Birdswatching
Lubbock, Texas
- Scientists at the University of West Texas have found
that some birds at Big Bend National Park enjoy birdwatching. Species
such as crows, ravens, and jays have been found to spend up to four hours each
day just watching other birds, apparently as a 'recreational' activity.
Dr David Starskey, leader of the research team, says that the watchers have no
predatory intent. He says: "This seems to happen in semi-desert
areas where there is plenty of food but the pace of life might be boring for
more intelligent bird species."
Scientists say they
have evidence that some individual birds have taken to feeding in the middle
of the day so they can bird-watch in the early morning and late
afternoon. They are conducting studies to see whether the individuals
that see most birds are preferred partners when mate-selection
occurs.
The UWT team
is eager to learn about any parallel studies elsewhere
in the world, and to encourage further research in similar
regions. "Australia would be an ideal location for applying our research
method", says Dr Starskey, "We believe a close look at some of
the bowerbirds could help us understand just what is going on
here".
