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A bird's eye view
Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society
'Superbird' sea bird filmed feeding

 For the first time researchers have been able to watch an imperial cormorant, a bird found just off the coast of Argentina, as it dives underwater to feed.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the National Research Council of Argentina were able to fit the bird with a small camera to see it dive 150 feet in 40 seconds, feeding on the ocean floor for 80 seconds, and returning to the surface after another 40 seconds.

While on the ocean floor the bird caught a snake-like fish which it brought back to the surface to eat. The research team have described the cormorant as 'superbird' after the unexpected dive.

Before now, the birds have been tracked using other technological equipment including tags and GPS loggers, but this recent information will help identify new priority feeding areas to be protected and enable researchers to further understand their habits.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.