birds

Sea Level Rise May Happen Too Quick For Shore Birds To React

Tricia Woolfenden — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:03:00 +0000

Humans aren't the only species facing an uncertain future in South Florida should current sea level rise predictions prove accurate. Migratory and resident shore birds also would feel the pinch of encroaching salt water, beach erosion, and shore line and habitat loss.

Why The 'World's Weirdest Bird' Is Ditching South Florida And Heading North

Tricia Woolfenden — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:16:04 +0000

The roseate spoonbill -- often mistaken by confused tourists for the non-native flamingo -- is one of Florida's great iconic species. Dubbed "one of the most breathtaking of the world's weirdest birds" by naturalist Roger Tory Peterson, the gangly creatures are an increasingly rare sight in South Florida.

According to a feature in the May-June issue of Audubon Magazine, spoonbills have been vacating South Florida in droves, heading north to more hospitable (read: often less developed) lands.

Why April Is A Bonanza For South Florida Bird Watchers

Mark Hedden — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:28:30 +0000

For birdwatchers and the bird curious, April in South Florida is the jackpot month – the time of year when almost anything with wings can show up.

Nine Awesome Everglades Animals (Aside From The Alligator)

Tricia Woolfenden — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:01:00 +0000

Is there any animal more closely associated with the Everglades than the American alligator? OK, the Burmese python has been the 'glades press "darling" as of late, but invasive, non-natives do not count for the purposes of celebrating the Everglades. While Florida's iconic reptilian king deserves all of the attention it gets, there are plenty of other cool critters that inhabit the Everglades.

Feral Cats Bill Pits Animal Welfare Advocates Against Conservationalists

Tricia Woolfenden — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:01:00 +0000

Animal welfare advocates are at odds with wildlife conservationalists as the Florida Senate prepares this week to look at a controversial feral cat bill.

Tagged Vultures May Solve Mystery About Why They Attack Cars In The Everglades

Tricia Woolfenden — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:03:02 +0000

In January, WLRN reported on the curious -- and destructive -- habits of some of the Everglades National Park's vulture population. The birds have been reported to "attack" parked vehicles, picking off rubber and vinyl. The baffling and costly behavior has led Everglades' staff to pass out anti-vulture kits to park visitors.

This Weekend's Great Backyard Bird Count Allows South Florida Birders To Shape Science

Tricia Woolfenden — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Dust off those binoculars and brush up on your birding skills. The 2013 Great Backyard Bird Count is on and South Florida is a historical hotbed of action.

The four-day count -- a joint effort by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Bird Studies Canada -- is a large-scale citizen-science project with participants from around the globe. There's no cost to join and it's open to birders of all levels, from the casual feeder watcher to hardcore "listers."