Latest news with #BritishTrustForOrnithology
The Guardian
5 days 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.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- BBC News
Surrey Police swab peregrine falcon chicks for DNA database
Police officers have taken DNA swabs from peregrine falcon chicks as part of an anti-wildlife crime from the samples will be added to a national database used to identify trafficked peregrine are highly prized in the illegal wildlife trade, and two clutches of eggs were stolen in the county last year, Surrey Police crime officers took swabs from three chicks which recently hatched in the county on Thursday. Police can use the national database to identify stolen existing and future siblings of the swabbed chicks, the force said. Surrey Police said officers were assisted by ringers from the British Trust for Ornithology during the swabbing chicks were returned to their nest after being swabbed and tagged.A spokesperson said: "We ask that anyone who lives in or recognises the area around the nest site does not disclose its location so we can continue to protect these birds and keep them in the wild where they belong."
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Belfast: Rare sighting of white stork in Northern Ireland
A rare sighting of a white stork has caught people's attention in various parts of Northern Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) posted on Facebook that it had received "numerous calls from concerned members of the public regarding an "injured stork over the past two days". It seems the bird was spotted in Botanic Gardens, Belfast, parts of Downpatrick in County Down and even in Donegal.A USPCA wildlife officer assessed the stork in Belfast and found it to be "in good health and free flying". Storks are not native to Northern Ireland and the charity has advised the public, especially dog owners, to leave the wildbird alone."We would advise the public, not to approach, and give the bird as much space as possible to avoid stress. Dog owners should also be aware around the bird," it charity added that if left alone the stork will move on, but if anyone has further concerns to contact them. The bird appears to have a metal ring attached to its leg, which might indicate it is from a private collection. The white stork was spotted in Botanic Gardens in Belfast on Tuesday but seemed to be in good spirits, according to onlookers. History of storks on the British Isles White storks are a breeding bird of southern Europe, with a red bill and black and white feathers. A small breeding population live in southern England as part of a reintroduction attempt in 2016, according to the charity British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).The only documented record of a pair of white storks breeding in the UK is from Scotland in 1416, when a pair was reported to have nested on St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. The BTO added that, "since the 1960s, white storks have been recorded in small, but increasing, numbers as scarce migrants, some of which have been considered to be of wild origin, while others are likely to have been released or be birds that have escaped from collections or from reintroduction projects, making it difficult to accurately assess their numbers".
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning to anyone who sees blackbirds in their garden this summer over deadly virus decimating critical species
A WARNING has been issued to gardeners to look out for blackbirds this summer. Almost half of the species' population has been decimated from a mosquito-borne disease. 1 Scientists are now calling on UK households with gardens to monitor blackbird population. Anyone whose garden gets frequented by the bird has been asked to participate in a national research. The deadly Usutu virus has reduced the blackbird population in Greater London by 40 per cent since 2020. The disease is spreading rapidly across the UK, especially in the southern parts of England. Now, there are concerns that more mosquito-borne diseases could spread in the future. Dr Arran Folly from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) told 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. "It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK." Scientists have urged the public to note how many blackbirds they see within a particular time frame and enter that information into a survey. You will also be asked to look out for any behaviours such as foraging for food. 'Intense' mystery symptoms with baseball-sized swelling in mosquito bite victims leave doctors stumped Participants are encouraged to complete one survey per week. 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. "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 survey will run until September and takes 15 minutes to complete. It comes as gardeners have been warned to postpone one common task during Spring. The warning has even been backed by Sir David Attenborough. Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech's Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat. 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Guernsey volunteers 'save 45 years of bat research'
A survey of Bailiwick bat species would have taken more than 45 years to complete without the help of hundreds of local volunteers, according to the States. The now completed Bailiwick Bat Survey was a volunteer-led initiative organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the States of Guernsey and Bailiwick La Sociétés and wildlife 2021 and 2024, 420 volunteers collected more than 16 million bat sound recordings, which included six bat species never previously recorded in the Henney, the States' senior natural environment officer, said the survey would have taken one researcher decades to complete and would have cost up to £2m. Volunteers who signed up to the survey were able to borrow sound recording equipment, which was installed in areas across the Bailiwick for up to seven recordings were uploaded to the BTO's Acoustic Pipeline for analysis, providing initial results within hours."This survey has changed and broadened our understanding of bats across the Bailiwick of Guernsey," said Ms Henney."This has all been possible thanks to keen volunteers getting stuck in, increasing community awareness of nature, as intended through Guernsey's Strategy for Nature."She added: "It would've taken one researcher over 45 years to gather this amount of data, potentially costing up to £2m, which serves to highlight the value of our community's efforts in gathering this insightful data." Volunteers conducted 9,426 nights of recording at 2,364 locations, collecting more than 16 million triggered sound recordings. Four million bat identifications were confirmed, including the presence of 14 bat species, six of which were never previously recorded in the of the six newly recorded species, serotine, Leisler's bat, common noctule and parti-coloured bat, are rare visitors to the the lesser horseshoe bat and whiskered or Brandt's bat appeared to be rare residents, according to the survey study also found that underground tunnels from the Nazi German occupation were important roosting and hibernation sites for several of the rarer species of bats. BTO and the States of Guernsey worked in partnership with La Société Guernesiaise, Alderney WIldlife Trust and La Société Sercquaise on the Allez, project coordinator of the Bailiwick Bat Survey said: "The survey highlights the importance of citizen science in large-scale biodiversity monitoring and engaging the community in nature conservation."
