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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 9h

Adorable! The chicks are trying so hard to stay awake, but they...just...can't...

Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 12h

Polar bears, deprived of ice platforms to hunt seals, raid bird nests, hunt reindeer, clash with humans. In response to warming, will some ecosystems survive or will they give way to new ones? Scientists watch this ecological upheaval unfold in real time: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/c... (gift). 🌎

Curious Reindeer and Hungry Polar Bears: Warming Is Upending an Arctic Island

www.nytimes.com

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 12h

On an island in the Arctic Ocean, in a region warming ~7 times as fast as the rest of the planet, the food chain is being turned upside down. In once-frozen waters, kelp forests dominate other native species. Reindeer now graze on seaweed when they cannot reach inland grasses and lichen.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 1d

The update also declared several species extinct. The findings underscore the immense challenges facing species in a world transformed by humans but also offer new evidence of how the right interventions can help them survive: iucn.org/press-releas.... #birds 🌎

Arctic seals threatened by climate change, birds decline globally – IUCN Red List

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 10 October 2025 (IUCN World Conservation Congress) – Three species of Arctic seal have moved closer to extinction, according to the latest update of the IUCN Red List ...

iucn.org

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 1d

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Update: Of 11,185 bird species worldwide, 61% have declining populations, largely driven by forest loss. 3 species of Arctic seals are slipping closer to extinction because of climate change. And green sea turtles have moved from endangered to least concern.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

BirdCast first went public on April 1, 2000. Current BirdCast, with migration forecasts and live maps, launched in 2018.

As bird populations are in decline, I wonder if it's random or there's a reason that #birds are migrating in larger groups. Or perhaps it's improved tracking technology.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

Following Oct. 6, 2023, and Sep. 25, 2025, BirdCast had it's 3rd billion-birds night on Oct. 8, 2025.

1.25 billion birds flew that night, making it the biggest night of migration yet recorded.

How to read the live bird migration map: birdcast.info/migration-to.... (More in alt text.) #birds

Bird migration forecast maps: https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/migration-forecast-maps/
Live bird migration maps: https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/live-migration-maps/
Local bird migration. alerts: https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/local-migration-alerts/

Live Bird Migration Maps:
Real-time analysis maps show intensities of actual nocturnal bird migration as detected by the US weather surveillance radar network between local sunset to sunrise. All graphics are relative to the Eastern time zone. When present, the red line moving east to west represents the timing of local sunset, the yellow line represents the timing of local sunrise. Areas with lighter colors experienced more intense bird migration. Orange arrows show directions to which birds flew. Green dots represent radar locations for which data are available; red dots represent radar locations with no data available. Note that many radars in mountainous areas (e.g. the Rockies) have obstructions that restrict radar coverage, providing the appearance of no migration where migration may be occurring.

Brighter colors indicates a higher migration traffic rate (MTR) expressed in units birds/km/hour. The migration traffic rate indicates the number of birds per hour that fly across a one kilometer line transect on the earth’s surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of the birds.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology currently produces these maps. Support for this research came from NASA, Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Amazon Web Services. The BirdCast project was created by grants from the National Science Foundation and supported by additional grants from Leon Levy Foundation.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

Great photo! You're lucky to be on the Atlantic Flyway (the Pacific Flyway has been relatively muted).

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

Gorgeous! Her feathers look so glossy. Love the video of her takeoff--and that she's found a sheltered place to roost. (It looks like NYC won't be too hard hit by the storm?)

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

Yes, cats are #1 cause of bird deaths, but 1 billion birds killed each year in window collisions is appalling--and must also be addressed. We need to build communities that work not only for humans but also for the wildlife who are critical to the health of ecosystems.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

New York City has a bird-friendly glass ordinance. This was a while ago, but he managed to twist that into attacking environmentalists for wanting buildings without windows. Yeah, he just lies about everything.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

After ~1,000 birds died in one night crashing into the windows of McCormick Place in Chicago, the convention center used Feather Friendly bird collision deterrent markers, which are dots or other patterns applied to the exterior of the glass: news.wttw.com/2025/01/09/b.... 🌎

Bird-Friendly Glass at McCormick Place is Working as Deadly Collisions Drop by 95%, Data Shows

According to recently released information, bird collision deaths have dropped by as much as 95% at McCormick Place Lakeside Center after bird-friendly window film was installed on the convention cent...

news.wttw.com

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

Every year, more than 1 billion #birds die in North America from collisions with glass. Those deaths are preventable with proven solutions such as glass treament, building design, landscaping and lighting, and community involvement. Learn more: www.stopbirdcollisions.org? 🌎

Stop Bird Collisions

Birds flying into windows, railings, balusters, and other structures made from glass is a leading cause of global bird loss.

www.stopbirdcollisions.org

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 2d

Do raptor decals on windows decrease bird collisions? Unfortunately, #birds avoid decals and still hit windows. Watch as researchers use a flight tunnel to test which decal patterns reduce deadly bird strikes. No birds harmed (video by @cornellbirds.bsky.social): www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Qz.... 🌎

Testing Raptor Decals: Scientific Evidence on Bird–Window Collisions

YouTube video by Cornell Lab of Ornithology

www.youtube.com

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 3d

This at a time when US's iconic wildlife is endangered or threatened: polar and grizzly bears, gray wolves, more than one-third of bird species, the list goes on. This also at a time when Trump is slashing humanitarian aid (USAID) overseas: wapo.st/4ofBnOl (gift).

Trump’s new foreign aid plan eyes $50 million for Greenland’s polar bears

Documents reviewed by The Post show the administration may spend millions to protect vulnerable wildlife, proposals that stunned critics of its moves to gut foreign assistance.

wapo.st

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 3d

America First? NOT When it's America's wildlife.

But...Trump is considering spending $50 million in foreign aid to protect polar bears in Greenland and $25 million for snow leopards in Nepal.

Parallel US initiatives slash wildlife programs as incompatible with the America First agenda.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 3d

Plant native, dim lights at night, make windows visible, don't use pesticides, restrain pets, avoid plastics, and purchase sustainable foods. More information: www.migratorybirdday.org/conservation.... (See also alt text.) #birds 🌎

The Peregrine Falcon is one of the representatives of 2025 World Migratory Bird Day.

Falco peregrinus, the Peregrine Falcon, is the fastest bird in the world, reaching speeds of up to 380 km/h during flight. Known for its long migrations, this raptor has also adapted to urban environments, successfully nesting on man-made structures like skyscrapers, bridges, and nest boxes. In these settings, their diet includes a variety of bird species such as Rock Doves, Northern Flickers, Blue Jays, and Mourning Doves. They also prey on migratory species as they journey through cities, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Oriole and other species have been reported as prey items. One of the leading causes of Peregrine Falcon mortality in urban settings is collisions. A study in New England, from Delaware to Maine, showed that collisions with buildings and windows caused up to 21% of the deaths. Other research has demonstrated that this may be higher in other communities, reaching 36% in a study that included Ontario, Quebec, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. morning or late evening in brightly lit urban areas.

(Image and text courtesy of World Migratory Bird Day in the Americas: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/)

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 3d

Today is World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated in May, when migratory birds travel to nesting sites, and in October, when they return to wintering grounds. This year’s theme is creating bird-friendly cities and communities, emphasizing 7 important steps to keep birds safe on their long journeys...

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 4d

Take a break and listen to the calming sound of birdsongs. Cornell's Macaulay Library chose its favorites among last year's >470,000 recordings. Play a few at once, don't miss the pika, and imagine you're walking in the mountains: www.allaboutbirds.org/news/best-bi...? #birds

Best Bird Sounds: Our Favorite Macaulay Library Audio Recordings 2025

In 2024, birders uploaded more than 470,000 sound recordings to the Macaulay Library archive. Here are some of our favorites from the year.

www.allaboutbirds.org

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 4d

...using their 9 1/2-ft wings to explore the area and finding safe ledges to roost on at night, safe from ground predators. Milagra, released last year, has also been seen in the area with her flock. Photos & video from the event: peregrinefund.org/help-condors. #birds #condors

California Condor #1254 saw a flock of wild Condors flying around the enclosure and raced out to join them on Sep. 27. The other 4 Condors waited until the thunderstorms passed and flew out on Sep. 29. (Video courtesy of The Peregrine Fund)

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 4d

Update on the California Condor release at Vermilion Cliffs, AZ: 4 of the 5 stayed put on Sep. 27, likely sensing looming thunderstorms. The 4 took off on Sep. 29 and have been observed by @theperegrinefund.bsky.social ground team, who report the birds are becoming more experienced at...

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 5d

The science is fascinating...what it can do for your yard is transformative...you'll be helping to address the collapse of insect populations...and pretty much all you need to do is let the leaves fall. Here are some tips: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/r... (gift). 🌎 #gardens #gardening

Why Leaving the Leaves Is Better for Your Yard

www.nytimes.com

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 5d

By doing nothing you can do good: leave the leaves!

Let those autumn leaves fall where they may, providing habitat for bugs, offering havens and food (those bugs) for wildlife, and nourishing plants and soil as they decompose.

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 5d

A few days later, the young Albatross fledged into the Pacific and headed toward South America, where the bird will likely spend the next few years foraging before returning to New Zealand to breed. Watch (video by @cornellbirdcams.bsky.social): www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/hoverin...? #birds

Albatross Chick Learns How to Hover in Gale-Force Winds

https://youtu.be/njawT79NKDo Warning: there’s loud wind noise and viewers should adjust their volume On a rainy, blustery afternoon in New Zealand, the Royal Cam albatross chick put on an i...

www.allaboutbirds.org

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Lyn Heideman @heidelyn.bsky.social · 5d

Royal #Albatross spend the vast majority of their lives at sea, keeping aloft on ocean wind currents and updrafts. A chick on New Zealand's Taiaroa Head put on an impressive display for a first flight, instinctively knowing how to hover in place--without a single wingbeat--as the wind streams past.

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