ShootingUK is the complete shooting resource for the British shooting community. From shotgun licence and shotgun certificate information to gun reviews, game shooting, clay shooting and more.
The decline in overwintering bird numbers has been attributed to climate change.
By Selena Masson
Monday, 20 August 2007
A new report investigating bird populations, by a group of organisations including the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the RSPB, has highlighted a doubling of 39 different species of waterbirds, ducks, geese and wading birds overwintering in the UK in the last three decades.
However, the State of the UK's Birds 2006 report has also drawn attention to the fact the wintering populations of some species are actually declining, principally because of climate change.
Every winter the UK is host to two million birds, including important wildfowling quarry from northern Europe, Greenland, Siberia and Arctic Canada. Good habitat management, as practiced by wildfowlers, has significantly contributed to the marked increase in some other migrant species, most notably the black-tailed godwit and the avocet.
However, the report brought to light the declining populations of seven other quarry visitors, including the white-fronted goose, the shelduck, mallard and pochard.
Interestingly, climate change has been cited as the principal reason for the decline, as winters become milder all over the world, it seems some species are not forced to fly as far as the UK.
The service is being held at Cudham Church, near S...
The Spanish gunmaker's new No.1 Deluxe model does a great imperso... Read more
I have suffered a series of misses and now lack confidence in my rifle... Read more
lkley Moor is to get £50,000 in Lottery cash to tackle wear and ... Read more
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
A legend in the shooting world, Shooting Times' much-loved column... Read more
Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.
Comments