Latest news with #Roseate
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Puffin-counting season begins with two new livestreams
It's puffin-counting season–and you can watch. Bird monitors on the Farne Islands off the northeastern coast of England are tallying the roughly 200,000 seabirds that return to this important sanctuary every year. In honor of the 100th year of bird monitoring by the National Trust, two webcams have been set up by the conservation organization on the 28-island archipelago in the frosty North Sea. The first webcam will be fixed on the puffin burrows. Here, viewers can look out for 'parading puffins and ruffled feathers' while the males defend their territory. Puffin pairs will also be billing, or rubbing their bills together to reinforce their bonds. Towards the end of the season in late July, viewers may spot young pufflings when they fledge the nest. The second webcam will cover the rugged cliffs where puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and various species of gull typically gather. Viewers can spot birds coming and going to feed their young, including birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon and merlin. 'In this significant year we want more people to become 'watchers' of this annual spectacle to have a window into this unique world,' Sophia Jackson, Area Ranger on the Farne Islands for the National Trust, said in a statement. 'We hope by seeing the birds, people will be inspired to visit in person one day, but also to realise just how special these wild isles are, and how we must do all we can to ensure these islands and bird species have a long and healthy future ahead.' The islands sit about 1.5 miles off the coast of Northumberland, England and are an ideal habitat for 23 species of seabirds. It is also an important stop-off point for migratory birds from long eared owls to blue throats and ring ouzels. The islands are also home to a significant colony of grey seals who return each year to pup. The seabirds that make this annual migration to breed also include cliff-nesting birds such as razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes, ground nesting birds such as terns (Arctic, Common and Roseate), and the endangered puffins. The puffins build burrows underground to lay their eggs and raise any 'pufflings' that hatch. Studying these small colorful-beaked birds has been a draw for scientists in the area for over a century. 'The earliest official scientific records for seabirds date from 1913,' Jackson added. 'Reports for the majority of returning bird species started in the 1920s thanks to the 'watchers' stationed on the islands over the summer period, and in 1939 puffins were particularly noted as increasing.' While viewers get to watch the antics of the 'clowns of the sea,' the team from the National Trust will be doing the important work of counting, weighing, and banding some of the birds. The colored rings will help scientists better track the birds, who are threatened by dwindling and shifting fish stocks and rising ocean temperatures. [ Related: In Iceland, humans throwing baby puffins is a good thing. ] 'Despite puffins spending much of their time 'rafting' out at sea, ringing them will help us to understand more about the individuals as we'll be able to follow them over several years, as well as how long they live and how far they travel to other colonies,' Area Ranger Tom Hendry said in a statement. 'Over the next few weeks, we'll aim to ring 50 adult birds as part of our census and productivity monitoring.' Reported sightings of blue rings by other rangers, research organizations, and the public elsewhere will indicate that the adults that breed on the Farnes will be a useful measurement for tracking the birds' movements and well being. The team will also be using geolocation tags to better understand the various species on the island. The tags were first put on some Arctic terns in 2015 and retrieved in 2016. 'In using tracking technology we were able to discover for the first time just how far the Arctic terns travel during their annual migration with distances of up to 70,800 miles recorded – or to put this into context, close to three times around the globe each year which means they witness two summers! When you think about what that means over the lifetime of one of these tiny seabirds, it is nothing short of incredible,' said Jackson. This year's puffin count and other seabird numbers will be particularly important. The islands were closed for three seasons between 2020 and 2024 due to COVID-19, followed immediately by bird flu. According to the team, the data they were able to collect last year indicated that the puffin population was 'stable' with 50,000 pairs recorded. However, species like shags and terns saw large losses, primarily due to winter storms and bird flu. Looking towards the next 100 years, the team stresses that they are doing their best to ensure that the seabirds have a bright future, despite enormous threats from climate change. 'Shining a spotlight on seabirds and their migratory routes crossing many international boundaries shows how what happens to wildlife elsewhere has a huge impact on the birdlife we see here,' added Rosie Hails, Director of Nature & Science at the National Trust. 'These annual cycles illustrate the vulnerability of our wildlife and how vitally important clean and healthy seas and oceans are to ensuring our seabird populations have the stability needed to recover and grow.'
Miami Herald
02-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Paragliders invade Orlando Wetlands! Birds spooked, birders aghast
ORLANDO, Fla. - Most weekends, the Facebook pages dedicated to the Orlando Wetlands focus on spectacular pictures of nature in action - huge, hungry gators, mischievious otters and a flamboyant array of nesting birds. But last weekend, a pair of unwelcome fliers sailed into the 1,650-acre park about 25 miles east of Orlando, causing a commotion that sparked an outcry among visitors and led to the filing of complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the state Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission law enforcement division. The fliers piloted motor-powered paragliders into the protected space where even drones are forbidden. "I saw them coming in," said James McNair, 61, a hospice nurse who spends most weekends with his camera gear at the wetlands and who serves as moderator of the Facebook page Orlando Wetlands Photography. McNair snapped pictures of the fliers, one of whom headed directly toward a cypress tree dome, the main spot for nesting birds, which included wood storks, a long-legged wading species federally listed as threatened. The wetlands is home to hundreds of species of birds from plain-looking flycatchers to bright pink Roseate spoonbills, and more than 60 kinds of butterflies. Alligators, bobcats, coyotes, otters and raccoons also roam the marshy grounds. McNair said he watched the paraglider sail toward the rookeries, flying closer and closer before pulling up at the last second. Dozens of birds scattered, abandoning nests and chicks. When the paraglider drifted away, the birds slowly returned. "But it definitely spooked a lot of them," McNair said. The nature community reacted angrily online to McNair's photos of the fliers. Some called for the FAA to investigate. Others described the fliers as self-entitled and idiots. "Wish they landed on a gator," one post mused. In response to critics, a man posted an apology in the Facebook group, suggesting he was one of the fliers. The Orlando Sentinel was unable to verify his identity or contact him. "I respect nature and always try to respect people…I was out flying around and didn't know the wetlands park was there," the post read. "If I would have known, we would have steered clear of it. Never try [to] ruffle anyone's feathers, and I'm sorry to anyone that might have gotten upset with [us] flying by. It won't happen again since we know it's there now." Mark Sees, the Orlando Wetlands manager, referred an inquiry to the city's communication team. Spokesperson Ashley Papagni said the city learned of "low-flying paragliders over the Orlando Wetlands" from photos and community concerns. "One of the individuals involved later contacted us directly, expressed regret, and we were able to clarify the sensitive nature and the importance of protecting wildlife," Papagni said. She did not name the individual, but said incident was reported to the FAA and FWC. Chad Weber, a law enforcement officer with the state wildlife agency, said investigators were gathering information about the incident, and it could potentially fall under Florida laws prohibiting harassment of wildlife. The city acquired the 1,650 acres in 1986 for about $5.13 million to filter reclaimed wastewater. Water flows through the marsh and the plants, which consume the nutrients before the cleaned liquid spills into the St. John's River. In December 2022, the city opened a 2,200-foot boardwalk to allow hikers, birdwatchers and other visitors a view over the water and closer to the coots, egrets, herons and wood storks who nest near the cypress dome. "It's what I consider a hidden jewel of Central Florida," said Bruce Doerle, 77, a nature photographer. Doerle said the paragliders are probably attracted to the wetlands area for the same reasons as birds. Not many houses and a beautiful view from up high, he said. On its website, the United States Powered Paragliding Association notes that "Airspace can be very intimidating to a lot of paramotor pilots." "It means there are some places where we need permission to fly and other places where we don't." -------------- Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paragliders invade Orlando Wetlands! Birds spooked, birders aghast
ORLANDO, Fla. — Most weekends, the Facebook pages dedicated to the Orlando Wetlands focus on spectacular pictures of nature in action — huge, hungry gators, mischievious otters and a flamboyant array of nesting birds. But last weekend, a pair of unwelcome fliers sailed into the 1,650-acre park about 25 miles east of Orlando, causing a commotion that sparked an outcry among visitors and led to the filing of complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the state Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission law enforcement division. The fliers piloted motor-powered paragliders into the protected space where even drones are forbidden. 'I saw them coming in,' said James McNair, 61, a hospice nurse who spends most weekends with his camera gear at the wetlands and who serves as moderator of the Facebook page Orlando Wetlands Photography. McNair snapped pictures of the fliers, one of whom headed directly toward a cypress tree dome, the main spot for nesting birds, which included wood storks, a long-legged wading species federally listed as threatened. The wetlands is home to hundreds of species of birds from plain-looking flycatchers to bright pink Roseate spoonbills, and more than 60 kinds of butterflies. Alligators, bobcats, coyotes, otters and raccoons also roam the marshy grounds. McNair said he watched the paraglider sail toward the rookeries, flying closer and closer before pulling up at the last second. Dozens of birds scattered, abandoning nests and chicks. When the paraglider drifted away, the birds slowly returned. 'But it definitely spooked a lot of them,' McNair said. The nature community reacted angrily online to McNair's photos of the fliers. Some called for the FAA to investigate. Others described the fliers as self-entitled and idiots. 'Wish they landed on a gator,' one post mused. In response to critics, a man posted an apology in the Facebook group, suggesting he was one of the fliers. The Orlando Sentinel was unable to verify his identity or contact him. 'I respect nature and always try to respect people…I was out flying around and didn't know the wetlands park was there,' the post read. 'If I would have known, we would have steered clear of it. Never try [to] ruffle anyone's feathers, and I'm sorry to anyone that might have gotten upset with [us] flying by. It won't happen again since we know it's there now.' Mark Sees, the Orlando Wetlands manager, referred an inquiry to the city's communication team. Spokesperson Ashley Papagni said the city learned of 'low-flying paragliders over the Orlando Wetlands' from photos and community concerns. 'One of the individuals involved later contacted us directly, expressed regret, and we were able to clarify the sensitive nature and the importance of protecting wildlife,' Papagni said. She did not name the individual, but said incident was reported to the FAA and FWC. Chad Weber, a law enforcement officer with the state wildlife agency, said investigators were gathering information about the incident, and it could potentially fall under Florida laws prohibiting harassment of wildlife. The city acquired the 1,650 acres in 1986 for about $5.13 million to filter reclaimed wastewater. Water flows through the marsh and the plants, which consume the nutrients before the cleaned liquid spills into the St. John's River. In December 2022, the city opened a 2,200-foot boardwalk to allow hikers, birdwatchers and other visitors a view over the water and closer to the coots, egrets, herons and wood storks who nest near the cypress dome. 'It's what I consider a hidden jewel of Central Florida,' said Bruce Doerle, 77, a nature photographer. Doerle said the paragliders are probably attracted to the wetlands area for the same reasons as birds. Not many houses and a beautiful view from up high, he said. On its website, the United States Powered Paragliding Association notes that 'Airspace can be very intimidating to a lot of paramotor pilots.' 'It means there are some places where we need permission to fly and other places where we don't.' --------------
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paragliders invade Orlando Wetlands! Birds spooked! Birders aghast!
Most weekends, the Facebook pages dedicated to the Orlando Wetlands focus on spectacular pictures of nature in action — huge, hungry gators, mischievious otters and a flamboyant array of nesting birds. But last weekend, a pair of unwelcome fliers sailed into the 1,650-acre park about 25 miles east of Orlando, causing a commotion that sparked an outcry among visitors and led to the filing of complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the state Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission law enforcement division. The fliers piloted motor-powered paragliders into the protected space where even drones are forbidden. 'I saw them coming in,' said James McNair, 61, a hospice nurse who spends most weekends with his camera gear at the wetlands and who serves as moderator of the Facebook page Orlando Wetlands Photography McNair snapped pictures of the fliers, one of whom headed directly toward a cypress tree dome, the main spot for nesting birds, which included wood storks, a long-legged wading species federally listed as threatened. The wetlands is home to hundreds of species of birds from plain-looking flycatchers to bright pink Roseate spoonbills, and more than 60 kinds of butterflies. Alligators, bobcats, coyotes, otters and raccoons also roam the marshy grounds. McNair said he watched the paraglider sail toward the rookeries, flying closer and closer before pulling up at the last second. Dozens of birds scattered, abandoning nests and chicks. When the paraglider drifted away, the birds slowly returned. 'But it definitely spooked a lot of them,' McNair said. The nature community reacted angrily online to McNair's photos of the fliers. Some called for the FAA to investigate. Others described the fliers as self-entitled and idiots. 'Wish they landed on a gator,' one post mused. In response to critics, a man posted an apology in the Facebook group, suggesting he was one of the fliers. The Orlando Sentinel was unable to verify his identity or contact him. 'I respect nature and always try to respect people…I was out flying around and didn't know the wetlands park was there,' the post read. 'If I would have known, we would have steered clear of it. Never try [to] ruffle anyone's feathers, and I'm sorry to anyone that might have gotten upset with [us] flying by. It won't happen again since we know it's there now.' Mark Sees, the Orlando Wetlands manager, referred an inquiry to the city's communication team. Spokesperson Ashley Papagni said the city learned of 'low-flying paragliders over the Orlando Wetlands' from photos and community concerns. 'One of the individuals involved later contacted us directly, expressed regret, and we were able to clarify the sensitive nature and the importance of protecting wildlife,' Papagni said. She did not name the individual, but said incident was reported to the FAA and FWC. Chad Weber, a law enforcement officer with the state wildlife agency, said investigators were gathering information about the incident, and it could potentially fall under Florida laws prohibiting harassment of wildlife. The city acquired the 1,650 acres in 1986 for about $5.13 million to filter reclaimed wastewater. Water flows through the marsh and the plants, which consume the nutrients before the cleaned liquid spills into the St. John's River. In December 2022, the city opened a 2,200-foot boardwalk to allow hikers, birdwatchers and other visitors a view over the water and closer to the coots, egrets, herons and wood storks who nest near the cypress dome. 'It's what I consider a hidden jewel of Central Florida,' said Bruce Doerle, 77, a nature photographer. Doerle said the paragliders are probably attracted to the wetlands area for the same reasons as birds. Not many houses and a beautiful view from up high, he said. On its website, the United States Powered Paragliding Association notes that 'Airspace can be very intimidating to a lot of paramotor pilots.' 'It means there are some places where we need permission to fly and other places where we don't.' shudak@
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roseate expands in UK and diversifies portfolio in India
Roseate Hotels & Resorts, part of the Bird Group, is looking to expand its presence in the UK hospitality market following its recent acquisition of Beechfield House in Wiltshire. This purchase marks the brand's eighth property globally and its fifth hotel in the UK. The luxury hospitality brand is also pursuing a development strategy in India, with multiple projects underway. The company has acquired a 2.6-acre plot for a hotel near the upcoming Noida International Airport in India. The property will include a convention centre. Post-monsoon, Roseate aims to expand its existing resort in Rishikesh with 31 additional villas. Additionally, a boutique luxury property is under construction in Goa. Branching out from its core hospitality business, Roseate is venturing into the branded residences market, with projects in Ayodhya and Dehradun tailored for affluent individuals and non-resident Indians. These residences are expected to command a premium of 20–30% over the standard market values. The group is also exploring the senior living sector, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. Roseate is in talks with the government of Himachal Pradesh and other states to build and manage ice skating rinks, utilising its in-house expertise to provide recreational facilities. The company is considering an ice rink within a shopping mall in Delhi as part of this initiative. Besides focusing on an asset-heavy approach, Roseate is now also considering an asset-light model, which will focus on strategic locations and partnerships for development. In December 2019, Roseate House New Delhi ventured into the flexible workspace arena by introducing its first premium coworking club in Aerocity. "Roseate expands in UK and diversifies portfolio in India" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
