Category Archives: Aves

Passenger Pigeons: Speculation on Humans and Ecological Release

Posted on January 9, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

There’s a review of A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction that’s worth reading. I’ll probably end up getting a copy of the book at some point, but, according to the review, the book doesn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Aves, Ecology | 4 Comments

The Word of the Day: “Snarge”

Posted on December 4, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Unbeknowst to me, snarge is the remains of birds that have crashed into airplanes. See there’s something for everyone to learn at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum genomics exhibit:

Posted in Aves, Museums etc. | Comments Off on The Word of the Day: “Snarge”

A Parrot Without a Pirate

Posted on July 19, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

I’m glad to see our avian friends in Boston are challenging stereotypes: (observed on Boylston Street, Back Bay) Said parrot seemed pretty happy to be out and about.

Posted in Aves, Boston | 3 Comments

Boston Is Addling the Geese

Posted on May 28, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

An ongoing, albeit minor problem (very minor) in Boston is the goose infestation. Actually, it’s not the geese, it’s the 1.5 lbs of goose shit that an adult goose produces daily. By June or July, many public places, including the … Continue reading →

Posted in Aves, Boston | 1 Comment

This Would Be the Best Alarm EVAH!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Cricket, the keel-billed toucan from the National Zoo–no idea what she was worked up about:

Posted in Aves | 3 Comments

So That Camouflage Thing Works After All

Posted on March 30, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Kori bustards observed (sort of) at the National Zoo, Washington, D.C.:

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The Fearless Hunter of Leverett Pond

Posted on July 14, 2012 by mikethemadbiologist

For reasons I can’t explain, I’ve managed to stumble across some amazing wildlife in Boston over the last couple of weeks. Here’s a blue heron (I think) I saw at Leverett Pond, Jamaica Plain (Boston, MA): Sadly, it didn’t seem … Continue reading →

Posted in Aves, Boston | 1 Comment

Ducklings in Progress at Boston’s Public Garden

Posted on July 9, 2012 by mikethemadbiologist

I’ve posted recently about an unfortunate duck and her humble abode (lucky ducky? You decide). Yesterday, I managed to catch the egg to duckling transition. First, the egg: The duckling: Here’s a close-up–the yellow fluff by the duck’s foot is … Continue reading →

Posted in Aves, Boston | 2 Comments

That’s Some Expensive Real Estate: The Boston Public Garden Duck House

Posted on July 7, 2012 by mikethemadbiologist

I recently wrote about the mini-habitat created in the Boston Public Garden for a nesting duck. Now, she has a whole shelter built for her: I wonder how much that’s worth per square foot? Anyway, go duck. She is handling … Continue reading →

Posted in Aves, Boston, WhatEVAH! | 1 Comment

Will the Mad Biologist Make Way For Ducklings?

Posted on July 1, 2012 by mikethemadbiologist

Well, will he? (and the Boston Public Garden has some crazy ass squirrels, doesn’t it?): Crisis averted. By the way, the swans seem to have a lot less anti-duck hatred than in the past. Not sure what that’s about.

Posted in Aves, Boston | 2 Comments