Parakeets were first reported in the wild in England in small numbers in 1969 and are thought to have become established because of persistent escapes or releases of pets.
The BTO counted 1,500 in 1996. A further study estimated numbers exceeded 6,000 in 2002.
John Tayleur, of the BTO, said the species is thriving in warmer temperatures brought by climate change and could now be up to a record 20,000. Read More...
Just seven years ago, climate change wasn’t listed as a potential hazard in Threatened Birds of the World. Now it gets its own heading in the annual book, and with good reason: a new study finds that climate change may trigger the extinction of 30 percent of land bird species by the year 2100.
February 2008. Four Avocets have returned to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s reserve at Martin Mere in the UK at least three weeks earlier that usual, making this the earliest record in Lancashire of a returning group of summer wading birds for breeding.
This is also yet another clear indicator that climate change is affecting the migration patterns of birds.
Global warming could threaten dependency on local coastal habitat
Though perhaps not as dramatic as polar bears drowning in rising Arctic seas and melting ice, the perils of a little sparrow that depends on the salt marshes of southeastern Connecticut for nesting could be a local indicator of the effects of global warming.
"This could be the first Connecticut species to go extinct if sea levels continue to rise as they are,” said Milan Bull, senior director of science and conservation at the Audubon Society. “With global warming and sea-level rise increasing, our coastal salt marshes are at great risk, very great risk." Read More...
While these redstarts appear to be thriving today, the research team says their findings point to the need to consider conservation measures in the winter habitat.
"The models predict increasing drought in the Caribbean," says Studds. "Rain is very important to these birds. If their winter habitat gets drier and their departure dates get later, populations in southern areas could see big declines." Read More...
This is a low-key, friendly bit of birding rivalry that is not especially original but which seems appropriate in these days of carbon emissions and climate change. If you have ever felt even a tiny bit guilty about driving or flying to see a good bird (or several) why not join us in a year of carbon-neutral birding? Read More...
