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Storm Ophelia brings influx of hawfinches
Hawfinches are typically shy birds and rarely seen in the United Kingdom.
Hundreds of sightings recorded across the UK 

The RSPB has reported an influx of sightings of hawfinches, leading to much excitement among birdwatchers and RSBP staff alike.

According to a press release, there have been hundreds of sightings recorded throughout 2017. In birdwatching terms, this is known as “irruption”.

The figure has come as quite a surprise to the charity, as hawfinches are typically shy birds. At present, there are thought to be no more than 1000 pairs in the United Kingdom.

“In our county alone over 230 hawfinches have been counted. That’s extraordinary, as in most years we are lucky to see one or two,” explained Lizzie Bruce, RSBP warden at The Lodge nature reserve in Bedfordshire.

“At The Lodge, we’ve had up to four hawfinches in the tops of the birch and yew trees with single birds flying over most days in October. This has caused great excitement for our visitors and RSPB staff, who have been dropping everything and running out the office to catch a glimpse of one perched at the top of a tree.’’

Ms Bruce believes the influx might be linked to failing food supply. For example, too many birds, or not enough food for them to survive the winter. She also thinks the recent storms might be a contributing factor.

“Hawfinches traditionally migrate south from their breeding grounds in Central Europe towards the Mediterranean,” she explained. “This year their migration coincided with the arrival of Storm Ophelia which headed eastwards from the Atlantic swirling anti-clockwise, with the strong winds pushing many of the migrating hawfinches into the UK.

“This theory probably explains why the majority of hawfinches were seen in the South of England and into Wales.”

RSPB scientists are looking into why hawfinches don’t nest in the UK as much as they used to. Their current study - a joint project with Cardiff University - is assessing whether the availability of food could be a problem.  

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
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BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.