Protesters take on bird charity over plans for village turbine

Campaigners have objected to plans for a new seabird centre at Bempton after failing to win backing for their own campaign against a nearby wind turbine.

A group called Bempton Residents Against Turbines is fighting plans for three turbines, including one 150ft tall just half a mile from the RSPB centre at Bempton.

They have written to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has so far given the RSPB £33,000 to develop plans to extend the centre, to object, claiming the RSPB has lost sight of its conservation role by not joining the fight against the turbine, which will supply electricity to a pig unit at Norway Farm. The RSPB insists there is no evidence that there will be an impact on seabirds or birds in surrounding farmland.

But David Hinde, who lives in Bempton, and a spokesman for the group, said there were fears that the development could lead to a slew of similar applications on the coast. He said: “Bird lovers will be amazed to find RSPB conservation officers saying that they are intending not to object to a 150ft turbine, the largest single commercial turbine in the Yorkshire Wolds at Cliff Lane, Bempton, less than half a mile from the RSPB Visitor Centre on the Flamborough Heritage Coast.

“This is the first to threaten and open the floodgates on the Flamborough Heritage Coast through precedent, to even more at this height and above. And it will be visible from Filey Brigg and Filey Country Park and The Bay of course.

“The Flamborough Heritage Coast, that RSPB are supposed to be a protective partner in, a tourism partner too, obtain a large amount of their income from RSPB members who proudly display their member sticker on their porch window.

“When the RSPB migration recorder at Buckton tells you that 100,000 migratory birds will be passing in the line of the turbine proposed on their way to Buckton and Bridlington Bay, including whooper swans and the rare pink-footed geese too, as they shortcut across this part of the headland, one questions how this organisation with royal patronage deserves to have a P in its name – or an R for that matter.”

However, site manager at Bempton Ian Kendall said there was no evidence that turbines impacted on birds – be they seabirds or farmbirds.

Mr Kendall said: “As a scientific organisation which we largely are, we can only state facts; the facts are that it is not going to affect the seabird colony at all because they don’t feed on the fields, they feed on the sea.

“We have eight species of seabirds here and they are completely and utterly oceanic. Guillemots, razorbills and puffins are hardly capable of walking on the land; these birds have developed over the millennia to be completely and utterly dependent on the sea.

“Pink-footed geese pass down the coast and they can quite easily see turbines.

“The fact is birds avoid turbines in the same way that they avoid buildings.”

A report by ecologists on behalf of the applicants for the turbine says over 72 species of birds could use the field, including 51 of conservation concern, but says potential impacts through collisions “are limited by the small scale of the development”.

The Heritage Lottery Fund finance has allowed the charity to work up detailed plans for a major extension of its facilities along with Beverley-based Salt Architects.

The aim is to make it an attractive year-round visitor destination with a dedicated learning space and areas for research.

The RSPB will be putting in a bid to the HLF for around £640,000 in June. Mr Kendall said: “We are not at this stage about growing visitor numbers, it is about giving existing visitors a better experience. The aspiration is to create a community space. At the moment if people come to Bempton and the weather is bad there is absolutely no classroom space whatsoever.”

The HLF said the objection had been noted.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/protesters_take_on_bird_charity_over_plans_for_village_turbine_1_4172153

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds… and bees, bats, butterflies and bugs!

Nearly 2,000 species recorded at headquarters

January 2012: Inspecting insects, scrutinising spiders, peering at pipits and looking at lichens were just some of the activities RSPB staff got immersed in as they spent their spare time last year compiling a wildlife stock-take of the society's headquarters nature reserve. The naturalists recorded a staggering 1,915 native species for the Bedfordshire nature reserve for the year.

Last year's total brings the list of native and non-native species recorded at the site - known as the Lodge - to 4,035. Theoretically, this total makes the Lodge the third highest RSPB nature reserve for the highest number of species recorded, but many of the society's 211 UK reserves are thought to contain even more species, but they haven't yet been surveyed as intensively. The site is officially only trumped by Minsmere, in Suffolk, and Abernethy, in the Highlands .

A staggering 693 new native species were recorded for the Lodge last year – almost two a day – but ecologists regard this as a vast underestimate because the potential for the discovery of species new to RSPB sites is believed to be enormous.

But 125 previously recorded species have not been seenOne of the most bizarre discoveries of 2011 was the discovery of the revoltingly-named dog vomit slime mould. A brief visit from by an Arctic redpoll – a type of finch – from northernmost Scandinavia was the most interesting new bird sighting.

Fifty-three of the newly recorded native species have very limited ranges in the UK, including two species of clearwing moth. However, 125 threatened species previously recorded species weren't found at the site during the audit, including the nationally-scarce barbastelle bat.

Overall, the RSPB network of more than 200 nature reserves across the UK supports a recorded 15,253 native species (32 per cent), of the UK's estimated 47,000 freshwater and land-dwelling species. But even this figure is believed to be an underestimate.

'Anyone can make amazing discoveries if they look hard enough'There is still a vast potential for species to be discovered for the network. For example, all of the UK's 246 regularly-occurring native bird species have been recorded at some time or another across the RSPB reserve network, but only just over a third of the UK's native insects have been found.

Mark Gurney is an RSPB ecologist. Commenting on the findings, he said: ‘The UK's wildlife is often thought to be well-known in contrast to other parts of the world. But we have proved that anyone can make amazing discoveries if they look hard enough.

‘The Lodge is a well-managed reserve, but it is similar to many woodland and heathland sites across southern England. What makes it the third most important site for us in the UK is that we have looked hard at what we have. If we repeated the same exercise across our network we would expect to find many, many more species.'

Reserves are crucial for UK's wildlifeMartin Harper, the RSPB's director of conservation, said: ‘The RSPB is famed for bird conservation, but we recognise that we have a huge responsibility for other wildlife too. Our nature reserves already contain examples of one third of the UK's wildlife and we suspect that will figure will rise dramatically. The management of nature reserves is crucial in creating a haven for a diversity of species.'

The RSPB works with a diverse range of partner organisations to help wildlife on its reserves and the society is involved with projects to reintroduce species to some of its reserves. For example, the society is reintroducing the pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly at Tudeley Woods, in the Weald, with Butterfly Conservation and the Forestry Commission.

The RSPB is also working with Plantlife to conserve the nationally-rare fen orchid, through special management at its Sutton Fen nature reserve.

The RSPB has a network of 211 nature reserves across the UK, stretching from West Cornwall to the Shetland Islands.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/rspb-reserves.html

Hen harriers 'on verge of extinction'

The hen harrier is the bird most likely to become extinct in England because of human pressure, says the The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Jeff Knott, species policy officer for the RSPB explains what has been going on.

Hear more here ...

RSPB urges crackdown on poisons

The RSPB is calling for the possession of poisons used to illegally kill wildlife to be outlawed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The charity says laws are already in place in Scotland but need to be tightened in the rest of the country.

It says there were 128 reports of birds of prey poisoned in the UK last year.

The government says strict measures are in place to stop the persecution of birds of prey and many of the pesticides used are illegal.
The RSPB figures are lower than the previous year - when 153 reports were received - but contain several, what the conservationists call, "very serious" incidents.

These include the first poisoning in living memory of a golden eagle in Northern Ireland.

The RSPB Birdcrime 2010 report lists 20 red kites, 30 buzzards, two goshawks, eight peregrines, five golden eagles, one white-tailed eagle and one sparrow-hawk that were found poisoned.

And it believes the true number could be much higher as many incidents go unreported.

Under laws brought in in 2006, it is already illegal in England and Wales to possess certain pesticides which are harmful to wildlife, unless the owner can prove they have them for a lawful purpose.

However, a list of which substances are controlled in this way has not been published. The RSPB says this renders the law "impotent".

In Northern Ireland a similar law has just been brought in but again no list of chemicals has been published.

In Scotland, where the controls have been in place since 2005 and a list of banned pesticides has been produced, the RSPB says 10 convictions have been secured under the rules.

The Conservation Director of the RSPB, Martin Harper, said: "If this government is serious about tackling illegal persecution of birds of prey, it really needs to start taking meaningful action.

"Putting additional controls on the possession of these common wildlife poisons would be a relatively easy first step, especially as these controls would not affect legitimate pesticide uses."

Read on ...

How clean is your nestbox? Best time to clean is now!

Sunny weather is perfect time for extra late spring clean, says RSPB
September 30th 2011. If you have a spare moment between some last minute sunbathing and a late bonus BBQ this weekend, give some thought to your garden wildlife, says the RSPB. The wildlife charity is urging gardeners and householders to give nestboxes, feeders and bird baths a clean during the late warm, dry spell, ready for the frantic months of winter feeding ahead.

The RSPB says that this weekend is the prime time to wash garden bird feeding apparatus and nest boxes with warm, soapy water, and leave them out to air dry in the sunshine. Now is the time to put nest boxes up well in advance of the breeding season next spring, as many birds will do a ‘recce' over winter to choose where to raise their family. Many birds also shelter in nest boxes in colder weather.

Over 60 per cent of the UK population feed the birds in their garden, and as winter approaches, millions of pounds will be spent on things like seed mixes, fat balls and mealworms. Despite the Indian summer this week, temperatures will inevitably drop in the coming weeks, and as they do so the amount of natural food in the countryside also diminishes.

Garden birds may still seem scarce at the moment, but when berries and insects start to run out they will return in their droves for our hospitality. That's when birds start to rely on our supplementary food and shelter, so being prepared with clean, full feeders and spick and span nest boxes is vital.

The RSPB also says that clean feeders can help prevent outbreaks of bird diseases like salmonella. These diseases tend to get worse as larger numbers of birds congregate to feed close together.

The RSPB advises keeping feeding areas clean in order to avoid the infection, with these top tips:

• - Clean and wash your bird table and hanging feeders regularly, ideally with a five per cent disinfection solution.
• - Move feeding stations to a new area every month to prevent droppings accumulating underneath.
• - Rinse water containers out daily, and allow to dry out before fresh water is added as droppings can accumulate in bird baths.
• - Personal hygiene is also important. Don't bring your feeders or nest boxes into your house to clean them - do it outside, using separate utensils. Wear gloves.
• - Always wash your hands when you've finished.

Ian Hayward, RSPB Wildlife Adviser, says: "‘October is the best time to clean out nesting boxes. If you are sure they are not in use then open them up, remove the old nesting material and you can leave it under a nearby shrub to decompose naturally, and give it a good rinse. Allow it to air dry and then put it back into place so that wintering garden birds can use it to roost in and hopefully stick around to nest in the following spring.

"Now is also a good time to be cleaning your feeders for autumn and winter but we're not usually lucky enough to have weather like this! By doing it now you'll be ready for when birds start to return from the wider countryside."
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/birdbox-cleaning.html

Shrike 'could recolonise' UK after Dartmoor breeding

A rare bird that has bred for the second year on Dartmoor could start to recolonise the UK, conservationists have said.

Last year red-backed shrikes bred for the first time on the moor since 1970. Two pairs have raised seven birds at an undisclosed location this year.

A 24-hour watch was put in place by conservationists to guard the birds against egg collectors and disturbance.

The RSPB said the repeat breeding indicated a possible recolonisation.

Kevin Rylands, RSPB farmland conservation adviser, said: "We are already planning for 2012 to ensure that any nesting attempts next year are fully protected, as well as making sure there is enough suitable habitat for them.

"The success is testament to the effort of more than 30 volunteers and seven partner organisations working together."

The team watched the sites around the clock throughout the breeding season.

Colin Marker, one of the volunteers, said "Having a successful outcome makes all the hours of watching, patrolling and being eaten alive by midges worthwhile."

The species used to be found across southern England in hay meadows, hedges, scrub and heath.

The UK population declined in the 1930s and the shrike was finally lost as a breeding species in the 1990s.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-15078751

American Sandhill crane st RSPB Strathbeg

From America to Aberdeenshire, re-routed rare crane arrives at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg September 2011. It may be playing host to thousands of wintering geese but it is a rare American arrival that is attracting attention at an RSPB Scotland nature reserve in Aberdeenshire. An adult sandhill crane, only the fourth ever to be recorded in Britain, has been spotted at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg.

The species normally breeds in North America and Canada, migrating south in the Autumn months. Staff believe this bird may have been blown off course by Hurricane Katia.

Diana Spencer, Visitor and Publicity Officer at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg said: "We've had a few ‘lost' American birds on the reserve recently, but we've never had one as large as this. It's quite unmistakable, similar in size to a heron with a bright red forehead, and long dark pointed bill. Despite having 12,000 geese on the reserve, all eyes, binoculars and telescopes have been on this new arrival. We're expecting it'll attract a lot of interest over the weekend from birders across the country."

Staff are also keen to hear from a visitor who reported a crane on the reserve on Saturday. It was presumed at the time this was a common crane but it's now thought this may have been the first sighting of the new arrival.

Birds like the Sandhill crane, which turn up miles from where they are supposed to be, are called vagrants. There is no way of knowing where this bird will go next. It has been seen preening itself, which suggests it is moulting. It is therefore likely it will remain at Loch of Strathbeg until it is in perfect condition to continue travelling south.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/strathbeg-sandhill.html

Willow tit and lesser spotted woodpecker on at-risk list

Two once-widespread woodland species of British birds have been put on the endangered list after a steep decline in their numbers.
Populations of the willow tit and lesser spotted woodpecker have dropped by 91% and 76% respectively since the 1970s, the RSPB said.

It is not clear why the species are declining; however, experts believe woodland changes may be playing a role.

The birds will now be monitored to find out why they are struggling to survive.

The Rare Breeding Birds Panel has also added the long-eared owl, short-eared owl and Arctic skua to the list of species it now considers to be at risk.

Mark Eaton from the RSPB said: "It is tragic to think that within many people's memories these woodland birds were so widespread and now they are so rare.

"Since the 1970s, we've lost nine out of 10 pairs of willow tits and three out of four pairs of lesser spotted woodpecker, and in many areas these birds have disappeared completely."

'Essential snapshot'
The RSPB said the declines were "extremely alarming", with the birds disappearing altogether from counties where they were once found.

Experts say a lack of suitable management of forests which would allow new growth and provide birds with dead and decaying timber may be having an impact.

Willow tits may also be hit by wooded areas drying out.

Experts are now tracking 103 species of rare birds which regularly or occasionally nest in the UK.

They are calling on bird watchers to submit records if they see any of the birds which are on the at-risk register.

The panel's secretary Mark Holling said: "With so many species in trouble, these reports provide an essential snapshot of how our most threatened birds are faring.

"Whether it's the spectacular increase of the red kite, or the near extinction of the wryneck and the red-backed shrike, our information arms conservation groups and government agencies to help our rarest and most vulnerable birds."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14815987

Mull of Galloway walk highlights kittiwake decline

Nature enthusiasts are heading to the Mull of Galloway in a bid to help raise funds and awareness of the decline in sea bird numbers.
They are walking to help support the work being carried out at the local RSPB Scotland nature reserve.

Thousands of birds including kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and fulmars make their home in the area.

However, numbers have been falling with the UK kittiwake population now half its 1986 level.

The sponsored walk on Saturday hopes to help study and tackle that situation.

RSPB Scotland information officer Hannah Doyle said: "The dramatic failure of seabird colonies all around our coast has been really shocking, and even this year, I can see so many empty nests, and adult birds that haven't even attempted to breed.

"The problem for kittiwakes is thought to be shortages of food, in particular sandeels which they're really dependent on because they can't dive deeper to catch other fish like herring - something birds like puffins can do.

"These sandeel shortages are thought to be driven by declines in their own food supply, zooplankton, caused by increasing sea temperatures brought on by climate change."

The walk is scheduled for Saturday starting at 11:00 from the RSPB visitor centre at the Mull of Galloway.

Participants will be informed about the work being done to assist seabirds like the kittiwake.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-14680220

UK Seabirds falling through safety net

Seabird feeding grounds not protectedAugust 2011. Despite the UK being globally-renowned for its immense populations of seabirds - including puffins, shearwaters, petrels, kittiwakes, terns and gannets - laws to designate marine protected areas in England and Wales are failing these iconic species because too few seabird sites are being protected, says the RSPB - Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity.
Kate Sugar is an RSPB marine policy officer. Commenting on the relative failure of seabird protection, she said: "The UK Government has an international commitment to designate a comprehensive network of marine protected areas by the end of next year. But for seabirds, at least, we're on course to fail because the number of sites being considered is woefully inadequate and in some cases seabirds are being excluded from the designation process.

Rich in wildlife and other economic benefits
The seas around the UK are rich in wildlife, but they also important for economic interests too. Fisheries, renewable-energy projects, oil and gas exploration, tourism, shipping and aggregate extraction are just some of the industries that are competing with each other and the environment for growth. We believe that wildlife must be safeguarded alongside the marine ‘gold rush' that's currently underway. Protecting the most important sites would take them out of jeopardy and would provide much-needed clarity for marine developers and industry.

Seabirds feeding grounds are vulnerable
"Thankfully, most seabird nesting sites are already protected, but the areas where seabirds feed at sea are not, meaning that these species are only generally afforded protection on land. This is a nonsense: it's like having robust laws preventing burglary, while having no laws preventing mugging. Seabirds need protection at sea too."

Unprotected areas
It is likely that the seabird interests of some important seabird sites will miss out on protection. These sites include: the Mid-Irish Sea; the Celtic Deeps (100km off the north Cornish coast); the waters around Beachy Head; and the Flamborough and Helgoland Front, in the North Sea.

Since 1979, the UK Government has had the power to designate marine sites of European importance for birds under the European Union Birds Directive. But, so far, it has dragged its feet and is currently running 30 years behind schedule, with only a minimum number of sites designated so far.

Seabirds excluded
There is also new legislation in England and Wales enabling the designation of marine sites that are important at a national level. Currently, there are four English projects and one Welsh project - involving a range of stakeholders - selecting a network of nationally-important marine protected areas under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, enacted in 2009. But these projects have been guided to largely exclude seabirds from the designation process around English coasts and restrict the number and size of sites around Wales, meaning that some of the best and most important sites are not even being considered. Furthermore, the UK Government has recently revealed that it does not expect to complete its ecologically-coherent UK network of marine protected areas until at least 2015 - three years after the internationally-agreed deadline of next year.

Kate Sugar added: "It is ironic that despite our global importance for seabirds we're consistently failing to protect them at sea. The UK has the largest European Union population of 15 species of seabird, including puffin, gannet and kittiwake. Therefore, it doesn't seem appropriate that countries with shorter coastlines and smaller sea areas, like Germany and Denmark, are shaming the UK with the extent of their marine protected area networks."

The RSPB is urging that people step up for nature and support the RSPB campaign to ensure seabirds are fully protected. To sign the RSPB pledge and call on UK Government ministers to ensure that seabirds are safeguarded at sea please visit:www.rspb.org.uk/marinepetition

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/uk-seabirds011.html

£30,000 grant to help save Dartmoor's Ring ouzels

Ring ouzel may become extinct in southern England

July 2011: The RSPB has teamed up with environmental funder SITA Trust and Dartmoor National Park Authority in an attempt to stem the decline of the ring ouzel in Dartmoor.

Related to, and closely resembling blackbirds, ring ouzels are birds of upland areas. Male ring ouzels are particularly distinctive with their black plumage with a pale wing panel and striking white breast band.

A remnant population is hanging on
This project is the vital first stage in preventing the potential extinction of ring ouzel in southern England. This red listed species has declined by 63 per cent since 1979 on Dartmoor, a former stronghold for this beautiful bird. Here this project will focus on a remnant population that is hanging on.

Thanks to a grant of more than £30,000, conservationists and volunteers will survey the fragile Dartmoor population over two years during the breeding season to research reasons for decline and determine what will be required to sustain future populations.

Jools Granville of SITA Trust said: ‘The rate of decline has been so steep that it was vital that the RSPB undertakes this work immediately on Dartmoor while there is still a breeding population of ring ouzels so that they may implement emergency measures to protect the population.

Ring ouzel's song is the 'soundtrack of remote and secret spaces'
‘The loss of breeding birds over the past decade on Exmoor and the Long Mynd in Shropshire is testament to the urgency of this work.'

The survey work is being co-ordinated for the RSPB by Dartmoor resident and TV naturalist Nick Baker.

Nick, who has long had a passion for ring ouzels said: ‘For me this bird has a special place. There is nothing more poignant than its plaintive tri-syllabic song, it is the soundtrack of the remote and secret spaces.

‘Listening to those notes being snatched by the wind on a blustery tor or rugged and rocky valley in spring time encapsulates for me the essence of what is so special about Dartmoor National Park.

‘If the decline continues and this population goes the way of the birds on Exmoor - that have not bred there since 2002 - then for me we've lost one of the fundamental elements of the moors, without the ring ouzel we lose the beating heart of the Dartmoor.‘

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ring-ouzel.html

Chip-stealing seagulls target Bridlington tourists

Fish and chip shops in Bridlington have started putting up signs warning people about being attacked by seagulls.

One seafront chip shop owner, Justin Carpenter, claimed he is now losing money because of the number of thefts. He said he is giving out more free bags in compensation for the ones stolen by the birds.

The RSPB said: "There are lots of young birds at the moment and parent gulls are particularly aggressive at this time of year, as they fight for food to feed their young."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-14125924

Lizard Point choughs under 24-hour guard

22 April 2011

Two choughs which arrived in Cornwall 10 years ago are being guarded around the clock by the RSPB and volunteers to protect their eggs.

The RSPB said the female had been seen sitting on a clutch of eggs in the nest in a cave at Lizard Point.

It is hoped the pair will be more successful than in 2010 when all four of their young died.

If the birds are successfully hatched and reared, the chicks are expected to fly off in early June.

The chough, a rare member of the crow family, has distinctive red legs and a long red bill.

There were more than 100 pairs in the county but the bird vanished after its food source dried up because of a decline in cliff-top grazing and the use of pesticides.

It eventually disappeared from the county in 1973, before returning to Cornwall in 2001.

In 2010, four eggs from the Lizard Point pair hatched but none of the fledglings survived.

Elsewhere in the county during the same year, there were another five breeding pairs in the county. Three pairs successfully raised nine young.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-13168611
(Via Liz R)

Ruddy duck numbers in the UK cut to 120 by cull

Photo: Wikipedia

1 March 2011

A cull of ruddy ducks in the UK has cut their numbers to just 120.

The government says about 4,400 of the birds were shot dead over the past five years.

Supporters of the cull, including the RSPB, say it is needed to protect other species from extinction. Opponents argue it is expensive and unnecessary.

The ruddy duck is originally from the United States, and came to the UK in the 1940s.

Experts say it has threatened the existence of the white-headed duck in Spain by interbreeding with it.
'Very effective'

Figures released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) show that 1,365 of the birds were killed in 2008, with the number falling to 717 in 2009, and 386 last year.

Duck shooters from the Food and Environment Research Agency killed the birds under licences issued by government officials.

Junior environment minister, Richard Benyon, said: "Defra considers the programme to date has been very effective. We remain committed to continuing the eradication programme through to completion."

The nationwide cull of ruddy ducks was ordered by the British government in 2003 after a request from Spanish authorities.

The bird was often found in the West Midlands, northern England, Anglesey and southern Scotland.

'Sad'

In 2007, bird lovers in Greater Manchester tried to get the cull stopped. They argued the white-headed duck population in Spain had recovered substantially.

Some critics argued the British cull was pointless unless other European countries also took action.

But the RSPB continues to back the actions of the UK government.

David Hoccom, head of the charity's species policy unit, said: "It is very sad that such measures are necessary, but we expect the white-headed duck's future to be more secure as a result."

"The white-headed duck has undergone a rapid worldwide decline over the last decade, making extinction a real possibility."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12603625
(Submitted by Dawn Holloway)

Rare spider discovered in nature reserve in Poole

This incredibly rare arachnid, with a wacky human face
on its back, has been discovered on a nature reserve in
Poole, the first one found in 35 years

2:00pm Monday 28th February 2011

By Lara Tollast

YOU WOULD have thought that finding a tiny, rare, fury animal with the markings of a friendly face on its back would have brought families flocking to see it at the Arne nature reserve in Poole.

Tony Whitehead of the RSPB said: “If this were a bird, rather like the recent oriental turtle dove, the queues would be stretching around the car park.”

So why is this tiny critter so lonely?

Perhaps it’s the fact that it also has eight legs, eight eyes, and the ability to scare Miss Muffet right off her tuffet.

The eloquently named Philodromus Margaritatus spider was discovered by RSPB volunteer Chris Emblem-English on an electricity junction box at the reserve in Poole. What makes this eight-legged beauty so special is that it had not been seen in Dorset for more than 30 years.

“This spider is something of a rarity”, Whitehead adds.

For centuries spiders have been on the receiving end of bad press, when only a small handful are capable of harming a human.

Perhaps the fear of spiders comes not only from their appearance but their cunning predatory methods. The fact they construct a web – a trap invisible to its ill-fated prey, is vindictively morbid and easily creepier than the tactics of other larger predators. If spiders were the size of Alsatians we would have fair reason to live in fear of them, so let’s thank mother nature that she made them so small.

Laura Dunne, 22 from Bournemouth says: “I don’t like them because they are so small, and it’s knowing that they could be hiding under your bed and you wouldn’t even know.”

Strange, then, that this fearful disdain is coupled with the belief that some spiders bring you luck. Money spiders are traditionally thought to bring wealth to those who cross their eight-legged path, and circling the spider around your head three times before tucking it in your pocket may make for more financial sense than buying lottery tickets.

The association between spiders and money stems from the belief that spiders attract wealth to people in the same way those spiders attract their prey. This theory dates back to the Romans, who would carry a little gold or silver spider in their pockets for good luck in trade.

Perhaps the best thing about spiders is that their eating habits stop us from being overrun with other creepy crawlies, such as disease-spreading flies. In Papa New Guinea and South America, spiders themselves are included in some traditional foods.

Eat them, fear them or fling them around your head, remember that spiders are more sacred of you than you are of them. As the old saying goes, “If you want to live and thrive then let a spider run alive”.

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/8879618.Rare_spider_discovered_in_nature_reserve_in_Poole/

Red kites collecting odds and ends for their nests

Old habits die hard for popular bird of prey

December 2010. The red kite has a long history of taking an interest in human belongings. Now several centuries later, it appears that this unusual practice shows no sign of stopping.

Teddy bear and socks in nests
In recent years, RSPB Scotland has found a number of weird and wonderful items hiding in the nests of some of Scotland's red kites. Amongst the traditional nest-building materials of dead twigs, grass and a lining of sheep's wool, staff have discovered coloured string and paper, as well as socks, underwear, a small child's glove, a teddy bear and, very aptly for this time of year, a Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer toy.

Magpies
Kites are well known across their European range to adorn their nests with bits of plastic and cloth which they might pick up in their breeding territory. Other bird species may exhibit similar behaviour, for example, magpies are known to like shiny items.

Shakespeare
Shakespeare was amongst the first to document the red kites penchant for stealing human possessions, when he warned ‘when the kite builds, look to lesser linen,' in The Winter's Tale (Act 4, scene 3). In Shakespeare's day, the Elizabethan era of the 1600s, the red kite was known to be an extremely common species, present even in many of our towns and cities. The red kite benefitted from poor sanitary conditions and presumably associated large rodent populations, indeed the species was protected by Royal decree as a street cleaner.

Brian Etheridge of RSPB Scotland said: "Over the years we've found many strange and interesting things in the nest of red kites. The birds use these items, many of which are discarded by humans when out in the countryside, to line their nests. However, cuddly toys are probably taken as they are mistaken for food. We often find them later with bits of stuffing pulled out. That's bound to cause a surprise, not least to a nestful of hungry chicks!"

Red kites were once completely exterminated in Scotland due to continued human persecution. However, thanks to a successful reintroduction project, led by RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage in the 1980s, these birds are making a slow and steady recovery across many of their former ranges. Red kites are primarily a scavenger, feeding on dead animals that they find in the countryside.

Some unusual items found in Red kite nests in Scotland. Credit RSPB Scotland

Red kites collecting odds and ends for their nests

Old habits die hard for popular bird of prey

December 2010. The red kite has a long history of taking an interest in human belongings. Now several centuries later, it appears that this unusual practice shows no sign of stopping.

Teddy bear and socks in nests
In recent years, RSPB Scotland has found a number of weird and wonderful items hiding in the nests of some of Scotland's red kites. Amongst the traditional nest-building materials of dead twigs, grass and a lining of sheep's wool, staff have discovered coloured string and paper, as well as socks, underwear, a small child's glove, a teddy bear and, very aptly for this time of year, a Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer toy.

Magpies
Kites are well known across their European range to adorn their nests with bits of plastic and cloth which they might pick up in their breeding territory. Other bird species may exhibit similar behaviour, for example, magpies are known to like shiny items.

Shakespeare
Shakespeare was amongst the first to document the red kites penchant for stealing human possessions, when he warned ‘when the kite builds, look to lesser linen,' in The Winter's Tale (Act 4, scene 3). In Shakespeare's day, the Elizabethan era of the 1600s, the red kite was known to be an extremely common species, present even in many of our towns and cities. The red kite benefitted from poor sanitary conditions and presumably associated large rodent populations, indeed the species was protected by Royal decree as a street cleaner.

Brian Etheridge of RSPB Scotland said: "Over the years we've found many strange and interesting things in the nest of red kites. The birds use these items, many of which are discarded by humans when out in the countryside, to line their nests. However, cuddly toys are probably taken as they are mistaken for food. We often find them later with bits of stuffing pulled out. That's bound to cause a surprise, not least to a nestful of hungry chicks!"

Red kites were once completely exterminated in Scotland due to continued human persecution. However, thanks to a successful reintroduction project, led by RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage in the 1980s, these birds are making a slow and steady recovery across many of their former ranges. Red kites are primarily a scavenger, feeding on dead animals that they find in the countryside.

Some unusual items found in Red kite nests in Scotland. Credit RSPB Scotland

Don’t feed garden birds with turkey and goose fat – It may kill them

RSPB warns of dangers of turkey fat for birds

December 2010. Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat - but that fat isn't suitable for everyone. The RSPB is warning that cooked turkey fat is extremely dangerous to birds and could even kill them.

Many people put the leftover contents of Christmas dinner roasting tins outside for birds, wrongly believing it's as beneficial to them as other fats like lard and suet. They pour the fat onto bird tables or mix it with seed thinking it will give them an energy boost and provide them with the nutrients they need.

But cooked turkey fat is completely unsuitable for birds for several reasons:

It stays soft even when cooled, meaning it could smear onto birds' feathers and ruin water proofing and insulating qualities

The softness of turkey fat means it's not practical to make popular ‘bird cake' where its mixed with seeds, as it will not harden to hold its shape

Many people rub turkey joints liberally with salt to crisp the skin and high levels of salt are toxic to birds

The fat in roasting tins can't be separated from other leftover liquids like meat juices. This concoction can go rancid quickly, and form an ideal breeding ground for salmonella and other food poisoning bacteria

Birds are already vulnerable
Birds are prone to bacterial infections at this time of year as their defences and energy levels are low because of the cold.

Kirsi Peck, RSPB Wildlife Adviser, says: "Please, please don't use fat from roasting tins to feed garden birds. It's great that so many people want to try and give birds extra treats but in this case you could be killing them with kindness.

"The juices mixed in roasting tins will go off very quickly and could cause disease on bird tables. Birds are very susceptible to them at this time of year. Turkey fat could also damage birds' feathers and during winter they need to be in tip top condition to help keep them warm. But don't let this put you off feeding garden birds - there are loads of leftovers that are suitable."

Cake, crumbs and cheese are good
The RSPB recommends Christmas scraps like Christmas cake crumbs, mince pie pastry crumbs and biscuit crumbs. Other suitable leftovers include mild grated cheese, cooked or uncooked rice, dry porridge oats, cooked potatoes and fruit.

The cooking juices from all other meats as well as turkey are equally as unsuitable for feeding to garden birds. The RSPB recommends that the best way to dispose of meat fat is to leave it to cool down and put it in the bin, not pour it down the sink.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/turkey-fat.html

Don’t feed garden birds with turkey and goose fat – It may kill them

RSPB warns of dangers of turkey fat for birds

December 2010. Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat - but that fat isn't suitable for everyone. The RSPB is warning that cooked turkey fat is extremely dangerous to birds and could even kill them.

Many people put the leftover contents of Christmas dinner roasting tins outside for birds, wrongly believing it's as beneficial to them as other fats like lard and suet. They pour the fat onto bird tables or mix it with seed thinking it will give them an energy boost and provide them with the nutrients they need.

But cooked turkey fat is completely unsuitable for birds for several reasons:

It stays soft even when cooled, meaning it could smear onto birds' feathers and ruin water proofing and insulating qualities

The softness of turkey fat means it's not practical to make popular ‘bird cake' where its mixed with seeds, as it will not harden to hold its shape

Many people rub turkey joints liberally with salt to crisp the skin and high levels of salt are toxic to birds

The fat in roasting tins can't be separated from other leftover liquids like meat juices. This concoction can go rancid quickly, and form an ideal breeding ground for salmonella and other food poisoning bacteria

Birds are already vulnerable
Birds are prone to bacterial infections at this time of year as their defences and energy levels are low because of the cold.

Kirsi Peck, RSPB Wildlife Adviser, says: "Please, please don't use fat from roasting tins to feed garden birds. It's great that so many people want to try and give birds extra treats but in this case you could be killing them with kindness.

"The juices mixed in roasting tins will go off very quickly and could cause disease on bird tables. Birds are very susceptible to them at this time of year. Turkey fat could also damage birds' feathers and during winter they need to be in tip top condition to help keep them warm. But don't let this put you off feeding garden birds - there are loads of leftovers that are suitable."

Cake, crumbs and cheese are good
The RSPB recommends Christmas scraps like Christmas cake crumbs, mince pie pastry crumbs and biscuit crumbs. Other suitable leftovers include mild grated cheese, cooked or uncooked rice, dry porridge oats, cooked potatoes and fruit.

The cooking juices from all other meats as well as turkey are equally as unsuitable for feeding to garden birds. The RSPB recommends that the best way to dispose of meat fat is to leave it to cool down and put it in the bin, not pour it down the sink.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/turkey-fat.html

Reward over shooting of Osprey in Lincolnshire

The RSPB has offered a £1,000 reward for information in connection with the shooting of an Osprey in Lincolnshire.


The young bird, which was tagged in Sweden, was found near a fish farm at Hundon Manor, Caister.

Lincolnshire Police said veterinary tests revealed that it had been shot twice with a shotgun.

Mark Thomas, RSPB investigations officer, said: "The shooting and subsequent death of this bird is sickening."

The Osprey became extinct in Britain between 1916 and 1954 because of illegal persecution.

The bird was one of three chicks hatched from a nest in Spjutholmen, Sweden in June 2010 and during its short life had crossed the North Sea and was well on course to undertake its first migration to Africa.

Wildlife crime officer for Lincolnshire Police, Nigel Lound said: "We know this bird was ringed in Sweden and was only 86 days old.

"These birds are extremely rare and it is terrible that one has been shot in Lincolnshire. We need anyone who has any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-11772772