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Bird Breeding Season: The Good News And The Bad News

Editor — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:01:23 +0000

The RSPB has been particularly excited, and also perplexed, at the highs and lows in bird populations this breeding season. On the one hand, it appears that many of their conservation efforts have paid off with the organization enjoying one of the best bird breeding seasons on record. However, at the same time a number of more common bird species are clearly struggling to deal with climatic changes and their numbers are dwindling.

some bird species but, despite that, this was one of the best breeding seasons on record.” He then went on to discuss some of the bird numbers recorded during the season at the Minsmere nature reserve. It seems it was a good season for Terns, but other birds such as the Turtle Dove and Spotted Flycatcher were noticably absent and worrying. In the end there were a record 102 bird species breeding at the Minsmere nature reserve during the course of the season. Unfortunately several Bittern nests failed due to flooding and the Avocets were not terribly successful breeders.

The arrival of a pair of Arctic Terns at Minsmere for the first time was probably the first sign that it would be a good season for Terns in general. Not long after they arrived, a pair of Sandwich Terns, which have been absent in the area for several years, joined the existing Tern colony which numbered around 86 pairs by the end of the season. Not too far away, 41 pairs of young Terns took it upon themselves to raise about 33 youngsters. The Havergate Island Reserve was home to a further 43 pairs of common Terns for the breeding season. Another bird species which arrived in large numbers at the two RSPB nature areas was the Black-headed Gull. A record 758 pairs of these birds were to be found at the Minsmere ’scrape’ during peak season. Unfortunately the Mediterranean Gulls that had formerly seen an increase, dropped to just two pairs. There were 19 pairs of Common Gulls and three great Black-backed Gull pairs, while the lesser Black-backed Gulls increased to a whopping 1,185 pairs and the Herring Gulls increased to 501 pairs. The increase to three pairs of Stone-Curlews at Minsmere was also noteworthy.

The Avocets nesting at Minsmere increased very slightly in numbers and suffered a bit of tragedy with heavy spring rainfall causing only four chicks to fledge successfully of all those hatched from the 130 pairs nesting at the sight. Birds that researchers are concerned about include Oystercatchers, Black-tailed Godwit, Bitterns, Dartford Warblers, Yellowhammers, Spotted Flycatchers and Turtle Doves. The Nightjar and Woodlark populations managed to remain stable this year.

New RSPB Reserve at Dunnet Head, Scotland

Editor — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:40:28 +0000

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.

Landowner, Ben Colson, recently handed over the management of the 27-hectare site to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Recognizing that Dunnet Head is a nationally important home for a large variety of seabirds, Colson expressed his appreciation for the work the RSPB do, as well as his confidence that they will ensure that both the wildlife of the area, and the people who visit there, will be catered for. Colson, his family, and many others in the area have a special bond with Dunnett Head, which is rich in wildlife and history. They are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with RSPB in sharing the natural beauty of this nature reserve with fellow bird and wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide.

The red sandstone cliffs of Dunnet Head are more than 90 meters high in some place, but the majority of the cliffs are between 30 and 60 meters high. RSPB Scotland’s senior conservation manager, Pete Mayhew, revealed that in addition to caring for the seabirds and their cliff habitat, they are hoping to manage the land on top of the cliffs. This land, which had been grazed by sheep in the past, could provide habitat for corncrake, twite and great yellow bumblebee. Future plans include improving tourist facilities at Dunnet Head to attract more visitors to the area.

Dunnet Head is mainland Britain’s most northerly point. On a clear day visitors can enjoy some of the most extensive and breath-taking views to be found anywhere in northern Scotland. These stunning views extend from Cape Wrath situated at the north-western tip of mainland Scotland, right through of Duncansby Head at the north-eastern tip. Looking inland, the view includes the sharp peaks of Morvern and Maiden Pap. Add to all this natural beauty, the abundant bird and wildlife of the area, and you have some compelling reasons to visit Dunnett Head, RSPB Scotland’s newest nature reserve.

The RSPB’s Feed the Birds Day

Editor — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:25:39 +0000

Most of us take for granted the cheerful song of the many wild birds that frequent our gardens and fill the air with joy. Their presence is merely accepted as part of a daily routine. But when the afternoons become quiet and garden starts to loose its color, we wonder where our feathered friends have gone, and why. One organization that has chosen to address the issues of wild birds is the RSPB in the United Kingdom. They launched a project called Feed the Birds Day, to bring attention to the needs and difficulties that birds often face.

Feed the Birds Day brings awareness to the public and to bird watching enthusiasts about the importance of feeding wild birds and how minor adjustments in the garden can assist them throughout the year. This year, Feed the Birds Day will take place on 27 October 2007. There will also be many other events and bird related projects taking place closer to and during the weekend. Not only can homeowners create a garden paradise filled with birds of all shapes and sizes, but feeding birds is also a convenient way of exposing children to wildlife and teaching them about the importance of nature.

During this time many questions are raised in regard to bird feeders and the correct types of food. Different food and presentation can attract specific bird species to a garden and most wild birds need the additional assistance. Winter months can be dreadful for birds, especially for those who live within the city limits. Not only must they fight off the icy weather conditions, but food sources become scarce. Limited food supplies can also dramatically effect the breeding seasons of the birds. Feed the Birds Day therefore tries to encourage the public to take note of these challenges, and to help the birds.

There are many different seed mixes available in pet shops and stores that already have a balanced mix of sunflower seeds, peanut granules and maize. A concentrated mix will attract a vast variety of birds such as finches and sparrows that are attracted by small seeds, blackbirds by maize and greenfinches by peanuts. It is recommended that milk, dried dog biscuits or vegetable oils are not added to the bird feed mixes. Cooked rice (without salt), breakfast cereal and meaty dog food can also be put out. When putting up bird feeders and feeding tables, it is important to remember that a supply of water is essential.

Once the neighborhood birds start realizing that there is a tasty supply of food and water in a garden, all the homeowner or birding watching lover needs to do is sit back and enjoy the color and song. Feed the Birds Day is a wonderful initiative to support. It does not cost a fortune, but the aid provided to wild birds is priceless. To assist in conservation of wildlife from the comfort of your garden, put up a bird feeder and help these precious gems of skies live long and healthy lives.