News Overview

Malta Spring hunting is unlawful

The new derogation contravenes the requirements of the EU Birds Directive as it clearly fails to satisfy the key conditions required by EU legislation: Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur and Common Quail Coturnix coturnix are in unfavourable conservation status in Europe and as required by the Commission’s guidance on hunting, no derogation for these species should be allowed.

Europe and Central Asia

Sun, sea and saving birds: A Pacific cruise of a lifetime

If the thought that saving a species from extinction while soaking up the sun and scenery on a Pacific cruise appeals to you, then you will be interested in the following opportunity from the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK).

Pacific

Irish Twite danger

Twite face imminent extinction in Ireland according to BirdWatch Ireland (BirdLife Partner). Conservation measures have been proposed to try and save the remaining breeding population.

Europe and Central Asia

Birds rescued from gulf oil spill released in Florida

The first two oiled birds found in the Gulf oil spill have been cleaned, rehabilitated, and are now ready for release today on Florida's Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, a refuge the National Audubon Society (BirdLife Partner in the US) helped establish and manage. The birds, a Northern Gannet and a Brown Pelican, will find a safer place to be at the nation's first wildlife refuge, on the Atlantic coast near Vero Beach and currently outside the oil spill trajectory.

Americas

Art and conservation create invisible connections

Atop a step ladder in Melbourne’s City Square (Australia) today internationally acclaimed artist, John Wolseley, will launch Invisible Connections, a book that depicts the dramatic journeys of migratory shorebirds, while putting the finishing touches on his mural, Australia’s largest waterbird scene.

Pacific

Regent Honeyeaters released to go wild

Captive-bred Critically Endangered Regent Honeyeaters are being released into the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park by Birds Australia (BirdLife Partner) as part of a national recovery program to curb the species’ decline.

Pacific

Global Environment Outlook 3 – missing the 2010 biodiversity target

The flagship publication of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been launched at UNEP Nairobi during the the opening ceremony of the 14th Subsidiary body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 14) meeting.

Africa

1st oiled birds from BP spill to be released

The first two oiled birds found in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have been cleaned and are now recovered and ready for release.

Americas

Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets

Searches at sea off the eastern coasts of Jamaica have revealed the presence of significant numbers of Pterodroma petrels, and was supported by BirdLife International's Preventing Extinctions Programme.

Americas

A month is a long time in BirdLife

A round up of BirdLife top stories for April 2010.

Save migratory birds in crisis - Video

The World Migratory Bird Day 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction the Critically Endangered migratory birds.

Oil reaches Important Bird Areas

Reports of oil reaching the Chandeleur Islands mark the initial assault of the massive Gulf Oil Spill on the first of 25 recognised Important Bird Areas (IBAs) that line the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to south Florida. Designated by Audubon (BirdLife Partner) in conjunction with BirdLife International, the sites provide essential habitats to hundreds of species. South of Gulfport, Mississippi, the Chandeleurs are breeding habitat for Sandwich and Royal Terns, plus Brown Pelicans—only recently removed from the U.S. Endangered Species list and just beginning to bounce back.

Americas

WOW - new training kit launched for wetland bird conservation

The Wings Over Wetlands (WOW) project - the largest international wetland and waterbird conservation initiative to take place in the African-Eurasian region - is launching an innovative Flyway Training Kit for waterbird conservation next week.

Africa

The 2010 Biodiversity Target : Hit or Miss? Video

A BirdLife Interview with Dr Stuart Butchart discussing if the World's Governments have met their commitment to significantly reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010.

Oil Spill Answers from Expert on the Ground

Audubon’s Melanie Driscoll, director of bird conservation for the Louisiana Coastal Initiative, is in Venice to help coordinate bird rescue efforts. Driscoll set aside some time yesterday evening to talk about the challenges facing bird rescue workers, the search for volunteers, the species of greatest concern, and the beauty and rich birdlife of the region.

Americas

In Harm's Way? Least Terns in Mississippi Await Fate – Video

Video by Audubon about Least Tern nesting sites in Mississippi which are at risk from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Americas

Wetland Birds Are Sitting Ducks As Oil Slick Approaches Fragile Coast - Video

The exploded British Petroleum oil well pumping daily an estimated 210,000 gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico is still hemorrhaging today as wildlife officials, politicians, and oil industry executives are clambering to triage and treat the crisis.

Americas

Important Bird Areas at Risk from the Gulf Oil Spill

Many Important Bird Areas designated by Audubon (BirdLife Partner in the US) and its partners for their essential habitat value to bird species lie within potentially affected areas. Read the full list here.

Americas