Ring-billed Gull in flight over Galveston Bay.
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40,000 cubic yards of dredge spoils from Rincon Channel will be spread over Causeway Island in Nueces Bay off Corpus Christi, thus raising the elevation of the island. This island is an important breeding area for several terns and for Black Skimmers. The rise in elevation should help provide more suitable nesting habitat for the birds.
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The thrush-sized Spotted Antbirds of Barro Colorado Island off Panama seem to have changed their foraging habits. Whereas in the past, they pursued an eclectic approach, using different methods of hunting, now they appear to be relying almost exclusively on following large squads of army ants to scare up prey for them.
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International Bird Rescue is an organization which has highly trained specialists that travel around the world to provide emergency services in rescuing birds, as well as doing research and providing educational services. They are world leaders in the art and science of rescuing birds that have been oiled by spills. Their philosophy is that "Every bird counts."
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There are 18 living species of penguins in the world today. Over half of them are threatened or endangered. The Global Penguin Society is working with governments, scientists, and local communities to try to ensure the survival of all of them.
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A six-year study of 236 coyotes in the Chicago area found no evidence of sexual straying among mated pairs. Indeed, they seemed to be thoroughly monogamous.
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Eurasian Jays use flexible tactics in their hunt for food. Depending on the circumstances, they will quest for food on their own, or, if the opportunity arises, they will steal food from a neighbor. Jays the world over are nothing if not adaptable!
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It's migration time for many North American raptors and the knowledgeable birder will keep an eye on the sky watching for "kettles." These are large groups of birds that gather in updrafts and circle as they follow the air stream. Broad-winged Hawks are particularly known for this practice.
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The International Union for the Conservation of Nation is creating a "green list" to go along with its "red list" of endangered species. The green list will be about optimism and success for it will list species that are completely protected.
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A study of bullfinches in the Caribbean reveals that two very different developmental pathways may produce the same shape of beak to deal with similar foods. Form follows function.
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Salt marshes help to sequester and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus playing a valuable role in slowing global warming. However, they are in danger of being overrun by fast-rising seas which could destroy their carbon storage capacity and further deteriorate the earth's ability to regulate its temperature.
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Rachel Carson's Silent Spring was published fifty years ago this month. Its far-reaching influence on the nascent environmental movement is still being felt today.
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Around the backyard:
Migration continues. Molting continues. And the birds are hungry. They are hitting the feeders hard.
And speaking of feeders, it is time to sign up for Project Feederwatch once again. The project begins in early November and runs through early April, the busiest period of the year for backyard birdfeeders. You will have a chance to observe, count, and report the birds that you see in your yard. If you've never participated before, I can assure you that you will have fun and that you will get to know the birds in your yard a lot better. Give it a try!
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