Migrating birds suffer huge loss

[tocqueville]

By Rebecca Morelle
BBC News science reporter

Migratory birds have suffered a dramatic decline in numbers, according to a study.

Species that migrate thousands of miles from Africa to the UK have been the worst hit over the last 30 years.

The researchers say the cause of the decline remains a "mystery", but could be linked to climate change, habitat destruction or pesticide use.

Writing in the journal Biological Conservation, they warn the losses may indicate wider environmental damage.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5017346.stm



OK, who can identify first this mostly Eurasian species above ?

[semillama]

1. off the top of my head

Is that a Northern Wheatear?

[tocqueville]

2. ding ding ding you win

could be fun to post pictures of birds for identification....

[Theres-a]

3. Gametime!

[semillama]

4. Belted Kingfisher, Female

If we do this game again, let's add a twist: It has to be a bird you've seen this year.

Anyone game for that?

here's one of mine:

[Theres-a]

5. Jamaican Tody

I used google-is that cheating?

[semillama]

6. Not cheating, but not the right bird either!

Close, but no cigar.

You can use this DU group to find the answer to what that bird is, actually.

[blindpig]

7. Cuban Tody

It's on my lifelist.}(

[semillama]

8. Too far west.

Tody is correct, but this tody could be said to be a United States tody...

[blindpig]

9. Damn but they look similar.

Not surprising though. Considering your recent travels and the heavy handed clue it must be a Puerto Rican. Your photo? If so it's killer.