golden Eagle. Always good to see.
Also another flock of Yellow Wagtails. They were a bit lively, but clearly seen. Could it get any better?
We kept going and moved toward Lagunas de Petrola. We had no aspirations as we knew many wet areas were dry. However, there was one Common Sandpiper, a male and female Kentish Plover, several Black Winged Stilts and in the far distance 200 Flamingos. Not a great return, but something to watch and photograph.
In the large corn growing areas we were lucky enough to witness six flying Great Bustards who then flew back across and landed in a cultivated field. Again super views. Five Kestrels were spotted in a field and their behaviour suggested they were Lesser Kestrels. A clear sighting confirmed it. Several Lapwings called and flew. I love watching them. They have character.
We turned for home taking the road to Montealegre to where there is water. I can say the usual water fowl were present but nothing exceptional. Maybe as the season progresses it will get some migrants in too.
What a great day. I will remember this one for ever! Thank you, World.
Wednesday, 10 April 2019
SUPER ORGANIC GARDENER HUGS SLUGS
HUG A SLUG
Now what ‘nutter’ would ever say anything like that? I extracted this headline from The Times this morning which would put some people right off me (even only because I am a Times reader!) in the divisive world that we live in. 48 to 52 just to make a Brexit point!
However, back to my initial ‘HUG A SLUG’ and the vegan man who appears to be the subject of this article. He has a point, but I know that if you want pretty flowers in your front garden borders then you will provide natural food for the slug. Well they do have the right to eat to live. Okay, maybe not, for the human race also wants control. I used to keep Khaki Campbell Ducks and they loved slugs - Yum- Yum. But they would also waddle all over your pretty plants and make a mess too.
So, what ‘does one do’? Well the proper solution is to only buy plants that are not juicy enough for slugs to eat, or alternatively just put poison onto the soil and kill them?
We are good at killing things, stopping nature, netting trees and hedges to stop birds nesting. Tesco, at some locations, are preventing Barn Swallows nesting because they make a mess. So, Tesco shareholders and management you are helping to destroy our natural world. Ignorance is no excuse and there is always an alternative. Yes, work with nature. Just think more.
Our man, in The Times article, also suggested we should not have bird feeders or water features in gardens because they can attract rats, mice, squirrels and cats and even foxes! Well they are entitled to a life too or shall we just call them pests? I say keep feeding the birds as they need all the help we can give them. We have rats around us anyway and they are terrific survivors and are part of the natural food chain.
Graham Appleby, the deputy editor of Horticulture Week, is the source of this news item and the full read can be found in his book ‘The Super Organic Garden’. I have not read it and would think that there is some sound advice in there as to how to promote economical, sustainable and healthy gardening. Perhaps, it is the journalist that has become fixated with anyone’s need to ‘hug a slug’.
My point is don't use poisons. Everything has to live in the same general environment and whatever we humans do will affect everything living. It is up to us.
Now what ‘nutter’ would ever say anything like that? I extracted this headline from The Times this morning which would put some people right off me (even only because I am a Times reader!) in the divisive world that we live in. 48 to 52 just to make a Brexit point!
However, back to my initial ‘HUG A SLUG’ and the vegan man who appears to be the subject of this article. He has a point, but I know that if you want pretty flowers in your front garden borders then you will provide natural food for the slug. Well they do have the right to eat to live. Okay, maybe not, for the human race also wants control. I used to keep Khaki Campbell Ducks and they loved slugs - Yum- Yum. But they would also waddle all over your pretty plants and make a mess too.
So, what ‘does one do’? Well the proper solution is to only buy plants that are not juicy enough for slugs to eat, or alternatively just put poison onto the soil and kill them?
We are good at killing things, stopping nature, netting trees and hedges to stop birds nesting. Tesco, at some locations, are preventing Barn Swallows nesting because they make a mess. So, Tesco shareholders and management you are helping to destroy our natural world. Ignorance is no excuse and there is always an alternative. Yes, work with nature. Just think more.
Our man, in The Times article, also suggested we should not have bird feeders or water features in gardens because they can attract rats, mice, squirrels and cats and even foxes! Well they are entitled to a life too or shall we just call them pests? I say keep feeding the birds as they need all the help we can give them. We have rats around us anyway and they are terrific survivors and are part of the natural food chain.
Graham Appleby, the deputy editor of Horticulture Week, is the source of this news item and the full read can be found in his book ‘The Super Organic Garden’. I have not read it and would think that there is some sound advice in there as to how to promote economical, sustainable and healthy gardening. Perhaps, it is the journalist that has become fixated with anyone’s need to ‘hug a slug’.
My point is don't use poisons. Everything has to live in the same general environment and whatever we humans do will affect everything living. It is up to us.
Tuesday, 9 April 2019
A POST TO COMMEMORATE THE DEATH OF THE POET EDWARD THOMAS
Today, Tuesday 9th April. is the anniversary of the death of the writer and poet Edward Thomas. He was killed at Arras, France in 1917. He was 37 years old and the poem, The Owl, articulates when he decided to enlist and go to war. A choice he felt he had to make.
I am reading daily, The Wood, The Life and Times of Cockshutt Wood by John Lewis-Stempel. It is a diary of his work in the wood and he makes mention of the anniversary of Thomas’s death and includes the poem too.
He says that The Owl was no poet’s posing. Thomas was so connected to nature that he considered his true countrymen to be the birds. Or the trees.
Edward Thomas, it is said, was a true countryman and an owl, finally and irrevocably, convinced him to do his bit for King and Countryside.
The Owl
BY EDWARD THOMAS
Downhill I came, hungry, and yet not starved;
Cold, yet had heat within me that was proof
Against the North wind; tired, yet so that rest
Had seemed the sweetest thing under a roof.
Then at the inn I had food, fire, and rest,
Knowing how hungry, cold, and tired was I.
All of the night was quite barred out except
An owl’s cry, a most melancholy cry
Shaken out long and clear upon the hill,
No merry note, nor cause of merriment,
But one telling me plain what I escaped
And others could not, that night, as in I went.
And salted was my food, and my repose,
Salted and sobered, too, by the bird’s voice
Speaking for all who lay under the stars,
Soldiers and poor, unable to rejoice.
Acknowledgements: John Lewis-Stempel and to A Dymock Poets Anthology by Linda Hart.
Monday, 8 April 2019
LEDBURY POETRY AND ACTION IN SCHOOLS
THIS CAME FROM LEDBURY AND IT SHOWS THE GOOD WORK THEY ARE DOING. I WANTED TO BALANCE IT OUT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT MY PREVIOUS POST.
Teacher comment of the week as an intensive period of works in schools, which started in March, continues: "The power of the day was very evident in the way all children responded...The vast majority of children went home and continued to write poetry in their notebooks that evening. This included a child with attachment disorder (meaning he can’t cope with challenge or failure) and a child who has been a school refuser and up until this year could not read or write at all. He went home and wrote 16 poems of his own!" (Ashfield Park Primary School, Ross on Wye)
The last few weeks have been jam-packed with poetry in schools! Val Bloom, Sara Hirsch and Mike Barfield have been performing in our Poetry Out Loud, Festival in a Day! events at Hellens Manor. Matt Black, Mike Barfield and James Carter have been visiting schools all over the county. Young Shakespeare have performed Hamlet. 16 schools and over 1,800 pupils are hearing, writing and performing poetry! Next week, another run of three Festivals in a Day with Rob Gee, Val Bloom and Matt Black. Wonderful poets. Days packed with energy, fun and creativity. Intense concentration, animated discussions and performances. Smiling faces! Rapturous applause. Singing! Enjoy these snapshots and read more on the Festival's Poets in Schools page.
NB. A writing friend commented "Encouragement in writing, in any form, is so important. Well done to the teachers"
I echo those words.
Teacher comment of the week as an intensive period of works in schools, which started in March, continues: "The power of the day was very evident in the way all children responded...The vast majority of children went home and continued to write poetry in their notebooks that evening. This included a child with attachment disorder (meaning he can’t cope with challenge or failure) and a child who has been a school refuser and up until this year could not read or write at all. He went home and wrote 16 poems of his own!" (Ashfield Park Primary School, Ross on Wye)
The last few weeks have been jam-packed with poetry in schools! Val Bloom, Sara Hirsch and Mike Barfield have been performing in our Poetry Out Loud, Festival in a Day! events at Hellens Manor. Matt Black, Mike Barfield and James Carter have been visiting schools all over the county. Young Shakespeare have performed Hamlet. 16 schools and over 1,800 pupils are hearing, writing and performing poetry! Next week, another run of three Festivals in a Day with Rob Gee, Val Bloom and Matt Black. Wonderful poets. Days packed with energy, fun and creativity. Intense concentration, animated discussions and performances. Smiling faces! Rapturous applause. Singing! Enjoy these snapshots and read more on the Festival's Poets in Schools page.
NB. A writing friend commented "Encouragement in writing, in any form, is so important. Well done to the teachers"
I echo those words.
COMMENT FOR LPF's POST
I certainly got your point John and I agree there should be an intelligent detailed response to your query. It is remiss of them not to respond. I still hold my view that male writers still have a way to go in their struggle to fight so hard for recognition as women have.
Having said that. The reasons for writing ‘gender less’ these days is that if you change your style in the hope that you will appeal to female or male readers, authors often conceal their gender. ie. JK Rowling and I believe male authors too, however the media pay no attention to male authors appealing to female readers if they wish to capture other readers. It seems they are not so newsworthy, or shown to be deceitful whatever your take is.
It all began with the Brontes and George Eliot, but I think we were led to believe that they might not be successful or serious writers if they were women, I am not sure this is true. I am sure that some female (or indeed in these modern days some male authors) have done their final dissertation on the subject. I wonder if any poetry or literary festival has asked for some fresh modern person’s take on the subject, as we go over and over the same ground. Perhaps that’s what literary and poetry festivals lack, is a fresh look.
What do you all think? Are we getting staid? I sometimes want to know what judges are looking for and why they choose the poems they do, and what they consider to be new forms. Is it just content, or is it poetic value, or as you suggest, someone who has attended the judges workshop.
I might sneak in on a poetry seminar at the University. Shall I try?
I quite like the debate rather than go over old ground again and again. I don’t want to change opinion but grow into new ideas.
Margaret Rowland.
Having said that. The reasons for writing ‘gender less’ these days is that if you change your style in the hope that you will appeal to female or male readers, authors often conceal their gender. ie. JK Rowling and I believe male authors too, however the media pay no attention to male authors appealing to female readers if they wish to capture other readers. It seems they are not so newsworthy, or shown to be deceitful whatever your take is.
It all began with the Brontes and George Eliot, but I think we were led to believe that they might not be successful or serious writers if they were women, I am not sure this is true. I am sure that some female (or indeed in these modern days some male authors) have done their final dissertation on the subject. I wonder if any poetry or literary festival has asked for some fresh modern person’s take on the subject, as we go over and over the same ground. Perhaps that’s what literary and poetry festivals lack, is a fresh look.
What do you all think? Are we getting staid? I sometimes want to know what judges are looking for and why they choose the poems they do, and what they consider to be new forms. Is it just content, or is it poetic value, or as you suggest, someone who has attended the judges workshop.
I might sneak in on a poetry seminar at the University. Shall I try?
I quite like the debate rather than go over old ground again and again. I don’t want to change opinion but grow into new ideas.
Margaret Rowland.
Friday, 5 April 2019
LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL SHORTLIST
WHAT'S GOING ON, PLEASE?
With Ledbury Poetry Festival erring most of the time to their feminine side I could not resist this comment. They run 'women only sessions' and I am all good with that, but when I asked them via an email when they were going to run an all male one, I did not even get an acknowledgement. So, now we have five guys out of six on the shortlist and one 'girl' . I am glad my chair has got arms on it because otherwise I could have fallen off!
However, I applaud their decision to choose poets to judge who do not normally do so. Their view, and I hope it works, is to broaden the scope of those writers
who can win. So well done LPF.
I shall check on those in the shortlist and watch attentively for the result in July.
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT - LEDBURY FORTE POETRY PRIZE FOR SECOND COLLECTIONS
Ledbury Poetry Festival announces the six collections shortlisted for the prestigious Ledbury Forte Poetry Prize for Second Collections published in Britain and Ireland in 2017 and 2018.
Judged this year by Lachlan Mackinnon and Linda Gregerson, the biannual prize is the first of its kind and aims to support and encourage ‘mid-career’ poets, with a £5,000 prize for the winner. The vibrant, diverse collections offer a reminder that in turbulent political times poetry - particularly those published by independent and small presses - continues to thrive and flourish.
The prize recognises that a poet’s second collection can be “dangerous, risk-taking liberating and wildly ambitious” according to Tom Chivers, Editor at Penned in the Margins, who says “I welcome a new prize for second collections, to shine a spotlight on work that might otherwise fall down the gap between the excitement of the new and the confidence of the established.”
The shortlisted poets will be invited to read at a Prize Giving event on Friday 5 July 2019 at Ledbury Poetry Festival when the judges, Lachlan Mackinnon and Linda Gregerson will announce the winner. In selecting the judges, Ledbury Poetry Festival consciously sought out poets who are not regularly judging prizes in the UK, in order to try to widen the spotlight and shine a light on poets whose collections might otherwise not receive their due in terms of attention and recognition. The result is a diverse and vibrant shortlist of poets who have not yet been picked out yet by major prizes.
Shortlist
● A K Blakemore Fondue (Offord Road Books)
● Adam O’Riordan A Herring Famine (Chatto)
● Danez Smith Don’t Call Us Dead (Chatto)
● David Tait The AQI (Smith Doorstop)
● Rory Waterman Sarajevo Roses (Carcanet)
● James Womack On Trust: A Book of Lies (Carcanet)
With Ledbury Poetry Festival erring most of the time to their feminine side I could not resist this comment. They run 'women only sessions' and I am all good with that, but when I asked them via an email when they were going to run an all male one, I did not even get an acknowledgement. So, now we have five guys out of six on the shortlist and one 'girl' . I am glad my chair has got arms on it because otherwise I could have fallen off!
However, I applaud their decision to choose poets to judge who do not normally do so. Their view, and I hope it works, is to broaden the scope of those writers
who can win. So well done LPF.
I shall check on those in the shortlist and watch attentively for the result in July.
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT - LEDBURY FORTE POETRY PRIZE FOR SECOND COLLECTIONS
Ledbury Poetry Festival announces the six collections shortlisted for the prestigious Ledbury Forte Poetry Prize for Second Collections published in Britain and Ireland in 2017 and 2018.
Judged this year by Lachlan Mackinnon and Linda Gregerson, the biannual prize is the first of its kind and aims to support and encourage ‘mid-career’ poets, with a £5,000 prize for the winner. The vibrant, diverse collections offer a reminder that in turbulent political times poetry - particularly those published by independent and small presses - continues to thrive and flourish.
The prize recognises that a poet’s second collection can be “dangerous, risk-taking liberating and wildly ambitious” according to Tom Chivers, Editor at Penned in the Margins, who says “I welcome a new prize for second collections, to shine a spotlight on work that might otherwise fall down the gap between the excitement of the new and the confidence of the established.”
The shortlisted poets will be invited to read at a Prize Giving event on Friday 5 July 2019 at Ledbury Poetry Festival when the judges, Lachlan Mackinnon and Linda Gregerson will announce the winner. In selecting the judges, Ledbury Poetry Festival consciously sought out poets who are not regularly judging prizes in the UK, in order to try to widen the spotlight and shine a light on poets whose collections might otherwise not receive their due in terms of attention and recognition. The result is a diverse and vibrant shortlist of poets who have not yet been picked out yet by major prizes.
Shortlist
● A K Blakemore Fondue (Offord Road Books)
● Adam O’Riordan A Herring Famine (Chatto)
● Danez Smith Don’t Call Us Dead (Chatto)
● David Tait The AQI (Smith Doorstop)
● Rory Waterman Sarajevo Roses (Carcanet)
● James Womack On Trust: A Book of Lies (Carcanet)
Thursday, 4 April 2019
BREXIT AND POLITICS SHOOT IT OUT,
I love cartoons. Well,not all of the, as sum or more than sum are just cruel. I like the artwork and the simple fact messages are conveyed easily and you can even write your own ideas into them.
Peter Brookes, in The Times today has drawn on the news report that our soldiers have used photographs of real people that have been pasted onto their range targets. That could be okay, but as usual someone has objected. That's not surprising as it is the leader of the opposition. None other than Jeremy Corbyn. Should they have used his image at this sensitive time? And of course the army has to be seen to be neutral. So it is being investigated and so on. All this against the background of 'personal protection', bombings and killings. The question I ask is why was it leaked to the media? For what purpose and by whom? The upside for me is that Peter Brookes is having a laugh by placing our Prime Minister in the line of fire (she surely is used to that) while three politicians of note or dross - depends of your viewpoint - take aim.
Well done for the humour at this stupid time.o
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
NATURAL SOLUTIONS SUGGESTED TO AVOID CLIMATE CHANGE
An article in The Guardian Newspaper indicates what can be done to prevent climate change whereby the planet does it naturally. I have taken extracts from it, but the message is clear. It can be done. There is much detail in the full article and I have picked out some of it. I know I have banged on about wildlife crimes, but the devastation of natural habitats puts other crimes lower down in the list of importance.
The restoration of natural forests and coasts can simultaneously tackle climate change and the annihilation of wildlife but is being worryingly overlooked, an international group of campaigners have said.
The world faces two existential crises, developing with terrifying speed: climate breakdown and ecological breakdown,” the group writes in a letter to the Guardian. “Neither is being addressed with the urgency needed to prevent our life-support systems from spiralling into collapse.
The group emphasises that natural climate solutions are not an alternative to the rapid decarbonisation of energy, transport and farming. Both are needed, the campaigners say.
In March The United Nations announced ‘ A Decade of Ecosystem Restoration’ and Natural Climate Solutions has much more information on its website. It is comprehensive.
We are in a time of worry and consternation. Let's hope it can be done.
The restoration of natural forests and coasts can simultaneously tackle climate change and the annihilation of wildlife but is being worryingly overlooked, an international group of campaigners have said.
The world faces two existential crises, developing with terrifying speed: climate breakdown and ecological breakdown,” the group writes in a letter to the Guardian. “Neither is being addressed with the urgency needed to prevent our life-support systems from spiralling into collapse.
The group emphasises that natural climate solutions are not an alternative to the rapid decarbonisation of energy, transport and farming. Both are needed, the campaigners say.
In March The United Nations announced ‘ A Decade of Ecosystem Restoration’ and Natural Climate Solutions has much more information on its website. It is comprehensive.
We are in a time of worry and consternation. Let's hope it can be done.
Monday, 1 April 2019
WHO OWNS BRITAIN AND WHY.
WHO OWNS BRITAIN?
It is a damn good question. It's also the title of a book, by Guy Shrubsole, to be published by Harper Collins in April. It is said to be the story of how England’s elite came to own land; The aristocrats, the Church, businessmen and corporations who hold the power of who can do what.
It is claimed to be an inspiring manifesto of how to open up our countryside once more and perhaps it will sit alongside The People’s Manifesto that was launched last year.
I have been following the killing that has been, is being and will continue to be reported of the illegal activity of killing our wildlife. There seems to be a tortuous path to take to ensure that we can prevent, gather evidence and pursue to a successful prosecution. The organizations that hold our precious land in their grasp are not doing what I want them to do. To protect what we have and save it for the future. That is why I asked the question ‘who owns Britain’? The natural question that follows that one is ‘Why do they own what they do’?
Wild Justice are taking legal action against Natural England regarding the issue of licenses to kill our wild birds. It seems that legally anything can be killed. This has to stop. There is no need for it except in the minds of those that do. It is a ’mindset’ that has to be changed. Yes, we could change the mind of gamekeepers. (That's a good title to protect what they are paid to protect and kill anything and everything that threatens anything they don't like.) it is the people who have the power that need to have their minds reset.
I wish I could start this Spring month of April on more of a good note but only last week a Common Buzzard was shot dead in North Yorkshire and all one has to do is to follow the Raptor Persecution site to know what is being reported. In a better moment the University of Wales has stopped pheasant shooting on their land. It is something and we just have to progress and keep at it.
I intend to look closely at organizations that are there for conservation but seem to be ‘riding two horse’ at the same time.
It is a damn good question. It's also the title of a book, by Guy Shrubsole, to be published by Harper Collins in April. It is said to be the story of how England’s elite came to own land; The aristocrats, the Church, businessmen and corporations who hold the power of who can do what.
It is claimed to be an inspiring manifesto of how to open up our countryside once more and perhaps it will sit alongside The People’s Manifesto that was launched last year.
I have been following the killing that has been, is being and will continue to be reported of the illegal activity of killing our wildlife. There seems to be a tortuous path to take to ensure that we can prevent, gather evidence and pursue to a successful prosecution. The organizations that hold our precious land in their grasp are not doing what I want them to do. To protect what we have and save it for the future. That is why I asked the question ‘who owns Britain’? The natural question that follows that one is ‘Why do they own what they do’?
Wild Justice are taking legal action against Natural England regarding the issue of licenses to kill our wild birds. It seems that legally anything can be killed. This has to stop. There is no need for it except in the minds of those that do. It is a ’mindset’ that has to be changed. Yes, we could change the mind of gamekeepers. (That's a good title to protect what they are paid to protect and kill anything and everything that threatens anything they don't like.) it is the people who have the power that need to have their minds reset.
I wish I could start this Spring month of April on more of a good note but only last week a Common Buzzard was shot dead in North Yorkshire and all one has to do is to follow the Raptor Persecution site to know what is being reported. In a better moment the University of Wales has stopped pheasant shooting on their land. It is something and we just have to progress and keep at it.
I intend to look closely at organizations that are there for conservation but seem to be ‘riding two horse’ at the same time.
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