What’s good for the Black-backed Woodpecker is good for restoration of burned California forests. The birds’ unique relationship with fire underpins the latest research into improved post-fire management. A study published in Ecological Applications describes a new tool that factors how fires burn into forest management decisions and turns science into action for wildlife conservation. [Read more…] about Woodpecker Guides Post-Fire Forest Management
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Ask An Ornithologist Free Webinar
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will host “Ask An Ornithologist” an open Q&A webinar session with renowned ornithologist Dr. Kevin McGowan on Wednesday, April 26th. [Read more…] about Ask An Ornithologist Free Webinar
Help Monitor Bird Families
At this time of year you may see bird courting rituals, lots of singing, nest construction, and the beginnings of fragile new life. Spring also brings another season of the NestWatch citizen-science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, building its ever more valuable database on nesting birds. [Read more…] about Help Monitor Bird Families
Great Backyard Bird Count Results
The 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count organizers estimate that more than 500,000 participants from around the globe participated. [Read more…] about Great Backyard Bird Count Results
Great Backyard Bird Count How To: A Free Webinar
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will host “Get Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count: Q&A Webinar,” a virtual program set for Wednesday, February 15th. [Read more…] about Great Backyard Bird Count How To: A Free Webinar
Migrating Birds, Light Pollution & Toxic Chemical Exposure
The journeys of night-migrating birds are already fraught with danger. Light pollution adds yet another hazard beyond the increased risk of collisions with buildings or communication towers. According to a new study, birds attracted by the glow of artificial light at night are drawn into areas where they are also exposed to higher concentrations of airborne toxic chemicals. The study has just been published in the journal Global Change Biology. [Read more…] about Migrating Birds, Light Pollution & Toxic Chemical Exposure
Study Explores Forces Limiting Ranges of Mountain Birds
A new study helps reveal why tropical mountain birds occupy such narrow elevation ranges, a mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. While many assumed temperature was responsible for these limited distributions, the latest research suggests competition from other species plays a bigger role in shaping bird ranges. [Read more…] about Study Explores Forces Limiting Ranges of Mountain Birds
Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining
Staggering declines in bird populations are taking place around the world. So concludes a study from scientists at multiple institutions, recently published in the journal Annual Review of Environment and Resources.
Loss and degradation of natural habitats and direct over-exploitation of many species are cited as the key threats to avian biodiversity. Climate change is identified as an emerging driver of bird population declines. [Read more…] about Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining
Bird Migration Dashboard: A Free Webinar April 20th
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has announced “The BirdCast Dashboard – Live Radar Tracking of Bird Migration Near You,” a free webinar set for Wednesday, April 20th. [Read more…] about Bird Migration Dashboard: A Free Webinar April 20th
Migratory Birds Face Increasing Light Pollution
Nighttime light pollution levels are increasing the most in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America according to findings based on year-round data collected over the last two decades in the Western Hemisphere.
This trend is a real concern for birds that fly at night during spring and fall migration and even during non-migratory seasons. Results of the study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Colorado State University are published in Ecosphere. [Read more…] about Migratory Birds Face Increasing Light Pollution