British Antarctic Survey says avian influenza has now been detected in wandering albatross

 

Wandering albatross  (photo: Richard Phillips, BAS)

THE alarming spread of avian influenza in the Subantarctic islands of South Georgia is now claiming the lives of one of the world's most majestic birds - the wandering albatross.

Scientists with the British Antarctic Survey report that the deadly disease was first detected in the species early this month.

Says a statement : "Avian influenza was first detected in South Georgia  in October 2023.

"The first victims were brown skuas, closely followed by kelp gulls. 

"In January this year, it was discovered as being present in elephant and fur seal populations. 

"No penguins on the islands have yet tested positive for the disease, but it has been detected in one bird on the nearby Falkland Islands.

"Our teams on the islands and  at Cambridge  are working closely with the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

"Samples are tested at laboratories in Weybridge, Surrey."

The statement continues: "As a result of the confirmed cases of avian influenza, fieldwork involving close contact with impacted species has been suspended. 

"BAS members continue to follow strict biosecurity measures."

Ash Bennison of the BAS describes the spectacle of birds succumbing to the disease as "incredibly sad".

He reports that elements of research are continuing - for instance in  the monitoring of  black-browed albatross, grey-headed albatross, northern and southern giant petrels, gentoo penguins and macaroni penguins.

First photograph published of yellow-crested helmetshrike - an African bird thought to have become extinct

 

This photograph has featured in numerous international publications including, in Britain, an edition of The Daily Telegraph 

IT is unfortunate that no photograph has yet been released of the yellow-crested helmetshrike in the field, but, even so, it is fantastic to see a close-up of the bird hand-held.

The shot - the first ever of the species - is understood to have been taken earlier this month  by Matt Brady, a member of a research team from the University of Texas and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles.

Not having been seen for more than 20 years, it was thought that the striking-looking bird might have become extinct.

But to their delight, the academics clocked a total of 18 individuals at three sites within in the remote Itombwe Massif woodland which is on the slopes of the Albertine Rift of Central Africa.

It has been a no-go area in recent years because of war, but is thought recently to have become safer for those pursuing scientific research.

Such beauties! Five delicate watercolours by Robert Gillmor to be sold at auction next month

Buff-bellied pipit - sometimes alternatively known as American pipit

ENCHANTING watercolours by acclaimed bird artist Robert Gillmor (1936-2022) are set to go under the hammer next month.

Five studies (lots 659 to 664) are included in a sale being conducted by Cirencester-based Dominic Winter Auctions on March 7.

The species, mostly seldom seen in the field, are:

* Buff-bellied pipit

* Great reed warbler

* Hawfinch

* Red-necked phalarope

* Pallas' leaf warbler

* Goshawk

They are each expected to fetch between £200 and £300.

Great reed warbler - not uncommon in Spain and other parts of Europe but a rare visitor to Britain

Hawfinch - shy and uncommon bird of woodlands

Red-necked phalarope - a few pairs breed in Scotland 

Pallas' leaf warbler - a few turn up annually in autumn
 

Goshawk - holding its own but of localised range in Britain 

Researchers urge 'extreme caution' after experiment shows harmful effect of harness-mounted tags

 

Great black-backed gull - breeding performance harmed by thoracic harness-tagging 

DOES attaching harness mounted data tags to birds risk causing more harm than good?

It has often  been assumed that minimal, if any,  disadvantage is caused to birds when these devices are attached by researchers.

However, a new study of one particular species - the great black-backed gull - indicates that the reverse might be the case.

Birds with thoracic harness attachments had significantly lower breeding success - with fewer eggs and lower hatching rates - than untagged birds.

The data was collected from 34 gulls nesting on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve in the Firth of Forth, during the 2021 and 2022 breeding seasons.

It had previously been known that harnesses carry risks to the birds due to the possibility of entanglement, constriction or abrasion of skin or feathers from the materials.

In addition, a high level of skill is required to fit them properly.

But the impact on breeding performance apparently represents a worrying new discovery - one which may have implications for other species.

It was additionally noted that a harness attachment "potentially caused the death of one birds five days after deployment". 

The findings are documented in a paper by Samuel Langlois Lopez, Gary D. Clewley, Daniel T. Johnston, Francis Daunt, Jared M. Wilson, Nina J. O'Hanlon, Elizabeth Masden.

This has been published today on the website of the British Ornithologists' Union.

They state: "Overall, the harness attachment was a lead driver of nest failure. 

"We urge extreme caution for those wanting to use harness-mounted devices on great black-backed gulls."

Welcome return to Global Birdfair for wildlife trusts - and pressure group Greenpeace are also joining the party

 

Countdown has begun to highlight of the birding world's social calendar 

A PRELIMINARY list of exhibitors for Global Birdfair 2024 has been issued by founder Tim Appleton.

Interesting inclusions are long-established environmental pressure group Greenpeace.

There is also a welcome return for The Wildlife Trusts whose Leicestershire and Rutland wing used to host the event at Rutland before pulling the rug three years ago.

So far, no confirmation that heavyweight organisations such as the RSPB and the BTO will come on board, but it is still early days. 

The list to date is as below: 

* 2by2 Holidays

* Albatross Birding and Nature Tours in  Chile

* All India Birding Tours

* Aqua-Firma Worldwide Ltd

* Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

* Bellbird Tours

* Bird Finder Philippines

* Birda

* Birdfinders

* Birdguides

* Birding The Islands

* BirdLife International

* Birdwatch Magazine

* Birdwatching Magazine

* Button and Squirt

* Canopy Family, Panamá

* Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)

* Cornell Lab of Ornithology

* David Finney, Artist

* D Smith Glasscraft

* eBird

* El Septimo Paraiso - Mindo

* Gareth Watling British bird paintings

* Fair Isle Observatory Trust

*Far South Expeditions

* Greenpeace

* Heatherlea Birdwatching

* Jane Gibson Sculptures

* Julie Wilson Sculptures

* Langur Eco Travels, Bhutan

* Limosa Holidays

* Lynx Nature Books

* Mammal Society

* Meadowlark Birding Tours

* Mythic Hippo Photography

* Oriole Birding Ltd

* Plantlife

* Princeton Nature

* Sarah Brabbin Sculpture

* Sarus Bird Tours

* Simon King and The Wildlife Community

* Sounding Wild

* Sunbird Images OHG

* Terra

* The Bagh Wildlife Resorts

* The Wildlife Trusts

* Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge

* Tropical Birding

* WaderQuest

* Wild Herz Ltd (Wild Herzegovina Birdwatching Holidays)

* WildSpace

* WildWings

* Woodland Trust

* World Pheasant Association (WPA)

* World Wildlife Fund

* Yorkshire Coast Nature

More exhibitors are likely to be announced in the build-up to the event which is being held over July 12-14 at Lyndon Top, Rutland.

This year's international  project will be Galala Bird Observatory - a flagship observation point of global significance in terms of the numbers and diversity of species during the spring migration.  

The migrant birds passing Galala represent globally significant proportions of species populations that spend the summer in eastern Europe and in western and central Asia. 

There are no other similar migratory observation points in Egypt.  

During a six-week period at Galala Mountain in Spring last year, observers counted an astonishingly high number (380,000) and diverse range of species, including 1,300 Egyptian Vulture, 35,000 Steppe Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle, 200,000 Steppe Buzzard, and 52,000 White Stork. 

Global Bird are using a superb photograph by David Tipling of an Egyptian Vulture for the promotional poster for the 2024 event.

Chris Packham tells jury: 'I am a man that loves life - everything that slithers and crawls and swims'

                                                                 

Chris Packham: "Inconvenience is a relative thing." 

 

The campaign group Just Stop Oil is monitoring the case at Isleworth Crown Court in which eco-activist Cressie Gethin (23)  is being prosecuted for Causing a Public Nuisance - a charge which she denies. JSO has issued a press release transcript of the court testimony from TV naturalist Chris Packham who is also a JSO supporter . 

DEFENCE CROSS EXAMINATION

Cressie Gethin (who is conducting her own defence): Could you tell the Jury about your background?

Chris Packham: I am a man that loves life. Everything that slithers and crawls and swims. For the first 3rd of life I investigated everything - I had a profound interest in the natural living world and biology. The second two  thirds of my life have been given over to a very real need to conserve our life. We have lost 70 percent of world’s wildlife in my lifetime. This destruction is having an impact on human life too…

Judge: You are venturing into the unnecessary.

Cressie: Where were you on the morning of 20th July 2022?

Chris Packham: On a journey from New Hampshire to Surrey - I was working on a BBC TV programme, Inside Autistic Minds. I was going to a school to conduct interviews.

Cressie: Were you delayed by the M25 closures?

Chris Packham: Yes, the M25 and the M4 and other roads where people had left – I was routinely inconvenienced using the UK public road networks.

Cressie: How long were you delayed for?

Chris Packham: Four to five hours.

Cressie: What was your experience that day?

Chris Packham: Like any delay I would experience - I frequently experience delays. We tried to pick a route that would avoid the congestion but kept getting stuck. Eventually we got off the M25 and I arrived four to five hours late - the congestion is as it always is - slow, moving to a standstill.

Cressie: Do you remember your colleagues’ reactions?

Chris Packham: I communicated with them over the phone. I kept them abreast to the delays . They were understanding and sympathetic to the reasons for the delay…

Prosecution: It’s what you experienced, not what others did.

Cressie: Have you ever experienced another delay of this length?

Chris Packham: Frequently - the M25 was built in the 80s or 90s - it’s known as a parking lot. As we speak, I bet people are sitting on the M25 now.

Judge: Why didn’t you leave four hours early today then?

Chris Packham: I left last night.

Cressie: While delayed, what were you feeling?

Chris Packham: I was brought up to arrive on time. It’s a necessity in my work. For cost and function. I always feel pressured to be on time. Knowing I was going to be late initially caused me concern. Initially I was frustrated and then I researched and discovered the reason was that protestors were acting on the A25. Then I changed my thinking. 

Rather than seeing a problem I saw an opportunity. I had time to reflect on their motives. I thought about whether the action was productive, what it was doing, to reflect on the fact that I was unable to use the Rail Network. The Rail Network, in the extreme heat, was issuing warnings not to use trains. I reflected on the fact that I was sweating -  it was the day after the UK had recorded its highest temperature, just two days before the Government’s ‘Net Zero’ plan was declared illegal.

I thought about their intent. I sympathised with them. Rather than sit and eat and fret - I ran through the process, and that made the experience positive. Others should do the same.

The delay was not unusual - it could have been caused by many factors - for instance the fragility of our traffic system.

Cressie: Would you say that it amounted to serious inconvenience?

Chris Packham: Inconvenience is a relative thing. Compared to high temperatures, the Government and the Met office were…

Prosecution:  No, I’m sorry - the witness was asked, 'Were you seriously inconvenienced?'

Chris Packham: I was as seriously inconvenienced as those people who are in unbearable conditions in other parts of the word…

Judge: You were a member of the public - you were inconvenienced. Would you class it as serious?

Chris Packham: Not compared to the serious disruption I may experience in future.

Judge: Were you seriously inconvenienced?

Chris Packham: No, I was not.

Cressie: Did you experience financial loss?

Chris Packham: No, I didn’t.

PROSECUTION CROSS EXAMINATION

Prosecution: You are not an independent witness, are you?

Chris Packham: I support some of what Just Stop Oil does.

Prosecution: JSO love having you as a supporter, don’t they?

Chris Packham: I do the same for the RSPB and others. I selectively support things that they do and I support other environmental groups too.

Prosecution: You made a TV Statement saying “it’s time to break the law” didn’t you? Do you agree it’s time to break the law by closing the M25?

Chris Packham: I think it was necessary for those protesters at that point to use peaceful means to raise an alarm.

Prosecution: You don’t know about the traffic jams at Junction14 and Junction15 as you avoided them didn’t you? Therefore you can’t comment how much traffic there was at these junctions.

Chris Packham: My research showed that the traffic was at a standstill. I avoided that and then joined after.

Prosecution: have you seen the drone footage?

Chris Packham: No.

Prosecution: It was the day after the hottest day ever - and it was hot and uncomfortable in the car?

Chris Packham: As it is on many occasions.

Prosecution: Please do your best to answer the questions. It would cause serious annoyance and distress - I am asking you to think about all those other people in their cars and lorries and their vans.

Chris Packham: I did, but I also thought about what it would be like for people for whom it was much hotter.

Prosecution: 26 flights were cancelled.

Chris Packham: As I recall, Heathrow was under stress and it had already capped the amount of flights that could leave.

Prosecution: There were over 3000 people impacted, 26 flights delayed and 19 flights cancelled. Do you agree that these people were seriously inconvenienced and seriously annoyed?

Chris Packham: I don’t. It would be difficult for you to apply all of this to Cressie Gethin. I support the need to raise the alarm on the most serious issue that threatens life and threatens us.

Judge: There was a TV documentary called, Is it time to break the law? this was a question not a statement was it not, Mr Packham?

Chris Packham: It was programmed by Channel 4.

Judge: Had it not been a JSO protest - if it were for some other cause? Would you have felt differently about it?

Chris Packham: In that context,  I would have been principally concerned with the fragility of the network and the fact that I could not take public transport. The fact that it was about climate enabled me to reflect.

  ***

Earlier, Cressie Gethin gave her evidence to the Jury. This went as follows:

On 20th July 2022, I climbed up onto a gantry over the M25. I hung up two banners - one said ‘Just Stop Oil’ (the campaign in whose name I was taking action) and the other said ‘40 Degrees' (this was a day after the 40C heatwave scorched the UK, burnt down houses and left people dead).

The prosecution have said that my intention was clearly to stop the traffic. 

However, it is under oath that I say I was not expecting the police to close the entire motorway. I thought it was possible they may decide to close one or two lanes, or perhaps slow the speed of the traffic, but I was very surprised when they closed the whole thing. 

I was surprised because I was conducting a non-violent, peaceful protest, the intention of which was to gain media attention and create public pressure on the Government to stop new xploration for oil and gas.

When the police did close the motorway, I did not immediately come down - you saw that in the footage. As I said, my intention was to get media attention and I realised that the road closure would be attracting more press coverage and therefore more pressure on the Government to take steps to protect its own citizens.

I will also address the matter of delays at Heathrow. 

Whilst this may sound unbelievable, I did not realise that the stretch of motorway I was on led to Heathrow - as I say, this may sound ridiculous, but I am telling the truth under oath.

Because I am bound to the truth, I will also say that, despite not having been aware of the location at the time, I do not think that near Heathrow was an inappropriate place to conduct this protest, given that it was there that 40.2C was first recorded the day before, and because of the relevance of air travel to the message I was trying to get heard.

The 20th July was deliberately chosen to be when the temperature was less dangerous and the Met Office’s extreme heat warnings had been lifted. 

This was in order to remove any risks linked to heat and dehydration for myself and for any members of the public who were in their cars for longer than anticipated.

I also took safety precautions that minimised any risk to myself or to drivers on the motorway. I ensured that there was at least one point of attachment between the gantry structure and the banners at all times.

 I also wore a safety harness so that I was attached to the gantry at all times. 

This gantry was enclosed and felt safe (it is designed for human access and is essentially a footbridge with enclosed sides) - but I took this precaution to make sure I was being as safe and conscientious as possible.

I want to make it clear that in no way did I feel a sense of glee or “yes, I’ve won” when the police closed the road. 

I understood that, by closing the road the police would be having to manage traffic that would have otherwise come down that stretch of the motorway, and that didn’t and doesn’t sit easy with me. 

The reason I didn’t come down goes back to my original intention to get the attention of the media and public, and ultimately, to address rather than ignore injustice and suffering.

There was a moral dilemma involved in taking this action. 

I knew there was a possibility that the action would impact some people - that is the nature of visible and attention-grabbing protest.

I had to weigh this, which doesn’t sit easy with me, against my sincere desire to protect lives. 

As I said at the beginning, my overall intentions were and still are to create pressure on the Government over policies that are killing people around the world.

The trial continues.

Closing date looms for RSPB vacancy as redshank research assistant in Humber region

  

Redshank appear to  holding their own on the Humber - these birds are on saltmarsh on the South Bank

CLOSING date is midnight on Sunday February 11 for applications for a three-month post as a redshank researcher  in the Humber region.

The vacancy has been posted by the RSPB which states: "We are looking for an enthusiastic, skilled and experienced fieldworker to complete breeding redshank surveys on the saltmarshes within the Humber Special Protection Area between April and June 2024.

"Flexibility will be key as surveys need to be completed early morning during periods of good weather.

"Due to the nature of saltmarshes, you will also need to be physically fit with basic navigational skills.

"Good communication skills are essential as you will be working closely with the Humber Conservation team who will be supporting you in completing the surveys.  

"There may be opportunities to support the Humber Conservation Team with the Humber beach nesting bird project.

"The results will contribute to an England-wide project that aims to improve our understanding of the status of saltmarsh breeding redshank and develop a plan for co-ordinated delivery of saltmarsh enhancements."

The charity says the successful applicant will need to meet the following requirements:

* Excellent bird identification skills and experience using survey methodologies

* Be comfortable walking long distances over difficult terrain and working for prolonged periods in the field.

* Good navigational skills including GPS use and ability to read OS maps.

* Knowledge of health and safety in the field and for ensuring own health and safety, sometimes in challenging field conditions

*Ability to use own initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field

* Be willing to work flexible hours, be self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined work plan. .

* Experience of collecting and collating data set

* Written and verbal communication skills to develop and maintain good relations with landowners and members of the public

* Competent in the use of Microsoft Office

* Able to access remote sites without the use of public transport. Having your own vehicle with business insurance would be desirable.

The salary is the pro rata equivalent for three months of  £23,489 - £25,216.

For further information, contact Lizzie.Bruce@rspb.org.uk 

RSPB seeks part-time visitor experience officer for Lincolnshire reserve rich in breeding wetland birds

One of the hides at Frampton

THE RSPB is recruiting for a part-time visitor experience officer to join the team at its Frampton Marsh wetland reserve near Boston in Lincolnshire.

The salary is £23,489- £25,216.

The recruitment advertisement states: "We are looking for a team player with excellent people skills combined with a passion for connecting people with nature. 

"Working at Frampton Marsh reserve, you will be providing a unique and fascinating visitor experience inspiring our visitors to support nature conservation now and in the future. 

"This role is fundamental in ensuring we have the highest quality of visitor experience for both new and existing audiences." 

It continues: "On the edge of The Wash, the largest wetland in England, has a fantastic diversity of wetland habitats, with freshwater lagoons, wet grassland, saltmarsh and reedbed all in close proximity.

"The reserve has more breeding wading birds than any other RSPB nature reserve in England (around 500 pairs in summer) and in winter tens of thousands of waterbirds crammed into a small area make for magical spectacles.

"During spring and autumn, numerous birds pass through and stop over to refuel, giving Frampton a national reputation for the quality and quantity of its birdlife. 

"Along with our sister reserve Freiston Shore, Frampton is managed by a team of 14 staff and 90 volunteers. 

"In February last year, we opened our new café extension to the visitor centre which has panoramic views over the wetlands, so visitors can look down and watch wigeon eating their lunch while they eat theirs! 

"Despite all this we are only just getting started. 

"We would love to have your creativity and ideas to help us on this journey of doing even more fun stuff for our visitors and the reserve."

According to the job description, the ideal candidates will have strong communicating skills, proven experience at delivering events and a high standard of visitor experience.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience include:

•       Computer literate to include professional use of social media to adhere to brand requirements.

•       Working knowledge of visitor engagement techniques.

•       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

•       Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.

•       A team player who can motivate and inspire people.

•       Problem solving skills and ability to work on own initiative.

•       Ability to manage and respond to customer needs and feedback.

•       Ability to maximise opportunities for visitor engagement and income generation.

•       Able to build and maintain strong working relationships.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

•       Experience of managing and delivering against targets and KPI’s.

•       Experience of analysing and interpreting data in a visitor experience environment.

•       Successful experience of managing or supporting a team of staff and/or volunteers.

•       Having contributed to a successful visitor project or visitor attraction.

•       Tourism or leisure related qualification, ideally at HND level or equivalent.

•       Working knowledge of Equal Opportunities and Diversity.

•       Health & Safety in the workplace.

This is a permanent role for 22.5 hours per week with flexibility required during peak times. Some weekend working will also be required.  

The RSPB is looking to conduct interviews for this position from 27th February 2024. 

For further information  contact susan.dempsey@rspb.org.uk

The deadline for applications is midnight on February 18.

Welcome to RSPB Frampton Marsh

There are high hopes that it is only a matter of time before spoonbills breed at Frampton 

The cafe which opened in February last year

Are lingering 'colonialist' attitudes deterring some non-white birders from exploring coast and countryside?

                                         

Britain is a beautiful place for birding - but not everyone feels welcome

HOW welcome are non-white birders - or prospective birders - in the British countryside?

The question is prompted by media reports this week that many may be put off by a perception that it is a "racist and colonial white space" where they will be made to feel unwelcome.

Both the Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph newspapers have  carried articles about  concerns expressed  to MPs  by the charity umbrella group Wildlife and Countryside Link - whose members include the RSPB.

      

Although overt racism is now thought to be uncommon in the British birding community, some from ethnic backgrounds sense it (as do some women) when they enter hides at nature reserves and find the reaction to their presence to be less than friendly.

Racism can also manifest itself in restaurants, pubs or hotels where they  have experienced "difficulties" being served.

Meanwhile, the RSPB is aware that it is  "under-represented by people of colour" and says it is "particularly interested" in applications from this section of society when it is recruiting for vacant jobs.

The Wildlife and Countryside Link's statement on diversity (plus its membership list) is below. 

  

Diversity and anti-racism statement

We recognise that our sector has not dealt with all forms of systemic racism. In fact, we are at risk of falling far behind. Recent movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #BlackinNature, #CharitySoWhite, #BlackBirdersWeek and #BlackintheIvory have had a galvanising effect around the world, including within the environment sector.

We have a responsibility to be more proactive in our work against racism. Many of our organisations have programmes to champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, but we must do more. We have to listen and act upon what we learn, demonstrate solidarity with the anti-racism movement, and create accessible opportunities to enter, progress and lead in the sector.

We know as an environment and animal welfare movement we are not nearly representative of society. We must proactively diversify our sector, especially in leadership positions. We know that our culture and ways of working can still exclude many people and cultures and we must learn to overcome that. We know that our campaigns and conservation work does not always face up to the links with systemic and historical racism and we must reconsider the way we develop our strategies and work with others.

We also know that the impacts of pollution and other environmental problems often fall most heavily on minority ethnic communities, who are less likely to live in a healthy environment because of racial inequalities. We must continue to reinforce and add to our actions to ensure equitable access to a healthy environment.

While we are all at different stages of our journey we all commit to working much harder to remedy these shortcomings, not simply in response to the anti-racism movement, but because climate and environmental injustice are intrinsically linked to social justice. We must step up and change if we are to have the strength to fight for nature’s needs and people’s needs in every quarter. We owe it to society, we owe it to our supporters and stakeholders, and we owe it to our natural world.