Birds Archives - WPTF-AM

More than 100 vultures die in a mass poisoning in South Africa’s flagship national park

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — At least 123 vultures have died in South Africa’s flagship national park after eating the carcass of an elephant that was poisoned by poachers with agricultural pesticides. Park authorities and an animal conservation group say Thursday that another 83 vultures that were rescued from the site and transported for treatment by helicopter or a special vulture ambulance were recovering. National Parks agency SANParks says the mass poisoning was one of the worst seen in the famous Kruger National Park in northern South Africa. Many of Africa’s vulture species are listed as endangered or critically endangered, with poisoning one of the biggest threats to them.… Continue Reading

A woodpecker has invaded a Massachusetts neighborhood. Residents are taking it in stride

ROCKPORT, Mass. (AP) — During the War of 1812, residents of Rockport, Massachusetts, hurled rocks at British soldiers using their stockings as slings. Today, they’re slinging trash bags and towels over the side mirrors of their cars to protect them from a destructive and determined pileated woodpecker. Over the last few weeks, the bird has broken more than two dozen mirrors and at least one vehicle’s side window. But residents are taking the violence in stride. Resident Ben Favaloro says he and his neighbors are having a good laugh about it, and no one wants to harm the bird. Pamela Hunt, an avian biologist with New Hampshire Audubon, says lots of smaller birds will be aggressive against their own reflections, but pileated woodpeckers don’t usually peck at opponents.… Continue Reading

Vultures are among the least loved animals. African conservationists are trying to change that

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Vultures have an image problem and are among the least loved animals in the world. But conservationists in Africa are trying to change that and save endangered vultures by spelling out their incredible value — in monetary terms. A recent report by the BirdLife International conservation organization estimated that vultures are worth $1.8 billion a year to certain ecosystems in southern Africa. Conservationists say that despite their reputation, vultures do an extraordinary amount of good work cleaning up ecosystems, controlling pests, reducing disease among animals and humans, and even helping with anti-poaching efforts.… Continue Reading

What to know about the bird flu outbreak in wild birds and what it means for backyard bird feeders

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bird flu has devastated poultry and dairy farms since it was first detected in North America in late 2021. But what has been the toll on wild birds? While most wild birds are susceptible to the disease, some species like mallards are more likely to carry the virus without symptoms. Others like geese tend to die in large numbers. Songbirds have sometimes gotten sick and died, but there haven’t been mass die-offs. Experts recommend taking precautions around sick or dead wild birds. But you can keep your bird feeder up. Scientists say the threat to the general population is currently low.… Continue Reading

American bald eagles are having a moment, ecologically and culturally

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (AP) — America’s national bird, the bald eagle, is having a moment. The eagles find themselves in a sort of environmental updraft since the early 2000s, when the federal government took the thriving birds off its endangered species list with more states following suit. Culturally, too, they’re soaring. Joe Biden in December signed legislation making the raptor the country’s national bird. New Jersey this month became the latest state to delist the bald eagle as endangered. And to the chagrin or elation of football fans depending on rooting interests, the Philadelphia Eagles are playing in the Super Bowl.… Continue Reading

Smart bird feeders gain popularity and spark interest in bird-watching

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — At a time when North American bird populations are declining dramatically, the number of people watching them is increasing. While the coronavirus pandemic spurred many people to head outside in search of birds, smart bird feeders that snap photos and video of backyard visitors have brought the hobby indoors. Bird Buddy has sold 350,000 of its camera-equipped bird feeders since 2022 and is now developing Petal, a tiny flower-shaped camera, and Wonder Blocks, which can be assembled to provide habitat for butterflies and other insects. The company’s CEO says like Bird Buddy, the idea is to help people connect with nature they might otherwise overlook.… Continue Reading

Biden signs a bill officially making the bald eagle the national bird of the US

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has made it official: The bald eagle is now the national bird of the United States. Biden signed a bill into law on Tuesday to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle as the national bird. The bald eagle has been a symbol of the United States for more than 240 years, appearing on the nation’s Great Seal since the design was finalized in 1782. That year, Congress also designated the bald eagle as the national emblem. But the honor of becoming the national bird had remained elusive until now.… Continue Reading