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Posted on Wednesday Oct 14 0:00:00 BST 2009  As proof is needed that Grey Squirrels are predating birds nests, this image on my blog might just get the RSPB and other conservations to get off the fence and act to reduce Grey Squirrel numbers. Action that is needed on their reserves and throughout the wider countryside.
When I posted the image I had not edited the remaining images shot in a five frame sequence. In doing so it is now clear that the Grey Squirrel actually has two eggs in its mouth! The squirrel was scuttling down the trunk of a large willow tree with two eggs from a Spotted Flycatchers nest, which had been deserted in the summer through predation by a Grey Squirrel. In the survey document The State of the UK's Birds 2008 it is stated that the Red Listed Spotted Flycatcher shows a severe decline (-85 on the 1970 - 2007 Trend).
I suggest the RSPB, BTO, Natural England and other similar organizations have a reality check and implement effective conservation work, rather than pander to their membership or public profile.
Posted on Friday Sep 11 0:00:00 BST 2009 Just as the hedgerows are becoming resplendent with Autumn fruit - Blackberries ripening, Sloes filling out, Hawthorn berries turning scarlet and the Rose hips swelling, the Highway Agency operatives arrive with their mechanical flayers and decimate mile upon mile of luxuriant hedge.
Wintering birds and the resident populations are having their winter food supply destroyed absolutely needlessly. The time for hedging and ditching is late in January and during February, when the berries have been harvested, but before the sap begins rising. No earthly reason exists to justify flaying hedges in late Summer or early Autumn.
We should all lobby DEFRA, Natural England, County Councils and the RSPB and establish Directives that will ensure hedgerow management is established for the benefit of Wildlife and not a neat and tidy looking countryside.
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