ELLY GRIFFITHS AND THE STRANGER DIARIES

 Book Review

Title              The Stranger Diaries

Author          Elly Griffiths

Publisher.     Quercus

A stand-alone to go with others, and with ten of ‘The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries’ and four of ‘The Stephens and Mephisto Mysteries’. And what a bloody good read it was.

The cover of the The Stranger Diaries gives very little away. A line reads ‘Death lies between the lines’ and it is described as ‘Utterly bewitching’. For me it was a page turner, a chapter turner and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was that good. I will give you some clues in that it has much to do with teachers, students and it has a school setting. But there is more when the past is mentioned and that thread runs continually through the book. Oh yes, there is a diary being completed and of course it is important.

Essentially there are deaths, unexpected and bloody. That is the case with both themes and the  underlying story has an importance too. It adds that extra bit to the intrigue and suspense. I won’t say anymore about that.

Location is a strong character and helps to give realism and also suspense.  Elly Griffiths has created very strong character and I grew to like them and believe in them and what was good they’re not all perfect! There is a lot of femininity in the writing and that is not surprising as most of the teachers and students are female. So there you are, is or are the protagonist(s) female? There are two investigators with DS Harbinder Kaur adding another dimension of race and culture to it. There is also the conventional white heterosexual DS who seems to be there as a foil for his colleague. There is a lot of good writing here and it is there to be enjoyed.

The book is split into parts with individuals telling, in the first person, what they know. Different but it worked for me. An excellent read and I enjoyed it cover to cover.

BAN THE VETERINARY DRUG DICLOFENAC

 VETERINARY DICLOFENAC KILLS

I have been banging on about this drug for years. It kills vultures when eaten from the carcasses of farm animals. And there are alternatives. 

I have googled Boumort Mountains and the reserve mentioned and it looks an amazing location - dead vultures apart! It is on my list to visit and it is an area south of the Pyrenees (Pirineus) and south west of Andorra.

THE REPORT SAYS

A Cinerous Vulture Aegypius monachus born in 2020 in the Boumort National Hunting Reserve has now been confirmed as the first victim of a vulture species to die from poisoning by veterinary diclofenac in Europe.

The cause of death of this vulture was confirmed in a new study which came out on April 5th, at the scientific journal ‘Science of the Total Environment’. The study confirms, for the first time, that the veterinary use of diclofenac can cause the death of necrophagous birds such as the Cinerous Vulture.

Diclofenac is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat injured cattle and it has been the main cause of the catastrophic decline of several vulture species in South Asia. Diclofenac is extremely toxic to vultures and other wild scavengers, but a consortium led by BirdLife International managed to ban it in the region.

In Europe, the only continent in the world where Vulture populations are recovering, the veterinary use of diclofenac is currently permitted both by the European Union and by the national governments of Spain and Italy. In Portugal, the authorities are assessing whether or not to authorise it.

The use of veterinary diclofenac in Europe not only represents an immediate and tangible threat to European vulture populations, but also sets a very dangerous precedent and an alternative channel for the veterinary use of the drug in Africa and Asia. The consequences can be devastating: 7 out of 11 species of African vultures are already threatened with extinction.

BirdLife International has advocated for a Europe-wide ban on veterinary diclofenac since 2013. In 2014, a hearing was held at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) where BirdLife, alongside several other organisations, advocated for a full ban. Ultimately, the EMA did not propose to ban the drug, instead suggesting that EU countries enforce stricter regulations and labelling to minimise the risk diclofenac poses to vultures and other avian species. Together with the wider scientific community, we find this extremely insufficient.

Ivan Ramírez, Senior Head of Conservation for BirdLife Europe and Central Asia states that “the evidence found in Spain sadly confirms what we have been warning about for almost a decade, vultures are already dying from veterinary diclofenac poisoning and this could already be affecting their population trends. It is very difficult to monitor and test every single bird in the wild, and it is absurd to keep insisting on licensing a drug that kills threatened species when there are plenty of other safe and cheap alternatives in Europe.”

BirdLife International will immediately contact the European Medicines Agency, the EU authorities and other international treaties such as the Convention of Migratory Species, and will coordinate with its national partners and allies to demand an urgent ban on this product. There is no time to lose, and vultures in Europe are at serious risk.

"This case must mark a turning point in species conservation measures. We cannot wait for bird deaths to occur when there are clear signs of impact on bird populations," says Ana Carricondo, coordinator of SEO/BirdLife's conservation programmes, adding: "We hope that no more cases are necessary for the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products to definitively ban the use of medicines containing diclofenac for veterinary use.

BirdLife stresses that banning diclofenac will have no negative effects on livestock health management or on the economy of livestock farmers, as there are alternatives that are just as effective and cost-effective. There is a broad scientific consensus on the need for a total ban on diclofenac. The ban is also supported by the international community: The 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), in its resolution UNEP/

ALICANTE MOUNTAINS ON THE WAY TO MONNEGRE

 Look what we discovered.

This is where we turned off for the Sand Martins and a journey of discovery.

Sand Martin Meadow!

A Hamlet on aside of a valley.

Bottom of the valleywhere the road crosses the river. We turned back.

This was our target but we will do it next time.

THE MOUNTAINS OF ALICANTE AGAIN

STRICTLY BIRDING

Today we again checked out some of the slopes of Monnegre. We had targets in mind but because we searched other areas we only just got past the village of  Montnegre.

We have observed and commented upon the lower area and at Rio Park we turned into an unmade track. There was a level area of ‘meadow/dehesa’ and there swooping low were possibly 45-50 Sand Martins - Avión Zapador. Flying just over our heads and onto the meadow with some landing. We thought maybe for grit but one was photographed with nesting materials. An area to visit again and attempt to locate nests.  

In low bushes a Spectacled Warbler - Curruca Tomillera was heard and it popped up to be seen and photographed. This was a new site for us for this species. We will look again. While this was going on Bee-eaters - Abejaruca Común were heard, seen flying and one perched too. Our first sightings for this season. Also flying north one raptor - buzzard size and we are not sure. It was on it’s way!

We travelled further along this track and eventually were at the river and we retraced our route. It was all new to us and maybe more investigation and comments later. 

Trumpeter Finches - Camachuelo Trompetero were seen again. Four this time and we exchanged information with a representative from Alicante University. It’s good to talk. We will spend more time at this site and hopefully learn more. The population is very small and we saw only ten on one occasion last year. Lets hope that it is a sustainable one. Then a Chough - Chova flew over, just the one.

Subalpine Warblers - Curruca Carresquena were located in the same place as last time and today I had terrific views of this seriously tardy bird. It was photographed too. At this spot was the turn off for a track we wanted to target. That will now be for another time.

The river bridge was quiet. We moved on and in a deserted ruin Red-rumped Swallows - Golondrina Daurica were flying in and out. Maybe a nesting sight and another location to visit again.

This was the highest we went and on the way back a male and female Black-eared Wheatear - Collalba Rubia were seen and photographed. Then we checked on our scarce Finches again and two more of these Wheatears (both males) were in full view. A little further on another male and these are stunning birds. Also Black Wheatears - Collalba Negra were seen and they are commonly found here. Northern Wheatears - C-Gris. we have yet to see.

I have been excited to see the Warblers and this afternoon Western Bonnelli’s Warblers - Mosquitero Papialbo we saw for the first time this season. It is still early but this migration is proving to be very good. It was great to be out there.

ANOTHER GREAT DAY GREETING THE NEW ARRIVALS

Another visit to a wetland in Alicante, Lo Monte and a drive down the Rio Segura.

The four determined birders headed to Lo Monte with an early start to beat the picnickers. It paid off. One target, for Gareth, was the male Garganey - Cerceta Carretona which was hidden to start with but showed well later. In fact, Bryan, just sat there for a swim past. A first for him this year and a life tick for Gareth. 

Before any of that happened a Moustached Warbler - Carricerin Real was in front of the hide with Gareth and Bryan and what great views they were and for me the best ever. It’s not the easiest birds to view but this was special.

Little Bittern - Avetorillo Común - two males and one female continually flew around giving us great views. Michelle photographed one ‘booming’. Can that get any better?

Bryan caught a quick glimpse of a passing Cuckoo - Cocu Común and then we all had a sighting. More of these birds later.

I counted four Grey Herons - Garza Real perched in the pines in the distance and we will wait to see the Purple - Garza Imperiel. 

Another bird that showed really well were two Great-crested Grebes - Somormujo Lavanca and now that we have seen a ‘pair’ maybe will see their off spring in a humbug uniform!

Greenfinch - Verderón Común were abundant too.

This Green Finch has a club foot.

Again we viewed the female Reed Bunting - Escribano Palustre in the same place. It pays to know your local spots.

In every photograph this Reed Bunting appears to only have one leg.

We decided to check out Rio Segura in the vicinity of Benejuzar. It paid off really well. a Common Cuckoo was quickly seen and it flew around and Bryan managed to get a photo. What a sighting and how far has this travelled to get here and how far has it still to go? It was a privilege.

All along we were hearing Nightingales - Ruisenor Comun. We tried to see them, but they can be difficult and we think at least six along that stretch of the river. 

Bryan was hearing Melodious Warbers - Zarcero Comun and they were there but not showing. So next time then.

It is an important time of year to be our there as so much is passing through or arriving to stay and breed. 

I have not compiled a list and there were many other species that we did see. Again another day we can see them and others too.

Tomorrow Monnegre with specific targets in mind.

 

FAMILIES AT EASTERTIDE

 Easter weekend a time for families and memories past. And, so this Haiku.

   Easter Sunday lunch

Mum’s roast for a family

     Memories special

And a thought from another man, A.E Houseman. I love the image.

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough And stands along the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide"

I have a poem that also reminds me of Easter Time and all that goes with it. The Ash Path at Dinner Time written on 24th April 2005 is in my first collection. I’ll put it on later when I can find a copy. 

Here for a moment -  to your memories.

EASTER SATURDAY, LO MONTE

What a way to start a day with Bee-eaters - Abejaruco Común burbling over head and this beautiful flower poking up through the other vegetation. Then to Lo Monte as there had been a male Gargany -  seen previously.

In the car park our first of the year, a Woodchat Shrike - Alcaudon Común perched on the fence. We sat in the hide with the wider expanse of water in view. In front of us were:

Two Great Cormorants - Cormoron Grande on each of the two platforms.

Common Pochard - Porrón Europeo at least a dozen but mainly males.

Little Grebes -  Zampullin Común 

Great-crested Grebe - Somormujo Lavanco. Only one 

White Headed Ducks - Malvasia

Mallard - Ánade Azuldon

Coots - Focha Común and Morehens - Gallineta Común 

In the reeds one Little Egret - Garceta Común.

Then a Grey Heron - Garza Real flew past us twice with a two foot long snake dangling from it’s beak. Maybe a Culebre Escalera? What a sight and one to remember. There were several other Herons as well, but no Purple yet.

Small birds were not easy to see clearly and we had a quick fly past of a Yellow Wagtail - Lavendera Boyera

At the second hide we watched the female Reed Bunting - Escribano Palustre and that bird entertained us for a good time as it fed on the mud and vegetation.

Then we had the bird we wanted to see above all others, a male Garganey - Cerceta Carratona with several swim pasts. What a stunner.

Back at our first hide we carried on watching the Garganey and then three Sandpipers flew in and around. We cannot agree on the markings we saw, but for me they were Wood Sands - Andarrios Bastardo and for Michelle the birds were Common Sands.= Chico.

We can add into this mix so much more with all the small arial species that included a Broad Bodied Chaser and some ‘large’ bees (maybe Hornets) but the photos did not turn out well. So difficult to focus on.

Lastly so good, clear and close up, views of a Marsh Harrier - Aguilucho Luganero. Our species tally for the morning was 22. Can it get any better?