Imagine a burned forest in California. The charred remains of trees, the soot on the forest floor and the smoke in the air might make it seem like all is lost. Far from it. While fires negatively affect many species of animals, they also spawn new and complicated ecosystems with rich biodiversity. In California, the black-backed […]
Tag: Woodpeckers
Study: Woodpecker Drumming is Neurologically Similar to Songbird Vocalization
A team of scientists from the United States and Denmark has found specialized pecking-related regions in the woodpecker forebrain that show characteristics that until now have only been associated with vocal learning in animals and language in humans; instead of being related to vocalization, activity in these brain regions is related to the characteristic tree […]
13 Beautiful Birds to Spot This Spring
Spotting birds can be great fun, particularly when we know which birds we are seeing. There’s something about being able to say, That’s a ______, that makes all the difference. Luckily, several stunning birds are found throughout the United States or, in a pinch, half of the United States. Often, different species will be residents […]
‘Gentle giants’: rangers prepare for return of wild bison to UK
“When you see them in the wild, there’s this tangible feeling of humility and respect,” says Tom Gibbs, one of the UK’s first two bison rangers. “The size of them instantly demands your respect, although they are quite docile. I wouldn’t say they are scary, but you’re aware of what they can do.” The rangers […]
Feeding birds in our gardens is a joy – but it may be harming weaker species
Feeding birds is hard-wired into our national psyche. The apocryphal Victorian “tuppence a bag” for seed for the Trafalgar Square pigeons has morphed into a national pastime, with an estimated 17m households spending £250m a year on more than 150,000 tonnes of bird feed – enough to feed the entire breeding population of the 10 […]
The potential of nature: Halting wildlife decline will also protect 750,000 jobs, says MP
Crawley MP Henry Smith, a member of the Conservative Environment Network, said the Environment Bill going through Parliament does not set a legal deadline for halting wildlife declines. He also pointed out the natural environment supports nearly 750,000 jobs and more than £27 billion of the country’s economic output. Mr Smith said strong action is […]
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is the second featured woodpecker for my ‘A Bestiary’ – antidotal tales and more about the wildlife living in and around Flower Hill Farm Retreat. You can read more about these valuable birds by clicking on Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens. These industrious members of the Picidae family contribute to the […]