Government Declares war On Urban #Seagulls

Ministers plan to launch a research project to find a solution to the growing problems of noise, mess, disease and aggression caused by urban seagulls. The population of herring gulls has fallen  60% in the last 30 years and lesser black-backed gulls have declined 30% in 25 years, but in towns and cities their numbers have increased dramatically as they are drawn to our ever growing landfill sites.  The environment minister, Richard Benyon, has asked  Bristol University  to begin a 3 year research project to find solutions to the problem.

Read More at The Independent

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Woodland #Birds Join Extinction Danger List

Though widespread 40 years ago, both willow tit and lesser spotted woodpecker populations have dropped by 91% and 76% respectively since the 1970s. What is not clear are the reasons for the decline and the birds are to be monitored to to try to discover  why they are struggling. The long-eared owl, short-eared owl and Arctic skua have also been added to the list of 'at risk' species by The Rare Breeding Birds Panel and experts are now tracking 103 species of rare birds. They are asking bird watchers to submit records if they see any of the birds which are on the at-risk register.  

Read More at The Independent

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An Avian Architecture Slide Show

This stunning slide show from Slate shows the diversity & skill that birds from around the world use to meet their housing needs. From the intricate constructions of weaver birds to the elaborate decorations employed by bowerbirds. From the community living of flamingoes to the reclusive female hornbill who seals herself into the nest with her eggs & doesn't leave till the chicks are ready to fledge.

See Slide Show at Slate

Posted by Astrojenny

For bird control visit www.capy.co.uk

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Adventure Is For The Birds

Researchers at The University of Exeter tested 150 zebra finches to get a sense of their personalities.  It found that the most inquisitive, adventurous females were attracted to those males that exhibited similar characteristics. The females were shown a pair of males exploring a new cage. One of the males was restricted by a clear-sided box. When brought together the more outgoing females pursued the more adventurous males while the more timid  females showed no preference. 

Read More at The Telegraph

Posted by Astrojenny

For bird control, visit, www.capy.co.uk 

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Birds Learn The Art Of Nest-Building

Researchers from Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews Universities have been studying the nest building techniques of southern masked weaver birds in Botswana. If the birds were all building to a genetic template they would all build their nests in the same way, but the team discovered that the birds varied their technique from one nest to the next with some birds building nests from left to right as well as from right to left. It was also observed that birds became more proficient, dropping blades of grass less often, as they gained experience. 

Read More at Physorg.com

Posted by Astrojenny 

For all your pest control problems, please visit www.capy.co.uk and book a professional pest control technician or purchase DIY pest control products and kits.

 

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15 Incredible Photographs Of Bird's Nests

15 Incredible Photographs Of Bird's Nests

Sharon Beals takes amazing images of nests. Each one is a work of art.

Photo Gallery at Environmental Graffiti

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