Sea Eagle Populations Soar, Head For Holland

by Amy Posted on 9 February 2006

In the German areas of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, the sea eagle population has gone from just four pairs thirty years ago to 68 pairs today. Lower pesticide use and rehabilitation of wetland environments are reasons for the remarkable comeback of this majestic bird.

The German sea eagles have spread to Denmark, which now plays host to at least 15 breeding pairs.

Dutch bird watchers have spotted young sea eagles hunting in the Netherlands in the winter months and hope to have breeding pairs residing in the area soon.

Sea eagles are nomadic for the first four years of their lives, seeking out new territory for when they are ready to settle down.

Source: Sea eagles soar back as polluted wetlands recover

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Europe, Netherlands | Leave a comment

More Back Yard Birds In Flemish Gardens

by Amy Posted on 8 February 2006

Early results from last weekend’s back yard bird count organized by the Belgian group Natuurweekend are in. The average number of birds counted in Flemish back yard feeders was 43.7, up from an average of 31 last year.

The higher number of birds counted this year does not necessarily mean that there are more birds in general in Flanders. A spokesperson for the group Natuurpunt noted that birds are more likely to be found at back yard feeders in times of extreme cold weather, which has been the case this winter.

This was the sixth year that the back yard bird count has taken place.

Source: Veel meer vogels in Vlaamse tuinen dan vorig jaar

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Europe, Yard Birds | Leave a comment

49 Dead Birds Found In Indian Bird Sanctuary

by Amy Posted on 8 February 2006

Last weekend 49 dead migratory birds were found at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary on the Yamuna River not far from Delhi, India. Forty of the birds were shovellers. The cause of death is not yet known; water contaminated with farm fertilizers is one possible culprit. Read Lalit Kumar’s story Mercury may have caused bird deaths in the Times of India.

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Aside, India | 1 Comment

Free-Range Chickens Should Avoid Waterfowl Hangouts

by Amy Posted on 8 February 2006

Poultry companies are advised to keep their free-range chickens away from areas where waterfowl are known to congregate. The Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen University advises poultry concerns to make a strong statement among their ranks, or to even make strict controls.

Chickens without shelter or a fence to protect them are exposed to several risks. The birds can intermingle with wild birds, increasing the chance of illness.

Source: ‘Buitenlopende kippen liever niet in buurt watervogels’

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Aside, Netherlands | Leave a comment

New Bird Species Found In Indonesian “Lost World”

by Amy Posted on 7 February 2006

A previously undiscovered area high in the Indonesian mountains has revealed dozens of species of birds, butterflies, frogs and plants previously unknown to science.

An international group of 25 scientists studied the area in December 2005. A species of honeyeater bird, with a bright orange wattle, was among the new species discovered.

The team also captured the first photographs of two other previously known species: the Berlepsch’s Six-Wired Bird of Paradise, and the Golden-fronted Bowerbird.

Sources:
“Lost world” found in Indonesian jungle
New Guinea “lost world” revealed
‘Lost world’ found in jungle

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Asia | Leave a comment

Estonian Oil Slick Disaster Worse Than First Feared

by Amy Posted on 7 February 2006

Last month’s oil spill off the coast of Estonia is now believed to threaten up to 35,000 birds, significantly more than the early estimates of 5,000 birds. As of today more than 3,000 dead birds have already been collected in the spill area. The cause of the leak is still under investigation; Estonian authorities admit that the ship which caused the spill may never be indentified. Read Elizabeth Davies’ story Estonian oil spill threatens 35,000 birds in The Independent.

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Aside, Europe | Leave a comment

Why Are Britain’s Sparrows Vanishing?

by Amy Posted on 7 February 2006

Britain’s great ornithological mystery of recent years, the vanishing of the familiar house sparrow, may finally be solved. A postgraduate researcher in Leicester conducted a study of sparrow chicks and discovered that their food supply in their first few days of life is critical, and the recent scarcity of protein-rich insects in Britain may be contributing to the sparrow’s demise.

Read Michael McCarthy’s story Revealed: why the sparrows are dying out in The Independent.

Share the birds, share the love!
Posted in Aside, Europe, Science & Tech | 1 Comment