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8 May Owls in the spotlight (South Africa) [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 May Qatar to host meeting on bird conservation [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 May Volunteers protect rare bird colony (UK) [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 May Bicycling teen shares bird conservation message [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 May Saipan bridled white-eyes released on Sarigan [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 May Dozens of Protected Birds Killed (USA:HI) [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 May Madagascar Pond-heron thrown a lifeline... [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 May WOW! New website helps flyway project take off... [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 May "Extinct" bird returns to Mar Menor (Europe) [Jeremy Taylor ] 30 Apr Cornell Lab of Ornithology News [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Apr Maltese 2008 spring hunting season banned by European Court [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Apr World Migratory Bird Day 10-11 May 2008 [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Apr Critically Endangered seabird losing its pulling power [Jeremy Taylor ] 24 Apr Audubon's largest ever grant will engage communities in conservation [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Apr Shorebird staging-sites in short supply... [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Apr Falkland Islands King Penguin colony increasing [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Apr Bermuda's new National Park extends IBA protection [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Apr Foxes and rats making meal of terns (UK) [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Apr Communities unite to protect White-necked Picathartes [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Apr 16 Seram (Moluccan) Cockatoos and 4 Purple-Naped Lories Released Back to the Wild on Seram Island [Jeremy Taylor ] 9 Apr Avitourism 'takes off' in South Africa [Jeremy Taylor ] 9 Apr New Jersey protects crab to save rare shore bird [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Apr Lesser White-fronted Goose shot in Greece [Jeremy Taylor ] 7 Apr Save the Great Cormorants of Lake Constance [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 Apr the Tree-Nation project [Jeremy ] 4 Apr Rare book delivers [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Apr GPS to give blue crane a lift (South Africa) [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Apr Five an 'awesome' boost to kakapo pop [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Apr Stoats decimate takahe numbers [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Apr Global swarming – flight of the Penguins [Jeremy Taylor ] 28 Mar Albatross Task Force ‘spreads its wings’ to cover more countries [Jeremy Taylor ] 27 Mar Joining-up conservation - from the Canada’s boreal forest to South America [Jeremy Taylor ] 26 Mar Agreement secures safer power lines for Hungary’s Birds [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Mar International action to save the Red-breasted Goose [Jeremy Taylor ] 23 Mar Bermuda Petrel returns to Nonsuch Island (Bermuda) after 400 years [Jeremy Taylor ] 23 Mar Maltese work to reduce seabird catch welcomed [Jeremy Taylor ] 20 Mar London Zoo's new bird enclosure [Jeremy Taylor ] 19 Mar Europe's rarest finch finds favour [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Mar U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lists the Desert Bald Eagle As Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Mar RSPB wants birds protected at sea [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Mar Short-tailed Albatross chicks moved out of the shadow of the volcano [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Mar birding in Rwanda [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Mar birding in Rwanda [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Mar Spring Alive sees early arrival of migratory birds to Europe [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Mar Kazakhstan study helps to identify wealth of new IBAs [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Mar Successful meeting reviews progress in the monitoring of Important Bird Areas and protected areas in Africa [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Mar Study finds contaminants in bird eggs across Maine [Jeremy Taylor ] 7 Mar bird monitoring- Ecuador [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 Mar Rare sea bird rediscovered off PNG [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 Mar Time running out for Cyprus vulture [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 Mar Long-legged Warbler extinction fears (Fiji) [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 Mar Common insect-eating birds suffer dramatic declines... [Jeremy Taylor ] Subject: Owls in the spotlight (South Africa) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:38:12 -0700 (PDT) Owls in the spotlight THE spotted eagle owl is South Africa’s Bird of 2008 – to enjoy a deserving limelight and to focus on conservation of the species. Perhaps all owls will benefit from the publicity. Those with the interests of our shrinking flora and fauna populations will hope so. Owls are particularly endangered by a whole raft of threats to their existence. One is the myth and superstition that they are a bad omen and a harbinger of death. They are killed for that. It’s a stupid medieval witchcraft belief and needs to be struck from the human psyche. Full story at http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=200087 Subject: Qatar to host meeting on bird conservation From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:32:08 -0700 (PDT) Qatar to host meeting on bird conservation Web posted at: 5/7/2008 3:25:47 Source ::: The Peninsula doha • Qatar is hosting the 31st meeting of Global Council of Bird Life International, from May 12 to 16. The Birdlife International aims at saving bird species, protecting bird sites, conserving bird habitats and empowering people to take care of bird conservation and bio-diversity. Qatar is making enormous efforts for environmental protection, awareness and education. With a relatively small number of bird species which is estimated at 255, almost half (104) of which are migratory birds, Qatar has every reason to protect them. By becoming Partner in Bird Life International, Qatar can benefit a lot from the organization's programmes, techniques, training and know-how. The global council meeting is very important as the whole world is facing drastic climate change, which might lead sometimes to catastrophic consequences. Full story at http://tinyurl.com/6lmowv Subject: Volunteers protect rare bird colony (UK) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:29:14 -0700 (PDT) Volunteers protect rare bird colony 07 May 2008 By Mark Thompson NATURE lovers are preparing a safe home for a very rare breed of bird. Conservationists have fenced off an area of Crimdon Sands to provide a haven for a colony of little terns who annually breed on the site. Last year, the colony proved the most successful in the country with more than double the previous year's amount of chicks hatching. The small seabirds are migrating to the beach from the sweltering climate of West Africa to rear their chicks before heading south before the winter begins. Full story at http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/Volunteers-protect-rare-bird-colony.4059579.jp Subject: Bicycling teen shares bird conservation message From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:27:59 -0700 (PDT) Bicycling teen shares bird conservation message By TARA BOZICK - Victoria Advocate May 08, 2008 - 10:21 a.m. AUSTWELL - The bicycling boy wonder continues his birding travels in Texas after breaking records for a fossil fuel-free big year. As of Tuesday, 16-year-old Malkolm Boothroyd had identified more than 509 birds since June 21, when he started his one-year bicycling journey in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory in Canada, down the West Coast and cutting east across the United States. His parents, Wendy Boothroyd and Ken Madsen, biked along with him and helped him surpass the goal of raising $12,000 for bird conservation. Full story at http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/793/story/242100.html Subject: Saipan bridled white-eyes released on Sarigan From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:24:45 -0700 (PDT) Saipan bridled white-eyes released on Sarigan Friday, May 09, 2008 The Division of Fish and Wildlife and collaborating biologist from world-renowned zoos have completed the historic translocation of 50 Saipan bridled white-eyes, Nosa (Zosterops conspicillata saypani) to the island of Sarigan. The purpose of the translocations is to protect from extinction unique, endemic Mariana bird species that only occur on a few of the Mariana Islands. The Nosa is found on Saipan, Tinian and Aguiguan but is extinct on Guam due to the invasive and introduced brown tree snake. Current research has shown that the population of the Nosa on Saipan has remained stable for the past 10 years. Therefore, it was as good candidate for the first experimental trial prior to pursuing translocations of birds that are declining more rapidly. For several endemic birds, the Saipan population is crucial as it is the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands and several bird species are limited in distribution throughout the islands. The Golden white-eye, Canario (Cleptornis marchei) is only found on Aguiguan and Saipan; the Tinian Monarch, Chichirikan Tinian (Monarcha takatsukasae) only found on Tinian; and the Nightingale Reed warbler, Gaga Karisu (Acrocephalus luscinia) only occurs on Saipan and Alamagan. Full story at http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=79780&cat=1 Subject: Dozens of Protected Birds Killed (USA:HI) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:23:09 -0700 (PDT) Dozens of Protected Birds Killed Written by Brooks Baehr May 07, 2008 06:35 PM Dozens of Wedge Tailed Shearwaters, an indigenous Hawaiian bird protected by federal law, have been found dead in Kahuku. Wildlife experts believe they were killed by a dog or several dogs. The Wedge Tailed Shearwater spends part of its life at sea, the rest in nests along the coast. Man has already destroyed much of the Shearwater's habitat by developing along the waterfront. And now the Shearwater is under attack from man's best friend. "It was just awful, and the more I saw the sicker I felt," said Noyita Saravia, a Kahuku resident who found some of the dead birds. Full story at http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/6290/40/ Subject: Madagascar Pond-heron thrown a lifeline... From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 15:54:42 -0700 (PDT) Madagascar Pond-heron thrown a lifeline... 02-05-2008 The Endangered Madagascar Pond-heron Ardeola idae has received much-needed attention from all its range states. Delegates from nine African countries recently came together in Nairobi (Kenya) to develop a Species Action Plan to reverse the heron’s alarming population decline. The species was considered to be common half a century ago. It is now listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The Madagascar Pond-heron breeds in Madagascar, Aldabra, Europa and Mayotte - all Western Indian Ocean Islands. Outside the breeding season it migrates to mainland Africa, where it frequents small, tree-lined freshwater pools. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/05/madagascar_pond_heron.html Subject: WOW! New website helps flyway project take off... From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 15:25:26 -0700 (PDT) WOW! New website helps flyway project take off... 29-04-2008 The Wings Over Wetlands (WOW) Project has launched its new website. The pages give an insight into the largest international wetland and waterbird conservation initiative ever to take place in the African-Eurasian region. WOW is fostering international collaboration along the African-Eurasian flyways, building capacity and demonstrating best practice in the conservation and wise-use of wetlands. “Waterbird migrations are presently underway across much of Europe, as birds head back from Africa to their northern breeding grounds. The WOW project is helping to safeguard this amazing sight for future generations to enjoy”, said Dr Leon Bennun, Director of Science, Policy and Information at BirdLife International. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/wow_website.html Subject: "Extinct" bird returns to Mar Menor (Europe) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 15:17:35 -0700 (PDT) "Extinct" bird returns to Mar Menor Written by Phillip Bruce Friday, 02 May 2008 A species of rare bird thought to have been extinct has returned to the Mar Menor in Murcia, Europe's largest inland sea. The canestera bird (Glareola pratincola) is a small bird which flourishes in wetlands. The Mar Menor used to have plenty of these, particularly around the salt pans that have operated for a thousand years or more. However, development has taken its toll and as the builders got to work so the birds became scarcer and scarcer. In the 1980s the last colonies disappeared, it was thought forever. However, this year it is thought about 30 pairs are now nesting in a special area at El Carmoli. Ecologists were surprised some time back to find that a few of the birds had returned and that they could obviously live with managed agricultural practices. Full story at http://www.roundtownnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14708&Itemid=9 Subject: Cornell Lab of Ornithology News From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:46:27 -0700 (PDT) News from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology April 30, 2008 NESTWATCH: DISCOVER LIFE AT THE NEST If you've ever seen a bird's nest, or if you'd like to, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology needs your help. Join our new NestWatch citizen-science project to learn how to safely find and monitor bird nests. Experience the wonder of nesting birds and share your data online so scientists can learn more about breeding birds. Visit the site for instructions as well as information about birds and their fascinating behaviors. www.nestwatch.org BIRD NEWS: COMPOST PILE NESTS Find out which bird uses its oversized feet to scratch together a pile of fallen vegetation that gives off heat like a garden compost pile. In this BirdScope article, the Lab's Evolutionary Biology Program director, Irby Lovette, explains how the males offer these natural incubators where females can lay their eggs--if they first pay a "toll" in the form of a mating event. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Spring2008/compost_turkey_nests.html CITIZEN SCIENTISTS WATCH FOR SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE Recent news articles have highlighted the contributions of citizen-science participants to studies of climate change. Citizen Science director Janis Dickinson was interviewed by The Christian Science Monitor, http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0410/p14s01-sten.html, and Bird Population Studies Director Andr� Dhondt chatted with callers on NPR's "On Point," http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2008/04/20080422_a_main.asp. "SMART BUOYS" LISTEN FOR ENDANGERED WHALES, PREVENT SHIP COLLISIONS Whether working to save the lives of birds, elephants, or whales, the Lab's scientists and engineers put their ingenuity to work in deploying new technologies to listen for rare and endangered creatures. Their new "smart buoys" hear the sounds of endangered North Atlantic right whales and relay the information in real time to prevent collisions with ships, a major cause of mortality. To see a map of where right whales have been heard in the last 24 hours, and to watch videos of our crew at work, visit our new web site http://www.listenforwhales.org. WINGS ACROSS THE AMERICAS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP AWARD The Chief of the U.S. Forest Service has recognized the Lab and partners in El Grupo Cerleo, a team of individuals and organizations working to study and protect Cerulean Warblers across their range in North, Central, and South America. These efforts have also involved contributions of citizen-science participants in the Lab's Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project and Priority Migrant eBird. BIRDSCOPE RESDESIGNED Our quarterly newsletter, BirdScope, is now more engaging than ever. We've switched to more economical web press technology, 100 percent recycled paper, color photos, and thematic content (The Spring issue focuses on nests.) Lab members and citizen-science participants should look for a copy in the mail. If don't already receive BirdScope, we'll put you on a list for a sample copy, while supplies last. Just send your name and mailing address to birdscope AT cornell.edu. If you'd like to receive Living Bird magazine and BirdScope regularly, please join as a member at www.birds.cornell.edu/membership. TEAM SAPSUCKER ASKS FOR YOUR HELP IN WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING On May 10, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Team Sapsucker and our student team, the Redheads (named for the "Cornell Big Red") will be competing to see or hear the most bird species in 24 hours--and to raise the most funds for conservation in the World Series of Birding in New Jersey. Your support motivates the team and enables the Lab to work toward bird conservation throughout the year. Thanks to sponsor Swarovski Optik, all proceeds to go to our conservation programs. To learn more about the teams or to make a pledge, visit www.birds.cornell.edu/wsb . Thanks, as always, for your interest and for your support of the Lab! Your friends at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Subject: Maltese 2008 spring hunting season banned by European Court From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:32:40 -0700 (PDT) Maltese 2008 spring hunting season banned by European Court 25-04-2008 BirdLife International and BirdLife Malta welcomed yesterday’s decision by the European Court of Justice to issue interim measures ordering Malta not to open the 2008 spring hunting season for European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur and Common Quail Coturnix coturnix. This Order implies that the Court sees urgent need to prevent irreversible damage to these migratory bird species, while a final ruling on this case is pending and not expected before 2009. In January 2008, based on a complaint by BirdLife, the European Commission took the Maltese government to Court for having allowed, every spring since the country’s accession to the EU in 2004, hunting and trapping of European Turtle-dove and Common Quail, in direct contravention of the EU Birds Directive. Malta is located on an important bird migration route in the Mediterranean. Hunting during the sensitive breeding and spring migration period is prohibited under EU law, in all Member States. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/malta_interim_measures.html Subject: World Migratory Bird Day 10-11 May 2008 From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:31:47 -0700 (PDT) World Migratory Bird Day 10-11 May 2008 25-04-2008 Are you fascinated by the phenomenon of bird migration? Are you worried about the threats migratory birds are facing? Do you want to help raise awareness for migratory birds or are you already planning a bird-related activity, such as a bird watching excursion, a presentation or similar? Then join hundreds of others around the world in the upcoming World Migratory Bird Day taking place on 10-11 May. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/World_Migratory_Bird_Day.html Subject: Critically Endangered seabird losing its pulling power From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:04:04 -0700 (PDT) Critically Endangered seabird losing its pulling power 23-04-2008 A study into one of the world’s rarest seabirds provides knowledge that could help avoid extinction. Molecular analysis of the Critically Endangered Magenta Petrel Pterodroma magentae (also known as the Chatham Island Taiko) discovered that 95% of non-breeding adults were male. This suggests that critically low population levels may be causing male birds difficulty in attracting a mate. Their calls are too spread out to attract the infrequent females which pass by. Conservationists are planning to increase the male Magenta Petrel’s pulling power by creating a new breeding colony within a predator-proof fence. Magenta Petrel was rediscovered in 1978 on Chatham Island, New Zealand, 111 years after it was first collected at sea. The species has undergone an estimated historical decline of 80% over 45 years. The primary cause is introduced species – such as pigs, cats, Weka and rodents - which predate the petrels and compete for their nesting burrows. There are now thought to be between 8 and 15 breeding pairs left in the world. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/Magenta_petrel.html Subject: Audubon's largest ever grant will engage communities in conservation From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:56:30 -0700 (PDT) Audubon's largest ever grant will engage communities in conservation 21-04-2008 The National Audubon Society (BirdLife in the USA) and Toyota have launched TogetherGreen, a five-year programme to fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders, and encourage volunteers to take part in work at Audubon conservation and educational centres and sanctuaries. The $20 million Toyota grant is the largest Audubon has received in its 103-year history, and the largest so far received by any BirdLife Partner. TogetherGreen will provide Innovation Grants to fund dozens of on-the-ground projects that will promote partnerships between Audubon’s national network and other environmental and community partners, to help achieve measurable land, water and/or energy conservation results. Grant requirements will broaden project participation and promote innovation by uniting Audubon’s national network with environmental and community partners. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/Audubon_toyota_grant.html Subject: Shorebird staging-sites in short supply... From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:40:13 -0700 (PDT) Shorebird staging-sites in short supply... 16-04-2008 Migratory shorebirds, and the wetland habitats they require to complete their annual journeys, are under threat. These are the stark results of a Biological Conservation paper which reports migratory populations wintering in south-eastern Australia have plummeted by 79% over a 24 year period. “Our grandchildren will not be able to share in the excitement of marvelling at the migratory feats of shorebirds if the current decline continues”, said Dr Graeme Hamilton (CEO Birds Australia, BirdLife in Australia). The key cause is thought to be loss of suitable feeding habitat at staging sites, where birds refuel along their epic flights. "The wetlands and resting places that they rely on for food are shrinking virtually all the way along their migration path, from Australia through Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and up through Asia into China and Russia", stated Professor Richard Kingsford (Biological Conservation paper co-author). Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/Migratory_shorebird_decline.html Subject: Falkland Islands King Penguin colony increasing From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:34:28 -0700 (PDT) Falkland Islands King Penguin colony increasing The first pair of King penguins to reside in the Falkland Islands stepped ashore at Volunteer Point, 30 miles north east of Port Stanley, in 1948. The two penguins were spotted by Osmund Smith, who was a 28 year old shepherd at the time. Little did he realize then, that 60 years on, in 2008, he would be reaping the benefits of their descendants and making thousands of pounds annually from their prescence on the land which he now owns. Mr Smith, now aged 88, inherited Volunteer Point (his grandfather George Patterson-Smith emigrated from Scotland in 1870 and bought the land) some years ago, and he never imagined that people world-wide would be prepared to travel so far to view these magnificent and magestic birds. Unlike other species of penguins, which breed annually, KING penguins appear to lay an egg every 15-17 months, so accordingly only produce two chicks every 3 years. 60 years on the KING population at Volunteer Point today numbers just 2,000 as the build-up has been slow and laborious as initially very little protection from human interference was visible. Visitors wandered, unsupervised, among the penguins, and it was common to see up to 30 abandoned eggs daily. Full story at http://www.mercopress.com/vernoticia.do?id=13171&formato=HTML Subject: Bermuda's new National Park extends IBA protection From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:17:11 -0700 (PDT) Bermuda's new National Park extends IBA protection 15-04-2008 The largest island in Bermuda’s Castle Harbour, part of Bermuda’s only Important Bird Area (IBA), is to become the Cooper's Island National Nature Reserve, classed as a National Park. The entire world population of Endangered Bermuda Petrel or Cahow Pterodroma cahow nests within 1 km of Cooper’s Island, and the southern promontory of the island is the only area from which the Cahow can be easily observed from land. Cooper’s Island is close to the Nonsuch Island Nature Reserve, site of a five-year translocation project to re-establish a breeding population of Cahows beyond the reach of hurricane damage. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Coopers_island.html Subject: Foxes and rats making meal of terns (UK) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:01:54 -0700 (PDT) Foxes and rats making meal of terns AN ENDANGERED bird species is tottering on the brink of extinction locally because foxes and rats have developed a taste for them. Foxes have been seen walking miles out to sea at low tide to feed on the little terns. And rats, which usually feed on human food remains, can't get enough of the birds' eggs. It means that the little tern is in danger of being totally wiped out in Langstone Harbour. RSPB wardens have had to launch emergency measures this year – including installing an electric fence around the nests, to give the foxes a low-voltage shock. Chris Cockburn, RSPB species protection warden for Langstone, said: 'The foxes have learned how to get to the nests and have found that they are easy prey.' Full story at http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/Foxes-and-rats-making-meal.3980445.jp Subject: Communities unite to protect White-necked Picathartes From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:24:21 -0700 (PDT) Communities unite to protect White-necked Picathartes 14-04-2008 A survey of the Western Area Peninsula Forest (WAPF) in Sierra Leone has discovered two new breeding colonies of the Vulnerable White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus, in addition to the 16 sites already known. The survey was part of a one-year project carried out by volunteers from the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL, BirdLife in Sierra Leone), the University of Sierra Leone, and the government’s Forestry Division, with help from local communities. The project, funded by the Disney World Conservation Fund (DWCF), also established a network of trained wardens in villages surrounding the WAPF reserve. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/Picathartes_survey.html Subject: 16 Seram (Moluccan) Cockatoos and 4 Purple-Naped Lories Released Back to the Wild on Seram Island From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:23:15 -0700 (PDT) 16 Seram (Moluccan) Cockatoos and 4 Purple-Naped Lories Released Back to the Wild on Seram Island San Francsico, CA (PRWEB) April 9, 2008 -- The illegal wild bird trade remains rampant in Indonesia, and includes a number of parrot species; populations of some of these are considered vulnerable to future extinction. Enforcement of laws protecting parrots is critical, and such interdiction has recently been stepped up in Central Maluku by officers of BKSDA (Conservation and Natural Resources) and the Department of Forestry. However, the problem then remains as to the disposition of birds captured by government authorities. To begin to address that problem, the Indonesian Parrot Project established the Kembali Bebas Rehabilitation Center on North Seram Island to receive such parrots; the Center is managed by Yayasan Wallacea (director, Ceisar Riupassa). The day-to-day care of the parrots is provided by former bird trappers and consequently, poaching of parrots on this circumscribed part of the island has been virtually eliminated. Some of these birds cannot be returned to the wild for various reasons, but a select sub-population can be released if they meet criteria set forth by IUCN (the World Conservation Union) and CITES (Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species). The Indonesian Parrot Project has now carried out three such releases. Full story at http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96182&Itemid=9 Subject: Avitourism 'takes off' in South Africa From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 21:37:35 -0700 (PDT) Avitourism 'takes off' in South Africa 09-04-2008 Avitourism (birding’s ecotourism) is proving be one of BirdLife South Africa’s most powerful conservation tools. Tourism has outperformed all other sectors in South Africa’s economy, with two popular ‘Birding Routes’ generating an estimated US$6.4 million annually for local people. As a result, BirdLife South Africa has announced the development of six new Birding Routes in the Western Cape and Cape Town areas. Birding Routes provide tourists with suggested itineraries, trained local guides and birder-friendly accommodation within areas of spectacular avian diversity. This successful combination is providing sustainable conservation, increased bird awareness and vital employment opportunities for local communities. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/SA_Birding_Routes.html Subject: New Jersey protects crab to save rare shore bird From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 21:20:57 -0700 (PDT) New Jersey protects crab to save rare shore bird Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:17pm EDT By Jon Hurdle TRENTON, New Jersey, March 25 (Reuters) - New Jersey acted to save a rare shore bird on Tuesday, banning the harvest of horseshoe crabs whose eggs are an essential nutrient for the red knot on its 10,000-mile (16,000-km) annual migration. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine signed a law that bans the horseshoe crab harvest until both the crab and red knot populations have returned to sustainable levels, as determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The red knot stops on the New Jersey and Delaware beaches of the Delaware Bay each spring on its migration from the southern tip of South America to breeding grounds in Arctic Canada, one of the longest migrations in the avian world. Full story at http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN25343293 Subject: Lesser White-fronted Goose shot in Greece From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 22:47:29 -0700 (PDT) Lesser White-fronted Goose shot in Greece 08-04-2008 A serious case of poaching of one of Europe's most threatened bird species has been confirmed in Greece. An adult male Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus was found dead at Lake Kerkini - a protected area in Greece where hunting is strictly prohibited. An autopsy confirmed that the bird was killed with a shotgun. The species is protected under the EU Birds Directive, and by national legislation within Greece. The bird - known as Mánnu - had previously been individually colour-marked by scientists close to its breeding area in northern Norway. The main part of the Fennoscandian population winters in Greece, in the protected areas at Lake Kerkini and in the Evros Delta. Loss of one adult male represents about 5% of all Fennoscandian breeding males. "This is dramatic, because loss of adult reproductive birds has a significant negative impact on the recruitment of the small population", says Dr Ingar Jostein Øien (BirdLife Norway). Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/LwfGooseshot.html Subject: Save the Great Cormorants of Lake Constance From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 22:12:11 -0700 (PDT) Save the Great Cormorants of Lake Constance 07-04-2008 Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU – BirdLife in Germany) is protesting vehemently against the planned destruction of Lake Constance’s only colony of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo. “It is hard to believe that Freiburg local authority intends to commit such a destructive act, not only in a National Nature Reserve but especially within a European Special Protected Area (SPA)”, said Dr Andre Baumann (chairman - NABU Baden-Württemberg). “This persecution of Great Cormorants not only contradicts common sense, it also contravenes European bird protection legislation and is morally unjustifiable”. NABU is protesting to the authorities in Freiburg against the planned operations and has started an online petition. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/cormorant_nabu.html ______________________________________________ "We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." ~Native American proverb Website http://jeremyjtaylor.tripod.com Earth Survey Project http://earthsurvey.blogspot.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=604308540 Join me at Tree-Nation http://www.tree-nation.com/?invite=691271 Amazon store http://jeremyjtaylor.tripod.com/amazon.html Cafe Press store http://www.cafepress.com/jeremy775 Subject: the Tree-Nation project From: Jeremy <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2008 21:44:08 +0200 Subject: Rare book delivers From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 18:57:22 -0700 (PDT) Rare book delivers 04-04-2008 An important objective of Rare Birds Yearbook is to create funds to save the Critically Endangered birds it features through the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme. That is why for every book sold £4 is donated to BirdLife International, to be used exclusively for the protection and conservation of these species. BirdLife has now received the first of the proceeds from Rare Birds Yearbook 2008. Editor, Erik Hirschfeld presented the cheque for £4,000 to Mike Rands, BirdLife's CEO to mark the sale of one thousand copies. "It is really satisfying to see what a success the Rare Birds Yearbook has become. This money represents an important contribution to the Preventing Extinctions Programme", said Mike Rands. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/rbyb_cheque.html Subject: GPS to give blue crane a lift (South Africa) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 18:28:32 -0700 (PDT) GPS to give blue crane a lift Anton Ferreira Published:Mar 31, 2008 Devices will help conservationists monitor mating South Africa’s national bird is going hi -tech. Like cars and cellphones, blue cranes have now been fitted with GPS tracking devices. Conservationists have captured five cranes on farms near Richmond in the Western Cape, and attached GPS transmitters that will record their every move. And it was no easy feat. Motorcycles and a number of farm workers had to be deployed to snag the speedy birds. “I’m very chuffed about it,” said Bradley Gibbons, regional co- ordinator for the Karoo Crane Conservation Project. “We should be able to get incredibly important information about how far and in what direction the birds move.” The devices will help conservationists monitor the birds’ mating habits. But before Gibbons and his team could attach the devices , they first had to catch the birds. Full story at http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=736743 Subject: Five an 'awesome' boost to kakapo pop From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 18:24:08 -0700 (PDT) Five an 'awesome' boost to kakapo pop BY CLIO FRANCIS - Stuff.co.nz | Monday, 31 March 2008 New Zealand's endangered green parrot, the kakapo, has received a much needed population boost following the birth of five chicks at Whenua Hou/Codfish Island. In the last two weeks, five kakapo chicks have hatched with another two due to arrive in the coming fortnight. While seven may seem a meagre birth-rate, it's big news for a bird that has battled back from the brink of extinction. The births are the culmination of an extensive recovery programme launched by the Conservation Department, after research expeditions discovered that numbers had slumped to 51 kakapo in 1995. Full story at http://www.stuff.co.nz/4458668a11.html Subject: Stoats decimate takahe numbers From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 18:21:48 -0700 (PDT) Stoats decimate takahe numbers Mar 31, 2008 9:11 PM A plague of stoats is decimating the wild population of one of New Zealand's rarest birds and a new plan has been formulated to save them from extinction. Scores of the native takahe have been wiped out by feral stoats and Phil Tisch from the Department of Conservation says it has been a shock and a surprise. "It's really hard going out and finding dead birds," says Tisch. Some takahe are now being reared at Fiordland's Burwood Bush unit and although the numbers are quite low DOC spokeswoman Linda Kilduff says it is vital for the bird's continuing survival. She says it's a real privilege to experience the contact with the birds. Full story at http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318241/1674032 Subject: Global swarming – flight of the Penguins From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 11:17:42 -0700 (PDT) Global swarming – flight of the Penguins 01-04-2008 One of the first direct evolutionary responses to climate change has been observed in a species of penguin. A shrinking Antarctic ice shelf, a result of increasing global temperatures, has lead to a lack of breeding of sites and difficulty in finding food. In response to these pressures a population of Adelie Penguins has rapidly evolved and reacquired the ability to fly. Film footage of this amazing development (see below) has been captured for the first time and the ornithological world has come together to highlight the dangers of climate change. “Climate change is one of the greatest threats to the world’s birds. This species of penguin has evolved to cope with the rise in temperature and loss of ice but we should not be complacent and think that all species will manage”, says Dr Stuart Butchart, BirdLife's Global Species Programme Coordinator. “With hundreds of species at imminent risk of extinction there has never been a greater need for conservation.” BirdLife International is now highlighting another danger being posed to this newly evolved species of penguin. Full story (and video) at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/04/flying_penguins.html Subject: Albatross Task Force ‘spreads its wings’ to cover more countries From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:46:02 -0700 (PDT) Albatross Task Force ‘spreads its wings’ to cover more countries 28-03-2008 Fighting to save the albatross from extinction, BirdLife International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) are doubling the number of countries – from three to six - in which they work. New research from Namibia, Uruguay and Argentina highlights these iconic seabirds are dying in large numbers within their waters. All three countries represent globally important hotspots for albatrosses. A recent report shows that Namibian longline fisheries alone kill over 30,000 seabirds, including albatrosses annually. In response, BirdLife International and the RSPB are committing over £2million ($4million) to double the reach of the Albatross Task Force (ATF). The ATF is the world’s first international team of experts advising fishermen about ways to reduce seabird deaths by making fishing techniques more ‘albatross friendly’ Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Albatross_Task_Force_Doubles.html Subject: Joining-up conservation - from the Canada’s boreal forest to South America From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:54:27 -0700 (PDT) Joining-up conservation - from the Canada’s boreal forest to South America 27-03-2008 Acting as a giant bird nursery ground, Canada’s vast boreal forest forms a vital component in a chain of sites which run all the way down to South America. The essential breeding habitats of the boreal are being endangered by industrial development. This is being highlighted by the ‘Save Our Boreal Birds’ campaign, which is encouraging people to sign an online petition, urging the Canadian Government leaders to protect the forest. While the majority of the Canadian boreal is presently considered ecologically intact – and around 8% is currently protected – nearly a third of the land has been allocated for ecologically detrimental activities such as oil and gas exploration, mining and logging. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/boreal_birds.html Subject: Agreement secures safer power lines for Hungary’s Birds From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:14:34 -0700 (PDT) Agreement secures safer power lines for Hungary’s Birds 26-03-2008 On 26 February, the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (MME; BirdLife in Hungary) signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW), and all relevant electric companies in Hungary, to provide a long-term solution for bird-electrocutions. The signing parties promised to transform power lines in Hungary, and to make them more ‘bird-friendly’ by 2020. Since the 1980s, electrocutions and collisions with electric power lines have caused the death of thousands of protected birds in Hungary and other European countries. The real extent of the problem, and the approximate number of affected birds, were not clear until MME started to systematically gather data on electrocuted birds in 2004. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Hungary_powerlines.html Subject: International action to save the Red-breasted Goose From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:06:39 -0700 (PDT) International action to save the Red-breasted Goose 25-03-2008 The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis; Endangered) International Working Group (RbGIWG) has just updated their International Species Action Plan following a successful workshop in Constanta, Romania. Delegates at the three-day meeting also started to formulate National Work Plans which will be implemented by the bird’s six principle range-states. The intensive meeting (26-28th February) celebrated the successful conclusion of the EU-LIFE project entitled “Improving wintering conditions for Branta ruficollis at Techirghiol” - a brackish water estuary close to the Romanian Black Sea coast. It was acknowledged that the project has made a vital contribution towards international cooperation on Red-breasted Goose conservation. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Redbreasted_goose_workshop.html Subject: Bermuda Petrel returns to Nonsuch Island (Bermuda) after 400 years From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 23:11:03 -0700 (PDT) Bermuda Petrel returns to Nonsuch Island (Bermuda) after 400 years 17-03-2008 Three Endangered Bermuda Petrels (Pterodroma cahow – also known as the Cahow), translocated to Nonsuch Island before fledging in 2005, have returned to the island, and been observed entering artificial nesting burrows constructed for them. Bermuda Petrel was thought extinct for almost three centuries. In 1951, 18 pairs were rediscovered breeding on sub-optimal rocky islets in Castle Harbour, Bermuda. The birds began to be moved to Nonsuch, in the entrance to Castle Harbour, after Hurricane Fabian (2003) caused the flooding and partial collapse of the islets, which contained the entire known breeding population. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Bermuda_Petrel.html Subject: Maltese work to reduce seabird catch welcomed From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 23:08:51 -0700 (PDT) Maltese work to reduce seabird catch welcomed A Seabird Guide for Fishermen prepared by the EU LIFE Yelkouan Shearwater project team has been adopted as the basis for an international poster for fishermen following its presentation during an international meeting in Madrid last week. Ray Caruana of the Malta Centre for Fisheries Sciences (MCFS) presented the guide to the participants together with a paper on the accidental by-catch of seabirds in Maltese waters by MCFS science staff. The paper is one of the first of its kind in the Mediterranean , and was also warmly received by the international delegates. Full story at http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080322/local/maltese-work-to-reduce-seabird-catch-welcomed Subject: London Zoo's new bird enclosure From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:09:49 -0700 (PDT) London Zoo's new bird enclosure Some of the world's most beautiful - and rare - birds are flying free among visitors to a new enclosure at London Zoo. The attraction has been renovated at a cost of £2.5m to showcase the central London zoo's exotic birds. The Victorian Blackburn Pavilion has been modernised to involve visitors with up to 200 tropical birds. It includes the UK's only collection of hummingbirds and Socorro doves - a species extinct in the wild. Full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7306169.stm Subject: Europe's rarest finch finds favour From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:40:32 -0700 (PDT) Europe's rarest finch finds favour 19-03-2008 Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula murina has become the latest Critically Endangered species to find a Champion through the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme. Birdwatch magazine has stepped forward to provide vital funds for the work of the Species Guardian, SPEA (BirdLife in Portugal). Much work has already been done for this species with significant funding to SPEA through the EU Life Fund, but this is coming to an end. With so much already achieved Birdwatch’s decision has provided a timely intervention for conservation work to help Azores Bullfinch. “It is fantastic news that Birdwatch has joined the Preventing Extinctions Programme and has become one of a growing number of Species Champions”, said Jim Lawrence, the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme Development Manager. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/azores_bullfinch_champion.html Subject: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lists the Desert Bald Eagle As Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:40:32 -0700 (PDT) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lists the Desert Bald Eagle As Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act Due to a recent court order, bald eagles in the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona are again protected as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will soon publish an emergency interim rule in the Federal Register to comply with the court order. On October 6, 2004, the Service received a petition to reclassify the Sonoran Desert population of bald eagles in central Arizona and northwestern Mexico as a distinct population segment (DPS), to list that DPS as an endangered species, and designate critical habitat. A distinct population segment (DPS) must be geographically discrete from other populations and also be significant to the survival of the species. Discrete refers to the isolation of a population from other members of the species and is evaluated based on specific criteria. On August 30, 2006, the Service announced a 90-day finding stating that the petition did not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. On January 5, 2007, the petitioners filed a legal challenge against the Service's 90-day finding decision. Full story at http://tinyurl.com/2vdq34 (Official FWS News Release) Subject: RSPB wants birds protected at sea From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:21:15 -0700 (PDT) RSPB wants birds protected at sea The government must do more to protect seabirds across the north of England, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). A new report says dwindling populations of species like the puffin could be due to the fact only 0.001% of sea area is protected from damaging activities. The RSPB has highlighted 71 at-risk sites, including St Bees Head in Cumbria and the Northumberland Shore. Defra said it was committed to setting up a network of protected sea areas. Kate Tanner, marine policy officer at the RSPB, claimed while many seabirds' nesting colonies on land are protected, vital offshore feeding areas were not. Full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7301281.stm Subject: Short-tailed Albatross chicks moved out of the shadow of the volcano From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:53:02 -0700 (PDT) Short-tailed Albatross chicks moved out of the shadow of the volcano 12-03-2008 ...volcanic events on Torishima are among the most serious threats to this species Ten Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus chicks have been moved by helicopter, from their current stronghold on Torishima Island to the site of a former colony 350 km to the South-east. The potential for future volcanic events on Torishima is among the most serious threats to this Vulnerable species. Currently, 80-85% of the world population breeds on a highly erodible slope on the outwash plain from the caldera of an active volcano. Monsoons send torrents of ash-laden water down this slope across the colony site. A volcanic eruption could also send lava, ash or poisonous gases through the colony. The translocation site, Mukojima, part of Japan’s Bonin Islands (and administratively part of the Metropolis of Tokyo), is non-volcanic. Short-tailed Albatross bred here at least until the 1920s. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/start_translocation.html Subject: birding in Rwanda From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:14:19 -0700 (PDT) Hello, I recently had an email from someone asking me to help spread the word about a project he is working on, so I am doing so with this message. He is working on conservation issues in Rwanda, and working with the Rwandan government on developing an avitourism strategy. They are currently trying to get feedback from birders, and have created an online survey for their project. The survey is located at http://www.otfgroup.com/AvitourismSurvey_b.html if you are interested in taking part. I am in no way connected to this project, just trying to help spread the word a bit. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Jeremy Kahn at jkahn AT otfgroup.com and if you know of other people or organizations who might be interested, please either forward this message to them or contact Jeremy with their information. I apologize if you have already been contacted about this- I don't know where Jeremy has sent messages about this project. Thanks, Jeremy Taylor "We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." ~Native American proverb Visit my Earth Survey project at http://earthsurvey.blogspot.com Email me if you would like to participate! Join the Earth Hour movement http://www.earthhour.org/user/lUtK Subject: birding in Rwanda From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:14:19 -0700 (PDT) Hello, I recently had an email from someone asking me to help spread the word about a project he is working on, so I am doing so with this message. He is working on conservation issues in Rwanda, and working with the Rwandan government on developing an avitourism strategy. They are currently trying to get feedback from birders, and have created an online survey for their project. The survey is located at http://www.otfgroup.com/AvitourismSurvey_b.html if you are interested in taking part. I am in no way connected to this project, just trying to help spread the word a bit. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Jeremy Kahn at jkahn AT otfgroup.com and if you know of other people or organizations who might be interested, please either forward this message to them or contact Jeremy with their information. I apologize if you have already been contacted about this- I don't know where Jeremy has sent messages about this project. Thanks, Jeremy Taylor "We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." ~Native American proverb Visit my Earth Survey project at http://earthsurvey.blogspot.com Email me if you would like to participate! Join the Earth Hour movement http://www.earthhour.org/user/lUtK Subject: Spring Alive sees early arrival of migratory birds to Europe From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:02:50 -0700 (PDT) Spring Alive sees early arrival of migratory birds to Europe 11-03-2008 In recent weeks, participants in BirdLife’s Spring Alive campaign have been spotting the arrival of migratory birds all around Europe. Spring Alive invites citizens - especially children - from all over Europe to record their first sightings of Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, Common Swift Apus apus and White Stork Ciconia ciconia. The campaign, which is implemented nationally by BirdLife’s European Partners, is being promoted in 28 countries. “The first arrivals were spotted very early this year, possibly due to the mild winter and good weather in Europe”, says Joanna Kalinowska, coordinator of the Spring Alive project. Some of very first Barn Swallows were spotted in Cyprus on the 11th January by the Executive Manager of BirdLife Cyprus, Martin Hellicar. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/spring_alive.html Subject: Kazakhstan study helps to identify wealth of new IBAs From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:01:55 -0700 (PDT) Kazakhstan study helps to identify wealth of new IBAs 07-03-2008 Filling in the gaps - knowledge is power… Identifying Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and ensuring their long-term protection, cannot be achieved without detailed information of the bird populations occurring within them. This was highlighted by a study published this month in BirdLife’s journal Bird Conservation International. The authors produced new data from Kazakhstan highlighting the importance of land surrounding the protected Korgalzhynskiy nature reserve. This new information has been used to include the wider area in a new inventory of IBAs in Central Asia, which identifies 124 IBAs covering more than 16,000,000 ha in Kazakhstan alone. The study took place in and around the protected Korgalzhynskiy reserve. It is a vast area of mosaic wetland and grassland located in the Tengiz-Korgalzhyn region of Central Kazakhstan. The study discovered that more than 40% of the entire flyway populations of Endangered White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus occurred within this exceptional region for birds. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/WOW_Kazakh_IBA.html Subject: Successful meeting reviews progress in the monitoring of Important Bird Areas and protected areas in Africa From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:00:55 -0700 (PDT) Successful meeting reviews progress in the monitoring of Important Bird Areas and protected areas in Africa 10-03-2008 BirdLife Partners in Africa recently convened an inaugural meeting in Botswana to review progress in the ‘Monitoring of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and Protected Areas’. The meeting marked the first step in a four-year programme – funded by the European Commission and managed by the RSPB (BirdLife Partner in the UK) – which aims to allow governments, NGOs and local communities to work effectively together in assessing the status and protection of some of Africa’s most precious birds areas. The Gaborone meeting participants shared their experiences, achievements and knowledge gained during the project’s first year. “These meetings will enhance conservation of birds and their habitats by taking stock of what has happened in the first year of project implementation and taking concrete measures that will involve different stakeholders in monitoring the IBAs that are protected areas in Africa’ remarked Dr. Julius Arinaitwe (BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat). Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Botswana_IBA_meeting.html Subject: Study finds contaminants in bird eggs across Maine From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:48:17 -0700 (PDT) Study finds contaminants in bird eggs across Maine 03/11/2008 BY JOHN RICHARDSON Blethen Maine Newspapers The eggs of birds across the state, from bald eagles and loons in northern Maine to ospreys on the South Portland waterfront, contain a soup of industrial chemicals, according to a study to be presented in the Legislature today. The Gorham-based BioDiversity Research Institute tested eggs from 23 different kinds of birds and looked for more than 100 toxic pollutants, including pesticides, mercury and carpet stain repellents. It's the first study anywhere to provide such a broad snapshot of toxic contaminants in the food chain, according to Wing Goodale, the lead researcher. "We found all the major contaminants we looked for in every species, in every habitat," Goodale said. "We found all of the compounds in the wild and we found many of them above levels that research has established can cause effects." Some of the chemicals were found in quantities that have affected animals in laboratory studies. But more research is needed to find out if the pollutants are harming the birds or their eggs. Full story at http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/4855509.html Subject: bird monitoring- Ecuador From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 22:09:31 -0800 (PST) Hi all, Passing along some information that was sent to me, which I thought might be of interest.... I am in no way connected to this project or organization- just helping to pass along the info. Jeremy ---------------------------------------- Dusti Becker, Ph.D. Life Net 6423 S. Bascom Trail Willcox, AZ 85643 Dear Friend of Birds and Forest Conservation, Would you like to help an indigenous community in western Ecuador conserve a cloud forest and its birds? Would you like to see 20 different species of hummingbirds and hold tiny gems in your hand? Are you in good physical shape and enjoy the great outdoors? If you are thinking yes, yes, yes, please consider joining one of our Ecuador Cloud Forest Birds Expeditions. In July we have an expedition to Las Tangaras to monitor birds on edge and interior sites in cloud forest, July 20-August 2, 2008. There will be an expedition to Loma Alta this coming December 6-19, 2008. For more details check out http://www.lifenetnature.org/volunteer-02.htm or contact Dr. Dusti Becker at 406-600-4802. Join a growing roster of citizens actively working on and helping fund the Ecuador Cloud Forest Birds research and conservation program in Ecuador. Our project sites are at Loma Alta in the beautiful coastal Colonche Hills and at Las Tangaras in the Andes near the town of Mindo, Ecuador. Both sites are in internationally designated Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and offer birding enthusiasts a chance to see rare endemics often missed on more rapid birding tours. For example, Esmeraldas Woodstars probably breed in the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve, so you are 99.9% likely to see them. At Loma Alta, Life Net's Ecuador Cloud Forest Birds program conducts long-term monitoring of birds so that population trends may be related to global climate and landuse change. At Las Tangaras we are interested in habitat preferences of birds along a gradient of pasture, edge, and interior forest. Come join this exciting research and conservation effort. Comments from previous participants are included below. Dusti Becker (on Cerro la Torre, Loma Alta) Comments from previous Life Net volunteers: Here is an opportunity to do some important field research on birds in the cloud forest birds of Ecuador at a very low price. This research was previously sponsored by Earthwatch, but has since gone on it's own being completely run by Dr. Dusti Becker from Life Net. I personally went on a related trip to Ecuador in January of 2007 and paid almost twice as much when it was an Earthwatch sponsored program, so it is a "super" deal at this price. If you are interested in tropical South American birds with an emphasis on hummingbirds, you will enjoy this trip! Since I totally support this project, I told Dr. Becker I'd help pass on the info. Ecuador has more bird life than any other place on Earth. It is a birder's paradise! http://www.mnzoo.com/conservation/International/CAT/EcuadorBirds.asp Like I mentioned, I went on a related trip and it's well worth it! I totally enjoyed it. It's an opportunity of a lifetime. It's also 100% tax deductible! And I guarantee that you'd never be able to do this trip cheaper on your own. Steve Estebo Avian Zoologist Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd. Apple Valley, MN 55124 (952)431-9321 Comments from Frank Warwick - a volunteer from the U.K. - regarding Las Tangaras site in the Andes. Life Net Nature provides a marvelous opportunity to experience the wonder and diversity of our world as part of its bird conservation work in Ecuador. I joined the expedition to Las Tangaras in summer 2007. I hoped to see some of the spectacular birds of the area: cock-of the rock, brilliantly coloured tanagers, and the many species of hummingbirds. I was not disappointed. Close-up views were a daily occurrence. The scenery was spectacular, and walking through the cloud forest revealed new wonders at almost every turn. I really enjoyed the chance to make a positive contribution to valuable scientific research, and to meet and work with local people and other enthusiastic volunteers. The chalet at Las Tangaras reserve is an undiscovered gem. It is situated in a picturesque and relaxing setting, with views of the Nambillo river as it descends through the Andes. The food was great - healthy and hearty, and prepared by friendly Ecuadorian cooks. Would I recommend volunteering with Life Net? Absolutely! Visiting Las Tangaras was one of the great experiences of my life. Subject: Rare sea bird rediscovered off PNG From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 21:58:19 -0800 (PST) Rare sea bird rediscovered off PNG March 6, 2008 - 11:41PM A rare sea bird not sighted since the 1920s and feared extinct has been rediscovered by a British expedition in waters off Papua New Guinea. The critically endangered Beck's petrel was re-discovered in the Bismarck Archipelago, in the south-west Pacific Ocean, north-east of Papua New Guinea. The Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club this week published a paper about the expedition by its leader, Israeli ornithologist and writer Hadoram Shirihai. Until Mr Shirihai's voyage in July and August last year, there were only two known specimens of the bird in the world, collected in 1928 and 1929 and held by the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Full story at http://news.theage.com.au/rare-sea-bird-rediscovered-off-png/20080307-1xns.html Subject: Time running out for Cyprus vulture From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 21:56:42 -0800 (PST) Time running out for Cyprus vulture 10 hours ago NICOSIA (AFP) — The majestic sight of vultures hovering over Cypriot skies may become a thing of the past if the island's fast dwindling griffon predator population is not protected from extinction. No more than 20 survivors remain on this eastern Mediterranean holiday island, well below the 40 breeding pairs experts say are needed to ensure their survival. "Griffon vultures are rapidly declining; they are close to extinction and the young aren't making it," said Michael Miltiadou, a research officer at conservationist group BirdLife Cyprus. "They will become physically extinct if nothing is done to sustain the population," he told AFP. Some experts warn they could be gone in five or six years if new measures planned by conservationists and officials do not reverse the trend. Full story at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jPuSePdzORQT9wLJppcxhIju3uQQ Subject: Long-legged Warbler extinction fears (Fiji) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 21:55:45 -0800 (PST) Long-legged Warbler extinction fears Friday, March 07, 2008 Update: 10:20AM FIJIS Long-legged warbler has been placed on the list of endangered world wide birds facing extinction by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Birdlife International Fiji Programme senior conservation officer Vilikesa Masibalavu said this was a wake up call for the country. He said the long-legged Warblers were only found in Fiji and was thought to have become extinct until 2003 when one was sited in the Wabu Nature Reserve in central Viti Levu. Full story at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=83293 Subject: Common insect-eating birds suffer dramatic declines... From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 22:19:35 -0800 (PST) Common insect-eating birds suffer dramatic declines... 03-03-2008 New research by Bird Studies Canada (BirdLife Partner in Canada) has highlighted alarming trends in insect-eating birds. In the last two decades alone, populations of many common bug-eating species – such as Sand Martin Riparia riparia, Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor and Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica - have declined by over 70%. With many of the birds’ prey species also being important plant pollinators, the consequences may be felt by more than just birds. The disturbing trend, which appears to be most pronounced in Canada, has been revealed by analysis of results from several North American bird monitoring programmes. There are many possible causes for these declines, including lack of nest sites, habitat change, pesticide usage and climatic variation. However, according to the report’s author Jon McCracken, this tells only part of the story. “Potential changes in the seasonal supply of flying insects are worth investigating. If significant changes are occurring in insect populations, then this is a particularly serious cause for concern, not only for the birds and bats that feed on them, but also for us.” Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2008/03/Canada_insectivore_decline.html