Migratory birds are disappearing

In 2008, 11% of migratory birds were classed by BirdLife International as threatened or near-threatened on the IUCN Red List. Red List indices show that these migrants have become more threatened since 1988, with 33 species deteriorating and just six improving in status.
Analysis of the main threats shows that there are two key pressures which affect nearly 80% of migratory species. These pressures are agriculture which results in habitat degradation and loss, and biological resource use which includes threats such as deforestation and unsustainable hunting. Other important threats include collisions with wind turbines, , electrocution by powerlines, deliberate persecution, poisoning, pollution and disturbance during the breeding period, and. Many existing threats are likely to be exacerbated by climate change.

source: BirdLife International

Children observe the first arrivals of migratory birds

On 1 February 2009 the annual Spring Alive Campaign has been launched by the Partnership of BirdLife International in Europe. ‘Spring Alive’ invites children of the age of 8 to 12 to enjoy and marvel at the return of some of the most fascinating migratory birds to Europe. Through the Spring Alive website, children from all over Europe are asked to record their first sightings of the White Stork Ciconia ciconia, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, Common Swift Apus apus and Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus.
By attracting and uniting European children and their relatives in experiencing nature, Spring Alive aims at contributing to citizen science. Through the observations - which the children and/or their teachers communicate through the Spring Alive website - scientists hope to see whether these four bird species arrive earlier in Europe than previously, thus indicating an increase in temperature in European countries. That way, Spring Alive could contribute to raising awareness for climate change amongst Europe’s youth.

Ask for more information in here and join this large campaingne.

Source: BirdLife European Division, OTOP (BirdLife in Poland)