SBS News

News and updates about SongBird Survival

We need you!

17/01/22 - We are Hiring!

Job Title: Research & Engagement Manager
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours with flexible working (0.8 hours will be considered)
Location: Remote/home working with occasional travel and visits to SBS office in Diss Norfolk.
We are working in partnership with SongBird Survival (SBS), the only UK charity dedicated solely to the welfare of songbirds. Their aim is to improve, protect and preserve the population of song (and other small bird populations) in the UK, for the benefit of the public and for nature in its widest sense. They do this by commissioning targeted independent scientific research into the causes of the catastrophic decline in songbird numbers and to identify what steps are needed to preserve the dawn chorus for future generations. They also educate the public – individuals, educators, other NGO’s, policymakers, landowners, farmers and others, about the causes and issues, providing guidance and information to influence positive change.
They are now seeking a Research & Engagement Manager to ensure that SBS’s investment in scientific research results in the maximum impact towards achieving their mission, actively educates and encourage audiences to understand the reasons for the decline of songbird populations and to take action to make positive change for songbird conservation. The postholder will also lead on the development of a clear and compelling narrative for their research and engagement activity, which facilitates funding and demonstrates their ambitions and impact as a charity.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:
• Degree level education in Ecology or an appropriate discipline or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of how scientific research is commissioned and delivered.
• Comprehensive knowledge of songbird and other small bird ecology.
• Ability to assimilate and appraise relevant information from scientific literature.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with both scientific and general audiences and mobilise people to act, ideally in relation to nature and the environment.
• Experience of working with social media and PR functions to promote stories via the mass media, blogs, web articles, developing videos and a variety of promotional content, is desired.
We are seeking an individual that adopts a flexible and adaptable approach to work, with enthusiasm for learning and trying new approaches, as well as being able to work alone and as part of a team. A commitment to and enthusiasm for wildlife and environmental issues is essential.
For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Charisma Charity Recruitment, info@charismarecruitment.co.uk or 01962 813300.

Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
Closing date: 11 February 2022, however applications are being reviewed and interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

01/01/22 - 100 Club Winner!

01/01/22 - 100 Club Winner!

Congratulations to SBS member Mr M with winning ticket number 590 in the first 2022 monthly draw!

Tickets for our 100-club are just £12 per year and enter you into our monthly draw with prizes starting from £140 each month, doubling to £280 in December

So far over £11,000 has been won by SBS supporters!

Our 100 club scheme has helped to raise over £50,000 for our research programme. Thank you!

norwegian cat catflap flap.jpg

chaffinch

15/11/21 - Birds and Pesticides Research paper published

The application of harmful pesticides on crops has long been considered as one of the drivers of the decline of farmland bird populations.

The latest paper in the SBS-funded research project into the effect of modern pesticide use, by Cannelle Tassin de Monatigu with Dave Goulson shows that large quantities of treated seeds, which remain on the soil after drilling, are consumed by a wide range of farmland bird species, with the potential to have significant negative effects on species numbers, both through direct toxicity, altering their survival, health and/or reproduction, and also through indirect causes such as food reduction and habitat degredation and loss.

In the field study, carried out in East Sussex during the autumn of 2020, the chaffinch appeared to be most at risk of receiving a harmful dose of pesticide from seed-treated grain, as well the robin and woodlark.

Read more here

SongBird Survival charity_ 5 actions to save songbirds from climate change

21/10/21 - Take 5 Actions to help prevent Loss of British Songbird Species most threatened by Climate Change

● House martins, blue tits, song thrushes are just some species being hit
● SongBird Survival charity: Stop songbirds being the canary in the coalmine!
● Take 5 Actions:

1. Encourage biodiversity: plant insect-attracting and seeding plants. Use fewer pesticides
2. Create a safe, bird friendly garden with plants that provide options for shelter and natural food
3. Provide fresh, clean supplementary food, on a regular basis, particularly in mid-winter
4. Offer clean water, refreshed daily, throughout the year
5. Get others involved, support our work, donate or fundraise

“Songbirds really are the canary in the coalmine: Climate change is hitting us with more extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves which put enormous stress on songbirds trying to feed and breed. Parched ground means some can’t access insects and worms for chicks. If insects appear too early or too late, breeding seasons are thrown off-kilter, and birds are caught out. Climate change has also brought increased risk of predation of some songbirds. There will always be winners and losers, but it’s the little birds losing out most. We hope the biodiversity and climate change conferences unite the UK around species that enrich our lives.”
- Susan Morgan, CEO, SongBird Survival

21st October 2021 [LONDON] Climate change is wreaking havoc with UK songbird populations: Britain’s beloved dawn chorus is threatened by a plethora of factors which have conspired to see UK’s songbird numbers halved* in the last 50 years. Climate change is a factor in the decline of certain species, including house martins, song thrushes and meadow pipits. (See regional breakdown below.)

HOW and WHY IS CLIMATE CHANGE HARMING SONGBIRDS?
Climate change is leading to more extreme weather, including floods and droughts. Parched earth prevents the beaks of species such as song thrushes reaching worms and insects to feed themselves or their young. Extreme temperatures mean birdbaths and waterways freeze over, and dehydration results, as with hot summers. Smaller birds are particularly prone to such physical stresses: a robin can lose up to 10% of its body fat in one cold night, and reed buntings suffer particularly badly in a cold snap, as most adults aren’t fat enough to survive.

Higher average overall temperatures over a 25 year period show that small bodied birds nest and lay eggs markedly earlier. There appear to be ‘winners’, such as long tailed tits, blackcaps and chiffchaffs which benefit from warmer weather. Likewise, robins are more ‘generalist’ - they can move habitat more readily, plus, they benefit more than other species from living near humans - possibly as we feed them - whereas their numbers in the countryside have been falling. That said, moving means robins will face territorial issues and food competition issues. However, other species cannot ‘up sticks and move,’ - those with a narrower range of suitable habitats, such as the willow tit (down by a shocking 94% between 1995 - 2018).

Climate change is also altering the timings of our seasons. Warmer winters means birds are nesting earlier, but drier springs mean there are not enough insects for parents to feed their young. (Insects need ‘April showers’). This in turn will mean chicks are not fat enough to survive the winter when it arrives. The same situation applies if plants don’t seed to provide food sources at the optimal time for birds to take full advantage.

The onus is therefore on we humans at the ‘top of the tree’ to support the little birds. Hence, independent charity, SongBird Survival, is calling on the public to take 5 Actions. After all, putting aside our need for biodiversity, there is mounting evidence on the positive impact of hearing birdsong for mental health: Recent research found 4 out of 5 Brits say birdsong makes them happier, and 72% say it makes them less stressed. Here’s how can we can combat climate change to help keep their exquisite songs alive:

5 ACTIONS: How The Public can help prevent Climate change impacting Songbirds?
Five actions to support songbirds threatened by climate change:-
6. Encourage wider biodiversity in your garden, enabling all native wildlife to flourish by planting insect attracting plants, seeding plants, using fewer pesticides to nurture native species.
7. Create a safe, bird friendly garden with plants that provide options for shelter and natural food over the winter e.g. sunflowers, teasel, holly and ivy.
8. Provide fresh, clean supplementary food, on a regular basis, particularly during the "hungry gap" in mid-winter.
9. Offer clean water, refreshed daily, throughout the year, including watering patches of soil during dry spells and breaking ice in winter.
10. Get others involved, talk to them about how they can take action, or support our work by becoming a member of SongBird Survival, donating or fundraising.

BE A BIRD-FRIENDLY GARDENER
If you’re a gardener, you can boost biodiversity by planting pollinator-loving blooms. Other suggestions include removing paving stones on driveways to leave four tyre-sized spaces, and let plants grow back. This benefits birds and other wildlife, and prevents flash flooding in urban areas. Plants that provide seeds for birds over winter include holly and ivy: both produce berries as well as providing shelter for songbirds. Tuft-forming grasses also attract all manner of insects, producing a ‘bug feast’ which songbirds won't be able to resist! See more here. With a cold snap, birds can’t find enough food, and though the UK public spends ~£200-300m a year on bird food, only certain species will come to gardens to feed. Fortunately, wildlife-friendly farmers are putting out feed in fields for over-wintering birds thanks to new, nature-friendly policy decisions.

BE A NATURE-FRIENDLY PET OWNER
SongBird Survival funds well-publicised research by the University of Exeter showing how cat owners can prevent hunting of birds and mammals through simple interventions that don't impact pet welfare: 5-10 minutes’ play per day, feed a premium, meaty diet, fit a collar cuff to deter birds. Be aware that birds are routinely exposed to neonicotinoid mixtures used in flea treatments for domestic cats and dogs, as some of these chemicals, logically, leach onto gardens, land and waterways: It is estimated that one flea treatment dose could kill approximately 60m bees.

BE A BUG-FRIENDLY FARMER
The charity is also funding studies by world expert, Professor Dave Goulson and his team at the University of Sussex which is helping shed light on how birds are being impacted by agricultural use of pesticides. Despite the 2018 EU ban on use of neonicotinoids due to their impact on wildlife, in 2020, his team found that whilst the volume of pesticides used on UK crops fell 51% from 1990–2016, the area treated had increased by 63%. The area treated should be shrinking, not growing! Hence SongBird Survival supports a Government petition to ban urban and garden pesticides to protect bees, other wildlife and human health.

As Goulson notes in his book, Silent Earth - Averting the Insect Apocalypse, “The truth about these six-legged weirdos is that we cannot live without them… insects do much of the essential heavy lifting of planetary care. They pollinate, break down waste and provide food for us and countless other species, including birds. If they vanished tomorrow, the apocalypse would begin the next day.” Farmers should also support hedgerow planting: a win-win for wildlife, climate and livelihoods: The Independent reported recently that boosting hedgerows by 40% would create 25,000 jobs, sequester CO2, mop up other pollutants, and prevent soil erosion.

THE NATIONAL STATISTICS VIA THE B.T.O.
Songbirds most at risk due to climate change, by region:-
North East - House Martin (-26%) | Meadow Pipit (-15%) | Blue Tit (-15%)
North West - House Martin (-44%) | Meadow Pipit (-13%)| Reed Bunting (-10%)
Yorkshire - House Martin (-10%) | Blue Tit (-4%)
East Midlands - Meadow Pipit (-54%)
West Midlands - House Martin (-42%) | Blue Tit (-5%)
South East - House Martin (-56%) | Meadow Pipit (-44%) | Reed Bunting (-34%)
South West - House Martin (-56%) | Meadow Pipit (-24%) | Blue Tit (-6%)
London - Song Thrush (-36%)
East Anglia - Meadow Pipit (-60%) | House Martin (-39%) | Song Thrush (-2%)
Wales - House Martin (-19%) | Meadow Pipit (-15%) | Blue Tit (-8%)
Northern Ireland - Reed Bunting (-28%)
Scotland - Meadow Pipit (-10%)

George Bradley, Manager of SongBird Survival, sums things up, “Few people realise UK songbirds have fallen 50%* in 50 years, with climate change as an ever-greater threat. BUT EVERYONE can help songbirds with just 5 simple actions to help stem this tide. We can also put pressure on policy-makers to make songbirds a priority. Birdsong feeds our sanity. We must keep a rich and diverse dawn chorus alive!” *The 50% decline refers to all songbird species: some have declined by up to 90%, whilst others have increased. The aim is to boost biodiversity.

FURTHER READING
Blue Tit: Marrot P, Garant D, Charmantier A. 2017 Multiple extreme climatic events strengthen selection for earlier breeding
in a wild passerine. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 372: 20160372. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2016.0372
“While increasing natural selection under climate change could be a route for populations to adapt to climate change, it could also be an indicator of increased extinction risk since it suggests that part of the population has reduced fitness”

Song Thrush: Peach, Will & Robinson, Robert & MURRAY, KATHRYN. (2004). Demographic and environmental causes of the decline of rural Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos in lowland Britain. Ibis. 146. 50 - 59. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2004.00362.x “Earthworms constitute a key component of Song Thrush diet and the availability of this prey is strongly influenced by moisture levels in surface soils.” (although not necessarily caused by climate change – also farming practices.)

Meadow Pipit: Telleria JL, Fernandez-Lopez J, Fandos G. Effect of climate change on mediterranean winter ranges of two migratory passerines. PLoS One. 2016 Jan 13;11(1): https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0146958 “projected climate changes in the region will affect the extent and suitability of their wintering grounds.”

Reed Bunting: Peach, W.J., Siriwardena, G.M. and Gregory, R.D. (1999), Long-term changes in over-winter survival rates explain the decline of reed buntings Emberiza schoeniclus in Britain. Journal of Applied Ecology, 36: 798-811. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2664.1999.00445.x “decline of the British reed bunting population was caused primarily by a reduction in food availability outside the breeding season.” (although not necessarily caused by climate change

House Martin: Dolenec, Zdravko and Dolenec, PetraSpring migration characteristics of the House Martin, Delichon urbica (Aves: Hirundinidae) in Croatia: A response to climate change?. Zoologia (Curitiba) [online]. 2011, v. 28, n. 1 pp. 139-141. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-46702011000100020 “the arrival timing of the House Martin is influenced by spring air temperatures”

Long Tailed Tit: Gullett, P., Evans, K.L., Robinson, R.A. and Hatchwell, B.J. (2014), Climate change and annual survival in a temperate passerine: partitioning seasonal effects and predicting future patterns. Oikos, 123: 389-400. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0706.2013.00620.x “Recent climate change has enhanced survival over the four decades in which the UK long-tailed tit population has more than doubled. Furthermore, survival rates in this species are predicted to further increase under a wide range of future climate scenarios.”

Find out more about climate change and birds

INFOGRAPHIC - the cats whiskers.jpg

30/09/21 - New Research Paper Published!

A ‘Free Lunch’ is The Cat’s Whiskers:
University of Exeter study shows felines favour a ‘free lunch’ over hunted prey, such as birds and mammals: What the cat dragged isn’t driven by hunger, but by instinct.

Cat owners can thus support wildlife via 3 simple ‘win-win’ interventions:
● Fit a ‘BirdsBeSafe’ collar cover to deter birds
● Play with cats for 5-10mins a day to ‘scratch that itch’
● Feed cats premium meaty food

"Some owners may worry about restricting hunting because cats need nutrition from wild prey, but in fact it seems even prolific hunters don't actually eat much of the prey they catch." - Dr Martina Cecchetti, University of Exeter

"Pet owners can help us reverse the shocking decline in songbirds via three simple, 'win-win' steps." - Susan Morgan, CEO, SongBird Survival

Domestic cats that regularly catch wild animals still get most of their nutrition from food provided at home, new research shows.

University of Exeter scientists used forensic evidence from cats' whiskers using stable isotope analysis to see what regular hunters of wildlife had been eating.

The results showed that about 96% of their diet came from food provided by their owners, while just 3-4% came from eating wild animals.

This suggests that predatory instinct – rather than hunger – is probably the main reason why some domestic cats regularly hunt wild prey: "When food from owners is available, our study shows that cats rely almost entirely on this for nutrition," said Dr Martina Cecchetti of the Environment and Sustainability Institute on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
"Some owners may worry about restricting hunting because cats need nutrition from wild prey, but in fact it seems even prolific hunters don't actually eat much of the prey they catch. As predators, some cats may hunt instinctively even if they are not hungry – so-called 'surplus killing' – to capture and store prey to eat later."

The researchers trimmed a whisker from each cat in the study, once at the start and once at the end. Stable isotope ratios in the whiskers were then analysed, allowing the sources of protein from different wild and provisioned foods to be identified.

The team also tested the effects of different measures designed to prevent cats killing wild prey. These measures included bells, Birdsbesafe collar covers, meat-rich diets, providing food using a puzzle feeder, and regular play (a previous study by the Exeter team showed meat-rich food and daily play reduced hunting by cats). Based on analysis of their whiskers, cats with a Birdsbesafe collar cover consumed less wild prey – probably because they caught fewer birds.

Susan Morgan, CEO of Songbird Survival, the charity that sponsored the study, notes, "This study reassures owners of cats who hunt that the motive to hunt is instinctive, not driven by nutritional needs. Furthermore, pet owners can help us reverse the shocking decline in songbirds via three simple, 'win-win' steps: fit collars with a Birdsbesafe cover; feed cats a premium meaty diet; play with cats for 5-10 mins a day to ‘scratch that itch’ to hunt! In the UK, we’ve lost half our songbirds in 50 years, but we can all help to stem this tide!"

Cats in the study were all regular hunters that had frequently and recently caught wild animals. The research team worked with a project advisory panel, including feline vets and behavioural specialists, iCatCare and the RSPCA, which approved the research protocols.

The paper, published in the journal Ecosphere, is entitled: "Contributions of wild and provisioned foods to the diets of domestic cats that depredate wild animals." - see link

23/08/21 - Unique oil painting auction raises funds for SBS

23/08/21 - Unique oil painting auction raises funds for SBS

An auction of a beautiful oil painting of a Goldfinch by world-famous artist Susan Crawford has raised £3,500 for our charity.
The piece was painted by Susan solely to raise funds for us, with ALL proceeds from the sale going directly to our charity.
Susan Crawford is world-renowned for her equestrian paintings and amongst her recent commissions has been a portrait of HM The Queen riding side-saddle on her horse, Winston, at The Trooping of the Colour.

19/08/21 - On World Photography Day SBS announces the what3birds? Photography Competition Winners!

19/08/21 - On World Photography Day SBS announces the what3birds? Photography Competition Winners!

SongBird Survival are very pleased to announce the winners and runners-up of the what3birds? Photography competition.
Thank you to all our fabulous entrants with your stunning photographs. There were hundreds of entries! The Judges had a very difficult time choosing from the amazing array of stunning photographs of beautiful birds.
Congratulations to all our winners!

Happy World Photography Day to all our followers and supporters!

Click through to see our Winners’ Gallery

01/08/21 - Launch of 50 Miles in September

01/08/21 - Launch of 50 Miles in September

Walk 50 miles in September is a walking challenge for everyone to back British birds and help reverse the drastic decline in their numbers.

Participants are encouraged to walk 50 miles during the month of September. This could be 1 or 2 miles every day, 10 weekend walks of 5 miles or any combination.

• Raise £50 on Facebook and we'll send a Blackbird Badge.
• Raise £100 and participants will also earn the Tree Sparrow badge.
• Raise £250 and the full collection of exclusive badges including the beautiful Bullfinch will be sent to fundraisers.

What the fundraising will support

• £50 could help us provide essential advice and guidance, ensuring at-risk birds are given what they need to help them thrive
• £100 could help fund our research to understand the impact of pesticides on birds and lead towards solutions which reduce their damaging effects
• £250 could assist scientists to understand the hunting tendencies of pet cats and help teach cat owners how they can reduce birds being hurt

To sign up, get your free walking pack and to set up your own fundraising page, first join our FaceBook Group where you'll find all the information you need to get started!

Good Luck!

22/06/21 - What3Birds Book Competition winners!

22/06/21 - What3Birds Book Competition winners!

We had a fantastic response to our recent book competition! The prizes, 12 hardback copies of author Charlie Corbett's new book, '12 Birds To Save Your Life' will soon be winging their way to the 12 following lucky winners!

Cherrilyn Caine
Dawn Harper
Joseph Arwen-Langham
Catherine Hitchens
Sue Breslin
Vicki Bannister
Derek Clark
Sally Moon
Inga Taylor
Laura Rice
Christopher Blackburn
Theresa Fordham-Smith

Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for your entries!

21/06/21 - SBS what3birds? Photography Competition opens

21/06/21 - SBS what3birds? Photography Competition opens

“Let’s Fill the Sky with Birdsong and Photographers!”
Zooming in on British Songbirds: FUJIFILM partners with SongBird Survival charity to find the next ‘Great British Bird Photographer’!

● Open to children, young people, amateur + professional photographers
● Star Prize: a Fujifilm Camera + Lenses worth £2,000
● Impressive panel of judges will decide who wins…

The contest encourages the public to capture images of beautiful, yet, at-risk, British songbirds to help raise awareness of the 50% decline in UK songbirds in 50 years.

The aim is for participants to learn which species are going missing from their region via special maps which are detailed on the website of the charity’s new campaign, What3Birds?. Its CEO, Susan Morgan, explains, “We encourage people of all ages, both urban and rural, to get outdoors and appreciate exquisite birdsong whilst they snap away using their phone-camera or professional kit. The competition is open to people of ALL abilities because all of us can learn the value of these precious species, many of which are now at risk from extinction. Anyone can win, and entering will help keep our dawn chorus alive!”

The public can enter one photo into up to 5 categories:-
1. Best Female Bird
2. Best Male Bird
3. Best New Act (Fledgling Bird)
4. Best Bird in Flight
5. Children’s entry (up to / including age 12)

Any entry that features one of the at-risk what3birds? species will be entered for an additional award. These include Greenfinch, Curlew, Lapwing, Skylark, Reed bunting, Swift, Yellowhammer, Starling, Cuckoo, Willow warbler, Meadow pipit, Turtle dove, Mistle thrush, House martin and House sparrow.

Kent based wildlife photographer, Tony Putman, A.K.A. ‘Putman & Robin’ notes, “I'm a passionate wildlife photographer. I like to spend as much time as I can in the environment of the animal to get to know and understand their behaviour, as well as photographing them. I believe it's a very healthy, healing experience to be out with nature: it can lift your mood on the darkest days, and it's even better to be able to frame it and take it home with you.”

Nick Shoolingin-Jordan, whose latest projects include filming the Humans episode of Sir David Attenborough’s Perfect Planet, notes, “Getting close to nature is one of the most important ways to appreciate the wonder of the living world to the max. Through stills and moving imagery, it allow us to do this in an emotionally powerful way. I’m super excited to see the images people enter, and the new talent out there!”

The star cast of judges will favour entrants that capture on film the most at-risk species of songbirds in their region - detailed below. The competition closes on 8th August, and on World Photography Day (August 19th) the winners will be announced. The star prize is a camera and lenses package worth £2,000: the FUJIFILM X-S10 camera with FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR and XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR lenses.

Find out more and enter at:

01/05/2021 - NEW SBS Partner Copdock Mill

01/05/2021 - NEW SBS Partner Copdock Mill

We are delighted to announce our new partner Copdock Mill Wholesale, who are supporting us with a generous £25,000 over the next 2 years. Their new Wild Bird Suet range, from their brand Copdock Mill, will proudly display our logo to help raise awareness and vital funds!

The new collection includes a great array of products to choose from, including high energy, protein-rich Suet Balls with Peanut Butter, Suet Pellets containing 15% more suet than other standard pellets, and calcium-rich Suet Cakes with a very high (40%) suet content. All are made from 100% Natural Ingredients, using 100% Pure Human-Grade Beef Suet.

The full range will be on sale in Copdock Mill's retail outlets; Gladwells Pet & Country Stores, towards the end of May, do look out for them and give them a try! Later in the year you will also spot more Copdock Mill products bearing the SBS logo including a wild bird seed range!

You can find your nearest Gladwells Pet & Country store here:

26/04/21 - what3birds?

26/04/21 - what3birds?

SongBird Survival charity launches ‘what3birds?’campaign for International Dawn Chorus Day (2nd May):
The Public are Challenged to do 3 Things to Help Prevent Britain’s most threatened Songbirds from going extinct:-

1. Spot 3 birds (or more) in your region
2. Plot these sightings on the dedicated campaign map
3. Share these sightings, discover 3 birds at-risk birds in your region, and how to help

Lockdown, plus, environmental concerns have led to ever greater interest in UK wildlife and biodiversity, as shown by the fact that this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch saw twice as many members of the British public get involved. This is of no surprise, given that 4 out of 5 Brits say birdsong makes them happier, and 72% say it makes them less stressed. Yet, how many people know which 3 songbird species are the most threatened in their region, or how to help keep their exquisite songs alive?

Today, the independent charity, SongBird Survival, launches a new campaign, what3birds? to encourage the UK public of all ages (rural and urban) to ‘spot and plot’ three species of birds they can see, but also learn about the 3 species at risk from extinction in their region. Susan Morgan, CEO of the charity explains, “Our what3birds? campaign is focussed on education, but its ultimate goal is to keep a rich and diverse dawn chorus alive. Few people realise that UK songbirds have fallen 50% in just two generations - 50 years! Yet the public can help stem this tide of extinction by finding out more, taking simple steps to support local songbirds, and putting pressure on policy makers to make songbird survival a priority.”

The 50% decline refers to all songbird species: some species have declined by up to 90%, whilst others have increased. The aim is to boost biodiversity. However, as Birdwatch results showed, the goldfinch and collared dove (which had done well in recent years) had declined year on year, and only a few species - robins, blackbirds, carrion crows and song thrush - increased.

THE NATIONAL STATISTICS VIA THE B.T.O.
The most at-risk species include the following, whose populations fell from 1995-2018 by:-
North East: Swift -72% | Greenfinch -63% | Yellowhammer -63%
North West: Swift - 74% | Greenfinch -59% |Yellowhammer -46%
Yorkshire: Greenfinch -64% |Starling -63% | Cuckoo -62%
East Midlands: Cuckoo -83% | Willow Warbler -57% | Meadow Pipit -54%
West Midlands: Cuckoo -78% | Starling -70% | Greenfinch -52%
South East: Turtle Dove -96% | Willow Warbler -81% | House Martin -56%
South West: Cuckoo -83% | Starling - 71% | Mistle Thrush -57%
London: House Sparrow -67% | Starling -63% | Mistle Thrush -59%
East Anglia: Turtle Dove -95%|Willow Warbler -81%|Meadow Pipit -61%
Wales: Swift -72%|Greenfinch -71%|Starling -65%
Northern Ireland: Greenfinch -82%|Skylark -28%|Reed Bunting -28%
Scotland: Greenfinch -67% |Curlew by 59% |Lapwing -56%

An online map has been designed by the charity so that members of the public can plot the birds they’ve spotted in their region, and learn about the most at-risk species there. Fast-growing location technology company, what3words, is being used for the campaign: it has divided the world into a grid of 3m squares, and labelled each one with three unique words - a ‘what3words address’. The map thus enables the public to easily plot exactly where the birds are seen, without having to use complex systems like coordinates.

Georgina Bradley, Manager of SongBird Survival, regularly spots song thrushes, green woodpeckers and cuckoos at the what3words location, ‘///enclosing.example.brightly’, in Norfolk. In her words, “A combination of factors has led to the halving of UK songbirds in just two generations: Habitat loss, lack of food, predation and invasion by non-native species are all to blame. Education is everything when it comes to conservation, so what3birds? will inform people which species are at risk in their region, and how to help. We hope the campaign stokes curiosity and unites us all as bird lovers of Britain.”

Giles Rhys Jones, CMO at what3words, says, “We are delighted to support SongBird Survival’s what3birds? campaign. Bird-watching is a brilliant use case for our technology, as people can discover and share the three words for places that are often difficult to describe - with great hgp[;4accuracy.’

How can the public get involved in what3birds?
1. Spot 3 (or more) types of bird you’ve seen using the bird identification tool here: www.what3birds.com/spot
2. Plot your sightings on the What3Birds? website (using your what3words location) here: www.what3birds.com/plot
3. Share with your friends & family the birds you’ve seen, plus the at-risk species. Tell them, write to them, or share this info via social media by using the what3words location and the hashtag #what3birds?

How to discover your what3words location:
Option 1: Use the online map at what3words.com: open what3words.com in your browser and click the search bar. Enter a street address or place name and select the correct result. Zoom in, switch to satellite mode and drag the map to select the exact square you want. The what3words address for the selected square will be displayed in the red bar.
Option 2: Use the what3words app: https://what3words.com/how-to-use-the-what3words-app/?#find

Privacy Notice: Home sightings are safe to share with the charity. They will be entered into its anonymous database, but NO names or personal details will be recorded on the online ‘plot’ map, or shared with any person or organisation. To protect user privacy, please don’t share what3words addresses from a home or garden on social media. Instead, it is recommended users share their ‘spots’ when in a park, field or public space instead.

What else can the public do to help to help save our songbirds?
1. Clean your feeders and birdbaths regularly to stop the spread of disease
2. Delay hedge cutting until after the nesting period (September), as it disturbs songbirds
3. Plant insect-attracting plants, seeding plants and native plants so that native wildlife flourishes
4. Avoid chemical pesticide or herbicides, as they can be DEADLY to songbirds
5. Do NOT feed birds bread, milk, desiccated coconut or any salty foods
6. Inspire others to take action: send an inspirational image of an at-risk songbird species in their region
7. Become a member of SongBird Survival, donate or fundraise - e.g. go on a sponsored cycle ride
8. Find out more about the top quality scientific research that SongBird Survival funds

Find out more and Spot, Plot, Share at what3birds.com

19/04/21 - CJS feature SBS

16/04/21 - SBS discussed in the House of Lords

16/04/21 - SBS discussed in the House of Lords

The Earl of Caithness represented animal lovers on the House of Lords on 15th and 16th April in discussions about animal welfare.
He said: “My Lords, does the Minister agree that it is actually up to the owners of animals to behave better towards them, which would be the best way to go forward, and that those who do not look after animals should be prohibited from owning them? Has my noble friend seen the SongBird Survival research into how cat owners can improve the mental and physical well-being of their cats, as well as reducing the number of wild birds that cats take each year, which is many millions?
SongBird Survival has done a huge amount of research with Exeter University into how cats behave; owners could do a lot to prevent the destruction of songbirds and the way cats behave by simple measures, using a little common sense and some education.”
Lord Goldsmith the Minister of state for Defra said: “I thank my noble friend Lord Caithness for raising the SongBird Survival project and the research it has done into declining songbird populations. I will bring that work to the attention of my officials so that they can consider whether it can inform our work on animal welfare.”
SBS looks forward to helping the Government bring new evidence to help improve the lives of cats, their owners and all our wildlife.

28/03/21 - SBS in the news

11/02/21 - NEW Research published!

11/02/21 - NEW Research published!

Cat ownership in the UK has increased year on year in past decades, with 10 million1 feline friends now owned in the UK1. At the same time, wildlife populations have fallen, especially songbirds, which have declined by 50% in 50 years2, partly because cats kill millions of them each year. However, good news has emerged via new research from the University of Exeter demonstrating a ‘win-win’ solution to reduce hunting by cats without restricting their behaviour. What is more, the solution is fun for both cat and owner.

Click the link to find out more

21/01/2020 - New CEO for SBS

21/01/2020 - New CEO for SBS

SongBird Survival appoints Susan Morgan as CEO,
bringing Fundraising and Charity Leadership expertise

“There is great scope for developing membership, support and income for SongBird Survival so we can achieve our ultimate aim: seeing a balanced and healthy songbird population restored in the UK.” – Susan Morgan

21st January [LONDON] Independent UK charity, SongBird Survival, which turns 21 this year, has appointed Susan Morgan as its new Chief Executive Officer. Susan has a wealth of experience from over 25 years of working in the charity sector, including management and leadership roles at charities including British Red Cross and Tony Elischer Foundation.

Colin Strang Steel, Chair of the charity notes, “We are delighted to have Susan on board. She brings to us a commercial approach accompanied by an ability to manage all aspects of running a charity like SongBird Survival: fundraising, leadership development, public relations, volunteering and running events. 2020 was a very tough year for all charities, particularly nature-focussed ones, so we are even more excited about plans being made for 2021 and beyond.”

Susan, who lives near York, will bring a broad range of experience in managing, organising and planning at charities to SongBird Survival. In her words, “I am very excited to be working in the nature and conservation world, which is a new field for me, but one I am passionate about. SongBird Survival has a clear vision and goal. This is a critical moment in the development of the charity, with great scope for developing membership, support and income so that we can achieve our ultimate aim: seeing a balanced and healthy songbird population restored in the UK.”

Susan’s love of the natural world and of science led her to study Earth Sciences at Oxford University. Since returning to her home county of Yorkshire twelve years ago, her love of conservation and ornithology has grown, with much of her free time being spent in coastal or woodland locations. She previously worked as an Associate Consultant for Think Consulting Solutions Ltd. More recently, she was responsible for setting up and leading Tony Elischer Foundation, a charity which provides mentoring support and guidance to professional fundraisers in the UK and around the world, helping to develop the next generation of fundraising leaders. She is also a Trustee of the Psoriasis Association, where her role has been focused on fundraising and reviewing membership.

16/12/20 - New Research paper Published!

10/12/2020 - New Partnership!

10/12/2020 - New Partnership!

SBS is proud to announce a brand new partnership with Fat Birds - giant bird seed cakes made on the farm in the Schottish Borders:

At Fat Birds feed we like to be different, We- Adam, James senior and James junior are great friends and have been for years. We came together to combine our ingenuity and our passion for wildlife and conservation, to create our feed press and our unique feed product.
We took into consideration the real needs of our song birds- Carbohydrates to keep warm, fat for energy and protein to grow and maintain condition and as songbirds are naturally insect and seed eaters, We created something with more seed and less fat. We call them ‘Giant seed cakes' compressed with our 20-tonne press, we squeeze ground maize, wild bird mixed seed and sustainably sourced palm fat into pillar shaped seed cakes. Not only is this a great way to get more feed into the feeder (750g) but it also makes it a lot easier for our customers to fill their feeders, it’s also a great way to pack everything a bird needs into one feed. As we grow, we will develop variations of our seed cakes to cater for different species of bird, we are already working on Niger seed cakes, sunflower heart cakes and rape seed cakes.
As we are passionate about our birds and want to see all species thrive, we have decided to donate 4p for every cake sold to the Song bird survival trust, to support them with their mission- to find the truths as to why some of our song bird species are on the decline and what we can do as a nation to reduce the declining numbers. We would like to thank you all for supporting us and for this opportunity to contribute to such an important cause.

Adam Girdwood.
Founder and director of Fat Birds Feed

Click here to buy yours today:

09/11/20 - New General Licences Issued

02/10/20 - The Impact of Predation on Songbirds

07/09/20 - SBS in the Papers!

07/09/20 - SBS in the Papers!

Our wonderful project with the University of Exeter has been highlighted in over 90 publications worldwide.

Both our brilliant researchers at the University and SBS staff and Trustees have been interviewed on TV and Radio.

It has been wonderful to gain such coverage and we are so pleased this has been possible with the help of all our members and other supporters. Thank you.

03/09/20 - What kind of Cat Owner are You?