New Conservation Strategy Comes After Years of Research
Biologist Robert J. Craig has spent the last seven years, seven days a week, carefully documenting the bird populations in various areas in Southern New England. The journey has taken him across more than 1 000 miles of land on foot and has required him to trudge across snow, wade across rivers and fight his way through forest undergrowth. However Craig argues that the resulting information is invaluable and should be used to make some very important decisions.
New RSPB Reserve at Dunnet Head, Scotland
In line with their ongoing efforts in the conservation of wild birds and other wildlife, as well as their habitats, RSPB Scotland have announced that Dunnet Head in Caithness has become a nature reserve. These cliffs at the British mainland’s most northerly point jutting out into the Pentland Firth between John o’Groats and Thurso, Caithness, are home to a multitude of seabirds, including guillemots, puffins and kittiwakes.
Caring for a Sick Bird
Birds make wonderful companion pets and many bird owners go to great lengths to ensure that their feathered friends remain healthy. Nevertheless, just as with humans, birds do become ill from time to time. Unfortunately, unlike humans, birds do not always show symptoms of illness until it is too late. Caring for a sick bird really starts with identifying the fact that the bird is sick in the first place and then taking action without delay.
Less Stress for Re-Homed Birds
There are a lot of good people out there who open their hearts and their homes to pet birds in need of a new home. They do this with the best intentions but often find themselves facing a number of difficulties when the bird arrives. Birds sometimes pick up certain behavioral problems at their previous home and you will need to understand that trying to help an adult bird settle into a new environment is no easy task. This is especially evident with parrots.
Does Your Bird Have Bad Breath?
Halitosis in your feathered companion can spoil an otherwise enjoyable relationship. Although bad breath in birds is uncommon, it could indicate underlying health issues and should not be ignored. The most likely cause of bad breath is a bacterial infection and an avian veterinarian would, through a series of tests, be able to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.
The Elegant Crane
Almost every culture has at least one story about the majestic crane and they have long been depicted in art in different countries. These large birds have long legs and necks and so they stand out from other birds very easily. There are also representatives of this group of birds on every continent with the exception of two: Antarctica and South America. Cranes belong to the Gruiformes bird order and are grouped into the family ‘Gruidae’.
One in Eight Birds in Danger of Extinction
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one in eight bird species is currently facing extinction. The most recent update of the Red List of threatened bird species listed 190 bird species as ‘critically endangered’. Eight of the birds on this list were added this year and a further sixteen species have been given a higher threat status. In sharp contrast, only two species were found to have improved prospects of survival. Clearly things are spiraling out of control.
The Smithsonian’s Neighborhood Nestwatch
Established and directed by Dr. Peter P. Marra of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian’s Neighborhood Nestwatch opens up opportunities for ordinary citizens to get involved in a nationwide program by being biologists in their own backyards. Participants in the program will gain an in-depth understanding of birds in their neighborhood, while assisting scientists to gather crucial information with regard to the survival of backyard bird populations.
An Exciting Adventure at Pacific Northwest Raptors
Birds of prey have long captivated the imagination of mankind. These striking yet graceful hunters of the air display some of the most impressive acrobatics and strategies in the animal kingdom. Swooping down on their prey from dizzying heights at incredible speeds with amazing accuracy, raptors continue to awe, thrill and inspire us even after centuries of admiration.
Official Migratory Bird Havens Now Available in East End Parks
As part of efforts to boost the success rates of nesting birds in the region, some 2 140 acres of state parkland have been set aside on Long Island’s East End as a conservation area. The protected area will be the 50th such designated zone for birds in New York State and will greatly benefit species such as piping plovers and ospreys.
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