Hi Everyone,
I am posting out of concern about a ban that East Cambridgeshire District Council has recently placed on feeding waterfowl anywhere other than on the water in the Waterside area of Ely. The BBC reported on the ban at the end of June:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-18645082
This may initially sound like a trivial matter, but it could havepotentially devestating knock-on effects for waterfowl, fish, the ecology of the river - not least the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) which is in this very area. For example, if people feed birds only on the water, uneaten bread and other food debris will fall to the bottom of the river, decay and can produce the botulism bacteria. This is a particularly unpleasant way for any animal to die and can devestate ecosystems. I launched a petition today which asks the Council to rethink their action and which lays out the concerns in greater detail:http//www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/petition-to-properly-care-for-the-waterfowl-of-ely-cambridgeshire/4535
The petition is aimed more at preventing the birds developing nasty diseases and to halt the possibility of the ecology of the water beingaffected, but I am keen to gain the attention of a formal body that can take steps to intervene or raise the profile of these concerns inorder to make long-term change; the Council do not appear to have consulted any relevant wildlife/environment agencies before takingtheir action, yet it could have severe consequences and it is important to act quickly to rectify what has been done.
If people would like to sign the petition that would be fantastic!
What is the difference between people feeding birds in river and fishermen throwing large amounts of ground bait in river trying to attract fish.
Think perhaps the council think it is a sensible thing so that food on the bank does not attract rats.
I doubt there is any risk of botulism in a large amount of water and birds and fish and small things in the river cleaning it up.
Sometimes people just want to automatically want to go against council policy.
The petition is intended to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the waterfowl in Ely, whilst at the same time minimising the intermediate risk of harming the health of ducks/geese and the risk of unbalancing the river's fragile ecological balance. The petition was launched because the Council did not respond to friendly enquiries. Moreover, the area in question is directly next to an area of special scientific interest, so these concerns are all the more justified. I believe the risk is sufficient enough, and the value of our wildlife precious enough, to warrant a petition based upon reasoned argumenttation.
Hi-
my understanding is that botulism causes are not 100% understood but that high temperatures ( eg in summer) rotting protein ( fish carcases- ingested maggots can be a carrier for birds etc) and low water levels are probably the 3 optimum criteria.
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Dear Seymour - botulism is a particularly nasty disease for waterfowl, which leads to a slow, painful death. It can also be devestating for other birds, wildlife and river life. The point here is that the relative risk of a botulism outbreak might be low to moderate, but the impact should it happen would be devestating. Thus, any action which unnecessarily heightens that risk should be avoided - and all the more so when an area is next to an SSSI.
Please note this is the last time I wil respond on this thread. It would be great if people could take the time to look at the petition and consider the broader issues. If people do not wish to sign that is their prerogative, but we have the opportunity to do some good for a small area of wildlife and I think that is worth supporting.
I think the council are thinking more of the geese and duck droppings and of course rats.
We have parks in this area where canada geese and others are making it impossible to walk on the grass due to this problem. So would like to hear both sides of the story.
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Hi Ray, the droppings are fairly substantial this time of year, but there are several reasons for that which the petition addresses: (i) the Council do not clean the paths regularly enough; (ii) the birds are fed large amounts of bread by people - the amount the birds 'drop' is directionally proportianl to what they eat. Thus, asking people not to feed them bread will help both the birds' health and the messy paths (ie because they eat a smaller quantity of grain and natural food stuffs); (iii) the birds' numbers are higher than they would be naturally because of people introducing them here in the first place (eg Muscovy ducks in the 16th century) and artifically inflating their numbers by feeding them. In addition, if the Council can clear up after the mess left behind by daily visitors without complaint (eg litter, vomit, other unpleasantness), it would not take an organising genious to sweep the small area of paths affected by droppings.
Broadly speaking - simply marginalising the waterfowl addresses neither the problem or provides a solution.
Please can I ask for people to read the petition because it sets out both sides to this - the petition is not trying to 'oppose' or 'villify' anyone or any side - it is constructively proposing a set of actions that will make it possible for everyone (humans and birds) to alongside each other healthy and happy.