I'm getting lax in my postings, and forgot last week! The Peregrines can be seen flying and perching opposite, sometimes on the now vacant Raven's nest, other times in the banana tree (a small birch tree just above and to the left of the Raven's nest). I heard that there were two Peregrine chicks, but that after someone went down to see them preparatory to trying to ring them, that there was only one?! I also heard that two rings were then placed on the remaining unfortunate chick! Couple that with a report I had today (Thursday, June 11th when I did not cycle), that someone had been around and put small numbered bamboo posts beside all the bee orchids. Why ring? Why label? Why do we interfere with wildness?
The Kestrel nest is still intact so far as I can see, and the parents can be seen coming back and forth. They must have chicks, but when will they fledge? It must be soon. I see climbing parties further over on the Black Rock cliff, but this does not seem to perturb the Kestrel parents. They are far more worried about keeping nosey Jackdaws away from their patch!
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2 comments:
John - you are normally so sensible but your comment about ringing birds can't go unchallenged!
Most of what we know about bird conservation comes from ringing them - scientists have been able to discover survival rates, breeding success and wider population trends, and help to identify why bird numbers may be declining. The perries are doing great at the moment but what if their population slumped again like it did in the 60s and 70s? Using ringing data, the BTO and others would get a handle on the causes. What I've just said might sound depressingly utilitarian but if future generations get a chance to see these magnificent birds then I reckon it's a price worth paying!
I agree about labelling orchids though - that sounds dreadful. I took a piccy this afternoon of an unlabelled specimen if you want to use it. See:
http://www.wildmonty.co.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ophrys.JPG
Hi Des,
Yes, normally I agree with ringing birds, but (and the info was second
hand), it seemed very curious that two rings were put on the bird(?),
secondly there was a possibility that the ringing, and events prior to it may have led to the loss of a chick.
I'm not sure if any of the Gorge
peregrines have been ringed in the past? Was there any attempt
to ring the five chicks from last year?
I do know that some very
interesting analysis of the remains in the nest have led to a picture
of the peregrine's eating habits.
I did not see any labeled orchids this morning!
Do you know anything about the kestrel nest - how many occupants?
Best
John
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