Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

The scientific name of the Eastern bluebird is the Sialia sialis. The bluebird is a small thrush and is 5.5 inches long with a narrow black bill. The bluebird found in Southwestern United States is lighter in colour than the Eastern bluebird elsewhere. You will often see the bluebird in open patches of ground like [...]

Common Bird Numbers Declining

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Critically Endangered Northern Bald Ibis

The striking northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremite), with is long red bill and oblong-shaped black body, is not a bird that would usually attract too much attention because many people would not think of it as the most attractive bird. However, it is currently very much under the spotlight as it is a critically endangered bird that may be facing extinction if more effort is not put into preserving this species.