So for birding fun, seeing rare birds, supporting conservation and buying great accessories such as sculptures, bird toys, binoculars and booking your next eco-holiday, get down to the British Birdwatching Fair. For more information, visit the bird fair website at www.birdfair.org.uk .

Date: 21 – 23 August 2009
Venue: Egleton Nature Reserve
City: Oakham, Rutland
Country: United Kingdom

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Some of the more popular bird watching sites include Khok Kham, the Khao Kieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Doi Chiangdao Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Pra-Bang Kam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiangsaen and the Koh Similan National Park. Although there are various bird species that overlap in all the provinces, some bird species prefer specific provinces according to landscape and food supply.

In the Samutsakhon Province for instance, the habitat is blanketed in fish ponds, swamps, mangroves and mudflats, luring species such as the Nordmann’s Greenshank, Streaked Weaver, Malaysian Plover, Ruddy-Breasted Crake, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana and the Asian Dowitcher to this region. Birds such as the Large Hawk Cuckoo, Asian Golden-Weaver, Forest Wagtail and Black Blaza prefer the woodlands and rice fields of the Nakhonpratom Province, while Grey Peacock Pheasants, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters, Violet Cuckoo, Green Magpie and White-hooded Babbler feel at home in the forests, by water streams and waterfalls located in the Petchburi Province.

Some of the larger national parks have a variety of habitats within their borders, having a larger variety of birds in one area. The Khao Yai National Park, in North-Eastern Thailand, gives visitors the opportunity to see birds such as the Siamese Fireback, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Scaly-breasted Partridge, Coral Billed Ground Cuckoo and many more. Other breathtaking species to be seen in Thailand include the Black-backed Forktail, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, Long-tailed Minivet, Collered Owlet, Hume’s Pheasant, White-bellied Redstart, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Sapphired Flycather and the Crested Tree Swift. In general, many national parks have more than two hundred different species of bird living and breeding within the park, giving visitors the experience of a lifetime. To see truly amazing bird life, Thailand is the perfect bird watching destination.

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Anyone with an interest in birds may have spent at least a little time wondering why it is that some bird species lay only one egg while others lay up to ten eggs. The question certainly seems to have been plaguing biologists who have gone out of their way to come up with an answer.

The number of eggs laid by a bird is called the ‘clutch size‘. In a bid to understand why the clutch size of certain birds differ so much from other birds, biologists combined data on the clutch sizes of a whopping 5 290 species of birds from around the globe. The information covered not only the bird species and clutch size, but the biology of the bird and the environment specific to each of the species. The results of their findings were recently published in the journal PLos Biology.

The clutch sizes of both birds and reptiles has long been a subject of interest for biologists. Generally speaking, it seems that species which are short-lived or which have a low survival rate tend to lay more eggs, while those that live longer or have a higher survival rate will lay fewer eggs and spend more time nurturing their offspring. However what happens when one bird lays just one egg and another bird of a similar species lays ten? Why are there such huge discrepancies? It seems that some of the answers lie in the variations in a particular species’ environment, nutrition, health and risk of predation. The study was also able to make use of manuscripts dating back hundreds of years so as to gain insight into how environmental changes may have affected species over the years. The results show that increased environmental variation has caused birds to lay larger and larger clutches. Nest shape is another factor. Birds nesting in more open nests are more at risk from predators and so less eggs so that less eggs are at risk. In contrast, a cavity nester, such as a woodpecker, will have larger clutches since they are better protected. Season and location are another two factors that play a role. It seems that the research has helped the team to accomplish one of their main goals – that of accurately predicting the average clutch size for types of birds living and breeding in certain environments. This information could greatly aid conservation efforts and will no doubt prove to be most helpful in the future.

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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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It isn’t every day that ornithologists can claim to have discovered a new species of bird, but that is exactly what is happening in eastern Nepal. A team of ornithologists, who are affiliated with Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), has recorded the new species and labeled it ‘Syke’s Nightjar’. The BCN is an authorized ornithological body that is devoted to the keeping of accurate records related to bird conservation in Nepal.

Though the bird was first sighted on the banks of the Koshi River about three kilometers south of the Koshi Barrage at the beginning of this year, it was only officially approved by the Nepal Rare Birds Committee (NRBC) recently. In fact, it took approximately five months to have the identification and sighting of the new bird species verified. The latest sighting of this bird was made at the famous Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal. The new find is one of five species of nightjar which can be found in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. However, it would seem that this is not the bird’s primary home. The Syke’s Nightjar visits Nepal occasionally from Pakistan, south-central China and northwest India in small numbers. It breeds in these other countries and then returns to Nepal at other times of the year.

Ornithologists generally classify nightjars as small or medium-sized birds that have long pointed wings. Their mouths usually gape open and feature long bristles that are able to catch insects in flight. Their plumage is cryptically patterned and soft like that of an owl. The birds are also nocturnal and crepuscular and the Sykes Nightjar fits all of these specifications. In fact the new bird has been noted as belonging to the Caprimulgidae family and its scientific name is Caprimulgus mahrattensis. Most of the locals, however, call it an “Apurva Chaita Chara”. Confirmation of this exciting new find came at the perfect time since it arrived on the eve of World Environment Day. The discovery of the Syke’s Nightjar brings the total number of bird species recorded in Nepal to 863. That is a whopping 9 % of the total bird population in the world found in this tiny corner of the globe.

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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.

Stuart Butchart of BirdLife International, an organization which helped IUCN compile the list, sighted the destruction of natural habitats and climate changes brought about by global warming as the biggest factors in this unfortunate trend. Sadly things seem unlikely to change anytime soon. Burchart noted that the resulting fragmented populations become even more susceptible to climate changes and this, in turn, can bring about a higher level of localized extinctions. He further added that to ultimately turn things around, we would have to see “broad-scale climate-change mitigation measures” as well as a change in “society’s values and lifestyles.” However, while there has been an ever-increasing trend amongst first world countries to go ‘green’, it is unlikely that we will see these changes implemented on a large-enough scale to prevent this wave of destruction.

There are approximately 10 000 known bird species. Of these over 1200 are now considered to be ‘threatened’. At least eight species have been bumped up the list to the status ‘critically endangered’. The statistics include the Floreana mocking bird, which is limited to a tiny population of only 60 animals, and the Mallee emuwren – of which there are only about 100 individuals still left in the wild. These are two of the most endangered species on the list, but more familiar bird species also merit attention. The sandpiper and albatross are also listed as endangered, and the spotted kiwi in New Zealand has had its status marked up from near threatened to vulnerable.

One of the birds marked down was the Marquesan imperial pigeon. The change from ‘critically endangered’ to ‘endangered’ comes as the result of determined conservation efforts. This shows that conservation can be effective, but it has to be implemented for all these endangered species if we are going to see any major changes. While activities, such as the clearing of forests to make way for palm-oil plantations, continue to destroy vital bird habitats, BirdLife has set a program in motion to try and stop this ongoing trend in its tracks. Called the “Preventing Extinctions” program, the aim is to find groups who will be willing to protect each of the 190 birds that are listed as critically endangered. Bird lovers can only hope that the new program will prove to be a success.

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The moment the word “Everglades” is spoken, many people imagine the dark waters of a marshland filled with alligators. However, even though alligators are at home in the Florida Everglades, it is the bird species that steal the spotlight from these illusive predators. Birding in the Florida Everglades has become a popular activity, and while silently waiting for a bird to appear visitors also get the chance to meet some of the other fascinating animals that have carved out their own existence in the Florida Everglades.

The rich animal and bird life in the Florida Everglades continues to exist due to the selfless efforts of conservationists and everglade protection advocates, such as Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who have fought against development and the destruction of this precious land. After the year 1930, many developers had their sights set on commercial and industrial growth in the Florida Everglades, destroying river flows and reducing some of the area from healthy eco systems to unforgiving marshlands. Through awareness and endless battles, establishments, such as the Everglades National Park, have been opened to conserve this breathtaking piece of natural paradise.

The varying eco systems and unique network of swamps, rivers, prairies, ponds and large pools of water, create ideal living and nesting environments for a large variety of birds. While birding in the Florida Everglades, bird watching enthusiasts can look forward to seeing Osprey, Purple Gallinule, Great Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Common Moorhen, White Ibis, Reddish Egret, Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Wood Storks and Red Tailed Hawks, to name a few. With over ten thousand small islands scattered throughout the Florida Everglades, visitors will be amazed to see how every living species within the everglades reside together and survive the changing climates and conditions.

Other wonderful animals to be on the lookout for include Wild Hogs, American Crocodiles, American Alligators, Raccoons, Deer, Opossums, Treefrogsm Florida King Snakes, Tree Snails, Indian Manatees, Giant Land Crabs and the magnificent Florida Panther. Of course there a many ways to view the birds of the Florida Everglades, such as kayak excursions, river cruisers, motorboat trips and canoeing. Not surprisingly, very few visitors volunteer to canoe or kayak through the waterways. After a day of searching for the magnificent birds of the everglades, visitors can also enjoy some of the activities offered by the park, in a safe and restricted area. Here the adventurous travelers can practice their horse riding skills, try their hand at jet skiing, snorkel, swim and even fish. The Florida Everglades is a wonderful natural destination, and a paradise for birds and wildlife.

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When we hear the word “parasites”, most of us would assume it is referring to an organism that feeds off another. In brood parasites, in the avian world, it works a little differently. To put in laymen’s terms, it is when one bird species lays their eggs in a different species‘ nest, so that the parasite species do not have to take care of their young. Over the years, host bird species became wise to the brood parasites, but as a parasite does not give up that easily, the brood parasites have come up with various devious plans to fool the hosts.

Brood parasitism can be found in insect species as well as fish species. But in avian species there are two different types of brood parasites. Non-obligate brood parasites will lay their eggs in host nests of the same species, such as the African Weaver and the Bank Swallow. Obligate brood parasites will lay their eggs in other species nestsm and examples of obligate brood parasites include the Bronzed Cowbird, European Cuckoos and African Honeyguides.

Host species started to notice the difference between their eggs and the parasite eggs, and began to eject them from their nests. To overcome this problem, parasite species started to mimic the host parents’ eggs, so that the difference between the host egg and parasite egg would be almost impossible to tell apart. Some parasitic species have become so advanced that they are able to mimic a variety of species eggs, such as the Brown Headed Cowbird, giving the parasite a choice of hosts. One of the most successful brood parasites is the Common Cuckoo that is able to mimic the eggs of the Meadow Pipit, Brambling, Streaked Laughing Thrush, Great Reed Warbler and Meadow Bunting to such perfection that scientists need to look at genetic markers to tell them apart.

In most cases, the parasite hatchling is much larger than the hosts’ hatchling. The parasite chick will often kill the host chick or kick it from the nest. It has even been noticed that host species are threatened into caring for the parasite hatchling. In some cases, the host has ejected the parasite chick from the nest, and in retaliation the brood parasite adult has destroyed the hosts’ nest. The aggressive behavior of the brood parasite, of which most remain close to the host nest to keep an eye on their eggs, then forces the often-smaller host to care for the parasite hatchling.

Scientists are still working on projects and studies regarding this very interest form of survival, the impact it has on the host population and trying confirm their intimidation theories across the board. But, when looking at brood parasites in general, it seems that the host species always suffers, and the only party that gains from this arrangement are the brood parasites.

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What should you do if you find a baby bird? There are times that baby birds either fall out of their nests or their nests are destroyed. People often feel sorry for these babies and take them home to care for them, but there are a few dangers involved for the bird that the public should be aware of.

It is important to determine what bird species the baby bird is to be able to take the correct action in the situation. However, it is advised that baby birds that are rescued by the public should rather be taken to their nearest veterinary establishment or wildlife rescue center, so that they are able to receive the necessary care.

When a baby bird is found on the ground, one should not immediately assume that it is in danger, or that it has been deserted by its parents. Some bird species leave the nest quite early and spend a few flightless days on the ground. They are watched over by their parents, who keep them safe from danger, and will learn how to fly during this time. If someone had to pick these birds up and take them home, they would be interrupting a very important stage of the bird’s life when the parents teach them how to fly, how to find food and what should be considered a threat. Other bird species, such as Mallards and the Killdeer, are able to feed themselves almost immediately after they have hatched, and can often be seen walking around looking for food. American Robins don’t leave the nest for a couple of weeks, but it is not unheard of to find them taking a walk before they are able to fly. In all these instances, the parents will be nearby keeping an eye on their chicks.

Birds are not like mammals, they do not have an acute sense of smell, and will not abandon their babies because a human has handled the baby. If it is impossible to return the nestling to its original nest, an artificial nest can be erected close to the original nest and the nestling left inside. The parents will take a few hours before approaching the nest, as the disturbance might make them nervous. Fledglings might also end up on the ground due to a failed attempt to fly, and can be recognized by full-grown feathers sticking out between the fluffy baby feathers. If making a homemade nest does not lure the parents back to the nest, it is best to keep the baby bird in a small soft box, in a quiet area, away from the bustling household. Keeping the bird warm is essential. Do not try to feed the baby water or any type of food. The incorrect food or even water can kill them if they choke or if the diet is wrong. Rather take the bird to professionals who have the knowledge and capabilities to care for them.

Unfortunately, nature can be cruel and siblings can also kick the weaker competition out the nest. So next time you ask the question: What should you do if you find a baby bird? Remember that it is important to first evaluate the situation before taking action. Sitting and keeping an eye on the bird for a while, to ensure that it is not injured or merely taking its first steps towards adult life, will protect against the life cycle of the bird being interrupted. Even though kind humans are trying to assist nature, they could be doing harm and need to make sure that their good intentions don’t lead to a bad outcome.

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The accuracy with which migrating birds head for, and find, their chosen destination has been a source of wonder for many. Research has revealed many interesting facts over the years and many theories abound, but there is still an element of mystery that keeps scientists motivated to find an explanation.

For many years scientists have believed that migrating birds have an internal compass to navigate between their wintering grounds and their nesting areas, which are very often thousands of kilometers apart. Much as a compass that humans use, this internal compass was thought to be strongly influenced by the earth’s magnetic field, but it was not understood which part of a bird’s brain or sensory system was used.

More recent research suggests that a migratory bird’s eyes contain molecules which sense Earth’s magnetic field. These molecules are linked to the area of the bird’s brain that processes visual information. So, the possibility exists that bird species may actually be able to see the Earth’s magnetic field. Research involved injecting migratory garden warblers with a special dye, which can be traced along nerve fibers. The research team injected tracer dye into the bird’s eyes and also into a region of the brain, which is most active when birds orient themselves, known as Cluster N. When the subjects of the experiment got their bearings, both these tracer dyes traveled to the thalamus, which is a region in the middle of the brain responsible for vision, proving that there is a direct link between Cluster N and the eye. Results of this research strongly support the theory that migratory birds use vision of the magnetic field to navigate.

Scientists, not involved in this particular study, have cautioned that these new findings are the not the final pieces of the puzzle of navigation over long distances. A compass can tell you in which direction north, south, east and west are, but that is of no use if you don’t know where you are, therefore a map is also necessary. One researcher has suggested that birds may have magnetic crystals in the bills which sense the intensity of the magnetic field, thereby establishing their physical location.

Certainly scientists are a few steps closer to unraveling the mystery of what guides birds during migration. Nevertheless, the mystery is not solved yet.

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