Recent blog post from Flatford Wildlife Garden

I recently noticed this post from the Flatford Wildlife Garden and I'm commenting here as I'm unable to directly post on it.  It's a lovely piece on the survival of robins over winter - but the one thing I very strongly object to is the highlighting of Songbird Survival in it.  I don't count SS as a genuine conservation charity as they do not support the survival of our native raptors and corvids.  The last thing I expect from the RSPB is for you to give any kind of platform to people like this.  Please don't do it again.

Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • I doubt they are even aware of the blog Clare....not like they check anything out these days on the community :-(

    (Pardon the Scottish Accent)

  • I fear you're correct, Linda - but there was no way I was letting that pass without commenting.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • But think of the Purdies!

    (A quick precis of that soundbite. Purdy are old shotgun manufacturers. Owners of hand-me-downs - or heirlooms - object to the retirement of lead shot.)
  • Ironically, Tuwit, I'm a target shooter. I'm absolutely in favour of completely banning lead from game shooting - but not from target shooting. Lead is obviously safe in indoor ranges, and they are talking about allowing it on outdoor ranges if it is clearly demonstrated that lead shot is regularly removed from the butts. I do a particularly precise discipline and alternatives to lead have been tested - but they are either not precise enough or they are too expensive.

    I'll add that I want to see a complete ban on driven grouse shooting, whatever ammunition they use.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Clare Bailey said:
    Ironically, Tuwit, I'm a target shooter. I'm absolutely in favour of completely banning lead from game shooting - but not from target shooting. Lead is obviously safe in indoor ranges, and they are talking about allowing it on outdoor ranges if it is clearly demonstrated that lead shot is regularly removed from the butts. I do a particularly precise discipline and alternatives to lead have been tested - but they are either not precise enough or they are too expensive.

    I'll add that I want to see a complete ban on driven grouse shooting, whatever ammunition they use.

    I accept that using another metal (or other materials) will change the ballistic character of shot along with many rifles being designed based on using lead shot or pellets, I'm not so sure lead is that safe for indoor shooting, based on it's toxicity, which surely must get into the meat eaten.

    Yes, I've a lot to learn, and  always happy to learn.

    Lead is a soft metal and self lubricating, and basically makes for longer lifespan of the barrel, so I do grasp why lead is used.

    When I used to supervise young people in small bore shooting in indoor ranges, the one thing we were adamant on, was washing of hands after each session. Pre-session briefings always included warning about not wiping eyes, putting hands/fingers in the mouth and yes, picking noses!

    I'm totally with you on the banning of driven grouse shooting.

  • Michael B said:
    I'm not so sure lead is that safe for indoor shooting, based on it's toxicity, which surely must get into the meat eaten.

    ??????  I think it's safe to say that no living targets are likely to be shot in an indoor range.  I really hope not, anyway!

    Michael B said:
    When I used to supervise young people in small bore shooting in indoor ranges, the one thing we were adamant on, was washing of hands after each session. Pre-session briefings always included warning about not wiping eyes, putting hands/fingers in the mouth and yes, picking noses!

    I always make sure I wash my hands as the dangers of lead shot are well known.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Linda257 said:
    I doubt they are even aware of the blog Clare....not like they check anything out these days on the community :-(

    I thought that you had to be RSPB staff / Volunteer to be able to post a Blog especially given that you can't reply to it? I may well be wrong as I often am. 

  • Clare Bailey said:

    Michael B said:
    I'm not so sure lead is that safe for indoor shooting, based on it's toxicity, which surely must get into the meat eaten.

    ??????  I think it's safe to say that no living targets are likely to be shot in an indoor range.  I really hope not, anyway!

    Definitely.   Thumbsup
  • Bobs_Retired said:
    Linda257 said:
    I doubt they are even aware of the blog Clare....not like they check anything out these days on the community :-(

    I thought that you had to be RSPB staff / Volunteer to be able to post a Blog especially given that you can't reply to it? I may well be wrong as I often am. 

    You do.  I don't know if the head office checks their output - I suspect Linda is right in thinking they don't.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • I thought anyone can do  blog but a will need to look into it. As for not being able to reply

    You can by clicking on black box at the bottom to join the group just like you would need to do of you posted in the minsmere group or witever

    As for RSPB staff I don't believe any have been back on here since the last spam storm as my PM to them has never had a reply

    (Pardon the Scottish Accent)