Latest news with #Blackbirds
The Guardian
a day ago
- General
- The Guardian
Share your blackbird sightings with us this summer
Blackbird populations in southern England and Greater London have plummeted in recent years. The Usutu virus, first detected in the UK in London in summer 2020, is thought to be a factor behind their decline. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has asked the British public to contribute to their Blackbirds in Gardens survey to help understand how they are faring. How are the blackbirds where you are? Have you noticed any changes in their number compared to previous years? Have they declined, increased, or stayed the same? You can tell us about your blackbird sightings using this form. Please include as much detail as possible. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK households warned to check on blackbirds if they come into gardens
Scientists warn that a deadly disease has been culling blackbird populations - here's what you need to know and the signs that blackbirds in your garden may be infected Scientists have urged those with blackbirds flitting around their garden to watch out – as they may be carrying a horrifying mosquito-borne disease. Alarms have been raised after almost half the species' population has been killed by the sickness. Known as the Usutu virus, it has decimated the London blackbird population by about 40% since 2020. Now the disease is spreading rapidly across the UK and, in particular, southern England. To combat its spread, garden-owners have been urged to monitor any blackbirds that they see in their garden. Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) told the BBC: "We've seen that the virus has spread further than we thought it might do, and it's persisted. Blackbirds specifically are quite susceptible to the virus.' He added that its prevalence indicates that the UK might see other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes beginning to emerge. Particularly in warmer weather conditions. Scientists from the APHA in Weybridge, Surrey, have warned this may be linked to climate change. Hotter temperatures and heavier rainfall make it easier for mosquitos to spread in climates previously inhospitable to them. The Usutu virus was first discovered in southern Africa 80 years ago as a deadly zoonotic disease that mainly spread between mosquitos and birds. It was first detected in Austria in 2001 and has been spreading through Europe since. It reached the UK in 2020, where it was picked up for the first time after several blackbirds in the London area were found to be carrying it, following that year's summer heatwave. Signs that a blackbird may be suffering from Usutu include weakness and lethargy, poor co-ordination, ruffled feathers and a drooping head or wings. They also display a reluctance to fly. More seriously, watch out for birds suffering from seizures or gasping for breath. Although, it's important to remember that they may not display any obvious signs. The virus can be highly deadly, as it infects multiple organs in the bird's body. This includes the kidneys and the brain. Scientists and The British Trust for Ornithology are calling for volunteers to count blackbirds in their gardens over the summer months. This is to help them find out more about the comings and goings of the birds. As reported by The Sun, The British Trust for Ornithology said: "The Blackbirds in Gardens project will help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens, and the potential effects of the Usutu virus on their population in the UK.' The survey will run until September and takes 15 minutes to complete.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyoncé Cowboy Carter at MetLife Stadium: Review, setlist
Beyoncé lassoed hips, hearts and minds, too, at her MetLife Stadium Cowboy Carter show on Thursday, May 22, in East Rutherford. The nearly three-hour spectacle was a delight of a country music concert, Beyoncé style, that touched on contemporary themes and critiques, with a smile and a twirl. The central point is country music was founded in the hymns, spirituals, blues and field songs of Black America, and that fact this is not widely recognized — well, that's part of the American problem. 'They used to say I spoke too country,' sang Beyoncé in 'American Requiem,' from her hit album, 'Cowboy Carter.' What is the remedy? An album and tour of country music that takes the genre to its roots and explores exciting possibilities. From a delicate performance of the Beatles 'Blackbird,' dedicated 'to all the beautiful Blackbirds who opened the door for me,' to a delightful corn-fed rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene,' Beyoncé showed an impressive range and exquisite feeling in her vocals. The multi-piece band made all the right notes and shadings, and the the backup singers delivered a rich context, especially on the new 'Flamenco.' Mind you, Bey did not strap on her cowboy boots and cowboy hat to just stand there and sing. Beyoncé and her big dance troupe were in constant motion throughout the night, and that included daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi. When not dancing, Bey rode a horseshoe and late model sedan over the audience via wires — and, on stage, a mechanical bull, gold horse and truck with giant horns. She looked like a cool Kid Rock when she was on the truck, for a stutter rhythm version off 'Crazy In Love.' Video vignettes framed the night, such as the concept of the 'reclamation of America.' Heady stuff, and perhaps unsettling to portions of the population. But they were delivered here with such charm and skill that this lesson in American cultural history will not soon be forgotten. Check out Thursday's setlist below for what Beyonce played at the MetLife opener: American Requiem Blackbird The Star-Spangled Banner Freedom Ya Ya / Why Don't You Love Me Oh Louisiana America Has a Problem Spaghetti Formation My House Diva Alligator Tears Just for Fun Protector Flamenco Desert Eagle Riverdance II Hands II Heaven II Tyrant Thique Levii's Jeans Sweet Honey Buckiin' / Pure Honey / Summer Renaissance Texas Hold 'Em Crazy in Love Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) Love on Top Irreplaceable If I Were A Boy Jolene Daddy Lessons Bodyguard II Most Wanted Cuff It Heated Before I Let Go Daughter Renaissance I'm That Girl Cozy Alien Superstar 16 Carriages Amen The "Cowboy Carter' album won Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Album of the Year. Beyoncé opened her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit Tour April 28 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and it played in Chicago before the East Rutherford shows, which include Saturday, May 24; Sunday, May 25; Wednesday, May 28; and Friday, May 29. The five upcoming shows at MetLife are record breaking — they're the most by an artist on a single tour at the venue. The nine-city tour will also play in Europe before the finale on Saturday, July 26, in Las Vegas. The NJ Transit engineer strike was settled this week, and it's service as normal at MetLife for the shows. The trains start departing Secaucus for the concerts at 4:29 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, and 4:53 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29. The last train will not leave MetLife Stadium before 1 a.m. Check out for more info. Subscribe to for the latest on the New Jersey music scene. Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@ This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Beyoncé Cowboy Carter at MetLife Stadium: Review, setlist
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Anyone with blackbirds in garden asked to do simple thing as virus spreads
The Usutu virus, which can be transmitted by infected mosquitoes to blackbirds, appears to be spreading rapidly in the UK and particularly in the south of England UK households are being called upon to aid scientists in tracking a mosquito-borne disease that's threatening the nation's blackbirds. Those with gardens visited by these birds are urged to join a national study aimed at gauging the health of native bird populations. The Usutu virus, known for affecting blackbirds and spread by mosquitoes, is on the rise in the UK, particularly in the south. This has coincided with a worrying decline in some blackbird populations, sparking fears for the future of these cherished songbirds. Experts are keeping a watchful eye on the situation, as global warming could allow mosquitoes and their associated diseases to widen their territory. To get a clearer picture of how the Usutu virus is impacting blackbirds, scientists are inviting those who spot these birds in their gardens to partake in a dedicated counting initiative. The British Trust for Ornithology has stated: "The Blackbirds in Gardens project will help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens, and the potential effects of the Usutu virus on their population in the UK. "If you have access to a garden, have an interest in garden birds and can recognise a Blackbird by sight, then this survey could be for you!" The newly launched survey will continue through September. The public is being asked to keep an eye on the number of blackbirds they spot, as well as their behaviours such as foraging for food or using a pond or puddle. The aim is for each participant to conduct a 15-minute survey once a week throughout the duration of the study, reports Chronicle Live. This initiative is part of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, a joint effort between the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the UK Health Security Agency, and the Zoological Society of London. "We've seen that the virus has spread further than we thought it might do, and it's persisted," Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) revealed to the BBC. Based in Weybridge, Surrey, APHA experts have been keeping tabs on mosquito-borne diseases in wild birds for years, due to growing concerns that climate change is turning Europe into a potential breeding ground for these insects. This virus has been spreading worldwide and arrived in Europe three decades ago. However, in the UK, all test results were negative until 2020. Following the heatwave in the summer of that year, Usutu was detected in several blackbirds in Greater London. "Blackbirds specifically are quite susceptible to the virus and since 2020 we've found a decline in blackbirds of approximately 40% in Greater London," Dr Folly disclosed. "It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK."
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Households with blackbirds in their gardens asked to help monitor spread of virus
Households with blackbirds in their gardens asked to help monitor spread of virus The Usutu virus is spread through the blackbird population by infected mosquitoes Blackbirds are a common sight in many gardens (Image: (Image: Getty) ) Scientists are urging UK households to aid in the monitoring of a mosquito-borne disease that's been affecting blackbirds, inviting anyone with these birds visiting their garden to participate in national research focused on evaluating the health of native bird populations. The Usutu virus, capable of being transferred by mosquitoes to blackbirds, has seen rapid proliferation in the UK, and particularly in the southern regions. Concerns rise as certain blackbird groups experience noticeable declines, sparking worry about the future of these cherished songsters. Experts are keeping a vigilant eye on this issue, noting that climate change holds the potential for mosquitoes and the viruses they bear to broaden their territorial span. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: Incredible home sits on lake with private islands you can row to YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This Welsh town is 'most affordable' for families to buy a home To gain deeper insights into how the Usutu virus is impacting local blackbird populations, scientists are encouraging those who spot blackbirds in their gardens to engage in a specific counting scheme. The initiative has just been set in motion and will continue until September. Sign-up for anyone interested in helping can be found here. Article continues below The British Trust for Ornithology states: "The Blackbirds in Gardens project will help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens, and the potential effects of the Usutu virus on their population in the UK.", reports Bristol Live. "If you have access to a garden, have an interest in garden birds and can recognise a Blackbird by sight, then this survey could be for you!" The public is being asked to count the number of blackbirds they spot within a certain time frame, as well as noting down specific behaviours that scientists are keen to study, such as foraging for food or using a pond or puddle. Participants are encouraged to aim for one 15-minute survey per week throughout the duration of the project. A common blackbird perches on a tree branch (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The initiative is part of the Vector-Borne RADAR scheme, a joint effort with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the UK Health Security Agency, and the Zoological Society of London. "We've seen that the virus has spread further than we thought it might do, and it's persisted," Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) revealed to the BBC. The APHA experts, who are based in Weybridge, Surrey, have been keeping an eye on mosquito-borne diseases in wild birds for years, due to growing concerns that climate change is turning Europe into a potential breeding ground for these insects. This virus has made its way around the world and arrived in Europe three decades ago. However, in the UK, all test results were negative until 2020. Following the heatwave in the summer of that year, Usutu was detected in several blackbirds in Greater London. Article continues below "Blackbirds specifically are quite susceptible to the virus and since 2020 we've found a decline in blackbirds of approximately 40% in Greater London," Dr Folly disclosed. "It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK." Anyone interested in participating can sign up here. For more home and garden stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
