Let's Join the "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching" Starting Friday!
Bird enthusiasts once more urge public to start counting garden birds commencing from this Friday - Advocates petition for a census of common backyard birds.
Hey there, bird enthusiasts! Get ready to observe our feathered friends once again during the "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching". This event kicks off on Friday and runs until Sunday.
Why, you ask? The data gathered from this event will help refine conservation strategies more precisely, focusing on the protection of various bird species across Germany. During the hour, participants will observe birds from a fixed location in their immediate surroundings for an hour, noting the highest number of each bird species they spot simultaneously.
To participate, you can submit your observations online or through the NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) app. NABU offers additional information on the internet, such as photos of various bird species. According to Martin Rümmler from NABU, they've amassed a unique dataset on bird species throughout Germany over the years.
This time around, NABU is particularly interested in blackbirds. You might wonder why? Well, last summer, they noticed indications that the Usutu virus had reared its ugly head once more in blackbird populations. By focusing on blackbirds, they hope to determine whether the virus is indeed widespread and to pinpoint its specific locations.
The Usutu virus, originally from Africa, has caused major issues for blackbirds (Turdus merula) in Europe in recent years, resulting in significant die-offs[3]. During the "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching" and similar surveys, like the Blackbirds in Gardens survey in the UK, it's essential to report sightings of blackbirds to monitor changes in their populations and gauge the impact of the Usutu virus on these declines[1][5]. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, such as Culex pipiens, which are common in parts of Germany and play a significant role in perpetuating the virus among bird populations[4].
As the presence of Usutu virus antibodies in blackbirds and other animals signals active virus circulation, causing noticeable mortality and population decreases in affected areas[2], your observations during garden bird events prove invaluable in gathering data on blackbird abundance and health. This data is vital for assessing the virus's ongoing impact and guiding conservation efforts.
In a nutshell, the Usutu virus threatens our beloved blackbirds in Germany, and the "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching" supports citizen science initiatives aimed at documenting its effects through birdwatching and reporting. Join us to contribute to the fight against this viral threat![1][3][4][5]
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of animals and plant products, particularly focusing on potential measures to ensure the health and safety of blackbirds, given the recent indications of the Usutu virus in their populations.
- In addition to engaging in backyard birdwatching, environmental-science enthusiasts might find interesting insights via online resources regarding the Usutu virus and its impact on blackbird populations.
- During the "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching" and similar surveys, it's essential to not only note the number of blackbird species but also pay attention to any signs of illness or abnormal behavior, as such observations could play a crucial role in understanding the spread of the Usutu virus.
- The "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching" also serves as an opportunity to learn about the home-and-garden lifestyle, gaining practical insights on how to create welcoming and safe spaces for bird species, including blackbirds, that may be impacted by threats such as the Usutu virus.
- As science continues to evolve and address the complex interplay between various factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, and infectious diseases (like the Usutu virus), the importance of active citizen participation in data collection can't be overstated, and events like the "Hour of Backyard Birdwatching" help bridge the gap between scientific advancement and public knowledge, ultimately benefiting our natural environment.
