Birds

Tag: Birds

How Bird Feeders are Fostering an Awareness of Nature

Emerging research demonstrates the depth of connections formed between human beings and birds who visit their backyard feeders and how this helps people to be more aware of wildlife management concerns. Often a connection with wildlife starts with discovering and appreciating the plants and animals found in our own backyards. One popular way to do this is by hanging […]

Written by on April 12, 2019

Guide to Mindful Birdwatching

If you’re new to birdwatching, this guide will help you get acquainted with the essentials. In your backyard, on your way to work, at the beach–birds are all around us. Looking to learn more about these feathered friends? Birdwatching can be can fulfilling pastime: observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Birds are admired by […]

Written by on May 11, 2018

Living on Earth Podcast Talks about Year of the Bird

National Geographic and partners have declared 2018 the Year of the Bird in celebration of the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Jonathan Franzen wrote the January cover story “Why Birds Matter” and joins Steve Curwood on Living on Earth to talk about the importance of birds and the perils they still face today. […]

Written by on May 11, 2018

Could this New Tool Save Island Birds?

In the race against extinction, conservationists need new technologies to scale up restoration efforts. One such potential technology is gene drive. An article published in Audubon Magazine provides insight on a potential new tool for conservation–gene drive–and its potential to enhance island restoration efforts. Island Conservation is working within a partnership–Genetic Biocontrol of Invasive Rodents (GBIRd)–to […]

Written by on September 12, 2017

The Science of Colorful Feathers

New research explores the connection between geographical distribution and the colors of bird feathers. Birds have reasons for looking the way they do–and we have modest understandings of these. Blending in can offer protection, while standing out can promote reproduction. Gloger’s rule states that birds living in humid climates tend to have darker pigmentation. Darker feathers […]

Written by on January 12, 2017

These Island Endemic Birds are Thriving Thanks to Ecosystem Restoration

Restoration projects aid recovery of island-endemic birds. Birds that are only found on islands are particularly vulnerable to threats posed by invasive species–they cannot simply migrate to a new home, as they are specifically adapted to their insular environment. Birds confined to just a single island or archipelago are some of the most at-risk species in […]

Written by on December 15, 2016

Birds at the Edge: The Plight of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers

Hawai’i’s iconic Honeycreepers face a number of threats. To avoid extinction, these beautiful native birds are in need of immediate conservation intervention.  Bright red wings streak across a grey sky. Yellow feathers flash amid quivering green leaves. Soft songs punctuated by raspy cheeps rise up from trees swathed in the dawn’s faint light. Long, narrow bills plunge […]

Written by on September 21, 2016

Late, Tonga: Not Your Typical Island Paradise

Late, Tonga may seem a bit foreboding, but take a closer look and you’ll find beautiful and diverse native wildlife.  Sandy white beaches and palm trees surrounded by clear turquoise water are images commonly associated with Southwest Pacific Islands. However, Late (pronounced la-tay), a tropical volcanic island belonging to the Vava’u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga, […]

Written by on August 24, 2016

Native Species Safeguard Your Cup of Coffee

A recent study in Ecology Letters found that in Costa Rica, native vegetation attracts pest-eating birds to plantations. Pests are a pervasive and expensive problem for farmers. Invasive insects are detrimental to crop yields around the world. The Borer Beetle, originally from Africa, is an invasive pest wreaking havoc on Costa Rica plantations. The beetle is the only […]

Written by on August 8, 2016

Pacific Island Birds Saved From Extinction. What’s Next?

Report finds that mainland and island birds benefit from the Endangered Species Act and captive breeding programs, but many are still in need of protection. A report has found that 61% of Pacific Island bird populations protected by the Endangered Species Act have demonstrated recovery about 20% less than mainland bird populations. The report states that the Guam Rail […]

Written by on July 26, 2016

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