As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Wednesday, 12 July 2017

Seagulls are dying because they are getting so 'drunk' on flying ants




By Plymouth Herald  |  Posted: July 08, 2017 

Seagulls are suffering because they are getting 'drunk' on flying ants and suffering from the hot temperatures, say experts.

An unusual amount of dead birds have been reported across the country this week, as Plymouth and the nation experienced the annual 'Flying Ant Day'.

Although they are a nuisance, they pose no risk to humans, but some believe they have the unusual effect of getting our feathered friends absolutely sloshed.

The formic acid in the bodies of the ants is thought to mess with their cognitive ability leading to them acting inebriated, despite this they cannot resist the tasty treats.


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