Migrations are inherently risky for birds. Previous studies have suggested that up to 35 percent of juvenile birds can die of exhaustion on their first migration. Flying in V-shaped or echelon formation can help to save vital energy: it is estimated geese can make energy savings of 10-14 percent by gaining lift from flying in […]
Tag: migration
Video: Christmas Island’s Incredible Red Crab Migration
Australia’s Christmas Island—located south of Indonesia in the Indian Ocean—is named for the day of its discovery in 1643. But, if you’re familiar with the incredible natural phenomenon that occurs there around this time of year, you may have thought the island was aptly named for the sea of red that blankets the island each […]
Video: Can We Stop Millions of Birds From Crashing Into Windows?
Every year, up to a billion birds are killed in the U.S. when they strike windows. In New York City alone, an estimated 90,000 birds die after crashing into high-rise windows, especially during migration seasons. Efforts are under way now in New York to design windows that could save the lives of avian travelers. […]
Britain’s migrating birds are drastically declining, RSPB says
Bird populations that make the great journey between northern Europe and Africa – including the nightingale and turtle dove – are drastically declining, conservationists have warned. Nearly half of the 29 summer migrants, who appear in the UK in spring to breed before returning in the autumn, show long-term population declines. The nightingale, famed for […]
Birders flock to see exotic bee-eaters
Exotic bee-eaters have had their best ever breeding attempt in the UK with eight chicks fledging from two nests, conservationists said. Two pairs of the brightly-coloured birds, which are normally found in the Mediterranean, have nested on the Isle of Wight this year. Three chicks fledged from one nest on National Trust land, in a […]
Malta – Massacre on Migration (Episode 1)
Every spring countless birds fly over Malta on their migration between Africa and Europe. Every spring 10,000 Maltese hunters are waiting to shoot them down. You can help make a difference by supporting BirdLife Malta’s campaign to stop spring hunting. We invite you to vote FOR or AGAINST a complete ban on the spring hunting of […]
New tracking technology reveals birds’ epic and amazing journeys
Today sees the launch of the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science – and one of the most exciting areas of research the centre will be involved in is tracking birds and other animals as they migrate, forage and breed. Last June, at the edge of a small loch on the island of Fetlar in Shetland, […]
Lemmings fuel biggest snowy-owl migration in 50 years
For the lowly Arctic lemming, life is cruel. In a flash before death, often the last things a lemming sees are the deadly talons of a majestic snowy owl. A mass sacrifice of this rodent with stubby legs probably gave rise to what scientists are calling the largest snowy-owl irruption in at least half […]