2024-11-02 09:56:00
Danish blackbirds fly in a dark, black night
DOF Birdlife attributes the decline to an outbreak of the deadly Usutu virus, first detected in dead blackbirds in September.
“Since late summer, we have received and collected over 1,000 reports from citizens and authorities who have spotted sick or dead blackbirds,” Knud Flensted, DOF BirdLife biologist, said in the press release.
According to the statement, the state infectious disease control agency State Serum Institute (SSI) has documented cases of the virus in dead blackbirds in 24 municipalities nationwide.
The blackbird is one of the most common birds in Denmark, with around 2.1 million breeding pairs in 2018, according to DOF Birdlife. Once found primarily in forests, blackbirds have since spread to urban areas, with the highest concentrations now in suburban neighborhoods or residential areas and parks, particularly in eastern Denmark.
“From Germany, where the Usutu virus was first detected in birds in 2011, we know that it has caused mass die-offs of blackbirds in some regions. An estimated 200,000 to 400,000 blackbirds died in Germany alone between 2011 and 2012,” Olesen said in the press release.
Announcement
TV2 comedy about family life gets recognition
The first prize for best series at this year’s Series Awards in Aarhus went to TV2’s comedy The best years (“The Best Years”), which tells the story of the daily ups and downs of a family with two young children.
Without trying to turn this column into my personal blog (or weekly television show), as a parent of young children I have to say that it is a brilliant observational sitcom that really makes you feel “seen” as mum or dad.
Some situations are exaggerated for comedic purposes, but right from the opening credits, which show breakfast splattered on the floor, a dirty coffee pot and wrinkled children’s clothes, you recognize the reality of raising toddlers and not the refined version of social media . A breath of fresh air.
The series was created by Magnus Millang, who plays the lead role alongside Stephania Potalivo. Millang wrote the screenplay together with his brother, Emil Millang. Both protagonists do a great job of portraying the dazed exhaustion, awkward missteps, and acceptance of chaos that encapsulate life with young children.
The Series Awards, part of the Aarhus Series festival, are supported by the Municipality of Aarhus and the Dutch Film Institute.
Announcement
On the trend of school absences
The rate of absences in Denmark elementary schools OR public schools are growing again. Data from the Ministry of Children and Education shows that in the 2023-2024 school year, 21.6% of students had more than 10% absenteeism.
This is “shocking” according to Rasmus Kjeldahl, director of Børns Vilkår.
“It’s incredibly worrying. It’s even higher than last year, and even then I thought it was terrible,” he said.
Children and Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye is also disappointed with the figures, saying: ”I thought we were moving in the right direction.”
Tesfaye said the absences were not due to that sailor, the Danish word for “bunking off”, or whatever local slang you prefer for sneaking out of school without permission.
The minister instead stressed that the increase could largely be attributed to prolonged absences linked to long-term illnesses. He also noted that in recent years researchers have reported widespread mental health problems among young people.
“This isn’t about truancy or laziness. This is about children who are on long-term sick leave, and it’s incredibly hard and frustrating on their families,” Tesfaye told the Ritzau newswire.
The Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdowns may have had a negative impact on school attendance, Tesfaye believes.
“To be honest, I think we adults have moved on quickly from Covid. For us it is already a chapter in the history books. But the extent of the toll it has taken on children and young people has been underestimated,” he said.
Title: Birdwatching in Crisis: An Interview with Knud Flensted on the Usutu Virus Impacting Denmark’s Blackbirds
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Knud Flensted, a biologist with DOF BirdLife, who has been closely monitoring the alarming decline of blackbirds across Denmark. Knud, thank you for joining us.
Knud Flensted: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, though I wish the circumstances were better.
Interviewer: Indeed. The recent reports of blackbird deaths due to the Usutu virus are quite concerning. Can you give us an overview of what this virus is and how it affects blackbirds?
Knud Flensted: Absolutely. The Usutu virus, first detected in Europe in 2011, impacts various bird species, particularly blackbirds. It can lead to a range of symptoms such as lethargy, neurological issues, and ultimately death. In Denmark, we’ve had a significant outbreak, with over 1,000 reports of sick or dead blackbirds since late summer.
Interviewer: That’s a staggering number. How widespread has the impact been across Denmark?
Knud Flensted: Very widespread. The State Serum Institute has confirmed cases in 24 municipalities. Blackbirds are one of our most common bird species, with around 2.1 million breeding pairs as of 2018. This sudden decline is alarming since they have adapted from forests to urban settings, indicating how resilient they have been until now.
Interviewer: What can you tell us about the potential long-term implications of this outbreak for Denmark’s blackbird population and ecosystem?
Knud Flensted: Well, if the trend continues, we could see a significant reduction in their numbers. In Germany, for example, the virus led to the death of an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 blackbirds within just a year. If the situation in Denmark mirrors that, we’re looking at a critical loss. This decline could disrupt local ecosystems since blackbirds play key roles in pest control and seed dispersal.
Interviewer: How are citizens and local authorities responding to this crisis? Are there any initiatives to address it?
Knud Flensted: Yes, the response has been encouraging. Many citizens have been vigilant, reporting sightings of sick or deceased birds, which helps us gather data. DOF BirdLife is also working on awareness campaigns to educate the public on hygiene measures to limit the virus’ spread. The challenge is to balance these efforts while respecting wildlife and minimizing human interference.
Interviewer: What actions can everyday people take to help mitigate the impact of such outbreaks in the future?
Knud Flensted: Citizens can help by maintaining clean bird feeders and baths, as these can be hotspots for disease transmission. Reporting sick or dead birds can also aid our research and response efforts. Additionally, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of local wildlife can strengthen community efforts in biodiversity conservation.
Interviewer: It sounds like a collective effort is essential in these situations. As we conclude our interview, what message do you want to leave with our audience about the future of bird conservation in Denmark?
Knud Flensted: Birds are vital components of our ecosystems and the overall health of our environment. While we face challenges like the Usutu virus outbreak, I believe that through awareness, education, and community action, we can persevere. Supporting organizations focused on bird conservation can make a significant difference. Together, we can ensure that the skies above Denmark remain vibrant with life.
Interviewer: Thank you, Knud, for your insights and for the important work you do at DOF BirdLife. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us today.
Knud Flensted: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. Let’s hope for better days for our blackbirds!