Oscar writes: Following on from last week’s post where I talked about the Black-headed Gull colony and predation of their chicks, Marsh Harriers were another bird that would take the chicks to feed their young. Whenever they came over the scrape at Minsmere the birds would get very agitated, and for good reason, as this was often the end result.
Nikon D800, Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR lens, Nikon 2x TC
And what the pro- shooting community cannot seem to understand is that predator control without thought is not effective. Without the Marsh harriers & bigger gulls, the relatively successful black headed gulls would have bigger impact on our rarer species such as avocet. If we need to control crows or stop hen harriers dominating grouse moors or stop the spread of grey squirrels we need more goshawk, golden eagles & pine martens. If the price is a few less game birds so be it but a better balance is a worthwhile prize.