Bob Markham

Learning to be retired. When not with my lovely Granddaughters I might be birding, walking or taking photos

[Raptor Persecution UK @RaptorPersUK]

154 Hen Harriers confirmed 'missing' or illegally killed in UK since 2018 - most of them on or close to grouse moors.

Today is closing date for Defra's Call for Evidence on gamebird shooting - please participate by 23.59hrs!

Details ⬇️⬇️

https://t.co/I2UnS95dZL

[Feargal Sharkey @Feargal_Sharkey]

This is what we've come to.

A retired couple had to spend £1m of their own money taking both the @EnvAgency and @NaturalEngland to the High Court simply to force both of these charlatans to do their job, safeguard one of our nation's most legally heavily protected bits of countryside.

And the environment charities does what exactly?

https://t.co/TmLhlRyN4X

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RaptorPersUK 3 or 4 Sparrowharks too, a rate sight to us southerners!

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RaptorPersUK Lastly from me, on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales last week I was lucky enough to observe F & Juv Marsh Harriers in two areas, one with a likely natal area near grouse butts. Reported as sensitive so any local rep can get details from County Recorder

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RaptorPersUK Licencing as a minimum or banning better due to the vermin and predators they create that wouldn't be there but for their cash industry. A more diverse National Park would soon be formed.

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RaptorPersUK Of course, I support some of the sentiment here of the less extreme. I am also very pleased to see the firm action the police are taking and the seriousness of their appeal.

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@duncan_dine Approx 250 on bramble flowers far side of Lydiard Farm Park this morning

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

Do Labour MPs jockeying for position have "ANDY" written on the soles of their shoes?

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RichardRbw The Grey Whethers aren't very wooly to lie on though ...

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@ChrisGPackham @WildJustice_org In fact, I couldn't listen to it all. Heidi Alexander, Labour MP , who responded to my contacts before the election and never has since. Just because I couldn't vote for her ... whoops, that was a secret. There was no difference between the parties that spoke. They are the same

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@ChrisGPackham @WildJustice_org The opening of the debate was supposed to be neutral, but made it clear that their position was closed but it was particularly shocking to include a personal attack on Chris and patronising to all of us who signed the petition. I asked my MP to attend and speak for a ban but no

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@WildJustice_org @RaptorPersUK Have done but I bet she doesn't

[Wild Justice @WildJustice_org]

Thank you to the 100,000+ who helped secure the latest debate on banning driven grouse shooting.

Here's why it's important you ask your MP to attend ⬇️

https://t.co/XgZWCvtaip

[Raptor Persecution UK @RaptorPersUK]

Two hen harriers vanish from RSPB's Geltsdale Reserve - suspected illegally killed on surrounding grouse moors.

RSPB staff providing food at nest in desperate attempt to save chicks.

Press release ⬇️
https://t.co/ylBxPXgdJy

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RichardRbw Is that Balranald? Stayed in a house at the start of the beach quite a few years ago now. Wonderful location.

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

4 spotted chaser just emerged from my garden pond

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

First Swift for me just now. Single diving over garden with strong call. Just as the northerlies kick in

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@WiltsBirdClub @mattthesparrow @jonny_goes_wild @BTO_Wilts Thank you for sharing this. So sorry I couldn't be there to share the experience. It clearly went very well. Bob

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RichardRbw @WiltsWildlife I recall spending several 5 hour sessions there pulling Typha reeds by hand in freezing water. I preferred pretending to be a lumberjack carrying several trees down the hill ... when I could.

[Bob Markham @Bob_Markham]

@RichardRbw @CWPBirds @WiltsBirdNews If ever there was to be a fall of migrants it would be in the last 48 hours