Docmartin
Thought Police
British Birds March 2012
The March issue of British Birds is now out and contains the following.
Important Bird Areas: South Georgia
Abstract The mountainous island of South Georgia, situated in the cold but productive waters of the Southern Ocean, is a UK Overseas Territory and one of the world’s most important seabird islands. It is estimated that over 100 million seabirds are based there, while there may have been an order of magnitude more before the introduction of rats. South Georgia has 29 species of breeding bird, and is the world’s most important breeding site for six species (Macaroni Penguin, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Antarctic Prion, White-chinned Petrel and Common Diving Petrel). Several of the key species are globally threatened or near-threatened, which emphasises the need for action to improve the conservation status of the island’s birds. South Georgia is currently classified by BirdLife International as a single Important Bird Area (IBA) but it may be better considered as comprising several distinct IBAs. Current threats to the South Georgia avifauna include rats (a major campaign to eliminate rats began in 2010/11), regional climate change, and incidental mortality in longline and trawl fisheries. Local fisheries are now well regulated but South Georgia albatrosses and petrels are still killed in large numbers in more distant fisheries.
Citril Finch on Fair Isle: new to Britain
A Citril Finch was found on Fair Isle on 6th June 2008; it remained on the island until 11th and was trapped on 7th. The bird was in immaculate condition and was accepted by both BBRC and BOURC as the first record for Britain. As well as the circumstances of the record, this article discusses the status and distribution of the species, together with information about movements and migration, and the possible origins of the Fair Isle bird.
Opinion
Hearing tests for bird survey workers? Richard Porter
Notes
Topics this month include: A new Mediterranean breeding site for Eurasian Curlew in Italy; A case of aberrant moult coinciding with nest desertion in a female Common Tern; Mute Swans eating blackberries; Gulls feeding on spawning ragworms; and Pair-bonding of Magpies in winter.
Book reviews, News & comment and Recent reports complete the issue.
For more details, and to see a recent issue of the magazine, visit our website at www.britishbirds.co.uk
The March issue of British Birds is now out and contains the following.
Important Bird Areas: South Georgia
Abstract The mountainous island of South Georgia, situated in the cold but productive waters of the Southern Ocean, is a UK Overseas Territory and one of the world’s most important seabird islands. It is estimated that over 100 million seabirds are based there, while there may have been an order of magnitude more before the introduction of rats. South Georgia has 29 species of breeding bird, and is the world’s most important breeding site for six species (Macaroni Penguin, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Antarctic Prion, White-chinned Petrel and Common Diving Petrel). Several of the key species are globally threatened or near-threatened, which emphasises the need for action to improve the conservation status of the island’s birds. South Georgia is currently classified by BirdLife International as a single Important Bird Area (IBA) but it may be better considered as comprising several distinct IBAs. Current threats to the South Georgia avifauna include rats (a major campaign to eliminate rats began in 2010/11), regional climate change, and incidental mortality in longline and trawl fisheries. Local fisheries are now well regulated but South Georgia albatrosses and petrels are still killed in large numbers in more distant fisheries.
Citril Finch on Fair Isle: new to Britain
A Citril Finch was found on Fair Isle on 6th June 2008; it remained on the island until 11th and was trapped on 7th. The bird was in immaculate condition and was accepted by both BBRC and BOURC as the first record for Britain. As well as the circumstances of the record, this article discusses the status and distribution of the species, together with information about movements and migration, and the possible origins of the Fair Isle bird.
Opinion
Hearing tests for bird survey workers? Richard Porter
Notes
Topics this month include: A new Mediterranean breeding site for Eurasian Curlew in Italy; A case of aberrant moult coinciding with nest desertion in a female Common Tern; Mute Swans eating blackberries; Gulls feeding on spawning ragworms; and Pair-bonding of Magpies in winter.
Book reviews, News & comment and Recent reports complete the issue.
For more details, and to see a recent issue of the magazine, visit our website at www.britishbirds.co.uk
