Atlantic Puffin pair Willie and Millie became proud parents (again) a few weeks ago! Welcome precious puffling, Burfle, to the flock and watch the family live at the Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge anytime on explore.org. Puffins grow up fast, and our new friend should fledge by the end of August! Tune into our nature cam now.
While most birds expel their liquid and solid waste together in the form of those white droppings we all strive to dodge, hummingbirds pee more like mammals. How and why did hummingbirds develop such a different behavior? Keep reading to find out why hummingbirds pee.
An Anna’s Hummingbird chick expels liquid waste from the nectar slurry hummer parents regurgitate to feed nestlings. Photo: Soo Baus
One thing remains constant across the country: gulls in the parking lot. What gives? If you guessed food, you’re on the right track, but researchers have discovered a somewhat surprising twist to this common query: people they call “dedicated feeders.” Discover the surprising answer to why gulls loiter around parking lots.
Ring-billed Gulls biding their time in a parking lot in Ohio. Photo: Tom Uhlman/Alamy
We hope you enjoy this month’s Joy of Birds newsletter! With friends like you, birds are better off. With your support, our science powers the best path forward to help more birds survive at this critical time. Will you join us in protecting birds with a gift? Donate now