New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Migrating Birds, Light Pollution & Toxic Chemical Exposure

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Townsend's Warbler courtesy Cornell Lab of OrnithologyThe 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

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Ornate Hawk-Eagle by Sergio Andrés Cuéllar Ramirez 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

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Corn Bunting by Alex LeesStaggering 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

Migratory Birds Face Increasing Light Pollution

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continental U.S. at night from satellite photosNighttime 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

25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count Gets Underway Feb 18th

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Rufous-capped Warbler by Luke SeitzThe 25th Great Backyard Bird Count is set for February 18th through 21st. Birdwatchers of all skill levels can count birds for any length of time (but for at least 15 minutes) and report what they see online.

Birds counted will become part of a massive database used by scientists to track changes in bird populations over time. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Birds Canada. [Read more…] about 25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count Gets Underway Feb 18th

Hummingbirds Exert Fine Control Over Body Temperature

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Blue throated Mountain gem by Catherine JacobsAt night, hummingbirds lower their body temperature and metabolism drastically by dropping into an energy-saving state of inactivity called torpor.

Scientists from multiple universities now find there’s more than one level of torpor: shallow and deep, plus the transition stage between levels of torpor and the normal sleep state. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. [Read more…] about Hummingbirds Exert Fine Control Over Body Temperature