Migrating birds can become disoriented as they fly at night. But the 9/11 Tribute in Light has come up with a solution.
By Andrew Farnsworth and Kyle G. Horton
Drs. Farnsworth and Horton are scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Every Sept. 11, beams of light rise more than four miles into the night sky from the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in America’s most devastating terrorist attacks. The glowing columns elegantly trace the outlines of the twin towers. But they also beckon thousands of migrating birds into the city’s skyscraper canyons, where they can become disoriented and crash headlong into buildings.
We all know the early bird gets the worm, so why do these young endangered grassland songbirds hang out in their nests late into the day? A new study seeks to answer that question, and it could be that playing the waiting game is actually the best way for nesting siblings to get the most food before heading out on their own.
For monarch butterflies in the eastern United States, life revolves around milkweed, a group of about 100 plants in the genus Asclepius that provide food, shelter and nectar for the iconic insects. During their annual migration to the their overwintering sites in the mountains of Mexico, millions of the butterflies float from milkweed to milkweed and other native flowers, on an epic 2,000-mile journey. But in recent years, things have gotten dicey for the orange and black lepidopteron on their journey.
Every year for the last four years Global Big Day has set new heights for a single day of birding. This massively international collaborative birding event has been so great we want to have another worldwide eBird Big Day in October. Why October? Because spring is rejuvenating the southern hemisphere and the northern reaches of the world are in the midst of migration. No matter where you are, we’re confident you can find some great birds on 6 October. Let’s see what we can find together on the first October Big Day!
Experience the exciting hobby of bird watching. Find out what you need and what’s new in field guides and electronic gadgets. Discuss the art and science of bird identification, as well as the best times and places to go. Walk will include birding basics and binocular training. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk a trail. We will walk rain or shine. Any skill level welcome.
Code: TT31067
Dates: September 26, 2018
Meets: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Location: The Willows
Instructor: Phil Witmer
$18.00 Course Fee
Save $6 with a MLSN Membership
Roam the Arboretum with binoculars searching for signs of our furry and feathery friends on this woodland scavenger hunt. Learn about different species of birds, their habitats and their behaviors. Bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow ours!
FREE for members, $12 non-members
Fees are for each adult and each child, unless noted.
Alex Parker was in his Boulder, Colorado, backyard when Henry first appeared. The young blue jay looked a little scruffy and tired, but was very interested in what Parker was doing.
Come explore the 12 essential elements for a thoughtful bird feeding station with Chris Weaver from Wild Birds Unlimited-Concordville. Discover which food and feeder combinations are most likely to attract daily, seasonal and rare birds. Learn about proper feeder placement and how to solve common issues. Experience the essential elements first-hand with a feeding station set-up demo and various hardware, food and feeder products to explore. Participants will get a starter feeder and bird food to take home!
