The Bermuda Audubon Society has urged residents to donate to a hurricane relief fund providing support for bird life in the Caribbean.

Thousands of birds have perished and countless habitats have been destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

BirdsCaribbean has launched a campaign to provide emergency funds to people working to restore habitat and help birds on hardest hit islands.

“We’re all concerned about the absolute devastation Hurricanes Irma and Maria have brought to communities and wildlife in the Caribbean islands,” Andrew Dobson, president of the Bermuda Audubon Society, said.

“We are asking for assistance as we help stabilise conditions for our dedicated colleagues, who live and work on these islands.

“All of them work or volunteer with non-profit organisations or small government departments, so their resources are limited. All are extremely committed to conservation and are taking the time to try and help their birds, even as they themselves have lost their homes and offices.

“It is critical that we help our partners get back on their feet as soon as possible and begin restoration efforts for the birds and habitats that suffered the fury of Irma and Maria’s catastrophic force.”

Hundreds of flamingos are known to have died in Cuba, while on Barbuda satellite imagery has shown that Irma destroyed almost all the vegetation that small birds need to escape the winds.

Damage to mangroves, reefs, seagrass beds and beaches mean birds will lose their nesting habitat, shelter and food.

To donate go to: www.razoo.com/story/Birdscaribbean-Hurricane-Relief