Mother and chicks

The summer has started strongly and several birds continued their migration north. Others, that choose the Algarve wetlands to breed and the result is on this beautiful photograph. Mother and chicks in Lagoa dos Salgados.

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

Glossy Ibis in Salgados

Plegadis falcinellus in April, in Lagoa dos Salgados, Algarve.

Extremely slender but round -winged in flight, elegant, round bodied, but long necked on the ground, the Glossy Ibis looks almost black unless seen closely in good ligth. Then, it shows reflections of bronze and deep coppery red. Migratory specie, most european birds winter in Africa. Gregarious, nests colonially in trees, feeding on fish and amphibious along marshlands.

You can find it in South Portugal for example, in Ria formosa Natural Park, Lagoa dos Salgados and Castro Marim

Birds and public health

North American scientist are studying West Nile virus and the way that birds populations can help to buffer people against infection. This study is also an interesting approach how biodiversity can provide a important service for the human people.

“Protecting biodiversity should be considered in public health and safety plans” as the author refers.

You can read more in here: Swaddle JP, Calos SE (2008) Increased Avian Diversity Is Associated with Lower Incidence of Human West Nile Infection: Observation of the Dilution Effect. PLoS ONE 3(6): e2488. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002488