I know that everything has to die, but when that death is caused by human stupidity then it somehow feels more pointless and frustrating than it otherwise would. I got a message on the blog this morning from a gentleman called Jim, who had been to Linacre this morning, and had found a dead
Shag hanging by its neck from a tree, tangled up in some discarded fishing line! I popped down there this afternoon, and this is what I found.
Shag
The bird had obviously got caught up in the wire, and then it had tightened around the bird's neck, strangling it. Very, very frustrating and senseless! I wanted to cut the bird down, and throw the fishing line away, but unfortunately, it was about 15-20ft away from the bank. I'll try to get something longer and get rid as soon as possible.
Good post Peter. Incidentally, I wasn't aware that there was any (legal) fishing at Linacre.
ReplyDeleteThanks David. There is no legal fishing at Linacre anymore. There used to be fishing on the bottom reservoir, where the Shag was found, years ago, so it could be left over from then. I've never seen any fishing in recent years, but without enforcement, it could take place without my knowledge. I did found a Moorhen and a Grey Heron entangled a few years ago.
DeleteIf fishing was allowed, any anglers would remove disgarded lines they spot. This line would be from a "poacher" trying to catch trout, poachers are also discouraged when paying anglers are around.
ReplyDeleteIf fishing was allowed, any anglers would remove disgarded lines they spot. This line would be from a "poacher" trying to catch trout, poachers are also discouraged when paying anglers are around.
ReplyDelete