As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Saturday, 22 September 2012

RSPB Scotland praised for harrier work


RSPB Scotland has received a special commendation at this year’s Watson Raptor Science Prize for its work on Orkney’s Hen Harrier population.

The study, which looked at the impacts of sheep grazing on the birds and their prey, showed that hill farming can play a fundamental role in assisting the fortunes of one of Britain’s most threatened birds.

Named in memory of two of Scotland’s most renowned ornithologists, Donald Watson and his son Jeff, the annual award recognises excellence in raptor science. This year’s prize was awarded to a team of scientists in Spain who studied the use of nest adornments by Black Kite.

Speaking on behalf of the harrier team, Professor Jerry Wilson, Head of Conservation Science, said: “RSPB Scotland is honoured to receive this commendation for our long-term research on Hen Harrier. It is a fitting recognition of the tireless commitment of co-author Eric Meek and his colleagues to nature conservation on Orkney. The study shows how important grazing management is to ensuring food supplies for Hen Harrier, and its findings will also help to improve conditions for other moorland birds of prey of high conservation concern, including Short-eared Owl and Merlin.”

Read on:
 http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/newsitem.asp?c=11&cate=__12551

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