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Thought Police
British Birds February 2020
The February 2020 issue of British Birds is now out.
Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom
This is the fourth report by the Avian Population Estimates Panel. Overall, there are thought to be about 84 million breeding pairs of birds in the UK, similar to the total in APEP 3 (2013). The Wren continues to be the most common species, with a current estimate of 11 million pairs, which has increased since APEP 3. There are more than one million pairs of 20 species (23 in APEP 3) and these 20 species contribute 77% of the total (58% of the total is accounted for by the ten commonest species alone).
Water Rails in the UK – an estimate of the breeding population There is good evidence that the breeding Water Rail population in the UK is higher than reported. Estimates from county recorders during 2016 and 2017 were used to derive an updated national total, of between 2,500 and 3,900 breeding pairs or territories.
The tide is turning for lead ammunition
Birds are poisoned by lead from ammunition, for example when waterbirds and gamebirds ingest gunshot mistakenly for grit or food. Despite global scientific consensus on the risks from lead ammunition, and the widespread availability of non-toxic alternatives, transition away from lead has been slow. In the UK, there is a conspicuous absence of political and regulatory action in the face of increasing evidence of the risks to wildlife and people.
The BB/BTO Best Bird Book of the Year 2019
Obituaries Peter Davis, Mike Peacock
Notes Ringed Plovers nesting on warehouse roof
BB eye New Networks for Nature
My patch Gipping Valley
News & comment and Recent reports complete the February issue.
For more details, and to see a recent issue of the magazine, visit our website at www.britishbirds.co.uk
The February 2020 issue of British Birds is now out.
Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom
This is the fourth report by the Avian Population Estimates Panel. Overall, there are thought to be about 84 million breeding pairs of birds in the UK, similar to the total in APEP 3 (2013). The Wren continues to be the most common species, with a current estimate of 11 million pairs, which has increased since APEP 3. There are more than one million pairs of 20 species (23 in APEP 3) and these 20 species contribute 77% of the total (58% of the total is accounted for by the ten commonest species alone).
Water Rails in the UK – an estimate of the breeding population There is good evidence that the breeding Water Rail population in the UK is higher than reported. Estimates from county recorders during 2016 and 2017 were used to derive an updated national total, of between 2,500 and 3,900 breeding pairs or territories.
The tide is turning for lead ammunition
Birds are poisoned by lead from ammunition, for example when waterbirds and gamebirds ingest gunshot mistakenly for grit or food. Despite global scientific consensus on the risks from lead ammunition, and the widespread availability of non-toxic alternatives, transition away from lead has been slow. In the UK, there is a conspicuous absence of political and regulatory action in the face of increasing evidence of the risks to wildlife and people.
The BB/BTO Best Bird Book of the Year 2019
Obituaries Peter Davis, Mike Peacock
Notes Ringed Plovers nesting on warehouse roof
BB eye New Networks for Nature
My patch Gipping Valley
News & comment and Recent reports complete the February issue.
For more details, and to see a recent issue of the magazine, visit our website at www.britishbirds.co.uk
