Slaughter of the songbirds: the fight against France's 'barbaric' glue traps

French hunters claim tradition justifies their exemption from EU rules. But with many species endangered, there is growing pressure for a banIt is early morning in the heart of Provence, and somewhere behind the tall black pine trees a rousing dawn chorus begins. We are crouching out of sight among the rosemary bushes and wild asparagus listening to the melodic musical phrases of song thrushes and blackbirds.This is Marcel Pagnol country, rich in flora and fauna and of exceptional natural beauty; but there is no sign of the singing birds anywhere in the rustling foliage, trees or sky. Continue reading...