Wings do not guarantee flight. You may think that the ability to fly might be one of the most envied and useful aspects of being a bird. However, there are numerous bird species which, through evolution, have lost their ability to fly over time. This has happened in different bird groups independently, meaning that flightlessness is a good […]
Tag: cormorants
Namibia’s “Beach Lions” Are Adapting to Climate Change by Hunting Seals
In an extraordinary example of resilience, Namibia’s desert lions—once thought to be confined to the arid interior—are now roaming the Atlantic coastline, evolving into the world’s only known maritime lions. According to BBC Future, these rare big cats have adapted to extreme conditions by changing their diet and habitat, swapping traditional prey like oryx and […]
South Africa Bans Commercial Fishing at Penguin Breeding Spots Where Food Supply Shortage Could Drive Extinction
For a critically endangered species of penguin, a recent decision to remove fishing competition from its hunting and breeding grounds may prove to be the key to saving it. In the rich waters of South Africa’s cape and Atlantic coastlines, 6 key breeding colonies of the African penguin are now no-go zones for commercial sardine […]
“How do I love thee” – Birds that is – Let us count the many ways
I love birds, and bird watching. As I watch the birds, I can tune out all the city noise as I sit quietly in a green space, slowing my breathing so as not to disturb the birds. Would they even hear my breathing? Probably not! I try to relax, and let nature envelop me…. It […]
Spanish Steppes – Extremadura Nov 2012, Limosa Holidays
Stephen was at Madrid’s Barajas airport and was all ready and waiting with the minibus parked closely for a quick getaway when the group arrived from London. Travelling through the city and out onto the main road to Badajoz was really quiet…once we cleared Madrid! Birds were seen right from the start with Common Magpies, […]