Lead Poisoning Threatens Vulnerable Albatross Population

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 08:22 AM PDT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week announced its intent to begin cleaning up toxic, lead-based paint at federal facilities on Midway Atoll that kills up to 10,000 Laysan albatross chicks each year and also threatens the endangered Laysan duck. The announcement came after the Center for Biological Diversity issued a notice of intent to sue the Service and affiliated agencies in 2010 for their failure to remediate the hazardous waste hurting the birds, in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Service’s action memorandum authorizes cleanup to begin this month. Read full article

Maltese Hunter Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment

Maltese Hunter Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment Posted: 12 Jul 2011 12:42 AM PDT Maltese law courts yesterday sentenced a hunter to two years imprisonment and a €9,000 fine, and another to one year imprisonment and a €5000 fine, for the targeting of White Storks on the 18th May this year. All hunting licenses were permanently revoked for both individuals. Of a flock of 200 White Storks which first arrived in Malta, less than half were confirmed as leaving the island safely. WorldBirds Comment. This is great news for migrating birds, lets hope that other hunters get the message. Far more skill is needed to shoot with a camera it's so much more rewarding. Read full article