Friday, September 25, 2015

Loose Feathers #513

Least Sandpiper / Photo by Bill Thompson/USFWS
Birds and birding news
Science and nature blogging
Environment and biodiversity

Friday, September 18, 2015

Loose Feathers #512

Virginia Rail / Photo by Steve Arena/USFWS
Birds and birding news
Science and nature blogging
Environment and biodiversity

Friday, September 11, 2015

Loose Feathers #511

Red Knot with other shorebirds / Photo credit: Gregory Breese/USFWS
Birds and birding news
Science and nature blogging
Environment and biodiversity

Friday, September 04, 2015

Loose Feathers #510

Tagged Red Knot with other shorebirds / Photo by Gregory Breese/USFWS
Birds and birding news
  • Citizen science is contributing much data for scientific research, especially through birding-related projects like eBird and the Christmas Bird Count.
  • Scientists estimate that plastic will be found in 99% of seabirds by 2050. It already affects 60% of species; the number of individuals affected rose from <5% in 1960 to 80% by 2010.
  • Many birds may lose parts of their ranges due to climate change, and conservation planning needs to account for shifting ranges.
  • Common Loons return to the same wintering sites year after year.
  • White-tailed Eagles avoid large bullet fragments during consumption of carcasses, an important finding in support of nonlead ammunition. 
  • Scientists are trying to bring back the endangered Attwater's Prairie-Chicken, but success is limited due to numerous factors, from fire ants to floods. Currently the population stands at 104 birds.
Science and nature blogging
Environment and biodiversity