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
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