RSPB Management - Spot the Pretenders

The weather today was a carbon copy of the last couple of days, but my departure from home and once again into the Wildlife Zone was delayed as I caught up on sending e-mails many of them to readers of this Blog. Forsaking my usual circuit, I headed straight for the bus and a ride to Portland. At the bus stop I was asked by 2 lovely ladies if indeed they were in the right place for the Portland bus, which of course they were. It turned out that they were walking the full length of the Dorset Coastal Path and today was set aside to circumnavigate our sacred island. Planning to start at the small village of Chiswell, at the north of the island and at the bottom of a very steep hill, I suggested they stay on the bus and alight at the Portland Heights with me where I could start their journey off with a bang and set them on the right track.

I have to admit to a serious love for showing people around any part of our county, with Portland being the firm favourite, so for these charming people, one from Worcestershire and the other Warwickshire it was the best way I could start my day. Tout Quarry long ago gave up its bounty of limestone and has since lain redundant but not idle. The Stone Firms generously opened it not only to the public, but to budding Masons and Sculptors alike, with the whole area having been strewn with minor works of art. In addition to this there is Lano's Bridge, which legend tells was built by the Quarryman, in 1854, during many lunch breaks, but the piece de resistance has to be walking under this beautiful arch just 50 yards to behold the vista across West Bay, though Fortuneswell, across Portland Harbour and beyond to the Purbeck Peninsular.

My 2 lovely temporary guests beneath Lano's symmetrical arch.

By this time, I was sure they were looking for their own space so I directed them to the West Cliff path but did catch up with each other from time to time when i was able to point out a pair of Ravens, c3 Peregrine, along with:-

good numbers of Fulmar,

Vipers Bugloss

and later describing Rock Pipit to me.

The Island is now awash with Valerian, mostly of the deep pink variety, but occasional pockets of the equally beautiful white strain.

Arriving on the East Cliff, I decided to try and photograph Wall Lizard given the warm sunshine which they soak up to increase their metabolism. Unfortunately, a rock climber had decided to scale the cliff close to the site and was using an electric drill (yes, electric drill) to secure his pitons. Not a hope of a Lizard, but the second prize was a perched and flying

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine silent running.

Peregrine vocal.

Biting Stonecrop

On the way home I took the 2 photographs below of Avalanche Church in Southwell, the most southerly village on Portland.

In September 1877 a terrible tragedy occurred off Portland Bill when two ships, Avalanche and Forest collided with the loss of 106 people. This disaster and the outstanding bravery of the local fishermen in rescuing the few survivors resulted in a national subscription. The cost of building this church was £1,900 and the church was dedicated to St Andrew on 3rd July 1879. The church has memorials to those drowned as well as testimonials to the bravery of local people. Stained glass windows show scenes from this tragedy.

An account of this maritime disaster is given in Stuart Morris's excellent book "Portland: An Illustrated History".

This Admiralty pattern type anchor was recovered from the Avalanche on 14th July 1986 by local divers, ably assisted by Portland Plant Hire.

What I think is a 'nifty' bell tower for such a small church. Unfortunately, the door is kept locked but one day I hope to gain access and bring you some photographs from within.

OK, its only a 'drain cleaner' but I was amazed at this fantastic rig.

Needless to say both the driver and his assistant were extremely proud of their charge.

Rufous-browed Conebill

Rusty Flowerpiercer

Santa Marta Parakeet (one of several endemics seen in the mountain range).

Tanager Finch

and finally, I feel compelled to return to the issue of the untimely build of the Sand Martin Wall (which unfortunately has found no takers this year) at the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is Radipole Lake. A couple of RSPB members who have been eagerly following my protestations, handed me a copy of the May 2010 edition of the RSPB in house magazine 'Birds'. Starting at page 58 and continuing to 63 there is an 'in depth' interview with Robert Coleman the Reserve Manager at Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk. It has been my pleasure and privilege to visit the RSPB's (self proclaimed) 'Premier Reserve' on numerous occasions, so it was of great interest to read how Mr Coleman exercises his management skills up there.

At question 7 in the article he is asked "How long will this building project (at Titchwell) take"? Answer - (in precis) "you definitely can't rush this kind of project as we can only carry out the work between Mid-July and October each year".

Compare that to when I asked local Reserve Manager Nick Tomlinson, in my home, why the Sand Martin Wall had to be built throughout the 'full course' of April 2010, unarguably the most critical and sensitive month in the breeding calendar. He replied (verbatim) "I decided on the timing (not RSPB HQ) and that's when it's being built".

Question 8 in 'Birds' continues "Why can you only do this work between mid-July and October"? Mr Colman's answer, "In Spring and Summer we cannot disturb 'rare breeding species' such as Bittern, Avocet and Bearded Tit, while in the Winter wading birds, ducks and geese using the reserve need safe roosting and feeding areas. Therefore, working in the Winter would cause too much disturbance".

With the exception of Avocet (only a scarce visitor), all of these species grace Radipole Lake and despite Mr Tomlinson's so called 'survey', to ensure no disturbance, could drop in at any second of the day. Bittern, especially vulnerable, is singularly the RSPB target species to encourage to breed at the reserve, and have been recorded there during all of Mr Colman's 'no building' months. To my knowledge, the last Bittern recorded there this Spring was on the last day of March. Let's just say, hypothetically, that if a 'partner' for this over-wintering bird(s) had dropped in seconds after Tomlinson's survey, could not breeding have taken place?

It is sad to say, that the people who handed me this article are ceasing membership with the RSPB, at renewal, mainly they tell me because of the wanton destruction of the Marsh Harriers nest site in the still not fully explained fire, but also in protest at the April building programme. Surely, especially during these severe economic times, the public are not going to continue supporting these serious gaffs, and like me must want some questions answered. No one can hide forever!

Puffin & Blowin'

Early morning looked set fair for another nice day, with just a little more cloud and the wind speed increased by a dozen knots or so. Swifts still prevailed at Radipole, as did the vocal Blackcap but in addition there were also a singing Lesser Whitethroat and Bullfinch. As it was low water, spring tide it was thought the investment of a bus fare (the 'free' service doesn't start until 09-00) to get me to Ferry Bridge to look for Waders. It didn't take long to establish there were few, namely a couple of distant Dunlin, but it was good to confirm that the unseasonable pair of Red-breasted Merganser were still there along with a number of Little Tern, while the human vigil continued to guard their nest site.

Onward to Portland, where Barleycrates Lane produced nothing, it was a full hour before there was something notable. At the Admiralty compound, I met a fellow birder from Central London looking for Puffin, and much more by luck than judgment I was able to point to one sat on the sea at the bottom of the cliff. Leaving him to it I continued to the fence, where there were c2 more, but the count could also have included the original bird.

Puffins, at some distance hence the poor picture but nonetheless the first I have ever managed in Dorset.

At the Bird Observatory someone arrived with this young, exhausted House Sparrow which the Warden will doubtless nurse back to recovery.

In one of the Moth Traps was this little beauty a Small Elephant Hawk-moth, a great favourite of mine regardless of its common status.

The ancient profession of 'farrier' still finds much work on Portland. Here the Exmoor Pony man 'shoes' one of the large Island population.

and more from South America.

Rufous Antpitta

Rusty-breasted Antpitta

Tody Motmot

A Breath of Fresh RSPB

Cloudless, windless and a good deal warmer, today was set to be a proper English summer's day, and while the number of Swifts were reduced to about 200 it was fantastic to watch Cetti's Warblers feeding young at Radipole. By no means as interesting, but of great entertainment value was bumping into Nick Quintrell the so called Warden of the reserve, for the first time since I raised concerns about him and his cohorts slowly ripping the heart out of these sacred places. Despite my jaunty "good morning" he remained impassive and silent, which had me wondering how this sort of person would perform should they ever find themselves having to get a 'proper' job outside the cocoon the RSPB have built for them! All in the name of daring to voice an acute concern? Pathetic!

A walk along the Rodwell Trail produced nothing out of the ordinary, except to say that I did count the Wrens as there seem to be extraordinary numbers here. In total there were 13 separately identifiable birds plus a singing Goldcrest! On to Portland, where here too things were very quiet except for a seemingly late, singing Sedge Warbler at Barleycrates Lane. Here I got to thinking about the overseas readers of this Blog, thinking they at least should have a photographic account of how these strange sounding places look.

An ancient farm track running from the main road at the village of Weston, this part of the lane runs east to west until meeting a left hand 'dog leg' at the top of the picture.

From there, it continues south towards Portland Bill and what used to be the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, pictured.

There is then a second right angle turning back to the west, and towards the sea, which can just be seen above the lip of the land, ending at the West Cliff. This is one of the best 'catchments' for migratory birds on the Island.

Speckled Wood are now on the wing in numbers, along with a few other species of Butterflies.

'Flamer III', a charter fishing boat, Captained by my friend Colin Penny rounds the Bill for a days sea angling in West Bay.

One of 'many' Bee species. With only the Field Guide to go on, it may be a female Psithyrus rupestris?

Best magnified, this shot shows a view towards Portland Bill including the active (red & white) lighthouse on the right, and the Portland Bird Observatory (lighthouse) to the right of that. However, the picture was taken more to show the notorious Portland Race, an often unpredictable and dangerous (to the unwary) meeting of 7 tides less than 2 miles from the shore.

A closer view of The Race this morning in a gentle north easterly breeze at the top of a Spring Flood Tide. The viewer can likely imagine how this seaway looks when it's angry!

A pair of these beautiful Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonflies were gracing the Obs pond.

Also there, apart from the stalwarts Warden Martin Cade and tireless 'birder' John Lucas, I met up with long time friend Hugo Wood-Homer. Gentleman farmer Hugo, one time raced cars and played tennis for Dorset, was in his day also considered the finest 'shot' (mainly shotgun) in the county. He and I have spent many a happy hour studying our countries wildlife, especially on long distance 'twitching' rare birds. Looking, as ever, as fit as a 'butcher's dog' he informed me that he recently celebrated his 80th birthday, which put an increased sparkle into my day. While I know as a technophobe he is unlikely to read this, I do offer my hearty congratulations to this irrepressible, true gentleman! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGO & MANY HAPPY RETURNS.

Meadow Brown butterflies were also on the wing, and as a usually folded wing percher I was lucky to get this open wing shot.

Meadow Brown in the more familiar perched position.

As I left the Observatory c2 male Pheasants were having a tussle in the adjacent field, as c2 Lapwings (one shown above) flew in from seaward and continued north.

Small White butterfly.

Rook, one of c8 seen at Ferry Bridge. Usually content to forage fields for invertebrates, this small gang have found easy pickings discarded by humans at the Visitor's Centre Snack Bar.

RSPB Update

This time last year I was heavily involved, once again, highlighting the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds shortcomings attempting to save the critically delicate Little Tern colony at Ferry Bridge. In brief, they were still hammering in fence posts at the end of May, long after the birds had arrived back from their winter quarters, keeping them from the nest site resulting in NO BREEDING at all. Along with just one or two others, I made great protestations both through these pages and personally to those involved, but to be honest expected it to fall , as is usual with the RSPB, on deaf ears.

While I definitely wish to claim no credit (my singular concern being the Terns) I am delighted to report a complete change this year. Works to complete the new style electric fence and sign erecting etc were completed long before the birds returned and all personnel seemed to keep clear of the area. Since then I have been able to pass on from the Fleet Warden Don Moxom that at least c10 pairs had successfully settled to nest in the colony, and just today the overwhelming news that c5 chicks have now hatched.

While I am quick to chastise and criticise those who do our wildlife harm, particularly in the name of PROTECTION, I hope to be even swifter to pass on CONGRATULATIONS! Let's hope the message filters down to Radipole and Lodmoor.

Part of the Little Tern Colony at ferry Bridge.

Bivouac on Chesil Beach from where the guardians of this sensitive site keep their 24 hour a day vigil.

The old 'shooting butt' on Chesil Beach now used as an observation post to protect these delightful and delicate birds. I don't know if I'd like to be couped up in either carrying out this kind of work.

WELL DONE 'ALL' CONCERNED

and talking of tiny and delicate we return to Colombia, South America again.

Dusky Starfrontlet

Andean Emerald

Steely-vented Hummingbird

White-tailed Starfrontlet

Rain, Rain Go Away!

With the wind having backed once again into the northern quarter, this morning was a full jacket cooler, and by the looks of the threatening sky there was a good chance of rain. With this and the autumnal feel to the day, it was thought best to get any 'birding' done sooner rather than later!

Nothing of note was recorded in the cemetery, but at Radipole the sky was 'alive' with hundreds of Swifts while Bearded Tit seemed to be 'pinging' from two or three of the reed-beds, and a Goldcrest sang from among the trees on Radipole Park Drive. The walk to Lodmoor was lent a little colour by the remains of what had been the Children's Pavement Artist annual event, and although many had suffered as a result of the overnight rain there had obviously been a good turn-out.

Caution, Pavement Artist's at work!

At the moor, and with reference to Daragh's report from there yesterday, it seemed there had been some overnight increases in numbers, the only exception being Dunlin of which I could only locate c2 while he had c4.

Lapwing numbers had increased by 3 to a count of 4 today,

while this most obliging Greenfinch was crying out for a photie.

Bath time at the view point as these 2 Oystercatchers took over from the retiring Shoveler before the water got cold. It was interesting to note the increase in size of the c2 juvenile Oystercatchers at the Hump now at least 2/3rds that of the parent birds.

and at the same bathing spot this Cormorant decided to spend a little time drying out.

In addition to those already mentioned, it was good to hear so many Reed, Sedge & Cetti's Warblers singing today at both reserves, after something of a 'quiet period' last week. c2 Lesser Whitethroat were also in good voice, the Teal count was half a dozen, all 3 usual Hirundines were represented (Swallow plus House & Sand Martin) while the female Marsh Harrier landed on the moor briefly before continuing the hunt. However, there was no sign (for me at least) of either the Little Stint of yesterday or the Arctic Tern.

a further look at a couple of Colombian birds.

Pinnated Bittern
Pale-breasted Chat-Tyrant

Pale-naped Brush-Finch

and finally I feel sure Paul Harris will have no objection to my publishing this most interesting photograph he took at the Eden Project, in Cornwall, at the week-end.

A small exhibit showing Darwin's Moth which, when describing the Madagascar Orchid to science, he predicted the existence of a moth with an 11 inch tongue. At the time this was scoffed at by the authorities but, unfortunately after his death, this was proved to be a fact.

A Load of Rubbish, Both On & Off the Pitch!

Last evening I had Joy & Roy (next door) round for supper, and it was a timely reminder as to why I don't usually watch football. The plan was to have a bite to eat and watch the England v USA game, which in my humble and uneducated opinion the latter ran them off the park? Was Wayne Rooney playing, for I didn't hear his name mentioned, are England usually a shower of 'fouling b*s*a*ds' and if I turn up with my boots for the next game can I have a go in goal?

Well, the morning was overcast and still but it seemed unlikely there would be any rain, so after coffee while watching a Grey Heron being mobbed by Herring Gulls as it flew over my house, I set off for Radipole. Little of note there except for the continued singing of the male Blackcap,

and the carcass of this Carp in the middle of the footpath. Some predator/scavenger had eaten the best part of the body, and while I did look for 'prints' I'd like to think it was an Otter that dragged it to the bank.

It's rare I venture into Weymouth town center, particularly first thing in the morning, but had decided on a visit to Portland and the walk did me good as I waited for the first bus. What was disappointing was the amount of litter throughout the whole length of the main street with no excuse for this as there are 2 bins even in this picture. The council lads were doing their best to clear up, but what is needed are some Draconian Laws to prevent these animals operating. You would rarely see anything approaching this in Eastern Europe, and they are suppose to be the 'less developed nations'? Oh no they're not!

At Portland I walked from Barleycrates, around the area of The Hump, back onto the West Cliff, down to the Bill and onward to the Bird Observatory, where most of the few birds encountered seemed to be feeding young.

Meadow Pipit

I thought this made quite a nice shot, with bill full of flying insects.

and a Skylark doing similarly.

Starling, unfortunately the camera couldn't capture the true colour of the sheen on this birds plumage.

As well as this Painted Lady (photo taken from my archive) there would have been photographs of Blue Tit feeding young, House Martin collecting mud for nest building and my first Painted Lady of the year but once again incompetance took over. I have got to download and copy these images in a more systematic way!

Birdseekers

It is with great regret that I hear of the demise of what I considered to be an excellent Birding Tour Company as they go into bankruptcy. On the trip to Colombia last year, I found both Steve Bird and his partner Gina Nicol not only the very best of company but also fine 'birders'. Steve has a keen eye for picking up anything that moves, quickly identifying it and then even quicker to bring the telescope to bear. We would all have been quite a few species 'down' had it not been for these skills. I'd just like to wish them both the very best of luck for the future, as he has also told me "I will return". ALL THE BEST STEVE & GINA!

and while we're at it, a few more previously unpublished shots from Colombia, hope you enjoy them!

White-capped Tanager

Gold-ringed Tanager

Blue-napped Chlorophonia

and finally, I'd like to welcome the readers from the REPUBLIC of MOLDOVA to the fold. There were quite a few people I met there but great to see that some of you have taken to giving the Blog a try. Please spread the word as it would be a pleasure to communicate with people of such a clean, productive and friendly country. Thank you once again for your hospitality!