This week in birds - #34

A Mountain Chickadee among the pines of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The birds feed on the seeds in the cones of these pines.

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The use of native plants in home gardening has been a popular trend in recent years. Now a study led by an ecologist from the University of Massachusetts suggests that the use of such plants in urban areas is very important for birds and other wildlife. It offers them mini-refuges in which they can feed from and nest in plants which are familiar to them which aids their chances of survival.

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Blue-throated Macaws are found in only one area of northern Bolivia and the birds are considered critically endangered. Here are some pictures of these gorgeous birds.

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It seems that every week or so we hear of a new species of bird, previously unknown to science, that has been discovered. This week we have three to report. A new species of wren, the Antioquia Wren has been discovered in a little-known dry forest in Colombia. And in the Philippines, two new species of owls have been identified: The Camiguin Hawk-owl was found on a small island just north of Mindanao and the Cebu Hawk-owl on the island of Cebu. The Cebu Hawk-owl had been thought to be extinct because of widespread deforestation on the island.

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Members of the House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee seem to be uniquely devoid of actual scientific knowledge. Notorious Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri is a fair representative of how seriously misinformed the members of the committee - at least on the Republican side - truly are. This article gives other examples of their militant ignorance.  Is it any wonder that Congress's approval rating ranks alongside that of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez?

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The American Bird Conservancy has produced a new 30-minute film which documents the critical plight of the native birds of Hawaii that are facing extinction from loss of habitat and invasive species including domestic animals which prey on them.

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Studies in Denmark have shown that male Rock Sparrows indicate their age and their reproductive success by variations in their songs.

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Yao Ming - remember the former Houston Rocket great? - is making an anti-poaching documentary with which he hopes to persuade his fellow Chinese to stop using products from elephants and rhinoceroses and to protect the animals.

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Ammonia produced in the guano of large colonies of seabirds may have a global impact on the environment. It's an issue which has been under-investigated until recently but is now receiving the attention of researchers. Not all seabird colonies are thriving, however. The Kittiwakes of Scotland are undergoing serious declines in population.

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Global climate change may have different effects on different areas. These differences can occur even within a single state, particularly if it is a large state, like California.

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It's not only birds that are shifting their ranges in reaction to the warming of the climate. Even butterflies are moving farther north. Southern species like Giant Swallowtails are being found farther and farther north this summer.

Giant Swallowtail on milkweed in my garden this week.

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Around the backyard:

I had mentioned yesterday that there was a diminution in hummingbird activity in my yard this week. Well, today that all changed again. Another wave of the little guys apparently blew in last night, including some more Rufouses. The hummingbird war was back on today.

I snapped this Carolina Wren at the backyard feeder today. The poor thing looks terrible, doesn't he? But, trust me, he's perfectly fine, just as perky and active as any wren. As soon as he finished his snack, he perched in a nearby shrub and sang his little heart out. Love these guys - even when they are almost bald.