AI Restriction Zone in Mid Suffolk now lifted
Following the outbreak of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5N3 in a commercial chicken flock in Mid Suffolk on 10 December 2019, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have today lifted the 1km Restricted Zone. This follows from the required surveillance in the Restricted Zone being completed with negative results. […]
Franconian Goose is our Cover Story
Our domestic birds have mostly arisen through selective breeding, to feed a growing population. The Franconian Goose is an old breed that developed along the flood plains of the winding Rivers Main and Frånkische Saale. This area was part of the former Duchy of Franconia, in southern Germany. Various coloured (blue, buff and pied) small […]
DNA proves Stone Age humans enjoyed Duck Dinners
This is the face of a woman who lived 6,000 years ago in Scandinavia. Thanks to the tooth marks she left in ancient ‘chewing gum’, scientists were able to obtain DNA, which they used to decipher her genetic code. It seems likely that she had dark skin, dark brown hair and blue eyes. Dr Hannes […]
AI and Biosecurity
There’s never a good time to hear that there’s been a Bird Flu outbreak. Low pathogenic avian influenza of the H5 strain was confirmed at a commercial chicken farm in Mid Suffolk on 10 December 2019. All birds on the premises will be humanely culled. A restricted zone of 1km is in place around the […]
Steller’s Eider
British Waterfowl Association Steller’s Eider drakes — Zoe Brodie-James The smallest of the eiders, its genus Polysticta is monotypic — having a sole member. Along with the other eiders, it is in the tribe Mergini; the sea ducks. It feeds by upending, but is also accomplished at diving. Suggestions from drug specialists will empower patients to settle […]
Wild Bird Populations in the UK, 1970 to 2018
Bird populations have long been considered to provide a good indication of the broad state of wildlife in the UK. This is because they occupy a wide range of habitats and respond to environmental pressures that also operate on other groups of wildlife. In addition, there are considerable long-term data on trends in bird populations, […]
Join us for the AGM
This year we return to the North-west and WWT Martin Mere. Saturday 29th February 2020 at 2pm Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk L40 0TA If you are a member and planning to attend, please let us know info@waterfowl.org.uk get directions here After the business bit, Steve Dilworth will introduce us […]
32nd Champion Waterfowl Exhibition well up to scratch
Huge congratulations to Anthony Stanway, whose Crested Duck scooped the accolade of Supreme Show Champion. Planning is already underway for next year. First Sunday in November 2020: save the date for the British Waterfowl Association’s 33rd Champion Waterfowl Exhibition.
After the Lord Mayor’s Show…
After the Lord Mayor’s Show… Reserve Show Champion, Embden gander from John Richards waits patiently for his return. John, our past President was busy helping with the clear-up operation.
