Hi everyone
thought it was about time for me to join in. I live in rural Northumberland, studied Ornithology for many years and have observed many changes over the past 45 years or so. My delight being the increase in Merlins over the past 5 years where I've spotted 3 on the same day, on separate occasions, in the Upper Coquet Valley beyond Alwinton. I've also got a resident Merlin visiting my garden, on one occasion she went for a Wood Pigeon sitting on my lawn.
My concerns are a different story. We all know that some landowners and gamekeepers kill birds of prey, they have done for centuries. I've witnessed the poisoning and shooting of Buzzards, Harriers, Kites and even Owls in Northumberland. On my travels I've come across gin traps, snares and also cages with live birds inside to attract other species. All over the County the cowboys are getting away with it right under our noses. You know the type of people I'm on about, they bully you off their land, they know they have something to hide which is illegal. With the increase in Buzzards within Northumberland, they have become targets for landowners/gamekeepers to kill, the reason being, which I have observed, Buzzards are now targeting Pheasants, they are much easier prey for the Buzzard than rabbits etc., hence the killing of such a wonderful bird of prey.
Hi + welcome to the forum.
I live in mid Northumberland also a bit nearer the coast than you I reckon. Only been here for a few years so still finding my feet in the area, but love the area. Great to know that merlin nos are increasing in the area. Must try to get up Alwinton way with the kids.
Enjoy it here.
'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks' John Muir.
Excuse wobbily dyslexic spelling!
Hi jaydee and Welcome to the RSPB Community.
Few of us can aspire to a garden Merlin you lucky person. (I did get a Hobby once but the visit lasted about half a second after a fumbled lunge at a passing Swallow).
We're definitely on the same page regarding the national disgrace that is the unhindered persecution of some our most spectacular wildlife.
JBNTS
Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?
Jaydee,you are certainly lucky to get a Merlin on your garden list one of my favourite raptors,the best we usually get is a Sparrowhawk although last year a Female Goshawk shot through very briefly.
As for your stance on the persecution of raptors you will find plenty of support on here in fact some of,including me,are always bashing on about it but it may take more than our voices to change things.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can