Raptor workers throughout the UK and abroad were terribly saddened to learn of the death through cancer of Roger Clarke, on January 28, at the young age of 54 years. At this time our immediate thoughts are with his wife Janis and his son and daughter. On the day of his death it was reported that there was a record count of 91 Marsh Harriers departing their overnight roost at Stubb Mill, Hickling, on the Norfolk Broads. Roger devoted much of his life to Harrier study and was well known to Harrier enthusiasts throughout the world. In 1983 he teamed up with Donald Watson to develop the UK Hen Harrier winter roost survey, a survey which he co-ordinated until his death. He wrote numerous articles in journals and several books, including Harriers of the British Isles in 1990, The Marsh Harrier in 1995 and Montagu's Harrier in 1996. He had also been working with the late Donald Watson to update and publish Watson's classic monograph of the Hen Harrier. More recently he was a significant contributor to our field guide to survey and monitoring. He will be deeply missed and we hope the image of a Marsh Harrier going to roost will be a poignant memory of his work.

A scottish birdwatchers' conference on Borders Birds is to be held at the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, on Sunday 18th March, 2007. Hosted by SOC Borders Branch and BTO Scotland, the programme includes inputs on Goshawks from Malcolm Henderson, whilst John Calladine will speak on the challenges of monitoring Short-eared Owls. The conference fee is £27 and full details are available from Jean Torrance at SOC HQ e-mail:

BTO News No.268 Jan-March 2007 contains two articles of interest to raptor workers. Owl species are notoriously difficult to census and the 2005 BTO Tawny Owl survey was the most comprehensive survey yet of Tawny Owls. Some 1,286 tetrads were visited and on these sites, where recorded, had slightly increased from 1.34 in 1989, to 1.42 pairs/tetrad. This suggests the Tawny Owl population has encouragingly maintained its earlier range and abundance. There is also an article on the the Barn Owl Monitoring Programme (BOMP). Initial feedback suggests that breeding performance was poor in 2006 probably due to the shortage of voles. Whilst there are a few BOMP sites in Scotland BTO are keen to register more sites in Scotland. Please e.mail for more information.

SNH has launched a species action framework for the next five years as part of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. Amongst the species which will be the focus of new action over the next 5 years are White-tailed Eagle and Hen Harrier. In the case of the White-tail action will be targeted to increase its range and population which is at risk both in Scotland and internationally. The Hen Harrier is the only species which has been targeted because of 'conflicts of interest' . For further information log into http://www.snh.org.uk/press/detail.asp?id=1617.

Most will be aware that AMEC has submitted a revised planning application for a giant wind farm on Lewis. Though some changes have been made to the original proposals to minimise bird strikes the development remains on a huge scale with 181 turbines, each 140 metres tall, and associated infrastructure involving 30 kms of overhead cables supporting 137 pylons each of which is 27 metres high. There will be similar amounts of cable underground, with massive concrete turbine foundations, hard standings, roads, quarries and no fewer than 8 electrical substations. Most of the turbines and associated infrastructure are located on the Lewis Peatlands SPA. Though the company involved believe they have addressed the threat to key bird species, many organisations including Scottish Environment LINK and RSPB have serious reservations and will be objecting in the strongest terms. If individuals or groups wish to object these are required by the end of January and should be sent to the Consents and Emergency Planning Unit, Scottish Executive, Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6AT or e.mail to energyconsents@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. Further information about what is proposed is available from www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/action/lewis/index.asp

Thought you would interested in a new link established with The Eagle Conservation Committee (KOO) in Poland. Established in 1981 it is an informal group of people involved in the research and protection of birds of prey. There are about 250 members who comprise specialists in ornithology and nature conservation, foresters and raptor enthusiasts - very much like SRSGs. Their site http://eagle.free.ngo.pl/cele.htm is on our links page and although some parts need updating, it is still well worth a visit.

We are delighted to announce that Charlie Park has been awarded an M.B.E. in the New Years Honours List in recognition of his tireless efforts towards wildlife and conservation in south west Scotland. Charlie has been involved in protecting and surveying birds of prey for four decades and was one of the founding members of the original South West Scotland RSG. His early work during the 1960/70s concentrated on Peregrines then in serious decline as a result of the disastrous effects of DDT. More recently he has been a key figure in the reintroduction of Red Kites to Dumfries & Galloway. RSPB Manager for South West Scotland Chris Rollie says of Charlie - 'his knowledge of birds of prey in southern Scotland is second to none, and his friendly approach when talking to everyone from landowners to young people is a valuable tool when undertaking conservation work. His hundreds of hours of volunteer surveys have become the basis of many scientific papers, and as a lobbyist and supporter of the RSPB, he has become a first class ambassador for conservation. To remain so strongly dedicated to the often frustrating and difficult field of conservation is to be applauded and this New Years honour is thoroughly deserved '- and so say all of us! In his usual modest and unassuming way, Charlie will be embarrassed by all the fuss.