Birdwatch magazine is once again hosting the annual Birders’ Choice Awards, now in its third year. These awards are designed to ‘celebrate the best – and condemn the worst – in birding and conservation’.
We were genuinely surprised, and flattered, to find ourselves nominated in the Conservation Hero of the Year category. Looking at the calibre of the four other nominees, it’s even more perplexing to figure out why we’re in there, and although we don’t expect to win we’re nevertheless grateful for the nomination because let’s be honest, who doesn’t like having their efforts recognised? So thank you, Birdwatch, for your support – it is much appreciated.
For us, although all are deserving, there is a clear stand-out nominee in this category (cough, Mark Avery, cough), as there is in the Campaign of the Year category (cough, Petition to ban driven grouse shooting, cough) and the Birds in the News category (cough, hen harrier, cough). The Guano Award for Environmental Harm is less clear cut but the badger cull probably edges it.
Whether you agree or disagree with our choices, you too can cast your vote because Birdwatch has made it very easy to participate. You can vote online here, but you’ll have to be quick as voting closes at midnight tonight. Winners will be announced in the January edition of Birdwatch magazine (on sale 22 December).
Raptor Persecution UK 
Well I voted for you, and think that f you won, you would well deserve it.
[Ed: thanks Alex, very kind!]
Alex, I entirely agree, Raptor Persecution should be at the top of anyone’s choice.
[Ed: thanks Mike]
We voted for you in ‘conservation hero of the year’ category (but wanted to vote for Mark too!) and voted for ban driven grouse shooting campaign. And Hen Harrier. Nominated Lammergeier in the ‘rarity of the year’ category.
[Ed: many thanks. Lammergeier – good call!]
Actually approving the native status of the Scottish Beaver population is one of the most significant conservation decisions that have been made in the past 30 years…. its a shame we didnt have the chance to nominate Roseanna Cunningham. Given the inaction we have been accustomed to… we really should make an effort to reward this positive step with a flourish of recognition. Its all about people… the politicians want praise… we need to show them that there is a lot of us and we do need to dish out praise when they do something good. Maybe more decisions will come our way…?
You are too modest RPUK. I voted for you too and so far as I am concerned YOU are the stand out nominee by a mile. 10/10 for Mark of course, but the amount of dedicated remorseless, fearless work and research you do on our behalf is matchless. And between you and me, I think Mark would say ‘amen’ to that one too! Take a now, and don’t ever go away. You are our hope and our inspiration in our war against the pleasure killers and their lords and masters.
[Ed: you’re too kind, Tony, but thanks for your continued support]
I voted for Mark, specifically to highlight the petition (and Mark’s bloody hard work) which I felt you’d also want, but hated not being able to vote for RPUK too, you certainly deserve to be there. The eloquence, passion, professionalism and not least the biting humour that wouldn’t be out of place in an issue of Private Eye make this the best campaigning site I’ve ever seen. The fact that you are pushing for Mark and the petition to get the votes just sums you up, magic!
[Ed:Thanks, Les!]