https://www.samhobson.co.uk/bufo-bufo daily 0.75 2015-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1429028593456-096POP9JWPCMHOFZYMSP/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_5.jpg Toad March For a few fleeting days each spring, there is a moonlight migration in the centre of the city https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433263569-8EMGE5D99BBTKI9YHO3W/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_12.jpg Toad March It goes unnoticed by most, but the march of the toads is a spring spectacle that has just as much drama as any migration story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433265346-3V1DUXGVCW8OILPWT0US/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_14.jpg Toad March Waking from winter hibernation, common toads have a sudden urge to make for their ancestral breeding pools https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433268411-BBPG4236WTCXMK0HLE56/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_17.jpg Toad March Many will perish whilst crossing seas of tarmac, but they are driven by a desire to pass on their genes to the next generation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433264766-QIIYW64YH46QE6JJN2DU/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_13.jpg Toad March In Bristol, a favoured breeding pond is at the crest of its tallest hill, so a heroic ascent must be conquered https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433268253-JIY17YXHB49S3CYU54WS/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_16.jpg Toad March At the summit, they wait for darkness to break from cover. The fat females, heavy with eggs haul themselves out to make the final crossing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433261900-KBSZO7X3DM5LXESBGWL8/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_10.jpg Toad March Progress is often encumbered by amorous males, who clamp themselves on in a powerful embrace, hoping to get a headstart on the competition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433260395-MILUUYE4MNYX53M538ZN/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_6.jpg Toad March At least she will be free from further advances until she reaches the pond - with his arms securely fastened he can fend off rivals with a mighty backwards kick https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433271063-Z95RR13MOMX9WDBWOM66/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_18.jpg Toad March But most males arrive at the party alone. They reach sexual maturity a year earlier, so can greatly outnumber the females https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433262540-MBKY9HEC88FIZ2OHJTFD/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_11.jpg Toad March However they make it and despite all the dangers, thousands of toads will attempt this adventurous annual expedition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1426433266657-J4ETKHXGU1WXBC7BYNLI/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_toad_15.jpg Toad March As the ultimate reward awaits for those that arrive - the brief opportunity to secure their genetic survival. At least until next year https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1457525944109-HLKKREWQAI57CFVJNJ50/SAM_HOBSON_URBAN_TOAD.jpg Toad March https://www.samhobson.co.uk/urban-red-fox daily 0.75 2021-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665921744-7B016KESM2HDES79BD6Z/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_4.jpg Bristol Fox Curious, adaptable and intelligent. The red fox is the perfect urban survivor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665925407-1NEL0EHD5I6BS87GPOIG/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_10.jpg Bristol Fox In an increasingly urban world, it’s remarkable to find a carnivore not only surviving, but thriving in the city https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665927010-76SZX1G8ZFMUT0JGI96T/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_12.jpg Bristol Fox By keeping to the shadows and leading a mostly nocturnal life, the red fox can live alongside man almost unnoticed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665923598-I6CIE8L6CXGLPGOVM6TQ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_7.jpg Bristol Fox But even though we share our surroundings, after midnight the streets belong to the foxes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665922608-1WNWCMN5BXQCV99ACUF2/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_6.jpg Bristol Fox They divide our neighbourhoods into their own territories. We are lucky to own a house, but a fox owns the whole street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665921196-QNL3S1THHVVTN7N8MRDV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_5.jpg Bristol Fox Dog foxes patrol their territories in the early morning, before the commuters head out for the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1615367837902-1NYB28AS04XRR5XIUROX/Sam_Hobson_Urban_Dog_Fox_Bristol.jpg Bristol Fox Territory sizes in Bristol have varied wildly, since an outbreak of mange in 1995 killed 95% of the city’s population https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1615367170813-TIPP4PEIS0ANK9CVK8V2/image-asset.jpeg Bristol Fox But the surviving 5%, who were more resistant to mange, slowly repopulated Bristol with a more resilient population https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665923972-RKR4HGBVFY0CGYT85FW7/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_8.jpg Bristol Fox Mange is still present, but numbers have slowly been recovering and the surviving foxes are more resistant to the disease. Many territories however, still remain vacant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665928480-7FKOA44LL4FH94869HH6/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_14.jpg Bristol Fox Cars can also be a big killer. Around 50% of urban foxes die on our roads, with young foxes in most danger. Adults are much more streetwise and know their green cross code https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1413671905096-Y9Q6Z8QE40O8FTXHALLV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_16.jpg Bristol Fox Sub-adults are generally more at risk in the city. A more inquisitive and adventurous nature is likely to get them into trouble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665928675-F6HEV0U8AXUI5FNZK3E0/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_13.jpg Bristol Fox Young foxes spend most of the summer near their dens in family groups, exploring their surroundings and slowly growing in confidence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1413671908172-H5ZEZQGHIMX1THJA8ZJQ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_19.jpg Bristol Fox For some, confidence comes more naturally and they will investigate anything new in their environment - including a camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1413671906748-CSPE0G7KSU8CYD90SJJK/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_18.jpg Bristol Fox Young vixens may stay with the family, but during autumn and winter, young dogs are adventuring further and starting to look for their own territories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1413672019053-X7TKKBWD4IHLEIJNIZZ9/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_20.jpg Bristol Fox Prime real estate with a good set of bins is a patch worth protecting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1413671907221-1BQ85VV6PGPL350BD9M9/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_17.jpg Bristol Fox Soon the adults become less tolerant of those reluctant to leave and do their best to help them pack their bags https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409665926874-Q72B7MZSEYIC067T0EJZ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_11.jpg Bristol Fox Sooner or later all young foxes must gather their courage if they are to make it on their own https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1615368138902-T9HMDDU2DLEJGAXLX8TW/SAM_HOBSON_Bristol_Urban_Fox.jpg Bristol Fox Some find safety on the outskirts of the city, bridging the gap between urban and rural https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1615368823059-LK2K08YRP339E6XV6LRQ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_15.jpg Bristol Fox But for those that choose to call Bristol home, the city can be just as safe and comfortable an existence as anywhere else https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1457525703796-Q7B0QPJRWJKDWUN4YUG6/SAM_HOBSON_URBAN_FOX_3.jpg Bristol Fox https://www.samhobson.co.uk/urban-goshawk daily 0.75 2014-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312338170-XS6LJG98ERZZHYWM5GWY/_DSC9947-157+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk If you take a walk through Berlin's parks and cemeteries, you might be watched by a silent killer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312338170-XS6LJG98ERZZHYWM5GWY/_DSC9947-157+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk If you take a walk through Berlin's parks and cemeteries, you might be watched by a silent killer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312336691-AF83AZ034190EMAU06V9/_DSC9907-155+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Fabled in folklore and notoriously elusive, the northern goshawk has found a home in the city's tree-tops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312317751-LOBMH18IIVHT2JCUS72R/_DSC5031-64+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk From a few pioneering pairs in the early 80s, the goshawk is now a well established urban invader https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312313607-J0KKSLUAJJ2RPWKDHAZB/_DSC4858-49+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk There are over 100 breeding pairs in Berlin, with many more juveniles and unpaired birds making their homes in the city https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312317602-DP84SLMXSL4UYEVXR8BB/_DSC6109-1+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Many goshawks nest in Berlin's suburban forests, but cemeteries, city parks and urban courtyards are increasingly common breeding territories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312319314-64DLHML3YY0ZV9RPX40N/_DSC6677-6+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Feral pigeons and city rats are common prey, but kestrels, pet budgies and even long-eared owls are on the menu for this apex aerial predator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312331800-8K171QT672SL0LRGZC9E/_DSC8453-53+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The goshawk has long powerful legs for chasing prey at ground level and for keeping seized prey at a distance - a peck from a crow could be blinding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314924158-GAY9MMZ4RWKXJCEDRJWT/_DSC6732-7+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk These urban raptors may hunt in the city, but remain mostly arboreal - always nesting amongst the trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312312110-T0JOSPXWZ4YWSWI7OMCK/_DSC3841-16+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Buildings do however provide perfect hunting perches, with unimpeded 360º views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312324920-VCY2777MPJ8JDIVEC9XL/_DSC8000-33+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk During Spring courtship, the males call loudly, whilst "flagging" their under-tail coverts, and hope to impress the females with gifts of food https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406316114730-RPEQ6Z019Q7IBEJ75JI7/_DSC6768-9+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk After mating, laying, incubation and hatching, the nestlings are monitored and ringed when old enough https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314929820-7XRG366NO7VICFA8R63P/_DSC9481-123+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Dr. Norbert Kenntner can age the nestlings by the size and spray-radius of droppings around the nesting tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314926780-NUIQVKAMKA8B7TQU86KE/_DSC8260-25+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk He wears a protective helmet and clothing when climbing - attacks by adults are uncommon, but can occasionally be relentless and fierce https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314925440-SY4XG0E74JH263TBY6XU/_DSC7886-2+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The nest can be over 1.5 metres wide and over a metre deep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312338940-NAY52OFKBJ9BHZ3J5J06/G0010826+copy_v2.jpg Berlin Goshawk There are usually between 2 - 5 nestlings, with 3 or 4 being most common. The species of nesting tree is recorded, as is the leafy "greening" that lines the nest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312310387-S9SG9GBIA1Z7RC4H7UMS/_DSC0001-161+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The nestlings are carefully placed in soft canvas bags and lowered to the ground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314926017-CMM73BV2ZM7K3I1Z6THN/_DSC7944-6+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk At ground level, the chicks can be handled and processed more easily and quickly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314927727-0DKY02CG1DD1STWFA3B6/_DSC8381-36+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Measurements such as wing-length are systematically recorded https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312310517-XEXWKJ2BTP3S812JW5PG/_DSC0237-184+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The chicks are weighed, which combined with their measurements can conclusively determine the sex of each nestling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312327848-W2CXV3MJQXOL61AEGYJQ/_DSC8166-36+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Colour-rings are attached to the nestlings, which can be read from a distance. Data from recoveries and subsequent sightings is invaluable to scientific study of the urban goshawk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312332728-76Q0P8T84INOCZDTVFIO/_DSC9179-90+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The colour-ringing project is investigating age and origin, reproductive success, site fidelity, territory size, exchange of partners, proportion of non-breeders and helping to answer many other questions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314929125-SERKEDTN6DEDWLJDPLUV/_DSC9106-67+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The nestlings are ringed from between 2 and 5 weeks, starting in mid-May. Birds in Dr. Kenntner's area are ringed with the colour-ring on the right leg and conventional ring on the left https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312325739-UCYRX3CFLFXDKLSG1R83/_DSC8217-38+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The conventional Radolfzell goshawk rings come in 2 different sizes. Like many raptors, goshawks are sexually dimorphic - the females being much larger than the males https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312318975-CRBJBBOGKFT0L4G1WWWG/_DSC6574-5+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The goshawk colour-ringing project is now (2014) in it's third year, but conventional ringing goes back much further. This old male, known locally as "Methusalem", was ringed as a nestling over 15 years ago https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312333820-SHEN2IZSTFO8R69HHEAH/_DSC9247-96+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Unlike Methusalem, the nestlings begin life with pale blue eyes. They turn grey-green by fledging, deep yellow in their first year, rich orange as they mature and finally ruby red in old age https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406316073677-E9CCOUXOIMC0SAUZY2AL/_DSC9726-142+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk During ringing, the climber waits in the tree-top, while the adult goshawks often keep a close watch from a nearby perch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312337233-9LRMQH66V403H4EIGB7A/_DSC9831-151+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk They regularly make much closer fly-bys to get better views of the proceedings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312326856-9HB4A8VFSM0I9BOSD592/_DSC8241-40+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The climber removes the unhatched addled eggs from the nest, which are labelled and taken for scientific analysis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312328037-FIWBQFX08NB5LVOLDN2Y/_DSC8340-33+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk After ringing, swabs and feather samples are taken from the nestlings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312334395-5B3354XTQBAD4U4YK7Y5/_DSC9343-108+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Crop samples are taken to test for diseases like trichomonosis, which has become quite common in urban goshawks and could be transmitted through their feral pigeon prey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312335557-DMVPAVRIYS1WRGUF7LUE/_DSC9415-116+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk If the nestlings are old enough, blood samples are collected for DNA analysis and further testing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312330949-HEB2G00FPUXPIRDICSUB/_DSC8914-60+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The blood slides, samples and data are used by Dr. Kenntner, NABU Berlin and the Leibniz Institute to gain a better understanding of the health of Berlin's goshawk population https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314928273-NH5OUNMKT1JNQKG0L4YK/_DSC8793-50+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The ringing process can be traumatic, but the scientists and ringers work quickly and the whole process is over in around 15 - 20 minutes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312335011-3G5F10QPAEG7F6RLDZG3/_DSC9351-110+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Their pride is only temporarily damaged and after ringing, the climber quickly raises them back up the tree, places them in the nest and abseils down https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314923697-FN5NE6QGTYEZQOO5XKZN/_DSC4777-46+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Back up in the canopy, the young continue to develop. Slowly the "branchers" explore the tree-top around the nest, in preparation for fledging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312315117-ZK50B2SIKKMYNPLB56ZP/_DSC5030-63+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Once fledged, they remain dependent on the adults for food. This young juvenile is clutching the remains of a city rat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312315720-CPOJBRDLQTZ6F4MSJ0LY/_DSC4942-60+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Fledging gos are incredibly precocious, sometimes catching prey just a few weeks out of the nest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312323854-K3HD9WI3KI1G1DWTAN23/_DSC7843-30+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The adults continue to hold territory throughout the year as the next generation spread out to look for their own place in the world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312313394-6196MKQM9DD1XZ8L73S3/_DSC4219-29+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Some goshawks will breed as young as 1 year old, but 2 or 3 is more common. This yearling gos ousted an adult pair from this territory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312311565-3QAVNCTLDAJCFUFYV6SG/_DSC4199-28+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk He had learnt that pigeon squabs are a year-round resource in the city https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314924971-LQ4MDC57QVKLZUZ2XDPI/_DSC6936-12+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk In the city, their is enough food to support the growing goshawk population. Capacity will be determined by the availability of breeding territories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312329752-OXRIHTXWMC0Z7HZSOYK7/_DSC8394-52+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The Berlin goshawks are relatively free from persecution compared to their rural cousins. In the city, there are more eyes to monitor and look out for them https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406316308850-1NAZXBTSOVAWVIEN65FU/_DSC8373+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Apart from disease, windows are perhaps the biggest killer. Collisions are often fatal or will cause mortalities if injuries affect hunting ability https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312322810-AJB4MX3GTYXGTTUSIJ1Q/_DSC6986-13+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk The future is looking bright for the urban goshawk, but it is impossible to know for certain without the kind of scientific study being undertaken by Dr. Kenntner and his colleagues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406314927046-ST78697W2IZE5P5PAGSE/_DSC8311-48+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk At least, if it is discovered that diseases spread more quickly in such dense populations, the colour-ringing scheme will help to determine this and other problems much more quickly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406316099400-BLIEM6W4AWHP8QRVH4CA/_DSC8316-31+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk For now, urban goshawks are providing us with better opportunities than ever before to study this enigmatic raptor, and watch it develop from a ball of fluff.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1406312322094-8M2EJF6ICXDKBCSEF8FX/_DSC7566-25+copy.jpg Berlin Goshawk Into a beautiful and powerful raptor - a privilege and honour to have gracing our city's skies https://www.samhobson.co.uk/urban-fallow-deer daily 0.75 2014-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336389045-B5L5Q0I9JZUQXE6CLGVO/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_1.jpg Urban Fallow Deer On cold Winter nights on the outskirts of London, fallow deer peer from the woods https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336389045-B5L5Q0I9JZUQXE6CLGVO/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_1.jpg Urban Fallow Deer On cold Winter nights on the outskirts of London, fallow deer peer from the woods https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336388377-VDUKPJP533JYRJTB4C8Z/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_2.jpg Urban Fallow Deer As soon as things start to quieten down, they make a dash for the city streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336389929-GKPQ85DIU62W7BLP7BLJ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_3.jpg Urban Fallow Deer By around 3 o'clock in the morning, they find a quiet spot and settle down to feed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336390725-M8HMTGQZ14UNEC4JWWH1/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_4.jpg Urban Fallow Deer Gradually the bolder deer venture into the busier streets, only dashing into the shadows when a car or bus passes by. The lush, council-maintained lawns are worth it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336391533-1JZGH20NYNJCEFR1YY01/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_5.jpg Urban Fallow Deer The larger herds stick to the playing fields, where they are less likely to be disturbed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336397270-CA2N7RARRKIKM1ZZFCR4/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_12.jpg Urban Fallow Deer Only very occasionally migrating en masse from one area to another. Collisions with cars can kill, but there's safety in numbers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336392284-TSQYGC65PA04BR4GHDI3/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_6.jpg Urban Fallow Deer During Winter months, food is scarce in the forest. The Autumn harvest has passed and the new Spring shoots are yet to emerge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336393801-HG0HK731E9TFV6ENOXDJ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_8.jpg Urban Fallow Deer Urban and suburban lawns are irresistible and with more than enough to go round, it makes the risks of urban adventure worth taking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336393100-SOX1DTQRPKITZLLWWDNG/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_7.jpg Urban Fallow Deer Its hard to predict when the deer will come into the city, but frosty nights seem to be best for the big bucks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336394286-830NMP76DS67V01HY1VV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_9.jpg Urban Fallow Deer Any scrap of grass is fair game - the street lights and warmth of the city encourage new growth earlier than anywhere else https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336395178-FFRZQPAKK0R3LVTTE8XG/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_10.jpg Urban Fallow Deer By around 5 in the morning, the deer start thinking about heading home after their night out, back into the woods before the city’s residents start to stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336395971-GOD2BPRTD84R0PXCWQJY/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_11.jpg Urban Fallow Deer People sat at the bus stops on the way to work may never realise that wild deer have been feeding around their feet just hours before https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409336397040-QD0FE72V3EDEAOZUIYT6/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_13.jpg Urban Fallow Deer The deer slip away in to the night, barely leaving a trace of their presence, sheltering in the safety of the woods until the next night falls https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest daily 0.75 2021-06-16 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/2021/6/16/bbc-wildlife-channel-launch-interview monthly 0.5 2021-06-16 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/2021/2/2/wpy2020-nhm-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-awards monthly 0.5 2021-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1612313199044-XCMF3MF6LP0DAMVEMKZ7/Sergey+Gorshkov%2C+Russia%2C+Animals+in+their+Environment.jpg LATEST NEWS - WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS IN A PANDEMIC? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1612310952488-QTG87RD5HHX09RLWCSS9/Sam_Hobson_Megan_McCubbin_WPY_2020.jpg LATEST NEWS - WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS IN A PANDEMIC? https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/2020/8/13/wwf-commission monthly 0.5 2020-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1597321807713-736E3KHVG4JO0N5G5TL3/SAM_HOBSON_WWF_DSC_0702.jpg LATEST NEWS - WWF COMMISSION 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PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1487023946056-C546GXAJPLBDHE7DTUSZ/image-asset.jpeg LATEST NEWS - MEDIA COVERAGE - INTERVIEWS WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JONATHAN ROSS AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1487024224512-Q9WKE5MI3AMB4PQJ1D23/image-asset.jpeg LATEST NEWS - MEDIA COVERAGE - INTERVIEWS WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JONATHAN ROSS AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/2016/10/24/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-book-cover-and-worldwide-lead-publicity-image monthly 0.5 2017-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1487022529707-0GH2XS1348SGPSBTZI55/image-asset.jpeg LATEST NEWS - WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR BOOK FRONT COVER AND LEAD PUBLICITY IMAGE WORLDWIDE! 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https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/tag/BBC+Radio+2 monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/tag/Wildscreen+Photography+Festival monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/tag/Herons monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/tag/Drones monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/latest/tag/Location monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/costa-del-chipmunk daily 0.75 2014-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818150902-IKEC3G3WKRAZ6B3NOFBO/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_1.jpg Barbarians The Barbary ground squirrel is an invasive species on the Canarian holiday island of Fuerteventura, where tourists refer to them as chipmunks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818150902-IKEC3G3WKRAZ6B3NOFBO/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_1.jpg Barbarians The Barbary ground squirrel is an invasive species on the Canarian holiday island of Fuerteventura, where tourists refer to them as chipmunks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818151125-0321SU8U1GM9VSXEJJ61/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_2.jpg Barbarians These little Barbarians have colonized the island, and can now be found from its coastal lowlands up to the highest volcanic peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818152603-8XE9Q9DAIYXMJIEMQ3B2/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_3.jpg Barbarians High densities of ground squirrels can be found wherever there are tourists. Beach-side resorts offer the richest pickings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818152943-R10EIV641GLB93DHZUEZ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_4.jpg Barbarians Barbary ground squirrels favour arid rocky ground to make their burrows, where they live communally in family groups https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818153789-4GRCEFS8EDIP2A2PF57T/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_5.jpg Barbarians The Fuerteventuran climate is very similar to their native lands of Morocco and Algeria on the Barbary coast of Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818154160-A33KY3BKDR69KBIBANJ0/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_6.jpg Barbarians The Barbary ground squirrel is thought to have first arrived in 1965 and is one of only a few mammal species that inhabit the island - all of which (except the bats) were introduced by man https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818154416-3JJOXNEZETUY6O29CQ8W/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_7.jpg Barbarians Well fed resort squirrels are often picky about their food. A slice of cucumber is perfect to cool off in the heat of the day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818155686-HSX0GT6F6KNJT04LS712/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_8.jpg Barbarians Adult Barbary ground squirrels are around 6-9 inches long, with a bushy tail as long as the body https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818155727-QKJC0QQBP2ZD32LPMEC3/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_9.jpg Barbarians There may be fewer parasites on the island, than in their native range - perhaps one of the reasons the squirrels are so successful https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818157127-IDGBOPKS6BGLDFDD9K0Z/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_10.jpg Barbarians The buzzard population is on the increase and may have been affected by the arrival of this new food source. Squirrels are always on the look out for predators https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1396818157031-1GCYG902WTTDUILP0MMG/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_11.jpg Barbarians In areas frequented by humans, ground squirrels show little fear. Serious scientific study is now underway to determine what effects their presence is having on the island's native wildlife https://www.samhobson.co.uk/urban-peregrines daily 0.75 2023-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241268267-2XHZOLD5EPMC7OKFLY6U/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_2.jpg Peregrine Falcon The peregrine falcon. Ruthless killer, graceful aerial acrobat and fastest creature on the planet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241268267-2XHZOLD5EPMC7OKFLY6U/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_2.jpg Peregrine Falcon The peregrine falcon. Ruthless killer, graceful aerial acrobat and fastest creature on the planet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241267934-UWTAKRDEIC5OSPF8TTWQ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_1.jpg Peregrine Falcon In recent years, these powerful falcons have become one of the UK's greatest urban wildlife success stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241269292-NTBEVYR9M9YL51Z9PV4Q/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_3.jpg Peregrine Falcon Recovering from under 400 pairs in the 1960s to well over 1500 today, peregrines have made a come-back and are giving us better and closer views than ever before https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241271023-ADQURT0T0OZF0WFL9DPH/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_5.jpg Peregrine Falcon In the city, where they are less fearful of man, we can even witness dramatic natural behaviour at close quarters like this clash between 2 juvenile siblings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241280522-DFTIZY1ZBUFM178C1Z0I/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_19.jpg Peregrine Falcon Clumsy fledglings can turn up in unexpected places, like this cliff-top above a busy main road https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1675340517136-1JJXNZ67KVG1ZR30WEQU/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_37.jpg Peregrine Falcon And some become grounded and need help back up to rooftop safety https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241270880-TTE0HHGB1OAYT682SOQY/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_6.jpg Peregrine Falcon Tall city structures replace crag and cliff and now peregrines are just as comfortable patrolling our urban skies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241279840-DFOSA4WZB6BJOXO24OYM/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_18.jpg Peregrine Falcon Young falcons make their first flights and catch their first pigeons in the city - to them it's home and they know no different https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241285198-AA7VNDUWUZQZ06X3A9KQ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_26.jpg Peregrine Falcon They can develop and learn to hunt in relative safety, where they have a year round supply of feral pigeons to play with https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241269764-NMBZYYE1T1DZEW9RB8FH/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_4.jpg Peregrine Falcon The peregrine, or "wandering" falcon is no longer a nomad, preferring to hold its territory year round, come rain or shine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241279185-IOZP1SKQODX30ECGNXSY/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_17.jpg Peregrine Falcon The year starts with flight displays by the tiercel to impress the female. Flight and ledge displays, prey-transfers and other courtship rituals are important in pair bonding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241282909-P9HJSH342GC7HPIS6FDU/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_23.jpg Peregrine Falcon Once the tiercel has proved he is a proficient hunter and can provide for the family, the falcon accepts him and they may stay together for many years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241288346-2TQKNY39KARMSN0YZSKO/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_31.jpg Peregrine Falcon Throughout the Spring they mate many times, partly as pair bonding and usually around their chosen nesting ledge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241272445-B7N6HSEM4EYPNJ8RYPPV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_8.jpg Peregrine Falcon Urban peregrines often nest near rivers as they are natural conduits for birds on the move and it pays to to make the most of this regular source of food https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241273903-LNPCXO8SWVT7R1G2DA40/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_10.jpg Peregrine Falcon Urban and suburban peregrines can be much more easily monitored than their rural counterparts. The nestlings are ringed at around 3 weeks old https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241272259-CDFD6NQY317OZL6JR5GW/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_7.jpg Peregrine Falcon Colour ringing of nestlings aids identification from a distance. This scheme is providing valuable scientific data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241288299-BR2B6GZUW2A570XXYJ81/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_32.jpg Peregrine Falcon The female takes care of the bulk of brooding the eggs and young nestlings, while the male watches out for prey and intruding peregrines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241273677-QJT7UZRDIHXU578S01OY/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_9.jpg Peregrine Falcon If he spots a potential target, rival, or threat he is ready to take to the air and can quickly reach remarkable speeds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241276532-ICE8XGM0KNH8JAMLV6CD/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_13.jpg Peregrine Falcon The feral pigeon is an important prey species for the urban peregrine, but only makes up around 50% of its diet. In Autumn and Winter that can drop to less than a third https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241287652-SYZ66F7QA4G832DLTQ3F/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_30.jpg Peregrine Falcon During peak migration times, wading birds like this whimbrel and ducks can perhaps unexpectedly make up the bulk of an urban peregrines diet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241274915-5SEE916XX9EMFXEUVYYN/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_11.jpg Peregrine Falcon The artificial lights from buildings and street-lamps create a glow, which the peregrines use to hunt migrants on passage under the cover of darkness, oblivious to the dangers below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241281737-9MMBOJOYCNRSDHN3G7BX/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_21.jpg Peregrine Falcon Coastal peregrines will often stay close to busy sea-ports like this one on the white cliffs near Dover, ostensibly for the pigeons, but perhaps more likely for the added light to hunt nocturnally https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241289971-JAYE9J4HR4Y7Y4SLWKSV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_33.jpg Peregrine Falcon As the year progresses, the nestlings prepare for fledging by stretching and wing-flapping to strengthen their wing muscles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241281178-85WGQVZHTG5Z68G9QGMU/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_20.jpg Peregrine Falcon Their first flights are often short and less than graceful, but before long they are soaring above the city skyline https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241286458-W0EYDMDKD0PQSUT5MVP0/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_28.jpg Peregrine Falcon Juveniles can struggle to carry prey, even when butchered into small pieces by their parents, and will often drop it mid-flight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241289809-J5ORMNHE7XT78MZ7UKTM/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_34.jpg Peregrine Falcon Juvenile peregrines blend in to the urban environment as well as they do a coastal cliff - the habitat is surprisingly similar, with its tall rocky outcrops inhabited by gulls and pigeons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241275709-BAP7NYJ304WQERDFUKUK/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_12.jpg Peregrine Falcon In a few short years, they reach maturity - a fully grown killing machine, with bright yellow features shining out against their beautiful black and white plumage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241278382-DRIJYF4YN1TAYKLR89DA/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_16.jpg Peregrine Falcon Long pointed wings, powerful shoulders and a hooked bill, they are formidable and ready to find territories of their own https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241287331-7L6F1I8MGUWG8NDUJ60N/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_29.jpg Peregrine Falcon Territories in towns and cities are rising steadily - the sight of a peregrine cutting through the man-made landscape is becoming increasingly familiar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241285873-QX0KF7O32W7XEJEA4M2O/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_27.jpg Peregrine Falcon The stark man-made environment is now their stronghold. Cities can act as source populations, helping numbers to increase https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241277097-BWUS9JOSIY83B2BNVNVR/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_14.jpg Peregrine Falcon This has started to happen most noticeably in the south of England, where there are now more peregrines than ever before https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241284515-D95FHQ5VETA8A3HBS6HM/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_25.jpg Peregrine Falcon An increase in accessibility and familiarity has given us a glimpse into the daily trials and tribulations they face https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241283764-PC69UOF0IRI70S9ADR6Q/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_24.jpg Peregrine Falcon But although they have become an icon of the urban landscape in the south, it is not all good news and in parts of northern England, Wales and Scotland, numbers are still declining https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241282494-4ZJDG1RMJWBBOHP1BHK6/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_22.jpg Peregrine Falcon Coastal and rural peregrines are still at risk from persecution, particularly in the north of England, where the small game shooting industry is prevalent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409241277569-UT753HX9ON4UAX4L4ABA/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_15.jpg Peregrine Falcon Peregrines are not entirely free from persecution in cities and pigeon fanciers can occasionally be a problem, but they are comparatively safe and an increase in numbers has meant an increase in understanding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1409266474397-YI9HWR1F0D634MITVX16/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_35.jpg Peregrine Falcon Sharing our towns and cities with peregrines is helping to change public attitudes towards raptors for the better and for now, it looks like urban peregrines are here to stay https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure daily 0.75 2016-02-29 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/2016/2/22/island-hopping-in-scotland monthly 0.5 2016-02-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456758914177-DTFEXCI811TX38EK7Q2Z/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - 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MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456157608366-0G9N8MPPEE1HFKLPUTVS/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456159328258-L1A4C8AO5A1DHMCOA3GK/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456146215850-5VGLH2H209WNRXOK9PC6/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456158922703-JD3EXNAU7ILJJC1PLG41/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456148197396-CCAHM9WZWB0G5ONQ0N7N/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456151180278-451SP7ZF3WYB6DIO8W9D/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456144363872-J44K9JKGDKWQ4JM9MY2J/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456158544398-7REEVEZJWE8TIPYT0IUA/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - MISSION MUSK OX - DOVREFJELL, NORWAY https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/2016/2/20/hunting-barbarians monthly 0.5 2016-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455996579716-GBZWRBMR25AK6V3JFV1Z/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455997078418-0DRTXQ0LUNKU48GFHG8I/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455997816383-005F3O99KICGGOHL9FVZ/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455995933759-PC0HA9VSMT85AM3HOSOO/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455997036801-R4A50JSX4QPRNQYN739S/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455998554070-NXB9ZRI5BBFZV55HQ9G4/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455998942285-TFHAW343LXC1JP86DBN8/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - HUNTING BARBARIANS https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/2016/2/19/alone-on-handa-island monthly 0.5 2016-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456431368404-QJ1IJVPU757AY2YIZDWM/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455964488479-YB9UJLIV82V67IK28DXL/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455963585637-6737X8WJXQ7CXQMQKA6W/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455962659349-RLATKMNUX4EVQYLKVNO8/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455968895538-J9C278C27SVH4RK4F0MS/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455887988827-6ZG0UADVHOCOUWR8BF2L/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455964860904-XMQKANNWO00U31EFPQIC/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1455887627449-0GNM2R636DM3DYP8BJ9N/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ALONE ON HANDA ISLAND https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/2014/08/14/birds-of-saint-lucia monthly 0.5 2016-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883513054-407U4ZW1V00VMW02A69P/green_heron Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA A green heron with what looks like a lovely blue stream, but is actually a stagnant pool with the reflection of the blue sky and Anse Mamin beach behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883633938-U7ZXTTQMKBWWTU0M0XXA/saint_lucia_warbler Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Endemic Saint Lucia warbler, making short work of the tiny insects in the tree-tops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884493297-4BJA8L4JOTHQ30DYCK7Z/antillean_fruit_eating_bats_2 Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Antillean fruit-eating bats at their cave roost in Soufrière Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883364131-PZ0HL1CVDX5DGU0X7WAS/Green_throated_carib Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Green-throated carib in flight, feeding on nectar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884438338-XSXEZ7NQX2DG1GB9C5MF/cattle_egret Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Cattle egret nest-building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884464861-PV5A7332HYEGRIFM2GW6/antillean_fruit_eating_bats Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Antillean fruit-eating bats at their cave roost in Soufrière. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884091309-UDYC178MP76U01VOZUQZ/laughing_gull Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Solitary laughing gull in flight with Soufriere in background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884139878-NIUT3XPU9Q2YYA7WKDZ4/magnificent_frigatebird Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Magnificent frigatebird in flight, with sun shining through its gular skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884591546-BAFX7JN8LFDKL3YXV90O/black_finch Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Endemic Saint Lucia Black Finch feeding on coconut husk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884173224-3AA8FXX4OR35Z5K743IR/magnificent_frigatebird_2 Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Frigatebird snatching chicken scraps from laughing gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883786553-THQMR0RN8FBR8N0AZ6Y1/saint_lucia_anole Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Saint Lucia Anole - a small endemic tree lizard which varies in colour, depending on its environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883973014-CI5IU473PCQAA1WP6U9B/green_throated_carib_2 Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Green-throated carib hovering in wait for insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884027661-J5SCWX94HHGLV0KJ651M/saint_lucia_green_parrot Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Saint Lucia green parrot or "Jacquot" in flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884003380-05CQJIPIHWPI8BHLIG3X/saint_lucia_oriole Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Saint Lucia oriole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884349052-5F9KNWQFJRM9FQ17BV9W/lesser_antillean_bullfinches Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA A pair of lesser antillean bullfinches with the Piton mountains in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884418900-9EL9XO05PVDYS133D71N/blue_booby Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Blue booby on the cliffs at Anse Chastenet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883438749-79NUR9BF1Y70WM8QJ13T/little_blue-Heron_2 Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Juvenile little blue heron stalking crabs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883556507-J2326C3U3L6F66QV5FVD/yellow_crowned_night_heron Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Yellow-crowned night heron hunting for fish in a small stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884117305-VGDDGL0WOFL4RR6L8X6G/laughing_gulls Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Laughing gull feeding frenzy, hovering in wait for chicken scraps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883717203-FP5DHIYLIL21Q2SFTG65/mangrove_cuckoo Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Mangrove cuckoo, a shy bird that likes the deep scrub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418852409919-PJTNPBX2L70J887060CY/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA A pair of Lesser Antillean Bullfinches on my balcony with a view of the Pitons and Soufrière bay behind them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884563966-IQVJL5HD2FPAYJY5QG5A/zenaida_dove Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Zenaida dove on Anse Mamin beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883942832-O051C1Y7JDASD06GKC9B/antillean_crested_hummingbird_2 Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA An Antillean crested hummingbird displaying his crest in defence of territory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883811296-MO13ADLU8UVJMODJAFTA/broad_winged_hawk Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Broad-winged hawk patrolling the skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884328093-AZLUPXKJE4F7M90F4W6W/carib_grackle Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA A female carib grackle in front of the Pitons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883403951-IH4ZM2Y1S6XMKE5515H8/little_blue-Heron_1 Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Juvenile little blue heron walking at the surf's edge at sunset, looking for pickings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883229512-7U6NGR3KIR0IBVAQ1R8S/antillean_crested_hummingbird Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Antillean crested hummingbird - one of the few crested hummingbirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884304478-B5LD7SQ1W6SJ7E95MOZH/tropical_mockingbird Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Tropical mockingbird in front of the Piton mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418883600313-VIS6PG0EXXQWJZC6ROZC/saint_lucia_pewee Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA Endemic Saint Lucia pewee - a lovely, confiding little flycatcher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418884271413-3DFHEPKILIHTWWJJ55V1/pitons_full_moon Adventures - 1 WEEK TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BIRDS OF SAINT LUCIA View of the Pitons from Anse Chastenet, St Lucia. https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/2014/12/17/estonia monthly 0.5 2016-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834003536-FISH9ZTRGQF98NZBLEQP/LMAS5747.JPG Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA © Luke Massey 2014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834444166-9DC71U9H6ZWSY5HPLU2G/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834256182-FM37WA3BD2Q382BJOIJA/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834477155-MRSWVWJLVVH5OA5EJ0SC/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834309859-30RDJQ4XBZUTS5206JCJ/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418833630820-SNGOLNE8JS8CGVSIJ159/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA If you think this looks like a moose, it’s because it is - the Eurasian elk is what the north Americans would call a moose. They are both Alces alces, the largest living member of the deer family. In America, an elk is another large deer, a bit like a large red deer, which to add to the confusion, was called an elk by European explorers because they thought it looked like a European elk, which is in fact a moose. Got it?! ;) ©Luke Massey 2014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834596845-5RS73RTQVVQP5GPA13KS/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834125037-XAT7WVIA5SVQY3UD29HM/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA © Luke Massey 2014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418833977005-DT9YHB90LYAHJAC4PU4M/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834187468-YC0XAPXQC8GVVSZZWWSP/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834350146-9LWDIDBNWKU6UN93QPSQ/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834559189-07TYJTVZAZYK80H5Z99C/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA © Luke Massey 2014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834517756-HWZ909NXKF3VXQTPICTA/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834377111-86P12KBI60VKNXIXB4P4/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1418834413152-CVCUXKTMD8JO8557S5XD/image-asset.jpeg Adventures - ROAD TRIPPING IN ESTONIA https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/category/TRAVEL monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/category/CONSERVATION monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/category/PHOTOJOURNALISM monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/category/WILDLIFE+PHOTOGRAPHY monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/category/ISLANDS monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/category/ADVENTURE monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Raven monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Conservation monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Gannets monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Scotland monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Projects monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Wildscreen monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Great+Skua monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Chipmunk monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Ailsa+Craig monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Barbary+Ground+Squirrel monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Sam+Hobson monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Wildlife monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/RSPB monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Handa monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Musk+Oxen monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Islands monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Arctic+Fox monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Grassholm monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Nature monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Adventure monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Dovrefjell monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Musk+Ox monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Birds monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Discard monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Fuerteventura monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Marine+Litter monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Marine+Plastics monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/The+Bass+Rock monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Photography monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Hobson monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Travel monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Saint+Lucia monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Norway monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Seabirds monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Canaries monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Bonxie monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Sam monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/adventure/tag/Estonia monthly 0.5 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/night-herons daily 0.75 2015-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404690185-UG4X4DOOYOBOZ1MNVRPH/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_01.jpg Dam Herons With many canals and rivers, Amsterdam is the perfect city for grey herons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404691237-P3BXXOGHD65TSB7KGAA0/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_02.jpg Dam Herons They have long been part of the culture, but in certain neighbourhoods, have also become part of the furniture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404692213-ZI58BORUTTQKPT7BLCCH/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_03.jpg Dam Herons The herons have adapted so well to city life, that they now know all of the best places to sit in wait for a free meal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404693876-Z34J0QWH878Z0ZADP6E3/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_04.jpg Dam Herons On market day afternoons, small groups congregate at the fish stalls. At first they are flighty, but slowly settle and find their confidence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404694369-4NK9EEFZ4P11OV0N6AQD/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_05.jpg Dam Herons When it's quiet, the boldest will flap down and wait behind the stalls, hoping for a morsel of fish to be washed into the gutter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404695860-IN2L6YBQNC312GQ61YB4/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_06.jpg Dam Herons For experienced herons with a taste for kalamari, sometimes that wait is too long https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404697020-ZPW5NHTH2QYBKFES387L/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_07.jpg Dam Herons Some will even boldly walk up and down the strip like regular customers, checking the stalls for the tastiest prizes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404698542-YP6MLKSDBR85530ZSHT3/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_08.jpg Dam Herons But boldness doesn't always pay off. The first to snatch a piece of salmon will have a fight on their hands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404699054-W0DT22Q8NNT1L5LINMXX/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_09.jpg Dam Herons Most birds patiently wait until dusk, when the market closes and the stalls pack up and gather their leftovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404701061-FBZPWBR7Q89UI3KIJMPD/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_11.jpg Dam Herons This is the moment they have all been waiting for. They watch intently from their perches as the day's rubbish is piled at either end of the market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404701024-DKX9085AR2CGLEGUU5J6/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_10.jpg Dam Herons But these piles attract other scavengers - the herons must look on with envy as the city's homeless harvest the richest pickings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425554716297-RJ1DRKOHHJP6V9D4N9UG/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_12.jpg Dam Herons But it's not long before they get their chance to rush in for their own fishy feast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404703267-VB7TRAVA02EIKFPNUAON/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_13.jpg Dam Herons For the next hour or so, the herons take turns to feed - the dominant birds are first while those with lower status wait in the wings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404706248-QQL98X3BMWN0199OT220/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_14.jpg Dam Herons If the pecking order is uncertain, the dominant birds strut their stuff - challenging the others by fluffing their feathers and pacing back and forth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404708356-2VFLQE1OHW6WNN0S6G4F/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_15.jpg Dam Herons Numbers continue to build throughout the evening, all hoping for their own piece of the action https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404711518-KAZX61KCGI7RGWULVKD2/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_18.jpg Dam Herons Sometimes fifteen to twenty herons can be seen at one time gathered on the stalls and surrounding rooftops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404708391-C40BOG5N3QOJXFOBQ6BV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_16.jpg Dam Herons As the night shift begins, the streets, bars and clubs start to fill. Combined with the extra competition for dwindling stocks, the risks soon outweigh the rewards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404710970-MJPBXZS38M0OIO5TFRJV/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_17.jpg Dam Herons Slowly the herons disperse, heading off into the night to communal roosts around the city. Soon, just a solitary heron is left to pick over the scraps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425404713121-IQZ9YKF8JP9ROFCBLZ4W/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_heron_19.jpg Dam Herons It might seem unusual, but these resourceful wild birds are successfully exploiting our wasteful nature, supplementing their natural diet with a free take-away on us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1457525742471-K3A46GG2ZK3BF4KRBNZE/SAM_HOBSON_URBAN_HERON.jpg Dam Herons https://www.samhobson.co.uk/portfolio daily 1.0 2017-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1465915802279-VXPTXU0T4KNWAMYPRP4S/SAM_HOBSON_FOX_BRIDGE.jpg Portfolio - Under the Bridge City suburbs are ideal fox habitat. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and safe from the dangers of the countryside. Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1465915802279-VXPTXU0T4KNWAMYPRP4S/SAM_HOBSON_FOX_BRIDGE.jpg Portfolio - Under the Bridge City suburbs are ideal fox habitat. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and safe from the dangers of the countryside. Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419032284326-QRUX221BZK0U1Q2R16YM/%C2%A9sam_hobson_selection_24.jpg Portfolio - Posh Pigeons Awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2014 / GDT 2014 -Parakeets are the new pigeons in London, and congregate at night in large groups https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1429028708064-S49STEEFOLNX8MBUK2CC/image-asset.jpeg Portfolio - Toad on the Road Awarded BWPA 2015 - Every spring, masses of toads migrate to their ancestral breeding ponds. Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419032464768-LZWKJHOP5M1GEVFJLDX5/%C2%A9sam_hobson_hp27_urban_fox_2.jpg Portfolio - Night Stalker Awarded Melvita Nature's Images Awards 2014 - An immature fox on the prowl in urban Bristol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419677897795-MQECNB6ZTKD69PAB354F/%C2%A9sam_hobson_selection_26.jpg Portfolio - Tomb Raider A juvenile badger emerging from a grave in an urban cemetery in Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419025186739-8O9B8IQTK13QM7WJHJ6H/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_7.jpg Portfolio - Stag Night An adult fallow deer buck roams the streets of urban London, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425555463946-XYPY262QJ69TENJCMLJT/image-asset.jpeg Portfolio - Dam Herons On market day in Amsterdam, the herons are quick to rush in and scavenge the leftovers. Netherlands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419028580189-M56T67JXJQB7NEYXY9SN/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_red_fox_4.jpg Portfolio - Nosy Neighbour Awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 - An inquisitive young fox peeks over a garden wall in urban Bristol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425406558555-X6I2ELDG5RNJJU8TP2QT/image-asset.jpeg Portfolio - Pasty Pirate Bird Behaviour Category Winner, Bird Photographer of the Year 2016 - herring gull snatching a pasty. Cornwall, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1437931701374-17RHBX7V67P7PFKO4MVJ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_hp47_Fox_Cubs.jpg Portfolio - Dinner Time Awarded BWPA 2016 - A red fox vixen suckles very young cubs in a suburban garden. Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419032390830-6RPQ76CULG3JMKQFLGDW/%C2%A9sam_hobson_selection_4.jpg Portfolio - Parliament Pigeons Awarded Nature's Images 2013 - A mob of feral pigeons outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1465917842646-80GKOXZ97XQALCN5589W/SAM_HOBSON_MARINE_PLASTIC.jpg Portfolio - Death Sentence Awarded BWPA 2016 / Nature's Images 2016 - A gannet struggles on a cliff edge with a plastic noose around its neck. Wales, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419024844960-T1JIO02LGB3QYOENLAT0/%C2%A9sam_hobson_hp24_raven.jpg Portfolio - Geronimo This wild raven is known by the locals of this Fuerteventuran valley as "Geronimo" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419025037805-BDWNVC810MB5HZI59V0T/%C2%A9sam_hobson_barbary_ground_squirrel_1.jpg Portfolio - Barbarian The Barbary ground squirrel is an invasive species on the Canarian island of Fuerteventura, where the tourists refer to them as chipmunks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1437931669709-OH6II8SXMSQ3SXDFFANH/%C2%A9sam_hobson_hp45_lesser_spot.jpg Portfolio - Lesser Spot Awarded Bird Photographer of the Year 2016 - The lesser-spot is the rarest and smallest woodpecker in the UK. Herefordshire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1421511272159-BMJO49N6TKP269X5LCDP/%C2%A9sam_hobson_selection_21.jpg Portfolio - Hotel Bandito Like masked banditos, raccoons enter resorts and hotels after dark to look for pickings. Riviera Maya, Yucatan, Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1443392053519-J6IMPJ3D0M8I6WBQ7NBE/BPOOL_DSC4526-2_tweak+copy.jpg Portfolio - Feeding Frenzy Gulls frenzy feeding on chips at Blackpool seafront, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1421512674787-JMHIHPQP25VEK2OI360O/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_fallow_deer_6.jpg Portfolio - Buck Stop An urban fallow deer creeps into the city after dark to feed on lush, council-maintained lawns. London https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1437931728163-9LR7OFSGTMGRC3XGD0HW/%C2%A9sam_hobson_hp46_hedgehog.jpg Portfolio - Backyard Hog Hedgehogs have declined by 97% in the UK, but can be helped in cities by making small holes in garden fences. Bristol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419678314307-IYW23NR0NBV12S93Z2QO/%C2%A9sam_hobson_selection_25.jpg Portfolio - Peregrine Display Awarded BWPA 2014 - Tiercel peregrine display flight. Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1421512594724-J14UURMWNS1LGR10U1WE/%C2%A9sam_hobson_selection_8.jpg Portfolio - Bananaquit A bananaquit slurps tropical fruit juice on a hotel balcony in Tobago https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1443392052053-AWGZJ2MJ6MH3WIZF9Z7V/_DSC4259-1+copy.jpg Portfolio - Geordie Shore Kittiwakes nest on the Tyne Bridge in front of the Sage Gateshead. Newcastle, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1391797962032-ISTKNPZCI8FEBTR5HDUH/%C2%A9sam_hobson_wild_urban_goshawk_7.jpg Portfolio - Berlin Goshawk Awarded Nature's Images 2014. A juvenile goshawk clutches the remains of a city rat. Berlin, Germany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1425405904400-EQ5SL32YD00XYRMEN6HS/image-asset.jpeg Portfolio - Night Heron Grey herons thrive in Amsterdam and are part of the city's night life. Netherlands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1419677838580-61J05TMDHSCQMWXT0PNZ/%C2%A9sam_hobson_urban_peregrine_falcon_2.jpg Portfolio - Sibling Rivalry A juvenile tiercel peregrine attempts to snatch the remains of a pigeon from his larger sister. Bristol, UK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1437931752876-P0Q55YEGID6HKOYNLWO2/%C2%A9sam_hobson_hp48_robin.jpg Portfolio - Round Robin Robins are quickly attracted to gardeners digging in the earth, hoping for a worm or insect to be revealed. Bristol, UK https://www.samhobson.co.uk/gannets daily 0.75 2016-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453852912834-FG19I76AQ6GK2VC2FV44/_DSC4422-19_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Perfectly streamlined for piercing water at 100 kmph, a northern gannet’s spear-like bill makes a formidable weapon in territorial disputes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453852974062-6XLHLIL4STNLLOK03SVI/_DSC6116-37_HR.jpg Northern Gannet It is the largest seabird in the north Atlantic - just under a metre from pointed tip to pointed tail, with wingtips twice that distance apart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853018015-D993L7BZN5E9Q3BTBMS5/_DSC5963-28_HR.jpg Northern Gannet 75% of the global breeding population nest in colonies on coastal cliffs, sea stacks and remote islands around the UK. The Bass Rock is the largest single rock gannetry on Earth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853044231-4XORIYZPBO714CK5G5R6/_DSC6485-58_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Proposed offshore wind farms in the Firth of Forth threaten to disturb the Bass gannetry if turbines are sited in the birds' foraging zones. Scientific study is underway to determine the potential impacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853074059-SID3X5W72699IOEWKZ4Q/_DSC5066-4_HR.jpg Northern Gannet A team of researchers led by Keith Hamer and James Grecian head out to Bass during breeding season. Adult gannets must regularly feed their young, making it the perfect time to study foraging behaviours https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853105046-GKC8HORUJGUQPRP2EUND/_DSC5267-10_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Historically, the Bass was an island prison. The gannetry has become so large that some birds have taken up residence inside the ruins. Like guardians of the gate, these jail birds block the passage into the colony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853132516-R11R8YTVW1YH6DBTWSH1/_DSC5942-27_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Once past the prison, the team carry their kit, including long gannet catching rods through the colony and up to the study area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853153247-P67TA2ZO51QOIQA4MQD4/_DSC5970-29_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Outside the ruins of an ancient chapel, the team look for previous study birds and single out individuals to attach with monitoring devices https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853200667-3YCKPYECCCQ5K5J466CI/_DSC6251-47_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Data can be downloaded remotely from gannets attached with high resolution GPS loggers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853230128-NHQ4WZSRJVXJ7KUXJX2W/_DSC5656-16_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Those with more basic GPS loggers must be re-caught in order to retrieve their data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853286439-QSG50UEFC9R9MG8JPZ4C/_DSC6129-39_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Adults with loggers attached are caught when they return to feed their young. It has been discovered that some make two day foraging trips as far away as the Norwegian coast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853311704-HYKNSAIXRN3BT8WFIRJN/_DSC5596-121_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Adult gannets are formidable, powerfully built and solid. Catching them can sometimes be a two person job https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853349495-G5IFUIF359AALR9FSOVJ/_DSC4217-6_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Eye protection must be worn at all times - a peck from a gannet’s dagger-like bill could be blinding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853375343-CEQ0T4EY7QU14T8X3TAG/_DSC5521-13_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Measurements are taken and Darvic leg rings with large characters are attached so that individual birds can be recognised from a distance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853451957-DTAPJUQCV19V9H35V4Q5/_DSC4576-37_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Data from attached altimeters is combined with GPS data to determine flight altitude and most importantly how much time is spent at a similar height to the rotor blades of wind turbines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853537927-3GZ90HBLSRGWL46I4PIU/_DSC7043-78_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Understanding flight behaviours in 3D and identifying areas of overlap with proposed offshore development has implications for the future of the entire northern gannet species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853577574-L3YL1Z1BJP9RTG4ULW7E/_DSC4749-9_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde is another study site with 36 000 breeding pairs of gannets. This granite rock is formed from the volcanic plug of an extinct volcano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853597577-KBTLRG5IND05J41BTLQP/_DSC4697-4_HR.jpg Northern Gannet James Grecian and Jude Lane are undertaking a pioneering study of immature gannets on Ailsa and Bass. Very little is known about the behaviour of these young birds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853618873-8ISXZQHSRP6AZGVKSYND/_DSC5258-8_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Gannets may not breed until they are 5 or 6 and spend their early years learning the best foraging areas and prospecting territory. GPS data is shedding light on the behaviour of these elusive birds for the first time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853638495-J7FUMISPY4S6U53WWL32/_DSC3582-4_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Re-capture of immature birds is impractical, so movements are tracked and data is downloaded from the cliff above the colony. Data loggers will drop off during the next moult https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853664611-UHZCUURWE8E5FZG02FH1/_DSC2968-7_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Offshore development is unfortunately not the only human activity affecting the UK’s gannet population. Waste from Atlantic fisheries is causing devastation on an island just 8 miles off the Welsh coast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853717300-7PC1E9VMQ3MOW3KP3C5P/_DSC2814-65_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Synthetic plastic fishing nets and monofilament fishing lines discarded in the Atlantic are washed into close proximity with Grassholm Island in Pembrokeshire by ocean currents like the Gulf Stream https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853745151-3FXJJ3X0FTVAGG764MIG/_DSC2431-26_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Gannets mistake the man-made floating debris for natural fibres like seaweed and kelp and bring it on to the island to line their nests. It is estimated that there is now 18.5 tons of plastic waste on Grassholm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853773771-0OGSC6EO4SONJ3DYO17X/_DSC2513-30_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Plastic fibres are a deadly combination of incredibly strong and extremely cheap to produce. This makes them easily disposable and unlike natural fibres, nearly impossible to escape from once entangled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853795708-UE4YV2WR4H2N7GR8GM9E/_DSC2313-11_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Nests become death-traps, with panicked and struggling birds becoming increasingly entangled. This bird hangs from the cliff edge, strangled by a tightening noose around its neck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853817353-OGQ83JVIO43CV2MITDEF/_DSC2401-24_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Juvenile birds are often the worst affected, with ropes continually constricting their limbs as they grow and develop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853839838-5PFKWKYSE9L9EP29GU9X/_DSC2332-19_HR.jpg Northern Gannet A team of volunteers led by RSPB Ramsey Island warden Greg Morgan visit Grassholm each year at the end of the breeding season. They are on a rescue mission to save as many gannets as possible from this death sentence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853861988-VXLDGJSR35XMUGDBHFMZ/_DSC2526-33_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Often risking their own lives to save gannets hanging from tall sea-cliffs, the team rescue an average of 50 birds each year. Gannets can live for 35 years, so the survival of even a single bird will affect the reproductive success of the colony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853887067-S9IB9OE69BTZBBIODMJ4/_DSC2611-45_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Entanglement in plastic nets is not the only problem - gannets often ingest fishing lines and other floating debris like released balloons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853907048-3Z12QDYSH3IJHK6GBWZB/_DSC2570-42_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Heavy-duty packing straps used to secure boxes on cargo ships can also be particularly deadly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853944976-FJOLZ82OEU2LXMYAD5IB/_DSC8930-48_HR.jpg Northern Gannet On average, a gannet’s nest on Grassholm contains half a kilogram of plastic, but this ranges to well over a kilogram. Synthetic fibres can make up the majority of the nest, so removal is not an option https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853965533-I9PXU744G8JXENXL0LO3/_DSC8955-53_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Removing the plastic would mean destroying nests and for a species which returns to the same nest each year, this would be too disruptive to the colony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453853990141-3VGXQ9V636A0BJYM8HL1/_DSC8832-1_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Unfortunately exacerbation of this desperate situation where gannets tear off their own limbs rather than face certain starvation is likely as the amount of plastic in the ocean gradually increases https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854012114-QG7Y64H0NICP843NBHC5/_DSC8902-41_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Dead gannets become a part of the landscape on Grassholm and all Greg and the volunteers can do is continue to firefight the situation and save as many birds as they can https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854032610-IEQP5AQZANOP8RF9SA3R/_DSC4857-56_HR.jpg Northern Gannet Education about marine plastics and gaining a better understanding of the behaviours of this most charismatic of seabirds is the only long term solution to protecting the species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854060436-OLJIZOQDCNSFXPLR042F/_DSC4292-8_HR.jpg Northern Gannet The UK has a great responsibility to protect the northern gannet. Being home to 3/4 of the global population, any policy made that affects gannets in the UK will have ramifications for the health of the species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854090804-6Q1KON23AXHCD5Y3I8IR/_DSC6902-76_HR.jpg Northern Gannet It has been said that the Bass Rock, home to a tenth of the world’s northern gannets is one of the wonders of the natural world. Preventing potential disturbance to this national treasure makes the current research of the utmost importance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854110263-N6Q2K8S1Z5PJS2WXC66F/_DSC2758-20_HR.jpg Northern Gannet The gannet is a marvel of nature, with reinforced bones, natural swimming goggles, no external nostrils and air sacs which protect it as it smashes like a glorious white arrow into the depths of darkness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854140886-J233G26Z41KP1BLIG6CR/_DSC5013-64_HR.jpg Northern Gannet This blue-eyed beauty, expert angler, faithful partner and attentive parent leads the extreme life of a mariner for most of the year, traversing oceans in the wildest of weathers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1453854158358-IRKBJPF1411ZTBIL5AEW/_DSC6646-69_HR.jpg Northern Gannet That the current population is thriving and that so many return to the UK each year to nest is a privilege that deserves to be cherished and celebrated https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1457525595069-H35BKWCT60NARJQM3MTP/_DSC6485-58_HR.jpg Northern Gannet https://www.samhobson.co.uk/welcome daily 0.75 2016-02-29 https://www.samhobson.co.uk/about daily 0.75 2024-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1456930219737-HF5YG5EMCCPRZ1T2PUPB/image-asset.jpeg About / Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f429dbe4b0b3416ff6c022/1443468259940-8WDHVI9MAIQSZVNFJU7U/image-asset.jpeg About / Contact Urban birding from the top of Tower 42 - central London. 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