Volunteers flocking to aid iconic bird's recovery
THE iconic call of the curlew for generations has been associated with the start of spring.
Sadly, the curlew is one of the country's most rapidly declining breeding bird species.
But in Cumbria, volunteers are now flocking to a project whose aim is to bring these birds back from the brink.
A volunteer evening hosted by the Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project proved a resounding success, with 48 new volunteers wanting to become actively involved.
The Curlew Recovery Project, based in and around the Cocker Valley, started early in 2024 in response to the rapidly declining number of curlews, which are now on the Red List of the UK Conservation Status Report of endangered species.
Diane Clarke, who was part of the team that saved four curlew nests last year, from which eleven chicks successfully hatched, spoked about her rewarding experience as one of the first volunteers
BTO expert, Thalia, with ringed chicks (Image: Supplied)
There followed a 'speed dating' session, comprising four tables with displays, each hosted by an experienced volunteer, describing the various volunteer opportunities – Surveys and Mapping, Nest Finding and Monitoring, and Protective Fencing and Maintenance.
READ MORE:
Volunteers were able to visit each table to learn what is involved and to see and handle all the equipment used. Last, but not least, 'The Engine Room' covered administrative roles, monitoring and analysing information, publicity and fundraising.
As well as visual storyboards about the life of the curlew, a recording of the delightful song of the curlew was periodically played.
'The response from new volunteers has been amazing and we are delighted to welcome them to the group', said David Gardiner, Chair of Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project.
'We have received very positive feedback, which clearly demonstrates that residents, farmers and landowners alike, some beyond our local area, share a deep seated concern and interest in recovering nature and wildlife.
"With extra funding from Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL), we have been able to purchase further equipment and we now look forward to extending our work by protecting an increasing number of nests. With the help of our extra volunteers, we are on track to do just that!
"The first spring curlews have already been heard in the valley and we are excited about the year ahead.'
Diana Clarke said: 'It's such a privilege to be involved in this project. I have learnt so much about these wonderful birds and it makes me all the more determined to do all I can to save them'
For further information, or if you would like to be involved with the Curlew Recovery Project, please contact David Gardiner davidj.gardiner@btinternet.com
If anyone sees or hears curlews in and around the Cocker Valley, an email to sightingsatmelbreakcurlews@gmail.com would be appreciated, with the date, time and location.
The Curlew Recovery Project has been funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) and is part of the Melbreak Wildlife Group, an initiative of the Melbreak Communities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nature enthusiast captures stunning image of short-eared owl in East Lancashire
A nature enthusiast and bird watcher has captured a short-eared owl in flight at the side of the roadside in East Lancashire. Images supplied to the Lancashire Telegraph Camera Club by ShutterV1sion show the elegant bird flying alongside their vehicle. Whilst not endangered, this sighting is becoming increasingly rare, with between 610 and 2,140 pairs left in the UK. This has meant they have been placed on the Amber-list of bird conservation concern. ShutterV1sion, who also captured images of Golden Plovers, said: 'Well, didn't expect to see a pair of Golden Plovers at the side of the road while driving to go for a walk. 'Pulled up the car and sat watching them for a few minutes as they just pottered around at the side of the road and then carried on down the road to find a short-eared owl flying by the side of the car. I'll certainly be going down that road again.' With luminous golden eyes and black eyeshadow, the bird is considered one of the most stunning owls in the UK. Short-eared owls have mottled brown bodies with pale underwings and yellow eyes. To spot one, they tend to be in moorland, dunes and heathland and mostly breed in northern England and Scotland. Whilst they mostly feed on small mammals, especially field voles, they are also known to eat small birds, particularly in winter. Sadly, the birds are routinely shot on driven grouse moors, and the RSPB has a dedicated investigations team to work to stop their persecution. READ MORE: Rare bird which is becoming increasingly threatened in the UK spotted in East Lancs READ MORE: Nature enthusiasts treated to sighting of 'rare bird' over the Lancashire coast Additionally, the British Trust for Ornithology are also doing work through Project Owl to get a better understanding of their habitat use and year-round movements. They are considered a medium-sized owl and are approximately 34-42cm in length and have a wingspan of 90-105cm. Whilst they are mostly found in Orkney, the Uists and in the Pennines they are regular visitors to the lowlands of Lancashire.
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Fast Company
Flying on Southwest or United? These new baggage and check-in rule changes come into effect soon
With Memorial Day behind us, America's summer travel season is now in full swing. While flyers should be aware of how to find great fares and the best apps to use when taking a vacation overseas, they should also be mindful of a few new rule changes going into effect at popular airlines, which could impact their trips. Those changes are happening at two of America's most well-known airlines—Southwest and United—and include alterations to the airlines' free baggage and check-in policies, respectively. Here's what to know about the changes and when they go into effect. Southwest's signature 'Bags Fly Free' policy changes on May 28 On Wednesday, May 28, Southwest's signature 'Bags Fly Free' policy is changing. The policy has been a defining feature of the airline for decades, which lets Southwest fliers check up to two bags for free on any flight. However, come May 28, that policy will end for many Southwest passengers. As Fast Company previously reported, many passengers who book flights on Southwest from May 28 will now need to pay for checked baggage, although some will still be able to check bags for free. Here's how the new checked baggage policies work, according to Southwest: If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member or traveling on Business Select fares, you'll still be able to check up to two bags for free on your flight. If you are an A-List Member or a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you'll get one checked bag for free on each flight. But if you don't fall into the categories above, you'll now be charged to check your first and second bags on each flight. It's important to note that these new baggage-check rules and fees only apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before that date, you'll still be able to take advantage of Southwest's old 'Bags Fly Free' policy even if the flight takes place after May 28. United's check-in policy changes on June 3 On June 3, anyone flying on United will need to check in for their flight at least 45 minutes before departure, the airline confirmed with Fast Company. Previously, some passengers could check in as little as 30 minutes before their flight. Those who do not check in at least 45 minutes before their flight is scheduled to depart will be denied boarding starting June 3. Historically, United has allowed those flying without checked bags to check in by as little as 30 minutes before a domestic flight. Those on domestic flights with checked bags had a 45-minute check-in cutoff. In order to simplify things for gate staff and provide uniformity for passengers, United will now require anyone on a domestic flight with or without checked bags to check in at least 45 minutes before departure. 'The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines,' a United spokesperson told Fast Company via email. It should be noted that the new 45-minute check-in rule only applies to domestic flights. For international flights, United requires passengers to check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure. United's check-in time limits can be found here.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Photographer snaps globally threatened bird flying over the Broads
A photographer has captured a series of stunning images of a red-listed bird on the Norfolk Broads. Lynne Warner, a volunteer photographer for the Broads Authority, spotted the cuckoo at Hickling Broad. Cuckoos are on the Red List for UK birds (Image: Lynne Warner) The rare bird is often recognised by its song (Image: Lynne Warner) Ms Warner photographed the cuckoo at Hickling Broad on April 17. "I was sat watching for cranes when I heard it behind me. About five minutes later, it flew in front of me," she added. The song of a cuckoo resembles its name 'cuck-oo' and can often be heard in woodland and grassland habitats. READ MORE: Cuckoos are often mistaken for sparrowhawks due to their colour (Image: Lynne Warner) Photographer Lynne Warner captured the bird at Hickling Broad (Image: Lynne Warner)Cuckoos are often mistaken for sparrowhawks as they have blue-grey backs and heads, with striped dark grey and white undersides. They also have long tails and pointed wings which makes them look hawk-like in flight. The bird is most likely to be seen from March to August. Their recent population decline made them a Red List species in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species on this list needing urgent action. Species on this list, such as cuckoos, are globally threatened, with big declines in breeding populations and ranges.
