There has been up to 4 pairs breeding on that stretch over the last few years but there was only one record of one individual last year as far as we can ascertain.
What is the cause of their absence? Possibly pollution with Thames Water dumping sewage in to the Thames or the increase in activity on the river. i.e. Wild Swimming, Paddle Boarding, increases in other river traffic or speeding traffic, Dogs, Mink etc.
Just putting it out there, any thoughts?
Note: Speed limit on the Thames is 5mph and boats have to be registered and Jet skis are not allowed on the river upstream of the Thames barrier.
Several comments regarding this issue on the FB page:
ReplyDeleteRe the post about lack of Great Crested Grebe on the river... “I blame it on all the boat traffic - bow waves from big boats, noise from all boats, speeding boats of all sorts, but mostly those from the boat clubs with their megaphones (Oxford Uni and Brooks, as well the Wally boat club... one of the reasons I stopped going down there... hardly a quiet moment anymore, and why do they need a megaphone for coaching...? We can hear it from at least half kilometre away!
As for paddle boarders, we did see a couple of them nearly knocked off their boards by one of the electric (?) coaching boats speeding around the island near 4-Arches, going so fast they couldn't stop when they encountered the boarders as they turned abruptly. Also people using the islands near the 4_Arches, lighting fires, camping, loud music etc. The islands are part of the nature reserve so BBOWT should do something.”
“The rowing club launches don’t kick up much wash as they are designed to cut through the water. They need to go as fast as the boats they support so if that’s a men’s eight at full pelt that’s more than 12 mph. Exemption from standard speed limits are given when following crews. Coaching with a megaphone is standard kit I’m afraid. As an ex coach I’d always kept an eye out for nests and watch wash around them. The floating gin palaces kick up much more wash and are often driven by mildly tiddly folks who don’t know the reach. The decline in great crested grebes is a longer term thing and could be multifactorial. An otter might take a nest out and I have would you believe seen a red kite take a coot chick.”
“100% agree, I have almost given up fishing between Bow Bridge and Ferry Lane in the summer early autumn. Swimmers as well. The rowing club speed boats totally avoid any speed limit.”