Bob, I might accept your comments but for the fact, and on this the RSPB were unequivocal in their reply to me, that their interest centred solely on the estuarine species. The removal of one of 20 turbines to create a slightly larger access to the wetland habitat seemed sufficient to satisfy them.
However, in his Application the Developer virtually ignores the presence of raptors on the site, stating that only a single buzzrad was observed in a survey he had sponsored in the autumn of 2010. The following observation comes from the Manchester Brirding Forum's website dated September 9th of this year:
"...number 6 tank this morning at high tide...when it was at its busiest a hobby snook through...then a pergrine sent them all into the air... 4 buzzards and 2 juveniles...on track to farm saw kestrel and sparrowhawk...
The RSPB has clearly been misled by the Developer. It is a proven fact that these raptors are vulnerable to wind turbines and, should this development go ahead, observations such as these will be a thing of the past on these marshes.
As I said originally, we won't get a second chance here. The RSPB should make its voice heard. Others will make the Developer's case.
Mercury,I think if this is supposed to follow on from your other thread you have posted it wrongly,not sure if it is poss.to move it across
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can