Surfbirds News: January 2005 Archives

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January 22, 2005

Celebrate World Wetlands Day

Celebrate World Wetlands Day for Free at the London Wetland Centre
Sunday 30th & Monday 31st January 2005.

The London Wetland Centre will be throwing open its doors for free on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st January in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2005, offering everyone the opportunity to experience wetlands and their beautiful wildlife.

Special free hourly guided tours of the reserve and 'World Wetlands'
exhibit will run on Saturday 29th (although normal entry charges apply on this day), Sunday 30th and Monday 31st January. Family activities on these days include 'The Great Human Pondskater Experiment' (an attempt to mimic a pondskater and defy the laws of gravity to walk on water!), the 'Wetlands Lecture' investigating the properties of water and who lives in water, and 'The Great Pond Safari'.

Centre Manager, Stephanie Fudge, said: "Wetlands around the world serve a vital function in storing water and helping to prevent flooding, in addition to providing food and supporting diverse wildlife. With climate change heralding an increase in extreme weather events, including both floods and droughts, the importance of saving wetlands now is paramount.

We hope people will come along to the London Wetland Centre and take
advantage of the free entry to learn more about their inherent value to people and wildlife and why we must act to save them."

Wetlands are second only to rain forests for the diversity of life they support. Over half of the world's precious wetlands have been lost over the past century and, while there is still a wealth of wetland diversity around us, we must now make a concerted effort to save it - WWT will show everyone just how they can do their bit.

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar on 2 February 1971, when
governments across the world agreed to conserve and make the best
possible use of their valuable wetland resources. With 1314 designated Ramsar Sites, covering 111 million hectares world-wide, the Ramsar Convention now has 138 countries signed up so WWT's celebrations will certainly be in good company.

For more information contact Martin Senior: T 020 8409 4405
martin.senior@wwt.org.uk

or Catherine Worswick on 020 8409 4412 or catherine.worswick@wwt.org.uk

Posted by Surfbirds at 09:13 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2005

It's time to stop poisoning birds of prey

Following the illegal poisoning of a rare red kite in Northumberland, the RSPB is today [Friday 21 January] calling for an end to the misuse of pesticides by criminals targeting threatened wildlife.

The bird, one of 20 kites reintroduced last year to Gateshead, was found poisoned next to a rabbit and a pheasant carcase, which forensic analysis revealed were laced with carbofuran, an agricultural chemical used to remove pests from arable crops.

Since 1989, 106 red kites across the UK have been poisoned, many of which died as a result of consuming poisoned baits. The majority of these dead birds come from recently reintroduced populations, including the Chilterns, Yorkshire, Northamptonshire and several sites in Scotland.

Graham Elliott, the head of the RSPB's investigations section, said: "Since 1989 the red kite has been reintroduced to England and Scotland, but every year an increasing number of red kites, and other birds of prey, die because of the actions of ignorant individuals driven by a deep-seated malice towards these spectacular birds.

"Today, we are calling for a change in the law in England and Wales to prohibit the possession of these killer pesticides without lawful excuse."

The RSPB has today published a report into the scale of the pesticide abuse problem. It reveals that in 2003 alone 40 incidents involving the poisoning of birds of prey were confirmed and 16 red kites were among 50 birds killed.

The RSPB believes that farm animals, pets and even young children are equally at risk from poisons used illegally in the countryside.

The use of Carbofuran has been outlawed since 2001, but the RSPB is
concerned that, without a change in the law, this and other pesticides could still be used by wildlife criminals to target birds of prey illegally.

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:
Grahame Madge, RSPB press officer, on 01767 681577.
Out of hours, please telephone: 07702 196902 (mobile)

Posted by Surfbirds at 12:42 PM | Comments (0)

Third time unlucky for serial wildlife criminal

A serial wildlife criminal has been sent to jail for the third time today for crimes against wild birds.

Matthew Gonshaw, of Cherrywood Close, Bow, London, was convicted of
illegally taking rare birds eggs from Cambridgeshire, Wales and Kent. At Thames Magistrates Court, Gonshaw also pleaded guilty to the possession of 578 wild birds' eggs, including many eggs of several threatened Scottish birds.

Gonshaw, who was only released from a prison in Scotland on Friday, faces a six-month prison sentence imposed by magistrates who said his crimes were so serious that a custodial sentence was the only option.

RSPB investigations officer, Guy Shorrock, who witnessed Gonshaw's
sentencing, said: "Gonshaw's continuous serious punishments for crimes against birds must be a reminder to him that the nation is no longer prepared to put up with illegal acts which threaten some of our rarest species."

Matthew Gonshaw has received a six-month prison sentence as follows:
* For taking three barn owls eggs (Kent) - three months
* For taking four black-tailed godwit eggs (from the Nene Washes in Cambridgeshire) - three months concurrent
* For taking two red kite eggs (Wales) - three months
consecutive
* For taking three red kite eggs (Wales) - three months
concurrent

Six other charges (four charges of possession of 578 eggs, and two of possession of equipment for committing offences) received no additional penalties.

This is Gonshaw's third custodial sentence for egg collecting offences following the three months he received in April 2002 and four months in December 2004.

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:
Grahame Madge, RSPB press officer, on 01767 681577.
Out of hours, please telephone: 07702 196902 (mobile)

Posted by Surfbirds at 07:34 AM | Comments (0)

UK Government issues license to kill

The RSPB is outraged that the Government has licensed the killing of 1500 cormorants in England in a misguided attempt to protect the sport of angling.

Intense RSPB lobbying has pushed the Government to amend its policy on the control of cormorants in England, to ensure it met legal requirements.

However, the number of cormorants licensed to be killed continues to
increase, and the RSPB fears it could even double to reach 3000 individuals, despite the fact there are only 3145 pairs of cormorant nesting in England.

Julian Hughes, the RSPB's head of species conservation,said: "Whilst we are relieved that some of the serious flaws in Defra's original policy have been addressed, we are extremely concerned that 1500 birds have been allowed to be killed already, and that this figure is likely to grow.

"We will challenge Government to ensure that this killing will not threaten the bird's conservation status, and we want to see the licensing system made more transparent to ensure that licences to kill cormorants are not being issued needlessly or illegally".

Julian Hughes added: "Government, angling and conservation bodies have a responsibility to work together to continue to improve our wetlands for wildlife and to develop non-lethal ways to sustain fish populations to ensure a positive future for both angling and cormorants."

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:
Grahame Madge, RSPB press officer, on 01767 681577.
Out of hours, please telephone: 07702 196902 (mobile)

Posted by Surfbirds at 07:31 AM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2005

Possible sighting of Pink-headed Duck !

A team from BirdLife International including Tim Appleton and Jonathan Eames doing bird surveys in Burma during 26 Nov - 20 Dec 2004 saw a bird which they're "99% sure" was a Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea, long considered extinct. The bird had a bright pink head and neck and was scoped by three members of the team for 2 1/2 minutes. The BirdLife team will return to Burma in November 2005 for another attempt to find Pink-headed Duck.

[Report by Baz Hughes on the twsg-forum, 17 January 2005 and carried on worldtwitch.com]. Thanks to Andrew Duff for notification.

More on the Pink-headed Duck at cranes.org

"This rare duck species was probably never plentiful. Its population started declining as early as 1878, due to hunting and shrinkage of its habitat. The last authentic sighting was in June, 1935 in Darbhanga, Bihar. As for now, this beautiful species of duck may be considered extinct in India for all practical purposes. .."

Posted by Surfbirds at 07:20 AM | Comments (0)

January 14, 2005

European Countryside Alive Photographic Competition

As part of BirdLife International’s ‘Farming for Life’ Campaign, the organisation’s new photographic competition “Europe’s Countryside Alive” challenges amateur photographers all over the EU to capture the wonderful diversity of our rural countryside and the wildlife it shelters on camera. It is a superb opportunity for photographers from all over the World to show the world how necessary it is to keep our countryside alive.

Entrants to Europe’s Countryside Alive, can win an expenses-paid weekend for two, to a beautiful retreat in Europe’s countryside and winning photographs will be displayed in a special exhibition in Europe’s capital, Brussels.

Many beautiful wild birds and other wildlife such as plants, insects and mammals make their home in open fields, meadows and hedges. They are dependent upon farmland for their survival. Their numbers have decreased drastically over the last 30 years as a result of our Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that has encouraged intensive farming throughout the European Union.

Despite the fact that half of the EU budget taxpayers money is spent on supporting agriculture, our countryside is facing progressive economic and environmental decline. Europe’s natural heritage will be lost forever without further clear changes towards a more sustainable system of agriculture.

The review of our European rural development policy in the next coming years is an opportunity for re-directing funding to wildlife and nature friendly farming which will improve the outlook for our wildlife and offer farmers a great opportunity to enrich the countryside in a sustainable way.

For full information on how to take part in the BirdLife online photocompetition, please visit www.birdlifecapcampaign.org

The BirdLife Farming for Life online photocompetition has been financially supported by Vogelbescherming Nederland (BirdLife in The Netherlands), The Dutch National Postcode Lottery,The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ( BirdLife in UK) and DHvv Interactive Lab.

Posted by Surfbirds at 06:47 AM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2005

The 31st Report of the BOU Records Committee

12 January 2005
A Press Release from the
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION RECORDS COMMITTEE

The BOU Record Committee’s (BOURC) 31st Report is published this month in the BOU’s journal Ibis (citation – Ibis 147: 246-250). A copy of the report appears below.

The 31st Report covers the period October 2003 to September 2004 and is the fifteenth to follow publication of the most recent Checklist of Birds of Britain and Ireland (6th edition, March 1992). The 30th Report appeared in Ibis 146: 192-195. The Checklist is available from the BOU office and specialist bookshops, price £2 (UK) and £3 (overseas) (prices inc. p&p).

The report includes the following items -

* Changes in taxonomy - Ibis 146: 153-157

* Changes to BOURC operating guidelines and policy regarding assessing natural occurrence of potential additions to the British List

* Category definitions – full definitions of all categories following revision of some category definitions

* Consideration of species for elevation to Category C

* Changes to the British List
o Little Shearwater Puffinis assimilis
o White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
o Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
o Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
o Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrula alleni
o Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata / Macqueen’s Bustard C. macqueenii
o Bonaparte’s Gull Larus Philadelphia
o Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii Payraudeau
o Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea
o White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
o Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
o Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
o Little Swift Apus affinis
o Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (J. R. Forster)
o Western Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais opaca
o Sykes’s Warbler Hippolais rama
o Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Linnaeus
o Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

* Revised British List Totals reflecting the above

* Other species considered
o Cape Gannet Morus capensis
o Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus, subspecies L. f. fuscus (Baltic Gull) See note 1

* Files under consideration

* Changes to the Manx List

* Publications by members of the BOURC relating to the British List since the previous report (Ibis 146: 192-195)

NOTES
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus, subspecies L. f. fuscus (Baltic Gull). The BOU Records Committee would like to draw the attention of observers to the extreme rarity of this taxon in Britain and request that all ‘well documented’ claims should be submitted in full to British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC).

END

For further information, you can contact –

Tim Melling, Secretary, BOURC Tel 01 484 861 148 Email bourc.sec@bou.org.uk
Steve Dudley, BOU Administrator Tel 01 733 844 820 Email steve.dudley@bou.org.uk

British Ornithologists’ Union
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PD
Tel & Fax +44 (0) 1 865 281 842 | Email bou.admin@bou.org.uk
www.bou.org.uk | www.ibis.ac.uk

British Ornithologists’ Union
Records Committee: 31st Report (October 2004)

This report covers the period October 2003 to September 2004 and is the fifteenth to follow publication of the most recent Checklist of Birds of Britain and Ireland (6th edition, March 1992). The 30th Report appeared in Ibis 146: 192-195. The Checklist is available from the BOU office and specialist bookshops, price £2 (UK) and £3 (overseas) (prices inc. p&p).

Checklist of Birds of Britain
During the year, progress continued to be made on a seventh edition of the BOU’s Checklist of Birds of Britain.

The BOU website: www.bou.org.uk
The BOU website includes a continually updated version of the British List, press releases and lists of recent decisions and files in circulation. The website is for information purposes only and is not an official document or part of the permanent record. Announcements of changes to the British List do not come into effect until published in Ibis.

Changes in taxonomy
Since publication of our last report, the BOURC Taxonomic Sub-committee (TSC) has published its latest recommendations relating to the British List (Sangster et al. 2004 Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: second report, Ibis 146: 153-157). These came into immediate effect with the publication of that paper and will not be repeated here.

Changes to BOURC operating guidelines and policy
Assessing natural occurrence of potential additions to the British List
During the course of its work, the Committee is constantly reviewing its operating guidelines and policies. One of the main tasks of BOURC is to assess the likelihood of a species occurring naturally in Britain. This is done by looking at, amongst other things, the location of the individual, time of appearance, weather patterns leading up to its appearance, supporting cast of species, age and condition of the individual, migratory patterns and vagrancy potential of the species. The record is then assessed against the status of the species in captivity and the escape likelihood. Ship assistance is not necessarily a bar to inclusion on the British List, provided the bird was not confined, sheltered or provisioned during its journey. If the bird is found dead on board, we need to consider whether it may have died in British waters. Finally, we need to consider if the species might be capable of reaching Britain without ship assistance. BOURC’s policy on ship assistance was never meant to allow non-migratory species, or port to port transportees to be admitted to the British List.

The Committee recently amended the wording of its policy on ship assistance to reflect better the committee's views, as follows:

That the species might be expected to arrive in Britain naturally and without ship assistance given favourable circumstances (i.e. the species is migratory and its migratory route matches that of other species believed to occur naturally).

The wording of Category E has been reworded (see below) explicitly to cover records of birds arriving here as a result of ‘human-assistance’.

Category definitions
Category definitions were reviewed following a joint BOU/Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) conference in 1995. The published review (British Birds 91: 2-11, Ibis 141: 175–180) outlined the newly adopted category definitions. The Committee recently reviewed several aspects of the categories again. The current definitions are reproduced below with italicised comments indicating the changes that have been made to the wording or the implementation.

A Species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1 January 1950.
No change.

B Species that were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once between 1 January 1800 and 31 December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently.
Definition changed to include a start date and dual categorisation with Category D now recognised.

C Species that although introduced now derive from the resulting self-sustaining populations.
(This wording was introduced in the Committee’s 29th report (Ibis 145: 178-183). Simplification of the wording without changing the meaning; also minor changes to the wording of the sub-categories below.

C1 Naturalised introduced species – species that have occurred only as a result of introduction, e.g. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

C2 Naturalised established species - species with established populations resulting from introduction by Man, but which also occur in an apparently natural state, e.g. Canada Goose Branta canadensis

C3 Naturalised re-established species - species with populations successfully re-established by Man in areas of former occurrence, e.g. Red Kite Milvus milvus

C4 Naturalised feral species - domesticated species with populations established in the wild, e.g. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia..

C5 Vagrant naturalised species - species from established naturalised populations abroad, e.g. possibly some Ruddy Shelducks Tadorna ferruginea occurring in Britain. There are currently no species in category C5.

D Species that would otherwise appear in Category A except that there is reasonable doubt that they have ever occurred in a natural state. Species on Category D only do not form any part of the species totals and form no part of the British List.
(This wording was introduced in the Committee’s 29th report (Ibis 145: 178-183).) This category was previously defined as ‘species that would otherwise appear in Categories A or B . . .’ but has been reworded to allow for dual categorisation with Category B.

Consideration of species for elevation to Category C
Having responsibility for the British List, the BOURC is required to review those non-native species that may establish self-sustaining populations and be eligible for elevation to Category C.

During the year, a more formal system for carrying out this function was agreed with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). BOURC will review available data relating to Category E* species (i.e. those species that have escaped or been released and are now breeding in the wild) to determine whether a species can be considered ‘self-sustaining’. Any species deemed to have a self-sustainable population in Britain will be subject to an ‘alert’ to JNCC, who will then review the available information and assess, with other bodies, any conservation concerns that may arise. On completion of the ‘conservation concern’ review, those species deemed to pose no conservation threat to other flora and fauna will be admitted to Category C.

A review of the status of species that may have the potential for elevation to Category C has already begun.

As a corollary to this work, BOURC, together with the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP), issued a joint press release appealing for observers to submit records of non-native species to county recorders.

‘Post-Irish Firsts’ (pre-1950)
Following the separation of the British and Irish Lists (Ibis 141: 175-180) it became necessary, for species that had been recorded in Ireland prior to being recorded in Britain, to establish acceptable first British records for these species. Post-1950 records were detailed in our 29th Report (Ibis 145: 178-183) and the Committee continued with this process during the current year by considering pre-1950 records. Six of these first records have now been confirmed (see below) but the Committee is still considering which record of Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera may be acceptable as the first for Britain.

Changes to the British List
The following changes have been made to the British List:

Little Shearwater Puffinis assimilis
One, Earsham, Norfolk, 10 April 1858, specimen preserved in Castle Museum, Norwich (Zoologist 16: 6096-7). This becomes the first British record following the review of ‘post-Irish firsts (pre-1950)’.

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Add to Category C; this species now has dual categorisation of AC.
This follows the establishment of an introduced and now self-sustaining population (Bainbridge et al. 2003. Re-introduction of White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) to Scotland. In Thompson et al. (eds). 2003. Birds of Prey in a Changing Environment. The Stationery Office. Edinburgh).

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
One, Hawk’s Wood, Cornwall, 4 December 1860, collected but specimen not extant (Zoologist 19: 7311). This becomes the first British record following the review of ‘post-Irish firsts (pre-1950)’.

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
One, Buckland, near Dover, Kent, May 1877. Found injured, later died, specimen now in Dover Museum (Zoologist 35: 298). This becomes the first British record following rejection of one near York, November 1867, as one of the Tadcaster Rarities’ (Ibis 145: 182).

Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrula alleni
Add to Category A. One, Portland, Dorset, 10 February 2002. Found moribund, photographed, specimen donated to the Natural History Museum (Birding World 15: 58-59). The species was previously included in Category B on the basis of one off Hopton, Norfolk, January 1902.

Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
Macqueen’s Bustard C. macqueenii
Following the recommendations of the BOURC TSC (Ibis 144: 707-710) to elevate Macqueen’s Bustard C. macqueenii to specific status, the Committee assessed all five British records of Houbara Bustard C. undulata and accepted all as C. macqueenii. Four of these records were pre-1950 (the first being in 1847, Ibis 146: 192-195), but one, Suffolk, November/December 1962, allows Macqueen’s Bustard to be added to Category A of the British List. Houbara Bustard, is removed from the British List.

Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia
One, Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, April 1850, collected but specimen not extant (Zoologist 9: 3117-3118). This becomes the first British record following the review of ‘post-Irish firsts (pre-1950)’.

Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii Payraudeau
Add to Category A. Second-summer, Dungeness, Kent, 5-7 May 2003, sight record, photographed and video-recorded (Birding World 18: 199-202.)
Monotypic. Breeds in the Mediterranean basin, wintering there and south along the coast of north-west Africa as far as Senegal.

Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea
First-winter, between Out Skerries and Whalsay, Shetland, 28 April 1936.
Captured exhausted at sea, later died, photograph of mounted specimen extant but specimen now destroyed (Brit.Birds 35: 276). This becomes the first British record following rejection of one, Yorkshire 1846 or 1847, which was one of the ‘Tadcaster Rarities’ (Ibis 145: 178-183).

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
One, Horsey Mere, Norfolk, 17 May 1853, collected but specimen not extant (Zoologist 11: 3911). This becomes the first British record following the review of ‘post-Irish firsts (pre-1950)’.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
One, Clintburn, near Bellingham, Northumberland, 5 August 1870, specimen in Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Zoologist 28: 2344).. This becomes the first British record following the review of ‘post-Irish firsts (pre-1950)’..

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
One, Lawrenny, Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire, autumn 1832, specimen in Natural History Museum (Proc. Zool. Soc.. Lond. 1: 26). This becomes the first British record following the review of ‘post-Irish firsts (pre-1950).

Little Swift Apus affinis
One, Skewjack, Cornwall, 16 May 1981. Sight record, photographed (Brit.Birds 75: 512). This becomes the first British record following the rejection of one in Denbighshire in 1973 (Ibis 145: 178-183).

Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (J. R. Forster)
Add to Category A. Male, Spurn Point, Yorkshire, 27 April 1984, sight record, only positively identified and submitted for verification 15 years after its occurrence.
Monotypic. Breeds on the steppes of southern Russia and Kazakhstan; dispersive and perhaps nomadic outside breeding season (Brit. Birds 97: 558-625). This species was previously on the British list but was deleted as one of the Hastings Rarities (Brit. Birds 55: 299-384, Ibis 105: 289-291).

Western Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais opaca
Records of birds on the Isles of Scilly, 3- 4 October 1961 and 30 September – 2 October 1962, that had been submitted as the only British records of this taxon, newly elevated to specific status (Ibis 144: 707-710), were reviewed by the Committee but found to be insufficiently substantiated. This species is therefore removed from the British List.

Sykes’s Warbler Hippolais rama
One, Fair Isle, Shetland, 29 – 31 August 1959, trapped (Brit. Birds 53: 409-431).
Following the recommendation of the TSC (Ibis 144: 707-710), BOURC has accepted the elevation to species status of H. rama (formerly considered a race of Booted Warbler H. caligata). The taxon was established on the British List on the basis of a record from Shetland in 1993 (Ibis 142: 177-179). All British records of Booted Warblers were reviewed by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) and subsequently by BOURC to establish if any others were identifiable as Sykes’ Warbler. Several were indeed found to be referable to H. rama and the record detailed above now becomes the first for Britain.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Linnaeus
Add to Category A. One, first-winter, Howmore, South Uist, Western Isles, 3 – 4 November 2000. Sight record, photographed (Birding World 13: 454-457).
Polytypic; five races recognised. The Committee felt that the race involved was probably erythronotus which is migratory in the northern part of its range in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan but could not entirely rule out caniceps although the latter’s range in the Indian peninsula made its occurrence most unlikely.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Add subspecies badius Hartlaub to Category A. Adult male, Portland, Dorset, 10 May 1986. Sight record (Brit.Birds 80: 563).
Breeds only on the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearics.

British List Totals
With the addition of Audouin’s Gull, Black Lark and Long-tailed Shrike to Category A, the deletion of Western Olivaceous Warbler from Category A, and the transfer of Allen’s Gallinule and Macqueen’s Bustard from Category B to Category A , the British List now stands at 567 species. The totals do not include ‘soft-plumaged’ petrels Pterodroma mollis/P. madeira/P. feae as the birds were not identified to species level (Ibis 134: 380). However, the Committee is currently actively considering whether any records from this species group may be assigned to an individual species.

Species in Categories D and E do not form part of the British List.

Category Total
A 546
B 12
C 9
Total 567

The following have also been considered:

Cape Gannet Morus capensis
The record of one taken on the Bass Rock, May 1831 has been thoroughly reviewed by the Committee and rejected on a majority decision.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
The Committee has considered whether the nominate race of Lesser Black-backed Gull L. f. fuscus, colloquially known as Baltic Gull, should be retained on the British List. On the basis of a Finnish bird ringed as a chick in July 1978 and recovered in Suffolk in October 1981, it was decided that it should but the Committee wish to draw the attention of observers to the extreme rarity of this taxon in Britain.

Files under consideration
Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii
BOURC are still considering the records from North Yorkshire in 1837 and 1908 but agreed with BBRC that the record off Walney, Cumbria in 1990 must be considered unproven.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Investigations are continuing into the identity of the bird seen in East Sussex, 1983-1990, and believed to be of the race antillarum. The context of the recording noted in the 30th Report (Ibis 146: 192-195) is being investigated while the TSC is still considering the status of the taxon.

Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis
The only British record, Northumberland, 5 October 1856, is still under review.

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
Following a review of the records of this species by BBRC, the Committee is considering which of these may constitute an acceptable first for Britain.

Changes to the Manx List
There have been no additions or modifications to the Manx List during the period under review.

Publications by members of the BOURC relating to the British List since the previous report (Ibis 146: 192-195)
Garner, M., Lewington, I. & Slack, R. 2003. Mongolian and Lesser Sand Plovers: an identification review. Birding World 16: 377-385.
Garner, M., Lewington, I. & Rosenberg, G. 2004. Stejneger’s Scoter in the Western Palearctic and North America. Birding World 17: 337-347.
Harrop, A.H.J. 2004. The soft-plumaged petrel complex. Brit. Birds 97: 6-15.
Harrop, A.H.J. 2004. The ‘North American’ Peregrine in Britain. Brit. Birds 97: 130-133.
Bradshaw, C. & Meek, E.R. 2004. Comments on ‘Canvasback in Kent: new to Britain’. Brit. Birds 97: 142.
Bradshaw, C. & Meek, E.R. 2004. Comments on ‘Red-billed Tropicbird: new to Britain’. Brit. Birds 97: 237.
Bradshaw, C. & Meek, E.R. 2004. Comments on ‘Snowy Egret in Argyll & Bute: new to Britain’. Brit. Birds 97: 275.
Bradshaw, C. & Meek, E.R. 2004. Comments on ‘American Coot in Kent: new to Britain’. Brit Birds: 97: 447.
McGowan, R.Y., Clugston, D.L. & Forrester, R.W. 2004. Identification and status of Scotland’s endemic wrens and other endemic subspecies. Birding World 17: 71-75.
Votier, S.C., Bearhop, S., Newell, R.G., Orr, K., Furness, R.W. & Kennedy, M. 2004.
The first record of Catharacta antarctica in Europe. Ibis 146: 95-102.

Acknowledgements
A considerable number of people assisted the Committee in its work during the course of the year and, with sincere apologies for any accidental omissions, the BOURC would like to extend our thanks to the following: Mark Adams, David Bolton, Ian Dawson, Steve Dudley, Errol Fuller, Baz Hughes, Nigel Jarret, Chris Keogh, Alan Knox, Cathy King, Stuart Ogilvy, Phil Palmer, Mike Pennington, Pete Rock, Mike Rogers, Brian Small, Didier Vangeluwe, Keith Vinicombe and Ian Wallace.

Committee Membership
During the year, Dr Roger Wilkinson retired (on rotation) from the Committee and his place has been taken by Dr Stephen Votier. Roger’s knowledge of birds in captivity has been essential to the Committee and we are delighted that he has agreed to remain with us in a consultative capacity.

The following served on the BOURC during the period covered by this report (expected year of retirement in parentheses):

Eric Meek (Chairman) (2006)
Tim Melling (Secretary) (2007)
Martin Collinson (2009)
Andrew Harrop (2007)
Ian Lewington (2005)
Bob McGowan (2008)
Tony Prater (2006)
Grahame Walbridge (2010)
Steve Votier (2011)
Roger Wilkinson (2004)
Colin Bradshaw (BBRC Representative)

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
South Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
Email bourc.sec@bou.org.uk
Web www.bou.org.uk

CITATION: BOURC, 2005. Ibis 147: 246-250
The British Ornithologists’ Union, founded in 1858, is one of the world’s oldest ornithological societies. The BOU’s main function is to ‘promote ornithology within the scientific and birdwatching communities’. This is achieved primarily by the BOU’s quarterly publication, Ibis, one of the world’s leading ornithological journals, which includes original research reports on the systematics, ecology, physiology, behaviour, anatomy and conservation of birds. The BOU also organises conferences, seminars, meetings and expeditions and gives a series of annual grants and awards to assist with travel and equipment associated with ornithological research projects and student sponsorship.

The British List
The British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee (BOURC) is responsible for maintaining the official list of birds recorded in Britain – the British List. For over 100 years the BOU has maintained a list of birds that have been recorded in Britain. The BOURC periodically publishes up-to-date checklists incorporating changes the BOURC has announced in its reports published annually (in January) in the BOU’s journal, Ibis.

In 1997, the BOURC liaised with the government’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to revise the categories used in the British List. The JNCC has adopted the list for decisions concerning to the status of birds in Britain in relation to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Responsibility for the British list lies with the BOURC. Northern Ireland has different legislation, and the list for Northern Ireland is maintained by the Northern Ireland Birdwatching Association (NIBA). The Isle of Man (which is not a legislative part of the UK) also maintains its own list which may be used by its own legislators.

Species recorded from the Republic of Ireland do not form any part of the British List.

Categories used in the British List

A Species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1 January 1950.

B Species that were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once between 1 January 1800 and 31 December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently.

C Species that although introduced now derive from the resulting self-sustaining populations.

C1 Naturalised introduced species – species that have occurred only as a result of introduction, e.g. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

C2 Naturalised established species - species with established populations resulting from introduction by Man, but which also occur in an apparently natural state, e.g. Canada Goose Branta canadensis

C3 Naturalised re-established species - species with populations successfully re-established by Man in areas of former occurrence, e.g. Red Kite Milvus milvus

C4 Naturalised feral species - domesticated species with populations established in the wild, e.g. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia..

E Species that have been recorded as introductions, human-assisted transportees or escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be self sustaining. Species in Category E that have bred in Britain are designated as E*. Category E species form no part of the British List (unless already listed within Categories A, B or C).
The role of the BOURC
Records of birds new to Britain are passed to the BOURC by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) after that committee has examined them. The BOURC Secretary prepares a file summarising the record. The file also contains original descriptions and supporting documentation, including BBRC comments, correspondence from independent specialists, an analysis of the captive status of the species and its escape likelihood and extracts from books and journals referring to migration and vagrancy patterns. Records are circulated by post and require unanimous agreement on identification and at least a two-thirds majority on categorisation. All files are archived for future reference.

The Committee also studies taxonomic advances and initiates research into this field. Information on feral populations is monitored, and reviews are undertaken of older records. Anyone can ask for old or rejected records to be reviewed by the BOURC if they provide fresh evidence to justify re-examination.

This is time-consuming work, particularly when it involves detailed research or discussions with experts, who are often based abroad.

BOURC and BBRC – why two committees?
For records relating to new species for Britain (a ‘first’), the BOURC looks at identification, taxonomy and the origin of the bird. Detailed investigations into racial and species identification, escape likelihood and vagrancy potential are undertaken to determine the validity of the record before admission to the British List.

The BOURC alone decides which species are to be admitted to the British List and how they are to be categorised. The BOURC also considers records of all major rarities, particularly those prior to 1958 (when BBRC was founded), monitors introduced populations for possible admittance to or deletion from the list, and reviews taxonomy and nomenclature in general. For ‘first’ records, the BBRC is concerned solely with identification. However, the BBRC also assesses large numbers of subsequent records of major rarities after 1958. The workload of both Committees is substantial, and complementary.

The BOURC maintains the British List on behalf of the BOU, legislators and the international birdwatching and ornithological communities.

Publication of BOURC decisions
The BOURC publishes regular reports in Ibis, the BOU’s scientific journal. As few birders regularly see Ibis, information is press-released to the main birding magazines, who also receive pre-publication copies of the Ibis reports. The magazines use some of this information as the basis for news items or articles, but much of the BOURC’s work goes unreported. BOURC members occasionally write longer papers on species reviews and decisions for publication in the birding magazines. Decisions are notified to appropriate recorders and/or the original observers.

The BOURC Commitment
The BOURC undertakes:
To maintain the scientific accuracy and integrity of the BOU list of British birds by admitting only those species and subspecies that have been identified beyond reasonable doubt, and whose origin is considered to be in accordance with the relevant BOURC categories.

To ensure that all the evidence for identification and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of potential new species or subspecies are examined thoroughly, fairly and objectively, calling upon external expert opinion where appropriate.

To ensure that any new evidence which is submitted, or which comes to light, that might affect the identification or categorisation of any existing record is reviewed thoroughly, fairly and objectively.

To ensure that all records are dealt with as speedily as practicable, but not so that this in any way prejudices the need for thorough and comprehensive examination of the evidence.

To attempt to answer any questions about its decisions fully and fairly, stating the reasons for these decisions.

So far as is practicable, to consult with the observers where new evidence suggests that a record might no longer be acceptable. The views of the observers will be taken into consideration in any final decision.

British Ornithologists’ Union
For BOU news, publications, events and more, check out the BOU Website
www.bou.org.uk

Posted by Surfbirds at 06:26 AM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2005

ABC's Birds in Brief

Wildlife Services Escalates Vulture Killing Nationwide

In 2003, USDA's Wildlife Services stepped up its take of vultures, killing 2,884 nationwide. More than 2,400 of these were Black Vultures, most of which were taken in Texas and Virginia. These numbers do not include vultures killed by other permitees. ABC, other scientists, and raptor specialists are concerned over rapidly increasing take numbers, and have particularly protested the killing in Virginia, where USDA had originally applied for a permit to kill 4,000 vultures. By comparison, the total nationwide vulture take by Wildlife Services between 1989 and 1991 was just 157 birds. Wildlife Services has refused, even when subjected to Freedom of Information Act requests, to release current data on vulture kills in Virginia in 2004.

New Radar Technology Used By Ornithologists
The Nature Conservancy has teamed up with NASA scientists for a novel use for the latest generation of weather radar technology. When NASA requested that they be permitted to set up a new radar station on the Conservancy's Virginia Coast Reserve, biologists realized that any equipment sensitive enough to detect raindrops could also be used to detect birds. A pilot study is now underway to evaluate the importance of the Delmarva Peninsula as a stopover site for neotropical migratory songbirds. Using mist nets as a way of ground-truthing the data, scientist hope to demonstrate the value of this new tool to bird conservation.

Shrike Back from Brink

Loggerhead Shrike from the Surfbirds Galleries by Robert Hughes

In 1996, when ABC and its partners first intervened under the Endangered Species Act in the Navy's use of San Clemente Island as a bombardment site, the San Clemente race of the Loggerhead Shrike was nearing extinction. Since then, the Navy has gone to extraordinary lengths to assure the recovery of this species, including spending between $1.7 and $2.5 million each year on conservation efforts. By 2000, the Shrike numbers had dwindled to just 13 individual birds in the wild, but with the Navy's extensive efforts, 217 birds were counted in the wild in August 2004. The San Diego Zoo has contributed invaluably to the recovery through an intensive captive-breeding program. Vigilance is still in order though, as introduced rats and cats are still present and FWS has yet to complete a Recovery Plan for this Endangered subspecies.

Why not get these articles and more in an abbreviated electronic version of ABC's newsletter, Bird Calls. Click here to sign up FREE

Stronghold for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Protected
On August 6, 2004, The Nature Conservancy announced plans to purchase the 18,500 acre Creamer Ranch in New Mexico. The Ranch holds more than 40 leks (display sites) of the rare Lesser Prairie-Chicken, making it a key place for this species, whose global range is now confined to just five U.S. states (Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas).

The species has undergone a dramatic decline since the 1800s, due initially to over-hunting and subsequently to conversion of grasslands to agriculture. Once estimated to number two million birds in Texas alone, as few as 10,000 survive today. Seventy percent of its total population and 90% of its New Mexico population - occurs on private lands. As an upland game bird, the species is not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, nor is it currently afforded protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, though it is regarded as threatened with extinction under IUCN-World Conservation Union criteria. The ranch will be owned by The Nature Conservancy, leased back by the Creamer family, and jointly managed as a working ranch and conservation area.

Roseate Terns Return to Maine Island
For the first time in nearly 100 years, Endangered Roseate Terns have nested on Outer Green Island, five miles offshore from Portland, Maine, in outer Casco Bay. The island is owned by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, but managed by National Audubon Society, which has encouraged the terns by playing recorded vocalizations and placing decoys. The appearance of Roseate Terns on Outer Green Island comes at a time when the species has declined on several other Maine islands, due to predation and other factors. See: www.audubon.org/bird/puffin/island_news.html for more information.

Wind Energy/Birds Workshop
ABC co-sponsored a two day Wind Energy and Birds Workshop in May 2004. The proceedings have now been posted on ABC's Website (www.abcbirds.org/policy/webb_proceedings.pdf), and include excellent summaries of presentations, with a good deal of current information on wind energy and birds. Wind turbine projects have been on hold following expiration of the wind energy tax credit at the end of 2003, but the credit was renewed recently through the end of 2005. This will likely produce an immediate increase in new wind turbine projects.

Why not get these articles and more in an abbreviated electronic version of ABC's newsletter, Bird Calls. Click here to sign up FREE

Posted by Surfbirds at 01:24 AM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2005

Straits of Messina International Birds migration Survey (April - May)

People are again sought to survey the birds migrating through the Strait of Messina, Southern Italy.

The Strait of Messina is well known as a strategic flyway into Europe; almost all the raptor species on the Western Palearctic list have been recorded there, and so far 340 bird species have been observed there in total. Almost all the typical Mediterranean birds and also the Sicilian Endemics may be seen. It is the only place in the Western Palearctic where there are possibility to see Amur Falcon and it is also the best place in Eruope for Pallid, Montagu's Harriers, Lanner, Eleonora’s Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Long-legged Buzzard and other species on migration.

The survey begins on April 4st and ends on May 25th. People are welcome.

For more information, please contact Andrea Corso at: Via Camastra 10, 96100 Siracusa, Italy or better via e-mail at: voloerrante@yahoo.it

Posted by Surfbirds at 03:02 AM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2005

BirdLife assesses the tsunami`s impact on biodiversity

In the wake of the terrible tsunami that struck around Asia and parts of East Africa on 26 December, BirdLife wishes to offer its deepest sympathies to all those people whose lives have been affected by the disaster.We have now been in contact with all members of the BirdLife Network in the affected region. I am pleased to say that no staff or volunteers appear to have been lost to the tsunami, although the events have obviously caused enormous trauma, shock and damage to communities, property, habitats and some wildlife. said BirdLife`s Director, Dr Mike Rands The immediate priority is to prevent further disease, suffering and mortality amongst the people in the affected areas, and to begin the process of rebuilding livelihoods and basic services.

Mangrove Pitta from the Surfbirds galleries by János Oláh Jr.

Although it is too close to the tragedy to make detailed assessments of how the region`s birds might be affected, a preliminary study from BirdLife`s scientists highlights a number of species and important areas that could suffer after-effects. 27 Globally Threatened Bird species regularly occur in the regions and habitats of Asia potentially affected by the tsunami. There are also three Endemic Bird Areas – areas which contain a unique concentration of biodiversity including bird species which are found nowhere else on the planet.

However, despite the wealth of biodiversity in the region, it is thought that few threatened species are likely to have been seriously affected by the direct effects of the tsunami, and no extinctions are predicted as a result. Surveys are needed to confirm the situation though, particularly in the Nicobar Islands. It is likely that many coastal wetlands will have been affected by the large inflow of salt-water and wreckage during the tsunami, with longer-term effects including changes in their hydrology caused by changes to coastlines and damage to sea-defences. Forest habitats, particularly important forest areas on small islands in the Nicobar Islands and off Sumatra are likely to have been initially unaffected, but some areas could suffer future damage as a result of saltwater intrusion.

In the longer term, the reconstruction process might have significant impacts on biodiversity, particularly if communities of people are to be resettled in forested areas inland. It is important that the environmental impacts of new developments are properly assessed. The BirdLife Network will be working over the coming weeks and months to help ensure the best possible future for communities and their local biodiversity. The reconstruction process is likely to provide opportunities to integrate environmental protection and management with economic development in the region, including the opportunity to conserve and restore coastal habitats such as mangrove as coastal defences, said Dr Rands.

BirdLife`s initial actions will be to:
* Provide immediate short term assistance for those IBAs/communities in greatest need and where BirdLife feels it can make a difference (initially in Sri Lanka)
* Rapidly assess the impact of the tsunami on globally important Important Bird Areas/key biodiversity areas and their communities, with possible follow up action as required
* Provide information, advice and support to those responsible for redevelopment/resettlement to avoid longer term damage to natural habitats and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods
* Offer support for students in natural resource management who have lost their universities, teachers and means by which to continue their studies (initially from Aceh Province in Sumatra)

Biodiversity impacts of the Asian tsunami tragedy
In the aftermath of the terrible humanitarian disaster that has affected thousands of kilometres of coastal South and South-East Asia, as well as parts of East Africa, the immediate priority is to prevent disease and further mortality amongst the human population in the areas affected, and to begin the process of reconstruction of livelihoods including basic services. However, the tsunami event is likely to have some significant impacts on biodiversity, and once the situation has been stabilised these will need to be addressed. The following notes provide a preliminary assessment of the bird species, habitats and key sites that might be affected.

Potential impacts on birds and other biodiversity
The direct impacts of the tsunami on birds and other biodiversity are thought likely to include:* Direct mortality: in the case of birds, this is probably generally low because of their ability to escape from the tsunamis, except perhaps in those areas very close to the epicentre of the earthquake (i.e. Aceh, northern Sumatra, and the southern Nicobar Islands). Mammals (and other biodiversity) in the coastal lowlands that were hit by the tsunami are likely to have been more badly affected because of their lower ability to escape.

* Damage to forests: television footage and initial eye-witness accounts suggest that forest areas remain largely intact, even in the worst affected areas, but it is possible that there will be a die-back of vegetation because of salt-water intrusion. This could potentially affect large areas of lowland forest, and might have a very significant effect on some low-lying islands where most of the forest was exposed to sea-water (e.g. the southern Nicobar Islands). It is possible that coastal mangrove forests were damaged by the tsunami, particularly in those areas close to the epicentre of the earthquake.

* Damage to wetlands: many coastal wetlands will have been affected by the large inflow of salt-water and wreckage during the tsunami, with longer-term effects including changes in their hydrology caused by changes to coastlines and damage to sea-defences. Although species will have adapted to such natural disasters during their evolutionary history, past habitat loss due to human activity will have reduced the availability of refuges.

* Damage to conservation infrastructure: we are deeply saddened to learn that in Aceh many government and NGO staff involved in wildlife conservation were killed in the tsunami or lost members of their families. Throughout the tsunami zone, protected areas infrastructure and management systems will have been destroyed or severely damaged (e.g. at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka), and in the case of Aceh (e.g. at Gunung Leuser) these systems are likely to have been almost completely lost, putting back by years the conservation efforts for these areas.

The indirect / long-term impacts of the tsunami on birds and other biodiversity might include:
* The on-going efforts to prevent further loss of human life and the spread of disease will be followed by a long period of reconstruction and re-development of people`s livelihoods. If not carefully planned, this could lead to significant adverse impacts on biodiversity, particularly if communities of people are to be resettled inland, including in forested areas (e.g. in the Leuser ecosystem in Aceh). It is important that the environmental impacts of new developments are properly assessed.

* The reconstruction process is likely to provide opportunities to better integrate environmental protection and management with economic development in the region. The protection and restoration of mangroves and wetlands might be used to improve coastal protection, by producing “soft coastlines” better able (than those areas where these habitats are converted to urban or agricultural land) to absorb some of impact of any future tsunami events.

Summary
This preliminary analysis shows that 27 globally threatened birds species regularly occur in the regions and habitats of Asia potentially affected by the tsunami. There are three Endemic Bird Areas and two Secondary Areas in this part of Asia, and a number of Important Bird Areas might have been affected.

Despite the wealth of biodiversity in the region affected by the tsunami, this preliminary assessment indicates that few (if any) threatened species are likely to have been seriously affected by its direct effects, and no extinctions are predicted as a result of the tsunami. However, surveys are needed to confirm the situation, particularly in the Nicobar Islands.

It is likely that many coastal wetlands will have been affected by the large inflow of salt-water and wreckage during the tsunami, with longer-term effects including changes in their hydrology caused by changes to coastlines and damage to sea-defences. The impact on these areas will need to be assessed with the use of satellite imagery and field visits. Forest habitats, particularly important forest areas on small islands in the Nicobar Islands and off Sumatra are likely to have been initially unaffected, but some areas could suffer die off as a result of saltwater intrusion. In the longer term, the reconstruction process might have significant impacts on biodiversity, particularly if communities of people are to be resettled in forested areas inland. It is important that the environmental impacts of new developments are properly assessed.

The reconstruction process is likely to provide opportunities to better integrate environmental protection and management with economic development in the region, including the opportunity to conserve and restore coastal habitats such as mangrove as coastal defences.

Threatened bird species and globally important habitats in the tsunami zone
The following is a preliminary assessment of threatened bird species, Endemic Bird Areas and key habitats for threatened birds that might be affected by the tsunami:

Endemic Bird Areas
Andaman Islands Endemic Bird Area (EBA 125): Eight bird species are endemic to the Andaman Islands, and an additional four restricted-range species are shared with the Nicobar Islands. One of the endemic species is globally threatened, Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami, which is confined to the tiny island of Narcondam (<7 km2). All of the restricted-range species are forest birds, and, given that most of the islands are hilly and these islands are several hundred kilometres from the epicentre of the earthquake, it is probably unlikely that these birds will be seriously affected. However, the status of Narcondam Hornbill needs to be quickly assessed, given the very small size of the island and its potential vulnerability. In addition, Andaman Teal Anas (gibberifrons) albogularis, endemic to the Andamans, is scarce and has recently declined, and is likely to have been affected by the tsunami because of its coastal distribution. This duck is usually treated as a subspecies of Sunda Teal Anas gibberifrons, but it has been proposed that it should be treated as a full species (this proposal is currently under review by the BirdLife Taxonomic Working Group).

Nicobar Islands Endemic Bird Area (EBA 126): Five bird species are endemic to the Nicobar Islands, and an additional four restricted-range species are shared with the Andaman Islands. Three of the endemic species are globally threatened, Nicobar SparrowhawkAccipiter butleri, Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis and Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis; of these, Nicobar Megapode is of particular concern because the greatest concentrations are found in coastal forest. The other two endemic species, South Nicobar Serpent-eagle Spilornis klossi and Nicobar Parakeet Psittacula caniceps (both Near Threatened), are confined to the southern islands, and may have been affected because their ranges are very close to the epicentre of the earthquake. Surveys will be needed to assess the impact of the tsunami on these species.

Enggano Endemic Bird Area (EBA 159): Two bird species are endemic to the small Indonesian island of Enggano, Enggano Scops-owl Otus enganensis and Enggano White-eye Zosterops salvadorii. Both are forest birds, and given that the island is hilly and it is several hundred kilometres from the epicentre of the earthquake, it is probably unlikely that they will be significantly affected.

Simeulue Secondary Area (s105): One bird species is endemic to Simeulue Island, Simeulue Scops-owl Otus umbra, and another restricted-range species occurs, the globally threatened Silvery Wood-pigeon Columba argentina. Parts of this island are low-lying, and it lies close to the epicentre of the earthquake, so the forest habitat of these birds could have been significantly affected by the tsunami.

Mentawai Islands Secondary Area (s106): One bird species is endemic to the Mentawai Islands, Mentawai Scops-owl Otus mentawi, and another restricted-range species occurs, the globally threatened Silvery Wood-pigeon Columba argentina. Parts of these islands are low-lying, and they are within a few hundred kilometres of the epicentre of the earthquake, so the forest habitat of these birds might have been affected by the tsunami.

Key habitats for globally threatened birds
Sundaic (or Sundaland) lowland forests: the lowland forests on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java and the Thai-Malayan Peninsula are one of the richest but most threatened habitats in the world. The lowland forests on Sumatra support 14 globally threatened bird species (including three forest waterbirds mentioned below). Although only limited areas of these forests are likely to have been directly damaged by the tsunami, it is possible that additional areas could be affected during the reconstruction process on Sumatra and associated islands.

Mangrove forests: mangroves are the natural habitat along many of the coasts in the tsunami zone, although large areas have been cleared or degraded. High proportions of the global ranges of two near threatened mangrove specialist species, Brown-winged Kingfisher Pelargopsis amauropterus and Mangrove Pitta Pitta megarhyncha, are largely confined to the Indian Ocean coastlines affected by the tsunami. They may have suffered some direct mortality during the tsunami or through damage to their mangrove habitat.

Globally threatened birds
* The following globally threatened waterbird species occur in some of the wetlands affected by the tsunami – Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus, Spotted Greenshank Tringa guttifer, Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus and Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis.
* Three threatened waterbirds, Storm`s Stork Ciconia stormi, White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata and Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata, occur in swamp forests (and sometimes mangroves) including at some localities near the coast.
* Two threatened seabirds occur in this part of the Indian Ocean, Abbott`s Booby Papasula abbotti and Christmas Island Frigatebird Fregata andrewsi, although these species are unlikely to have been affected.
* A few of the threatened waterbird species will have been nesting at the time of the tsunami, including Spot-billed Pelican on Sri Lanka, and it is possible that there will have been some mortality of chicks at their nesting colonies. Otherwise, although many wetlands will be somewhat changed in character by the tsunami, it appears unlikely that there will be significant negative effects on any of the species listed above.
* Indeed, some wetlands (including shrimp ponds and salt pans) might revert to more natural ecosystems, which could (at least in the short term) be of benefit to some waterbirds.

Posted by Surfbirds at 06:15 AM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2005

First intelligent camera birdbox

The market for camera nestboxes has been experiencing a steep increase in recent months

Have you been waiting for an intelligently engineered camera nestbox, but seen too many problems with current products?

Enjoy Birds More Ltd (EBM) (www.enjoybirdsmore.co.uk) might just have the answer!

EBM’s intelligent nestbox allows bird enthusiasts to view, record and share (via the web) images and video of wild birds nesting in their gardens.

The market for camera nestboxes has been experiencing a steep increase in recent months as people invest in technology to increase their birdwatching options. EBM have applied new technology to this product and believe they have built a solution to put their customers one step ahead, including:

- Wireless connection (to make the box easy to fit in the garden, and avoid damage to the house)

- The first product with direct PC connection. The free software allows viewing and saving of colour images and transfer to the internet

- The first nestbox with a (patent-pending) quick release/fit camera pod which can be moved to an occupied box in seconds, to ensure good pictures while avoiding disturbance to the birds

- The first product with a separate battery box, and the longest battery life on the market so the birds aren’t disturbed while changing batteries

- An easy to use website at www.enjoybirdsmore.co.uk allows owners to post their nest pictures and videos online, share them with friends and relatives worldwide and see what is happening in other nestboxes

- Environmentally friendly nestbox made from timber grown in Forest Stewardship Council certified forests)

The solution is the result of collaboration between EBM and Warwick and Staffordshire Universities. Enjoy Birds More Ltd has already received recognition for its technology, with patents pending for its environmentally efficient battery power, and light sensor system and pod, and also a finalist nomination alongside companies like Cadbury Trebor Bassett Ltd in the prestigious Lord Stafford Awards for Innovation (www.thelordstaffordawards.co.uk).

Find out more at www.enjoybirdsmore.co.uk - its certainly different!

Posted by Surfbirds at 08:23 AM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2005

Change in Status of Threatened Birds

BirdLife International announced change in status of following species:

European Roller (Coracias garrulous): uplist to Near Threatened?

posted in Surfbirds galleries

European Roller
Coracias garrulus
is currently listed as Least Concern. The status of the European population (53,000-110,000 pairs, occupying 50-74% of the global breeding range) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). Following a moderate decline during 1970-1990 (Tucker Heath 1994), the species continued to decline across Europe during 1990-2000, when up to 25% of birds were lost (including key populations in Turkey and European Russia). Overall declines exceeded 30% in three generations (15 years). Recent population trends in the rest of the species‚ breeding range in central and southwest Asia are unknown, but even if these non-European populations are stable, the magnitude of the decline in Europe suggests that the species‚ global status may need to be revised to at least Near Threatened. Any comments or new information ˆ particularly on trends outside Europe, and including any data from the African wintering grounds ˆ would be very welcome.

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Tucker, G.M. and Heath, M.F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 3).

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata): uplist to Near Threatened?

Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata
is currently listed as Least Concern. The status of the European population (220,000-360,000 pairs, occupying 50-74% of the global breeding range) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). The species declined right across Europe during 1990-2000 (including key populations in the United Kingdom, European Russia and Finland), and declined overall by nearly 30% in three generations (15 years). Recent population trends in the rest of the species‚ breeding range in Siberia are unknown (Wetlands International 2002), but even if these non-European populations are stable, the magnitude of the decline in Europe suggests that the species‚ global status may need to be revised to at least Near Threatened. Any comments or new information ˆ particularly on trends outside Europe, and including any data from the African and Asian wintering grounds ˆ would be very welcome.

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Wetlands International (2002) Waterbird Population Estimates: Third Edition. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Wetlands International (Global Series No. 12).

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa): uplist to Near Threatened or Vulnerable?

Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
is currently listed as Least Concern. The status of the European population (99,000-140,000 pairs, occupying 50-74% of the global breeding range) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). Following a large decline in Europe during 1970-1990 (Tucker Heath 1994), the species continued to decline during 1990-2000, when up to 35% of birds were lost (including many from key populations in the Netherlands and European Russia). Overall, the European population declined by >30% in three generations (15 years). Although the species is believed to have increased in Iceland and in some parts of central Asia, recent trends in the rest of its Asiatic breeding range are unknown (Wetlands International 2002). If these populations are declining at a similar rate to those in Europe, then the species would warrant uplisting to Vulnerable. Even if these non-European populations are stable, the magnitude of the decline in Europe suggests that the species‚ global status may need to be revised to at least Near Threatened. Any comments or new information ˆ particularly on recent trends outside Europe ˆ would be very welcome.

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Tucker, G.M. and Heath, M.F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 3).

Wetlands International (2002) Waterbird Population Estimates: Third Edition. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Wetlands International (Global Series No. 12).

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax): uplist to Near Threatened?

Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
is currently listed as Least Concern. The status of the European population (200,000-510,000 pairs, occupying 50-74% of the global breeding range) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). The species declined across Europe during 1990-2000 (including its stronghold in European Russia), and declined overall by up to 30% over ten years (generation length:

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Wetlands International (2002) Waterbird Population Estimates: Third Edition. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Wetlands International (Global Series No. 12).

Stroud, D.A., Davidson, N.C., West, R., Scott, D.A., Haanstra, L., Thorup, O., Ganter, B., and Delany, S., compilers on behalf of the International Wader Study Group (2004) Status of migratory wader populations in Africa and Western Eurasia in the 1990s. International Wader Studies 15: 1-259.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus): uplist to Near Threatened?

Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
is currently listed as Least Concern. The status of the European population (1,700,000-2,800,000 pairs, encompassing >50% of the global population) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). The species declined right across Europe during 1990-2000, and declined overall by >30% over three generations (15 years). If recent population trends in the rest of the species‚ breeding range in Asia are similar to those in Europe, then it would warrant uplisting to Vulnerable. Even if these non-European populations are stable, the magnitude of the decline in Europe suggests that the species‚ global status may need to be revised to Near Threatened. Any comments or new information ˆ particularly on trends outside Europe ˆ would be very welcome.

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Tucker, G.M. and Heath, M.F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 3).

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus): uplist to Vulnerable?

Pallid Harrier
Circus macrourus
is currently listed as Near Threatened (A2c,d,e; A3c,d,e) on the basis of past and projected future declines caused mainly by habitat loss. The status of the European population (310-1,200 pairs, occupying 25-49% of the global breeding range) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). Following a large decline in Europe during 1970-1990 (Tucker Heath 1994), the species continued to decline during 1990-2000, when up to 30% of birds were lost (particularly from the key population in European Russia), and overall trends exceeded 30% over three generations (18 years). The majority of the global population breeds in the steppes of Asiatic Russia, Kazakhstan and northwest China, and the population is estimated at 20,000 pairs, having shown marked declines and range contractions (in Europe and south-central Siberia). If recent population trends in the Asiatic part of the species‚ range are similar to those in Europe, then the species would warrant uplisting to Vulnerable. Any comments or new information ˆ particularly on trends outside Europe, and including any data from the African wintering grounds ˆ would be very welcome.

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Tucker, G.M. and Heath, M.F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 3).

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): uplist to Near Threatened or Vulnerable?

Egyptian Vulture
Neophron percnopterus
is currently listed as Least Concern. The status of the European population (3,500-5,600 pairs, occupying 25-49% of the global breeding range) was recently reassessed in Birds in Europe (BirdLife International 2004). Following a large decline in Europe during 1970-1990 (Tucker Heath 1994), the species continued to decline during 1990-2000, when up to 40% of birds were lost (including many from the key populations in Spain and Turkey). Taking into account the species‚ generation length (14 years), overall declines in Europe were >50% over three generations (42 years). If recent population trends in the rest of the species‚ range (in Asia and Africa) are similar to those in Europe, then the species would warrant Vulnerable (or even Endangered) status. Even if these non-European populations are stable, the magnitude of the decline in Europe suggests that the species‚ global status may need to be revised to at least Near Threatened. Any comments or new information ˆ particularly on trends outside Europe, and including any data from the African wintering grounds ˆ would be very welcome.

BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 12).

Tucker, G.M. and Heath, M.F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Series No. 3).

Abbott's Booby Papasula abbotti: downlist to Vulnerable?

Abbott's Booby
Papasula abbotti
is currently classified as Critically Endangered owing to its very small range and declining population size owing to the ongoing effects of past habitat clearance. Yellow Crazy Ants, which previously spreading rapidly across the island and causing rapid change have now been brought under control, and this threat has now been relieved. A survey of the boobies was undertaken by helicopter at the time it was being used to control the ants and apparently discovered there had been no change, and there may even have been an expansion of the area used for breeding, since the last survey was done in the 1980s (S. Garnett in litt. 2004). This suggests that the population size, extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are not declining. Hence the species may warrant downlisting to Vulnerable under criterion D2 (very small area of occupancy confined to a single location). Comment on this proposal would be welcome.

Posted by Surfbirds at 06:28 PM | Comments (0)

Birdlife Cyberaction

A better future for nature and farming in the European Union

As Europe is in the process of reviewing its Rural Development Policy for the next coming years, BirdLife International is running a cyberaction to allow citizens of the EU to express their wish for a better future for nature and farming.

Farmland birds and other wildlife will further decline in Europe's Countryside if intensive farming practices continue to be encouraged. Europe’s natural heritage will be lost forever without further clear changes towards a more sustainable system of agriculture.

BirdLife International invites everyone who cares about nature and creating a healthy countryside to join the Farming for Life cyberaction, which will run online until March 2005.

The cyberaction, which can be accessed at: www.birdlifecapcampaign.org/cybercampaign/main.htm offers internet campaigners the opportunity to send the new EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development a beautiful digital postcard from any of the 25 EU countries.

The new Commissioner, Mrs Mariann Fischer-Boel, will play a key role in keeping Europe’s countryside alive. She will be the driving force behind the future of Europe’s agricultural policy and the guardian of its implementation in the European Union for the next coming years.

BirdLife International Partners in each of the 25 EU countries, and an additional six European countries outside the EU, are promoting the cyberaction and provide 31 different illustrated postcards which hold the same common message for the Commissioner.
To:
- support farming methods that contribute to maintaining and restoring rich wildlife areas in Europe,
- and to increase the overall funding available for nature-friendly farming practices.
A compilation of the ‘signatures’ generated by the cyberaction will be presented to the new Commissioner in March.

The BirdLife Farming for Life cyberaction has been financially supported by Vogelbescherming Nederland (BirdLife in The Netherlands), The Dutch National Postcode Lottery and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Posted by Surfbirds at 06:17 PM | Comments (0)