While writing a story about Australian magpie geese recently, I was reminded of once a few years ago when a rural neighbor of mine couldnt get a Permit to shoot magpie geese. He claimed they were eating the grass he needed for his cattle. So he purchased a gas powered cannon and placed it at the edge of the lake. This cannon went of at irregular intervals (day and night, to the chagrin of the neighbors) to frighten the magpie geese away.
Within a couple of weeks the geese were perching on the cannon, not the least bit afraid of the noise. Then we received some heavy rain, the lake came up and covered the gas-powered cannon, the lake water got into the works, and it blew itself up. Very sad, but the neighbors had a barbeque to celebrate. *Pat OBrien
Monday, August 10, 2009
Rooks and Crows
Aesop was quite the fable-teller, but was he a student of bird behavior as well? A study in Current Biology suggests he might have been. Christopher Bird of the University of Cambridge and Nathan J. Emery of Queen Mary University of London report that rooks, a relative of the crow, are able to use stones to raise the level of water in a container so they can reach a floating worm. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s similar to Aesop’s fable about the crow and the pitcher, in which a thirsty bird adds stones to raise the water level in a pitcher in order to drink from it. Crows, rooks and other corvids are known for their tool use — using sticks as probes, for example, or fashioning hooks out of wire. Dr. Bird, who studies corvid behavior, knew of a 1980s study in which a rook plugged a hole in its aviary to allow a pool of water to form. That led him to wonder if a corvid could do what is described in the fable.
They experimented with four captive rooks, presenting them with a clear tube partly filled with water with a bug floating on top, and a pile of stones. In one variant, the starting height of the water changed from trial to trial. In another, the birds had a choice of two sizes of stone. The birds quickly caught on, and within a couple of trials had figured out how many stones they needed to bring the bug within reach. “It was a remarkable combination of some understanding of the task with really rapid learning,” Dr. Bird said. The findings were published in Current Biology. Rooks don’t use tools in the wild, because they don’t need to — they have easy access to food like carrion. But in captivity, they can be presented with a situation like this, where it pays to figure out how to perform a task. “This fits nicely with Aesop’s moral,” Dr. Bird said, “that necessity is the mother of invention.”
The researchers suggested that Aesop (or whoever came up with the fable, since the stories are thought to have many origins) may have seen similar behavior in a crow. Or perhaps, Dr. Bird said, it was a rook. “In folklore all members of the corvid family are just called crow,” he said. “So it might just as easily have been Aesop’s rook.” *New York Times
They experimented with four captive rooks, presenting them with a clear tube partly filled with water with a bug floating on top, and a pile of stones. In one variant, the starting height of the water changed from trial to trial. In another, the birds had a choice of two sizes of stone. The birds quickly caught on, and within a couple of trials had figured out how many stones they needed to bring the bug within reach. “It was a remarkable combination of some understanding of the task with really rapid learning,” Dr. Bird said. The findings were published in Current Biology. Rooks don’t use tools in the wild, because they don’t need to — they have easy access to food like carrion. But in captivity, they can be presented with a situation like this, where it pays to figure out how to perform a task. “This fits nicely with Aesop’s moral,” Dr. Bird said, “that necessity is the mother of invention.”
The researchers suggested that Aesop (or whoever came up with the fable, since the stories are thought to have many origins) may have seen similar behavior in a crow. Or perhaps, Dr. Bird said, it was a rook. “In folklore all members of the corvid family are just called crow,” he said. “So it might just as easily have been Aesop’s rook.” *New York Times
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Birdstrike!
No injuries were reported among the 140 passengers and five crewmembers aboard the MD-80 jetliner bound from Lambert-St. LouisInternational Airport to Los Angeles on Wednesday. An American spokeswoman says the pilot noticed a bird, believedto be a red-tailed hawk, flying into the right engine as the planetook off.
The plane landed a few minutes later. The passengers andcrew later flew to Los Angeles on another plane. Bird-aircraft collisions are not unusual. However, they havereceived added scrutiny since a US Airways flight ditched into theHudson River in January after hitting a flock of Canada geese. Allaboard survived. *AP
The plane landed a few minutes later. The passengers andcrew later flew to Los Angeles on another plane. Bird-aircraft collisions are not unusual. However, they havereceived added scrutiny since a US Airways flight ditched into theHudson River in January after hitting a flock of Canada geese. Allaboard survived. *AP
Gouldian Finch bounces Back!
Gouldian Finch
The endangered Gouldian finch is back breeding at Mareeba. A recent sighting of a tagged finch feeding along the Barron River has given conservationists fresh hope the brightly coloured bird was breeding in the region after 50 years. Before the 1960s, the finch was a common sight in Australia's tropical savannahs and as far east as the Clohesy River between Kuranda and Mareeba but numbers have hit catastrophic lows. Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland spokesperson Gwyneth Nevard said numbers in the wild were now believed to be as low as 2500. "For several years staff and volunteers of the conservancy at the Mareeba Wetlands have been breeding and releasing the critically endangered finch into the wild, relying on locals and birders to report sightings," she said. Ms Nevard said not only had the birds survived in the wild for nearly two years but the presence of unbranded juveniles proves they are breeding. The Gouldian finch is easily identified by its green back, yellow and white underparts and sky-blue rump. Males have a purple breast and the females pink and the head is usually black but it can also be red or orange. Anyone spotting a Gouldian finch is urged to call the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland on 040 893 303. *Cairns Post
Meanwhile a new study has found that the pied flycather calls up a mob of other flycachers to drive an intruding bird away, but remembers the birds who helped, and repays each bird in kind. Apparently some birds have even learned that “play¬ing nice pays.” http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/080706_flycatcher.htm
The endangered Gouldian finch is back breeding at Mareeba. A recent sighting of a tagged finch feeding along the Barron River has given conservationists fresh hope the brightly coloured bird was breeding in the region after 50 years. Before the 1960s, the finch was a common sight in Australia's tropical savannahs and as far east as the Clohesy River between Kuranda and Mareeba but numbers have hit catastrophic lows. Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland spokesperson Gwyneth Nevard said numbers in the wild were now believed to be as low as 2500. "For several years staff and volunteers of the conservancy at the Mareeba Wetlands have been breeding and releasing the critically endangered finch into the wild, relying on locals and birders to report sightings," she said. Ms Nevard said not only had the birds survived in the wild for nearly two years but the presence of unbranded juveniles proves they are breeding. The Gouldian finch is easily identified by its green back, yellow and white underparts and sky-blue rump. Males have a purple breast and the females pink and the head is usually black but it can also be red or orange. Anyone spotting a Gouldian finch is urged to call the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland on 040 893 303. *Cairns Post
Meanwhile a new study has found that the pied flycather calls up a mob of other flycachers to drive an intruding bird away, but remembers the birds who helped, and repays each bird in kind. Apparently some birds have even learned that “play¬ing nice pays.” http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/080706_flycatcher.htm
A New Songbird!
New Songbird Found
A bald-headed songbird with a pink, nearly featherless face and distinctive calls has just been found in a rugged region of Laos, according to scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Melbourne who made the discovery. Aside from its unique characteristics, the avian is noteworthy because it is the only known bald songbird in Asia. The find additionally marks the first description in over 100 years of a new Asian species of bulbul, since the songbird has been placed in that family of birds. This bulbul was named Pycnonotus hualon, with "hualon" being the Lao word for "bald-headed." Hardly a shy and retiring bird, the bald-headed bulbul foraged and noisily moved about the researchers during the day, making them wonder how this eye-catching bird went undiscovered for so long. "Certainly one reason is that the bird appears to be truly restricted to some very harsh and inaccessible terrain in Indochina," Peter Clyne told Discovery News. Clyne is the assistant director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Program. Funded by a local copper and gold mining company, researchers Iain Woxvold, Will Duckworth and Rob Timmins recently surveyed birds at Pha Lom, a limestone outcrop in Laos. That's when the bald-headed beauty caught their eye. "The bird had alighted directly overhead in a small, leafless tree, where it remained for two to three minutes, feeding casually on small fruits and cocking its head to gain a clear view of the observer," the researchers report in the latest issue of Forktail, the journal of the Oriental Bird Club. Before long, the songbird was "joined by another, similar bird. The duo flew off soon after." *MSNBC
A bald-headed songbird with a pink, nearly featherless face and distinctive calls has just been found in a rugged region of Laos, according to scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Melbourne who made the discovery. Aside from its unique characteristics, the avian is noteworthy because it is the only known bald songbird in Asia. The find additionally marks the first description in over 100 years of a new Asian species of bulbul, since the songbird has been placed in that family of birds. This bulbul was named Pycnonotus hualon, with "hualon" being the Lao word for "bald-headed." Hardly a shy and retiring bird, the bald-headed bulbul foraged and noisily moved about the researchers during the day, making them wonder how this eye-catching bird went undiscovered for so long. "Certainly one reason is that the bird appears to be truly restricted to some very harsh and inaccessible terrain in Indochina," Peter Clyne told Discovery News. Clyne is the assistant director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Program. Funded by a local copper and gold mining company, researchers Iain Woxvold, Will Duckworth and Rob Timmins recently surveyed birds at Pha Lom, a limestone outcrop in Laos. That's when the bald-headed beauty caught their eye. "The bird had alighted directly overhead in a small, leafless tree, where it remained for two to three minutes, feeding casually on small fruits and cocking its head to gain a clear view of the observer," the researchers report in the latest issue of Forktail, the journal of the Oriental Bird Club. Before long, the songbird was "joined by another, similar bird. The duo flew off soon after." *MSNBC
Sparrows and Parrots
Dead Sparrows
A mysterious decline in Hobart's sparrow population requires prompt analysis, a wildlife expert said yesterday. Veterinarian David Obendorf urged people who discover newly dead sparrows to collect the carcasses and deliver them to authorities. He said the Department of Primary Industries and Water needed to conduct autopsies on the birds to determine whether they were suffering toxic reactions or viral infections. Dr Obendorf said it was imperative Tasmania investigated the cause of the decline because other species, including livestock, could be affected. "I suggest people, if they know the birds are freshly dead, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Water and ensure there is a post-mortem," he said. Bird watchers around Hobart have recently noticed a large decline in the city's sparrow population.
Bird lovers at Sandy Bay, Kingston, Blackmans Bay, Coningham and Mt Nelson want to know why sparrows are no longer thriving in backyards and are being found dead on the ground. Dr Obendorf said people could not be complacent about the deaths simply because sparrows were an introduced species. "We need to take this seriously, especially if there are reports from a number of quarters of mass mortalities." He said it was impossible to know whether the deaths were related to Newcastle Disease, which usually affects domestic poultry flocks and is not thought to be present in Tasmania. Dr Obendorf said questions were also being raised in Northern Europe where a range of songbirds -- including sparrows, starlings and blackbirds -- were dying in large numbers.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in London last week launched a "Save Our Sparrows" campaign in response to a huge decline in bird numbers. Dr Obendorf said the fragile status of the birds in Northern Europe placed greater importance on Australia's sparrow population. He said Australia could not simply disregard the birds as pests and must safeguard them if they were being wiped out in other countries. Birds Tasmania chairman Eric Woehler said sparrow numbers could be down because of Tasmania's cold and wet winter. "The conditions may have resulted in a reduction in food for the birds," he said. *Mercury
Swift Parrots
The State's Premier Nathan Rees is being asked to intervene to stop logging at a New South Wales Far South Coast forest after sightings of an endangered bird species. The Greens say the swift parrot has been reported in the Bermagui forest, which is set to be logged in coming weeks. The rare blossom-feeding birds are using the forest to find food on their annual migration from the Tasmania's eucalypt forests. Greens Upper House Member of Parliament, Lee Rhiannon, wants the Premier to ensure Forests New South Wales does nothing to disrupt or destroy the area where the birds are feeding. "Normally the birds migrate further inland before they come to the coast and sometimes they even reach Queensland," she said. "It is a very significant development considering there's so few of these species left. "Logging of its winter feeding habitat near Bermagui is simply unacceptable." *ABC
A mysterious decline in Hobart's sparrow population requires prompt analysis, a wildlife expert said yesterday. Veterinarian David Obendorf urged people who discover newly dead sparrows to collect the carcasses and deliver them to authorities. He said the Department of Primary Industries and Water needed to conduct autopsies on the birds to determine whether they were suffering toxic reactions or viral infections. Dr Obendorf said it was imperative Tasmania investigated the cause of the decline because other species, including livestock, could be affected. "I suggest people, if they know the birds are freshly dead, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Water and ensure there is a post-mortem," he said. Bird watchers around Hobart have recently noticed a large decline in the city's sparrow population.
Bird lovers at Sandy Bay, Kingston, Blackmans Bay, Coningham and Mt Nelson want to know why sparrows are no longer thriving in backyards and are being found dead on the ground. Dr Obendorf said people could not be complacent about the deaths simply because sparrows were an introduced species. "We need to take this seriously, especially if there are reports from a number of quarters of mass mortalities." He said it was impossible to know whether the deaths were related to Newcastle Disease, which usually affects domestic poultry flocks and is not thought to be present in Tasmania. Dr Obendorf said questions were also being raised in Northern Europe where a range of songbirds -- including sparrows, starlings and blackbirds -- were dying in large numbers.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in London last week launched a "Save Our Sparrows" campaign in response to a huge decline in bird numbers. Dr Obendorf said the fragile status of the birds in Northern Europe placed greater importance on Australia's sparrow population. He said Australia could not simply disregard the birds as pests and must safeguard them if they were being wiped out in other countries. Birds Tasmania chairman Eric Woehler said sparrow numbers could be down because of Tasmania's cold and wet winter. "The conditions may have resulted in a reduction in food for the birds," he said. *Mercury
Swift Parrots
The State's Premier Nathan Rees is being asked to intervene to stop logging at a New South Wales Far South Coast forest after sightings of an endangered bird species. The Greens say the swift parrot has been reported in the Bermagui forest, which is set to be logged in coming weeks. The rare blossom-feeding birds are using the forest to find food on their annual migration from the Tasmania's eucalypt forests. Greens Upper House Member of Parliament, Lee Rhiannon, wants the Premier to ensure Forests New South Wales does nothing to disrupt or destroy the area where the birds are feeding. "Normally the birds migrate further inland before they come to the coast and sometimes they even reach Queensland," she said. "It is a very significant development considering there's so few of these species left. "Logging of its winter feeding habitat near Bermagui is simply unacceptable." *ABC
Geese and Eagles
Magpie Geese Hunting
Non-Indigenous hunters of magpie geese will be banned from using lead shot this year, the Northern Territory Department of Parks and Wildlife says. The magpie geese hunting season begins on September 1 and will run until the end of the year. Department spokesman Brett Easton says lead shot has been restricted for some time and this year it is being extended to water fowl hunting. "It's well recognised the impacts of lead and what impacts that can have on the health of the actual bird population," he said. "At the end of the day it's really important for the hunters. "We don't want to see an accumulation of lead in the system." The secretary of NT Field and Game, George Hennessy, agrees lead shot should be banned over wetlands, but not over other areas. He also says Indigenous shooters should have the same restrictions. "Not only should non-Indigenous hunters be required to observe a non-toxic shot in wetlands but so should Indigenous shooters for the health issues alone," Mr Hennessy said. "And we actually believe that the Government has a duty of care to non-Indigenous shooters to look after their health too." Parks and Wildlife says a new management plan for magpie geese is expected to to be publicly released in mid August.
Golden Eagles
Ambitious plans to bring Golden Eagles back to Ireland have been guaranteed for the next two years, it was revealed today. Scottish conservationists will continue to support the project by supplying chicks despite a series of poisonings in Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow. In the last years five White-tailed Eagles, one Golden Eagle and two Red Kites have been poisoned and experts believe several more birds were also victims of killer bait and their bodies not recovered. Officials in Scotland said they will donate seven more chicks this year bringing the total number of Golden Eagles released in Donegal to 65. Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe, director of science and biodiversity for the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service, welcomed the move. “I have been pleased to contribute to this review, and reiterate my thanks to Scotland for providing us with Golden Eagles to continue this massively important project,” he said. *IOL
Non-Indigenous hunters of magpie geese will be banned from using lead shot this year, the Northern Territory Department of Parks and Wildlife says. The magpie geese hunting season begins on September 1 and will run until the end of the year. Department spokesman Brett Easton says lead shot has been restricted for some time and this year it is being extended to water fowl hunting. "It's well recognised the impacts of lead and what impacts that can have on the health of the actual bird population," he said. "At the end of the day it's really important for the hunters. "We don't want to see an accumulation of lead in the system." The secretary of NT Field and Game, George Hennessy, agrees lead shot should be banned over wetlands, but not over other areas. He also says Indigenous shooters should have the same restrictions. "Not only should non-Indigenous hunters be required to observe a non-toxic shot in wetlands but so should Indigenous shooters for the health issues alone," Mr Hennessy said. "And we actually believe that the Government has a duty of care to non-Indigenous shooters to look after their health too." Parks and Wildlife says a new management plan for magpie geese is expected to to be publicly released in mid August.
Golden Eagles
Ambitious plans to bring Golden Eagles back to Ireland have been guaranteed for the next two years, it was revealed today. Scottish conservationists will continue to support the project by supplying chicks despite a series of poisonings in Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow. In the last years five White-tailed Eagles, one Golden Eagle and two Red Kites have been poisoned and experts believe several more birds were also victims of killer bait and their bodies not recovered. Officials in Scotland said they will donate seven more chicks this year bringing the total number of Golden Eagles released in Donegal to 65. Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe, director of science and biodiversity for the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service, welcomed the move. “I have been pleased to contribute to this review, and reiterate my thanks to Scotland for providing us with Golden Eagles to continue this massively important project,” he said. *IOL
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