Large flocks of geese and ducks may be picturesque, but residents in Rapid City, South Dakota, aren't happy with the city's lack of action in keeping Canyon Lake Park clean of bird debris and feces. According to the Rapid City Journal, the city's budget does not allow daily cleaning of the popular recreation area, though regular cleanings and sweepings are scheduled. The city even tries to accommodate special events such as weddings with extra cleanings.

Hundreds of ducks and geese live in the park and surrounding areas, and feeding the birds is a popular family activity. Because of that, the city council is reluctant to ban feeding as a population control measure. Unfortunately, aggressive birds can interfere with fishing, golf and other park activities.

Do you think the city should be responsible for cleaning the park when residents don't stop feeding the birds? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Grazing Geese
Photo © Chris Brown

Any birder who has watched the bizarre mating rituals of different birds understands the importance of dance for attracting a mate, and now those unique dances have inspired human dances as well. According to the Cambridge City News, a psychology professor and a professional dance company have teamed up to create a Darwinian-inspired ballet, The Comedy of Change, featuring moves similar to the dance moves of mating birds.

The dance also celebrates the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin (1809-1882), whose study of the unique movements of birds was part of his natural selection theory. The birds that do the most flamboyant, most outrageous movements attract the most attention and the strongest mates.

In addition to unique mating dances, many wild birds also use brilliant plumage, unique songs, nest architecture and feeding displays to attract mates.

Have you seen any unique bird mating dances? Share your experiences in the comments!

Sandhill Crane Mating Dance
Photo © Andrea Westmoreland

The recent algal bloom in the Pacific Northwest has subsided but more than 10,000 birds were killed by its effects, according to OregonLive.com. The majority of the birds were surf and white-winged scoters, though many other bird species also suffered losses, including common murres and red-throated loons. Fortunately, the combined efforts of different conservation agencies, rehabilitation facilities and hundreds of volunteers and donators have made it possible to save hundreds of birds that are now healthy and being released.

While the majority of the birds affected do not belong to critically threatened species, some of the species are in decline and this massive event has conservationists concerned about long term impact on the birds' populations.

For more information on the ongoing bird rescues, including how you can help, visit the International Bird Rescue Research Center.

Surf Scoter
Photo © Mike Baird, flickr.bairdphotos.com

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has reported that the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) near Geneva has been temporarily shut down due to a piece of French baguette dropped into the cooling unit, most likely from a passing bird, according to India Today. The LHC is extremely delicate, but fortunately the cooling irregularities were noticed in time to prevent major damage. The LHC has been plagued with difficulties, but is undergoing rehabilitation after a helium leak shut it down in September 2008. The area where the bread crust was found is surrounded by high security fences, making a bird the likely culprit.

Bread is one of birds' favorite treats, but there are many other kitchen scraps to feed birds - just don't let them eat near $4 billion nuclear research installations!

Baguettes
Photo © K P

This week's featured bird is a French fry fan - you've probably seen the ring-billed gull in parking lots near fast food restaurants, eager for a handout or any discarded leftovers. This common gull is very adaptable to urban environments, and it's also a popular visitor on beaches and near any large bodies of water. Easy to identify because of the distinctive subterminal black ring on its bill, this is a great gull to add to your life list.

Despite the fact that gulls can be aggressive and raucous, they're still fascinating birds and very elegant fliers. What other gulls have you seen? Share your gull list in the comments!

Ring-Billed Gull
Photo © Steve Voght

For many birds, fall migration is simply a journey between two places, stopping only long enough to rest and feed before reaching winter grounds. According to Science Daily, however, a new study has revealed that several species of songbirds that migrate between North America and South America actually stop along the way for a second breeding season.

These "migratory double breeders" include the hooded oriole, yellow-breasted chat, orchard oriole, yellow-billed cuckoo and Cassin's vireo. Female birds along the migratory route were examined and found to have old brood patches, evidence of earlier nesting, even while they attended new broods in Mexico. Young bird populations were also counted and did not tally unless new broods were being produced.

It is hoped that drawing attention to the breeding importance of migratory stopover habitats will help improve conservation initiatives along songbird flyway routes.

Do migratory birds stop in your backyard on their way south? It's easy to attract birds during migration!

Hooded Oriole
Photo © Linda Tanner

An oil spill on October 30 is threatening birds along the Alameda coastline in California, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Despite a spill estimated between 400 and 800 gallons of bunker oil, effects on the mainland have been minimized by skimming vessels keeping the spill contained. Still, more than three dozen birds have been affected and a dozen birds have died.

Local beaches and bridges, including the Bay Bridge and the San Mateo Bridge, have been temporarily closed to facilitate the cleanup efforts. Oiled birds have been taken to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network Wildlife Health Center for rehabilitation and cleanup.

For more information or to donate to the rehabilitation facility, visit OWCN.org.

Bay Bridge
Photo © Daniel Ramirez

According to the Wausau Daily Herald, hunters are being asked to have a heart - or more correctly, to give a heart - to the Raptor Education Group, Inc. of Antigo, Wisconsin. Deer hearts, which many hunters normally dispose of, can be donated to the raptor rehabilitation facility, helping save money in caring for the birds. The REGI cares for dozens, even hundreds, of birds each month, and feeding costs can quickly spiral to several thousand dollars.

Raptors have trouble digesting much fat, and the almost pure muscle and protein of a heart is perfect for feeding recovering birds. Donations can be made at Zillman's Meat Market in Wausau or Country Fresh Meats in Weston. Hunters who are not near the REGI facility can contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers to inquire about similar donations.

For more information about REGI's mission, including other ways to donate, visit RaptorEducationGroup.org.

White-Tailed Deer
Photo © Andy

According to the Pocono Record, a Tannersville, Pennsylvania man has been fined $2,250 for animal cruelty after it was discovered he illegally possessed 60 wild birds, including blue jays, pine siskins, rose-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings and a northern cardinal. He must also pay an additional $750 to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center.

The birds, along with raccoons, squirrels and groundhogs, were kept in cages in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions, and 18 of the birds were found dead. The surviving animals were brought to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, and if they recover they will be released. Twenty additional birds have already died, though the remaining birds are recuperating.

It is against federal and state laws to capture wildlife and wild birds, even with good intentions or if the animals are well cared for. If you find a lost, injured or ill bird, please contact the appropriate wildlife authorities so the bird can receive the proper care.

Pine Siskin
Photo © Ingrid Taylar

Give your backyard birds a treat this Halloween weekend with some tasty kitchen scraps, homemade suet, fresh nectar or just the best birdseed you can find. By offering a greater variety of foods, you can attract many more bird species and enjoy an even larger backyard flock. While some foods, such as kitchen scraps, should not replace the more nutritious seeds you offer, an occasional treat will be welcome and appreciated at your feeders.

More bird treats:

• Kitchen Scraps for the Birds
• Easy Suet Recipe
• Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
• Types of Birdseed

What are the most successful and unusual foods the birds take from your feeders? Share your feeding tips in the comments!

Bird Eating Apple
Photo © Linda Tanner