Latest news with #BritishTrustforOrnithology
ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Invasive parakeets now 'unstoppable' as population size doubles in ten years
New figures show a steep rise in the population of parakeets now living wild in the UK, with experts warning of a "green invasion." Figures given to ITV News by the British Trust for Ornithology show 'an astronomical rise,' which researchers have said is now 'unstoppable'. Originally from India and Pakistan, the ring-necked parakeets are officially 'an invasive species,' but the emerald, green parakeet has thrived in cities from Plymouth to Aberdeen - reaching much of Wales and even parts of Northern Ireland. This spring, tens of thousands of ring-necked parakeets are nesting in the UK - leading to concerns from some ecologists. Viola Ross-Smith of the British Trust for Ornithology told ITV News: 'It's basically going up and up and up, it seems kind of unstoppable. 'Since 1995 we've seen an increase of more than 2000%." She added that the population has not only doubled in the last 10 years, but also went up by "almost a third in the last five years.' In Belfast, some conservationists want all the birds to be trapped and put into captivity. Parakeets compete with native birds such as starlings and sparrows for nesting holes and food. Conor McKinney, Chairman of Wild Belfast, told ITV News: 'We could be looking at exclosures for instance. We could also be looking at mist netting. 'These are nets that are put up, they are practically invisible to birds and then we could collect them by hand. 'The opportunity is here, the time is ripe, we need to do something about these birds before it gets out of control.' Many myths have grown surrounding how the parakeets got here. Some believe the species became established in 1950 after birds were released from the jungle set of 'The African Queen', built in the London area. Another theory is that the recording artist Jimi Hendrix released a pair in Carnaby Street in 1966. Professor Tim Blackburn, an expert in invasive species from University College London, told ITV News: 'There was a disease called Psittacosis, colloquially known as parrot flu. 'And it seems likely that this scare caused people who had parakeets as pets, or other parrots as pets, to let those parrots go.' There is little evidence of damage from the parakeets, but experts say they are being carefully monitored amid fears they will spread into farming areas. Meanwhile, there's no doubting their public popularity in gardens and parks across the UK.
STV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Invasive parakeets now 'unstoppable' as population size doubles in ten years
New figures show a steep rise in the population of parakeets now living wild in the UK, with experts warning of a 'green invasion.' Figures given to ITV News by the British Trust for Ornithology show 'an astronomical rise,' which researchers have said is now 'unstoppable'. Originally from India and Pakistan, the ring-necked parakeets are officially 'an invasive species,' but the emerald, green parakeet has thrived in cities from Plymouth to Aberdeen – reaching much of Wales and even parts of Northern Ireland. This spring, tens of thousands of ring-necked parakeets are nesting in the UK – leading to concerns from some ecologists. Multiple myths exist over how the parakeets first came to the UK. / Credit: ITV News Viola Ross-Smith of the British Trust for Ornithology told ITV News: 'It's basically going up and up and up, it seems kind of unstoppable. 'Since 1995 we've seen an increase of more than 2000%.' She added that the population has not only doubled in the last 10 years, but also went up by 'almost a third in the last five years.' In Belfast, some conservationists want all the birds to be trapped and put into captivity. Parakeets compete with native birds such as starlings and sparrows for nesting holes and food. Conor McKinney, Chairman of Wild Belfast, told ITV News: 'We could be looking at exclosures for instance. We could also be looking at mist netting. 'These are nets that are put up, they are practically invisible to birds and then we could collect them by hand. 'The opportunity is here, the time is ripe, we need to do something about these birds before it gets out of control.' Many myths have grown surrounding how the parakeets got here. Some believe the species became established in 1950 after birds were released from the jungle set of 'The African Queen', built in the London area. Another theory is that the recording artist Jimi Hendrix released a pair in Carnaby Street in 1966. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Professor Tim Blackburn, an expert in invasive species from University College London, told ITV News: 'There was a disease called Psittacosis, colloquially known as parrot flu. 'And it seems likely that this scare caused people who had parakeets as pets, or other parrots as pets, to let those parrots go.' There is little evidence of damage from the parakeets, but experts say they are being carefully monitored amid fears they will spread into farming areas. Meanwhile, there's no doubting their public popularity in gardens and parks across the UK. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know… Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- 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.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Windswept' red-listed bird visits county garden
A red-listed bird, which has seen declining numbers in the past decades, has appeared in a Herefordshire garden. Posting on the Hereford Times' 'Birds spotted in Herefordshire' group, Jackie Partridge said she had received a visit from a "slightly windswept" Mistle Thrush in her garden on Monday morning (May 26), with several of the birds around, as a nest is nearby. According to the RSPB, the birds can be identified by their pale bodies and black spots, along with tails with "whiteish" edges. The British Trust for Ornithology describes the thrushes as "handsome" birds, with a brown back, greyish nape and crown and spotted breast and belly. ALSO READ: Pair of UK red-list birds spotted in Herefordshire Rarely seen crested bird from Eurasia spotted in back garden 'Excessively rare' war medal goes up for sale in county shop for £40,000 The birds are usually around 28cm in length and weigh between 100 and 150 grams. Known as Britain's "largest songbird", the species was added to the Red List in 2015, after its population declined from the 1970s onwards. The trust says that although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, it may be linked to the degradation of farmland habitat. The Woodland Trust links the species' demise to increased infant mortality. The Trust says the birds feed off seeds, berries, and fruit, as well as worms and insects. The species is believed to have been named after its love for mistletoe berries. "It is fiercely territorial when it comes to food, guarding its food sources (such as holly bushes or rowan trees) closely, often with two birds defending the same area," the trust says. Mistle Thrush's nests are generally formed from mud, leaves and grass, with the bird laying between three to six eggs, which hatch after 15 to 20 days. Describing how to identify the birds, The Woodland Trust said: "Listen out for the sharp chattering noises these birds make when disturbed – they are particularly prone to making these warning calls during strong winds. "As they are garden visitors, adding seeds and fruit to your bird feeder is a good way of attracting them. "Or, if you have any berry bushes nearby, chances are these birds might be guarding them!"
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."
