Oology – The Study of Bird Eggs

Oology can have two meanings. It is used to either refer to the study of bird eggs, or it can be used to describe the collecting of bird eggs. Even though the name is the same, the impact on bird life and ecosystems is vastly different. Studying bird eggs allows scientists and conservationists to understand the breeding habits of various birds and their nests. Collecting bird eggs almost led to the extinction of many bird species, as it had become a popular hobby that is now illegal in most countries.

Cats are Number One Threat to Birds

According to a report by the American Bird conservancy, cats are responsible for the deaths of between 500 million to one billion birds each year in the United States. These figures include birds killed by feral and domestic cats, and many cat owners have had the experience of being presented with a feathered ‘gift’ from their furry felines. Following a study, the results of which were presented in the Journal of Ornithology, research scientist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Peter Marra, confirms that cats wreak havoc on bird populations in both urban and suburban areas.

Study Sheds Light on Bird Collisions

It seems that the engineering feats of humans, such as wind turbines, telephone poles, pylons and buildings, are accidently causing the death of many birds. As birds are considered creatures with very good eye sight, we have not been able to understand why this happens so frequently. However, a closer look at how their vision works explains how most of the fatalities occur. A study done by Professor Graham Martin (Birmingham University) approached the project with the aim of understanding why these fatalities occur and to find out how birds perceive the world during flight.

Migrating Birds May See Earth’s Magnetic Field

The accuracy with which migrating birds head for, and find, their chosen destination has been a source of wonder for many. Research has revealed many interesting facts over the years and many theories abound, but there is still an element of mystery that keeps scientists motivated to find an explanation.

Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in South Africa

Any bird watchers planning to travel to South Africa should definitely make the effort to visit the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary combines great food with a large habitat, which is simply brimming with birds and animals. It is the perfect place to enjoy a tasty meal while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

Marbled Murrelet – A Seabird at Risk

Marbled Murrelets make an odd conservation story. No other seabird creates a conservation problem for timber companies!

Bird Banding

Bird banding (also called bird ringing) is an important tool for bird research and studies. Scientists put numbered metal bands around a bird’s leg, and keep track of where the birds are recaptured.

Ode to Robert Stroud – Birds

Burt Lancaster would be proud. More than 40 years after the film “The Birdman of Alcatraz” hit movie theaters, the name of Robert Stroud — while not necessarily a household word — is still recognized in many avian circles for his groundbreaking (at the time) study and research on birds and diseases. His two volumes “Diseases of canaries” and “Stroud’s Digest of the Diseases of Birds” are still in print and although much of the information is outdated, the books are still worth looking in to.