Date:
September 24, 2014
Source:
Queen's University
Summary:
Body size has long been recognized to play a key role in shaping species interactions, with larger species usually winning conflicts with their smaller counterparts. But a biologist has now found that occasionally, small species of birds can dominate larger species during aggressive interactions, particularly when they interact with distantly related species.
Continued ...
Saturday, 27 September 2014
Friday, 26 September 2014
Bird brains more precise than humans'
(Phys.org) —Birds have been found to display superior judgement of their body width compared to humans, in research to help design autonomous aircraft navigation systems.
A University of Queensland (UQ) study has found that budgerigars can fly between gaps almost as narrow as their outstretched wingspan rather than taking evasive measures such as tucking in their wings.
UQ Queensland Brain Institute researcher Dr Ingo Schiffner said previous research showed humans unnecessarily turned their shoulders to pass through doorways narrower than 130 per cent of their body width, whereas birds are far more precise.
"We were quite surprised by the birds' accuracy – they can judge their wingspan within 106 per cent of their width when it comes to flying through gaps," Dr Schiffner said.
To help birds weather climate change, stop eating them
BY PAULA MOORE
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals September 19, 2014
A sobering report released earlier this month by the National Audubon Society warns that half of all bird species in the U.S. and Canada could be on the brink of extinction if we don't take steps to mitigate climate change. As warming temperatures alter birds' habitats and migratory routes, some 300 species of birds in North America - from bald eagles to Baltimore orioles - will be forced to find new places to live, feed and breed. Those who can't could become extinct.
Here's one thing that everyone can do today to help our free-roaming feathered friends: stop eating their cousins - farmed chickens - and other animals. A staggering 51 percent or more of global greenhouse-gas emissions is caused by animal agriculture, according to a report published by the Worldwatch Institute. The fastest, most effective way to combat climate change is with diet change - by going vegan.
We have no time to waste. In the same week that the Audubon Society released its report, the United Nations' meteorological advisory body announced that the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere had reached a new high in 2013 - just under 400 parts per million.
That's the threshold that "climate scientists have identified as the beginning of the danger zone," Princeton University geosciences professor Michael Oppenheimer told The Washington Post. "It means we're probably getting to the point where we're looking at the 'safe zone' in the rearview mirror, even as we're stepping on the gas."
Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/09/19/3865799/to-help-birds-weather-climate.html#storylink=cpy
Young falcon on the mend after being peppered with shotgun
A young peregrine falcon shot down illegally near Long Melford is “on the mend”, according to the animal expert caring for her.
The rare bird of prey was blasted from the sky with a shotgun. Bird protection charity the RSPB is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the crime.
The peregrine, whose numbers have increased in the UK to about 1,400 breeding pairs, is considered a rare bird and it is an offence under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act to intentionally kill or injure it.
The juvenile was found by a member of the public on a footpath by Chad Brook River near Long Melford. They thought it had accidentally flown into a fence and was just stunned.
Peppered with shot from the shotgun and with a broken wing, it was taken to Mulberry Court vets in Sudbury.
And it is now being looked after by falconry expert Stephen Younge at the Lavenham Falconry Centre in Monks Eleigh.
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Proposal to force farmers to 'shoo before they shoot' pest birds rejected
A proposal by Natural England that farmers and others who control pest bird species should have try to shoo them away before they could legally shoot them has been rejected.
The measure was widely opposed by shooting groups and farmers who registered their concerns during the consultation period earlier this year.
They warned it would have made the shooting of woodpigeons, a major threat to arable crops in the UK and other species that are controlled because of the risks they pose, much more restricted than is currently the case.
There were also proposals to take some species of the crow family off the list of birds that can currently be legally shot to protect crops and health.
Giant scary robot monster bird to protect Sydney Opera House from marauding seagulls
In a bid to keep gulls from scavenging, management is currently trialling a giant mechanical bird
The giant mechanical bird is reported at a cost of $6500
The idea followed after Scotland's Network Railway used a robot falcon to keep one of its train stations free from birds and poop
The lifelike plastic predators are designed to swivel their heads, flap their wings and shriek
Management has installed signs in multiple languages advising the public to not feed birds and prevent them from scavenging
PUBLISHED: 05:29, 20 September 2014 | UPDATED: 09:07, 20 September 2014
Restaurateurs and their diners know the best way to a hungry seagulls' stomach is through their half-eaten food.
In a bid to keep gulls from scavenging, management is currently trialling different deterrents, including a robot bird to protect patrons who dine along the Sydney Opera House.
The giant mechanical bird is reported at a cost of $6500 to prevent the out-of-control gulls targeting or attacking tourists and diners for free food.
As spring approaches, seagulls are continuing to feast off plates or brazenly stealing food out of visitors' hands as patrons sit outside to enjoy the sunshine
Hollywood pop singer, Hilary Duff was under attack when she was plagued by a flock of seagulls while eating lunch Down Under early this month.
Nibbling on hot chips and salad at Sydney's Opera bar, the Lizzie McGuire actress looked nervous and was spotted protecting herself by hunching throughout the meal.
Management have installed signs in multiple languages around the city and beaches, advising the public to not feed birds and prevent them from scavenging.
Exotic bird gets Hounslow locals in a flap
This large multi-coloured bird, revealed to be a Golden Pheasant, was seen in the court yard of offices in Staines Road earlier this week.
It has since made a couple of appearances there, and has also been spotted in Hounslow High Street.
Natasha Malhotra works in NHS offices in Staines Road. She first saw the bird, thought to be a male, on Wednesday (September 17).
The 30-year-old, who also lives in Hounslow said: “It’s really amazing to see, especially in Hounslow.
“I’ve been told it has been around for the last week, and it has been in and out of our office courtyard.
“I first saw it two days ago, when I was popping out for lunch and saw it in the bushes. I thought it looked just beautiful. It’s quite big, bigger than a parrot, and its tail is really really long.
“A colleague of mine has seen it in the High Street as well. It’s caused a bit of a stir in Hounslow.”
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