RSPB Bittern "Mania" (1 Viewer)

[Egret]

I have long been concerned about, what I see as, the RSPB's obsession with "headline" birds. for instance, I feel that the work - very successful and laudable efforts - done to create good Bittern habitat has come at a price for other species e.g. waders.

This morning, I find myself even more uneasy. I have just read the article "Titchwell Marsh: securing the future" in the May issue of "RSPB Birds". Why am I uneasy? Well we read a lot about Bitterns and Bearded Tits - we get pictures of both - but the only wader that gets a mention is that other RSPB icon; the Avocet. Now, I only get to visit Titchwell a couple of times a year so I am no Titchwell expert but I feel the new plans leave even less room for waders than the present shape of the reserve. This worries me; I can understand the need for icons to shape public sentiment and raise funds but I worry that they are displacing the birding "masses" that we should be supporting.

I am no expert; what I know about the ecology of birdlife would fit in a very small container. So, I would like to hear what others think. Am I talking drivel? Missing the point? Should I stick to stamp collecting?

Andy

 

[Henley Birder]

The question is: who are these articles written for?

There is no point talking to the majority non-birdwatching RSPB membership (or potential new members) about lots of different birds they have never heard of. It makes more sense to concentrate on a few "characters" just like a novel where you should not have more than two or three main characters. Creating interest in these characters generates the money that can then be used in a more general sense.

I think it is more about having a compelling narrative than limiting your actions to particular birds.

The question of what happens at Titchwell is I think separate from the above.

 

[JCLynn]

I wouldn't worry about Titchwell's plans for change with regards to waders. They use the reserve as an 'added bonus' and are all just as happy on the mud,sand and surf, of the beach.
As far as 'Bittern Mania' goes, the RSPB must be doing something right as this years 'Bittern Boomers' totals 70, whereas 15 years ago, it barely reached a count of a dozen.
All RSPB members are important and I would say that the numbers of 'non-knowledgable bird watching' members far exceeds the numbers of 'knowledgeables'
I don't feel that you 'are missing the point' at all Andy, but don't start stamp collecting. Far better to just stop reading the RSPB magazine, wipe 'Avocet' from you memory, and carry on enjoying your birding.

Joe

 

[Mike Shurmer]

The RSPB has masses of reserves where breeding waders are a main driver (e.g. Marshside, West Sedgemoor, Otmoor, Berney Marshes, Frampton, Elmley, Greylake, Dee etc... and probably many more I don't know about).

They also have a large number of projects working in the wider countryside with farmers and landowners.

You should have a good look through their website. It is surprising how much the RSPB does apart from with the "headline" birds.