Two U.K.-based organizations, BirdLife International and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), have recently released a study indicating that commercial tuna fishing may be killing albatrosses and other endangered seabirds as quickly as one bird every five minutes, according to Scientific American. South Atlantic populations of the birds, in particular, are under the greatest threat.

Fortunately, several methods can be used to minimize commercial fishing's impact on seabirds. Dyeing bait so it is difficult for birds to see, fishing at night when birds are less active and deploying ribbons at the surface of the water, above the fishing lines, to deter birds from approaching are all effective techniques.

It is hoped that raising awareness of the critically endangered status of these seabirds can help encourage more responsible fishing and better conservation initiatives worldwide.

Tristan Albatross
Photo © Michael Clarke Stuff

Montana birders were flying high earlier this month as they enjoyed a visit from a lesser black-backed gull, a European gull species regularly seen in the northeast but rarely found in the west, according to the Great Falls Tribune. For more than a week the gull was sighted at West Bank Park in Great Falls, where it mingled with a flock of ring-billed gulls - common gulls throughout the United States in the winter.

The lesser black-backed gull has only been recorded twice previously in Montana, both times in 2008.

The fall migration season is an excellent time to spot unusual bird species as they travel from place to place, occasionally getting lost during their extensive journeys and delighting birders in areas far removed from the birds' regular ranges. What unique birds have you seen this fall? Share your sightings in the comments!

Lesser Black-Backed Gull
Photo © Mike Scott

It's time to bundle up when you see this week's featured bird: dark-eyed juncos prefer cold climates and are often called "snowbirds" because they are common winter feeder birds, where they will monopolize your millet.

Dark-eyed juncos are also fascinating because they have quite a few plumage variations, from the plain gray slate-colored junco of the east to the Oregon junco of the west with its black hood and rufous sides. A greater number of junco variations can be found in the west, from gray-headed to red-backed to pink-sided birds.

What juncos visit your feeders in the winter? Share your sightings and junco tips in the comments!

Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco
Photo © Gary Irwin

The first national wildlife refuge in the United States, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, has been nearly abandoned by nesting and migrating water birds, according to TCPalm.com. The 5,400 acre refuge was first established in 1903 and was once home to thousands of birds and hundreds of nesting pairs, but this year the small coastal island at the heart of the refuge hosted just 14 pairs of nesting birds.

Several factors have threatened the refuge's appeal to birds, including expanding housing developments, erosion and recent hurricanes. Rangers and conservationists suspect that the birds have shifted their behavior to more sheltered areas, including the nearby Indian River Lagoon. It is hoped that the birds will eventually return to the refuge, though it could take years for young birds to seek out new nesting territories.

Have you visited Pelican Island National Refuge? Share your birding experiences in the comments!

Black-Crowned Night-Heron, Indian River Lagoon
Photo © Andrea Westmoreland