Dave Appleton
Well-known member
"Wensum Valley raptor watchpoint at Swanton Novers NNR will be closing on Friday 12th August"
Is this true? or is this crossed wires in relation to the Great Ryburgh one?
Worrying times.
If I'm not much mistaken the Great Ryburgh one is the Wensum Valley Raptor Watchpoint and it's that one that's closing not the Swanton Novers one.
Birders have persisted in calling it the Great Ryburgh raptor watchpoint despite those involved with it insisting that it should be known as the Wensum Valley Raptor Watchpoint (which is, presumably, something to do with the fact that it overlooks the Wensum Valley and is not at Great Ryburgh).
Presumably the crossed wires arise from someone not knowing which one is the Wensum Valley one (after all, Swanton Novers isn't exactly far from the Wensum Valley and is, I think, within the Wensum Valley Bird Club recording area).
The Swanton Novers Raptor Watchpoint is, as far as I know, remaining open, so yes, crossed wires I think. I'm sure Tideliner will put us right if I've got that wrong, but I think that ties in with what he said previously.
Given the riots in London and the possible breakdown of the western economy I do not see the closure of a field in Norfolk where men with beards watch birds of prey as notable!
I bet you would if the bird of prey was a Lesser Spotted Eagle...