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Amazingly, science has discovered much about the unique structure and abilities of many of our birds. From intelligence factors that aid some birds in working outside the expected box of survival, the ability to participate in mathematics and physics to achieve certain ends, reasoning behind flying in certain patterns, and a myriad of other incredible findings that are consistently being discovered, we are constantly being surprised. The newest discovery is that birds are built to not only detect the magnetic fields, but to also see them.

Science has long wondered how birds navigate. Essential to their successful navigation is their ability to make sense of their internal compass. Earlier this year, it was revealed that researchers from several universities (Lund University in Sweden studied zebra finches; the University of Oldenburg, Germany, studied the European Robin) found the existence of a core protein in the eyes of birds that continues to be functional in variable lighting conditions. In the past, a professor from the University of Illinois during the ‘60s determined (without proof) that birds could respond to the magnetic field via their eyes due to a certain undetermined molecule within the eyes. It is from that assumption that further studies were undertaken.

Birds “See” Their Routes

The process used for these recent discoveries was a complicated one that essentially required an injection of a dye into parts of the eyes and the part of the brain that involves orientation. It was found that the two injected dyes traveled pathways that met in the area of the brain that involves vision. This gave credence to the thought that birds could “see” their travel using the visual aspects of the magnetic field of the Earth.

Lund University published their findings in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface(here). They stated that the magnetic compass of the birds were light dependent and delivered orientation information to the flying bird about the alignment of the magnetic field. Not only did the birds use the visual sighting of the magnetic field for their migratory travels, but that they also used them for day to day spatial orientation.

The University of Oldenburg published their findings on the European Robin in Current Biology(here). As with the researchers of Lund University, their findings were identical in scope. Both share that the isolated protein is Cryptochrome 4, or Cry4, as it is used in scientific phrasing. The interest is that the protein is found only in vertebrates that utilize an internalized magnetic compass. Cry4 is sensitive to blue light, a light given off by the Earth’s magnetic field.

Just as interesting is the additional discovery that nocturnal insects move from place to place using the same internal magnetic detection as the birds. As we move through the span of time, the more we discover about our birds and other creatures, the easier it becomes to help them in any time of crisis. In time, we will have a complete blueprint for how animals live their lives on this shared planet we all call home.

Life is hard enough having to carve out a means to co-exist among our fellow beings. With every inch gained, it seems that we fall a few back from one instance to another. It’s easy to see cooperation among many species of creatures. You can readily see it if you’re a multi-species owner, i.e., you have cats, dogs, birds, and other creatures within the same household. And while some separation is necessary due to natural aggression, some species do co-exist quite well. It appears that humans, animals, and perhaps every living thing within our biosphere, must defend territories against invasive threats.

A recent study by the University of Chicago and the University of Nebraska shows that birds in the wild recognize other species and choose to form a bond of sorts that helps provide exclusivity to territory and the food within, as well as the element of safety in numbers.

From 2012 through 2015, two graduate students and their professor from the University of Chicago studied the routines of two species of fairy wrens within the Brookfield Conservation Park in South Australia. They discovered through a variety of means that not only do the birds cooperate with each other; they did so in such a way as to enhance the safety of their families over long periods of time. This proved beneficial in many ways. Often, these two species overlapped in territories, which generated a strong need to co-defend those territories against predators that are more aggressive and other unrecognized members of their own species. Recognition is important and governs the space the birds occupy.

“Locals Only”

During the study, the group observed that the dominant males were more aggressive toward songbirds outside of their mutually shared territories than they were to their fellow inhabitants. They used recordings of other birds and watched as the birds within the territory flew in to investigate the unrecognized sounds. Different times were utilized to determine the birds’ level of aggression and investigation; the dark of the night as well in the light of the day. It would appear that the song of co-habituating species bear some resemblance or marker to effect familiarity versus the tones of a bird several territories away.

These sets of exciting and interesting findings were recently published in the Behavioral Ecology journal of the International Society of Behavioural Ecology, a part of the UK’s University of Oxford. (An abstract of the study can be found here.)

As with people, the animals that surround us exhibit the same kind of group law and protections that prove safe to them. It encourages a comfort derived from having a patrolled and closely protected territory. I have watched black birds group up to pursue and nip at an invading hawk as it flew through the airspace of their homes. Their relentless attacks caused enough consternation of the hawk that it decided that this wasn’t worth the trouble, and so it flew out of range. I also know that this location is home to cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, robins, sparrows, and a few other species. In fact, I can recognize some of them as repeat visitors to backyard feeding places.

Global Big Day is a designated 24-hour period of intense bird counting and bird watching. Established in 2015 by the juggernaut of bird oversight, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY), this day was intended to create an unmatched worldwide database of birds with useable data provided by everyday people. To date, that database is the home of one of the world’s most complete list of geographical locations of birds in the wild. The date for the 2018 event was May 5^th. This real-time accumulated database is then effectively used by scientists, educators, and other professionals in their efforts to teach and to advance protection for the many bird species of the world.

Participants registered through the eBird website in order to take part in the 24-hour binge watch of native birds. With a downloadable eBird mobile app, birders — amateur and professional — were able to tally up the species spotted and/or heard in locations of their choice. The locations could be from your porch or deck, or during a strategic walk through a forest of woods pathway or park. And while the Global Big Day is set for a 24-hour period, participants did not have to maintain all 24 hours (they could, but it isn’t required) in vigilant stand-by. In fact, some of the watchers joined for periods of less than an hour.

People Flock To Be Part Of The Count

Over the few years since the event was created, the amount of participants has escalated dramatically. For 2018, almost 30,000 participants were involved. That’s up from almost 20,000 participants officially registered in 2017, who spotted 6,564 species from over 50,000 submitted checklists. 2018 generated a whopping new record of 6,916 species from over 75,000 submitted checklists. At the start of Global Big Day (in 2015), there were slightly over 12,500 participants, who recorded a total of 5, 827 species. The goal of 4,000 species was initially set so the end tally was a pleasant and much welcomed surprise.

You can peruse the eBird database for 2018 here. You’ll find a breakdown of leaders from country participation, group participation, species listing, and checklist submissions. While it was difficult to beat the large number of watchers based in the lower 48 states of the United States, there were even two submitted checklists from the Antarctica region with 9 species sightings. The page supplies a real-time checklist submission hot map where (at the time of this writing), checklists were still being submitted and tallied. For more fun and exclusivity, you can input a state, country, and even narrowed down to a county to find the exact species located and recorded with a precise number of submissions (my county submitted 59 checklists with sightings of 153 species).

The big winner in 2018 for the sheer amount of species sightings was Colombia, who topped the list for the second year in a row. Previous to that, Peru held the honor of top species count for the first two years. In fact, South America is home to around 20% of the all known bird species in the world. Ecuador and Brazil are two countries that follow close behind.

To keep the momentum of bird awareness and expanded conservation efforts at a high, we hope that you’ll participate in 2019 and beyond.

How many birds can be seen in one day? Global Big Day says, “a lot!”

How often are you soothed and comforted by watching birds arrive in your backyard? You work to create a network of attracting feeders and stands, all designed to bring as many species of birds possible into your view. The prize is your endless fascination by the comings and goings of each creature as they visit your setup to acquire their sustenance. Interestingly, you’ll discover many things about your creatures. You’ll find that some are aggressive in their gathering and eating. You’ll also find varying reasons for how and why birds react the way they do. The bottom line reasoning for many of our back yard developments of feeding systems is to make our lives a little more connected to our flying neighbors (and sometimes, our four-legged arrivals like squirrels and rabbits).

Birds Bring Happiness

In a recent University of Exeter study, it was determined that people who lived in tree and shrubbery-rich areas filled with birds and wandering creatures suffered less depression than their urban counterparts who see much less of those. However, if urban dwellers were surrounded by more trees and shrubberies along with a fair sampling of birds, they too enjoyed less depressed lives. Additionally, the anxiety and stress levels were significantly reduced with access to more natural day to day occurrences of bird watching capability.

In the previously mentioned study, with over 270 participants from a variety of social stances using income, ethnicity, and age as markers, it was determined that people with afternoon viewing of birds were more often the ones that were less depressed or filled with anxieties. Although the study included morning viewings of birds, the afternoon viewings were indicative of the average for people in bird viewing count and ability. Typically, there are less afternoon birds than morning as the daily necessities of birds are concluding rather than beginning.

The types of birds seen were of the common variety — crows, robins, blackbirds. Of course, less common birds were viewed; however the study maintained that there was no correlation of improvement in depression if such birds were noticed over more common ones, only that viewing birds in areas of plant growth alone made the improvements.

The take-away from this study easily indicates that if you spend time in more natural settings the reality is that you might find yourself happier. It’s figured that we spend almost 90% of our times indoors. Factor in eight or more hours at work, eight hours in sleep mode, and a few hours inside houses, stores, theaters, and other sources of activities, it’s easy to see that we isolate indoors more frequently than we might realize. With the University of Exeter study, we’re reminded that our mental health could use a period of time watching birds. Whether that’s in beautiful gardens, on a chair or swing in the yard or deck, or on a walk in a park setting, the means to lessen the daily toll on our mental health is clearly within our grasp. And linked to birds!

Not too long ago, we found an unusual parakeet with a fluffy plumage. They are called Feather Dusters. The overgrowth of feathers is caused by a mutation that is rare but it does occur frequently enough to be notable. Overgrowth of feathers and plumage is not unique to the parakeet, however. There is a chicken that shares that overabundant trait as well — the Silkie.

The Silkie chicken has a plumage that is characterized as silky soft and furry to the touch with an extreme amount of feathers that might throw you off if you were to see one. It’s uncommon for farmers to raise these creatures, although a role is often employed as a main focus for their being in a farmyard. This bird is labeled by professional designation as ornamental. Little is known about the origin of the Silkie chicken, but they are thought to have originated in China many centuries ago. There is documentation of mention concerning “furry chickens” as early as the 14 the century.

Distinguishing Features

Their physical makeup is an incredible mix of odd. Not only do they possess the fluffy feather covering all the way to their feet, they also sport black combs, have fluffy crests (like pom-poms), and, amazingly, have black skin (and it’s said, black bones), as well as striking blue ear lobes. But there are other anomalies present. The Silkie chicken has five toes as opposed to the four toes typical of most chickens.

Weight-wise, the male Silkie often weighs in at 4 pounds, while the female is just 3 pounds. Silkies are found in a variety of visually pleasing colors, even orange-red.

Silkie Behavior

Silkie chickens have a soft demeanor that distinguishes them from other chickens. They are noted as being lovable, calm, and friendly, both male and female. For this reason, although not advised, the Silkie chicken has been adopted as an inside pet by some. Because they thrive in flocks, this practice is often discouraged by many pet proponents.

Unfortunately, along with a unique appearance, the Silkie chicken is susceptible to a malady called Marek’s Disease, a viral attack that affects the chicken in multiple ways, including neurological impacting. It’s so contagious that if one in the flock contracts the disease, it can be assumed that the entire flock has been infected by the untreatable virus. Diseases and abrupt deaths aside, the average life-span of Silkie chickens is seven to nine years.

Backyard keepers like to have these beautiful and unusual creatures walking about as they easily add a visual touch of class to otherwise common chicken. The female of these beautiful chickens are considered brood friendly. They often fawn over eggs that are not their own and bring

Charles Darwin is significant in our history for his studies and subsequent theory on the processes of evolution. As a result of this long and detailed work, which was eventually distilled within the texts of The Origin of The Species, his name became forever tied to any earnest discussion involving evolutionary theories of any kind. During his travels and studies, he spent some time in the Galápagos Islands. It was this visit to the Islands that helped to more fully shape his thoughts on species and the stability of species. On the Islands, Darwin, although not an ornithologist, collected finches that he soon discovered to be uniquely separated from finches found elsewhere.

The finches, now called Darwin’s Finches, are a collection of 13 species of birds that were considered vastly different in makeup from the finches in other parts of the world, even among themselves. This made the finches on the Galápagos Islands incredibly unique in appearance. After close evaluation by a well-respected ornithologist of the time, John Gould, the finches were determined to be separate species rather than varieties of the other finches of the world. Some of the differences included variable beak sizes, color, plumage, tail sizes, and behavior patterns. As a result of these studies, Darwin’s Finches became well known as representative of the divergence of species. Their existence helped Darwin advance his studies of evolution by natural selection.

New Species Of Finch

Back in 1981, a non-native male cactus finch likely from Isla Española, a small Galápagos island located some 60 miles south, arrived on the northwestern island of Daphne Major, and mated with two native female ground finches. New variations of the divergent species of finches were hatched. Since that time, approximately 30 birds of that “new” species of finch are now native to the island of Daphne Major. This process of evolution is called speciation, and it’s going on right before the eyes of surprised scientists who actively monitor the birds of Galápagos Islands.

The new species of finch is currently called Big Bird by the scientists that are following this remarkable and unlikely event. Their successful existence has already begun to challenge and change what is known about how birds evolve. What was once thought to be a constructive result of necessary mutation effects over millennia can now also be realized as a fast route of evolution via a process called hybridization. This occurs by the introduction of two unique species in a successful mating and hatching process.

This hybridization has created distinct — and unique — changes in the offspring of the two finch species that resulted in a different beak shape, a bigger overall size, and even a new vocal pitch that clearly separates its birdsong from that of its parents. The new finches mated with each other, which helped to account for proliferation and purity of the thirty in existence today on the island of Daphne Major.

This newly evolving species could eventually mate with other species of finches on the island to create even more unique species, although such an occurrence is unlikely. But if it does, the Darwin evolutionary theory by natural selection is not only getting a new and important study, but is a rare chance to watch and be amazed at how nature works. And science was gifted with a fast track view of this concept within a single lifetime.

The world around us changes so fast. That’s an inescapable condition. Some of the more frightening aspects of change occur when creatures that are a part of our biosphere become challenged with adaptability and ecological differences. Over time, we have lost many animals and other important species because of reasons that might simply be too complex for us to properly deal with. Apart from reprehensible and immoral deliberate interaction by poachers and hunters that know better and destructive land terraforming efforts, the environment has swirled and eddied enough of its own to introduce dangerous predators into areas where they may not have existed before. Additionally, climate changes destroy previously depended on resources for birds and other animals needed for sustained existence.

Meet the Alalā, Hawaii’s Endangered Crow

One of the birds that have gone extinct in the wild is the ‘Alalā, or the Hawaiian crow. The bird had long been settled on the big island of Hawaii even before the islands were settled by human populations. Since then, the bird has adapted to the unique environs of the island. But by 2002, the final two known ‘Alalā birds in the wild were gone, victims of the overwhelming influx of humans, predators like the mongoose and tree-climbing rats, as well as a large, growing  population of feral cats, and the ever-present threat of avian disease and viruses.  The ‘Alalā had gained legalized protection by Hawaii in 1931, and were federally protected in 1967.

The ‘Alalā is a beautiful bird unique to Hawaii. In appearance, the bird is about 1.5 feet tall from bill to tail, with deep black feathers and a large bill. The ‘Alalā is known to be quite intelligent. They use tools like sticks to achieve results they cannot with their beaks, sometimes shortening them if needed. It should be clearly understood that tool use among birds is a rare trait. To the respectful people of the big island, the bird is revered.

Saving the Alalā, The Hawaiian Crow

In the ’70s, after a sharp drop in the ‘Alalā population, a collected batch of these birds were taken into captivity by the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program  in the hopes that they could be properly expanded by breeding and protected for future reintroduction into the wild. This brought into being the ‘Alalā Project, which has carefully bred and now houses and cares for over 100 of these rare birds. There are two facilities that currently breed the Hawaiian crow. They are administered by the San Diego Zoo Global. With inherent difficulties in breeding (necessity of contained breeding aviaries, mate incompatibilities, inbreeding probability, etc.), the birds are carefully and patiently dealt with to ensure successes. After their birth, the birds are properly housed in conservation centers to give them the best possible growth assistance in diet and veterinary care. They are also given extensive training in survival skills in preparation for eventual release.

The governmental agencies have worked hard on two habitats in order to help give the ‘Alalā a fighting chance to regain its rightful place in the wild. The first is Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Preserve. It was designed to be rich in foods desired by the ‘Alalā, and to contain a dense plant life. The area is fenced in to help prevent unwanted animals within its borders. The second choice, to be used perhaps in 10 years, is the Ka’ū Forest Preserve.

In late September of 2017, the ‘Alalā Project released six young birds into the favored habitat (four males, two females). A second group of five birds (three males, two females) were released to the habitat in mid-October. The hope is in that the first release established themselves and can “assist” the second batch.

We are ever hopeful that this long-planned and carefully maintained work finds complete success, starting a new era of self-sustaining birds. And not only for the ‘Alalā bird, but for every creature groomed for such preservation.

We are all already cognizant of the fact that some people are tuned in to the wavelength of a bird. There just seems to be an attraction that cannot be explained (nor do we want to explain it). It’s a wonder to be able to communicate in some mysterious way with birds. That’s why exotic birds are so high up on the list of favored creatures when it comes to befriending one. But sometimes, that wavelength even extends out to the world of the wild bird, the bird that cannot be housed inside a cage.

Consider the hummingbird. And then consider the connection of hummingbirds to an assistant researcher who works within UCLA in its Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Department. That would be Dr. Mélanie Barboni, whose connection with hummingbirds is a passionate one.

Upon her arrival to UCLA as a postdoctoral research fellow, Mélanie placed a hummingbird feeder outside her window. Shortly, she was greeted by her first hummingbird. Over time, the research assistant found the population of thankful hummingbirds growing, where it now stands at around 200 or more. During the three years of attending to the hummingbirds outside her office, she has increased the feeders to four. The birds are so aware of her presence that they are completely unafraid of her. They will even land on her hand if she puts it outside the window.

Her familiarity with the hummingbirds extends even further with a large group of recognizable individual birds. She has given some of them names. The birds are so comfortable with Mélanie that they easily fly within the window to perch near her as she works, often resting and sleeping inside. Around the campus, Mélanie is often referred to as “the hummingbird whisperer” for her abilities to effortlessly bond closely with them.

Tips For Wild Hummingbird Care

In a brief e-mail exchange with Mélanie, she asked that we add to this article the importance of how and what you feed hummingbirds in your own backyard explorations. In her own words:

“Food: The nectar recipe should be 1 part white granulated sugar for 4 parts boiled water. No honey, no brown sugar, no worm blood or any other proteins (the hummers get their proteins by chasing bugs). It is important to use white granulated sugar only. That recipe reproduces very well what they find in flowers. If you use brown sugar or anything else, those contain elements their metabolism cannot process and that will hurt them (especially considering they drink up to 8 times their body weight in nectar per day). NEVER use the red-dyed nectar that you can buy in the stores. This actually hurts the birds badly as it contains traces of metals that they cannot process. Rehabbers around the country and other people studying hummingbirds have been trying to prevent the production of that red-dyed nectar, but unfortunately without success.  I have seen firsthand the damage it does to the hummingbirds, and it is really awful.  Also, those are expensive, so I like telling people that mixing their own nectar is not only the only way to properly feed the hummers, but also the friendliest way for their wallet.

“Feeder maintenance: Once the nectar is mixed, it can be stored up to 2 weeks in the fridge. I advise to select a feeder that is easy to take apart and clean. Once in the feeder, nectar has to be changed daily if temperature is above 80° F of if the feeder is in direct sun and/or the humidity is very high. Otherwise it needs to be changed every 2-3 days. If the nectar looks cloudy, it has to be changed immediately. Nectar turns bad quickly, and when it does, it will be poison for the birds. Every time the nectar is changed, the feeder needs to be taken apart and cleaned with hot water. I recommend using brushes too (including little ones that fit inside the ports. They are easy to find in stores or online). Every month (or as soon as black mold spots appears), the feeder needs to be cleaned in a 1-part bleach/ 9-parts hot water solution to kill any bacteria. I usually let it soak 20 minutes within the solution, then rinsing a lot until it doesn’t smell like bleach anymore.  Similar to bad nectar, dirty feeders will also kill birds (and in a very painful way), so hygiene has to be perfect.

“It might sound like a lot, but it is actually only 10 minutes a day on average to properly care for the hummingbirds. The reward of having them around — heathy and happy — is so worth it!”

If you have hummingbird feeders in your yard, please consider Mélanie’s expert advice on feeding them. Her recipe is a healthful one.

Helping Hummingbirds

Mélanie is also involved with hummingbird rehabbers. Essentially, rehabbers take care of injured or sick hummingbirds. They also help babies that have been orphaned for whatever reasons. With a planned move to another state, Mélanie is planning to take a permit (as one is needed) test when she has settled. She finds great joy in helping the hummingbirds become healthy to pursue their life’s course. And while sometimes not all birds can be saved, it is a beautiful thing to be able to save the ones that can be saved. It makes everything worth it.

Dr. Mélanie Barboni is part of the UCLA team that has determined that our moon’s age is far older than we previously thought. She is also involved in many levels of earth science. It can be easily understood that Mélanie has a great appreciation of all things belonging to our great, vast universe of things, including the Earth’s beautiful hummingbird inhabitants.