This is the latest from The League Against Cruel Sports
Our Election Promise
Dear John,
As you are no doubt aware, there is going to be a general election on 12th December 2019.
This is a vital opportunity to change the political landscape in favour of Britain’s wildlife, and make significant forward steps to bring an end to hunting for good. It is for this reason that once again, the League will be hitting the general election campaign trail.
But what can the League realistically do?
Prior to the snap general election of 2017, the outlook was bleak. A pro-hunt majority being returned to parliament for the first time in more than decade was very much on the cards and signalled the death of the Hunting Act and all that the League had achieved. Despite pre-election predictions, 2017 became a landmark year for the progression of Animal Welfare. Fox hunting was a major part of that election campaign and in very large part due to the role that the League played.
Theresa May pledged her support for fox hunting and for a vote to make it legal again. After an intense campaign by the League, and a significant loss of votes, the pledge for a free vote on the repeal of the Hunting Act was dropped by the government.
The 2019 election is an opportunity to finally secure and strengthen the Hunting Act and put an end to the cruel sport that plagues Britain’s wildlife. There will be roadshows up and down the country, a website that allows you to contact your candidates, and all the tools you need to get out on the street and campaign for animals.
Expect to hear a lot more from me in the coming weeks.
Thanking you in advance for your support.
Nick
Nick Weston
Head of Campaigns
Sunday, 3 November 2019
Tuesday, 29 October 2019
Friends of the Earth and Moorland Burning
Dear John
Amazing news – we’ve scored a huge win for nature and climate!
Last night, the government indicated that it’s working to ban the practice of moorland burning on blanket bog – a vital habitat that stores huge amounts of carbon. During a Westminster Hall debate Zac Goldsmith said that a voluntary system to protect the peatland “simply has not worked”.
After a decade-long struggle, the government finally agrees we need a “legislative response” to stop one of the UK’s biggest carbon stores going up in smoke.
Obviously, like all campaigns, this is one that many organisations and people have worked on over the years – from conservation groups to local communities who were affected by the resulting floods.
But hopefully you'll excuse a bit of pride, because Friends of the Earth’s Investigation Unit trekked over freezing, rain-soaked moorlands in Yorkshire to obtain footage of burning taking place, which brought much-needed attention to the cause.
TAKE A LOOK
While we won’t be satisfied until the ban is implemented, it’s a victory well worth savouring. Today, not for the first time, people power won.
Thank you so much for helping us get here,
Guy Shrubsole and Alasdair Cameron
Friends of the Earth’s Investigation Unit
PS Can you help fund our work? A donation could support our expert investigations team, and achieve even more wins for people and planet.
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Saturday, 12 October 2019
THE INLAND PLAINS OF SPAIN
Great Bustards, Little Bustards and Golden Eagles
If you are into celebrating with bubbles then I could say that this was ‘a Champagne Birding Day’ and it was.
We changed our intended route to accommodate a friend who lives in Norway and who would like to see Bustards. Bryan and I were fortunate that we reversed our journey and what a terrific day we shared.
Higueruela is a great location to go to and at by the time we had arrived at ‘station corner’ we had watched a dozen Great Bustards and easily viewed one male and two females Little Bustards and also a group of nine females of the same. We were pleased that we had located these birds once more and were confidant that we will see them again.
Bryan spotted a low flying Merlin in the distance. Both species of Sandgrouse were heard first then with a fly past.
We travelled on through the small town of Higueruela and across the plains to where an expanse of water is located near a major railway line. We parked on the bridge to view water fowl and both a male and female Marsh Harrier were flying. However, we were soon distracted by the raucous voices of about thirty Red-Billed Choughs. They continued being noisy and we soon discovered why. Two Golden Eagles were flying above them. We had clear views and the camera chattered away. They flew around and disappeared over the ridge. Then our attention focused on a bird on that same ridge. The two birds flying were a Sub- adult and a 1st year/Juvenile. Sitting on the ridge was 1st Winter/Juvenile that sat and sat and we watched. Then it flew around and right over our heads. I have seen a perched one closer before, but these were stunning views of this magnificent species. Three such birds in the binoculars or scope or in sight at one time. Simply wonderful.
In the same location we had Common Buzzards too and then a Red Kite appeared. This has become one of our favourite spots and we have been lucky here before with a Black Kite on one occasion. And on another day, after discussion, it was confirmed that we saw a Spanish Imperial Eagle and does it get better than that!
We carried on to Lagunas de Petrola to find that this major water was devoid of birds and we reasoned that there has to be a problem with the water. This opinion is supported by an area of ‘run-off’ next to the farm buildings that held the following:
Common Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Two Dunlin
Two Little Stint
Lapwing
Ringed Plover
White Wagtails.
That's a good return for a ‘large puddle’ and suggests that the water there is not tainted.
Water levels are still good and outside Corral Rubio were some waders that included a Common Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover together with one Yellow Wagtail and several Meadow Pipits. We had hoped for more sightings of Bustards but they were not visible in some of their usual fields.
We returned home via Montealegre and the fresh water lagoon on route only contained Common Coot. We had high expectations for this water and perhaps the hunters have moved the birds on.
What a great day viewing great birds, but the reality is that many birds are endangered every day of the week. Today's news via RaptorPersecution is that a Common Buzzard was found dead with eight lead pellets in its body. Why? Maybe because they can, but it is a crime.
Obviously we saw many small birds and we enjoyed them too. It was a special day and our guest had many firsts. That's what we enjoy doing and Bryan’s photographic skills and his knowledge helps to sum up our day always.
If you are into celebrating with bubbles then I could say that this was ‘a Champagne Birding Day’ and it was.
We changed our intended route to accommodate a friend who lives in Norway and who would like to see Bustards. Bryan and I were fortunate that we reversed our journey and what a terrific day we shared.
Higueruela is a great location to go to and at by the time we had arrived at ‘station corner’ we had watched a dozen Great Bustards and easily viewed one male and two females Little Bustards and also a group of nine females of the same. We were pleased that we had located these birds once more and were confidant that we will see them again.
Bryan spotted a low flying Merlin in the distance. Both species of Sandgrouse were heard first then with a fly past.
We travelled on through the small town of Higueruela and across the plains to where an expanse of water is located near a major railway line. We parked on the bridge to view water fowl and both a male and female Marsh Harrier were flying. However, we were soon distracted by the raucous voices of about thirty Red-Billed Choughs. They continued being noisy and we soon discovered why. Two Golden Eagles were flying above them. We had clear views and the camera chattered away. They flew around and disappeared over the ridge. Then our attention focused on a bird on that same ridge. The two birds flying were a Sub- adult and a 1st year/Juvenile. Sitting on the ridge was 1st Winter/Juvenile that sat and sat and we watched. Then it flew around and right over our heads. I have seen a perched one closer before, but these were stunning views of this magnificent species. Three such birds in the binoculars or scope or in sight at one time. Simply wonderful.
In the same location we had Common Buzzards too and then a Red Kite appeared. This has become one of our favourite spots and we have been lucky here before with a Black Kite on one occasion. And on another day, after discussion, it was confirmed that we saw a Spanish Imperial Eagle and does it get better than that!
We carried on to Lagunas de Petrola to find that this major water was devoid of birds and we reasoned that there has to be a problem with the water. This opinion is supported by an area of ‘run-off’ next to the farm buildings that held the following:
Common Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Two Dunlin
Two Little Stint
Lapwing
Ringed Plover
White Wagtails.
That's a good return for a ‘large puddle’ and suggests that the water there is not tainted.
Water levels are still good and outside Corral Rubio were some waders that included a Common Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover together with one Yellow Wagtail and several Meadow Pipits. We had hoped for more sightings of Bustards but they were not visible in some of their usual fields.
We returned home via Montealegre and the fresh water lagoon on route only contained Common Coot. We had high expectations for this water and perhaps the hunters have moved the birds on.
What a great day viewing great birds, but the reality is that many birds are endangered every day of the week. Today's news via RaptorPersecution is that a Common Buzzard was found dead with eight lead pellets in its body. Why? Maybe because they can, but it is a crime.
Obviously we saw many small birds and we enjoyed them too. It was a special day and our guest had many firsts. That's what we enjoy doing and Bryan’s photographic skills and his knowledge helps to sum up our day always.
Sunday, 6 October 2019
Great Bustards and More
Icons of the Plains.
The are are always good to see and great to watch.
Then the "toy" spot.
We always have fun on our trips and if you are familiar with Lagunas De Petrola you may have seen these images. We play "guess who?"
There is only one answer we have. It's a favourite Birder!
Spotted Flycatchers are so good to see, with several perched and flitting around.
The male Common Redstart made my day. A first for me and they are not "common" either. We saw them at two locations, fantastic.
It would be churlish not include a Theklas Lark. Crested are always abundant but Thekla's are always harder to spot and identify. Bryan always hard.
Next week we may investigate new territories in and around Almansa as we need to stay away from the marsh and the Mosquitos.
I am looking forward to another interesting day.
The are are always good to see and great to watch.
Then the "toy" spot.
We always have fun on our trips and if you are familiar with Lagunas De Petrola you may have seen these images. We play "guess who?"
There is only one answer we have. It's a favourite Birder!
Spotted Flycatchers are so good to see, with several perched and flitting around.
The male Common Redstart made my day. A first for me and they are not "common" either. We saw them at two locations, fantastic.
It would be churlish not include a Theklas Lark. Crested are always abundant but Thekla's are always harder to spot and identify. Bryan always hard.
Next week we may investigate new territories in and around Almansa as we need to stay away from the marsh and the Mosquitos.
I am looking forward to another interesting day.
Friday, 4 October 2019
Estepas de Yecla
On Friday 4th October we decided to visit Estepas de Yecla. Two weeks ago we went to the areas north of Almansa and found an abundance of water in the lagoons and in the run-off areas. We wondered about Yecla but found it dry. We had a great day.
Just after 8am with the sun appearing, a chill breeze and the temperature a mere 10 degrees we were at it.
We were not to be disappointed. Choughs were heard as we entered this valley and we saw numerous Mistle Thrush, a sign that winter is approaching. Swallows fed over the fields and Rock Sparrows were seen in their usual place near the farm buildings at the Caudette end.
Many crops have been harvested and there were fields with natural vegetation. A good omen for seed eaters and with that in mind we did see Goldfinch.
There are vineyards here and close-by In a natural area of pines with open patches of grass and low bushes we had a great find. Perched in full sun was a male Common Redstart in company with two Spotted Flycatchers. They posed, Bryan was busy with the camera and I watched. Although common is in the name they are not easily seen. Indeed my first for Spain and I was delighted. Also to see them in company with Flycatchers was special for me too. In another location we located another Redstart and also more Flycatchers. It just goes to show the birds are out there and they can be found.
Early in the morning Bryan spotted what could have been a Sparrow Hawk which is a bird not usually seen here. Common Kestrels flew but not one Lesser was seen. We have regularly viewed Golden Eagles near the ridge overlooking Yecla and we later saw one in the distance and our search for them yielded a clear view of a circling Red Kite. Common Buzzards circled and called and again we had clear views.
It was a busy day and we left just after 2pm which was much more than we anticipated. It was longer as we spent our time well viewing and photographing wonderful birds. It is apparent that birds are passing through with the Flycatchers, Swallows and one Swift spotted. Northern Wheatears were in double figures and clearly seen.
I have not listed all the birds seen and some were clearly absent. Worth the miles and time spent- certainly. I wonder what the onset of winter will bring?
Just after 8am with the sun appearing, a chill breeze and the temperature a mere 10 degrees we were at it.
We were not to be disappointed. Choughs were heard as we entered this valley and we saw numerous Mistle Thrush, a sign that winter is approaching. Swallows fed over the fields and Rock Sparrows were seen in their usual place near the farm buildings at the Caudette end.
Many crops have been harvested and there were fields with natural vegetation. A good omen for seed eaters and with that in mind we did see Goldfinch.
There are vineyards here and close-by In a natural area of pines with open patches of grass and low bushes we had a great find. Perched in full sun was a male Common Redstart in company with two Spotted Flycatchers. They posed, Bryan was busy with the camera and I watched. Although common is in the name they are not easily seen. Indeed my first for Spain and I was delighted. Also to see them in company with Flycatchers was special for me too. In another location we located another Redstart and also more Flycatchers. It just goes to show the birds are out there and they can be found.
Early in the morning Bryan spotted what could have been a Sparrow Hawk which is a bird not usually seen here. Common Kestrels flew but not one Lesser was seen. We have regularly viewed Golden Eagles near the ridge overlooking Yecla and we later saw one in the distance and our search for them yielded a clear view of a circling Red Kite. Common Buzzards circled and called and again we had clear views.
It was a busy day and we left just after 2pm which was much more than we anticipated. It was longer as we spent our time well viewing and photographing wonderful birds. It is apparent that birds are passing through with the Flycatchers, Swallows and one Swift spotted. Northern Wheatears were in double figures and clearly seen.
I have not listed all the birds seen and some were clearly absent. Worth the miles and time spent- certainly. I wonder what the onset of winter will bring?
Friday, 20 September 2019
GOTA FRÍA, FLOODS, WADERS AND GREAT BUSTARDS
TORRENTIAL RAIN, FLOODS AND THE MIGRATION
Days ago the rain came and drenched the earth and every living thing. The most water seen in decades descended upon the land. A Gota Fria - a cold drop, came and reduced fields to lakes, moved soil and boulders, made roads un-useable and killed. Homes and businesses ruined and livelihoods removed by the storm.
Less than one week afterwards we headed towards Almansa via A 31 not knowing what to expect or see or how far we could go. It was a great day.
This is how it unfolded. Coral Rubio, Bonete and Pedrola we have visited many times only to be disappointed by the low levels of water and with previously wet areas dry. Not so this morning for the lagoons were in good health and many folds in the land were flooded. This is what we wanted to see. The waders now had water!
This is Great Bustard country and, as always, they showed well. Just five to start with, then a group of eight followed a little later by thirteen and then two separate ones from the main bunch. We had splendid views of them walking, resting and flying. What a sight they gave us. I love to see them fly. We never push them and give them distance and the respect these grand birds deserve.
The migration is going on. Barn Swallows were evident and Bee-eaters were flying overhead.
On the water Gadwall, Shoveller, and numerous Mallard were seen. Lapwings too, a couple of Ruff, a small number of Black-tailed Godwits, a single Common Sandpiper was spotted and even two Greenshank. Okay, not an immense list with many species not seen or yet to arrive. We think that this winter could be good.
Smaller birds were Corn Bunting, Rock Sparrow, with occasional Goldfinches and then a large flock of Yellow Wagtails on passage. They helped to make it a great afternoon with superb views. We had clear sightings of Northern Wheatears too.
Common Kestrels with one Lesser male identified, several Buzzards and Marsh Harriers made up the raptor count with not an eagle anywhere to be seen. A rapid flying Peregrine Falcon was an excellent sighting to complete our day.
Our plan for this morning was different from other days that we had travelled towards this area. The Embalse de Almansa received massive amounts of water due to the Gota Fria and the news items that we viewed reminded me of its existence and the signposts I had seen for the Patano de Almansa. It is a massive area lying to the south of the town and between A31 and CM412 (signed Montealegre. We only ‘scratched the surface’ of it and we will return. We like to find new areas.
Days ago the rain came and drenched the earth and every living thing. The most water seen in decades descended upon the land. A Gota Fria - a cold drop, came and reduced fields to lakes, moved soil and boulders, made roads un-useable and killed. Homes and businesses ruined and livelihoods removed by the storm.
Less than one week afterwards we headed towards Almansa via A 31 not knowing what to expect or see or how far we could go. It was a great day.
This is how it unfolded. Coral Rubio, Bonete and Pedrola we have visited many times only to be disappointed by the low levels of water and with previously wet areas dry. Not so this morning for the lagoons were in good health and many folds in the land were flooded. This is what we wanted to see. The waders now had water!
This is Great Bustard country and, as always, they showed well. Just five to start with, then a group of eight followed a little later by thirteen and then two separate ones from the main bunch. We had splendid views of them walking, resting and flying. What a sight they gave us. I love to see them fly. We never push them and give them distance and the respect these grand birds deserve.
The migration is going on. Barn Swallows were evident and Bee-eaters were flying overhead.
On the water Gadwall, Shoveller, and numerous Mallard were seen. Lapwings too, a couple of Ruff, a small number of Black-tailed Godwits, a single Common Sandpiper was spotted and even two Greenshank. Okay, not an immense list with many species not seen or yet to arrive. We think that this winter could be good.
Smaller birds were Corn Bunting, Rock Sparrow, with occasional Goldfinches and then a large flock of Yellow Wagtails on passage. They helped to make it a great afternoon with superb views. We had clear sightings of Northern Wheatears too.
Common Kestrels with one Lesser male identified, several Buzzards and Marsh Harriers made up the raptor count with not an eagle anywhere to be seen. A rapid flying Peregrine Falcon was an excellent sighting to complete our day.
Our plan for this morning was different from other days that we had travelled towards this area. The Embalse de Almansa received massive amounts of water due to the Gota Fria and the news items that we viewed reminded me of its existence and the signposts I had seen for the Patano de Almansa. It is a massive area lying to the south of the town and between A31 and CM412 (signed Montealegre. We only ‘scratched the surface’ of it and we will return. We like to find new areas.
Thursday, 5 September 2019
TRUMPETER FINCHES NOT ON THE MOUNTAIN
MONTNEGRE AND MAIGMÓ AGAIN
Another visit to an area that seems rooted in time. Deep ravines and gullies, steep sided and even sheer, with high rocky crags poking up into the sky. Here the landscape is exceptionally different. It needs to be viewed!
We knew it was the end of summer and both Bryan and myself certainly had the feeling we were between seasons. Nevertheless we had a clear objective in mind. So, it was Montnegre again to see if the Trumpeter Finches were around. They were not where they had been previously and although we spent time there, we heard and saw nothing. Have they dispersed for the winter? Maybe even dropping into the valleys or moving away to another location? Never mind we will look again in the spring.
The list for this area has never been huge and there were some noticeable absentees. For example the only Raptor in view was a Marsh Harrier flying high and no Griffin Vultures either.
Today's list is:
Thekla Lark - the camera does not lie! (And not a common sighting for us here)
Crested Lark
Blue Rock Thrush (at least two calling)
Black Wheatear (times three)
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
House sparrows
Red-Legged Partridge
Serin
Spotted Flycatcher - a super view too with a very plain chest and could it be an Balearic/Iberian one?
Iberian Green Woodpecker - call only
Crag Martins filled the air
Bee-eaters flying over and distant
We moved on and checked both river areas with nothing to report except we did hear Chiff-Chaffs, Sardinian Warblers and a Cetti’s too.
Maigmó loomed in front of us and we travelled to the top. On way the usual Crossbills called and flew and a Coal Tit called. It was all very quiet with only a few Magpies about and a Jay screeched.
Some rain had been forecast, but the sun was out and we stood at the top in 27 degrees, The sky was devoid of birds except for the Crag Martins.
We spoke of the absence of a response from any source regarding our reporting of the Spotted Flycatchers. We will pay more attention ‘to my bird of summer’, the Spotted Fly next spring.
These mountains will not beckon us until next spring and we definitely need to find more birds! Thankfully lower temperatures will bring in our over wintering birds. Therefore we will be going inland and once winter has lowered the temperatures then a trek up to see the Ring Ouzels on Sierra de Espuña will happen.
Another visit to an area that seems rooted in time. Deep ravines and gullies, steep sided and even sheer, with high rocky crags poking up into the sky. Here the landscape is exceptionally different. It needs to be viewed!
We knew it was the end of summer and both Bryan and myself certainly had the feeling we were between seasons. Nevertheless we had a clear objective in mind. So, it was Montnegre again to see if the Trumpeter Finches were around. They were not where they had been previously and although we spent time there, we heard and saw nothing. Have they dispersed for the winter? Maybe even dropping into the valleys or moving away to another location? Never mind we will look again in the spring.
The list for this area has never been huge and there were some noticeable absentees. For example the only Raptor in view was a Marsh Harrier flying high and no Griffin Vultures either.
Today's list is:
Thekla Lark - the camera does not lie! (And not a common sighting for us here)
Crested Lark
Blue Rock Thrush (at least two calling)
Black Wheatear (times three)
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
House sparrows
Red-Legged Partridge
Serin
Spotted Flycatcher - a super view too with a very plain chest and could it be an Balearic/Iberian one?
Iberian Green Woodpecker - call only
Crag Martins filled the air
Bee-eaters flying over and distant
We moved on and checked both river areas with nothing to report except we did hear Chiff-Chaffs, Sardinian Warblers and a Cetti’s too.
Maigmó loomed in front of us and we travelled to the top. On way the usual Crossbills called and flew and a Coal Tit called. It was all very quiet with only a few Magpies about and a Jay screeched.
Some rain had been forecast, but the sun was out and we stood at the top in 27 degrees, The sky was devoid of birds except for the Crag Martins.
We spoke of the absence of a response from any source regarding our reporting of the Spotted Flycatchers. We will pay more attention ‘to my bird of summer’, the Spotted Fly next spring.
These mountains will not beckon us until next spring and we definitely need to find more birds! Thankfully lower temperatures will bring in our over wintering birds. Therefore we will be going inland and once winter has lowered the temperatures then a trek up to see the Ring Ouzels on Sierra de Espuña will happen.
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