UK Cuckoo Birds In Danger Of Extinction...

Society warns cuckoo bird in danger of extinction

By MICHAEL BUSHNELL (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press

May 28, 2009 2:39 PM EDT

"LONDON - Britain's cuckoo bird, known for its distinctive call, is in
danger of extinction along with 51 other species, the Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds said in a new report Thursday.

It found that 21 percent of Britain's bird species face extinction unless
steps are taken to protect them, spokesman Tim Webb said. He said the cuckoo
and other birds that visit Britain in the summer have suffered population
loss largely due to a decrease in food and water supply in sub-Saharan
Africa, where many migrate from.

The problem is difficulty in finding food, he said.

"The Sahara desert is spreading and the birds are having a hard time flying
out in good condition," Webb said. "There isn't just one single problem,
there are a host."

The society said the cuckoo population in Britain has declined 37 percent
since 1994.

The population declines were not limited to summer migratory birds like
cuckoos. Native birds such as the herring gull also made the threatened
list.

Six species did see a recovery in the past seven years, however. The report
said the woodlark has seen a "dramatic" increase in population, as had the
stone-curlew. Webb said these birds saw healthy gains thanks to an increased
effort to maintain woodlands that would allow their numbers to grow.

Webb said the inclusion of such well-known birds as the cuckoo and herring
gull on the list could serve as an eye-opener to people who are unaware of
the decline in bird population.

"Everyone thinks they are always there," he said of the birds. "They didn't
think that such common birds would be struggling, and if nothing changes we
will see them disappear."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

"Gregory Morrow" a écrit dans le message de
m...

Society warns cuckoo bird in danger of extinction

By MICHAEL BUSHNELL (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press

May 28, 2009 2:39 PM EDT

"LONDON - Britain's cuckoo bird, known for its distinctive call, is in
danger of extinction along with 51 other species, the Royal Society for
the
Protection of Birds said in a new report Thursday.

It found that 21 percent of Britain's bird species face extinction unless
steps are taken to protect them, spokesman Tim Webb said. He said the
cuckoo
and other birds that visit Britain in the summer have suffered population
loss largely due to a decrease in food and water supply in sub-Saharan
Africa, where many migrate from.

The problem is difficulty in finding food, he said.

"The Sahara desert is spreading and the birds are having a hard time
flying
out in good condition," Webb said. "There isn't just one single problem,
there are a host."

The society said the cuckoo population in Britain has declined 37 percent
since 1994.

The population declines were not limited to summer migratory birds like
cuckoos. Native birds such as the herring gull also made the threatened
list.

Six species did see a recovery in the past seven years, however. The
report
said the woodlark has seen a "dramatic" increase in population, as had the
stone-curlew. Webb said these birds saw healthy gains thanks to an
increased
effort to maintain woodlands that would allow their numbers to grow.

Webb said the inclusion of such well-known birds as the cuckoo and herring
gull on the list could serve as an eye-opener to people who are unaware of
the decline in bird population.

"Everyone thinks they are always there," he said of the birds. "They
didn't
think that such common birds would be struggling, and if nothing changes
we
will see them disappear."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

On Thu, 28 May 2009 15:27:53 -0500, "Gregory Morrow"
wrote:

It found that 21 percent of Britain's bird species face extinction unless
steps are taken to protect them, spokesman Tim Webb said. He said the cuckoo
and other birds that visit Britain in the summer have suffered population
loss largely due to a decrease in food and water supply in sub-Saharan
Africa, where many migrate from.

and at the other end of the country the sand eels are moving north as
the water warms :-(
--
Mike