Evening all....
I was very disappointed today to come into work and find that we had suffered another after hours incursion around the centre and that the wildlife pond had once again been abused by fervent frog hunters. This time they did a proper job and have punctured (inadvertently or otherwise) the liner at a level at which the pond's existence may be in the balance. This wonderful spot has been nurtured over the last five years by staff and volunteers alike and was a huge pull on visitors especially those with young children.
We are formatting a plan to salvage what we can.
The frustrations did not end there as I was then informed that over the course of the weekend several birders had waded into the hemlock and nettles at the Serin Mound in an attempt to see the elusive Marsh Warbler. I am speechless. Surely hearing this magnificent song is as rewarding as catching a glimpse? This is potentially one of of only a handful that may even attempt to breed in the UK in an area where they have done so previously.
Perhaps we were short sighted in putting the news out on Friday but the bird is in a public access part of the reserve and would no doubt have been picked up and reported by a visitor and I wrongly assumed that no one would be daft enough to wade into chest high nettles and hemlock. Clearly the thought that some birders have moved beyond this mentality was mis-guided.
This area is now under observation and any further behaviour of this kind will be reported as disturbance of a Schedule One bird to the appropriate authorities.
Fortunately I can report that the bird is still present and sang well for most of the day and even showed itself on occasion. Many thanks to those who visited today and listened from a respectful distance and were rewarded with views on top of the Hemlock.
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer
Thanks for the comments guys and gals. I have been a birder fo nearly all of my 40 years and yes I do twitch but regardless of the level of your interest this sort of behavior is simply unacceptable as well as being criminal....
Two rain soaked birders early on Saturday morning were seen emeging from halfway down the serin mound when I arrived there at 7.30am they had been there since 6.00am without a sighting. 'Not Surprised' I thought to to myself 'you've probably scared it off'.
Luckily it began singing again and my point is the joy of a Marsh Warbler is hearing it sing.
I made two visits and it was fantastic to hear it singing on both occassions.
The urge to tick it off of a list as a sighting is too strong in some people, I agree with West Ham Birder they have probably seen all the trains, planes, etc.. now its birds and hopefully very soon they'll turn to something else. PS never seems to be female birders....
May all your Sandpipers be Curlew.
This goes to show some so called Birders/watchers have total disregard for the Birds and other peoples pleasure, And you can understand on some reserves areas being put out of bounds,Upsetting the running of these wonderful places. And at a time when extra money for security is probley out of the question and the reserves are struggling to get extra cash.
Sorry to hear this again. CCTV camera & signs look the best option for the wildlife garden. Brainless tick hunters jeopardising wildlife for their self satisfying obsession. So frustrating for those of us who genuinely care about conservation.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. - Albert Einstein
Howard - I am so sorry to read this. There are a small number of birders who need to seek medical help. The pursuit of a sighting at all costs does so much to damage the image of bird watching and put's off families and individuals alike from pursuing the hobby. It is an unhealthy obsession, and if they didn't have bird lists to tick, I am sure they would turn to train spotting and similarly endanger themselves and others on railway lines. Perhaps that's something they should consider and do us all a favour..
As for the pond, it is difficult to see an effective answer other than expensive security measures that would risk the peaceful nature of the spot. I hope you are able to save it.
bob