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Flock together: Sparrows drift from favored spots after losing friends

A 10-year study found that golden-crowned sparrows resettled an average of just 90 feet away from the center of their previous year's range when returning to California after winter migration. The study suggests that social bonds and familiar faces help anchor the birds to specific spaces, even when resources are scarce.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2023

Eavesdropping on the Earth itself

A team of researchers has developed a system that uses fibre-optic cables to detect and measure acoustic signals from the ocean, including whale vocalizations, ship traffic, earthquakes, and distant storms. This technology has the potential to create a global real-time monitoring network for Ocean-Earth sciences.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

Study: Canada geese beat humans in longstanding territory battle

A new study reveals that standard goose harassment efforts are ineffective, especially in winter when birds should be most susceptible to scare tactics. Canada geese return to their territories despite harassment, prioritizing access to resources over energy conservation. The research team found that geese adapt to urban environments, ...

Drones show potential to improve salmon nest counts

A Washington State University study showed that drone photography can effectively estimate the number of rocky hollows in the Wenatchee River where salmon create their eggs. The researchers found roughly double the number of redds using drones compared to ground-level observations, but with high variability. This technology has potenti...

SourceWashington State University·JournalRiver Research and Applications·DateOct 19, 2022

Eavesdropping on whales in the high Arctic

Researchers successfully used Distributed Acoustic Sensing to passively listen to whales, detecting over 830 vocalizations and locating their positions with unprecedented spatial resolution. The technique allows for real-time monitoring of whale behavior, as well as detection of other ocean sounds like storms and earthquakes.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2022

What are whale sharks up to?

Satellite-tracking of whale sharks in the Panamanian Pacific reveals their feeding and breeding patterns, with a focus on protecting these endangered species from human threats. The study highlights the importance of identifying and conserving large oceanic areas and marine corridors to safeguard their migration routes.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 1, 2022

Where do “Hawaiian box jellies” come from?

A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

Like father like child – male parents lead young birds on first migration

A study published in Nature Communications found that male Caspian terns carry the main responsibility for teaching young birds the secrets of migration during their first journey. Young birds always remained close to an adult bird and died if they lost contact, highlighting the importance of experienced adults guiding them to survive.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2022

Tiger shark migrations altered by climate change, new study finds

A new study found that climate-driven changes in ocean temperatures have shifted tiger shark movements outside of protected areas, making them more vulnerable to commercial fishing. The study's results suggest that warmer waters are now suitable for tiger sharks, allowing them to migrate farther poleward and earlier than usual.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Antarctic oceanographers use seals to do research where ships fear to go

Oceanographers replaced ship-based studies with sensors attached to seals to navigate icy waters, revealing seasonally varying water flows and their impact on biological production. The study found that warm, low-salinity water appears during autumn, positively affecting seal foraging behavior and potentially enhancing prey availability.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateDec 27, 2021

Arctic birds connect the world: Biologging tech tracking of nearctic seabirds surprise scientists with diverse migratory paths from shared breeding site

Scientists used biologging tech to track three seabird species taking different migration routes from a shared Canadian Arctic nesting location. The study adds evidence linking marine biodiversity in the Arctic region to high seas conservation efforts. Local coastal communities are connected through these Arctic seabirds' migrations.

SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021

After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’

Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

How land birds cross the open ocean

Researchers tracked five species of large land birds flying nonstop over the open ocean, exploiting wind and uplift conditions to save energy. The study reveals that many land birds rely on atmospheric support to complete their migrations, making them vulnerable to climate change.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Basking sharks seek out winter sun

Researchers used satellite tracking to study basking shark migrations, revealing they don't hibernate in UK waters but instead seek out warmer temperatures. The data provides crucial information for conservation efforts, as the species is classified as 'vulnerable' and faces threats from human activities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2017

Study provides insights into birds' migration routes

Researchers used geolocators to track songbirds' migration patterns, finding that hybrid species exhibited increased variability in their routes. This study supports the hypothesis that differences in migratory behavior can act as postmating reproductive isolating barriers.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 21, 2014