Posts
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| Rufous Hummingbird / Photo by Dave Menke (USFWS) |
- A genetic study has resolved the evolutionary relationships of the entire family of Hawaiian honeycreepers. There were originally more than 55 species of honeycreepers, some of which were from widely different lineages. Honeycreepers evolved from Eurasian rosefinches, which arrived in the Hawaiian Islands from Asia, whereas most Hawaiian birds evolved from North American ancestors.
- Peru is issuing stamps featuring the country's endangered birds.
- A recent study found that birds that follow army ant colonies can remember information about the ants' location and activity from one day to the next. This helps them follow colonies with high levels of activity while avoiding less active colonies.
- A video crew recorded an Adelie Penguin stealing stones from its neighbor's nest. You can see the full video here.
- A captive breeding program is being undertaken to increase the numbers of Spoon-billed Sandpipers in the wild.
- 10,000 Birds: Slowing down Chimney Swifts
- The Nemesis Bird: Tennessee Warbler vs. Orange-crowned Warbler
- The Drinking Bird: The Big Year and birder affirmation
- Birding New Jersey and the World: Cento: What Hollywood Tells Us
- ABA Blog: Telephoto-Macro?!?
- Round Robin: 10 Great Books on Birds: A Big Year Reading List
- Urban Dragon Hunters: Aeshna ID: Canada versus Green-striped
- Bug Girl's Blog: Lost Bumblebees of Denmark
- Myrmecos: Portrait of a jumping spider
- Net Results: Poison ivy: Breakfast of champions
- An entomologist at Rutgers University is studying the shapes and functions of dragonfly genitals, particularly in family Libellulidae (skimmers).
- A study of co-evolution found that orchids need orchid bees more than the bees need the orchids since orchid bees gather pollen from multiple sources.
- Scientists in Bolivia are monitoring jaguars via camera traps.
- Wolves may be gradually returning to the Northeast, so environmentalists hope to maintain federal endangered species protections for the eastern population to assist the recovery. (via 10,000 Birds)
- Scientists have been tracking narwhals by satellite. The tracking program is designed to discover how these unusual whales are responding to changes in their environment.
- Some male spiders are able to avoid being eaten during courtship by massaging the back of the female with their palps and a special thread.
- A writer for The Guardian wonders what makes autumn feel special.
- Yet another independent evaluation of the evidence concluded that the climate is warming.
- The drought across the southern U.S. is expected to continue this winter thanks to La Niña.
- A recent study found more humpback whales in the North Pacific than at any time in the recent past.
