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Surveying Birmingham's Bird Life

Common species of bird were found in all areas.
With the help of the RSPB, Birmingham University and hundreds of volunteers, Birmingham Parks have conducted a region-wide bird survey, the first major survey of biodiversity in streams and rivers within Birmingham, to try and map the populations of local wetland bird life.

The survey was conducted over two years and has investigated over 50kms of stream across Birmingham and recovered more than 10,000 individual bird records.

The survey revealed surprise inclusions, including a red kite, the second only to be found in Birmingham, and a little ringed plover, both found around Harborne Reservoir. The survey also recorded numerous ring-necked parakeets in Perry Park. Common species of bird were found in all areas, including woodpigeon, blackbird, magpie, great tit, wren, carrion crow, blue tit and robin. Other birds found were the chiffchaff, mallard, moorhen, grey heron, Canadian goose, coot, great crested grebe, tufted duck, cormorant, mute swan and little grebe.

The result of this survey is the capturing of new and important data for mapping bird populations in Birmingham. The findings now show a clear relationship between bird and habitat type, with some surprises, such as how common and widespread song thrush are and increasing numbers of records of grey heron and grey wagtail, both indications of improving water quality.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk