migrating birds

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Half of Migratory Species Are in Trouble: UN

New report has bad news for critters who roam the planet to feed, breed

(Newser) - Nearly half of the world's migratory species are in decline, according to a new United Nations report released Monday. Many songbirds, sea turtles, whales, sharks, and other migratory animals move to different environments with changing seasons and are imperiled by habitat loss, illegal hunting and fishing, pollution, and climate...

964 Birds Fatally Strike Chicago Building in One Night

The sheer amount of migrating birds to die in a single night is called an 'outlier'

(Newser) - On a typical morning, as many as 15 birds might be found dead outside Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside Center, having fatally struck the building the night prior. On Thursday morning, a nearly unimaginable 964 of them were found dead, and another 80 were found stunned but still alive, according...

Philly Turns Off Its Lights to Save Birds From Violent Death

Migrating birds disoriented by bright lights have been smashing into city's buildings

(Newser) - It's migration time for North America's birds, with many already journeying north for their summer stay, and one US city has taken a seemingly unusual step to light our feathered friends' way: It's turning off its lights. About 20 buildings in Philadelphia are taking part in "...

'Maybe Millions' of Birds Dying of Unknown Causes
Masses of Migratory Birds
Are Dropping Dead
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Masses of Migratory Birds Are Dropping Dead

Necropsies are underway in New Mexico

(Newser) - Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of birds are dropping dead in New Mexico, alarming biologists who suspect wildfires could be playing a role. A large number of migratory birds were found dead at the US Army White Sands Missile Range and White Sands National Monument on Aug. 20, before more...

The Going Is Getting Tougher for World's Migratory Birds

Study finds only 9% have adequate protection along their routes

(Newser) - Migrating birds are impressive—one species is known to travel more than 6,800 miles in a single flight—but they're no match for human development, the Los Angeles Times reports. That's why researchers behind a study published Friday in Science say the world needs to band together...

Birds' V-Formation Explained
 Birds' V-Formation Explained 
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Birds' V-Formation Explained

It's even more impressive than you probably imagined

(Newser) - OK, this is just cool: We all know birds fly in V-formations, but an in-depth study into the pattern using high-tech GPS sensors has found just how precise a science the flight model is. After tracking and monitoring a flock of northern bald ibises—rare birds raised in captivity that...

9/11 Tribute Traps Thousands of Dazzled Birds

Beams pull birds away from migratory path

(Newser) - This year's 9/11 memorial tribute ended up mesmerizing and trapping some 10,000 birds as they headed south for the winter. The Tribute of Light—beams of light projected where the Twin Towers once stood—was the brightest light in the area on that overcast night and birds relying on...

Capistrano Swallows Shun Church for Country Club

Famous California birds move upmarket

(Newser) - The famous swallows of Capistrano have flown straight past Capistrano this year to an upscale country club. The birds, who have migrated from Argentina to nest at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano church in southern California for decades, have received a warm welcome at the 700-acre Vellano Country Club,...

Migrating Swifts Take Over LA Parking Garage

As many as 10K a night sleep over en route to breeding grounds

(Newser) - A 12-story Los Angeles parking structure has become an unlikely pit stop for an astonishing number of migrating birds, with tens of thousands of them holing up in an abandoned brick chimney overnight en route to breeding grounds in the Northwest, British Columbia and Alaska.The birds are Vaux's swifts—...

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