A California family’s home was overrun by more than 800 migrating birds in a scene similar to that of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds. Video footage shows the flock performing murmurations above the house before hundreds shoot down the chimney of the family’s house in Torrance. The birds, which appear to be swifts, can be … Read more
Chemicals and pieces of plastic produced through the use of packaging are migrating into food and harming plants and soil ecosystems, scientists warn. Ecologists from the Free University of Berlin contributed one of three evidence-based essays exploring the problem of microplastics and how best to tackle them. The German team, led by Matthias Rillig, they … Read more
Tens of millions of birds in the western U.S. migrate along the same two corridors, according to a new study from the Audubon Society. California’s Central Valley and the Colorado River Delta along the US-Mexico border are major thoroughfares for dozens of species, including hummingbirds, swallows and goldfinches. The research indicates they host ‘major proportions … Read more
Blue whales – the largest animal on Earth – sing at different times of the day depending on the season, a new study says. US experts recorded both individual whales and their greater populations in the Northeast Pacific, using tagging and underwater microphones called ‘hydrophones’. During feeding season in the summer when feasting on krill, blue whales … Read more
Brexit referendum sparked rise in Britons migrating to the EU and 500% increase in passport bids, study finds Study finds Brexit referendum result sparked rise in Britons emigrating to the EU Number of Britons seeking EU passports increased five-fold, research suggests Official figures show net EU migration to the UK still well in positive territory … Read more
The endangered whooping crane could be wiped out if it continues to migrate in large groups – an unusual behavioural trend that could be due to habitat loss. The five-foot-tall crane (Grus Americana), which is North America’s tallest bird, is distinguishable by its unusual ‘whooping’ sound. The cranes travel more than 3,000 miles from Texas … Read more