16th March 2014

Weather:  Low cloud with strong SW to NW winds

The Greenshank was again with the flock of Redshank on the lee side of the groyne sheltering from the strong wind.  No sign of any spring migrants but in the horse paddocks a mixed flock of Linnet, Goldfinch, Skylark  and Meadow Pipit contained 2 Twite.  Highly mobile the flock could be found in any of the fields but with patience came quite close.  Also here a leucistic Meadow Pipit,  which caused the heart to race when first spotted !  No sign of the Chiffchaff seen recently around the nature pond.  

Of interest:: Stop the use of Diclofenac, the vulture killing drug in the EU.

Not quite a Leasowe Lighthouse Birding issue but one that should concern all birders !

Cheshire Birder John Gilbody has started a petition on Change.org as he wants to see the use of Diclofenac banned in the EU. Over 11000 people have signed so far since he started it on Wednesday 5th. Birdlife International and the RSPB are happy with the petition (they have given him the contacts at the EU which he needs to send the petition to) although they say it's best to keep it from a member of the public as they are campaigning for a ban as a charity body.
He's also put a petition in with the European Parliament’s petition Committee (as advised to by the RSPB) which then will have to be discussed in the parliament.

You can see full details of the petition here :. campaign: http://chn.ge/1fHij71


Please sign up and spread the word.  This is an important issue for birders.