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The Mini Bird Race 2009

Editor — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:55:56 +0000

The Mini Bird Race 2009 will be hosted by the Borneo Highlands Resort, with the support of the Malaysian Nature Society, on the 4th of October 2009. Contrary to what one might expect the Mini Bird Race 2009 to consist of, only wild birds a part of this event, as it is held to promote bird species and the conservation of nature. It will be the second time that this event is hosted, because of its previous success, and the Mini Bird Race sees teams face off against each other in a race of knowledge and good bird spotting skills. Each team has a limit time to find, record and identify as many bird species as possible.

The Mini Bird Race 2009 is an extremely fun and exciting event and offers spectators the opportunity to enjoy the company and activities with fellow bird lovers. For more information in regard to this event, visit the official website at http://borneohighlands.com.my/birdrace2009.html.

Date: 4 October 2009
Venue: Penrissen Range, Borneo Highlands Resort, Kuching
City: Sarawak
Country: Malaysia

Red-Billed Cough Project in Portugal

Editor — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:05:01 +0000

The Red-Billed Cough species falls under the crow family. It is easily recognized by its features that include a longish curved beak and red coloring, red legs and pitch-black plumages that glisten in the sun. They are known to mate for life and also remain at their breeding site. Nests can be found on cliff faces and caves. But concern has grown over an area in Portugal where there once was an abundance of Red-Billed Coughs, and nests were an ordinary site. The surrounding area of Chaos has not recorded a sighting of a Red-Billed Cough in a long time, and steps are being taken to correct the loss of these birds to the area.

The herding of goats in the Chaos countryside was once a very active form of agriculture, but as the agricultural lands began to be abandoned, the vegetation and brush started growing at such a rate that the Red-Billed Coughs could no longer forage underneath the bushes as they used to, and the insects that used to breed in the goat excrement and provide these birds with extra nutrition are also no longer found here since the goats were removed. Efforts are therefore being made to revive the industry of goat herding to enable the Red-Billed Coughs to once again populate the area.

The project has enlisted the assistance of two candidates who herd the newly acquired goats, as well as monitoring the birds, natural herbs and orchids which are found in the area. To raise funds, the project has brought in a tourist angle, allowing visitors to Portugal to be goat herders for a day explore the beautiful landscape and receive a guided tour of the natural wonders and sites in the Chaos countryside. In addition, organic cheese production is a product that potential goat herders can invest in, especially as the project is incorporating tourism into their attempt to save the Red-Billed Cough population. It is hoped that the project will jumpstart the industry of goat herding and in doing so, provide the Red-Billed Cough with a habitat again. These endangered birds can be saved, with dedication from the project, assistance of the community and support from visitors and tourists. Tourists will be able to explore a new world while playing a vital role in saving the Red-Billed Cough in Portugal.

British Birdwatching Fair 2009

Editor — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:44:56 +0000

The British Birdwatching Fair is not only a wonderful opportunity for bird and wildlife enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of their favorite bird species, but assists the bird fair to raise funds for various wildlife projects. Exhibitors come from far and wide to attend what is referred to as the largest international bird watching event in the world. Over and above browsing the stores and hiking through nature, birding enthusiasts can look forward to interesting workshops and seminars that are hosted throughout the fair.

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

The Albatross Task Force Project

Editor — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:19:59 +0000

South Africans are fast gaining recognition for taking initiative and trying new things. Most recently they have enjoyed a lot of success in efforts aimed at minimizing the number of endangered albatrosses killed in fishing nets annually. Conservationists are now looking at how the project can be expanded.

Albatrosses do not generally receive a lot of public attention, but they are certainly no less important than other birds. This large sea bird is currently facing a huge dilemma – as many as three quarters of albatross species are at the brink of extinction. The main cause for their demise is the fact that they are easily entangled in long fishing lines which are dropped into the water to catch fish such as tuna. The bird then swoops down on the baited lines to which it is attracted, quickly becomes entangled in the lines and it is then eventually pulled underwater where it drowns. It would seem to be such a simple problem to solve, but up until now conservationists have not have much success in helping to stem the number of fishing industry-related deaths.

Fortunately a South African initiative called the Albatross Task Force (ATF) project has now found a way to make the lines safer and so reduce the probability of the birds being drawn to them and becoming entangled. The project’s main preservation technique involves attaching brightly colored streamers to the back of the vessels. These streamers, known as tori lines, flap in the wind and scare the birds away, so helping them to avoid becoming entangled. The initiative also looks at educating fishermen so as to help them avoid catching albatrosses. They share specialist knowledge with the fishermen and also encourage them to fish at night when activity is low. Finding more effective ways to keep the lines down under the water is also encouraged. While changing entrenched attitudes takes time, new laws stipulating that no more than 25 birds may be caught during fishing trips is a very powerful motivator.

So far the Albatross Task Force project has been incredibly successful in helping these endangered birds to avoid premature deaths. The project was launched in 2006 and in 2008 the number of birds killed by fisheries in South Africa dropped by an incredible 85%. Expanding the project to encompass other countries is simply the next logical step, and the UK Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is very supportive of the move. Hopefully this creative and forward-thinking initiative will save yet another bird species from extinction.

Shifting Migrations Might Indicate Global Warming

Editor — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:30:35 +0000

Each year thousands of citizens in the US get involved with the annual Christmas bird count. They are not professional birders, but their counts do help biologists and other researchers to get a better idea of the grand scale of things. Over time this count has revealed that almost 60 percent of migratory birds are spending their winters further north than they did forty years ago.

According to studies, the American Robin and White-throated Sparrow are just two of the 305 bird species examined which showed a dramatic northward shift in their annual migratory patterns. While this does not prove global warming in itself, it is consistent with the sort of behavior you’d expect to take place in direct reaction to a steadily warming climate. The concern is not so much for the birds themselves, but for other non-migratory bird species and animals that are left behind to suffer through the heat. Kenn Kaufman, field editor for Audubon Magazine, stressed the interdependence of everything in an ecosystem when he said about the trend: “Everything is connected. Birds are not isolated; it’s an ecosystem. It’s a system and something that happens in one area is going to affect everything else.”

While bird ranges can change for a number of different reasons, such as urban sprawl, supplemented diets and deforestation, researchers have noted that the most likely explanation for why so many different migratory birds over such a broad area are choosing to winter further north is most likely global warming. The shift is not just affecting one or two species from one or two areas – its affecting a large number of species from a large number of areas. The phenomenon is simply too widespread to be attributed entirely to only one localized cause.

So where does the report released by the National Audubon Society leave bird lovers? It refreshes in our minds the need to not contribute to the many factors causing global warming. Not only can we change our own lifestyles and encourage others to do likewise, but if we live in an area where there are non-migratory birds, we can try to be aware of their needs, providing them with food, water and shelter so that they can survive the conditions as best as possible.

Hen Harrier to be Released into English Wilds

Editor — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:37:21 +0000

The hen harrier is one of the most endangered birds of prey in Britain. Their numbers have fallen incredibly in England in the past, with just ten breeding pairs having been counted last year. While this bird species was once very widespread across Britain, it now seems its domain is limited mainly to Scotland where there are about 630 breeding pairs.

The main reason behind the dramatic decline of hen harriers in England is systematic persecution – namely, the shooting of these birds in their natural habitats in the Pennines and the Peak District. This is an area where these birds come to prey on grouse chicks and it is here that they are most ruthlessly persecuted. However, it seems that government officials are not content to sit back and watch extinction in action. Natural England, a government conversation agency, has been hard at work at drafting up plans to save the hen harrier in England. They would like to reintroduce the bird into the ranges that it formerly inhabited, such as lowland farms, heathland and upland areas including the Exmoor, Dartmoor and New Forest areas. All this will hopefully take place during the course of the next two years. Until now their plans have been put forth somewhat clandestinely, with the proposals gaining approval from bird conservation organizations, environment ministers and moorland and country sports organizations. The detailed proposals will be officially released to the public in early April.

Why all the secrecy? It seems it is feared that there will be some opposition from certain conservationists and landowners. Caution certainly is the order of the day, since these birds can pose a threat to resident land owners in the proposed areas for release. Farmers in the area are already struggling with a surge in the number of sparrowhawks, red kits and buzzards and the addition of another feathered predator will no doubt only add to their worries. Some landowners use their estates primarily for pheasant and partridge shooting and are concerned that the birds could get in the way. Basically there are fears that the widespread and non-specific reintroduction of these birds of prey could cause havoc to a number of already established farm and gaming practices. What’s more, Scottish sheep farmers are already complaining about decreases in stock numbers due to the much higher numbers of hen harriers in those parts of the United Kingdom. While the reintroduction of the hen harriers to the English wilds is widely supported due to the fact that they are endangered, it seems it is hoped that conservation officials will choose wisely as to how many of these birds will be released and where they will be allowed to make their new home.

Jekyll Island To Host National Bird Education Gathering

Editor — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:05:05 +0000

Like flocks of gulls converging on a rocky point, more than a hundred bird educators and enthusiasts are due to flock to Jekyll Island for the 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering from February 22, 2009. The various bird lovers will be coming from schools, bird refuges, national parks, bird clubs and nature centers especially for the event.

The 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering is an open event that can be attended by pretty much anyone with an interest in birds, bird education and various bird conservation efforts. It is a five day event that is designed to encourage those in attendance to explore various wildlife viewing areas and grow in appreciation for birds and other animals. The Bird Education Network (BEN) Committee worked hand in hand with the Council for Environmental Education and Flying WILD when organizing the event. Jekyll Island was chosen especially for its truly exceptional birding and nature-based, tourist-orientated activities.

During the gathering, attendees will likely spent plenty of time exploring the wonderful and diverse facets of Jekyll Island. Guided field sessions will not only involve walking, but kayaking and canoeing. Birders will be able to travel through the inter-coastal waterways and the Okefenokee Swap during their many outdoor adventures. When they head indoors they will be presented with a vast array of events to choose from. They can enjoy listening to guest speakers or visit the many exhibitions that will be erected specifically for the event. As they make their way along they will be able to share their knowledge and experience with other birders as well as learn more from old and new friends. Topics for discussion at the event will include urban-based bird education, helping families to connect to nature and climate change and its effects on birds. Most of the indoor events are scheduled to take place at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Jekyll Island is home to more than 250 different bird species and has been included in the Colonial Coat Birding and Nature Trail for this reason. Birders will be able to spot Roseate Spoonbills, Painted Buntings, Woodstorks and Bald Eagles, amongst other things, in this delightful wilderness area. If this sounds like your idea of a great week or weekend, make sure that you don’t miss out on the 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering.

Operation Migration Continues Despite Challenges

Editor — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:52:04 +0000

A while back a feel-good family movie called “Fly Away Home” highlighted the work done by a group of people who call themselves Operation Migration. The job of these dedicated people is to teach groups of hand-raised whooping cranes their migration patterns so that they can be successfully introduced into the wild.

But clearly it is never quite as simple as that. For starters the birds have to be hand-raised, yet without absolutely any contact or bonds forming with their human keepers. The raising process starts before the chicks are even hatched, when they play recordings of a ‘brood call’. The noise not only reassures the growing chick, but it implants this parental sound on the chick so that it is easier to guide it once it is hatched. It is a natural sound that the parent would normally give to the chick while brooding. Once the eggs are hatched, the really hard work begins. The birds have to be fed while they are weak and then taught how to feed themselves. All the while, their human handlers make very sure that they are not ever accustomed to humans. The idea is to raise them to be as wild as possible. The birds are not exposed to human voices, the sounds of cars or anything else. Whatever is taken to the pen is carefully camouflaged or concealed, including the humans who don white robes so that they somewhat resemble the mother crane.

After months of hard work, the birds are stretching their flight feathers and ready to attempt their first migration. And this is where Operation Migration comes into play. The birds do not instinctively know where to go. Yet they only need to be shown once and they’ll know exactly what to do for the rest of their lives. So when migration season rounds the corner, the birds are carefully prepared for flight by being encouraged to follow a small flock of ultralight aircraft. The ‘brood call’ which they’ve known since before they hatched is played from the aircraft – amplified so that it can be heard over the noise of the single-propeller, single-wing aircraft. Over time the chicks develop the strength needed to sustain them in their long-distance flight. And that is where things start to get tedious and difficult. The flight crew needs to guide the birds from their home all the way to Florida. The problem: the weather doesn’t always play ball. While the birds could probably handle less than perfect weather, the light aircraft cannot. It’s a frustrating, long journey that can see the selfless pilots and workers away from their families for over five months of the year. But it’s worth it. In the eight years that the Operation Migration project, led by Joe Duff, has been in action, the Eastern Migratory Population has been built up from zero to several dozen birds. At the moment they’re in the process of showing 14 new birds the way. Unfortunately so far the going has been tough due to adverse weather conditions.

The human-aided migratory flight not only raises awareness about the danger that the whooping cranes are in, but of the danger that so many of our feathered friends face. It’s not only a chance to help these birds, but a chance to educate and to encourage conservation. Hats off to Operation Migration!

Bali Starling Thriving In Nusa Penida Sanctuary

Editor — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:03:16 +0000

The Bali Starling is Bali’s provincial emblem and is quite a pretty little thing. It is a white bird with a vivid blue mask, so it is rather easy to identify, even for inexperienced birders. Unfortunately it is not always so easy to spot – not because it is elusive, but rather because it is critically endangered in its natural habitat.

Unfortunately on mainland Bali, the Bali Starling has been actively poached and also suffered a decline in numbers due to loss of habitat. Numbers have shrunk so much that conservation officials started to get truly worried about the likelihood of this species’ continued survival. The Begawan Giri and Friends of the National Parks Foundations subsequently decided to breed and release 65 Bali Starlings on Nusa Penida, a small island situated just off the coast of Bali. Though the island does not form a part of the bird’s natural habitat, it does seem to be a safe haven for these struggling little creatures. Now it seems that doing so, they may well have taken the first steps to ensuring the bird’s survival in the wild. Since their release on the island in 2006, 45 of the 65 starlings have hatched offspring.

Bayu Wirayudha, a Bali Starling breeder and veterinarian working with the Friends of the National Parks Foundation, attributes the success of the birds’ survival on the island to traditional laws. Apparently the traditional laws protecting the birds and animals of the island are still in place on Nusa Penida. Despite the fact that birds should be protected in the West Bali National Park, the same sort of traditional law just does not seem to exist in West Bali where the bird originally hails from. Of course, moving the birds to Nusa Penida has drawn some fire from certain concerned organizations, but it seems that the recent count of 45 birds born on the island would show that the plan is working. Further, it seems that the new batch of hatchlings may well help to bring wild Bali Starling populations back from the brink of extinction. The concept of creating new colonies for endangered birds is not new and has been successful on more than one occasion in the past. Let’s hope that these conservation efforts continue to move ahead successfully and so prevent yet another one of our beautiful bird species from dying out.

North West Bird Watching Festival – A Fun Family Outing

Editor — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:25:31 +0000

If you’re looking for a great weekend’s activity for the whole family, you’ll find that the North West Bird Watching Festival is exactly what you’re looking for. This great event will prove to be both educational and recreational, helping families to reconnect with nature whilst at the same time helping them to buy out time from stressful lives and learning more about how to look after our endangered wildlife.

The North West Bird Watching Festival will be hosted by the Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and promises to be a truly spectacular event. This is a great way to get your whole family out in the open air and to teach them to appreciate nature. It also provides a great setting for building up familial bonds and improving the education of adults and children alike. As a social event, it provides everyone – young and old – with an opportunity to make new friends. Anyone interested in bird watching, photography or conservation should definitely make this festival a part of their plans for the end of the month. In fact, any nature lover – no matter how little or how much you enjoy getting back to basics – can make the most of this festival and enjoy themselves. You’ll be able to relax, unwind and even do a little bit of shopping during the course of your visit to this great birding festival.

So what sort of activities have been planned for the North West Bird Watching Festival? Well, no birding festival is complete without an interesting selection of guest speakers and workshops to help visitors learn more about the natural environment that they are enjoying so much. An emphasis will also be put on photography, with a workshop in photograph manipulation easing a lot of budding photographers into this aspect of modern photography. A number of stands will be set up at the festival and will have clothing, binoculars and second hand books, among other things, for sale. You may even be able to pick up a bargain birding holiday for the family! Those who enjoy a more hands-on experience will enjoy the swan feeds that take place at 3 and 3:30 pm in the afternoons. The North West Bird Watching Festival will take place on November 29 and 30. Make the most of this great event by ensuring that you’re there to enjoy it!