'Bird of prey twice swooped on my handbag dog and tried to snatch it in Berkshire park,' claims model

Playfully bounding through a field on his daily walk, Vinnie was blissfully unaware that his life was under threat.

For high above him, a red kite had decided the 4lb Pomeranian dog looked an appetising prospect for lunch.

Moving into an attack position, the 2ft-long bird of prey swooped.

And it would have claimed its prize had it not been for the swift intervention of Vinnie’s owner, Kate Hillman, who rushed to the rescue.

The fashion model grabbed her five-year-old pet with the bird just a few feet away – but the drama was not over.

Moments later the kite returned and tried to steal the dog from her arms.

Continued:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2135589/Bird-prey-tried-snatch-little-dog-arms.html

Pigeon fanciers investigated by police for Peregrine persecution

Police officers across UK swoop on homes of pigeon fanciers in bird of prey crime investigation

February 2012. A multiagency operation investigating alleged crimes against peregrine falcons was launched on Thursday 2 February 2012 across four police areas in England and Wales.

Police officers issued with search warrants, supported by staff from the RSPB, RSPCA, Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales, raided the homes of four pigeon fanciers. The raids took place within the following constabulary areas: Avon and Somerset Police; South Wales Police; Northumbria Police and West Midlands Police.

A 47-year old man has been arrested by officers at one of the addresses in connection with evidence which has been seized during the operation.

Mark Thomas, an RSPB investigations officer, said: "The peregrine falcon is one of the UK's most heavily persecuted birds of prey, and we hope that today's operation will help further our investigations."

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/pigeon-peregrine.html

A century of protection for Britain's birds of prey but the poisoning goes on

128 cases of illegal poisoning last year alone
November 2011: Exactly a century ago, the barbaric acts of putting baits laced with deadly poisons out into the countryside to kill wildlife was outlawed. But a new RSPB report has revealed the practice remains a major threat to the UK's birds of prey.

Based on these shocking findings, the wildlife charity is calling on the UK government to outlaw the possession of these poisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Scottish Government has already put such measures in place.

The RSPB Birdcrime 2010 report reveals there were 128 reports of illegal poisoning in the UK, and the early figures for this year suggest a similar pattern. In 2010, 20 red kites, 30 buzzards, two goshawks, eight peregrines, five golden eagles, one white-tailed eagle and one sparrowhawk were found poisoned in the UK. The RSPB believes that the number of recorded incidents is way below the real figure.

This has been illegal for a centuryMartin Harper, the conservation director at the RSPB, said: ‘It has been illegal to poison birds of prey since 1911. But in a bizarre quirk, it is not illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for individuals to possess some of the most deadly poisons, even though they have no legitimate use for them.'

The list of chemicals used to illegally poison birds of prey includes a host of agricultural pesticides, such as Carbofuran, Alphachloralose and Bendiocarb. The poisoner will usually douse the carcass of a pheasant, rabbit or a pigeon with the poison and leave the bait in a place where a bird of prey is likely to find it.

The RSPB is calling for the law to be enacted, which prevents individuals from having named poisons in their possession if they have no legal use for them. Martin added: ‘Our report shows there are a number of poisons commonly used to illegally poison wildlife for which those people responsible can have no legitimate use.'

Banned pesticides have not been listed by the GovenrmentThe previous Government accepted in 2006 that it was sensible to make it illegal for unauthorised people to possess these poisons, but despite the law being in place, the Government hasn't listed the banned pesticides. This is despite the controls being in place in Scotland since 2005, where police find it a very useful tool in the fight against wildlife crime as ten convictions have already been secured.

Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police Richard Crompton is the lead on wildlife crime for the Association of Chief Police Officers and said: ‘Of particular concern are those offences that target or involve birds of prey and which affect the conservation status of those birds and it is quite right that the police should consider such offending as a matter of priority.

‘The police service is absolutely committed to bringing those who commit wildlife crime to justice.'

I love seeing these magnificent birdsChris Dowse - the Farmers Weekly Countryside Farmer of the Year 2011 - is the manager of a 6,000-acre estate in Lincolnshire. He said: ‘I love seeing red kites and buzzards over the estate. Only a couple of decades ago that would have been impossible and the recovery of these species is a testament to what can be achieved when we all work together.

‘Anyone who persecutes birds of prey is not only breaking the law, they're preventing people seeing these magnificent birds and destroying the reputation of our entire community. All law-abiding gamekeepers and shooters should join me and step up with the RSPB to condemn anyone who breaks the law and kills birds of prey.'

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/poisoning-raptors.html#cr

Why Some Birds of Prey Become Transvestites

Birds of prey may be thought of as fierce foes, but scientists find that some males disguise themselves as peaceful females.

These males belong to a species of raptor known as the marsh harrier. Using plastic decoys, French researchers learned that the transvestites among these predators are less aggressive than other males.
Some animals will use the tactic known as sexual mimicry in the cutthroat battle to survive. For instance, young male birds often have female plumage that helps camouflage them; they will acquire more striking plumage only after reaching sexual maturity, to help them attract mates.

Read more ...

RSPB urges crackdown on poisons

The RSPB is calling for the possession of poisons used to illegally kill wildlife to be outlawed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The charity says laws are already in place in Scotland but need to be tightened in the rest of the country.

It says there were 128 reports of birds of prey poisoned in the UK last year.

The government says strict measures are in place to stop the persecution of birds of prey and many of the pesticides used are illegal.
The RSPB figures are lower than the previous year - when 153 reports were received - but contain several, what the conservationists call, "very serious" incidents.

These include the first poisoning in living memory of a golden eagle in Northern Ireland.

The RSPB Birdcrime 2010 report lists 20 red kites, 30 buzzards, two goshawks, eight peregrines, five golden eagles, one white-tailed eagle and one sparrow-hawk that were found poisoned.

And it believes the true number could be much higher as many incidents go unreported.

Under laws brought in in 2006, it is already illegal in England and Wales to possess certain pesticides which are harmful to wildlife, unless the owner can prove they have them for a lawful purpose.

However, a list of which substances are controlled in this way has not been published. The RSPB says this renders the law "impotent".

In Northern Ireland a similar law has just been brought in but again no list of chemicals has been published.

In Scotland, where the controls have been in place since 2005 and a list of banned pesticides has been produced, the RSPB says 10 convictions have been secured under the rules.

The Conservation Director of the RSPB, Martin Harper, said: "If this government is serious about tackling illegal persecution of birds of prey, it really needs to start taking meaningful action.

"Putting additional controls on the possession of these common wildlife poisons would be a relatively easy first step, especially as these controls would not affect legitimate pesticide uses."

Read on ...

Osprey chick is earliest to hatch in UK

by Sally Williams, Western Mail
May 11 2011

The earliest osprey chick to have hatched in Britain has made an appearance in a Welsh nest, a wildlife charity announced yesterday.

RSPB Cymru said the first osprey chick that hatched late afternoon at an RSPB viewing site, near Porthmadog on Monday, is believed to be the earliest to hatch on record in Britain.

Geraint Williams, osprey project officer said: “It really has been a season full of surprises here at the Glaslyn Osprey site this year.

“The icing on the cake will be the confirmation that we witnessed the earliest hatching of an osprey chick in Britain.”

He said the chick’s parents had a flying start this year when they arrived back at Glaslyn from their wintering grounds in Africa almost a month earlier than usual.

They have since laid three eggs and have spent the last few days carrying fresh bedding into the nest in preparation for the new arrivals.

The RSPB said the continued success of this pair of osprey, now in their eighth successful season, is due in no small part to dedicated local volunteers who help to protect these birds from the ever-present threat of egg collectors and their chicks.

Visitors to the RSPB Cymru viewing site at Pont Croesor, Glaslyn near Porthmadog can observe the nest and special moments like the male returning with a fish for the chicks.

There are telescopes available and plenty of friendly advice from RSPB staff and volunteers.

And birdwatchers can enjoy dramatic close up views of the nest via a camera situated nearby, against a backdrop of stunning vistas of Snowdon and the mountains of Eryri.

The site has a live video link from the nest feeding into a TV screen in the visitor centre.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/05/11/osprey-chick-is-earliest-to-hatch-in-uk-91466-28671435/

Great Outdoors: Bald eagle sighting worth the odds

4:09 AM, May. 14, 2011

The more you go out there, the more you will see. It's a matter of playing the odds. The odds of encountering a bald eagle at 50 feet? Not so good, if you go out one time. If you go out 1,000, or 10,000 maybe, at least you just might get a shot.

I'm in that 10,000 group to be sure. And by sheer repetition, I'd actually seen a bald eagle that close on one occasion before getting lucky again late last week.

The first up-close sighting took place in a kayak, when I floated near the riverbank underneath a low-hanging tree branch. Oblivious to the fact a bald eagle perched on it, I practically capsized when the eagle took off right above me.

Fast forward three years to a fine sunny morning this May. I am walking a path 50 yards from the banks of the Chenango, a river I love. I'm not thinking bald eagles. I'm not thinking at all. I am sniffing the air. I am seeking wildflowers. I am listening for vireos singing their spring breeding songs.

A wetland pool by the trail also gets my attention. I scan fallen logs jutting out of the water, hoping turtles have clambered up on them to bask in the sun. I've also seen wood ducks here. I've seen herons and plenty of frogs.

So much to sense and drink in on this morning. Not much room for a thought of bald eagles. But wait. What is that, 40 yards up the trail, in a spruce at the edge of the wetland? Reflecting the sun, like a brand new softball, a disc of bright white offsets deep green spruce needles, on a branch 15 feet up the tree.

It cannot be, can it? It most certainly can — that softball is a bald eagle's head. Viewed through binoculars, it looks wet from a recent downpour. But the sun blazes down. Not a raindrop in sight. Has the eagle just dived for a fish or a duck in the pool?

That question, once posed, swirls around me like thick river fog. "Perhaps," is the answer, but whatever took place several minutes before takes a back seat to what happens now. I can't turn around. I must walk toward the eagle if I want to return to my car. And the eagle will fly when I take my first steps. They don't let people walk up to see them.

So much for what usually happens. Next thing I know, I am standing directly across the small pool from the eagle. Thirty yards away, the snoozing bird barely can keep its eyes open. I watch while that white head, magnified through field glasses, morphs from a softball to beach ball in size.

Last year in New York, 173 breeding pairs of bald eagles produced 244 young. A fair number of those birds fledged here in Central New York. Take a walk by a river, a wetland, a lake. The odds just might be in your favor.

Marsi is a freelance writer from Vestal. E-mail him at rmarsi@stny.rr.com

http://www.stargazette.com/article/20110515/LIFE12/105150311/Great-Outdoors-Bald-eagle-sighting-worth-odds?odyssey=nav|head

Walkers spot missing bald eagle Pilgrim in Perthshire

Pilgrim has a 7ft wingspan and was hand-reared in captivity

3 May 2011

Fears are growing for a bald eagle, described as a "big softie", who has been missing from a falconry in Perthshire since Saturday.

Nine-year-old Pilgrim has been sighted by walkers in the Sherriffmuir hills, a few miles from his home at Phoenix Falconry, near Auchterarder.

He was chased from there at the weekend by a pair of wild buzzards.

Staff at the centre have been unable to catch him and said it was now "a race against time" to rescue the eagle.

Pilgrim, who has a 7ft (2.1m) wingspan, was hand-reared in captivity and does not know how to hunt and feed himself in the wild.

It was feared that he had flown hundreds of miles away but several sightings over the weekend suggest he has remained closer to home.

Head falconer Adrian Hallgarth said: "Some walkers spotted him on Sunday on Sheriffmuir, and we had several reliable sightings on Monday evening.

"On each occasion these people were alerted by him being beaten up by buzzards.

"In the air he presents a large target for these aggressive birds, so he'll be driven to ground to keep a low profile and that's making it harder to find him. It is a race against time now."

Mr Hallgarth said he was convinced Pilgrim remained in the area and said he was worried the bird of prey could be mobbed to death by other birds, killed on a road or even shot.

He added: "He can't hunt and my greatest fear is that in desperation he will go for road kill on the nearby A9 and be run over. Or he could be shot by someone trying to protect their sheep.

"It is also possible he could be mobbed to death as buzzards and crows are protecting their nests at this time of year and will see him as a threat."
Tracking equipment

This is the third time Pilgrim has gone missing from the Perthshire falconry.

Tracking equipment used to locate him after previous escapes failed to register anything over the weekend.

The eagle is used to being handled by hundreds of visitors at the falconry, but inexperienced members of the public were warned not to approach him.

Staff at the centre are continuing their search.

Mr Hallgarth added : "I am his 'dad'. If he sees me he will come straight to me. I just hope it is not too late."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-13268112

Wildwood owls in flight

The keeper team at Wildwood have been busy training two of our tawny owls to take part in flying displays at the park. After a number of practice sessions behind the scenes the birds have now moved into the woodland areas of the park for training.

The owls, named Falcor and Gimli, have been training in private for a number of months and are now ready to practice flying in the public areas to get them used to flying with visitors around.

Keeper Chris Jewell said “It takes a while to train the owls to fly to the glove as they’re not generally receptive to training and are easily distracted, but we are taking it at a steady pace for the birds and they are coming on very well. We have moved the practice area into the park and so far the customers who have seen the birds in flight have been delighted.”

As well as getting the birds ready for organised displays the training is also a great way to keep the owls both physically and mentally fit, “not only is this the perfect way to exercise the owls, learning to fly to a glove gives them discipline and keeps them entertained” said Chris.

Owls are amongst the most beautiful and iconic animals to live in the British countryside but sadly most people are unlikely to ever see one except in captivity, and even then it is very rare to see an owl in flight. As a conservation charity, Wildwood is dedicated to educating people about British wildlife in as natural a setting as possible and it is hoped that once the owls have finished their training we will be able to demonstrate their amazing flying skills to thousands of visitors every year.

Wildwood is home to a range of native owls such as tawny, short eared, eagle and barn owls. Training will continue at the park for the next few weeks so if you are lucky enough to be visiting when they are practicing please be sure to stop and enjoy this amazing sight.

Bald Eagle Sighting Almost A Guarantee Along The Housatonic River

Peter Marteka
Nature's Path & Way To Go
January 16, 2011

My bald eagle sightings in the state have been limited to sheer luck and being in the right place at the right time.

Last January, I was walking along the Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail in Meriden when a bald eagle flew mere feet above my head along the river. Prior to that I sighted an eagle high up in a tree as I drove across the old swing bridge connecting Haddam and East Haddam. About a decade separated my two glimpses of our national symbol.

Now, if there was a place I could go in the state that would pretty much guarantee a Haliaeetus leucocephalus sighting…

The Shepaug bald eagle observation area in Southbury – one of the largest concentration of wintering eagles in Connecticut - comes pretty close to that guarantee. Even during this good old fashioned New England winter where everything seems to be frozen tight, the waters of Housatonic River at the Shepaug Dam remains open water year round due to the operation of a hydroelectric station. That means fishing season is always open.

bout that guarantee? During the 2010 bald eagle observation season, officials from FirstLight Power Resources noted that an average of six eagles were seen plucking fish out of the water, soaring overhead or perched on trees. So far this year, that average is up to eight raptors. Since the viewing area opened in 1985, more than 130,000 people have seen bald eagles – a raptor that was once very close to extinction.

The observation area is open for eagle viewing through March 16 as eagles make their way from up north seeking open water to feed. Some of the eagles live around the dam year-round. If fishing was this good, I wouldn't leave either. Bald eagles aren't the only ones licking their beaks, other birds seen in the area include red-tail hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, goshawks, great blue herons and a variety of waterfowl.

"The area is situated to help minimize any disruption to the visiting eagles so people can observe these majestic creatures in their normal winter habitat," said Gary Smolen, longtime coordinator of the program. "We love to have kids with their families, seniors and anyone having an appreciation of wildlife come and visit. It's an experience they will not soon forget.

Visitors gather in a blind with spotting scopes and high-powered telescopes set up to provide excellent viewing, but bringing your own binoculars is suggested. Volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon Society can assist viewers, provide information and answer questions.

So if you want to see an eagle, take a quarter out of your pocket. If you want to see the national symbol, take a trip to a dam along the Housatonic River this winter.

The area is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Although admission is free, reservations are required as attendance is limited in order not to spook the birds. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-368-8954, Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through March 7.

http://www.courant.com/community/southbury/hc-marteka-eagle-watch-0116-20110116,0,7529572.column

Gamekeeper on Scottish estate convicted of placing poison bait

Infamous Leadhills Estate scene of another poisoning

November 2010. A gamekeeper formerly employed on the Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire has been convicted of laying a rabbit bait laced with the banned poison Carbofuran on an open hillside. Lewis Whitham, now of Skipton, North Yorkshire, appeared at Lanark Sheriff Court, and plead guilty to placing a poison bait, contrary to section 5 1 A of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. He was fined £800. The court heard that on 8th April 2009, Whitham was witnessed driving a quad bike on Braid Hill, near Leadhills. He was seen to stop the bike and take a dead rabbit off the back of it. This was staked to the ground and sprinkled with "a significant quantity" of Carbofuran.

‘Targeting crows'
In mitigation, the court was told that Whitham was trying to impress his employers but that there was a high population of crows in the area. He accepted that what he did was "quite wrong" and was fully aware that Carbofuran should not be used. He also accepted that the use of poison bait was indiscriminate. Sheriff Stewart said that gamekeepers have special responsibilities to the environment, and that this was contrary to the standards expected.

2009 worst year for recorded poisoning incidents

Bob Elliot, RSPB Scotland's Head of Investigations welcomed the conviction. "Cases of illegal poisoning are difficult to detect, but it is shameful that incidents like this continue to be discovered. 2009 was the worst year we have recorded for illegal poisoning incidents, but this only recognises those incidents that were actually found. These illegal and very toxic chemicals endanger some of our most iconic and protected species; the reckless and indiscriminate nature of these offences regularly kill birds such as red kites and golden eagles, as well as domestic pets, attracted to what is apparently a piece of carrion lying on a hillside."

New legislation
"The Scottish Government has recently announced an amendment to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, currently passing through the Scottish Parliament, which is designed to prosecute landowners who allow their employees to commit wildlife crime on their land, including illegal poisoning. We hope that this measure will be supported by all those who wish to see an end to the illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland and it is strongly welcomed by RSPB Scotland".

Scottish Government figures released recently indicated that four golden eagles, a white-tailed eagle and five red kites have already fallen victim to illegal poisoning this year.

Leadhills was owned by Mark Osborne, whose estates have been linked to several incidents:


2004 Leadhills keeper fined £500 for shooting a short-eared owl.

2006 Wildlife inspectors and police launch dawn raid at Leadhills Estate

2003 Staff at Leadhills filmed shooting a Hen harrier and removing eggs from a nest

2006 Rabbit baits, 2 dead buzzards and traces of Carbofuran discovered at Leadhills.

There are several more documented incidents of raptor persecution on estates who have links to Osborne.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/leadhills-poison.html

Sea eagle numbers reach new levels in Scotland

New figures reveal record-breaking year for iconic bird of prey

November 2010. 2010 has proved a record-breaking year for the UK's largest bird of the prey, the white-tailed sea eagle. Not only has the Scottish population passed the 50 breeding pairs milestone, the species has also produced more young per pair than in any other year since their reintroduction 35 years ago.

52 pairs of Sea eagles in Scotland - 46 young fledged
Recent figures show there are now 52 territorial pairs in the country, an increase of 6 since 2009. The last 12 months also saw 46 young successfully fledge, a good 10 more than the previous year, resulting in a landmark year for productivity.

Extinct in the UK
This iconic species was completely wiped out in Britain, ultimately due to human killing and the activities of egg and skin collectors. After an absence of over half a century, a reintroduction programme started on the island of Rum in 1975, aimed at returning these majestic raptors to Scotland's skies.

Numbers not seen since 1850s
Since then the species has been steadily recovering and RSPB Scotland experts believe there are now as many "flying barn-doors", as they are affectionately known, in the UK as there were around 150 years ago.

8 foot wingspan boosts local tourism by £2 million per year

An adult bird has an impressive 8 ft wing-span and striking white tail, making the majestic sea eagle a spectacular sight and a tourist magnet to areas such as Mull and Skye. On Mull alone sea eagle tourism boosts the local economy by over £2m every year.

Satellite tracking
The species' appeal has even spread online where wildlife web-watchers can track the progress of two young sea eagles satellite-tagged on Mull earlier this year. The pair, Shelly and Midge, hatched on the island and it is now possible to follow their movements by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/mulleagletracking .

East of Scotland reintroductionMeanwhile, the third stage of the reintroduction programme is continuing in the East of Scotland. This year a further 19 young eagles, donated by the people of Norway, were released from a secret location in Fife. This takes the total number of birds released during the first four years of the East Coast Sea Eagle reintroduction programme, a partnership project between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland, to over 60.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "This is fantastic news. 2010 is a significant year in that it is the 25th anniversary of the first young to be reared in Scotland since its extinction in the early 20th century, and it is also the year of International Biodiversity. I have no doubt that the successful reintroduction of this magnificent bird can continue, and along with the East Coast Sea Eagle Project, ensures that this species can establish territories right across Scotland, restoring a strong Scotland wide population."

First released on Rum
Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland said: "This record breaking year comes exactly 35 years after the first birds were released on Rum, it's really amazing to see just how far this inspiring species has come since then. A huge number of people from all walks of life have helped this project. With the east coast reintroduction now in full swing, we look forward to these birds adding to the Scottish population in the coming years. There are plenty of suitable habitats and natural wild prey to support a good population.

Cooperation with farmers, crofters, foresters and others
"Achieving the milestone of 50 pairs puts the species well on track to reaching pre-Victorian population levels - and this has only been possible due to the invaluable support of farmers, crofters, foresters and countless others in communities up and down Scotland."

Ron Macdonald from Scottish Natural Heritage, one of the main partners and funders of the sea eagle reintroduction projects, and joint funders of the monitoring of the west coast birds, said: "The increase in the range of sea eagles on the west coast combined with the ongoing reintroduction on the east coast is returning Scotland's sea eagle population to its former glory. It's a joy to see one of these huge birds soaring above you - but they also bring money into local businesses. We hope that, like Mull, other communities will begin to enjoy the economic return that wildlife projects like this can bring."

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/sea-eagles010.html

Bird sighting: Peregrine falcon

Peregrine falcon by Kelly Thurgood.

By Bill Fenimore
Published Oct 11, 2010 09:31AM
Updated Oct 10, 2010 04:21PM

Falco peregrinus

The peregrine falcon, one of the most powerful birds of prey and fastest of birds, is a modern-day success story.

It can reach speeds of 200 mph in a stoop when pursuing prey. It was almost lost through poisoning with DDT. The populations crashed from the 1950s to the 1970s and it was declared an endangered species. DDT was banned and rehabilitation work began through the Peregrine Fund.

Peregrines and other birds of prey have recovered since. It was removed from the endangered species list in 1999.

Peregrines reside throughout Utah and have been using nesting boxes erected on the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City and other locations along Great Salt Lake wetlands. Tall skyscrapers and other structures, such as bridges, represent the cliff faces the falcons would normally use along the Wasatch Front. Rock pigeons in cities provide an ample food source.

The peregrine was once named duck hawk, and it hunts waterfowl along the Great Salt Lake wetlands.

The peregrine has a distinctive black mustache mark on the face. It has very long and pointed wings. It weighs between 19 and 56 ounces. Females are larger than males, a characteristic common with birds of prey.

The name “peregrine” means wanderer. It is one of the world’s most widespread birds and is found on all continents except Antarctica.

The female lays two to six eggs that are incubated up to 32 days, primarily by the female. The semialtricial young stay in the nest up to 42 days. They are fed by both sexes.

Bill Fenimore is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center, www.wildbird.com/layton, author of Backyard Birds of Utah and a member of the Utah Wildlife Board. The Wild Bird Center is holding an anniversary party Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Live eagles, peregrine falcons, hawks and owls will be on display.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/outdoors/50387793-117/peregrine-birds-bird-prey.html.csp

Great Gray Owl

Great gray owl research provides evidence that the Sierra Nevada is home to a genetically distinct population, compared to great gray owls outside of California.

Scientists, in 2010, documented Yosemite's great gray owl (Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis) as genetically distinct from the great gray owl in western North America (Strix nebulosa nebulosa). In addition to genetic differences, behavioral differences appear to exist in the Yosemite subspecies. These include differences in migration patterns, prey preference, and nest site selection. Each of these genetic and behavioral characteristics indicates the Sierra Nevada population of great gray owls has been isolated from other populations for an extensive period of time.

Yosemite, today, is the southernmost range and last sanctuary of almost all of California's great gray owls, listed as California State Endangered Species. Researchers estimate there are only about 200 to 300 individuals in California, and about 65% of the state's population resides in Yosemite. Great gray owls nest in the middle elevations of the park where forests and meadows meet. They can be active at any time of the day or night, preferring to hunt in open meadows and clearings within the forest.Then, in winter, they move downslope to snow-free areas where they can more easily access their rodent prey.

This rare and endangered owl is the largest North American owl but also can be found in Asia and Europe. It stands as tall as 2 feet with a 5-foot wingspan and has distinctive piercing yellow eyes accented by large facial disks.

To gain a greater understanding of Yosemite's great gray owl and its genetic make-up, Yosemite joined with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station and geneticists from University of California, Davis to assess genetics, ecological-limiting factors, and immediate management needs of the Sierra-wide population. Great gray owls, restricted to montane meadows, are threatened from mounting resource use in the broader Sierra Nevada. Threats outside the park include timber harvest, grazing, and development pressures.

National parks like Yosemite that provide nearly intact ecosystems are critically important to both identify new species of plants and animals and to provide a laboratory in which to conduct scientific study. Yosemite's research aims to develop a predictive GIS-based habitat model of great gray owl distribution and habitat associations; and design a long-term monitoring plan to assess population trends.

Future genetic research on the great gray owl in Yosemite would help develop a technique to identify individual owls from their molted feathers. This non-invasive research method would allow scientists to study survival rates, reproduction patterns, and other important information through the DNA found in the collected feathers. Additionally, this research method would mitigate negative impacts on the sensitive great gray owl population in the park.

• Learn more about Yosemite's birds, including the park's other special status bird species.
  

Read the 2010 citation naming the Strix nebulosa Yosemitensis:
 

Hull, J.M.; Keane, J.J.; Savage, W.K.; Godwin, S.A.; Shafer, J.A.; Jepsen, E.P.; Gerhardt, R.; Stermer, C.; Ernest, H.B. (2010, July). Range-wide genetic differentiation among North American great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) reveals a distinct lineage restricted to the Sierra Nevada, California. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 56(1), 212-221, DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.02.027

 

http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/great-gray-owl.htm

 

Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2010 Jul;56(1):212-21. Epub 2010 Mar 1.

Range-wide genetic differentiation among North American great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) reveals a distinct lineage restricted to the Sierra Nevada, California.

Hull JM, Keane JJ, Savage WK, Godwin SA, Shafer JA, Jepsen EP, Gerhardt R, Stermer C, Ernest HB.

Abstract
Investigations of regional genetic differentiation are essential for describing phylogeographic patterns and informing management efforts for species of conservation concern. In this context, we investigated genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) populations in western North America, which includes an allopatric range in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Based on a total dataset consisting of 30 nuclear microsatellite DNA loci and 1938-base pairs of mitochondrial DNA, we found that Pacific Northwest sampling groups were recovered by frequency and Bayesian analyses of microsatellite data and each population sampled, except for western Canada, showed evidence of recent population bottlenecks and low effective sizes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of sequence data indicated that the allopatric Sierra Nevada population is also a distinct lineage with respect to the larger species range in North America ; we suggest a subspecies designation for this lineage should be considered (Strix nebulosa yosemitensis). Our study underscores the importance of phylogeographic studies for identifying lineages of conservation concern, as well as the important role of Pleistocene glaciation events in driving genetic differentiation of avian fauna.

(Submitted by Chad Arment)

Pilots on alert for high-flying vulture

By Avril Ormsby

LONDON | Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:50am EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's air traffic controllers put pilots on alert this week after a vulture which can soar as high as 30,000 feet escaped from her handlers during a display.

Gandalf, a seven-year-old Ruppell's Vulture with a three-meter wingspan, has not been seen since she caught a warm thermal during a show at the World of Wings center in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, on Tuesday.

Nats, Britain's air traffic control company, said it had made pilots aware of the possibility of seeing the bird, while the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, said bird strike is a constant threat to aviation.

"She caught a nice thermal and was gone," Alan Galloway, director at World of Wings, told Reuters.

"I had a mixture of feelings. She was like a ballerina in the sky, changing from this big lumbering bird on the ground."

Most airborne collisions involve birds flying into engines, forcing some aircraft into an emergency landing.

In January last year, a US Airways crew ditched their plane in the Hudson River in New York, with no human fatalities, after both engines were effectively disabled by a bird strike.

Gandalf, originally from Africa, can fly for long periods, and could reach the European continent.

Sightings by members of the public have been reported in Inverness, in northern Scotland, to Cornwall in southwest England, but none has been confirmed.

Galloway said he thought it unlikely the bird would pose a threat to aircraft as she would be hungry, flying low in search of food.

A demonstration bird, she has been at World of Wings for six years.

"She's clever and quite charming, but temperamental and not everybody's cup of tea," he added.

(Editing by Steve Addison)

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67I23O20100819

Stray vulture poses threat to Scottish airspace

Posted Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:15am AEST

Pilots in Scottish airspace have been warned of the potential danger posed by a vulture which flew off from a public display and failed to return, air traffic controllers said on Wednesday.

Gandalf, a seven-year-old female Ruppell's Griffon vulture, was performing in a display at the World of Wings birds of prey centre in Cumbernauld, near Glasgow, on Tuesday when she took flight, possibly caught in a gust of wind.

Air traffic control company NATS said pilots using Glasgow Airport were alerted about the bird.

Joanna Timson, one of the falconers at World of Wings, said: "The conditions for flying for vultures were absolutely perfect. She was last seen heading in the Stirling direction.

"Gandalf has never done this before."

The vulture stands 1.2 metres (four feet) high with a three-metre (10-foot) wingspan.

"Our main concern is if members of the public see her, they may be frightened," Timson said.

A NATS spokesman said: "We made pilots aware of the possibility of seeing this bird as it has a three-metre wingspan and can fly at altitudes used by commercial aircraft."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/19/2987015.htm

Dive-bombing hawks send posties running

By QMI Agency

Postal workers in Moose Jaw, Sask., are taking cover after hawks have started to dive-bomb them.

Residents in about four city blocks have been told their mail delivery will be suspended because the Swainson's hawks pose a threat to workers, Teresa Williams of Canada Post told QMI Agency Friday.

"They're defending their nest," she said, adding the birds' talons could seriously injure someone. "It can be quite dangerous."

While residents might not be happy with having to go to the post office to pick up their mail, Williams said many people understand because this is the second year in a row the birds have behaved this way.

"They weren't aggressive for quite some time. I don't know why they became aggressive now. Maybe their young hatched," Williams said.

"We can't shoo it away," she added. "Nature has to take its course."

Williams said they're unsure how long home delivery will have to be suspended. Last year, people had to go to the post office for their mail for several weeks.

The Peregrine Fund says Swainson's hawks are often found in open grasslands, prairies, farmlands and deserts that have some trees for nesting. The female hawk will lay two or three eggs, which are incubated for 34 days, and then the young fledge about six weeks later.

"At one time, hawks avoided the city but now they're moving in," Williams said, noting Canada Post is watching the birds this year to come up with a plan if they return to the same nest next summer.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2010/08/06/14941916.html

Not a happy ending for New Forest hobbies

12:18pm Tuesday 6th July 2010

By Katie Clark

THE goshawks may have flown the nest but the tale hasn't ended quite so happily for the hobby nest which replaced the young birds of prey on our online nestcam.

The hobby nest has had two of the three eggs taken out of it, with the final egg abandoned by its parents.

Cameras switched over to the new nest following the fortunes of the goshawk pair and their chicks taking flight last week.

Hobbies nest later in the season and a nest was chosen to film but when the camera was switched on at the weekend, only one remained.

Peter Dobson from Carnyx Wild said: "We believe that on Friday or Saturday last week, the hobby nest was predated by a crow or some other corvid.

"The female was still visiting the nest and spending short period of time incubating the remaining egg.

"However, she has not been at the nest since Sunday morning.

"The final egg will therefore be cold and will not hatch."

Although the male and female will remain in the area, it is too late in the season for them to attempt another nest.

Therasa Paul (corr), Date with Nature project officer said: "This is such a shame and the first time it has happened in the four years the project has been running.

"Although this is a disappointment, there is still plenty to see and do here at the Reptile Centre."

The Daily Echo had linked up with the RSPB, New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry Commission and Carnyx Wild to bring live pictures of the rare goshawks direct to the website from a secret location.

The project will continue until the end of August at the Reptile Centre in Lyndhurst.

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8256586.Not_a_happy_ending_for_New_Forest_hobbies/
(Submitted by Mark North)

Mother falcon attacks dog, people in Buffalo, NY

Jun 15, 3:13 PM EDT

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Her chicks have left the nest, but a peregrine falcon nesting on a Buffalo tower is proving to be an overprotective mother. Antoine Lanier said he saw the falcon recently chase a teenage boy across a street near the University of Buffalo's South Campus, where a falcon nesting platform is perched on McKay Tower.

Minutes later, Lanier said the falcon swooped in and attacked his dog, leaving the pooch with bloodied paws and ears.

State wildlife biologist Connie Adams said the falcon chicks hatched on the UB tower have left the nest, but the mother remains defensive of her territory.

She said the falcon attacked a pair of bird watchers and a man working on the roof of a Buffalo hospital.

Adams said the mother falcon should become less aggressive in about two weeks.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_AGGRESSIVE_FALCON

Rare harriers alter works on Weymouth Relief Road

11:00am Friday 11th June 2010

A PAIR of rare birds have put a spanner in the works of the Weymouth Relief Road.

Two marsh harriers are nesting at Lodmoor a few yards from the route of the multi-million pound carriageway.

Experts believe the birds have young and it could be up to a month before they fly the nest.

Conservationists have held discussions with Dorset County Council and relief road builder Skanska to ensure the breeding site, which is protected by law, is not disturbed.

An exclusion zone has been set up and works that generate loud noise or vibrations have been halted for the next few weeks.

The location of the nest is not being disclosed for now but the RSPB hopes to run events at a later date to allow people to view the young birds when they are flying.

There are fewer marsh harriers breeding in the UK than golden eagles and to have a breeding site so close to a town is unusual.

A pair bred at the RSPB’s Radipole reserve last year – the first to do so in Dorset for almost 50 years.

RSPB Weymouth Wetlands reserves manager Nick Tomlinson reckons the male from last year has set up the new nest.

He said: “The last thing we wanted is for the birds to abandon the nest because of the works.”

Dorset County Council’s natural environment manager Dr Phil Sterling said a revised programme of work on the relief road had been introduced to ensure the birds remain undisturbed.

He said: “There are a number of staff monitoring the nest and should the birds display any signs of distress we will immediately cease work.

“Any particularly noisy work, or work which causes vibrations, will be delayed until the chicks have fledged.

“We would welcome observations from any local bird recorders who report any abnormal activity.”

Dr Sterling added: “Our observations indicate the birds have become accustomed to their environment.

“However, until breeding has finished, or the chicks leave the nest, particularly disruptive work will not restart.

“However, as Dorset County Council and Skanska have modified their construction programme, work on the relief road has not been delayed.”

Natural England spokesman Gwilym Wren said: “This wasn’t in the plan at all.

“Last year a pair of marsh harriers bred in Dorset for the first time in many years which was great and now to everyone’s consternation they have set up a nest close to where the work is going on.

“The contractors have been extremely flexible and have altered what they’re doing to allow the birds some breathing space.”

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/8214075.Rare_harriers_alter_works_on_Weymouth_Relief_Road/
(Submitted by Mark North)