Fat, lazy birds!

Many urban birds are not migrating anymore, according to a study published recently in the journal, Ecology. Are changes in migration due to genetic or environmental factors or both?

Have you noticed the resident populations of Canada Geese? Yeah...

The link provides an excellent summary of the study's findings. One interesting finding is that the advantage to non-migration is more advantageous for male birds. These urban males mature sexually earlier than their forest counterparts.

Remember, this study was done on one bird species. More research will have to be carried out on other species to determine the general trends- if any- of non-migratory urban birds.

Sounds like a science project, kiddos!

The Problem with Crows

In some urban and suburban areas, there are just too many. Yet crows also are a valuable part of the urban ecosystem, especially in helping to control urban invertebrate populations.

This article provides an interesting overview of how a bird scientist is using her ability to design a research program to solve a problem. She relies just as much on her previous experience with crows as she does on what she and her students do not know about them to provide a possible solution to a real world problem.

Like all of the young students participating in UEI's urban birds and bioacoustics programs, these crow researchers started off by learning the basics: how to use binoculars, how to identify birds, and how to observe birds. They then built upon these skills to carry out research.

Great Backyard Bird Count begins tomorrow!

Ladies and gentlemen, start your binoculars! February 16-19 is the annual backyard bird count sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Orinthology and Audubon. You can even submit your data online!

Acoustic Ecology

Just found a great site on the study of sound in the environment! Lots of information on birds!