Wildlife Extra - Birds

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Studying some of South East Asia’s rarest seabirds

5:30 AM. Under an overcast sky, a maddening cacophony of birdcalls conveniently served as our alarm clock.

We are bivouacked on the cold, wet sands of Tubbataha North Islet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia's great seabird enclaves.

A close encounter with the Antpittas of Ecuador.

Mercedes Rivadeneira, a bir tour organiser from Ecuador, has a close encounter with an endangered Giant Antpitta.

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Golden eagle poisoned in West Scotland

Strathclyde Police officers have carried out an extensive search of Beinn Udlaidh in the Glen Orchy area of Argyll following the discovery of a dead golden eagle.

Ospreys breed in Northumberland for first time in over two centuries

For the first time in at least 200 years ospreys are nesting and are believed to have hatched chicks in Northumberland.

The First Great Bustard chicks hatch in the UK for 177 years

For the first time since 1832, the Great Bustard - one of Europe's most threatened birds - has nested in the UK with two separate females successfully hatching chicks.

More birds are critically endangered than ever before – Now 1227 species

BirdLife International's latest evaluation of the world's birds has revealed that more species than ever are threatened with extinction. A staggering 1,227 species (12%) are now classified as Globally Threatened but the good news is that when conservation action is put in place, species can be saved.

Vast reserve to protect remote Prince Edward Islands in the Southern Ocean

South Africa's is to establish one of the world's largest Marine Protected Area's (MPA) around its Prince Edward Islands. This is an achievement of global importance which will help protecting a suite of spectacular wildlife, including albatrosses, penguins and killer whales.

Detailed study predicts Africa’s first bird extinction looming

The Sidamo lark, confined to the Liben Plain grassland in southern Ethiopia, is critically endangered by bush encroachment, permanent settlement and agricultural conversion.

New species of White-eye discovered in the Solomon Islands

The discovery of a new bird to science in a distant archipelago is providing evidence of how, in the absence of competitors, unique species can evolve rapidly to fill empty niches.

Lake Eyre filling up for the first time in 10 years – wildlife spectacle

The world's largest salt lake, Lake Eyre in South Australia is once again bursting into life as Queensland floodwaters flow along normally dormant creeks and rivers to reach Australia's lowest point, 15 metres below sea level.

Extinct bird, not seen for 100 years, photographed and eaten in The Philippines

Long lost kakapo rediscovered after 21 years

A male kakapo last seen 21 years ago on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, just off Stewart Island, has been rediscovered, adding his genetics to the small but increasing kakapo population.

Chris Packham - Ecological cleansing

Chris Packham writes about exterminating invasive species - or not. Perfection is beautiful, but extremely rare, and the ever increasing scrutiny of anything tending to it invariably reveals a flaw.

Wildlife news letters

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3 Northern bald ibis poisoned in Jordan

Three of the world's rarest birds have been found poisoned in a remote Jordanian desert hundreds of miles from their breeding grounds in Turkey.

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World's rarest cockatoo rediscovered in Indonesia

90 years after it was first discovered, Abbott's Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo has been rediscovered in Indonesia

A Life of Ospreys

Written by Roy Dennis. What Diane Fossey is to gorillas and David Shepherd is to Elephants, Roy Dennis is to ospreys.
Read full review »

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A record 18 osprey chicks fledged in the Scottish borders in 2008

A record number of 18 osprey chicks have successfully fledged in the Scottish Borders this season.

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Satellite tagged Loch Garten osprey ditches in Atlantic

One of two young ospreys from the famous Loch Garten nest has died during his first migration.

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Common birds declining worldwide – Indication of deteriorating environment

Common birds are declining worldwide, providing evidence of a rapid deterioration in the global environment that is affecting all life on earth - including human life.

Spoonbills breed in Scotland for the first time

A pair of spoonbills have successfully bred for the first time in Scotland and only the second time in the UK. An adult pair have raised and fledged three chicks on Kirkcudbright Bay in Dumfries and Galloway.

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New Forest Robin bird species discovered in Gabon

The newly discovered olive-backed forest robin (Stiphrornis pyrrholaemus) was named by the scientists for its distinctive olive back and rump.

Chris Packham asks –‘What’s the point of nature reserves?’

Without nature reserves we would have nowhere to go on Sundays to meet fellow minded geeks and discuss the minutiae of our passions. We wouldn't be able to stand hands on hips and smugly gaze at a living representation of what we imagine our green and pleasant landscape once looked like.

Major Kenyan wetlands to be sacrificed for biofuels

The Kenyan government has approved a controversial plan to grow biofuel crops on an internationally important coastal wetland.

New species of bird discovered in China

A new bird species of bird has been discovered in China near the border with Vietnam.

Another new bird species from Colombia

Another new bird has been discovered in the Serranía de los Yariguíes mountains in Colombia, a subspecies of the Pale-bellied Tapaculo.

Government may lift bird import ban

Despite Tony Blairs promise to ban the import of wild birds permanently, the government has recently revealed that the ban may only be temporary.

Seabird, Not Seen For 80 Years, Photographed off Papua New Guinea

Extinct seabird rediscovered off Papua New Guinea.

Zululand Birding Route celebrates ten years

One of Africa’s most established and celebrated ecotourism initiatives, the Zululand Birding Route (ZBR), celebrated its 10th anniversary this weekend.

Hornbill Conservation in Thailand - Poacher to Gamekeeper.

How the dedicated work of one woman has saved several species of hornbill from extinction in Thailand.

New species of bird discovered in Colombia.

The Yariguies Brush-Finch was found in a remote mountain range by and Anglo - Colombian team, it is notable for it's striking colouration.

Two Sightings of Northern Bald Ibis in Middle East Bring a Spark of Hope

Sightings of this incredibly rare bird in Djibouti and Ethiopia have raised hope that it might avoid extinction.

Record Numbers of White-shouldered Ibis found in Cambodia

A large flock of white-shouldered ibis, one of the world's rarest birds, has been spotted in Cambodia.

Unique wader threatened with extinction

This unique shorebird from the far east has seen its population drop by 80% in the last 30 years to just 400 pairs.

'Extinct' dove breeds at London Zoo.

A Socorro dove, extinct in the wild for 30 years, has bred for the first time at London Zoo.

Doubts raised over Australian ´New Parrot` claims.

Doubts have been raised over the claimed discovery of a new species of Fig parrot in Queensland.

Lake Oloidien flamingos

The lake has only recently become saline enough for the bacteria that the flamingos rely on for food to exist.

US Army project foiled by Ivory-billed woodpecker.

A judge in the US has ordered a halt to a US army engineering scheme that would have taken billions of gallons of water from the swapms where the Ivory-billed woodpecker is thought to be clinging on.

Rare Sumatra Ground Cuckoo caught on camera in Sumatra

Reserachers from Kent University were amazed to find the had photographed a Sumatra Ground Cuckoo while conducting a tiger survey in Sumatra. It is only the second time it has been recorded in the last 90 years.

New species of bird discovered in India

A new colourful, but very rare babbler has been discovered in the mountain forests of North East India.

Starving seabirds being found across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Staff at RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage are concerned about the number of common guillemots that have been found dead or dying.

16 bird species saved from extinction 1994 - 2004.

16 of the world's rarest birds were saved from extinction between 1994 - 2004.

The Middle East's rarest bird fitted with satellite tags.

Three Northern bald ibis, thought extinct in the Middle East until 2002, have been satellite tagged in an attempt to discover where they spend the winter.

'Extinct' Madagascar Pochard re-discovered

The Madagascar pochard, thought extinct since 1990, has been found alive and well. 9 adults and 4 young were seen by researchers.

The world's least known bird, the Large-billed Reed-warbler, rediscovered.

The Large-billed reed warbler, previously only known from 1 specimen collected in India in 1867, has been rediscovered in Thailand.

South Island kokako declared extinct

The South Island Kokako has been officially declared extinct by New Zealand authorities.

Stunning new hummingbird species discovered in Colombia

A stunning new species of hummingbird has been discovered in Colombia, but it needs urgent protection.

Caatinga Woodpecker rediscovered in Brazil after an 80 year absence.

The Caatinga woodpecker, only known from a single 1926 specimen, has been rediscovered in Brazil.

Only breeding female Golden eagle in Scottish Borders poisoned.

A joint investigation by Lothian and Borders Police, RSPB Scotland, the Scottish SPCA and the Scottish Executive discovered poisoned bait on a grouse moor in the Borders.

UK Ospreys 2009 - First osprey chick in Dumfries in living memory

Latest news. Chicks have hatched, including the first osprey chick in Dumfries in living memory; and Loch Garten ospreys out of danger after freeing themselves from fishing line. 2007 Lake District osprey chick at Leighton Moss.

Golden Eagle chicks hatch in Ireland’s Glenveagh National Park

A pair of Golden Eagles has hatched 2 young chicks in Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal in Ireland. This same pair reared a chick in 2007, but failed to breed in 2008.

Hen harrier. Persecution is prime cause of disappearance, says Natural England – Could be reintroduced to new areas

Detailed monitoring work since 2002 has shown that the critically low breeding numbers and patchy distribution of the hen harrier in England is a result of persecution - both in the breeding season, and at communal roosts in the winter - especially on areas managed for red grouse or with game rearing interests.

WildCare scheme boosting rare birds on UK farms

Figures released by the wildlife habitat scheme, WildCare, show that declining species such as brown hares, yellowhammers and even the humble house sparrow are making a dramatic comeback on participating farms.

Severn Estuary tidal reef cheaper and more efficient than barrage

White-tailed sea eagles to be released in Norfolk?

The magnificent sea eagle could make a return along the Norfolk coast next summer if a proposed re-introduction scheme gets the go ahead.

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Corncrake found in Manchester car park

. A corncrake found wandering around a restaurant car park in Manchester in September, has been given a safe haven at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve near Fakenham

Great bustards released on Salisbury Plain

The Great Bustard Group released 19 birds on Salisbury Plain at the end of September, the fifth annual release that is part of the UK reintroduction project scheduled to continue until 2013.

Breeding failure prompts captive breeding proposal for Syria’s Northern Bald ibis

One of the world's rarest wild birds, the Northern bald ibis, should be supplemented with captive bred stock.

Bird crime stats jump 40%

July 2008. Reported crimes against birds of prey escalated to an unwelcome record in 2007, increasing by 40 per cent on 2006.

Golden eagle persecution preventing the bird’s recovery in England and Scotland

Study shows that persecution of Golden eagles is halting their recovery in Scotland and is thwarting the bird's return to northern England.

Dwarf woodpecker and legless lizard among 14 new species discovered in Cerrado region of Brazil

April 2008. An expedition to a remote region of Brazil has lead to the discovery of a legless lizard and a tiny woodpecker along with 12 other suspected new species in Brazil.

Campaign of cruelty to Birds Continues in East Sussex

After last week’s report of 5 gulls being shot in Sussex, we have today (April 21st) received 2 further reports of appalling cruelty from the Hastings/Eastbourne area.

New Bird Species Recognised in Colombia, May Already be Extinct

A new bird species, the Antioquia Brush-Finch or Atlapetes blancae – has been described as a result of studies supported by Fundación ProAves in Colombia.

Garden Birds in Sharp Decline Across Europe

An analysis of 124 of Europe’s common birds has revealed that over a 26-year period 56 species (45 percent) have declined across 20 European countries.

Black Grouse turn the corner in England as numbers climb above 1000.

Although times have been hard for the Black grouse, conservationists hope that the species may have turned the corner after years of decline thanks to more sensitive land management.

A DISTINCTIVE NEW SPECIES OF TYRANT FLYCATCHER (PASSERIFORMES: TYRANNIDAE: CNIPODECTES) FROM SOUTHEASTERN PERU

The bird, a 'Rufuous Twistwing' was first found in 1992, but only recently recognised as a new species.

Very rare 'Leucistic' moorhens seen in the UK.

We have now been sent 4 photos of different leucistic moorhens in the UK. Leucism is very rare and to have four birds in the country simultaneously is highly unusual.

$50,000 Reward For Locating Live Ivory-billed Woodpecker

The Nature Conservancy have increased the reward for finding an Ivory-billed woodpecker to $50,000. Get your Binocs out!

Glossy ibis flock arrives at Slimbridge.

Usually only seen in the UK every 5 years, a flock of seventeen have recently settled at Slimbridge.

Reward offered for Golden eagle killers.

In separate incidents, 2 Golden eagles have been found poisoned in Scotland, and anonymous donors have offered a £5,000 reward in each case for information leading to the conviction of the killers.

Bearded tits thriving in Lancashire.

Bearded tits are thriving at RSPB Leighton Moss thanks to some innovative conservation work.

Cranes breed in the Fens for the first time in 400 years

May 2007. Cranes have been found breeding in the Fens of East Anglia for the first time in 400 years.

Grey-headed albatrosses on the brink in Australia

The sole population of Grey headed albatross left in Australia is under severe threat from competition with eveasive species such as rabbits.

New Golden Eagle viewing scheme launched in Scotland

For the first time in Scotland one of the country's most enthralling wildlife spectacles is to be included as the centrepiece of an exciting new visitor attraction, which opened to the public on 1st April 2007.

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Rare Waders Successfully Breed in London

Four rare Avocet chicks hatched on Saturday 17 June 2006 at the WWT London Wetland Centre .in Barnes, South West London – the closest breeding location to central London since records began.

First mainland breeding population of takahe to be established in the North Island New Zealand.

Two highly endangered takahe have been introduced to a special enclosure in the Maungatautari reserve in New Zealand.

Rare chance to see a Kakapo.

The Ulva Island trust is offering a chance to see one of the worlds rarest birds, the kakapo, on Ulva Island, as well as the chance to see some of the other rare birdlife there, such as the weka.

Squacco heron in London

A Squacco heron, a very unusual sight in the UK, has taken up residence in London.

Great Bustards in the UK

The thrid batch of Great bustard eggs is due to arrive shortly from Russia, and many of last years hatchlings have returned to the project site.

Great Bustards nest again in UK after 175 years wait

Earlier this spring a female Great Bustard from the Great Bustard Group (GBG) reintroduction trial in Wiltshire nested and laid two eggs. Due to fears of egg thieves and disturbance from bird watchers, the announcement was delayed and the location of the nest is being kept secret.

Bitterns breeding in the Fens for the first time for 70 years

September 2007. The recovery of the bittern, took a small step forward with news that, despite flood problems, male bitterns were recorded at more sites than any other year since 1990.

Wallasea Island to be transformed with Crossrail spoil

Crane love raises hopes of successful species re-introduction

Common crane touches down at Pensthorpe, bonds with Pensthorpe crane.

Cirl buntings re-introduced into Cornwall.

The rare Cirl bunting was reduced to just a few hundred pairs in south Devon, but they have now been re-introduced into Cornwall.

Golden Eagles in Ireland 2008.

The latest update on the status of Ireland's Golden eagle population.

Golden Eagles in Ireland 2008

White-tailed sea eagles introduced into Eastern Scotland - one shot dead.

Following the news that White-tailed sea eagles are thriving in northwest Scotland, they have been introduced onto the east coast. However since their introduction, 2 have been electrocuted, and one has been shot on a grouse estate.

Sumatra Ground Cuckoo photographed.

Reserachers from Kent University were amazed to find the had photographed a Sumatra Ground Cuckoo while conducting a tiger survey in Sumatra. It is only the second time it has been recorded in the last 90 years. Full story.

Bird watching articles.

Rare Birds Year Book 2009 Photo Competition

A new photo competition has just been launched for photos of the rarest birds in the world, those categorized as Critically Endangered, to be featured in the next edition of Rare Birds Yearbook which is due in October 2008.

Details.

Avian Reintroduction Biology: current issues for science and management - symposium

Avian Reintroduction Biology: current issues for science and management - symposium
	8 - 9 May 2008. click here.

Reader offer. The world's most powerful binoculars

Sunagor are offering Wildlife Extra readers a chance to buy a pair of the world's most powerful binoculars, the Sunagor 25-150 X 70 Megazoom, for just £199.99 (RRP £399.99).

Click here to read the review or to buy.

Bird links

Fundacion Proaves. Protecting and discovering the bird life of Colombia.

Dean Birders. Disabled Forest of Dean birders.

Birdwatch Ireland. Conserving birds in Ireland.

England nature

Read about the nature of England, and see a guide to nature reserves in England.
Click here to see more about English Nature

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