Book Review....

....and a Barn Owl.

I've been contacted with a review of Mark Avery's new book Inglorious which I thought you would like to see copied - with permission as in the last sentence - directly from my inbox. 

Hi Pete, 

As you know, I had my reservations about the author, the book and what conclusions that it might reach - well I found it a thoroughly good read. All the statistics, facts, evidence, etc. were presented in a very easy to read and honest way and were even tinged with humour in places. Reading it, it is impossible to come to any other conclusion than that presented by Mark, that driven grouse shooting in it's current form needs stopping.

As you know, I take part in each winter's monthly harrier roost counts here in Sheppey and last year saw a total absence of Hen Harriers going in to roost on count evenings at my traditional site, probably the first year that has happened and reading Mark's book I don't hold out much hope of that changing this winter.

I shall be recommending the book to anybody that will listen, and feel free to use my comments in your blog if you see fit.

Regards

Derek

Ban Driven Grouse Shooting. 

Regarding the subject of Mark Avery's petition to Ban Driven Grouse Shooting which I have of course signed. But by the way....The RSPB as a society haven't signed this petition yet, and didn't do the last time round either.

A quote from Mark Avery....'Those who oppose all field sports, in whose number I DO NOT INCLUDE MYSELF'....unquote.

So there you have it. If you didn't already know, Mark Avery isn’t opposed to shooting birds - and neither is the RSPB - but just wants to dictate to others what methods to use to do it, and which birds to shoot and which not to shoot. The land owners and their acolytes ain't going to buy this one, excuse the pun....Mark my words.

And The Barn Owl.

Barn Owl. Howard Stockdale.

I'm grateful to Howard for pointing me in the direction of the Barn Owls in the photographs above, seen recently on a regular basis in the Glasson Dock area.