Three buzzards over Musbury yesterday afternoon all heading south, one was harangued by a pair of kestrels.
I am looking forward to see how the tree planting in Musbury affects the wildlife in the next few years, broadleaf plantings are in my opinion a good move in general.
I have no problem with tree planting, either broad leafed or coniferous, provided it is done in the right way. Little thought ever seems to be given to any wildlife that uses these areas before they are planted. An area I know of where twite feed in the breeding season has recently been planted. Eventually this area will be of no use at all to a species that is already suffering. The same applies to other open country species such as meadow pipit, skylark and brown hares. I also know of an area with a green hairstreak colony that has also been planted in the last few years. Fortunately the trees here don't seem to be growing.
Hello again Dale, I see Buzzards quite regularly whilst working on the cricket ground at Rawtenstall often flying towards and over Cribden. They seem to enjoy the windier weather and have been quite active this week, three on Tuesday and two Wednesday and Friday. Don't stay around for long and don't soar like Buzzards I have watched elsewhere, nor are they very vocal. I suppose they must adopt that behavior somewhere locally but always appear quite nervous and furtive when over the town.
I have always wanted to reply here but keep forgetting. I have no idea where they are planting in Musbury and broadleaved is a better choice but will the planting impact some birds which are Amber and Red list species which are found in that area ie Meadow Pipit, Curlew, Lapwing, Skylark and Grey Partridge? I am not sure which other birds could lose out which are found in that region. Kevin mentions Brown Hares - it has been ages since I saw a Hare in Rossendale. I have no idea about which other species could be affected.
Birds that could benefit be Buzzard, Redstart, Willow Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler in the long run - the last 4 are also Amber and Red list species but are they losing out because of problems abroad or here? The birds that will lose out are resident species or locally migratory so their problems lie here.
It would be nice if they could make the far end of Holden Wood Res more attractive to wildlife somehow.
-- Edited by sarfraz on Friday 9th of December 2011 12:30:01 AM
