A Penguin at Polkerris?

We would expect some unusual avian arrivals as a result of these persistent and violent storms, but do you think a *penguin* was spotted strutting along the shore at Polkerris Beach in Cornwall?

Take a look at the photo footage here. My own opinion is that a Guillemot or Razorbill ID is more likely, far more likely, but you have to admit that the stance has something distinctly penguin-like about it.

I don't have any penguin photos, but here are some Guillemots from Pembrokeshire in West Wales ...

Beautiful Birds (38): Bass Rock photo on Scottish Island Explorer blog

A pair of Gannets

A Plunging of Gannets, Bass Rock

I am grateful to editor, John Humphries, of the glossy and informative magazine, Scottish Island Explorer, for featuring my blog on his site. You can see my post about the 21,000 Gannets on Bass Rock off Scotland's east coast here. You can also read a new post on the Scottish Island Explorer blog about Bass Rock.

Media Matters (2): The Awful 'A' Word: Austerity (again)

The RSPB is working hard to ensure that the message gets through to those concerned about the folly of sacrificing land set aside in the UK for nature. You can read about RSPB's latest plans here.

• My previous post on the subject
• Mark Avery's RSPB blog
  

Beautiful Birds (8): ASBO Puffin

Those who follow my blogs will know that the Puffin is probably my favourite bird, though I have been greatly enjoying the Little Penguins on the television programme, Penguin Island, narrated by Rolf Harris.

I recently blogged about humans eating Puffins on the Shiant Islands, but the RSPB has issued a report about adult Puffins attacking a young one at Sumburgh Head on Shetland. It may be that the chick-less, would-be parents are venting their frustration on the Puffling. You can read more about the story here. Thankfully, despite the attcks by 'ASBO Puffin', the youngster was strong enough to fledge on 11 August 2010.

• BBC Scotland - photo gallery for August, including dolphins at Chanonry Point and an Osprey.
  

Media Matters (1): A is for 'Austerity'

Red Tape:
are we barking up the right tree?

I am grateful to Professor P.Brian for drawing my attention to the alarming report in The Guardian about the government's possible plans to start saving money by selling off nature reserve land. What next?