This summer, we are asking the residents of the Island to collaborate with us on a brand new citizen science initiative to help establish just how many pairs of breeding buzzard now call the Isle of Man home. The common … Continued
Last week, our amazing team of staff, volunteers, and contractors came together to add a wonderful new feature to the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve—an artificial sand martin bank. Stretching 10m wide by 2m tall, this new addition … Continued
Join Tim Earl for an Introduction to Bird watching: Discover Summer Visitors on the Isle of Man Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to brush up on your skills, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from an … Continued
2024 was a year of remarkable progress and growth for Manx BirdLife, marked by several exciting milestones and significant achievements in wildlife conservation across the Isle of Man. A Year of Growth and Progress The first few months of 2024 … Continued
2024 was meant to be the year of the Isle of Man Chough Census but apparently no one told the weather. The whole Island Chough Census is carried out at roughly 10 yearly intervals and are integral in gathering vital … Continued
Are you looking for a fun, outdoor activity this Christmas? Look no further! The Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race is back, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season while connecting with nature. From December 25th to … Continued
This was the inadvertent slogan for the third edition of Celebrating Manx Birds, held at the Manx Museum on the 23rd of November 2024. The event was a great opportunity to see the range of actions towards conservation on and … Continued
Tickets have now gone on sale for Manx BirdLife's 'Celebrating Manx Birds III' event to be held at the Manx Museum on 23rd November 2024. ‘Celebrating Manx Birds’ was previously held in 2016 and 2018, but Manx BirdLife have not … Continued
Here's the latest Blog post from Anna, Manx BirdLife Education Manager, with her thoughts on the final event of summer 2024. I had anticipated ‘My Mindful Nature Journal’, a Manx Young Birders’ Event and creative collaboration with Momma Moon’s Art … Continued
Manx BirdLife are delighted to announce our first family event at the newly open Point of Ayre national reserve. Anna, Manx BirdLife’s Education Manager will be teaming up with Laura of Momma Moon’s Art Studio, to deliver a unique and … Continued
We are thrilled to announce that the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve is now open to the public two days a week. Over the last few months, a huge amount of work has been carried out to get … Continued
The RSPB has released the results of the 2023 Hen Harrier survey, which includes the results of the survey undertaken in the Isle of Man in 2022. Overall, the population has shown a 20% increase in numbers since 2016, but … Continued
This week, Manx BirdLife is celebrating 20 years of our Garden Birdwatch by releasing a report analysing the data that has been collected in that time. Initially set up in 1999, the Garden Birdwatch was fully rolled out across the … Continued
Due to popular demand, Tim Earl will be running two ‘An Introduction to Birdwatching’ courses this spring and with a venue in both the North and the South of the Island, it couldn’t be easier to take part. Each course … Continued
Please take a minute to nominate Manx BirdLife for one of ten donations of £5000 from the Benefact Group to charities working to support wildlife. Manx BirdLife is the conservation charity based in the Isle of man working to protect … Continued
Supported by the Manx Ornithological Society, the course comprises a mix of evening classes and guided fields trips. Open to all, the course will help attendees discover the basics of how to best observe birds, share hints and tips on … Continued
The annual Isle of Man Christmas Bird Race is back for another year and Manx BirdLife hopes it will be the biggest yet. Running from Christmas Day until New Year’s Eve, the aim of the ‘race’ is to record as … Continued
We are delighted that this year a Manx BirdLife project to build a Sand Martin bank has been selected as part of the Coop Local Community Fund. At our Point of Ayre nature reserve, we wish to build a nest … Continued
Manx BirdLife have been delighted to be Manx Radio’s Charity of the Week on the One to Three show with Christy DeHaven this week. Outgoing Managing Director Neil and new Managing Director Allison popped into the studio to have a … Continued
Progress in conservation is often many steps along the path towards success. The work Manx BirdLife is doing at the new Point of Ayre National Reserve includes building new islands made of gravel, but also artificial islands in the form … Continued
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
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 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
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
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
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](https://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
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
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
