Behaviour Archives - Page 2 of 4

12/08/202023/01/2023

The Problem Of Wing Clipping

Over the years we have been contacted repeatedly by rescuers and lay people, who were caring for corvids such as magpies, jackdaws and crows, and who observed that their foster birds showed difficulties with flying despite appearing otherwise fit and healthy. Some of these birds demonstrated abnormal flight feathers and showed an unusual or even abnormal behaviour not normally expected in wild birds. A closer assessment of the plumage showed quite quickly that these birds had been wing clipped.

What is feather or wing clipping, and why is this being done?

04/04/202023/01/2023

The Protection Of Birds During Nesting Season

All wild birds are protected during nesting season. This includes their nests, whilst in use or being built, as well as any eggs the nest may contain. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) it is an offence to:

intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird,
intentionally damage, destroy or take the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built,
intentionally destroy an egg of any wild bird
and intentionally or recklessly disturb certain wild birds or their dependent young while they are nesting.

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29/12/201923/01/2023

How To Care For Visually Impaired Birds

Blindness occurs in many species including birds. Some birds are born blind while others develop blindness. But regardless of how an animal may become blind, blind animals require special care that is different than that of a sighted animal. Knowing how to care for a blind or visually impaired animal can help to prevent many frustrations, misunderstandings and injuries.

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18/11/201905/03/2024

Are Animals Able To Ask Humans For Help?

Before we look at some examples of animals seeking human help, it seems a good idea to address the often heard myth that we as humans must not anthropomorphise animal behaviour. Although this is still a widespread believe, even amongst otherwise renowned scientists, it is simply wrong, based on the ever increasing anecdotal and scientific evidence. I have chosen four short excerpts taken from Marc Bekoff’s book “The Emotional Lives of Animals – A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy – and Why They Matter”, who addresses this misconception in his usual precise, ethical and scientific manor. ¹

‘Careful and detailed behavioral studies have shown time and again that we can indeed differentiate and understand animal behavior, and how it differs in various social contexts.’

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14/09/201905/12/2023

How To Prevent Birds Colliding With Windows

Birds often strike windows because they see a reflection of clouds, sky or trees, which gives the mistaken impression that they are flying into open air. Window collisions are usually worse in spring and autumn during migration time, with birds flying through less familiar territory. Having said that, window strikes can happen at any time of the year. Juvenile or unexperienced birds are also prone to accidents of this kind. However, the good news is that window strikes are almost always preventable. Here is a collection of preventive measures, which are worth considering when dealing with a window strike problem.