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Talks for Nature Lovers from the B.B.C.



TALKS FOR NATURE LOVERS FROM

THE B.B.C.


A series of three talks of especial appeal to nature lovers were lately

given by Tom H. Harrisson, the well-known ornithologist. The general

title of these talks, which were included in the programmes of

13th, 20th, and 27th April, is “ Watching Birds ”. They were given

with the co-operation of the British Trust for Ornithology.


The three talks were respectively entitled :—


1. Why Watch Birds ?


2. Consider the Little Owl.


3. Birds and Men.


The talks stressed the importance as well as the fascination of

watching birds, told of what has already been done in the way of

collecting and collating information, and showed how the ordinary

amateur may assist in this most worthy enterprise.


The Little Owl has been almost universally condemned as a real

sinner in stealing young birds, pheasant chicks in particular. Few

people have any good to say about it. Since the bird was introduced

and established in Kent and Northants, 1874-1890, it has spread very

rapidly ; has now reached Wales and the north of England (not Cumber¬

land). Until last year the bird was protected in all but six counties.

Then British Field Sports Society issued a pamphlet entitled “ Investiga¬

tion into the Food Habits of the Little or Dutch Owl ”. The adjective

Dutch represents exactly the attitude and approach of this pamphlet.

The bird is an alien. We do not like aliens. In point of fact it is no

more Dutch than the Nightingale or Pheasant. However, the pamphlet

had a great effect. Nearly every county removed protection from the

Little Owl on the strength of it. Anyone may kill the bird any time.


This year the newly founded British Trust for Ornithology, whose

object is to integrate bird study along unbiased and scientific lines,

has adopted the Little Owl as a subject for thorough, unbiased

investigation from all angles. Miss Hibbert-Ware, of Girton College,

Cambridge, who has made a special study of the bird for twelve years,

is running the inquiry for them. It is hoped that the co-operation

of all shades of opinion will be obtained. The basis of the inquiry is.



