Critter News

JANUARY 24, 2012

Clearly a win for the damn livestock industry. It was a question of federal vs. state authority. And it was a unanimous decision. Read the full story at CNN. A state law mandating "humane treatment" of downed livestock headed for the slaughterhouse was unanimously overturned Monday by the Supreme Court.

Laws 100

Laws California Downers Livestock 100

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 21, 2018

It was an incredibly easy twitch with the only downer being the bird’s tendency to stay deep in the reeds. A young Purple Gallinule that was found late in the day on Friday lingered through the weekend and Corey took Desi to see it on Saturday afternoon. So, great looks but no photos. Still, a state bird is always awesome!

2018 130

2018 Downers Turkey New York 130

Critter News

AUGUST 12, 2011

Sorry to be a downer, but here's an article that appeared in the Huffington Post. It's basically an interview with University of Washington Professor Peter Ward, whose book the End of Evolution I read over a decade ago. It discussed the mass extinction going on at the time. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.

Downers 100

Downers Washington 100

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 2, 2011

But I, of course, live in the east and the lack of Vesper Sparrows is a downer because when any species is in decline it is depressing but also because they are pretty darn neat sparrows.

Sparrows 165

Sparrows North Dakota Downers United States 165

Critter News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

And the disturbing video: Tags: animal cruelty PETA.

PETA 100

PETA Downers Animal Cruelty Cruelty 100

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 23, 2011

No one, aside from your therapist, wants to spend time with a Debbie Downer. The more you know about bird physiology, migration, hunting methods, longevity, etc. the more you can capture the interest of both nonbirders and birders alike. 5) Have a sense of humor. 6) Remember how to look through the eyes of a fresh, non-jaded birder.

Grizzly Bear 212

Grizzly Bear North Dakota Downers Bears 212

Critter News

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

At issue is Section 599f of the California Penal Code, which, among other things, prohibits slaughterhouses from purchasing, receiving, selling, dragging, or pushing non-ambulatory animals, also known as “downers,” and requires immediate euthanasia of such animals.

Animal Legal Defense Fund 100

Animal Legal Defense Fund Meat Humane Society Of The United States Factory Farm 100

10,000 Birds

JUNE 9, 2014

The only downer was that they did not come close. Grasshopper Sparrows don’t seem to sing terribly loudly but their song carries a long way. From Shawangunk I headed just down the road to Blue Chip Farm to see if I could find Upland Sandpipers. And, of course, because it was that kind of day, I did.

Breeding 172

Breeding New York Downers Breeders 172

10,000 Birds

MARCH 9, 2018

Today on Birds and Booze , we’re going to be mixing our uppers and downers. Before you get too excited, relax: it’s only a coffee beer.

Wisconsin 100

Wisconsin Downers South America Asia 100

10,000 Birds

JULY 5, 2016

The chapter titles, one for each year, thankfully change from downers like “The Bluebirds of Unhappiness” to the knowingly corny (“Winning the Booby Prize” wins the prize). By the end of February, Hayward has seen 294 birds in five states and two provinces. On April 25, with 492 birds on his year list, he finally commits to doing a Big Year!

2013 140

2013 Arizona San Diego Massachusetts 140

Animal Ethics

MARCH 15, 2008

To the Editor: Re “ A Case of Abuse, Heightened ,” by Joe Nocera (Talking Business column, March 8): Mr. Nocera tells us that most slaughterhouses don’t mistreat animals or funnel sick downer cows into the food chain. Oh, really?

New York Times 40

New York Times Wayne Pacelle Humane Society Of The United States New York 40