In the past few weeks, dozens of red-winged blackbirds and other flocking birds were found dead near exit 11 off I-24 near Clarkesville, Tennessee (see story). With so many birds dying in the same small area, concern about possible poisons or illegal extermination rose, but those fears were unfounded. According to the Leaf-Chronicle, toxicology and necropsy reports on the birds have revealed the unusual cause of death: fog.

The birds were revealed to have suffered multiple broken bones consistent with collision trauma. The conclusion is that recent heavy fog disoriented the birds, which then collided with nearby power poles and power lines. Millions of birds have been roosting in the region because of the lure of a nearby pond, and such collisions are not unusual or unexpected with large flocks. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, millions of birds die annually from power line collisions.

Heavy Fog in Tennessee
Photo © Michael Hodge

The Christmas Bird Count results for Edmonton have turned up surprising changes compared to last year. According to the Edmonton Journal, only 330 bohemian waxwings were spotted during the event, as opposed to the nearly 11,000 counted last year. This is the lowest counting of waxwings since 1993.

This is not necessarily cause for worry, however. True to their name, bohemian waxwings live a bohemian lifestyle and are highly nomadic and unpredictable in their movements. Food sources are strong in the birds' range, so they're not in danger of scarce supplies. The severe decrease, however, can be a warning bell if sightings stay low for several years.

Bohemian waxwings are one of several bird species known for periodic irruptions. Pine siskins, common redpolls and red crossbills are other winter birds that may have huge flocks one year but be absent the next. What birds have been missing from your feeders this winter, and what unexpected visitors have arrived? Share your sightings in the comments!

Bohemian Waxwings
Photo © Gerry

Plans to install artificial turf on four soccer fields in Golden Gate Park are drawing criticism from birding groups. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the local Audubon Society and other concerned groups are protesting the plan that would turn seven acres of natural habitat into artificial space. The groups are requesting an analysis of the proposed artificial turf on bird species, citing the fact that Golden Gate Park is an important area for thousands of migrating and resident birds in a city with few large green spaces.

At the same time, however, local soccer organizations are urging the field conversion so more fields will be available for the popular sport. Artificial fields are safer for players and can be used more extensively, particularly since this plan also includes the light installation. Those lights, however, could be another problem for birds, which can be disoriented by lights in fog or poor weather conditions.

The city's Planning Department is currently considering the appeal for an environmental analysis and is expected to respond within a month. What do you think of the plan to install artificial turf? Share your opinions in the comments!

Artificial Turf
Photo © Karl Jonsson

At the Greencastle Golf Club in Donegal, Ireland, the game is truly for the birds. According to CNN, four months ago golfers began to report their balls being stolen by a bird, but the reports have become more frequent in recent weeks and the culprit has been identified as a northern raven. The bird has become bolder and will steal balls even with golfers approaching, and the bird's antics have affected competitive play.

Northern ravens, also known as common ravens, are intelligent birds with a habit of collecting different objects, including rocks or shiny trinkets. It is believed that in the case of golf balls, the bird may believe they are eggs and be hoping for an easy meal.

Golfers and course officials have been warned not to harass or try to catch the bird, as ravens are a protected species. For now, many of the golfers are considering the raven to be one of the more unusual challenges of this 18-hole course.

Northern Raven
Photo © Jim Bowen