My Flickr Galleries

I have opened a Flickr account so I can show my photos at a larger size compared to what can be done with Blogger.

To browse my better images click HERE.

I intend to build the collection over the next couple of weeks and then add to it as I get new images.

Otter

Shame on Malta - Please Read This.

Maltese hunters continue to pile shame on their country, as does the Maltese Government for allowing the hunting of migrating birds. Chris Packham is out in Malta highlighting this barbaric hunting practice. This isn't a new problem, but each year it piles more pressure on migrating birds. I visited Malta back in the early 1980's and during that trip I witnessed bird hunting at first hand. I ended up having a very heated conversation with two dodgy characters who were bird liming (bird lime is a sticky substance that traps birds when they step in it). I have since refused to visit the island, but maybe going back there to help support the guys who are trying to stop the hunting is a better idea.

I have previously written to the Maltese Government and signed every petition that I've come across. The Maltese Government replied with a fancy wax sealed envelope, but the letter only acknowledged they had received my letter.

I have written to one of my local MEP's, but that resulted in an email saying she is too busy to read it until June. I wonder how many more birds will be shot by then.

Chris Packham is producing videos during his trip to the islands this spring, which can be found HERE. These videos show just how organised the hunters are and that the hunting is being carried out  on an almost industrial scale. If you can afford it, please donate to the appeal for funds to help fight this disgusting practice. The appeal for donations was launched by Birdlife Malta and details of the appeal can be found HERE.

Of course this is but one problem for migrating birds and the leaders of Britain need to do their bit and help to prevent much of Britain turning into a bird less zone. A walk around farmland in Britain can be quite depressing with the highlight often being a few Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges - both introduced species for shooting!

Odin's Informers

I posted a couple of images of a nest full of Raven chicks just over a week ago and yesterday they were preparing to fledge. The largest of them was making short hops about the rock face, so I wouldn't be surprised if he takes his first real flight today. The Raven was revered by some in ancient times and  other cultures feared them. I can understand both as they are clearly quite intelligent, but when they fix you with one of their dark looks who knows what they are planning? For me they conjure up thoughts of wild places. I often hear their distinctive calls when high-up in the Scottish mountains enveloped in cloud. They follow close by seemingly mocking me and maybe hoping to lure me into making a fatal mistake.

Raven Chicks

All Five Raven Chicks

Gull Colour-ringing Update

I recently read the colour-ring on my 300th gull at Shawell. A first-summer Common Gull was the prize winner. This was a good record because the codes on the smaller gulls are really difficult to read due to the distance involved. Common Gull (J4ET) was ringed near Bergen, Norway during September 2013.

Map Showing the Locations Where the Colour-ringed Gulls Seen at Shawell Have Been Recorded

Barn Owl and Raven

I have been up early the last few mornings and as a reward I've enjoyed a great view of a Barn Owl and been delighted by a family of Ravens. The Raven surely must have a claim to master of the skies. Their skills are incredible, how many birds can you watch doing synchronised barrel rolls with their partner. I am sure I've even seen them flying backwards.

The Barn Owl appeared just after sunrise in a tree near to where they have bred in the past. The sun was only just breaking the horizon - the golden hour. I managed few quick photos before it disappeared into a hole in the tree. A couple of Jackdaws came out very fast after the owl went in, so I guess this is only a roosting hole.

Barn Owl