Officials in Turkey are concerned about wild birds used for espionage after finding a dead European bee-eater with a band marked "Isreal" recently. According to Ynetnews, the banded bird also had enlarged nostrils, which led to suspicions that it may have been implanted with a surveillance device. The bird was turned in to security services in Ankara for examination.

Israeli wildlife officials have traced the bird's band and confirmed that it was banded four years ago, but there is no evidence of surveillance equipment or espionage associated with it.

Bird banding is commonly used as a research tool for ornithologists. A bird is measured and weighed when it is banded, and after it is released, the bands can help researchers compare data if the bird is recaptured again in the future. Migration studies, bird ranges and population details are all frequently enhanced through banding information; espionage is not.

Have you participated in bird banding? Share your experiences in the comments!

European Bee-Eater
Photo © Ferran Pestaña

It's time again for Mailbag Monday, and during Hummingbird Month, each week I'm featuring a reader's question about these flying jewels. This week, Lil from Arizona asks...

"We live in a desert area and I never see hummingbirds, but my neighbors have hummingbird feeders and my friends say they've seen them. How can I find them?"

Hummingbirds are more adaptable than many people realize, and there are many appropriate hummingbird habitats where these birds can thrive. If you want to find hummingbirds in the wild, watch for their silhouettes as they perch, or watch for their quick flight movements. Listening for the sounds hummingbirds make - with their voices as well as their wings - can also give you a clue for finding hummingbirds. Once you know where to look and what to look for, you'll be surprised at how many hummingbirds you see!

Do you have a bird-related question to ask? Submit it to Mailbag Monday, or check out the recent question archive to see what other birders have been asking!

Hummingbird Silhouette
Photo © Larry Hennessy

A female mallard was euthanized May 9 after being mauled in Central Park. According to the New York Times, the bird was discovered in a pond near the southern end of the park by a ranger, and was taken to a local veterinary hospital. Half her bill was broken off, most of her tongue was missing and she had a deep bite on the back of her neck. While the mauling was not witnessed, it is believed to have been done by a dog, and the duck's head would have been completely in the dog's jaws.

While dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas of Central Park, that does not include near ponds. Dog owners who support the off-leash regulations have been dismayed over the incident, strongly agreeing that even off-leash dogs need to be controlled and trained to respond to commands.

It is unknown if this hen was caring for ducklings, but during the spring and summer months many birds will try to protect their chicks, even facing off with predators they would normally avoid. Dog owners should always have full control over their pets, and no pets should ever be permitted to harass wildlife.

Do you agree with off-leash laws? What consequences do you think there should be when a pet attacks a bird or other wild animal? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Mallard Hen
Photo © Ralph Daily

Florida scrub-jays need a hand, and Jay Watch is calling for volunteers to assist in bird population surveys in several Florida counties. According to the Great Florida Birding Trial blog, half-day trainings are provided to volunteers and the count periods take place on three consecutive mornings, though individual volunteers do not need to join each day's count to be of help.

The Florida scrub-jay is the state's only endemic bird and faces severe threats from habitat loss. By monitoring the species' population, the effectiveness of ongoing conservation programs can be judged, and adjustments can be made as necessary to continue to safeguard these birds.

To get involved with helping out the Florida scrub-jay, contact Marianne Korosy, Audubon Florida Important Bird Area Coordinator and Jay Watch Coordinator at mkorosy@audubon.org.

Florida Scrub-Jay
Photo © Dawn Scranton