Birds and birding news
- Genetic research shows that the Sapayoa, a suboscine passerine from Neotropical rainforests, has its closest relatives in Africa and Asia.
- An Irish birder argues that bird records committees should not be in the business of deleting old records without good reason.
- Penguins do not have the densest contour feathers among birds, but they do have incredibly dense plumules, which provide insulation under the contour feathers.
- Migratory shorebirds that use beaches need some protection from dogs, especially off-leach dogs.
- Genetic research found that the Pygmy Bushtit is closely related to the other long-tailed tits in the genus Aegithalos.
- A nest cam in Pennsylvania recorded a Bald Eagle feeding a dead cat to its chicks (another reason to keep cats indoors).
- A Swainson's Warbler showed up in Central Park yesterday.
- Small, solar-powered tags are allowing closer tracking of migratory songbirds like Tree Swallows.
- Evolution of beak shape for birds of prey is constrained by the shape of the skull.
- This year, 37 Kakapo chicks survived, making it their most successful breeding year in 20 years.
- Forsythe NWR, one of New Jersey's prime birding locations, is undergoing repair work that will close parts of the wildlife drive over the coming year.
Science and nature blogging
Environment and biodiversity