I HAD to smile when reading the Review regarding the pair of peregrines turfed off Symonds Yat Rock.
The RSPB would have us believe these killers are rare and now we have them fighting for nesting space.
As local pigeon fanciers will tell you they have taken over every quarry and cliff face in the Forest and Wye Valley. We cannot train or excercise our pigeons without the threat of attack from either peregrine, goshawk or sparrowhawk.
This is what happens when man gets involved in the natural evolvement of nature.
For some years the RSPB have been putting young peregrines on specially made platforms in cities and on other high structures, also goshawks have been introduced in the Forest with the collusion of the Forestry Commission, even if it means a timber feller has to stop work in case he disturbs them.
Goshawks have already been responsible for killing local free range chickens. Sparrowhawks have reached an all-time high and even have stated they have become a threat to the survival of the song bird population.
Recently an official of the RSPB resigned as his concern for the songbird survival was being ignored by others whose only interest is birds of prey.
Where are the genuine bird watchers, known as twitchers, not the others who have the same mentality as the ones who go badger baiting?
Feed the small birds near your house or hedge not in the middle of the lawn.
E. Harvey, Mile End.