article thumbnail

Birds and Us: A 12,000 Year History from Cave Art to Conservation–A Book Review

10,000 Birds

They may be about bird eggs ( The Most Perfect Thing: The Inside (and Outside) of a Bird’s Egg , 2016), or a 17th-century ornithologist ( Virtuoso by Nature: The Scientific Worlds of Francis Willughby, 2016), or How Bullfinches learn songs from humans ( The Wisdom of Birds: An Illustrated History of Ornithology. Beagle , pt.

article thumbnail

What the Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds: A Book Review

10,000 Birds

Ackerman’s new book is about owls and owl research–the knowledge recently and currently being discovered through DNA analysis, new-tech tracking and monitoring, and old-fashioned fieldwork under the auspices of organizations like the Global Owl Project and the Owl Research Institute.

Owls 224
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Changing Bird Names (Again)

10,000 Birds

He analogized the change to adding Hawaii to the ABA Area, which is puzzling since that modest change was preceded by years of debate, a membership referendum (in 2012), and a formal vote (in 2016). Given that most birders have to conduct research to determine whether a particular name is offensive ( e.g. , what about Leach’s Storm Petrel?

Birds 264
article thumbnail

Altruism, Albatrosses, and Vicious Young Men

10,000 Birds

Laysan albatrosses are ocean-dwelling seabirds who have 6-foot wingspans, weigh 7-8 pounds, occasionally sleep while flying, and rarely land except to raise their chicks. The oldest Laysan albatross was last seen raising a chick on Midway Atoll in 2016, at age 66.

Albatross 214
article thumbnail

‘Tis the Season: Notable Bird Books (and Booze and Binoculars) of 2020

10,000 Birds

It’s a book about ornithological research yet reads almost like a novel. Kroodsma identifies specific birdsong puzzles about which no researcher yet has answers, including problems where diligent amateurs can make discoveries. Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture “Gricos” (2016). A terrific book. Look at that cover!

2020 209
article thumbnail

Birding Shanghai in November 2022

10,000 Birds

Since 2016, the Rustic Bunting has been listed as Vulnerable, as data suggested rapid population declines (HBW). In contrast, the females need to make sure not to get duped into raising actual cuckoos – the buntings are a targeted host species ( source ). led its listing as Vulnerable.

Birds 221
article thumbnail

Birding According to ChatGPT, Part II

10,000 Birds

Birders often play a vital role in monitoring bird populations, contributing data to scientific research, and participating in citizen science initiatives that help track bird distributions, migration patterns, and breeding behaviors. They contribute to scientific research, conservation efforts, and the enjoyment of birding as a hobby.