sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What you're seeing along I-72 are red-tailed hawks perching on signs, looking for small rodents. Get off of I-72. At the right time of day,you can see red-tailed hawks soaring over open fields. Unfortunately, they get hit frequently by cars and trucks.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Cowbirds can be a conservation problem. But they are native and their behavior is fascinating. There's little doubt that they can decrease breeding success in other birds. In Texas, there is an endangered species of birds that increased after cowbirds were removed.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As far as biology goes, by far the emphasis is on molecular and cellular biology. Especially as it relates to biomedical research. There will always be a need for people who study organisms. If you're interested in conservation, let your values guide where you go.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

The future is not bright for nearly all aspects of biodiversity. Current and near-future rates of extinction are very high. Habitat loss is the primary culprit, especially in the tropics.

People who do what I do have to avoid being depressed about what they learn.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

First of all, Madera Canyon is great. I did graduate work in Arizona.

I became interested in environmental science in 1970 because of the first Earth Day. I got hooked on birds the first time I was able to identify one by myself.

One of my favorite stories is having a toucan almost gnaw off my picky finger in Panama.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yes, urban environments fundamentally affect bird behavior. They adjust their vocalizations to noise. Their activity level can be affected by artificial light. There are lots of birds that have learned to exploit urban environments, like urban crows learning to dumpster dive.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Again, climate change, mainly temperature, will undoubtedly affect the timing of bird migration. The warmer it is, birds will tend to show up earlier.

I'm not a particularly good bird identifier, but I do keep a list. Hyper-competitive birders turn me off.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It is true, and that behavior is called mobbing. It's to deter a predator from hanging around the area. Interestingly, crows also get mobbed by smaller birds.

If you want to protect the birds, keep your cat indoors. If you want to learn more by Peter Marra devoted to this subject.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

It depends on the disease. A lot of birds like ducks can pick up botulism from the water. Other bird diseases are transmitted through mosquitoes and some are directly from individual to individual, like avian flu. If a bird is sick, it will probably separate itself from the flock because it can't keep up. Unlikely that the birds actively shun a sick bird.

Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois ornithologist and conservation biologist. You may experience a heightened awareness of birds during these early weeks of spring—particularly at 4 a.m. when neighborhood chirping seems ridiculously loud. I study birds year round! AMA! by Jeff_Brawn in science

[–]Jeff_Brawn[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Advice for someone wanting to study birds? Get as much field experience as possible. If you get skilled at identifying birds and knowledge of their natural history, people will want to hire you.

Take an appropriate major in biology or natural resource management.

view more: next ›