Docmartin
Thought Police
In the October issue of British Birds:
Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler in Europe
Peter Kennerley and Robert Prys-Jones review the three European records of Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler, in particular one in France in September 1933. They present evidence which suggests that the 1933 record is a further case of Meinertzhagen fraud. The identification, distribution and likelihood of vagrancy are all covered – essential reading for anyone targeting this as the next first for Britain.
Siberian Blue Robin at Minsmere: new to Britain
The full story of this first for Britain, from October 2000.
Drinking and bathing by garden birds
This paper, by Chris Mason and Sheila Macdonald, presents some research which should be read by anyone with an interest in garden birds, since (despite the fact that some £150-180 million is spent annually in Britain on attracting birds to and feeding them in our gardens) there is virtually no systematic information on the provision of water for garden birds. This study concludes that a simple pedestal birdbath situated close to cover is the best drinking and bathing environment for garden birds.
Conservation research news, this month by Andy Evans and Len Campbell, looks at the impact of the bird trade on threatened species, and also explores the evidence that our long-distance migrants are under threat on their wintering grounds.
Short notes include further observations on bird species (Common Eiders and Common Guillemots) taken by Killer Whales in the Northern Isles, and an analysis of the Northern Wheatear population estimate for Britain.
News & comment and Recent reports make up the remainder of the issue.
See the British Birds website at http://www.britishbirds.co.uk for full details of current and back issues, and to download a sample copy of BB
Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler in Europe
Peter Kennerley and Robert Prys-Jones review the three European records of Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler, in particular one in France in September 1933. They present evidence which suggests that the 1933 record is a further case of Meinertzhagen fraud. The identification, distribution and likelihood of vagrancy are all covered – essential reading for anyone targeting this as the next first for Britain.
Siberian Blue Robin at Minsmere: new to Britain
The full story of this first for Britain, from October 2000.
Drinking and bathing by garden birds
This paper, by Chris Mason and Sheila Macdonald, presents some research which should be read by anyone with an interest in garden birds, since (despite the fact that some £150-180 million is spent annually in Britain on attracting birds to and feeding them in our gardens) there is virtually no systematic information on the provision of water for garden birds. This study concludes that a simple pedestal birdbath situated close to cover is the best drinking and bathing environment for garden birds.
Conservation research news, this month by Andy Evans and Len Campbell, looks at the impact of the bird trade on threatened species, and also explores the evidence that our long-distance migrants are under threat on their wintering grounds.
Short notes include further observations on bird species (Common Eiders and Common Guillemots) taken by Killer Whales in the Northern Isles, and an analysis of the Northern Wheatear population estimate for Britain.
News & comment and Recent reports make up the remainder of the issue.
See the British Birds website at http://www.britishbirds.co.uk for full details of current and back issues, and to download a sample copy of BB
