Over seven thousand islands make up the Philippines, and its wildlife is considered to be truly unique. Almost seventy-seven percent of the amphibians on the islands and sixty-four percent of the land mammals cannot be seen or found anywhere else in the world. When it comes to the bird life on the islands, it was believed that only thirty-one percent of the birds in the Philippines were endemic. Professor David Lohman then took it upon himself to begin a study to find out if some of the bird fauna could deliver distinct bird species that have not been recognized before. He decided to concentrate mainly on seven perching bird species, and by following the genetic lineages of these species, Professor Lohman has been able to determine a distinct history in regard to these bird species. In previous years, taxonomists would identify bird species through the color of their plumage and various markings found on birds, but Professor Lohman has pointed out that this form of identification is not accurate enough, saying: “Those features are not ideal, since closely related but distinct species can look similar.”

Due to the distance between the Philippines and the Asian mainland, it is believed that contact between mainland birds and those on the islands would be minimal, if none at all. By following the evolution of the bird species, Professor Lohman has found that a great number of Philippine populations were unique and not found in various Southeast Asia regions. “These unique genetic lineages were unknown before, however, our research hasn’t gone far enough to say these are new species”, explained Lohman, continuing by adding that “more rigorous analysis of the morphology may be needed to make that determination.”

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Hundreds of bird species will benefit from the Americas IBA Directory, as it will be a guideline for both conservationists and for authorities. The directory covers 57 different countries and has 2 345 of the most significant areas listed that need to be protected at all costs. Authorities will be able to refer to the directory to find out which of their areas are vital to the survival of birdlife, which bird species are located in that area and the biodiversity of the area, to enable them to take the right steps in protecting the natural habitat and the birds. Some areas that have been listed are significant in the migratory patterns of certain species, while others are crucial nesting sites for numerous endangered birds. Due to a number of these areas being inhabited by local communities, also relying on the natural resources such as water, authorities can assist these communities with sustainable development that will not only benefit the communities but the birdlife as well.

Hundreds of organizations have provided support and assistance in the compiling of the Americas IBA Directory. President of Bird Studies Canada, George Finney, explained: “From breeding grounds in Canada, to wintering sites in the south, and all points in between, it is imperative that we understand what is happening to bird populations and the forces that drive change. Bird Studies Canada is proud to work closely with our international partners on this issue, so that better management decisions and conservation actions can be taken.” A large number of agencies will be working together as IBA Caretakers, tracking migratory patterns and data in regard to bird populations, to note changes being made by the birds, and keeping the IBA Directory as up to date and accurate as possible.

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The fact that Algonquin Provincial Park has approximately seven thousand insect species in the park might sound insignificant to some, but without the insects, the pollination of plant life would not happen and the habitats in which the birds and animals live would no longer exist. The varied vegetation provides both animal and bird life with vital resources. Also found in the park, are two forest types, namely the coniferous forests and southern hardwood forests, creating a home for a vast number of different birds. Visitors and avid bird watchers can therefore look forward to seeing birds such as the Brown Thrasher, Indigo Bunting, Spruce Grouse, Wood Thrush, Boreal Chikadee, Gray Jay, Common Loon and many others that form part of the 272 species in the park. In addition, the Algonquin Provincial Park offers bird related programs such as Birds in Winter, Owl Prowl and Bird Adaptations. Talks are also held in the evenings in the park’s outdoor theatre, covering a wide variety of topics related to the park. Guided tours are available as well as a bird species checklist.

After a day of bird watching visitors can explore other features at the park, such as the picnic areas, stores, bookstore, backpacking trails, museum, art centre, restaurants and beaches. There are also a few lodges in the park enabling visitors to extend their stay and maybe explore the breathtaking bird life found along the rivers on the canoe routes. Bird watching in Canada is a rewarding experience and the Algonquin Provincial Park offers visitors everything they could need for an unforgettable bird watching adventure and family vacation.

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Previously birds such as the cuckoo, turtle dove and nightingale were thought to be amongst the world’s most common bird species. However it seems that even these birds are now at risk, with each of these species suffering massive slumps in their overall population numbers during the past half century.

The worst part about the new findings is that this is a global trend. Birds that were once common all over the world are now suffering sharp declines. While the cuckoo and nightingales were once very common in Britain, they are no longer quite so common. In other parts of Europe the turtle dove and corn bunting have declined dramatically. In Asia, the once common white-rumped vulture is becoming scarce, while in the Middle East, the Eurasian eagle owl is disappearing. And North America certainly doesn’t escape the trend, with birds such as the northern bobwhite showing dramatic decreases in population.

These shocking revelations and others were recently published at a BirdLife International world conference in Buenos Aires in a report entitled: “State of the World’s Birds.” According to Dr Mike Rands, the chief executive of BirdLife, “many of these birds have been a familiar part of our everyday lives, and people who would have not necessarily have noticed other environmental indicators have seen their numbers slipping away and are wondering why.” Dr Rands also said that “birds provide an accurate and easy-to-read environmental barometer,” which allows “us to see clearly the pressures our current way of life is putting on the world’s biodiversity.” With a significant portion of the more ‘common’ bird populations across the world suffering dramatic population decreases – sometimes more than 40 percent – we are suddenly finding ourselves presented with the raw reality that our natural world truly is falling to pieces around us. While the effects of phenomenon’s such as global warming have already been pointed out in other ways, it seems that now even bird lovers are faced with the challenge of going green to save species that were once considered to be under no immediate threat.

As a bird lover, will you rise to the challenge or give in to defeat and watch your beloved garden-variety favourites slowly disappearing from the skies? Any efforts you make now may still make a big difference on the number of birds populating our skies in a few year’s time.

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Dedicated volunteer bird-watchers covered around 3,500 routes across the United States, Canada and Alaska as participants in the North American Breeding Bird survey. This data is being used by the Montana State University (MSU) in a study that examines biodiversity across North America. Together with additional information gathered by a satellite sensor developed at the university, researchers are gaining tremendous insight on issues such as conservation and land use.

Using a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), which was first launched in 1999 on the NASA Terra satellite, researchers are receiving comprehensive data of vegetation in the areas that are included in the study. Although extensive data has been collected by volunteers, the fact that birds are so mobile makes it difficult to get a true understanding of large areas of bird breeding habitat purely from ground surveys. This is where MODIS is proving invaluable by allowing a “bird’s-eye view” of the landscape. Combining ground surveys with MODIS data gives researchers a wealth of information on a national scale.

During the time that he was park ornithologist, Terry McEneaney drove around Yellowstone National Park every June over a period of thirty years, identifying and recording information on the birds he came across. Starting early in the morning he would stop at a designated spot to identify and record his findings, moving onto the next spot and repeating the process. McEneaney would stop 50 times along his 24.5 mile route, trying to complete the routine before 9:30 am, which is roughly the time that birds stop singing. Birdsong is invaluable in the accurate identification of birds. McEneaney is now retired from his job at the National Park Service, but it is rewarding for him to know that the data he gathered with such dedication and perseverance is being put to good use.

Using information gathered by bird-watchers involved in the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Montana State University analyzed 1,390 of the almost 3,500 routes covered by the survey. This analysis was then combined with the results obtained from MODIS. Delighted with the results obtained from this complex exercise, researchers are most appreciative of the efforts of bird-watching volunteers in gathering the information which is now being used, along with advanced technology, to benefit the birds of America – and, in turn, will benefit future generations of bird-watchers

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With more and more people trying their hands at bird-watching, there is a greater need to develop sustainable bird-watching opportunities around the world. Some places have a particularly high concentration of birds and this makes them ideal bird-watching destinations. But without some sort of supportive infrastructure in place, it can be difficult, daunting or nearly impossible for the average bird watcher to visit such locations. The first protected zone in Central America is providing bird lovers with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of color and beauty.

Costa Rica is not a big country – in fact it is about the same size as West Virginia. Yet despite this it is home to more bird species than the entire North American continent! The country is home to some 850 different bird species just waiting to be discovered by amateur and professional ornithologists. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Rainforest Biodiversity Group and the help provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Costa Rican Bird Route provides bird watchers with the opportunity to scour the Sarapiquí region of the country and search out the more than 400 bird species that can be found in this wonderfully rich part of the country. Bird lover’s will find themselves dazzled by the bright colors of green and blue Macaws, multi-colored Toucans and orange and green Motmots, among others.

The Costa Rica Bird Route has seen the teaming up of a number of new and established biological reserves to make twelve different birding sites available to bird lovers. The route takes advantages of the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor and makes a number of bird watching opportunities and programs available. The route not only gives visitors easy access to beautiful, primary rainforest, but also works towards a more environmentally sustainable economy since it gives land owners and their employees access to the benefits of tourism. This limits the need for activities that are potentially harmful to the environment and so benefits everyone in the long term. It is hoped that by providing landowners with a chance to get involved in eco-tourism, there will be more of a focus on protecting habitats and this will greatly assist with the protection of the rainforest. With some 51.3 million Americans currently reporting a fondness for bird watching, it would seem that this bird route is definitely a viable option. However, the jungle corridor is home to more than just birds, and animal lovers will find 139 species of mammals, 135 species of reptiles and 80 species of amphibians in the area, while botanists will simply be delighted at the abundance of amazing and aged plant life.

Bird lovers wishing to enjoy the Costa Rica birding experience will find that established sites such as Selva Verde are a great place to start. Here you will find comfortable, affordable accommodation and a wide selection of enjoyable activities. However, newer sites offer the more adventurous a chance to get off the beaten path and explore new areas. Whatever you prefer, make sure that you consider Costa Rica for your next bird watching holiday.

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