Lee Evans, who clearly oposes the cull and the reasoning behind it, posts the following on the Northants website. He raises a valid point that the cull agency may monitor bird club websites to find the last remaining stragglers. so I guess it's up to individuals whether they report sightings of Ruddy Ducks. Personally I'm not in either camp on this issue.
Alan
Rather timely and topically, Iain Henderson has published a detailed review
of the UK Ruddy Duck eradication programme in this month's British Birds
magazine (102: 680-690). It is very selective in the data it presents and
the author is clearly convinced and influenced by the facts provided and
continues to repeat the nonsensical statement that 'the Ruddy Duck is now
regarded as the greatest threat to the long-term survival of the White-headed
Duck'.
It explains how the UK population originates from four males and three
females imported to the WWT at Slimbridge (Gloucs) in 1948. A captive breeding
programme started in 1949 but, following a series of escapes in the mid to
late 1950s and the deliberate release of three immature females in 1961, a
small feral population became established at Chew Valley Lake (Avon).
Well, Ruddy Ducks are still surviving in the North American pen at
Slimbridge in a free state (but pinioned) and still breed each year. I wonder what
precautions are in place to prevent further juveniles escaping from that
site?
Iain reproduces official statistics provided by Fera, including the
selective figures detailing collateral damage. The list of native birds killed or
wounded during the programme since just September 2005 include a Common
Scoter, Black-necked Grebe and 2 Little Grebes (in fact 29 birds in total of 7
species - which is incorrect, as I have personally witnessed other species
killed not included in their figures).
There is no doubt however that Fera have been exceptionally successful in
their campaign, totally eradicating some 6,200 or more 'sitting ducks' -
perhaps 90% of the pre-cull population.
It openly admits that some birdwatchers and WeBS counters withhold
information but that they have got round that by employing their own counters and
have received help from site owners and managers. They have targeted the
birds at key breeding sites and main wintering sites. The increasing
co-operation of site owners bodes well for the final stages of the programme, as
does the behaviour of the Ruddy Duck. It also concludes by saying that
complete eradication is expected by this spring.
I hereby suggest, particularly if you support my stance on the subject,
that you do NOT report any more Ruddy Ducks in Britain wherever they may be,
as Fera are likely to follow up any known sightings and attempt to kill them.
|
