Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects birds worldwide. There are many different strains of avian influenza viruses that can infect poultry, wild birds, and in rare cases, humans. The potential for avian flu viruses to mutate and cause a pandemic in humans is a significant public health concern. One key question about avian flu transmission is whether the viruses can be spread through the air or are limited to direct contact with infected birds. This article will examine the evidence for airborne transmission of avian influenza viruses. What is avian influenza?…
Author: Peter Knight
Gadwall ducks are a type of wild duck that are commonly found across North America and Eurasia. They are a popular game bird among hunters and their meat is considered quite tasty. However, there are some important factors to consider before deciding to eat Gadwall ducks. Are Gadwall ducks legal to hunt? In most areas, Gadwall ducks are legal to hunt during specific hunting seasons. Hunting regulations and season dates vary by state and region, so it’s important to check your local hunting regulations before pursuing Gadwall ducks. Most areas prohibit hunting Gadwall ducks outside of the designated season. Are…
Barred owls are medium-sized owls native to North America. They get their name from the horizontal brown and white barring pattern on their chest and belly feathers. Barred owls have large, round heads with no ear tufts and dark brown eyes. Their most distinctive feature is their loud, resonant hooting calls that sound like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” If you happen to see a barred owl, here are some tips on what you should do. Stop and Observe from a Distance If you spot a barred owl, the first thing you’ll want to do is…
Flycatchers are a family of small passerine birds which feed on flying insects. There are over 400 species of flycatchers found worldwide, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. While some species have stable or increasing populations, other flycatcher species are declining and at risk of extinction. What are flycatchers? Flycatchers belong to the family Tyrannidae. They are named for their method of catching insects on the wing. Most flycatchers make short sallies from an open perch to snap up prey. They have small bills with bristles at the base that help them catch and hold insects. Flycatchers occur in a…
Hummingbirds are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. Their ability to hover and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. Given their extremely small size and high metabolism, many people wonder how they are able to fly at all. In this article, we will explore the anatomy and physiology that allows hummingbirds to fly, and discuss whether their flight abilities are surprising given what we know about physics and biology. Hummingbird Flight Abilities Hummingbirds have mastered some impressive aerial abilities including: Hovering in midair by rapidly flapping their wings 12-80 times per second. Flying backwards by reversing the angle…
Wood ducks (Aix sponsa) are a colorful species of waterfowl found throughout North America. They are known for their striking plumage and perching abilities. Wood ducks belong to the genus Aix, which includes just one other species – the Mandarin duck. This raises an interesting question – can wood ducks hybridize with other species of ducks? Can wood ducks interbreed with other duck species? In the wild, wood ducks have been known to occasionally hybridize with a few other duck species, producing hybrid offspring. The species they most commonly interbreed with are: Mandarin duck – Very close relative, same genus…
Birds can exhibit a wide range of behaviors that may seem affectionate to humans, such as rubbing against people or objects, nibbling playfully, or sitting close to their owners. While we can’t know for certain what birds are thinking or feeling, some of these behaviors likely represent bonding and affection in some species. Let’s explore what’s known about bird kisses and other displays of apparent bird affection. What is a “kiss” for a bird? When people talk about bird kisses, they are usually referring to a nibbling or nuzzling behavior that some birds exhibit, often on or near their human…
Bird dogs, also known as gun dogs or hunting dogs, are breeds that have been developed over centuries to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game birds. The qualities that define a good bird dog include intelligence, trainability, stamina, a strong hunting instinct and a keen sense of smell. While many breeds make good bird dogs, some stand out as being quintessential bird dog breeds due to their energy, focus and versatility in the field. What Makes a Good Bird Dog? There are several key traits that allow certain dog breeds to excel at bird hunting: High Energy Bird dogs…
Sandhill cranes are large birds that live in open wetland habitats across North America. They are known for their impressive courtship dances and loud, rattling calls. Sandhill cranes migrate long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds each year. Understanding where they live throughout the year can help efforts to conserve this iconic species. Breeding Range Sandhill cranes breed across wide swaths of North America. There are three subspecies of sandhill cranes, each with a distinct breeding range: Greater sandhill cranes breed across the northern United States and Canada, from Oregon east to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, and north into…
The Red Rail was a popular nickname for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) line that ran through central and southern Illinois in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The railroad was given this moniker due to the bright red color of its rail cars and locomotives. Origins of the Nickname The CB&Q line was constructed in the 1850s and 1860s, connecting Chicago to towns and cities throughout Illinois. According to historical accounts, the railroad chose to paint their rail cars and engines bright red, a distinctive color that stood out from other lines operating in the region…