Category Archives: North America

Global Warming Threatens Winter Bird Hoards

by Amy Posted on 29 August 2006

“Grey jay birds that store frozen food to help survive icy winters are dying out in parts of North America because global warming is rotting their hoards, a scientist said. The jay’s dependence on natural refrigeration — of food ranging from berries to insects — make it an odd exception to a general rule that animals and plants survive better during less harsh winters.” Read the full story INTERVIEW-Grey jays hit by warming as birds’ freezer fails on Alertnet.

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Dogs Kill Protected Birds In Hawaii

by Amy Posted on 26 June 2006

Fifteen Laysan Albatrosses, also known as gooney birds, were killed by dogs last week. Although the species is not endangered, only 200 pairs of them nest each year, so the loss of 15 individuals is significant. Because the birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the dogs’ owners could be fined up to $5,000 and face up to six months in jail. Read more in the Star Bulletin’s story 15 gooney birds killed by dogs at protected site.

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Pelican Trouble In Southern California

by Amy Posted on 26 June 2006

Last week a Brown Pelican crashed into a car on the Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach. Both bird and driver survived the crash. Later in town, three disoriented pelicans were found. All birds are thought to have been intoxicated by domoic acid, a by-product of pollution in coastal waters. At least sixteen other reports of bird drunkenness have been reported in the area. Read more in The Scotsman, WISTV and KSAT.

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