Submitted by Ms. Jacky Chaplow on
Can you help the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS)?
The PBMS receives around 350 raptor carcasses a year, almost one for every day of the year! Typically, the birds have been hit by a motor vehicle, flown into a window or have died of starvation, although we take carcasses irrespective of the cause of death.
Lee Walker, coordinator for the PBMS, comments, “We examine the carcasses of birds that have sadly died to tell us about trends and risks from pollution. Carcasses are sent in by members of the public - anyone can be a citizen scientist and help the PBMS in this way.
There are peaks and troughs in submissions; most carcasses are sent in around autumn and late winter/early spring. To date in 2017, we have received around 150 bird carcasses but recently have received lower than normal numbers. This is why we are appealing for your help now”.
How can you help?
· be particularly vigilant in looking out for, collecting and sending in any raptor carcasses you come across
· increase awareness of the PBMS by forwarding this news item to friends or by sharing our appeal on social media
· print our A4 poster to display in an appropriate place
Thank you for your support. More background information about the PBMS can be found here and on other webpages on this website.