Latest news with #UKConservationStatusReport
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- 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.
BBC News
21-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Stroud Conservation charity hosts event to mark World Curlew Day
A conservation charity is hosting an event and unveiling a mural to raise awareness of an endangered Action is hosting a series of talks at Lansdown Hall in Stroud on Monday to inform people about conservation efforts for the Eurasian Curlew. The event also marks World Curlew Day, which began in 2017. The population of curlews is rapidly declining according to the charity, with only two chicks successfully arriving in Gloucestershire last Caldwell, director and founder of the charity, said: "It's so important that we bring endangered wildlife like curlews right into the middle of towns and cities so everybody can see them and begin to understand what's happening." Curlews were added to the Red List on the UK Conservation Status Report in 2015, reflecting the urgent action needed to protect to the RSPB, habitat redevelopment and intensive farming practices are likely to have contributed to declines in breeding are also impacted by predators. Ms Caldwell said the event on Monday will coincide with the charity's work to "spread the word, spread education and spread awareness" of the importance of protecting the endangered species."We'll draw attention to the plight of this lovely bird and people can see how wonderful it is."She added that "everybody has a role to play" in protecting the birds. The event to mark World Curlew Day begins at 16:00 BST at Lansdown Hall. The mural, painted by street artist ATM, will be unveiled on the side of Cafe 15 on George Street.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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 If anyone sees or hears curlews in and around the Cocker Valley, an email to sightingsatmelbreakcurlews@ 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.
