Rare warbler found in Afghanistan

[IndianaGreen]

The warbler is said to prefer a
secluded lifestyle

Rare warbler found in Afghanistan

By Matt McGrath
BBC News

Scientists say they have for the first time discovered a breeding site for the world's least-known bird species.

Little is known about the large-billed reed warbler, but researchers have found a thriving flock of the birds in a remote corner of Afghanistan.

Robert Timmins from the US based Wildlife Conservation Society discovered them when he was conducting a survey in the area.

The tiny brown bird, first spotted in 1867, has not been seen since 2006.

Mr Timmins says one of the reasons why so little is known about these birds is that they are often mistaken for other types of warblers and they are a very private species.

"Reed warblers are very good at hiding and they don't like to be seen. They usually like to skulk in thick vegetation", he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8476311.stm

[xchrom]

1. Excellent news. Nt

[atomic-fly]

2. poor little guys...

they will be tagged and studied now.

[niyad]

3. or blown to bits

[trotsky]

5. And what exactly is wrong with that?

How else are we supposed to know which habitats to protect for this species, if we don't know where they are going?

[atomic-fly]

6. obviously they want to be alone

and i think they would prefer to take their own chances
plus if the Taliban find out we like them, they will seek them
out for spite.

[trotsky]

7. So you'd rather they risk extinction?

I just don't understand this mindset.

[atomic-fly]

8. I'm not wishing them extinct...

Sometimes we are not doing them any favors by trying to
help. We have a poor track record and I don't think the birds would
thrive in a contrived environment. If they perish or vanish, then that is our loss
as much theirs.
But if there are methods that will work for this species, then I applaud them.

[krispos42]

4. So a handful of birdwatchers can spot a missing bird in 4 years...

...but a couple of divisions of troops, backed by satellites that can read a wristwatch, surveillence drones that can spot a mouse in complete darkness, and photo-recon planes that can make out the weave of your pants can't find a 6-foot-five man on dialysis in 9?



Obviously, we need to draft these birdwatchers into the Army!