Egg Stealing Grey SquirrelPosted 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.
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