A Sparrowhawk's Lament: How British Breeding Birds of Prey are Faring by David Cobham

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A Sparrowhawk's Lament: How British Breeding Birds of Prey are Faring by David Cobham

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1chrisharpe
elokuu 14, 2014, 2:55 am

I am half way through A Sparrowhawk's Lament: How British Breeding Birds of Prey are Faring by David Cobham, illustrated by Bruce Pearson. This is a WILDGuides publication, but quite different to their usual field guides. It is a personal look at the status of the UK's 15 breeding diurnal raptors, written by someone who has a long history of involvement in their conservation. The writing is a little quirky and takes some getting used to, but the passion and experience shine through to make this a rewarding and thought-provoking read.

Most of the UK's species follow the same sad trajectory of abundance before the industrial age, persecution and near extinction / extinction in the 19th and 20th centuries at the hands of gamekeepers and egg-collectors (tipped over the edge by DDT and other organochloride pesticides in the 1950s) and resurgence in contemporary times due to conservation programmes. The Kestrel and Merlin have, unfortunately, not turned around. But the glaring exception is the Hen Harrier, still illegally poisoned and shot by the managers of grouse moors and teetering on the brink of extinction in England. With outrage about continuing illegal persecution and 'establishment' complicity becoming a political issue, this is quite a topical read then. The author and artist will be interviewed by Chris Packham this Saturday at the UK Birdfair.

2affle
elokuu 14, 2014, 6:46 am

Thanks for this, Chris - I'll put this on my list. I still seethe about the Hen Harrier (not so) mysteriously found shot at Sandringham.

3chrisharpe
elokuu 14, 2014, 11:02 am

As do I, affle! That was a shameful day for the rule of law in the UK. However, I think the tide of public opinion has well and truly turned against powerful landowners accustomed to flouting the law - although perhaps not those involved in that particular incident! - and the government ministers who do their bidding. I don't think it will be too long before such delinquents have to answer publicly for their criminal practices, even if the legal system chooses to exonerate them. I hope you enjoy A Sparrowhawk's Lament: although it does not shy away from the facts, it is an uplifting read.

4Bowerbirds-Library
joulukuu 22, 2014, 11:48 am

Hello Chris & affle,

This sounds like a book for the growing list of tbr items.

5affle
joulukuu 22, 2014, 3:20 pm

> 4

Yes, Ruth - I've read about half now, excellent so far, and am looking forward to finishing it over the holiday period. Have a good one yourself.

6chrisharpe
joulukuu 24, 2014, 3:08 am

Yes, definitely TBR-worthy Ruth! And topical:-

Since my last message gamekeeper Allen Lambert of the Stody Estate, Norfolk was given a 10 week suspended sentence for poisoning 11 raptors, a six week suspended sentence for possession of firearms and dead buzzards and was ordered to pay £930 prosecution costs plus a £80 victim surcharge. The message from the judicial system is clear. Another buzzard was found shot not far away last week...

7affle
tammikuu 13, 2015, 6:08 pm