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 don’t 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 > > ************************************************************************************************** >
