In a previous video on BirdFlu I've seen several comments lamenting the fact that despite the RSPB's call to action they don't come up with anything specific that the ordinary member of the public can do. This is going to be a problem with bird flu at this stage because so little is known about the disease but generally there is a lot we can all do. The first and most important is not to turn our backs on the plight of seabirds and go into denial because we can't cope with the bad news. Instead make the effort to follow the news even if it is distressful and uncomfortable. Become better informed about the plight of seabirds and, most importantly, actively advocate on their behalf at every opportunity. At the end of the day awareness of the problems and their causes is the most important thing there is because that's what increases the pressure on 'the powers that be' to take the problems seriously and do something. As this video suggests there are solutions that can help our seabirds but they are not going to happen if we don't speak up for their behalf.
Love seabirds, I live near the sea, we have black caps and herring gulls, so many people take them for granted and even view them as pests... It's hard not to snap at people like: Mate, it's a SEAgull - clue is in the name! You're on THEIR turf 🙄
Very distressing. Just back from northern Orkney where Great Skuas have been particularly hard hit. I wonder why there's no campaign to try and limit the spread of Avian Flu by ensuring dead birds are promptly removed from beaches, etc., given that they still contain the virus for some time (which is how mortality due to Avian Flu is confirmed after all). This would surely help to reduce infections amongst predatory/scavenging bird species which then carry the virus into more and more other bird habitats and colonies. I know RSPB is doing some of this sad work, but I think there should be a call for local authorities/goverenment bodies to make this happen right now everywhere.
In a previous video on BirdFlu I've seen several comments lamenting the fact that despite the RSPB's call to action they don't come up with anything specific that the ordinary member of the public can do. This is going to be a problem with bird flu at this stage because so little is known about the disease but generally there is a lot we can all do. The first and most important is not to turn our backs on the plight of seabirds and go into denial because we can't cope with the bad news. Instead make the effort to follow the news even if it is distressful and uncomfortable. Become better informed about the plight of seabirds and, most importantly, actively advocate on their behalf at every opportunity. At the end of the day awareness of the problems and their causes is the most important thing there is because that's what increases the pressure on 'the powers that be' to take the problems seriously and do something. As this video suggests there are solutions that can help our seabirds but they are not going to happen if we don't speak up for their behalf.
I've seen gulls in town on the ground foraging amongst leaf litter and on lawns.
Thanks!
Love seabirds, I live near the sea, we have black caps and herring gulls, so many people take them for granted and even view them as pests... It's hard not to snap at people like: Mate, it's a SEAgull - clue is in the name! You're on THEIR turf 🙄
Very distressing. Just back from northern Orkney where Great Skuas have been particularly hard hit. I wonder why there's no campaign to try and limit the spread of Avian Flu by ensuring dead birds are promptly removed from beaches, etc., given that they still contain the virus for some time (which is how mortality due to Avian Flu is confirmed after all). This would surely help to reduce infections amongst predatory/scavenging bird species which then carry the virus into more and more other bird habitats and colonies. I know RSPB is doing some of this sad work, but I think there should be a call for local authorities/goverenment bodies to make this happen right now everywhere.
Counted 80 dead seabirds on turnberry beach this evening. Hope the huge gannet colony on Ailsa Craig is ok
Would you mind saying what kind of seabirds they were?