Latest news with #WorldMigratoryBirdDay
Edmonton Journal
12-05-2025
- General
- Edmonton Journal
Voters crown magpie as top choice to be Edmonton's city bird
Article content The black-billed magpie has been named Edmonton's city bird following a public vote that saw the familiar and controversial species soar past five other entrants. The result of the vote that began in October was made during World Migratory Bird Day celebrations at Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. The magpie emerged victorious over two other co-finalists — the blue jay and boreal chickadee. Other year-round residents of the city, including the downy woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch and northern saw-whet owl, were eliminated in an earlier round of voting.
Egypt Today
11-05-2025
- General
- Egypt Today
Egypt: More than 354.5K observed during this fall/spring season
A steppe eagle - CC via Flickr/ Birds of Gilgit-Baltistan CAIRO – 11 May 2025: The Egyptian Society for the Conservation of Nature announced that, so far this fall/spring season, 354,571 migratory birds have been recorded at the Galala Bird Observatory. Among the 34 species observed, the site documented the passage of more than 90% of the global population of steppe eagles and over 50% of the global population of Levant sparrowhawks. These figures highlight Egypt's pivotal role as a global data source in bird migration monitoring and conservation. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Environment, Egypt joined countries around the world in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, observed this year on May 10 under the theme Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities." The annual event, held on the second Saturday of May, underscores the critical need to design and manage urban environments that support both human populations and migratory bird species. This year's theme emphasizes the importance of strategic urban planning and the adoption of bird-friendly practices to reverse alarming declines in bird populations. It also calls for collective action from governments, local authorities, businesses, and civil society to create safe spaces for migratory birds in and around urban areas. Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad highlighted the Ministry's active participation in the national celebration organized by the Egyptian Society for the Conservation of Nature at the Galala Bird Observatory, one of the most significant migratory bird monitoring sites in Egypt. The event brought together nature experts, observers, and media professionals who documented bird sightings to be uploaded to the global eBird platform—contributing valuable data to international bird conservation efforts. Fouad stressed that World Migratory Bird Day serves as a key opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and the many threats they face along their journeys. These include habitat destruction, illegal hunting, pollution, and the growing impact of climate change. She underscored Egypt's commitment to supporting international conservation programs, protecting natural habitats, combating poaching, and enforcing wildlife protection laws. The Minister elaborated on the factors driving bird migration, such as the search for food, escape from harsh weather, and the need for suitable breeding and nesting conditions. Environmental stressors like climate change, water shortages, and pollution also play a major role, often forcing birds to relocate in search of more viable habitats. Competition for resources is another driver of migratory behavior. Dr. Fouad also noted the ecological importance of migratory birds. These species play vital roles in pollination, pest control, and maintaining the balance of various ecosystems. Moreover, birds serve as early indicators of environmental health and climate change impacts. She warned of the increasing threats to migration routes, including the loss of forests and wetlands, pollution, and illegal poaching. Climate change, she said, is particularly disruptive, altering bird migration patterns and threatening the survival of some species. The Minister emphasized the need for enhanced public awareness and international cooperation to protect migratory birds and preserve the biodiversity that is an essential part of both Egypt's natural heritage and the global environment.
Calgary Herald
11-05-2025
- General
- Calgary Herald
Weaselhead preservation group seeks nocturnal sanctuary status for Calgary's only 'delta'
An environmental preservation group wants to keep the park dark to support the birds and the bees. Article content Article content The Weaselhead Glenmore Park Preservation Society is working with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) to obtain nocturnal sanctuary status for the Weaselhead Flats, according to a local naturalist. Article content Such a designation would recognize the importance of maintaining dark skies for the variety of wildlife within in the flats, said Sara Jordan-McLachlan, a representative of the Weaselhead preservation society. Article content Article content At an event to recognize World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, she told Postmedia the preservation society will first have to submit an application to the RASC, before the two organizations collaborate on a joint application to the city. Article content Article content 'We'll need city approval so it's about working with the city as well to make sure they're on board, because ultimately, it's their park to manage,' she said. Article content 'They would give us the approval to designate that as a nocturnal sanctuary and then we'd be in charge of managing it.' The flats are technically Calgary's only 'delta' — a geographical landform created where a river slows as it spills into a standing body of water. In the case of the Weaselhead, when the river reaches the flats, it deposits sand and gravel to create a network of bars, channels and marshes. Article content While the flats have a special protected-area status that prohibits development, the Weaselhead doesn't currently have a nocturnal sanctuary designation as part of its habitat management plan, according to Jordan-McLachlan. Article content Article content She noted there have been some rumblings about adding lighting fixtures to the cycling and walking path that cuts through the flats, which she warns would be harmful for birds and other wildlife. Article content 'That's our biggest challenge — keeping that dark,' she said. 'But otherwise, no development can happen in that area.' Article content A park in the Calgary region that currently has nocturnal sanctuary status is the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area, located just south of city limits in Foothills County. The sprawling area received nocturnal preserve designation in 2015, according to the RASC's website. Article content There are numerous ecological benefits to keeping a natural area devoid of artificial light, said Jordan-McLachlan, who is also a representative of Bird Friendly Calgary. Article content Through her involvement with the local avian advocacy group, Jordan-McLachlan has advocated for stronger protection for birds during the spring and fall migratory seasons, such as educating residents of high-rises to turn off their lights at night to help prevent window strikes.
CTV News
10-05-2025
- Science
- CTV News
Nature Saskatchewan celebrates World Migratory Bird Day
Nature Saskatchewan hosted a bird walk at the Saskatchewan Science Centre on Saturday to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News)
Leaders
10-05-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Observes World Migratory Bird Day
Saudi Arabia celebrated on Saturday the World Migratory Bird Day, stressing the significance of safeguarding migratory birds and their habitats, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Themed 'Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,' the 2025 celebration focused on the vitality of integrating migratory birds into urban planning. Therefore, it seeks to decrease environmental threats and challenges they encounter in urban areas. Represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), the Kingdom has been making bold strides to protect wildlife, including migratory birds, which form an essential part of biodiversity. As part of its efforts to preserve wildlife, the Kingdom has regulated hunting, enforced strict laws in line with approved environmental regulations, and coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity. Through the launch of the Fitri platform, the Kingdom has also facilitated hunting season procedures. Meanwhile, NCW conducts field surveys, monitors migration routes, determines the status of each species, studies biodiversity hotspots and wetlands, and updates the national bird list. Furthermore, it boosts environmental monitoring and research programs across coastal and wilderness regions. As one of the most important components of biodiversity, migratory birds are a crucial indicator of environmental health. Accordingly, it has become necessary to abide by regulations and legislation and avoid any human activities that may lead to the destruction of natural environments. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Bans Polish Poultry Imports after Bird Flu Outbreak Tarout Island: Top Migrating Birds' Destination Al Khunfah: Bird's Meeting Point Short link : Post Views: 3
