Kittiwakes in trouble

From a BBC article today, another tale of woe about bird declines and shocking figures for Kittiwakes. I was surprised to see Long-tailed Duck mentioned but not most of the other duck species and Puffins. Also some information from BASC about "Illegal Methods"

Click for link to BBC Article

After reading the above article I checked the BASC Quarry Species list for waterfowl species that can be shot, bizarre! Red list first, and the Pochard is in both lists!

"UK to be placed on the IUCN Red List are:  

Atlantic Puffin, European Turtle Dove, Pochard, Slavonian Grebe, Balearic Shearwater, Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Aquatic Warbler."

BASC Species List (extract) waterfowl that can be shot

Ducks; Gadwall, Goldeneye, Mallard, Pintail, Pochard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted duck, Wigeon

Geese;  Canada, Greylag, Pink-footed, White-fronted, (England and Wales only)

Waders;  Golden plover, Common snipe, Woodcock

Other;  Coot, Moorhen

These below can be sold, (1st September - 28the February):

Mallard, Pintail, Pochard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted duck, Wigeon, Common snipe, Golden plover, Woodcock, Coot. Woodpigeon can be sold dead at any time.

Prohibited Methods

All wild birds.  It is illegal to use;

Any spring(e), trap, gin, snare, any electrical device for killing, stunning or frightening, or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance (or hook and line or muscle-relaxing agent – Northern Ireland only) so placed as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild bird

Any net, any baited board, bird-lime or substance of a like nature to bird-lime

Any bow or crossbow

Any missile which is not discharged from a firearm including any arrow or spear (Northern Ireland only),

Any metal bar, axe, hatchet, cudgel, club, hammer or similar instrument (Northern Ireland only)

Any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm.

Any automatic or semi-automatic weapon against any bird except the Bird Pest Species listed on the general licences (see note below)

Any shotgun where the barrel has an internal diameter at the muzzle of more than 1¾ inches

Any device for illuminating a target or sighting device for night shooting or any form of artificial light or any mirror or other dazzling device

Any gas or smoke not covered any where else in this section, any chemical or wetting agent

Any sound recording (see note below)

Any live animal or bird as a decoy which is tethered, secured by braces or other similar appliances, or which is blind, maimed or injured.

Any mechanically-propelled vehicle in immediate pursuit of birds for the purpose of killing or taking.