And all I did was stop the unlawful destruction of habitat where warblers i.e. Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers are potentially building nests. Not forgetting the Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Robins already sitting on eggs and rearing youngsters.
And where was this all happening, in Nythe Wood this afternoon. Apparently the Swindon Borough Council tree felling team were detailed to fell all the dead trees in Nythe Wood and the adjacent clumps, all the way down to Dorcan Way, following the course of Dorcan Stream.
Fortunately I wasn't alone, as another "Do-gooder" also asked them to stop and eventually after speaking to the Swindon Borough Waste Management Team all the tree felling along Shaftesbury Avenue and Nythe Wood stopped.
The only reason I know I've been labelled a Do-gooder is that I overheard one the contractors tell his boss that and I quote "the Do-gooders are out today". The one thing a lot of birdwatchers have, and especially after 51 years, is a good sense of hearing and even though the gentleman in question was on the other side of Nythe Pool to me, I could hear every word he was saying.
Any way for their information they would be breaking the law if they:
- intentionally killed, injured or took wild birds
- intentionally took, damaged or destroyed a wild bird’s nest while it’s being used or built
- intentionally took or destroyed a wild bird’s egg
Its all Here in B & W, but for some unknown reason they didn't get the Memo.
I will add and this is in extreme cases, licences are available for disturbing or harming birds for a limited number of reasons that include preserving public health and safety.
These old dead trees have stood in the woods here for quite a few years now and yes they are dangerous, however they could have been felled last winter and not in the breeding season!
Tree Felling in Nythe Wood today!!
It sort of left a bitter taste in my mouth and the enjoyment of my walk around the wood and pool was somewhat soured. Highlights though were 5 singing Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers. There was also a Treecreeper in good voice and a Green woodpecker as well.
Butterflies. Wow dozens of them with 12+ Speckled Woods, 6 Holly Blues and I lost count of the Orange-tips.
Not so many hoverflies today, but a Common Wasp found and another insect which I came across yesterday and was seen again today, but still not ID'd.
A Common Wasp
Same as yesterday. Still not sure what this is!
Day 3 and work continues with the pool clearance