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SNIPE GET THE BIRD OVER ROPE TRICK |
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, who supported the controversial plan to close New Forest car parks to reduce disturbance to ground-nesting birds, has made a startling admission. Its staff disturbs ground-nesting birds during research projects. The admission came during a presentation by RSPB warden Drew McVey in Lyndhurst to stakeholders in the Forestry Commission’s Progress Project. He described how they set about finding the well-hidden nests of snipe. RSPB representatives spread out across open land and then drag a rope over the ground until they flush a snipe from its nest. Then, they home in with a gun dog – a pointer – to pinpoint the exact location of the nest they wish to study. NFDOG committee member Steve Panton, who was at the meeting, said: “You could have knocked me down with a snipe’s feather when I heard this statement. “In the very same presentation, Mr McVey said that nest disturbance was a particular problem as it causes eggs to be abandoned. In that case, what on earth are they doing disturbing nests?” After the meeting, the Forestry Commission issued a press release in which the Progress co-ordinator Peter Thaxter referred to the problem of nest disturbance. “Once the parents are put to flight there is a real danger their young will die,” he stated. Said Steve Panton: “I could not have put it better myself. It is a shame he did not make the point when the RSPB’s rope trick was revealed.” RSPB press officer Andre Farrar said that rope dragging to find nests used to be a widespread practice. He thought it was less common now because it was a major undertaking. However, he could not confirm how often they used the technique. He said that using pointers was commonplace, especially in upland areas. He added that skilled people did the work and the dogs were well controlled. The RSPB promotes a code of conduct for birdwatchers. The first guideline states: “Avoid disturbing birds and their habitats. The birds’ interests should always come first.” Said Mr Farrar: “It is correct that avoiding disturbing nests and birds is the first priority. However, there are times when the benefits of studying nests do justify a measure of disturbance.” Steve Panton added: “I, like many NFDOG members, am a great admirer of much of the work done by the RSPB. I have visited many of its reserves, including the wonderful site at Loch Garten in Scotland to see the ospreys. However, I think it has got its policy wrong over flushing snipe from nests. “Our dog walking code for the New Forest states: ‘Keep your dog to the existing tracks on the Forest when birds nest on the ground (March 1 – 31 July). At this time, keep your dog close by or you may be asked by a forest ranger or keeper to put it on a lead.’ “Every member of NFDOG has been sent a copy of this code and it has our full backing. I urge all NFDOG members not to follow the bad example set by the RSPB.”
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