A popular birdwatching course, comprising a mix of evening classes and guided field trips, is being offered at two venues in the north and south of the Island. Birdwatching For Beginners, supported by the Manx Ornithological Society, will take place … Continued
A satellite-tagged female Hen Harrier, born this summer (2023) in England, has arrived on the Isle of Man. We're confident she'll receive a warm welcome from birdwatchers and landowners, and will enjoy a safe stay here on the Island. While … Continued
We are aware that Manx Utilities has recently (July 2023) announced preliminary details of its proposed ‘TRANSITION PROGRAMME ODM/002 20MW Onshore Wind Project’. Background To quote Manx Utilities: “Onshore Wind Two sites have been identified as potentially suitable to deliver … Continued
Every summer, Swifts Apus apus migrate epic distances from sub-Saharan Africa to grace our skies with their aerial mastery and screaming calls. These ancient birds are part of the taxonomic Order ‘Apodiformes’, along with their closest living relatives: Tree Swifts … Continued
UPDATED 05/04/2023 Closing date for initial applications: Friday, 5th May 2023 Manx BirdLife (ManxBirdLife.im, @ManxBirdLife) is the independent Isle of Man nature conservation charity working to protect and enhance the Island's wild bird populations and the habitats on which they … Continued
Manx BirdLife is delighted to be part of the The Manx Nature Show, running at Peel Cathedral from 18th February to 6th May 2023. We are pleased to share below the announcement released by the show's organizers, Manx Whale and … Continued
Manx BirdLife is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer to continue the growth and development of the Island’s wild bird conservation charity. After seven years in the role, Neil Morris is stepping down from his executive responsibilities as Managing Director of … Continued
Manx BirdLife and conservation partner RSPB are calling on the Island’s schools and youth groups to contribute to the world’s largest wildlife survey, taking place from 6th January to 20th February 2023! For information on how to get involved, visit … Continued
Join this course aimed at beginners and those with limited experience of birdwatching. New and former students most welcome! Discover the basics of how to best observe birds, share hints and tips on how to recognize the main groups of … Continued
The exhibition of Manx BirdLife’s detailed, bonze sculptured frieze by renowned artist Dave Tomlinson at the Manx Museum is coming to an end. This display in the Natural History Gallery highlights Manx BirdLife's plans to develop the Point of Ayre … Continued
The Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race started in 2011 and is held each year during the seven days from Christmas Day to New Year's Eve. It’s a race with a difference! Birdwatchers of all abilities and expertise can head … Continued
Manx BirdLife is delighted to announce the appointment of Anna Graham as Education Manager, with a remit to inspire young people to discover and cherish the Island’s wild birds and the places where they live. Anna will be responsible for … Continued
This weekend, Manx BirdLife recorded 131 dead and dying birds on the charity's flagship reserve at the Point of Ayre. Manx BirdLife Managing Director, Neil Morris, picks up the story: 'Yesterday (31st October 2022), I undertook a routine check of … Continued
An Island-wide census of nesting Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus undertaken by Manx BirdLife during 2022 has found that, although the Manx breeding population remains well below its historic peak, numbers appear to have been stable over the last few years. … Continued
Over the next few days and weeks, we shall be launching our new corporate identity, including a crisp new logo and a refreshed modern palette of colours. Please bear with us while this transition takes place. Minimising costs and carbon … Continued
Avian Influenza (bird flu) of the highly pathogenic form HPAI has been confirmed in the Isle of Man. As reported on the BBC website, on 22 July 2022, the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture (DEFA) confirmed that high pathogenic … Continued
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join a small team that's making a big impact on nature conservation education for young people! Working four days/week primarily with the Island's Primary Schools, the role of Education Officer is … Continued
Manx BirdLife is seeking a Meetings and Minutes Secretary, responsible for arranging and servicing its Board meetings. Board meetings are held four times a year (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct), with occasional additional meetings of Directors called as required. Meetings are … Continued
Nature conservation charity Manx BirdLife is conducting an Island-wide census of Hen Harriers during the 2022 nesting season, in an attempt to determine the fortunes of this iconic bird of prey. The Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus is one of the … Continued
The IOM Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has provided an update on Avian Influenza (bird flu) for winter 2021-22. The DEFA update covers: Updates; General background about Avian Influenza; Advice for Bird Keepers; Notes about wild birds. As … Continued
Once again, the traditional Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race will be held during the seven days from Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. It’s a race with a difference! Birdwatchers of all abilities and expertise can head out across … Continued
We're delighted to announce that the Manx Ornithological Society is offering two new birdwatching courses starting January 2022, for beginners and intermediates, in conjunction with Manx BirdLife. Course 1. An Introduction to Winter Birdwatching (starts 6th January 2022) Click here … Continued
Isle of Man technology company PDMS has written a new utility for the Manx Ornithological Database to help Manx BirdLife cope with the increase in bird records it receives from across the Island. Manx BirdLife is grateful to PDMS for … Continued
Sure has taken its sponsorships to the skies by becoming the Telecommunications Partner for Manx BirdLife. Manx BirdLife is delighted to announce that the telecoms company, Sure isle of Man, has signed a three-year sponsorship arrangement. Sure’s support includes the … Continued
Manx BirdLife did not have the opportunity to comment on the article, 'Concern grows over greylag geese numbers' (Isle of Man Examiner, November 16 to 22, 2021) before this article went to press. We apologise to Isle of Man Examiner if … Continued
Manx BirdLife has completed a major new study entitled ‘Birds of Conservation Concern in the Isle of Man (BoCCIoM) 2021’, resulting in the publication of the first ever ‘Red List of Birds’ for the Island. BoCCIoM 2021 is the first … Continued
Manx BirdLife is asking everyone concerned about the state of birds and other wildlife in the Isle of Man to ask their local candidates for The Isle of Man House of Keys General Election September 2021 what they will do … Continued
Just launched! Our new 'bright and breezy' Facebook page: @manxbirdlifepointofayre. Why not check it out, like it, love it and sign up for news and invites! We hope you'll enjoy reading about this amazing new nature reserve we are developing in … Continued
Join us for an illustrated talk in English about birds commonly found in the Isle of Man and their Manx Gaelic names. Sat 26th June, 10am - 12pm (Laxey Methodist Church) Sun 27th June, 3pm - 5pm (Erin Arts Centre, … Continued
Chris Sharpe, founder of Manx BirdLife and editor of the Isle of Man's first bird atlas, has been honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021. Chris has been appointed an MBE, remarking that the award had come as a … Continued
Everyone living in the Isle of Man is being encouraged to participate in World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday 8th May 2021. Join others from around the globe celebrating birds and nature. ‘’Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird’’ is … Continued
Isle of Man Post Office has just issued a delightful new set of stamps celebrating the environmental and historical importance, unique character and outstanding natural beauty of the Calf of Man, nestled at the southern tip of the Isle of … Continued
Manx BirdLife’s Education Programme is encouraging homeowners and landowners to install nestboxes around their homes, gardens and properties in order to provide much needed nesting opportunities for the Island’s birds. National Nestbox Week is celebrated for one week every year … Continued
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Mrs Anne Kaye, Vice Chair of the Manx Ornithological Society. Anne was a great friend to Manx ornithology and to wildlife conservation on the Isle of Man and beyond. … Continued
Mark Fitzpatrick, Secretary of the Manx Ringing Group and Sightings Coordinator for the Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race 2020, summarises this year's record-equalling tally: 'Blein Vie Noa to you all. Here is a summary of this year's Isle of … Continued
The Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race, organised by Manx BirdLife, is ready to go once again this year. The Bird Race isn’t a competition between individuals, but a collective Island-wide effort to try to observe as many different species … Continued
Aonghus, the juvenile male White-tailed Eagle born in the wild in Ireland, arrived in the Isle of Man on 29th November 2019 after crossing the Irish Sea from winter quarters in Scotland. Unfortunately, Aonghus’s exact location on the Island could … Continued
The latest edition of Peregrine journal (Vol. 11, Oct 2020) is now available. The Manx Ornithological Society has given its journal a fresh look. With 122 pages, 38 colour pictures and a wealth of information and insights, this latest edition … Continued
New and former students most welcome. Join us on this course aimed at beginners and those with limited experience. We’ll show you the basics of how to best observe birds, share hints and tips on how to recognize the main … Continued
You are cordially invited to a presentation describing the new nature reserve being created at the Point of Ayre by Manx BirdLife in partnership with Island Aggregates and RSPB. The presentation will be given by: Neil G. Morris, Managing Director, … Continued
It's wonderful to be able to bring you some good news this evening! After nearly a year, it was a huge pleasure to see Maye again. She is the last surviving of 2019's four tagged Isle of Man Hen Harriers. … Continued
![Grey Partridge: Statement by Manx BirdLife and Manx Wildlife Trust in response to Game (Amendment) Order 2020 [SD 2020/0304], July 2020](http://manxbirdlife.im/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Grey-Partridge-by-Alan-Harris-for-the-Manx-Bird-Atlas-2007-feature-image.jpg)
This joint statement by Manx BirdLife and Manx Wildlife Trust is provided in response to the Game (Amendment) Order 2020 to be laid before Tynwald on Tuesday 21st July 2020: Game (Amendment) Order 2020, SD No 2020/0304 (PDF) Game (Amendment) … Continued
Manx BirdLife is seeking an experienced Reserve (Site) Manager with proven expertise in gravel pit restoration and site management to develop the charity's flagship new nature reserve at the Isle of Man’s famous Point of Ayre. Contract: Initial two-year contract … Continued
Update 16 July 2028: Although we have received a confirmation of receipt for our letter of 09 June 2020 to Minister Josepha Madigan TD, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, we have yet to receive a substantive response. Hence … Continued
Primary-aged pupils across the Island are being invited to take part in Manx BirdLife’s newly-launched summer art competition. Whilst many young people have not been able to attend school in recent weeks, Manx BirdLife’s Education Officer, Michelle Storton, has been … Continued
As an antidote to Covid-19 restrictions and statistics, we thought we’d share some highlights of how nature is providing delightful distraction from any 'lockdown' lows. Year to date Since the beginning of the year (2020), Manx BirdLife has received through … Continued
(Republished with permission from BirdGuides https://www.birdguides.com/news/cause-of-blue-tit-deaths-identified/). The mystery behind thousands of Blue Tit deaths in Germany in recent weeks has been solved, according to conservation group NABU. The cause has been confirmed by scientists as the bacterium Suttonella ornithocola, which causes pneumonia in affected birds. This bacterium has only been … Continued
Oiled birds are coming ashore on the south and east coasts of the Isle of Man from the Point of Ayre to the Calf of Man. Our sources in DEFA report (23rd March 2020) that: 'Marine Operations have been notified … Continued
Manx BirdLife is inviting those stuck indoors as a result of Coronavirus measures to enjoy a bit of birdwatching, starting in your own garden. The Manx BirdLife Garden Birdwatch Scheme is open to all and is free to join. The … Continued
Manx BirdLife is seeking an experienced nature reserve (site) manager to develop and maintain the new Point of Ayre National Reserve. A suitable ecological or conservation-based qualification is required. Significant proven first-hand experience of managing the restoration of quarries for … Continued
POSTPONED … POSTPONED … POSTPONED For obvious reasons, this event has been postponed. We shall make new arrangements at an appropriate future time. Our apologies. ===================================== Please join us for an evening presentation by Neil G. Morris (Managing Director, … Continued
Listen to Manx Radio's podcast featuring Ashley Hill School and Manx BirdLife's Education Officer, Michelle Storton, taking part in 2020's School's Birdwatch (Manx Radio, Wednesday 5th February 2020 - 14 minutes). Michelle Storton is Education Officer for Manx Birdlife, and … Continued
It is with great sadness that Manx Birdlife reports that 'Mary', a Hen Harrier born in the Isle of Man in the summer of 2019, has been found dead beside baits laced with poison in the Republic of Ireland. Mary … Continued
UPDATE: An Eagle has landed – and gone again! Following hot on the heels of reports concerning a young White-tailed Eagle named Aonghus, that had arrived on the Isle of Man from County Galway in Ireland, comes news of the … Continued
A young White-tailed Eagle, named Aonghus, from County Galway in Ireland has taken up temporary residence on the Isle of Man. Aonghus was born in the wild in Connemara, Co. Galway in the summer of 2018, and is part of … Continued
Neil Morris, Managing Director of Manx BirdLife, tells the story of the ‘race’ to discover just how many species of bird were present on the Island over the festive season. “The final results are in! Although this winter’s Bird Race … Continued
Once again, it's time for the traditional Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race - a race with a difference, in which birdwatchers of all levels of expertise across the island collaborate to record as many different species of birds as … Continued
Are you seeing or finding sick, dying or dead birds around your bird table or bird bath? As wild birds gather once again to feed and bathe in our gardens this autumn, Manx BirdLife has received a number of reports … Continued
Follow Michael Davis's excellent account of his 'round the Isle of Man' swim. As well as keeping us updated on his progress, Michael will be sharing some of the family history that sparked this huge challenge and writing about the … Continued
Manx BirdLife and the Manx Ornithological Society are taking action for one of the island’s most remarkable and enigmatic species. The organisations are working together to gather vital information about the Isle of Man’s Swift population. As well as installing … Continued
It’s been another eventful summer in the Manx Barn Owl household. Since early spring, Manx BirdLife’s owlcam has been bringing live pictures to our screens of family life in the famous Barn Owl nest box, located at a secret site … Continued
(Reproduced media release from Bill Henderson, MLC, 15 May 2019) Save our Island's hedgerows and verges – that’s the message from Bill Henderson MLC, following a recent spate of hedgerow and verge cutting around the Island. Mr. Henderson states that … Continued
A comprehensive census conducted by Manx BirdLife over two years has revealed worrying declines among many of the Isle of Man’s seabird species. Get your copy of the full report >> Download a sample extract and contents list >> The … Continued
Manx BirdLife is the delighted recipient of a large donation of optical equipment made by Mr John Harding and family, on behalf of Mr Harding's late brother, David. David Harding was a lover of the countryside, birds and conservation, and … Continued
Manx BirdLife has welcomed an initiative by Pete Hadfield of Isle of Man professional IT Services company Skanco to provide much-needed nesting opportunities for House Martins – a species of bird that is rapidly declining across its range. The project … Continued
Manx BirdLife has provided a written submission in response to the Isle of Man Government's call for evidence regarding the Planning System (the deadline for which was 15th February 2019). The purpose of Manx BirdLife's response was to highlight the … Continued
The Isle of Man's first Swallow of the year was reported on the extraordinary date of 21st February at The Stables near St Judes. The unfortunate bird had probably arrived on the unusual stream of warm southerly winds blowing up … Continued
For new and former students: Starting 11th April 2019 Join us on this highly practical and enjoyable programme aimed at beginners and those with limited experience Organised in conjunction with the Manx Ornithological Society, we’ll: - show you the basics … Continued
Once more in conjunction with the Manx Ornithological Society and led by the veritable Tim Earl, we’re delighted to bring you this new series. Designed to improve your ability to find and identify the island's birds and to enhance your … Continued
STOP PRESS: We are now fully booked for the afternoon presentations. We expect there will be one or two cancellations before the event, so please contact 'neilgmorris at manxbirdlife dot im' if you would like to be put on the … Continued
Now is the time of year to keep an eye out for stranded seabirds along our shorelines. With the exception of Shearwaters and Fulmars, this year's young seabirds have now left their Isle of Man nests. Many will have been … Continued
What: Discover the bird life of the Langness Peninsula When: Saturday 29th September from 2.00-4.00pm Where: Meet at Langness car park (SC284660) from 1.30pm All welcome. Attendance free of charge! See further details below. To reserve places for you and … Continued
Status of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in the UK and Isle of Man in 2016 By Simon R. Wotton,Stephen Bladwell, Wendy Mattingley, Neil G. Morris, David Raw, Marc Ruddock, Andrew Stevenson & Mark A. Eaton, Published online: 29 July … Continued
If you haven’t already seen it, Manx BirdLife is streaming live video of a family of Manx Barn Owls from a secret location somewhere on the island. The feed can be viewed at http://manxbirdlife.im/manx-birds/owl-cam/, along with an archive of images … Continued
Calling all families and young people ... Join us at Derbyhaven, Isle of Man on Saturday 28th April from 2.00-4.00pm for this free 'bird discovery' event.
The nesting season is now well and truly underway. Many resident species of wild bird across the island are building their nests. Some are already incubating or laying eggs. Every day, they are being joined by growing numbers of newly … Continued
Following last year’s hugely enjoyable Autumn programme - and once more in conjunction with the Manx Ornithological Society - we’re holding a spring bird identification course starting on 26th April 2018. You’ll be able to learn the basics of how best to … Continued
The Isle of Man Barn Owl Project has launched an online video feed that is now broadcasting directly from a Barn Owl nest box in a secret location somewhere in the Isle of Man. The daily lives of the resident … Continued
Breaking news from RSPB today: Rare Hen Harrier goes missing in Wales North Wales Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following the disappearance of a satellite-tagged hen harrier near Wrexham. The harrier, named Aalin, was tagged as part of … Continued
Hot off the press is the new Garden Birdwatch newsletter (Dec 2017). With news of how the Island's garden birds are faring and much more, the December 2017 edition includes: - Garden Birdwatch Top Ten - Garden bird identification challenges - … Continued
Is this the photograph of the year? Steve Johnstone captured this amazing image at Langness on the Isle of Man in November 2017. It shows a flock of Starlings that had been feeding mid-air on a hatch of flying insects … Continued
Amidst the controversy and obfuscation that taints the UK Government's fatuous approach to Hen Harrier conservation, it's wonderful to be able to report some Christmas cheer. Manx Hen Harrier Aalin continues to thrive in Wales! To cut a long and exciting … Continued
It's that time of year again! The traditional Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race is a race with a difference. Birdwatchers of all levels of expertise collaborating across the island to record as many different species of birds as possible … Continued
Manx BirdLife's Managing Director, Neil Morris, and Education Officer, Michelle Storton, will present an update on the charity's activities over the past twelve months. When: Tuesday 7th November 2017 Where: Union Mills Methodist Church Hall, Isle of Man Time: Tea … Continued
Conservation efforts to save Manx Hen Harriers have been badly hit by the death of satellite-tagged siblings, Grayse and Mannin, whose premature deaths have been announced by scientists working to protect this majestic but endangered species. Mannin and his sister … Continued
By Neil G. Morris Seagulls. Love 'em or hate 'em? Throughout history they have inspired folklore, poems, songs, stories, films and more. They have also invoked the ire of a few who misunderstand them; and for the unlucky fewer, they … Continued
Crikey! We're already fully booked, but please do get in contact if you'd like to be put on the waiting list and/or would like to be sent details of the next course when these are first available. Join us on … Continued
Thanks to the combined efforts of conservation charities, businesses and dedicated individuals, two young Hen Harriers on the Isle of Man have been successfully fitted with satellite trackers, known as tags, as part of efforts across the British Isles to … Continued
A Little Egret spotted in the south of the island this week by local birdwatcher Richard Norris is the 4,000th 'wild bird' sighting reported by a member of the public using Manx BirdLife's website this year. Little Egrets are smaller, … Continued
Here's an update on Aalin - the Manx satellite-tagged Hen Harrier - from Blánaid Denman, Project Manager, Hen Harrier LIFE+ Project: 'Aalin – this Manx beauty is proving a source of endless fascination as the first harrier officially to have been recorded … Continued
Manx BirdLife urgently needs your sightings of inland nesting gulls ... and also Swifts! Inland nesting Gulls As part of an island-wide census of the seabirds living on and around the Isle of Man (the first full census since 1999), we … Continued
Manx BirdLife and the Manx Ornithological Society have organised this introduction to bird identification on Saturday 13th May especially for families and young people. Aimed at beginners, the day comprises a morning of indoor classroom-based instruction in Castletown, followed by … Continued
A rare warbler spotted in Ballasalla in January has now been identified as being from the Central Asian population found in Kazakhstan. Ballasalla resident Paul Bromley first spied the diminutive warbler on 30th January 2017 when it was feeding on … Continued
Update 23 March 2017: A huge thank you to everyone who took part on Tuesday evening (21st March 2017) at the inaugural meeting of the Manx Nature 2050 Group, held at the wonderful Noa's Bakehouse in Douglas. We had some great … Continued
Join us on this special beginners’ bird identification course! Following last year’s hugely enjoyable programme, we’ve organised another bird identification course for 2017. We’ll show you the basics of how to best observe birds, share hints and tips on how … Continued
Manx BirdLife is bidding for a funding boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative, in support of the charity’s “Help us watch out for Manx birds” project. It is one of three organisations shortlisted to receive the cash award … Continued
Young people aged 5-14 years old and their families are invited to join us for a variety of fun activities led by Michelle Storton from Manx BirdLife and Dawn Dickens from Manx Wildlife Trust. You can choose to join us on: Tuesday 21st … Continued
An evening event brought to you by Manx BirdLife and the Manx Ornithological Society When: Tuesday 21st February 2017 Where: St John's Methodist Church Hall Timings: Tea/coffee and biscuits from 7.00pm; presentations from 7.30pm You are cordially invited to an evening … Continued
The traditional Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race is on again! It’s a race with a difference, with birdwatchers of all levels of expertise collaborating across the island to record as many different species of birds as possible between Christmas … Continued
Download your free copy of the December 2016 Garden Birdwatch Scheme update. With a warm welcome from Michelle Storton - Manx BirdLife's newly appointed Education Officer and Garden Birdwatch coordinator - and the latest Garden Birdwatch Top Ten plus lots more news, you … Continued
After staying faithful to her Isle of Man home since fledging this summer, Aalin – the satellite-tagged female Hen Harrier – has ventured across the Irish Sea and taken up residence on a local nature reserve south of Manchester, England. … Continued
Stop Press (02 Nov 2016): This event is now fully booked! See contact details below if you'd like to add your name to the waiting list. Join us for an afternoon of gentle science and fascinating discovery exploring the lives and … Continued
We're seeking an Education Officer to continue the provision of Manx Birdlife's services to the island's schools and youth organisations. The post holder will provide in-class and outdoor activities for young people aimed at inspiring an appreciation of wild birds … Continued
After a nervous wait, the first satellite data has been received from Aalin, the female Hen Harrier tagged earlier this summer, revealing she has now left the nest and is making her maiden flights around the Isle of Man. In … Continued
If you are reading this post, chances are you're visiting our new website! We are currently testing this new website (currently 'in beta') and would welcome your feedback. Is it an improvement on the previous website, is there anything missing that you … Continued
