tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335136133298119767.post3425430193623854744..comments2024-02-17T13:57:46.317+00:00Comments on Farmer Jake: Where are all the Leverets?Jake Freestonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504859388807702234noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335136133298119767.post-83069680232395918602010-05-28T18:50:35.071+00:002010-05-28T18:50:35.071+00:00Since returning to the area three years ago, I hav...Since returning to the area three years ago, I have also noted a decline in the number of hares - and a rise in the number of birds of prey.<br /><br />22 years ago, when I first lived near Bredon Hill, sightings of buzzards were rare. Today they are commonplace and numbers of other birds of prey appear to be in the ascendency; only a month ago I saw a Red Kite in Crashmore Lane, unmistakable with its forked tail.<br />These raptors hardly existed outside central Wales until comparatively recently.<br /><br />I have also spotted peregrine falcons, merlins and harriers - all of which are capable of taking small mammals. Leaving the larger ones for the buzzards!<br /><br />Nature is full of swings and roundabouts; hopefully, with the assistance of astute land management such as that employed at Overbury, the balance will be restored.<br /><br />Bredon Hill remains a haven for wildlife. A nature lovers paradise with something new to see every day; rarely have I walked a footpath without noting something new, a deer crossing the way or a migrant bird passing overhead.<br /><br />Finally, just for the record, when I returned home this evening there was a leveret sitting on the verge just south of Conderton Chase - so all will come right in the end!<br /><br />MikeJack Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12146535355836052639noreply@blogger.com