A roundup of the week's news of birds and the environment:
The American Bird Conservancy's Bird of the Week is the Palm Warbler. This warbler is unusual in a couple of ways. First, the sexes are nearly identical unlike most warblers that are sexually dimorphic. Secondly, most warblers spend the majority of their time in trees and shrubs but the Palm Warbler is quite happy on the ground as well. And when on the ground, they can be seen walking or running rather than hopping in the manner of other warblers. Like other birds, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and hazards during migration. They are insect eaters, although in fall and winter they may take seeds and berries to supplement their diet. During nesting season, they can be found in the southern part of eastern Canada and along the adjoining parts of the United States. Their population is currently increasing and their status is of least concern.
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Would damming the Bering Strait help to save the climate?
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Scorpions are unusual in several ways, including the fact that they have metal in their tails.
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Sumatran orangutans are learning to use human-made wildlife bridges across the trees.
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We have long known that the Maya kept dogs, but what part did they play in Mayan culture?
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Here are ten warblers that the American Bird Conservancy is working to conserve.
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A biologist snapped the first-ever photo of newly hatched giant salamanders in the wild.
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It seems that spiders don't like noisy neighbors any more than we do.
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I used to watch several gardening shows on television, but most of them are gone now. Here are some that might draw me back in.
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The palm warbler is such a pretty little bird. Scorpions are fascinating creatures. We even have them in UK, though rarely seen and quite harmless, non-native yellow-tailed scorpions.
ReplyDeleteScorpions are indeed interesting and they fill an important niche in the ecosystem. But, as you note, they are not always seen, and I suspect they prefer it that way.
DeleteIn some areas Palm Warbler is becoming very common. Have you noticed how they flick their tails frequently. On my visits to Cuba they were as common as House Sparrows are here - well, almost! King Charles admonished your wannabe king to respect the environment. Fat chance of that happening! Have a great weekend, Dorothy.
ReplyDeleteI've always admired Charles for his respect and care for the environment. As for the president, I seriously believe the ONLY thing he cares about is himself.
DeleteI loved reading the post from ABC about warblers. I've seen half of them (Yellow, Prothonotary, Yellow-rumped, Black-and-White, Common Yellowthroat), and I just missed seeing one by a day at Quintana this year (Prairie Warbler). I want to learn more about these birds. I'd also like to know more about scorpions and spiders. Right now I know almost nothing about them!
ReplyDeleteThat Prairie Warble at Quintana has caused quite a stir as indeed it should. Wish I could see it. As for scorpions and spiders, I know very little as well and they are fascinating creatures. Perhaps I will learn more this year.
DeleteThat little Palm Warbler is So cute! Wish we had them where I live. :D
ReplyDeleteTheir range is apparently spreading so they may yet reach you.
DeleteI hadn't thought of doing that to the Bering Strait .... that would take a lot of effort. Might be a last resort. These ideas are getting pretty creative.
ReplyDeleteIt's a drastic solution but we may be at the point of needing drastic solutions.
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