Wildlife

Migration May Come to an End

Climate change appears to be causing many migratory birds to spend between 50 and 60 fewer days in their historic African wintering homes, and new research says some may soon stop migrating southward from Europe entirely.

Writing in the journal Global Change Biology, scientists from Britain’s Durham University say records from 1964 to 2019 reveal that some species are arriving at their wintering grounds later in autumn and departing earlier in spring. “In the traditional migration destinations of sub- Saharan Africa, a reduction in the time migratory birds spend there could have implications … such as insect consumption, seed dispersal and pollination,” said lead author Kieran Lawrence.

Nasty Buzzards

Dozens of troublesome buzzards have mysteriously laid siege to a North Carolina town, where their acid vomit, toxic feces and general carousing have become a nightmare for residents.

Droppings of the scavengers that have invaded the town of Bunn can strip paint from a car, and their seemingly intentional projectile vomit is often aimed at approaching people or other creatures, according to the News and Observer daily. Local naturalist Kathy Schlosser says the practice is a means of escape as it lessens the birds’ weight to allow a quick takeoff.

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