The Christmas Bird Count, initiated by American ornithologist Frank Chapman in 1900, is seeking volunteers to contribute to monitoring the status of resident and migratory birds across the Western Hemisphere. No matter the skill level or age, those wishing to take part in the Ontario Christmas Bird Count can contact a local birding or nature club… Keep Reading
Counts to be held between Dec 14 to Jan 5 Keep Reading
The colour of a female bird’s bill has an important biological purpose, according to new Queen’s University research. Troy Murphy has found female bill colour reflects the health of the bird. Females with more colourful bills have higher antibody levels, indicating greater strength and the ability to fight off invaders. “This is so exciting because… Keep Reading
According to research by Queen’s University biology professor Bob Montgomerie, a male robin will care more diligently for its young if the eggs its mate lays are a brighter shade of blue. Prof. Montgomerie has studied robins on and off for 25 years and has been especially fascinated with the bright blue colour of their… Keep Reading
While singing the same songs as your neighbours may sound harmonious, research conducted at Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS) suggests that song-sharing amongst song sparrow populations is actually an aggressive behavior, akin to flinging insults back and forth. “It’s been hypothesized that repertoire size and song complexity is about the singer’s ability to advertise their… Keep Reading
