Bird Quotes

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands.

~ Douglas Adams


Bird Facts

Cats living in Cresskill, New Jersey, must wear three bells to warn birds of their whereabouts.


Bird News

Bird News Network Provided by American Bird Conservancy
  • Fourth of July Beachgoers Asked to "Fish, Swim, and Play from 50 Yards Away"
    As millions of vacationing Americans head to their nearest beach destination for a long weekend of surf and sun, American Bird Conservancy is urging beachgoers to be mindful of the many beach-nesting birds that will be tending to young birds and perhaps a few remaining eggs.
  • Study of Endangered Hawaiian Seabird Shows 'Rapid Change in Oceanic Food Web'
    A new study on the Endangered Hawaiian Petrel by scientists from Michigan State University, the Smithsonian Institution, and eight other organizations, has documented a dramatic and unprecedented shift in foraging habits that is likely linked to industrial fishing in the Pacific.
  • Feds' Decision to Allow Wind Farm to Kill California Condor Threatens Recovery Effort
    Today the U.S. Bureau of Land Management published the Record of Decision and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Biological Opinion for the Alta East Wind Project in California, which would for the first time allow a wind farm to kill an endangered California Condor without danger of prosecution. Fewer than 250 California Condors remain in the wild.
  • Hawai'i May Face Federal Prosecution Over Bird and Other Wildlife Deaths
    The Federal Government has warned the State of Hawai'i that it should either enter a plea agreement with the Department of Justiceor face criminal prosecution, including possible jail time, in connection with the deaths of a large number of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and other wildlife caused by the continued use of certain street lights that are attracting the wildlife and ultimately causing their deaths.
  • Bird Group Helps Secure Northern Flank of Wildlife-Rich Area in Dominican Republic
    American Bird Conservancy, a leading U.S. bird conservation group, in collaboration with the Sociedad Ornitologica de la Hispaniola report that by working with the Ministry of the Environment of the Dominican Republic, they have significantly improved protections for the northern flank of wildlife-rich Sierra de Bahoruco National Park and the Loma Charco Azul Biological Reserve in western Dominican Republic. Home to over 30 endemic bird species and habitat for dozens of migrating bird species, the largely forested area has been a favorite target for illegal tree cutting, squatting, charcoal production, and agricultural expansion."

Science Daily: Bird News

ScienceDaily: Bird News
ScienceDaily: Bird News
  • X-rays reveal new picture of 'dinobird' plumage patterns
    The first complete chemical analysis of feathers from Archaeopteryx, a famous fossil linking dinosaurs and birds, reveals that the feathers of this early bird were patterned -- light in colour, with a dark edge and tip to the feather -- rather than all black, as previously thought. 
  • African starlings: Dashing darlings of the bird world in more ways than one
    It's not going to happen while you're peering through your binoculars, but African glossy starlings change color more than 10 times faster than their ancestors and even their modern relatives, say researchers. The changes have led to new species of birds with color combinations previously unseen, according to a new study.
  • Duck genome provides new insight into fighting bird flu
    The duck genome consortium has completed the genome sequencing and analysis of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos), one principal natural host of influenza A viruses, which caused a new epidemic in China since this February. This work reveals some noteworthy conclusions and provides an invaluable resource for unraveling the interactive mechanisms between the host and influenza viruses.
  • Magpies make decisions faster when humans look at them
    Researchers have found that wild birds appear to "think faster" when humans, and possibly predators in general, are directly looking at them.
  • Gannets don't eat off each other's plates
    Colonies of gannets maintain vast exclusive fishing ranges despite doing nothing to defend their territory from rival colonies, scientists have discovered.
  • Studies showing how bird flu viruses could adapt to humans offer surveillance and vaccine strategies
    Bird flu viruses are potentially highly lethal and pose a global threat, but relatively little is known about why certain strains spread more easily to humans than others. Two studies identify mutations that increase the infectivity of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses through improved binding to receptors in the human respiratory tract. The findings offer much-needed strategies for monitoring the emergence of dangerous bird flu strains capable of infecting humans and for developing more effective vaccines.
  • How birds lost their penises: Programmed cell death
    In animals that reproduce by internal fertilization, as humans do, you'd think a penis would be an organ you couldn't really do without, evolutionarily speaking. Surprisingly, though, most birds do exactly that, and now researchers have figured out where, developmentally speaking, birds' penises have gone.
  • Superb lyrebirds move to the music
    When male superb lyrebirds sing, they often move their bodies to the music in a choreographed way, say researchers. The findings add to evidence from human cultures around the world that music and dance are deeply intertwined activities.

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Hazardous Household Items PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Monday, 06 September 2010 02:47

The following common house-hold products are TOXIC and DEADLY to birds. A bird’s biology is so different from ours that things we do not even sense can and DO kill them! Remember the old "canary in the coal mine"…. Also consider: if it capable of killing our birds quickly….what is it doing to us slowly?

Read on to find a list of things you need to avoid if you have birds (or reptiles, which are also highly sensitive). This checklist is being brought to you from The Oasis Sanctuary - and they are in need of assistance. Print this out and keep it close by, refer your family and friends to their site and let's get these birds the help they need.

One of the main things you should avoid if you have birds (and it's not a bad idea to avoid them in general) is:

  • Non-stick cookware (NOT just "Teflon" brand )

When heated, these coatings produce a CLEAR and ODORLESS gas. The only warning you have is your bird falling over dead.

  • Non-stick coatings are including in and on things you would not think of such as:
  • Toasters
  • Hair-dryers
  • Ovens (especially toaster-ovens)
  • Drip pans for stove burners
  • Baking pans
  • Irons
  • Ironing board covers

Check your house out carefully. Your bird can be in the other end of the house and still have a strong enough reaction to die!

Do not use:

  • Any and all aerosol sprays
  • Scented candles
  • Scented oils and air-fresheners (including those "plug in" types)
  • General rule of thumb….if it is a spray, keep it away from the birds.

Keep-aways:

  • Be careful with beads and coins which can be ingested…..they can contain toxins or can create obstructions.
  • Stained glass such as lamps and "sun catchers"….The leading between the glass pieces is deadly to birds!

More "Keep-aways:

  • Electronic parts such as old telephones and keyboards….There are copper and lead components in many electronic devices, both of which can cause poisoning of birds.

Foods not to give your bird:

  • Avocado - any portion including fruit, branches and leaves can be deadly.
  • Alcohol is no-no
  • No caffeine
  • No carbonated drinks
  • No milk (birds are lactose intolerant) but cheese (high is calcium!) is ok in moderation
  • No UN-roasted peanuts. The roasted, unsalted, human grade ones are ok - again in moderation as they are very high in fat.
  • No onions (not digestible)
  • Good foods which should comprise about 1/3 of their daily diet:
  • Melons and fruit
  • Bell peppers and vegetables
  • Cooked rice or pasta with veggies and garlic
  • "Birdy bread" (a corn-bread base with fruits and veggies and peanut butter baked into it. Experiment with joy and creativity!!!)

Must do:

  • Take your birds to the Avian Vet at least once a year for a thorough "Well-bird" exam.
  • Remember, as a flock animal, birds mask diseases until it is often too late to help them!
  • Put together an Avian First-aid kit. Talk to your Vet about what you should have on hand.
  • Plan for emergencies and for the future!
  • Keep a carrier ready and handy in case of fire, flood or other emergency "quick exit" from your home.
  • Have someone you can call to take care of your bird if you are in an accident or stranded away from home. Keep that number in your wallet!
  • Post a sign on your front and back doors or windows saying:
  • "FIREMAN! ___ # of Birds inside!"
  • If you have cats or dogs etc post their info on this sign as well.
  • Put together a Will including your beloved animals.
  • Post this information on your fridge.
  • The Life You Save Could Be Theirs!

The Oasis relies on you for support, so why not donate now? Visit The Oasis Sanctuary now and learn what they're doing to make this world a better place for our feathered friends.

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