Animal Ethics

NOVEMBER 24, 2009

Farm animals also benefit from the humane farming movement, even if the animal welfare changes it effects are not all that we should hope and work for. Go vegan, go vegetarian, go humane or just eat less meat. To the Editor: Soon after I read Gary Steiner’s article, my wife asked me to kill a spider, which I did.

New York Times 40

New York Times New York Vegan Vegetarian 40

10,000 Birds

JULY 25, 2022

Gisela Kaplan has written a book about the species, and how they seem unperturbed by humans: “It’s one of their most successful defense strategies. Of course, if science is not for you, you can also look for the Spiritual Meaning of Willie Wagtail (“Unlock the amazing secrets of this spiritual symbol”) here.

Birds 217

Birds Australia Ducks Mountain Goats 217

10,000 Birds

JUNE 6, 2023

It was the same day George Floyd was killed. Chris’s recent New York Times article, “ Three Years After a Fateful Day in Central Park, Birding Continues to Change My Life ,” adapted from this book, encapsulates that essence. I remember that day. It is not what I expected, totally. Nah, sadly, probably not.

Emotional 219

Emotional Birds Minneapolis Nepal 219

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

This is in addition to the many articles and exhibits and even film devoted to the bird, one of the few species whose death was witnessed and noted down to the exact day, Tuesday, September 1, 1914 (though there is some question about the exact time). It’s an effective introduction. They are from a series called Aviary.

2014 159

2014 Killing Michigan Kentucky 159

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 14, 2015

What wasn’t publicised at the time, but the scientist later both admitted and owned, is that the kingfisher was then killed and collected for scientific reasons. If you want to know why most scientists support collecting this piece in Science explains it better than I can. New Zealand Bitterns. Bush Wrens.

Collecting 214

Collecting Solomon Islands New Zealand Fiji 214

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird? My friend Vickie Henderson , who has some serious long-range vision, looked at the science behind Tennessee’s crane hunting proposal and found it badly wanting. Here’s the petition.

2011 239

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 239

10,000 Birds

JUNE 26, 2018

The causes were the usual reasons for island extinction—deforestation by both humans and invasive plants that crowded out native plants, hunting, and invasive rats, mongoose, monkeys, and, of course, feral cats. Is it any wonder that Pink Pigeons were on the brink of extinction when humans intervened? I know, that’s harsh.

Mauritius 101

Mauritius Stud Zoos Eggs 101

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2011

March 14, 2011 Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Jon Gassett, Commissioner One Sportsman’s Lane Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 Dear Mr. Gassett, I am a writer, naturalist and artist with a special interest in human/bird interactions. Kills in Canada, Alaska and Mexico are not included in the count.

2011 239

2011 Kentucky Tennessee Hunting 239

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 1, 2024

In the same article, Henry Adams, wildlife management coordinator for Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute, describes the night heron as having “grumpy old geezer energy.” However, the fact that there are 30 subspecies seems to indicate that the species has a slightly overblown estimation of its own importance.

Birds 180

Birds Research Science Europe 180

10,000 Birds

APRIL 7, 2015

None fly, most are curious and social, which probably contributes to our cultural perception of penguins as one step away from human. Science and Conservation , the second section, presents two-page summaries of the diverse research being done around the world about penguins. Some are cute, some are dignified (and royal!).

Penguins 191

Penguins New Zealand South Africa Albatross 191