This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday 11 September 2023
Not So Different?
Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are intelligent, gregarious members of the crow family. An Exeter University study looked at which pairs of birds would work together, to obtain mealworm rewards at a feeder (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/sep/11/jackdaws-ditch-friends-to-gain-food-but-stick-with-family-study-finds). The study revealed that birds would readily switch 'friends' to maximise their rewards. They would, however, stick with 'family' (mates, offspring and siblings), even at the risk of going hungry. These birds, in this respect (kin selection), don't appear very different from we humans.
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Seeing the Changes 2023
In Bynea, Woodruff ( Gallium odoratum ) and Hemlock water dropwort ( Oenanthe crocata ) were in bloom. Also spotted my first Peacock ( In...
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The UK government continue their quest to turn England's rivers back into sewers. They first facilitated the privatised water companies...
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Garden plants in France, The Netherlands, The UK and Sikkim (NE India).
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