A study by researchers at the University of Wyoming and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that migrating animals refine their behavior with age, suggesting experiential learning plays a crucial role in successful migration. As young birds explore new places during migration, they gradually adopt more direct routes, resultin...
SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2024
A study found that the avian influenza virus H5N1 has adapted to spread between birds and marine mammals, with nearly identical genome sequences detected in four sea lions, one fur seal, and a tern. The virus's ability to infect birds remains unchanged, while its transmission among marine mammals is concerning.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 28, 2024
The tawny owl's pale grey plumage is linked to crucial functions aiding survival in cold environments, including energy homeostasis and fat deposition. Genetic analysis reveals a 70-100% accuracy in predicting grey coloration through specific genetic variants.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 14, 2024
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time, providing a rare and unusual behavior that sheds light on their ecology. This unexpected finding may help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMammalia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024
Researchers found that individual Balearic shearwaters are adapting to climate change by shifting their migratory range northwards, with a speed of 25km per year. However, this flexibility comes with constraints, as the birds have further to fly back in the autumn, and the impact on breeding success and survival is still unclear.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2024
The Mount Sinai Hospital has received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand its New York City Virus Hunters program. The program engages high school students in virus surveillance and mapping, tracking circulating avian influenza and paramyxoviruses in wild birds.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateDec 14, 2023
In parts of Africa, humans communicate with greater honeyguides to locate bee colonies, sharing knowledge about the location of nests. The bird benefits by eating leftover honeycomb, while people gain access to honey and beeswax. Researchers found that honeyguides learn distinct vocal signals used by different honey-hunting communities.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2023
Researchers found that honeyguides in Tanzania and Mozambique discriminate among human calls, responding more readily to local than foreign calls. This complex communication system benefits both species by increasing their chances of accessing calorie-dense honey and beeswax.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found that Eurasian jays settle for less preferred food options when rivals are present, while New Caledonian crows consistently choose the better, delayed reward. The study suggests that species' social tolerance and competition levels influence self-control in animals.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 6, 2023
A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech's Ashley Dayer is conducting the first large-scale bird feeding study that also incorporates observing humans. The project aims to engage over 10,000 bird feeders across the US and gather insights into how human well-being is impacted by regularly feeding birds.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPeople and Nature·DateDec 5, 2023
A study found that artificial light is a top indicator of where birds will land, leading to ecological traps and collisions. Urban parks can provide decent stopover sites, but competition over limited resources poses a significant risk to migrating birds.
SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A recent study found that flocks of birds in North America, Europe, and Asia responded equally strongly to the alarm call of an unfamiliar dusky-throated antshrike. This suggests that sentinel calls may contain a universal signal that allows birds to recognize them across different species and continents.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023
Researchers discovered ancient bird-like footprints in Southern Africa that date back over 210 million years, 60 million years before the earliest known bird fossil. The tracks were found at multiple sites and show a mix of dinosaur and bird-like characteristics.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2023
A new deep learning AI tool called ECOGEN has been developed to generate lifelike bird sounds, enhancing the samples of underrepresented species. This allows for improved bird song classification accuracy and contributes to the conservation of endangered bird species.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A study of house finches found that sick birds are more social than healthy ones, preferring to eat with their flock. This behavior may be driven by the benefits of group living for sick birds, but also poses a risk to healthy birds due to increased disease transmission.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 15, 2023
Researchers developed a detection method for infectious bird flu virus in wetlands frequented by waterfowl. The method successfully detected HPAI virus strains in four out of four wetland sites in April, but not from a lake, highlighting the need for improved RNA detection techniques.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 15, 2023
Researchers tracked endangered thick-billed parrots using solar-powered satellite transmitters, revealing new critical habitat and migratory routes. Less than 20% of the newly identified habitat is protected from timber industry, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023
Researchers investigating sihek health have found that female birds are at greater risk for death and disease than males. The study also highlights reproductive diseases as a major threat to the species' survival, with females succumbing to these diseases more frequently.
SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateOct 25, 2023
Researchers discovered that monk parakeets possess a unique tone of voice, known as a voice print, similar to humans. This finding raises the possibility that other vocally flexible species may also have a voice print.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023
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 study published in PLOS Biology identifies key genetic loci that distinguish Penstemon species with flowers adapted to different pollinators. The research reveals surprisingly few genetic differences between species with different pollination syndromes, suggesting strong selection to maintain flower traits.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023
A Texas A&M research team found that a population of endangered red-crowned parrots is thriving in urban areas, with four main roosts in the Rio Grande Valley. The parrots' adaptability to human environments and lack of competition for food sources make them an unusual example of a species doing well in urban areas.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalDiversity·DateSep 22, 2023
Research shows that lapwings can hide their eggs by using small variations in the terrain, making them invisible to ground predators. The study found that habitat geometry rather than visual acuity limits the visibility of a ground-nesting bird's clutch to terrestrial predators.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023
A recent UTSA study reveals that 51% of Texas owls have high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides in their systems. The research team recommends using natural methods to control rodents and increasing awareness of the effects on non-target wildlife.
SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 2023
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 new study by Lund University reveals that disease affects blackbirds for three weeks, rather than just a day or two. The simulated bacterial infection stimulates the birds' immune system, causing them to stop their activities earlier in the evenings and have reduced daily activity periods.
SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 6, 2023
Research finds that smaller farms with varied crop types and forest patches support many bird species typically found in forests, even as populations decline in forests. Diversified farming can be crucial for preserving biodiversity and its benefits, including ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination.
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2023
Researchers have discovered fossils of ravens living alongside early humans in Beijing, dating back over 100,000 years. The findings suggest that ravens were resilient to climate change and provide valuable insights into the impact of environmental changes on bird populations.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Ornithology·DateSep 1, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that birds allowed people to get much closer than expected, with an average distance of just 39 inches, suggesting a significant decrease in fear response. The study's findings challenge existing theories on bird behavior and may offer hope for North American bird populations threatened by human disturbances.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 22, 2023
City-living male song sparrows exhibit increased parental care and reduced nest predation rates, contradicting the notion that urbanization leads to decreased parental investment. Urban males also begin feeding nestlings earlier in the day, indicating a more attentive parenting style.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2023
Scientists at Michigan State University used big data to study bird coexistence in the Albertine Rift ecosystem. They found that birds partition their habitat use along environmental gradients and adopt different strategies to survive, allowing them to coexist without driving each other to extinction.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 16, 2023
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 new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that artificial light at night links with lower survival for two backyard bird species, the gray catbird and house wren. The study used data from a citizen-science program to investigate how light pollution affects birds' survival rates.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalUrban Ecosystems·DateAug 14, 2023
A new study has found a much smaller range of suitable habitat for the grey-necked rockfowl, a critically endangered African bird species, in Central Africa. The research suggests that changing the species' IUCN conservation status to Vulnerable could help prevent further land use damage.
SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalBird Conservation International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2023
Researchers found a significant increase in global bird feeding interest during COVID-19 lockdowns, with dramatic increases in search terms like 'bird feeder' and 'bird food' across 115 countries. The study suggests that this trend may have implications for avian communities, migration patterns, and biodiversity.
SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2023
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant surge in bird feeding interest worldwide during the pandemic, with countries having higher bird diversity exhibiting more Google search activity. The researchers analyzed data from 115 countries and found an average increase of 511 bird species in countries with higher search interest.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen used a new method to collect airborne DNA particles and found evidence of 64 different animal species in a single football field-sized area. The findings suggest that this technique could be a valuable tool for monitoring biodiversity and tracking the spread of diseases.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateJul 27, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers developed a novel method combining satellite imagery and bioacoustic data to monitor bird species on cropfields, finding larger habitat areas and greater variety in texture are associated with more bird species overall. However, grassland birds relying solely on the habitat for their life cycle seem to benefit less.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2023
A recent study by Tufts Wildlife Clinic found that approximately 30% of hawks and owls were positive for exposure to neurotoxic rodenticide bromethalin. This discovery expands upon the previous research on anticoagulant rodenticides, which showed that all red-tailed hawks tested were positive for ARs.
SourceTufts University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023
The AOS released its 64th Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds, including species lumps for the Western Flycatcher and Caribbean birds, as well as a species split for the Northern Goshawk. Five additional bird species were recognized in the Caribbean due to revised classification.
SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·JournalOrnithology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 6, 2023
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
UK schoolchildren aged 7-11 drew mammals and birds most commonly, with reptiles and amphibians appearing less frequently. The study suggests children's perceptions of local wildlife are skewed towards mammals and birds, hinting at a wider problem of nature disconnect.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023
Research shows that wild birds in vineyards are highly susceptible to triazole fungicide contamination, disrupting hormones and metabolism, impacting reproduction and survival. Vineyards use significantly more fungicides than other crops, posing a unique threat to bird populations.
Researchers found that precise repetition of song notes is key to attracting a female mate, while changing songs prevents habituation. A balance between consistency and diversity in birdsong may resolve the paradox of variability in singing styles.
SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023
Researchers found that two-thirds of European bird species shifted northeastward by an average of 100km over the past 30 years, with coastal communities facing extinction. Mountain ranges also controlled bird migrations, preventing some species from adapting to changing temperatures.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023
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 nine-year experimental study found that mowing and herbicide application did not benefit sage grouse populations in central Wyoming. In fact, reducing Wyoming big sagebrush cover may negatively impact the birds' food sources and nesting sites.
SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalWildlife Monographs·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2023
A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologist Robert Dudley found that hummingbirds happily sip from sugar water with up to 1% alcohol by volume, without being repelled by it. The research suggests that birds are likely consuming ethanol produced by natural fermentation in flowers and nectar-filled feeders.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered how the current H5N1 avian influenza virus gained new genes and greater virulence as it spread across North America. The researchers found that the virus could severely infect the brains of mammalian research models, a notable departure from previous related strains.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateMay 12, 2023
Bird and bat deaths at US wind turbines surge during seasonal migrations, with most species affected in the prairies and plains. The study's findings suggest adjusting curtailment requirements to protect sensitive bird and bat species.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2023
A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 28, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
George Mason University researchers have identified key methods for successfully reintroducing captive birds into the wild, including exposing animals to wild food and providing supplemental feeding after release. Their study provides evidence-based support for exploring the use of behavior and its management as an influential tool in ...
SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023
A highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, is spreading rapidly in the US, decimating wild birds and impacting poultry, with egg prices soaring. The study's findings highlight the need for unprecedented coordination to manage the spread of the disease, which may become endemic, posing risks to food security and the economy.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023
Research from Lund University shows that feeding small birds during winter reduces the need to lower body temperature, allowing them to fight infections more effectively. This study highlights the importance of access to food during winter in modulating a bird's immune response and ability to combat infection.
SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 18, 2023
Researchers studied H7N9 epidemic waves in China from 2013 to 2017, analyzing gene sequences to build phylogenetic trees. They found the virus likely circulated in poultry for months before being detected, and suggest continuous monitoring of animal health is crucial
SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023
Researchers found that endotherms have well-developed turbinates and larger nasal cavities than ectotherms, helping to cool their brains. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of nasal cooling in warm-blooded animals from their theropod dinosaur ancestors.
SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers found that 89% of Dominica's trees sustained damage from Hurricane Maria, but only 10% were immediately killed. The study suggests that forests in hurricane-prone regions can resist extreme weather events due to their adapted structure and composition.
SourceClemson University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023
A study from the University of East Anglia found that environmental impact assessments often fail to account for species movement between sites, leading to underestimated impacts on wildlife. The research highlights a planned airport development in Portugal that could affect over 10 times the number of Black-tailed Godwits estimated by...
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateApr 6, 2023
Researchers found that corridors with abundant mature trees and deadwood help pileated woodpeckers adjust to urban landscape fragmentation. The Little Miami River corridor is one of the best places for these birds in Hamilton County, Ohio.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023
Two new species of poisonous birds have been discovered in New Guinea's rainforest, containing a neurotoxin similar to that found in South American poison dart frogs. Genetic changes in these bird species allow them to tolerate and store the toxin in their feathers, potentially serving as a defensive mechanism.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 31, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers developed an AI tool called SILIC to identify 169 species, including 137 birds, from bird sounds in Yushan National Park. The dataset provides detailed acoustic activity patterns of wildlife across short and long temporal scales.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 21, 2023
Researchers found that hummingbirds can enter into deep or shallow torpor, and their ability to do so is tied to their evolutionary conquest of mountain habitats. Torpor duration varies depending on ambient temperature and physical condition.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023
A new study reveals that whooper swans thrive in UK nature reserves, with survival rates significantly higher and population growth up to 6% annually. This could lead to a doubling of the species' wintering population in the UK by 2030.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2023
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.