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.

Sunday, 29 November 2015

Starlings mysteriously drowning en masse in garden ponds

Bird experts are baffled about why starlings are drowning mysteriously in ponds
25 Nov 2015

Starlings are mysteriously drowning en masse in garden ponds across Britain.

Renowned for flying in enormous flocks - sometimes more than one million strong - they have been observed in recent years to perish in groups of 10 or more.

Now researchers are trying to work out what's behind the phenomenon.

Conservationists believe the "inexperience" of young birds in negotiating water - along with their friendly nature - could be behind the mystery.

They have suggested homeowners supply sloping exits or ramps in water features so the vulnerable birds can get in and out safely.

Experts say it is unusual for wild birds to drown and on the occasions it happens normally involves an individual rather than multiple numbers.


No comments:

Post a Comment