Conservation Officer Jeremy Madeiros will describe how Bermuda's national bird has soared back from near extinction at a public lecture this evening.

'The Cahow – Return of the Ghost Bird to Nonsuch Island' takes place at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Since their rediscovery in 1951, Cahows have only been known to nest on tiny rocky islets around Castle Harbour, which puts them at risk from hurricanes. Now however, thanks to a 'translocation programme', the birds are returning to nest on the nature reserve of Nonsuch Island.

The programme - which involves moving the chicks from the rocky islets to artificial burrows on Nonsuch Island just prior to fledging, has been underway since 2005. Three years later, the first of the translocated birds have returned to Bermuda and some are landing on Nonsuch Island to check out the burrows as potential new nesting sites.

Government Conservation Officer Mr. Madeiros took charge of the Cahow recovery programme following the retirement of Dr. David Wingate in 2000. This evening he talks about the translocation programme and his hopes for the future of the species.

The lecture is sponsored by the Bermuda Audubon Society and is open to all. Donations are welcome.