Naturalised UK Barnacle Geese
Some Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) stay here all year rather than returning to Svalbard or Greenland to breed. A new study is looking into the movements and demography of this naturalised UK population. Read more about the study here.
Champion Waterfowl schedule now available
The schedule and entry forms are now available — last date for submissions is Tuesday 19th October. Schedule here Entry form here
Inspired by Geese
The BWA’s latest Waterfowl magazine went to press this week. A chance conversation about wakeful Roman Geese led to this edition’s theme. One thing led to another; our tie-up with Saddle Goose Wine, The Pilgrim Goose Project and several news items have given us plenty of content. Just how our birds breed does ultimately come […]
Non-native species
A number of members asked us about an email they have received recently from Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Past member of the BWA, Jason Finney, works for the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat and is in the second year of a scoping exercise looking at a wide range of sectors to assess the risk […]
Wetlands International launches new Waterbird Population Portal
The Waterbird Populations Portal (WPP) launches on 29th June. WPP is an online interactive platform that will make available the most recent data on the status and distribution of the world’s waterbird populations. It will provide the latest size estimates and trends of over 2500 populations of over 870 waterbird species and present the latest 1% […]
Dr Paul Johnsgard RIP
We are sad to report the passing of Dr Paul Johnsgard – renowned author of more than 30 books. Foundation Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr Johnsgard received his doctorate from Cornell University. Individuals and ornithological organisations alike recognise him for for his contributions to knowledge of natural history and conservation. […]
Heritage Breeds
This is International Heritage Breeds Week. 16-22nd May; aiming to to raise global awareness about endangered heritage breeds of farm animals. Many of our traditional livestock and poultry breeds have been replaced with more ‘improved’ breeds in modern animal agriculture, at the expense of a massive loss in genetic diversity. Worldwide, about one domesticated livestock […]
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone to be Lifted
Avian Influenza: keepers advised to remain vigilant as heightened biosecurity measures lifted Changes to Risk Level The risk of avian influenza infection in wild birds remains low (rare but does occur). However, the risk of HPAI H5 exposure to poultry and captive birds across the whole GB has reduced from medium (occurs regularly) to […]
Softly fascinated by watery nature
New YouGov research, released by the Mental Health Foundation, has found 65 % of people find being near water improves their mental wellbeing and is their favourite part of nature. A new scheme in London called Blue Prescribing will allow up to 300 people experiencing poor mental health and with limited access to water in […]
Changes to what Bird Gatherings are Permitted
From the 21 April 2021, certain bird gatherings can take place in GB provided you notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at least 7 days before the event and that you meet the requirements of the General Licence. This includes markets, shows, sales, exhibitions of pigeons, budgerigars, canaries, parrots, cockatiels and birds of […]
