The Arkansas event included starlings, as well as red-winged blackbirds. For all we know, some other birds were affected, but most birds do not flock in many thousands together, and so a kill would not be as likely to be noted. Red-winged blackbirds, and to a lesser extent starlings, do. Starlings often flock with blackbirds, and so would be likely to be affected with them.
Despite the suggestion that fireworks are an unlikely cause, a large fireworks display was reported to have occurred in Beebe near the time of the event. So was severe weather reported in the area. David McNeely ---- "Judith S. Weis" <jw...@andromeda.rutgers.edu> wrote: > But why would this affect just red-winged blackbirds and not other birds? > > > > Dear ECOLOG-L Members, > > > > I have an ornithologist friend who works for the Dept. of the Environment > > in > > D.C., and in a recent correspondence I asked for his opinion on the mass > > bird kills in the news. Here is his reply for any who are interested. > > > > "The red-winged blackbird and other species kills were most likely > > microbursts and windshear associated with the storm system which had moved > > through earlier. Microbursts can have wind gusts between 60 and 120 miles > > an > > hour, that would create plenty of force to mimic hurricane conditions and > > do > > some real trauma. Is was not disease or some type of contamination. You > > can > > see a few birds staggering around with broken wings on the news videos. I > > believe the birds were either crushed in the air of forced downward with > > enough energy to kill them. I dont buy the firework theory. If it were > > true > > we would have giant bird kill problems every July 4th." > > > > Cheers, > > > > Evan D. Clark > > > > On Mon, Jan 3, 2011 at 12:53 PM, J. Michael Nolan < > > mno...@rainforestandreef.org> wrote: > > > >> List Members.... > >> > >> Apologies for cross-posting. > >> > >> Interesting story for all Ecologists, Biologists...... > >> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12105157 > >> > >> Really do hate it when people use the term "Blackbird" and will tell you > >> why, should want to hear. > >> > >> By the way, this is the first Bird sp. to migrate north in the Spring. > >> > >> Obviously, we have seen this before and will be curious about any > >> follow-ups to this. Typical media usually does a poor job of following > >> up, > >> unless it is that will catch our attention. > >> > >> Thank you and have a great week. > >> > >> Mike Nolan > >> > >> ---------- > >> > >> If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your > >> number, > >> best time to return your call and/or your e-mail address. > >> > >> After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request. > >> > >> Sincerely, > >> > >> J. Michael Nolan, Director > >> > >> Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit > >> > >> > >> ************************************************************************************************** > >> Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest & Marine Ecology > >> > >> Spanish/Cultural Immersion Programs: Spain, Mexico, Central and South > >> America > >> > >> Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit > >> 161 Main St. > >> Coopersville, MI 49404 > >> Local/International Phone: 1.616.604.0546 > >> Toll Free U.S. and Canada: 1.877.255.3721 > >> Fax: 1.616.604.0546 > >> Google Talk/MS IM/Skype: travelwithrandr > >> AOL IM: buddythemacaw > >> E-mail: i...@rainforestandreef.org and travelwithra...@gmail.com > >> Note: Please send inquiries to both e-mail addresses > >> Web: http://rainforestandreef.org > >> > >> ************************************************************************************************** > >> > > -- David McNeely
