BBC Springwatch 2013

At least it was dry for Wed programe we did have a bit of rain here around tea time, but it must have missed Ynys Hir.
One thing I've noticed, that although there's been quite a bit about Buzzards on, there's been no mention of DEFRA's proposal to have a trial Cull of them to see how it effects the Pheasant population. That Lai posted about on the petition against the it. There's also been nothing about the Badger Cull either, although Badgers were featured on Nick Bakers afternoon show
WS

and WS. Have the presenters been told not to mention it? Are we now so politically correct that they have been silenced? I hope not, Bill Oddie used to speak his mind.

I have only caught up with yesterday afternoons Nick (bugboy) Baker last night which I am really enjoying, he certainly brings new enthusiasm to the show. I will catch up with last nights show hopefully early evening tonight.

Perhaps we should get on to the Springwatch blog and ask about the 2 culls?

Lai

Well they briefly mentioned the Badger Cull last night, but basicly palmed it off onto the Springwatch Site, I think they fudged it, and it's BBC policy not to get involved. There are quite a few people who have posted their disapointment at the cast not standing up for the Badgers more especialy as they have featured so much in the programes over the years.
I also posted the following comment
Not only content with devastating the Badger population, now DEFRA is proposing a Cull on Buzzards to see what affect it will have on the Pheasant population, although no concerns have been raised about Pheasants, nor are they a edangered species. Could the driving force for this come from commercial shoots ?. Another species that has been featured on this Springwatch, but again is Springwatch sitting on the fence about these issues, due to political reasons

WS

Good post WS. I have been very disappointed that they have not mentioned the cull until last night and only gave it lip service really. It is a wildlife programme and is supposed to be true and real, so they should give it more credence really, I think it is very poor. They usually follow Badgers as well but this time they dont seem to be doing so. I honestly thought Chris might be more vocal about it. This is the only down side of Springwatch at the moment.

littlewid-x-

WS and Littlewid, but although I imagine all the presenters are against it I presume it is BBC policy not to get involved and mention it. Shame on them I am so disappointed and feel they should stand up against this insane cull (both Badger and Buzzard).

That aside I am really enjoying Nick Baker's afternoon show which I catch up with in the evening, on Friday it was Gordon Buchanan and a lot of his archive, plenty on that lovely fox he followed.

Lai

I was going to record all the afternoon ones but then sensibly thought when am I going to get time to see them all, so made the decision not too. Now I am so annoyed knowing Gordon has been following a Fox......how stupid am I.....incredibly stupid actually

littlewid-x-

Honestly Littlewid, do record next week's afternoon show, they are wonderful and at some point you'll catch up with them, Nick Baker is fun and both the Simon King archive and Gordon Buchanan archive were simply excellent.

Talking of the badger cull and the BBC - Bill Oddie was interviewed by Sky News on the cull - wow, he is ace and I am now a complete fan. Will find the clip and post under the badger cull thread.

Lai

Dont forget your camera Doogs just in case
WS

Doogs. It was lovely to see the dolphins, can't wait to hear about your visit and see some photos - no pressure there then

I really enjoyed seeing the Long Tailed tits as well, they are such wonderful little birds.

Lai

It was lovely to see the Longtail Tits, especialy as we both get them in the winter in their little family groups, at our feeders. It was really nice to see how they build those beautiful nests, it just a shame they are predated so much, and only a small percentage get to fledge.
The Water Rail Chicks fledged this morning successfully.
WS

I missed Thursdays Springwatch but I have it recorded so I can catch up. Glad to hear the Water Rail chicks fledged successfully WS

littlewid-x-

I've really enjoyed seeing the all the different bird cams this time as well as all the wildlife. Just Friday afternoons to catch up with which must be from the archive as Nick Baker said Thursday was his last show.

Lai

It was lovely to see the Water Rail Fledge, or rather stumble out of the nest . They did put repeat footage of it on one of the cams, but unfortunately it did'nt stay on for long. I'm the same Lai got quite a few of the Afternoon ones to catch up on
WS

It's worth it when you have time WS. Shame we've only one more week, it seems we look forward to Springwatch for months and then it's over in a flash.

Lai

I must remember to record the afternoons ones this week as I forgot last last week, brain like a seive I still have Thursdays to watch but I will catch up with that soonish s it's on again tomorrow. This time it's been on for 3 weeks, is it usually only on for two or is that my imagination?

littlewid-x-

Sadly the afternoon shows were only for 2 weeks Littlewid, so they've finished.

I think it varies, but I seem to remember at one time it was 3 weeks.

Lai

I'm sure last years was on for three weeks. Had a quick look in this morning, and the two Jackdaw chicks seem to be doing OK, they look quite sturdy, and strong. They were speculating that the Willow Warblers, were due to fledge, with one jumpimg out of the nest then back again. I did manage to get a short Video of one actualy flying out of the nest, then it must have done a what am I doing and flew back in. At the time the parents were feeding them that fast I could'nt see them going.
Video 1 min


WS

Thanks WS. A lovely clip of them all looking very well and ready to fledge.

I have to catch up with last nights episode at lunchtime today

Lai

Keep your eyes out for our Longtail Tits Lai they were for me the s last night
WS

Just caught up WS and such amazing birds and what a great study then have done on them. They really are so great to watch and learn from.

Def of the show for me.

Lai

Friday 26th July BBC 2 9pm - 10pm

Springwatch Guide to Butterflies

As part of the BBC's "Summer of Wildlife Season" Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games, examine the UK's butterflies and Moths, looking at their life cycle and habits.

Should be a good one.  

littlewid-x-

You beat me to it LW, meant to put it on last night, but thanks for the nudge

WS