For any of you who have looked through a flock of gulls and thought it was hopeless to pick out the different species, you are in luck. Scientists have just released their findings in the UK journal Molecular Ecology Notes regarding DNA barcodes for bird species in North America. They found that most of the large, white-headed gulls (California, Herring, … Read More
Eastern population of Golden Eagles being tracked
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh and Powdermill Avian Research Center are both working on satellite tracking several Golden Eagles that were trapped this fall near the Allegheny Front Hawk Watch near Bedford, PA. I was lucky enough to be in the trapping blind for a day when 39 Golden Eagles and 1 Bald Eagle migrated past but unfortunately we only … Read More
Study reveals further declines for the world’s waterbirds
In the somber news category, the fourth edition of the Wetlands International report on waterbird species around the world has been released. It’s based on annual field surveys by 15,000 voluntary expert observers across hundreds of sites worldwide, including many IBA’s. Of the 878 species that they present estimates and trends for, 44% are either decreasing or have become extinct … Read More
Vulture chick brings hope
For those of you who follow bird news around the globe, you are probably aware that vulture populations have crashed to an unsustainable level due to the widespread use of the veterinary medicine, diclofenac. Three species of vultures- the White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) and Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) declined by more that 95 percent in just … Read More
Natty Geo Hummingbirds
The last National Geographic has a great article on hummingbirds with some of the most beautiful hummingbird photographs I have ever seen. Apparently, these hummingbirds are captured, carried to the photographers SUV which is equipped with flowers and proceeds to photograph them. The goal is to document all the species of hummingbirds in order to better conserve them. To see … Read More
Happy Feet but sad Rockhoppers
For a great animated flick with a hint of conservation I would recommend the new movie, Happy Feet. The main theme is about a young Emperor Penguin who can’t sing the typical mate attracting song, but rather has a knack for dancing. The Independent in the UK recently had an article about the dramatic decline of the Rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome), … Read More
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Record Setting Year
As an intern at Hawk Mountain this past fall I was privileged to be there for an excellent season. Records set included:-the 4th highest one-day Broad-winged Hawk count (7,508)-a tie for the one-day Northern Harrier record (36)–season record for Golden Eagles (164)-season record for Merlins (204)–tied for season record for Peregrine Falcons (62)-Mississippi Kite (1, 5th record) Also, Turkey and … Read More
Good News for Whooping Cranes
Sometimes good news is hard to come by so I am happy to say that the first wild hatched Whooping Crane chick from the Operation Migration flock has successfully completed its fall migration to Florida. Currently the flock consists of 64 released cranes plus the 1 wild hatched chick. I was lucky enough to see a pair of Whooping Cranes … Read More
Cerulean decline
So its been quite a problem for a while now but Cerulean Warblers are in a precipitous decline. Apparently, the populations have dropped 82% in 40 years which is pretty dismal but to make matters worse, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided not to list it as endangered. The National Audubon Society may follow up on this decision … Read More