Bird scare rods, also known as bird deterrent rods, are devices designed to scare birds away from areas where they are causing problems or are not wanted, such as gardens, patios, pools, and agricultural fields. But do bird scare rods actually work at keeping birds away? Let’s take a look at what the research and experts say. What are bird scare rods? Bird scare rods, sometimes called bird deterrent rods or bird repellent rods, are long, thin rods made of materials like fiberglass or plastic that move in the wind. They are placed vertically in the ground in the area…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Owls come in a wide variety of sizes, from tiny owl species like the Elf Owl that weighs less than 3 ounces, to large owl species like the Great Gray Owl which can have a wingspan of over 5 feet. The size of owls found in Utah can vary greatly depending on the species. Some key questions related to the sizes of owl species found in Utah include: What is the smallest owl species found in Utah? The smallest owl species commonly found in Utah is the Northern Pygmy Owl. This tiny owl averages 6-7 inches in length and weighs…
Alligators provide a unique habitat for certain bird species that have adapted to take advantage of their presence. Several types of birds are known to perch, nest, and feed around alligators without fear of attack. The most notable alligator-dwelling birds are egrets, herons, wood storks, and anhingas. Egrets Egrets are a common sight perched atop the backs of alligators. Several egret species have been observed using alligators as roosting spots and fishing perches, including the Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, and Reddish Egret. These long-legged wading birds stand up to 3 feet tall and have predominantly white plumage. Alligators…
What is avian flu? Avian flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and wild birds. There are many different strains of avian influenza viruses that vary in how severe they are. Some strains cause only minor symptoms in birds while others are highly pathogenic, meaning they cause severe illness and death in domestic poultry. The most common strains of highly pathogenic avian flu that have caused outbreaks in poultry around the world are H5N1 and H7N9. When domestic birds become infected with these strains, it…
Birds making nests in unwanted areas can be a frustrating problem for many homeowners. Birds tend to return to the same nesting spots year after year, so addressing the issue promptly is important. There are several effective techniques to deter birds from nesting in particular areas without harming the birds. The key is using preventative measures early in the season before they start building a nest. Why Do Birds Nest Where They Shouldn’t? Birds look for specific features when selecting a nesting site: Shelter from weather and predators Close proximity to food and water sources Sufficient anchoring points for the…
No, there is no evidence that WNBA star Sue Bird and singer Nick Carter ever dated. Sue Bird is an American professional basketball player who has played in the WNBA for the Seattle Storm since 2002. Nick Carter is an American singer best known as a member of the boy band Backstreet Boys. Sue Bird and Nick Carter have very different career paths and do not appear to have ever crossed paths romantically. Sue Bird married soccer player Megan Rapinoe in 2022. Nick Carter dated Paris Hilton in the early 2000s and later married Lauren Kitt. There are no credible…
Cuckoos are well known for their practice of brood parasitism, in which they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species to be raised by those birds. This often leads to the perception that cuckoos are invasive nest “invaders.” However, the reality is more nuanced. While cuckoos do parasitize other birds’ nests, they have co-evolved with their hosts and this behavior is an integral part of their natural history. In this article, we will examine the evidence surrounding cuckoo nest parasitism and address the question of whether they can rightly be considered invasive nest invaders. What is brood…
The dark-eyed junco is a common songbird found across much of North America. It is a member of the sparrow family and gets its name from its dark gray hood and dark eyes. Juncos are medium-sized sparrows with long tails, short rounded wings, and slender bills. There are several subspecies of the dark-eyed junco, which differ mainly in coloration. The most widespread subspecies is the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), also known as the slate-colored junco. The tail of the dark-eyed junco plays an important role in its identification and taxonomy. This article will provide an overview of the key features…
A volant adaptation refers to a physical feature that aids an animal in flying. Flight is an incredible ability that allows animals to evade predators, find food, and disperse to new habitats. However, developing the capacity for powered flight requires overcoming substantial evolutionary hurdles. Flying animals must generate sufficient lift to become airborne, control their direction and orientation once aloft, and land safely. These challenges have led to the evolution of specialized volant adaptations in a variety of animal groups. Birds, bats, pterosaurs, and insects all fly, but have distinct anatomical modifications that enable their flight. Examining these adaptations provides…
Hawks are majestic birds of prey that have long captured the human imagination. Their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and incredible speed make them expert hunters. But in recent years, a fascinating question has emerged: do humans put tracking devices on hawks? The answer is yes, in some cases humans do attach tiny tracking devices to hawks. This is done by researchers, conservationists, and falconers for various purposes. Let’s explore why and how trackers are used on hawks. Why Put Trackers on Hawks? There are a few key reasons why small tracking devices may be attached to hawks: Conservation Research Scientists…