Updates from @HannahMRowland @GabsDavidson about research on #microbiome#cognition & predator prey interactions at Cambridge Dept of Zoology’s @ Madingley Wood
Taking the microbiome-gut-brain-axis to the field: how to overcome challenges of identifying #microbiome mediated behaviour in wild animals. Article online @Trends_Ecol_Evo. Was super lucky to work with such inspiring co-authors @AuraRaulo @sclknowles https://t.co/grSF2Mm4Ol
Most broods are very uniform and healthy this year! Fieldwork is coming to an end with only 3 nests left to ring- extremely early and short breeding season this year!
@chichibugera Interesting. We had wondered if she lost some feathers due to fights with other birds, but you may be right that generally high stress levels may have caused the feather loss.
6/6 D’s looking a bit worse for wear- she’s had a tough season. She kept going despite a week of stormy weather and the loss of her male. She’s still as feisty as ever and her and Z are warm in the nest now, and come summer D will moult and have her head feathers back!
5/6 Today her chicks were due to be ringed. D was in the nest guarding as usual. Four of her eggs didn’t hatch and she has one chick left - Z066924 “Z” for short. Z’s a bit small for its age, but we have our fingers crossed 🤞🏻
Nest building continues in the flat roof box by @GARDENATURE isn't it amazing how every piece of straw is picked off small and similar size in strands @Natures_Voice ? Amazing to watch year after year! @_BTO@BBCSpringwatch@NatureUK @BritBirdLovers @BTO_GBW