Osprey Chat Thread for July/August 2019

I'm glad you enjoyed the article, folks.

Sheila: I felt bad when Jimmy was killed. I'm glad positive changes were made.

Thanks Alan. I am quite surprised to see that the numbers have decreased since 2016 as I would have expected the opposite given the fact we learn of / monitor new nests/ platforms.

Karen, There could be many reasons for the falling numbers of ospreys ringed. Less ringers available, food shortages in areas like Tweed Valley where the number of nests has decreased.Also weather plays a part.
However 186 is the lowest number ringed since 2011 so something is going on.
Also this is consistent with the Scottish Raptor Monitoring scheme data trend which is downwards.

Breeding succes of raptors in Scotland 2018

That looks interesting ALAN Will definitely look later when I have more time

Interesting news Alan. I would like to highlight the current RSPB thread about the latest petition with regard to driven grouse moors and the horrific news and photograph of the young eagle flying around with an illegal trap hanging from its leg. Without wishing to tell people what to do & with no real expectation of the UK Government taking any action (after all they didn't after a similar petition in 2018) can I take the liberty of suggesting that as many people as possible sign the latest petition? Ian

Thanks Ian , I have highlighed the petition on Facebook and Twitter. I agree entirely with your sentiments that we must keep up the pressure to end these terrible events

This is so heartbreaking I was shouting at the radio when I heard it on there ALAN Doyou have a link tothe petition on FB please if this is a new petition

Absolutely tragic.

Here is the link to Chris Packhams petition