Blackbirds. Some people think they are a bad omen (well, when counted among \u2018black birds\u2019), others love to listen out for their sweet song \u2013 they are widely acknowledged to be one of the most melodious songbirds in the UK.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whether you love them or hate them, the sad truth is that blackbirds are on the decline in Britain. Scientists are concerned about the plummeting numbers of the birds across London and the south of England, and they are disappearing for a pretty grim reason.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The shrinking blackbird population\u00a0has been linked to a new mosquito-borne virus\u00a0that\u00a0was detected in the UK in 2020. The Usutu virus, which can be fatal to blackbirds, was first identified\u00a0in South Africa. It\u2019s been present in mainland Europe for about 30 years, but only reached Britain five years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scientists say that increasing temperatures due to climate change have allowed the virus to spread more quickly, as mosquitos can transmit it during hot weather. A 2024 survey found that blackbirds were doing well in the north of England, but struggling in London and the south-east of England.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now researchers from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are now asking\u00a0for the public\u2019s\u00a0help. Anyone with a garden can take part, and you can do your bit by taking part in a survey of blackbirds online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018Blackbird numbers have been noted to be decreasing in Greater London for some time. However, from 2020 they started declining more strongly, which coincided with the detection of Usutu virus, which can be fatal for these familiar birds,\u2019 says Hugh Hanmer, senior\u00a0BTO ecologist, told BBC Countryfile<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018This survey seeks to understand why this change is happening and if it is linked to the spread of Usutu by better understanding how blackbirds use our gardens.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n ICYMI: Fungus infected \u2018zombie spiders\u2019 have invaded London<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The popular south London park getting a \u00a31.5 million makeover<\/a>.\u00a0 Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke \u2013 from news and reviews to events and trends. Just\u00a0follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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