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Post by cheeesfreeex on Jul 5, 2015 12:33:30 GMT
[quote author=" Lakeland Potter" However, go half a mile UP THE FELLSIDE from my cottage (above the valley intake wall) and the weather is arctic in winter and much cooler in summer - so much so that there are ring ouzels and no blackbirds. But the ring ouzels never descend as low as my garden and the blackbirds never go very far above it. Simples! I'd like to see an Ouzel. There's a female blackbird with a bit of a whitish bib that visits me mum's garden. But it ain't. Any Dippers? One of me favourites. Yes, whenever I walk the dogs by a river or lake up here, I ALWAYS see dippers. My local river (St Johns Beck about 400 yards away) has a pair covering each 400 yard stretch of territory. Like you they are one of my favourites - I love the way they fly level just a few inches from the water surface. [/quote] Used to see Dippers on the Churnet and in the Peaks on the Dove etc. I worked in Newton Abbott, Devon for a while, and in the town centre, on the River Lemon I'd see them flittering about like aquatic wrens. Close enough to see the bubbles on 'em as they dived. More like flying under water. A great sight. I'm envious of the red squirrels too. I think Preston is my closest stronghold.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Jul 5, 2015 12:39:18 GMT
I'd like to see an Ouzel. There's a female blackbird with a bit of a whitish bib that visits me mum's garden. But it ain't. Any Dippers? One of me favourites. Yes, whenever I walk the dogs by a river or lake up here, I ALWAYS see dippers. My local river (St Johns Beck about 400 yards away) has a pair covering each 400 yard stretch of territory. Like you they are one of my favourites - I love the way they fly level just a few inches from the water surface. Used to see Dippers on the Churnet and in the Peaks on the Dove etc. I worked in Newton Abbott, Devon for a while, and in the town centre, on the River Lemon I'd see them flittering about like aquatic wrens. Close enough to see the bubbles on 'em as they dived. More like flying under water. A great sight. I'm envious of the red squirrels too. I think Preston is my closest stronghold. [/quote] The only downside to the squirrels is the cost of their food. I buy Italian Hazel Nuts in 10 kg bags which last about a month. Costing me an arm and a leg. EDIT: I've put a short album of birds and squirrels on my next post below.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Jul 5, 2015 12:44:22 GMT
A short photo album with 6 pictures of a female woodpecker and a young woodpecker plus a siskin and a yellowhammer. The last 6 pictures are of a female red squirrel which is obviously feeding kits at the moment judging by her chest! garden wildlife
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Jul 5, 2015 13:04:24 GMT
No, none yet in the North Lakes where I live but they have introduced some Red Kites in the South Lakes. These days the farmers and landowners are much more wildlife friendly and it seems to be accepted that wildlife are good for tourism. There are one or two pheasant shoots about but no reports of over zealous game keepers. No grouse shooting in the Lakes these days - we do have both red and black grouse but they are genuinely wild not reared in pens. Well that's encouraging news....decades of persecution by game keepers and farmers are slowly coming to an end it would seem . I just can't understand when the turning point came can you ? I accept your point about tourism , but in other areas the same argument does not apply . Why did they stop shooting birds of prey ? The Buzzard is one brilliant example of the turnaround in attitude . They're everywhere now ....scores around here . Not sure if they're in Stoke though ! I havn't looked into whether there has been an overall increase in Raptors, but as stated farming methods from the use of pesticides etc, and being encouraged and remunerated for leaving rough edges under hedges, that's all got to help. I think there has been a general cultural shift in terms of attitude and appreciation of wildlife, perhaps telly led, and some of it misguided. There's better conservation of specialist habitats too. There seem to be 'different' birds of prey that are increasing in numbers and finding niches: Eagle Owl, Peregrine, Red Kite, Buzzard, and examples of Harris Hawks going 'feral', all for different reasons. {There are Peregrines in Hanley Centre feeding on pigeon pitta pockets. No one is worried about messages getting through any more so they're on the up.} Buzzards used to be a feature of driving south, once you got to the Somerset levels {Yeo} you'd see them at the side of the M5. Now they're well established in the skies above me {S-o-T}. It's difficult to know how local they are nesting because a flick of the wing and they could be 20+miles away. I've seen as many as five in the air at once. They are great to see but I do fear they displace Kestrels and Sparrowhawks to some extent. There are occasionally Ospreys {migrating} on Tittesworth. Possibly Lakeland's? Havn't had a definitive Red Kite sighting yet.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2015 13:33:23 GMT
I've heard that there has been one or two Red Kite spotted around Beeston Castle . www.redkites.co.uk
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Post by harryburrows on Jul 5, 2015 13:44:00 GMT
Loads of red kites around my area , great sight
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Jul 5, 2015 13:57:19 GMT
A short photo album with 6 pictures of a female woodpecker and a young woodpecker plus a siskin and a yellowhammer. The last 6 pictures are of a female red squirrel which is obviously feeding kits at the moment judging by her chest! garden wildlifeThat would settle the Siskin/Yellowhammer question earlier in the thread.
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Post by lurcherman on Jul 6, 2015 20:50:16 GMT
The wife saw a female black cap on our window sill, said it looked out of breath. Had a kestrel take a sparrow off the feeder about a week ago. We've just hand reared a blackbird chick and released it, it comes visiting everyday for a snack. The little owls were about up the farm last year, think they may have had 3 youngsters, not seen them this year though. Seen the red kite on three occasions mumf ( mow cop) and buzzards galore. The lapwings always nest on the adjacent field, then move the young onto ours.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 23:15:53 GMT
The wife saw a female black cap on our window sill, said it looked out of breath. Had a kestrel take a sparrow off the feeder about a week ago. We've just hand reared a blackbird chick and released it, it comes visiting everyday for a snack. The little owls were about up the farm last year, think they may have had 3 youngsters, not seen them this year though. Seen the red kite on three occasions mumf ( mow cop) and buzzards galore. The lapwings always nest on the adjacent field, then move the young onto ours. Wow....Now that is a surprise to me . I wonder which way these Kites are coming from ? Are they up the Peak District areas or do you think they're coming from the west ? I'm not sure what distances that they travel in a day ? I think the habitat is key in their dispersal . They seem to like wide open more quieter areas with less human population . I suppose that as their numbers grow we will learn more about their ability to adapt to areas with greater human population . It's all a big learning curve isn't it ? We have never seen this before have we ? The southern end of the Mersey Estauary would be an ideal area for the Red Kites to populate , but up to now there has been no sightings .
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 23:26:16 GMT
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Post by Skankmonkey on Jul 7, 2015 0:19:54 GMT
Red kites are commonplace along the South Shropshire/Wales border now. Nesting as well. You rarely see a buzzard.. I'm not 100% but I might have seen one last year up towards Ashbourne way as well.
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Post by Northy on Jul 7, 2015 6:43:34 GMT
Red kites are commonplace along the South Shropshire/Wales border now. Nesting as well. You rarely see a buzzard.. I'm not 100% but I might have seen one last year up towards Ashbourne way as well. There is some red kite feeding station in mid wales, theres loads of them, bout time it was stopped now they have established Sent from my SM-G850F using proboards
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 8:15:45 GMT
Red kites are commonplace along the South Shropshire/Wales border now. Nesting as well. You rarely see a buzzard.. I'm not 100% but I might have seen one last year up towards Ashbourne way as well. There is some red kite feeding station in mid wales, theres loads of them, bout time it was stopped now they have established Sent from my SM-G850F using proboards Why ? That's a very bizarre comment to make . . Why disrupt a successful and enjoyable program for endangered birds of prey . This program has been the bedrock for the increase in numbers across the South and West of the country . They are far from being established and one can only hope that similar feeding stations spring up nationally . We are 20 years away from the Kites becoming a common sight like the Buzzards are . I know you are also paranoid about dog shit too , but in over 50 years of having dogs myself , I have never once have had any dog related parasites or ever heard of anyone else suffering the same . We are all part of nature . We do not own it . Live and let live while we can , because one day it may disappear altogether due to the pressures being put upon it by national building projects .
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Post by Skankmonkey on Jul 7, 2015 9:24:07 GMT
Red kites are commonplace along the South Shropshire/Wales border now. Nesting as well. You rarely see a buzzard.. I'm not 100% but I might have seen one last year up towards Ashbourne way as well. There is some red kite feeding station in mid wales, theres loads of them, bout time it was stopped now they have established Sent from my SM-G850F using proboards I don't know how established they are more widely. There is a point on the road south from Shrewsbury where they suddenly appear and you start to see fewer buzzards. Where I camp down that way I have to climb up to the top of a wooded/scree hill once a day to get a phone signal for the weather etc. There was a nest somewhere up there last year because I could hear the noisy youngsters. I didn't investigate so as not to disturb them but one of the adults came screeching past me from behind, at head height about 5ft away. Not interested in me in the slightest. Magnificent critter close up but the downdraught and noise didn't half make me jump.
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Post by lurcherman on Jul 7, 2015 12:14:55 GMT
The wife saw a female black cap on our window sill, said it looked out of breath. Had a kestrel take a sparrow off the feeder about a week ago. We've just hand reared a blackbird chick and released it, it comes visiting everyday for a snack. The little owls were about up the farm last year, think they may have had 3 youngsters, not seen them this year though. Seen the red kite on three occasions mumf ( mow cop) and buzzards galore. The lapwings always nest on the adjacent field, then move the young onto ours. Wow....Now that is a surprise to me . I wonder which way these Kites are coming from ? Are they up the Peak District areas or do you think they're coming from the west ? I'm not sure what distances that they travel in a day ? I think the habitat is key in their dispersal . They seem to like wide open more quieter areas with less human population . I suppose that as their numbers grow we will learn more about their ability to adapt to areas with greater human population . It's all a big learning curve isn't it ? We have never seen this before have we ? The southern end of the Mersey Estauary would be an ideal area for the Red Kites to populate , but up to now there has been no sightings . The two sightings that we could watch for a while both headed west. Our land is on the slope of Mow looking over Cheshire, they headed off Talke, Alsager way. It's surprising what you see when you're out and about, it's not unknown for the hobby and merlin to make a rare appearance.
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Post by Northy on Jul 7, 2015 19:39:40 GMT
There is some red kite feeding station in mid wales, theres loads of them, bout time it was stopped now they have established Sent from my SM-G850F using proboards Why ? That's a very bizarre comment to make . . Why disrupt a successful and enjoyable program for endangered birds of prey . This program has been the bedrock for the increase in numbers across the South and West of the country . They are far from being established and one can only hope that similar feeding stations spring up nationally . We are 20 years away from the Kites becoming a common sight like the Buzzards are . I know you are also paranoid about dog shit too , but in over 50 years of having dogs myself , I have never once have had any dog related parasites or ever heard of anyone else suffering the same . We are all part of nature . We do not own it . Live and let live while we can , because one day it may disappear altogether due to the pressures being put upon it by national building projects . It isn't a bizarre statement at all, I have stopped a couple of times at that feeding station when driving back up from south wales, there must be over 100 red kites there being fed with raw chicken bits so they don't go anywhere else, they just stay in that one area being fed, that is no way to help a re introduction of a species, it will also cause imbalance in the local ecology and habitat as well causing stress and reduction on existing species numbers Check out the last question on this link www.redkiteswales.co.uk/contact.html
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Post by Northy on Jul 7, 2015 19:47:23 GMT
There is some red kite feeding station in mid wales, theres loads of them, bout time it was stopped now they have established Sent from my SM-G850F using proboards I don't know how established they are more widely. There is a point on the road south from Shrewsbury where they suddenly appear and you start to see fewer buzzards. Where I camp down that way I have to climb up to the top of a wooded/scree hill once a day to get a phone signal for the weather etc. There was a nest somewhere up there last year because I could hear the noisy youngsters. I didn't investigate so as not to disturb them but one of the adults came screeching past me from behind, at head height about 5ft away. Not interested in me in the slightest. Magnificent critter close up but the downdraught and noise didn't half make me jump. They are abundant in the M40 corridor from the M25 to Oxford, also in mid wales
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Post by crapslinger on Jul 7, 2015 19:51:23 GMT
I've heard that there has been one or two Red Kite spotted around Beeston Castle . www.redkites.co.ukRed Kite sited in Werrington three weeks ago.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 20:13:36 GMT
Why ? That's a very bizarre comment to make . . Why disrupt a successful and enjoyable program for endangered birds of prey . This program has been the bedrock for the increase in numbers across the South and West of the country . They are far from being established and one can only hope that similar feeding stations spring up nationally . We are 20 years away from the Kites becoming a common sight like the Buzzards are . I know you are also paranoid about dog shit too , but in over 50 years of having dogs myself , I have never once have had any dog related parasites or ever heard of anyone else suffering the same . We are all part of nature . We do not own it . Live and let live while we can , because one day it may disappear altogether due to the pressures being put upon it by national building projects . It isn't a bizarre statement at all, I have stopped a couple of times at that feeding station when driving back up from south wales, there must be over 100 red kites there being fed with raw chicken bits so they don't go anywhere else, they just stay in that one area being fed, that is no way to help a re introduction of a species, it will also cause imbalance in the local ecology and habitat as well causing stress and reduction on existing species numbers Check out the last question on this link www.redkiteswales.co.uk/contact.html No , if it wasn't for this dedicated band of farmers and landowners then this species would not boast the current 500 breeding pairs . They are scavengers and opportunists and will therefore feed on a number of different animals such as rabbits and voles , but will also eat earthworms too. As regards to your comments regarding imbalance to the local ecology , we are talking about common small mammals like the ones I have just described . It is therefore a small price to pay for a raptor which has been on the very edge of extinction . Kites have spread across all parts of Wales as a result of this feeding operation and are still expanding . The last point you make about dogs is what exactly ? Common sense given the nature of some dog owners I Would have thought......and I see loads every week . Why would anyone not want to see the trend of expanding numbers jeopardised . You have to prioritise your weakest area.
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Jul 7, 2015 20:53:18 GMT
There's a balance to be struck. It's great to see Buzzards expanding northwards and similarly it appears that the Red Kite is using our arterial highways as their route for expansion. Propelled by road kill and shit chucked out of car windows for food {and Darwin}. They're not so great at hunting but if they spot a Kestrel or Sparrowhawk, or other small Raptor on a kill, they'll mither it and knick its chew. So whilst I havn't done a scientic study, as I stated above I'm sure an unnatural increase in the Buzzard and the Kite will displace some of our other Raptors.
I think it's time to reduce the feeding stations, and I wouldn't advocate a relocation and feeding programme for the Moorlands. I'd rather see them find their own way. It'll create a more sustainable and healthy population. But then again I don't really agree with the amount of general birdtabling that goes on. And I think dogs on the whole are pointless. Had to laugh the other day seeing a bloke with cream shorts on and a bost dogshite bag in his back pocket walk past. Not a good look, but that's a different discussion.
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Post by Northy on Jul 7, 2015 21:12:19 GMT
It isn't a bizarre statement at all, I have stopped a couple of times at that feeding station when driving back up from south wales, there must be over 100 red kites there being fed with raw chicken bits so they don't go anywhere else, they just stay in that one area being fed, that is no way to help a re introduction of a species, it will also cause imbalance in the local ecology and habitat as well causing stress and reduction on existing species numbers Check out the last question on this link www.redkiteswales.co.uk/contact.html No , if it wasn't for this dedicated band of farmers and landowners then this species would not boast the current 500 breeding pairs . They are scavengers and opportunists and will therefore feed on a number of different animals such as rabbits and voles , but will also eat earthworms too. As regards to your comments regarding imbalance to the local ecology , we are talking about common small mammals like the ones I have just described . It is therefore a small price to pay for a raptor which has been on the very edge of extinction . Kites have spread across all parts of Wales as a result of this feeding operation and are still expanding . The last point you make about dogs is what exactly ? Common sense given the nature of some dog owners I Would have thought......and I see loads every week . Why would anyone not want to see the trend of expanding numbers jeopardised . You have to prioritise your weakest area. I don't think you are getting the point, the constant feeding is not conducive to their expanding anymore, it is becoming like a zoo attraction, they won't re-wild, they won't expand if they have a constant food source, the initial reintroduction worked, it's time to thank the volunteers and move on. I'm a member of the RSPB, the wildlife trusts, my eldest has got a masters in wildlife conservation and takes up residence with the RSPB on the Norfolk broads as of September, we know what we are on about, .... I think The dog was just a poke to return your poke comment of dog shit
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 21:39:10 GMT
No , if it wasn't for this dedicated band of farmers and landowners then this species would not boast the current 500 breeding pairs . They are scavengers and opportunists and will therefore feed on a number of different animals such as rabbits and voles , but will also eat earthworms too. As regards to your comments regarding imbalance to the local ecology , we are talking about common small mammals like the ones I have just described . It is therefore a small price to pay for a raptor which has been on the very edge of extinction . Kites have spread across all parts of Wales as a result of this feeding operation and are still expanding . The last point you make about dogs is what exactly ? Common sense given the nature of some dog owners I Would have thought......and I see loads every week . Why would anyone not want to see the trend of expanding numbers jeopardised . You have to prioritise your weakest area. I don't think you are getting the point, the constant feeding is not conducive to their expanding anymore, it is becoming like a zoo attraction, they won't re-wild, they won't expand if they have a constant food source, the initial reintroduction worked, it's time to thank the volunteers and move on. I'm a member of the RSPB, the wildlife trusts, my eldest has got a masters in wildlife conservation and takes up residence with the RSPB on the Norfolk broads as of September, we know what we are on about, .... I think The dog was just a poke to return your poke comment of dog shit There are only 500 breeding pairs . This species is still very much endangered . I also have spent hundreds of hours studying wildlife and I know the relationship that many birdwatchers like you have with the dog owners fraternity . I have done work for both the RSPB and RSPCA and are aware of the support they provide . The fact that these breeding stations still provide a breeding facility at all for such an endangered species,is in itself the most important point . If you take this away then you will severely impair the amount of young birds coming through . The Red Kites has only two threats to its existence ...Man and apathy . Suffice to say , that I'm not overly impressed by either organisation for a number of reasons . Bioderversity and Ecology is something that is vital in certain areas and circumstances , but not in this particular one . You only have to look at the situation of the granting of a licence at the erection of wind turbines at Frodsham Marshes and the impact it is likely to have . My own daughter researched this at length from a variety of perspectives including the Birdlife as part of her Masters and has now moved on to a PHD . Her findings and that of the companies report were somewhat different in the respect of its impact . No surprises there then.... Just wait until the Fracking debate starts for the same area ....
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Post by Northy on Jul 7, 2015 21:53:20 GMT
I don't think you are getting the point, the constant feeding is not conducive to their expanding anymore, it is becoming like a zoo attraction, they won't re-wild, they won't expand if they have a constant food source, the initial reintroduction worked, it's time to thank the volunteers and move on. I'm a member of the RSPB, the wildlife trusts, my eldest has got a masters in wildlife conservation and takes up residence with the RSPB on the Norfolk broads as of September, we know what we are on about, .... I think The dog was just a poke to return your poke comment of dog shit There are only 500 breeding pairs . This species is still very much endangered . I also have spent hundreds of hours studying wildlife and I know the relationship that many birdwatchers like you have with the dog owners fraternity . I have done work for both the RSPB and RSPCA and are aware of the support they provide . The fact that these breeding stations still provide a breeding facility at all for such an endangered species,is in itself the most important point . If you take this away then you will severely impair the amount of young birds coming through . The Red Kites has only two threats to its existence ...Man and apathy . Suffice to say , that I'm not overly impressed by either organisation for a number of reasons . Bioderversity and Ecology is something that is vital in certain areas and circumstances , but not in this particular one . You only have to look at the situation of the granting of a licence at the erection of wind turbines at Frodsham Marshes and the impact it is likely to have . My own daughter researched this at length from a variety of perspectives including the Birdlife as part of her Masters and has now moved on to a PHD . Her findings and that of the companies report were somewhat different in the respect of its impact . No surprises there then.... Just wait until the Fracking debate starts for the same area .... It's already started, my other lad has just finished his geology degree, it's fun in our household between the two over fracking Your number of 500 is way out of date, there are 600 breeding pairs in Wales alone, there's a 1000 breeding pairs in the chilterns, they can take small mammals and will take water voles, a species declined by 97% in the chilterns, although mink has done most of the damage, the rise of red kites can't be helping, it's a fine balance and if one becomes too dominant in an area it can destroy another species.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 22:06:01 GMT
There are only 500 breeding pairs . This species is still very much endangered . I also have spent hundreds of hours studying wildlife and I know the relationship that many birdwatchers like you have with the dog owners fraternity . I have done work for both the RSPB and RSPCA and are aware of the support they provide . The fact that these breeding stations still provide a breeding facility at all for such an endangered species,is in itself the most important point . If you take this away then you will severely impair the amount of young birds coming through . The Red Kites has only two threats to its existence ...Man and apathy . Suffice to say , that I'm not overly impressed by either organisation for a number of reasons . Bioderversity and Ecology is something that is vital in certain areas and circumstances , but not in this particular one . You only have to look at the situation of the granting of a licence at the erection of wind turbines at Frodsham Marshes and the impact it is likely to have . My own daughter researched this at length from a variety of perspectives including the Birdlife as part of her Masters and has now moved on to a PHD . Her findings and that of the companies report were somewhat different in the respect of its impact . No surprises there then.... Just wait until the Fracking debate starts for the same area .... It's already started, my other lad has just finished his geology degree, it's fun in our household between the two over fracking Your number of 500 is way out of date, there are 600 breeding pairs in Wales alone, there's a 1000 breeding pairs in the chilterns, they can take small mammals and will take water voles, a species declined by 97% in the chilterns, although mink has done most of the damage, the rise of red kites can't be helping, it's a fine balance and if one becomes too dominant in an area it can destroy another species. I am well aware of the mink problem . I had the same argument with Northwich anglers who were against the building of an otter protection zone on the weaver quoting the number of fish that would be killed. They called in environmental experts in and asked for the impact the two mammals would have on the fish numbers . The outcome was that they agreed that the mink population would pose a 90% higher risk . I' ve spent thousands of hours fishing in Northwich but as an angler can see the other side of the coin . Likewise I can tell you , with out any doubt whatsoever that the impact that these Kites will have compared to other predators is minimal . It they were eating Natterjack Toads , Great Crested Newts or Slow worms in vast quantities , then you may a valid argument , but that is clearly not the case . Yes , there are areas where they will damage the small animal population , but a tiny fraction when compared to other predators . I've seen one female mink take out as many as a dozen large chub in less than two hours ....she had at least 5 young with her at the time too . It's all about balance .
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Jul 7, 2015 23:09:35 GMT
It's already started, my other lad has just finished his geology degree, it's fun in our household between the two over fracking Your number of 500 is way out of date, there are 600 breeding pairs in Wales alone, there's a 1000 breeding pairs in the chilterns, they can take small mammals and will take water voles, a species declined by 97% in the chilterns, although mink has done most of the damage, the rise of red kites can't be helping, it's a fine balance and if one becomes too dominant in an area it can destroy another species. I am well aware of the mink problem . I had the same argument with Northwich anglers who were against the building of an otter protection zone on the weaver quoting the number of fish that would be killed. They called in environmental experts in and asked for the impact the two mammals would have on the fish numbers . The outcome was that they agreed that the mink population would pose a 90% higher risk . I' ve spent thousands of hours fishing in Northwich but as an angler can see the other side of the coin . Likewise I can tell you , with out any doubt whatsoever that the impact that these Kites will have compared to other predators is minimal . It they were eating Natterjack Toads , Great Crested Newts or Slow worms in vast quantities , then you may a valid argument , but that is clearly not the case . Yes , there are areas where they will damage the small animal population , but a tiny fraction when compared to other predators . I've seen one female mink take out as many as a dozen large chub in less than two hours ....she had at least 5 young with her at the time too . It's all about balance . So is the best way to achieve that balance having Humans feeding chicken to Kites?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 23:14:05 GMT
It is at the moment .
In order for the populations to prosper , then you need to have a consistent supply of young breeding birds. At a later date these birds can be reintroduced into other areas . It may not be the long term solution however .
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Post by Northy on Jul 8, 2015 2:53:48 GMT
It's already started, my other lad has just finished his geology degree, it's fun in our household between the two over fracking Your number of 500 is way out of date, there are 600 breeding pairs in Wales alone, there's a 1000 breeding pairs in the chilterns, they can take small mammals and will take water voles, a species declined by 97% in the chilterns, although mink has done most of the damage, the rise of red kites can't be helping, it's a fine balance and if one becomes too dominant in an area it can destroy another species. I am well aware of the mink problem . I had the same argument with Northwich anglers who were against the building of an otter protection zone on the weaver quoting the number of fish that would be killed. They called in environmental experts in and asked for the impact the two mammals would have on the fish numbers . The outcome was that they agreed that the mink population would pose a 90% higher risk . I' ve spent thousands of hours fishing in Northwich but as an angler can see the other side of the coin . Likewise I can tell you , with out any doubt whatsoever that the impact that these Kites will have compared to other predators is minimal . It they were eating Natterjack Toads , Great Crested Newts or Slow worms in vast quantities , then you may a valid argument , but that is clearly not the case . Yes , there are areas where they will damage the small animal population , but a tiny fraction when compared to other predators . I've seen one female mink take out as many as a dozen large chub in less than two hours ....she had at least 5 young with her at the time too . It's all about balance . That would be and my lad then the lad did the water vole survey for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust along the T&M canal and weaver, I've seen mink along the canal but now otter pooh has been seen that will hopefully rid the area of mink as I haven't seen kingfishers since the spring. His masters dissertation was on species reintroduction and the affects etc. Particularly on beavers, water voles (after being wiped out in the pentlands and other areas). We won't agree but with at least 600 breeding pairs in Wales and with at least 2 feeding stations it's time to let nature take it's course, move onto the next phase of monitoring and data analysis otherwise you will start to get disease from overpopulation, have an affect on numbers of local species, small birds, also other species who utilise the same area, barn owls, raven, buzzards. I remember similar happening in the 70s with the sparrow hawk, 20 years later there was a cry about where have all the sparrows gone.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2015 6:25:33 GMT
I am well aware of the mink problem . I had the same argument with Northwich anglers who were against the building of an otter protection zone on the weaver quoting the number of fish that would be killed. They called in environmental experts in and asked for the impact the two mammals would have on the fish numbers . The outcome was that they agreed that the mink population would pose a 90% higher risk . I' ve spent thousands of hours fishing in Northwich but as an angler can see the other side of the coin . Likewise I can tell you , with out any doubt whatsoever that the impact that these Kites will have compared to other predators is minimal . It they were eating Natterjack Toads , Great Crested Newts or Slow worms in vast quantities , then you may a valid argument , but that is clearly not the case . Yes , there are areas where they will damage the small animal population , but a tiny fraction when compared to other predators . I've seen one female mink take out as many as a dozen large chub in less than two hours ....she had at least 5 young with her at the time too . It's all about balance . That would be and my lad then the lad did the water vole survey for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust along the T&M canal and weaver, I've seen mink along the canal but now otter pooh has been seen that will hopefully rid the area of mink as I haven't seen kingfishers since the spring. His masters dissertation was on species reintroduction and the affects etc. Particularly on beavers, water voles (after being wiped out in the pentlands and other areas). We won't agree but with at least 600 breeding pairs in Wales and with at least 2 feeding stations it's time to let nature take it's course, move onto the next phase of monitoring and data analysis otherwise you will start to get disease from overpopulation, have an affect on numbers of local species, small birds, also other species who utilise the same area, barn owls, raven, buzzards. I remember similar happening in the 70s with the sparrow hawk, 20 years later there was a cry about where have all the sparrows gone. If there was as much vigour and effort put in to eradicate and trap the mink population as a result of such studies , then the vole population and fish population would see a massive increase . The best people to ask and observe what's happening are the anglers themselves because they spend far more time on the riverbank than any paid surveyors do,...14 hours a day in any cases . Otters will chase off and attack mink , but unless you have mink traps then the problem will just go else where. It's got so bad on the Dove , that the local farmers on one stretch killed 70 mink on one mile stretch as the environmental agency weren't interested. Kingfisher numbers fell after the three consecutive bad winters but there are still plenty in and around Northwich town centre as I have seen them myself . My mate who is a keen photographer has taken scores of pictures this year and reckons that kingfisher numbers are up this year. I've also seen them on the Bridgwater canal , the marshes and sandiway lakes . You hear them before you see them . Personally , I have difficulty in understanding what point there is In doing such surveys if you are not going to use this information to deal with any concerns raised .Northwich Anglers is a prime example . Many anglers have left the club as a result . The committee are anti Otter but apathetic to non indigenous species like the mink . They haven't a clue what they're doing basically .
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Post by Northy on Jul 8, 2015 7:04:27 GMT
That would be and my lad then the lad did the water vole survey for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust along the T&M canal and weaver, I've seen mink along the canal but now otter pooh has been seen that will hopefully rid the area of mink as I haven't seen kingfishers since the spring. His masters dissertation was on species reintroduction and the affects etc. Particularly on beavers, water voles (after being wiped out in the pentlands and other areas). We won't agree but with at least 600 breeding pairs in Wales and with at least 2 feeding stations it's time to let nature take it's course, move onto the next phase of monitoring and data analysis otherwise you will start to get disease from overpopulation, have an affect on numbers of local species, small birds, also other species who utilise the same area, barn owls, raven, buzzards. I remember similar happening in the 70s with the sparrow hawk, 20 years later there was a cry about where have all the sparrows gone. If there was as much vigour and effort put in to eradicate and trap the mink population as a result of such studies , then the vole population and fish population would see a massive increase . The best people to ask and observe what's happening are the anglers themselves because they spend far more time on the riverbank than any paid surveyors do,...14 hours a day in any cases . Otters will chase off and attack mink , but unless you have mink traps then the problem will just go else where. It's got so bad on the Dove , that the local farmers on one stretch killed 70 mink on one mile stretch as the environmental agency weren't interested. Kingfisher numbers fell after the three consecutive bad winters but there are still plenty in and around Northwich town centre as I have seen them myself . My mate who is a keen photographer has taken scores of pictures this year and reckons that kingfisher numbers are up this year. I've also seen them on the Bridgwater canal , the marshes and sandiway lakes . You hear them before you see them . Personally , I have difficulty in understanding what point there is In doing such surveys if you are not going to use this information to deal with any concerns raised .Northwich Anglers is a prime example . Many anglers have left the club as a result . The committee are anti Otter but apathetic to non indigenous species like the mink . They haven't a clue what they're doing basically . I agree Action to eradicate the mink, and other invasive species like the foreign shrimp, mussell, lobsters and Himalayan Balsam should be at the forefront of action to keep our waterways as they have been for thousands of years
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2015 13:43:49 GMT
Pigeons. Wood pigeons. Doves. Magpie. Wren. Blue tits. Starlings. Sparrows. Black Birds.
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