Just received this e mail from customer, blog watcher John Kaye.
Alas Brian not a current one but one from 750 years ago.
Reading a Christmas present on local history I thought you might be interested in the following from 1275.
One John De Stancliffe , owner of Scout Hall, Shibden Valley, was found liable for the neglect of monitoring a nest in woods he owned - taking/ touching a Merlins nest which was lost or stolen.
Fined 6d payable to the Earl of Leeds. Probably a fair sum of money in those days. John.
Interesting stuff John, just shows that even in those days when everything was shootable there were certain birds protected.
Thanks a lot. Brian.
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2025).