http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature13531.html#ref-link-43
 
Bayer responds:
http://www.bayercropscience.us/news/press-releases/2014/0709-bee-statement---response-nature-magazine  

or http://tinyurl.com/mhnanbw

"The letter makes no proper attempt to account for other possible
sources of the reported decline such as climate change or nutrition.
On the latter, two of the authors, van Turnhout and Foppen, in 2010 
actually concluded that “trophic mismatches may have become a
 major cause for population declines in long-distance migrants in 
highly seasonal habitats.” The authors’ conclusion was for forests 
but agricultural areas are even more seasonal.

The authors’ assertions ignore the fact that most of the bird species
mentioned are not foraging to a large extent on insects emerging
from water bodies. Skylarks, for instance, predominantly feed on 
ground dwelling beetles. Birds living close to aquatic habitats – the 
species hypothetically affected most by concentrations of 
neonicotinoids in surface water – show no or negligible negative 
impact.

The letter refers to a publication by van Dijk et al (2013) as 
scientific source which was recently rebutted by peer 
scientists on methods used and conclusions reached.
In addition, the Dutch authority responsible for authorization 
of crop protection products, Ctgb, concluded “that this study 
cannot be used to show a causal relationship between the 
concentration on imidacloprid and the number of observed 
species.”

In conclusion, the letter to “Nature” provides no substantiated 
evidence of the alleged indirect effects of imidacloprid on 
insectivorous birds. Bayer CropScience is working with the
Dutch authorities and agricultural stakeholders to ensure 
the safe use of imidacloprid-containing crop protection 
products and to preserve the environment." 

Paul Cherubini
El Dorado, Calif.

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html