Fulmars contaminated more by food than microplastics

Date:February 17, 2016

Source:Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

Contrary to previous belief, new research has shown that microplastics are not a significant source of environmental pollutants in fulmars. Seabirds ingest most of these pollutants through food, the researchers concluded.

Millions of tons of plastic float around in the world's oceans, most of it as microplastics. Waves, wind and weather wear down the waste material until it is reduced to microscopic particles that remain in the sea for a long time. Littering of the world's oceans is a major environmental problem, as it is in Norway too.

It is not unusual for the microplastics to end up in the stomach of marine organisms, where it can do great harm. An additional cause of concern is the environmental pollutants linked to plastic. Even though not all plastics contain hazardous substances, plastic has the ability to bind fat-soluble organic pollutants from the environment to itself. Thus, it reflects the concentration of environmental pollutants in the sea.

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Bird enthusiasts in East Lancashire asked for help

BIRD enthusiasts from across East Lancashire are being asked to help halt the decline of the UK’s most acrobatic and spectacular birds.

Swallows, swifts and house martins have all decreased in number over the past 30 years because of pesticides killing off insects and building renovations giving them fewer places to nest.

They are on the ‘amber list’ for birds of conservation concern and swifts are on Lancashire Biodiversity Partnership’s ‘long list’ of endangered species in the region.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire has made efforts to create a habitat for one of the family with its new purpose-built sand martin walls at Brockholes in Samlesbury.

Alan Wright, from the trust, said: “Specialist bird boxes can help to provide homes and give you some wildlife excitement over spring and summer.

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/10509348.Bird_enthusiasts_in_East_Lancashire_asked_for_help/

Rare Owls Seen in Milwaukee County

The long, late winter has sent three owl species south, looking for food. The DNR has safe viewing tips for people lucky enough to glimpse the great grey owl, hawk owl and boreal owl.

Three species of rare owls have come to Wisconsin from the boreal forests of Canada, looking for food, as the late winter has made it difficult for them in their usual habitat. 

Every few years, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there is a crash in the population of small rodents that forces owls to move south in search of food. Because of it, three species not normally seen here have moved to the area. The northern hawk owl, great gray owl and boreal owl have all been spotted in the state, as far south as Kenosha County. 

"Unfortunately, long winters and early springs, coupled with unfamiliar landscapes, increased roads and other risk factors, have taken a toll on some of these rare visitors," explained Ryan Brady, natural resources research scientist with the DNR. "Great grey owls and northern hawk owls are prone to vehicle collisions as they hunt over roadside ditches. Boreal owls may begin hunting by daylight to find food, and may turn to backyard bird feeding stations in hopes of finding mice attracted to spilled seed."

Continued: http://wauwatosa.patch.com/articles/rare-owls-seen-in-milwaukee-county-8a1572ce

Wildlife suffers with late berries

The cold, wet spring has left berries, fruits and nuts ripening late, making life difficult for birds, mice and voles that rely on them for food, experts have said.

The RSPB said there were reports from parts of the country of late-ripening autumn foods in the countryside and gardens.

The cold, wet spring could be to blame as plants did not get the necessary conditions to develop or produce fruit at the right time, the wildlife charity suggested.

Plant charity Plantlife said some species at its Ranscombe Farm reserve in Kent appeared to have been pushed back by the cold start to the year.

Plantlife's Richard Moyse said: "There's a great crop of blackberries here, which is good for birds, dormice and other wildlife, but blackberries flower in summer, and it is spring-flowering species, such as blackthorn, that may have suffered from the absence of bees and other pollinators in the cold and wet spring. Sloes have certainly been hard to find this autumn."

Continued:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5irg20oEsZtY0w3wDOvFG8lq9F5lw?docId=N0509711349084572771A

RSPB asks gardeners to leave natural areas to help wildlife

AS NIGHTS become colder, birds and other wildlife can be seen preparing for winter.

Wildlife charity the RSPB says most of our summer visitors, such as the warblers and swallows, have left to begin their migration south.

Yet their place will soon be taken by winter thrushes from the north that come to eat the berries left in our hedgerows.

Members of the tit family, like the coal tit, start to flock together and other species become quieter and no longer fight over territories and need warm roosts in the evening.

The RSPB is calling on the residents of Hampshire to consider the wildlife that may come to rely on our gardens for food and shelter.

Continued:  http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/9936802.RSPB_asks_gardeners_to_leave_natural_areas_to_help_wildlife/