A GPS tracking study found that invasive barred owls consistently occupy the tallest, oldest, and most complex stands of forest, threatening spotted owls' habitats. Managing barred owl populations reopens habitat for spotted owls to reclaim, conservatively estimating over 1,800 square kilometers of restored habitat.
SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2026
Researchers found that preserving native vegetation and tree cover between homes led to a wider variety of bird species remaining, particularly sensitive species like the Wilson's warbler and Swainson's thrush. This suggests that balancing human development with ecosystem health can benefit both.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A study published in Developmental Biology found that the first bird to inhabit Earth used its hind legs to take off into the air. The researchers estimated that the ancient bird could have achieved a sustainable flight speed of seven meters per second with three bipedal leaps.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalDevelopmental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026
Researchers digitally reconstructed a dodo brain cavity to understand its sensory abilities, finding it may have had a flexible daily activity pattern and enhanced sense of smell. The study provides new clues on how the dodo foraged and interacted with its environment before disappearing in the late 17th century.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 5, 2026
A study found that coating developing raven eggs with non-toxic mineral oil helps protect sensitive prey populations. Raven nests treated with egg oil showed more than doubled sage-grouse nest survival and a 44% increase in relative abundances of sage-grouse.
SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 5, 2026
A new study by UCLA ornithologists found that female birds have a 12.4% lower adult survival rate than males in 35 species. Females lived an average of 1.36 years after reaching adulthood, while males lived 1.61 years.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 30, 2026
The BirdNET Live app can identify over 8,900 bird species and thousands of other animal sounds in real-time and offline. It is designed for nature conservation professionals, researchers, and amateur ornithologists, offering a practical solution for field conditions.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A field experiment on wild kittiwakes found that birds with high energy costs during breeding raised more chicks the next year, but at a cost to their own survival. The study reveals how flexible energy use can lead to hidden trade-offs in life-history strategy.
SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026
A study by North Carolina State University found that nature sounds and sights significantly improve mental health compared to urban environments. Participants who heard birdsong while walking in a forest reported lower stress levels, higher positive emotions, and increased feelings of restorativeness.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2026
The American Ornithological Society has awarded seven 2026 Kessel Fellowships to support early-career researchers investigating avian ecology, behavior, conservation, genetics, and climate change. The fellowships aim to address the growing gap in understanding Arctic wildlife responses to environmental change.
SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·DateJul 13, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A recent study by Oregon State University suggests that animals don't necessarily flee in search of better breathing conditions when exposed to wildfire smoke. Instead, they may shift their behavior to reduce the negative impacts of smoke inhalation.
SourceOregon State University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026
Research on landfill-foraging white storks reveals a trade-off between food availability and increased risks from stress and DNA damage. Preliminary results show that young storks foraging on landfills have higher energy stores but also exhibit DNA damage at an early age.
A new study found that climate change affects tree swallow populations in the northern US and Canada, with critical timing constraints and increased year-to-year temperature variability impacting breeding success. The research suggests that these populations are nearing a tipping point, with the greatest risk from warming temperatures ...
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2026
Research reveals birds can harness lactate to rapidly resurrect blood function, outperforming mammals. Lactate enables bird RBCs to convert methaemoglobin back to haemoglobin three times faster than mammalian RBCs.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new study led by Dr. Anthony Lapsansky and Dr. Doug Altshuler found that pigeons make slow, subtle eye movements during flight to gather more information about their surroundings. This research has implications for the development of autonomous flying robots or drones, which can learn from bird-like visual strategies.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 2026
A 15-year study found that extreme weather events, particularly sudden spring frosts and wildfires, have a significant impact on White Stork survival. Juvenile storks are most vulnerable to these conditions, with only 33% of fire-related incidents resulting in rehabilitation.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateJul 1, 2026
A bio-inspired robotic bird is helping researchers unravel the mysteries behind kestrels' exceptional hovering capabilities. By mimicking key movements, the team discovered unique techniques that could improve manoeuvrability of small aircraft and enhance their ability to cope with turbulence.
SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A study by University of California, Davis researchers found that red-tailed hawks adjust their wing and tail movements to compensate for missing feathers during molt. The findings could inform wildlife rehabilitation efforts and inspire more resilient UAVs.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 26, 2026
A new study found that Pygmy Falcons require less than 1 km² to raise their young, contrary to long-held assumptions. The birds operate within a small breeding home range and coexist with Sociable Weavers in communal nests. This research provides a crucial baseline for understanding the spatial requirements of small raptors.
SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2026
A new study reveals that species with larger brains produce fewer but larger offspring, leading to the evolution of larger eggs. The research analyzed data from mammals, birds, and reptiles, suggesting that brain evolution drove changes in reproduction across dinosaurs and birds.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 23, 2026
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that smaller tree swallows reproduce less due to declining insect populations. The decline in insects affects the timing of breeding and reproduction, leading to a phenological mismatch, which has significant consequences for bird biology.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2026
Wild female chickadees prefer males with strong spatial cognition to increase the likelihood of successful reproduction and good parental care. Males with better spatial learning and memory abilities sired more extra-pair young and raised heavier chicks, which are more likely to survive.
SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Research reveals that leaving deadwood in forests and creating artificial gaps can increase the diversity of bats and birds, with some species responding strongly to these changes. The study found that forest interventions can promote biodiversity even in previously monotonous ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026
The American Ornithological Society has recognized Daniel Cadena and Kimberly Rosvall as the 2026 William Brewster Memorial Award recipients for outstanding contributions to ornithological science. The awards are given in recognition of their research on birds, conservation efforts, and service to the AOS.
SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·DateJun 10, 2026
A new study suggests that environmental factors can influence which bird songs are passed down through generations. Common song types, with higher frequencies and broader frequency bandwidths, traveled more effectively through the environment than rare songs. This makes it easier for young birds to hear and learn these songs, potential...
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBioacoustics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A study by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found that Lesser Black-backed Gulls rarely visit wind farms off the Zeeland coast, except for some male birds. Despite being attracted to fishing boats outside the wind farm, the gulls' behavior suggests they avoid entering the wind farm due to unknown reasons.
SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2026
Researchers found that rewetted peatland solar parks in Northern Germany support threatened bird species and exhibit an unusual mix of species, providing a unique habitat for biodiversity. The study suggests that this novel land use can be a valuable tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring peatland ecosystems.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2026
Research found a 27% decline in wading bird populations in the NYC Harbor over 22 years. The Black-crowned Night Heron population declined by 55%, threatening its status as an environmental indicator species.
SourceWiley·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJun 3, 2026
Urban male bowerbirds collect more colorful and larger human-made items than rural rivals, suggesting a preference for these traits in females. Researchers found that red decorations are more vivid in urban areas, while green decorations are duller.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 2, 2026
The new species Plumadraco bankoorum boasts the proportionally longest and best-preserved rachis-dominated feathers found to date. These feathers were likely used for displays, featuring flexible motions similar to modern bird displays.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A new fossil species, Plumadraco, has been found with the longest tail feathers ever recorded on a fossil bird. The analysis suggests that the bird's tail feathers were used for attracting mates, and the color of the feathers was probably dark brown or black.
The study reveals a new species of bird, Plumadraco bankoorum, with exceptionally long tail feathers, estimated to be twice its body length. The findings suggest that males used these feathers in courtship displays, such as up-and-down bobbing or raised postures to show off their plumage.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026
Researchers analyzed the feather coloration of 28 museum specimens using a full-spectrum camera and visual modeling. The study found that crows lack UV-reflective patches but display subtle changes in hue that indicate age, particularly after the age of 3.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2026
A global meta-analysis of animal behavior found that urban populations exhibit heightened boldness, aggression, exploration, and activity compared to rural counterparts. The findings highlight the need for urban planners to consider animal behavior in urban development.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 19, 2026
The American Ornithological Society recognizes Devon DeRaad and Fengyi Guo for their outstanding work in ornithology, while Olivia M. Smith receives the Ned K. Johnson Award. The award winners will present their research at the AOS annual meeting in Amherst, Massachusetts.
SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·DateMay 19, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers have captured the behavior of scissor-tailed nightjars creating a unique sound by snapping their wrists together during courtship and copulation. The study sheds light on lesser-known bird communication methods and raises questions about the nuances of mechanical sounds.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMay 19, 2026
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecular mechanism behind keel formation, revealing that a developmental
SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026
Researchers pinpoint a specific connection in the brain where song learning first occurs, finding that it hinges on a highly organized process involving a single type of synapse. The study sheds light on how songbirds learn to vocalize by imitating a tutor and shares similarities with human language development.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026
A new study by Lund University researchers identifies knowledge gaps and proposes tools to analyze the risks of extreme weather on birds. Birds are vulnerable due to their diurnal nature and lack of burrowing capabilities, making them more susceptible to heatwaves.
SourceLund University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 12, 2026
A new study by Sage Madden reveals that barn swallow chicks' growth is stunted by cold spells within five days of hatching, smallest sibling status, and less food provided by parents. The research, published in PLOS One, provides insight into climate change's impact on chick development.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A high school teacher participated in a citizen science project to record migration data for Black Skimmers in the Eastern US. The study documents the farthest dispersal for breeding among this species, providing valuable insights into its movements.
Researchers used a technique called theoretical morphospace to analyze bird wings, finding that many species have wing shapes ill-suited for their flight performance. Penguins and hummingbirds stand out as exceptions, having evolved optimally shaped wings for their specialized styles of movement.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2026
A long-term study reveals how the red-necked nightjar's annual cycle follows the moon's light, influencing feeding, migration, and breeding patterns. The research highlights the vulnerability of nocturnal animals to changes in light levels, with potential consequences for conservation.
SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2026
Researchers found that urban birds flee sooner when approached by women compared to men in a European study. The study involved over 2,700 observations across five countries and 37 bird species, revealing that birds can recognize the sex of approaching humans.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2026
The thrush nightingale migrates up to 18,000 km with four-to-five consecutive nighttime flights and daytime breaks to avoid intense heat, conserving energy along the way. Advanced sensors track this extreme behaviour, providing insight into the bird's strategy for survival.
SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 23, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers found that black grouse can't see dark shades of red and have limited visual contrast, making certain colors ineffective at warning them away from fatal cables. To mitigate this risk, they recommend using large, strongly contrasting markers to provide enough time for the birds to react.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026
The American Ornithological Society has awarded grants to six early-career researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean to study bird conservation in the region. The projects focus on endemic species and will contribute to broader efforts across the region, strengthening conservation capacity.
SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·DateApr 22, 2026
A study of 113 baby barn swallows in Colorado found that temperature extremes and variability negatively impact the youngest, smallest, and most neglected nestlings. The research suggests that developmental constraints play a crucial role in determining the effects of temperature on nestling growth.
A new study provides the first direct evidence of cuckoo egg-laying behaviour in cavity nests, rejecting a centuries-old myth about egg-carrying. Cuckoos use two distinct strategies to parasitize host nests, involving trade-offs between accuracy and risk.
SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026
A study shows how a kea parrot with a missing upper beak uses innovative fighting techniques to dominate his group and gain social status. He achieves this through 'beak jousting,' which proves more effective than other methods, leading to improved health benefits and social recognition.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateApr 15, 2026
Researchers found that birds that put more energy into raising their young live shorter lives. After selective breeding, females who produced larger eggs aged faster and died about 20% younger than those that laid smaller eggs.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateApr 14, 2026
A new study reveals that sunbirds employ tongue suction to slurp nectar, a novel mechanism in vertebrates. This finding highlights the power of convergent evolution, where different species adapt to similar ecological challenges in distinct ways.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new study reveals that risk-prone animals tend to stay near human activity, while more cautious individuals avoid humans and survive longer. This finding highlights the importance of individual behavior in adapting to human-driven environmental change.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
Adélie penguins have been found to consume shelled pteropods as an opportunistic prey, highlighting a previously underdocumented trophic relationship in the Southern Ocean. The study provides valuable insights into the penguins' foraging behavior and its potential implications for the ecosystem.
SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalMarine Biology·DateApr 10, 2026
A study of 50 datasets from over 1,000 individual parcels of tropical and subtropical forest found that avian species richness declines when habitat patches are surrounded by inhospitable areas. In contrast, modest tree cover in the surrounding landscape significantly increases the conservation value of small forest fragments.
SourceOregon State University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2026
A new study warns of a 20-year window to act on climate and land use policies to prevent further biodiversity loss in Britain. Sustainable practices like strong emissions action and reduced meat consumption could save up to 69 fewer species from extinction.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2026
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.
SourceConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)·DateMar 29, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A team of researchers, led by Felicity Newell, tracked over 8,000 birds in Peru's cloud forests and found that breeding times vary significantly due to changing environmental conditions. The results suggest a more complex response to climate change than previously thought.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 27, 2026
The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.
SourceConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)·DateMar 26, 2026