What’s on the menu for American Kestrels spending winter on California farms? 🧬🐛🦗🦎🐦🐭🧬 Check out @Birding_Badger’s poster for some preliminary results!: https://t.co/vQKmF9n2bn @Burnabea@GVLUCDavis#RaptorResearch
My master's research describing Hg trends of raptors in North America was just accepted for publication. I'm excited this study will highlight the role raptors play in biomonitoring environmental contaminants/health in North America. Looking forward to sharing. #raptorresearch
We assessed #Hg in archived feathers collected from raptor populations that migrate along the Pacific Flyway. #Raptors that specialize in hunting avian prey generally feed at a higher trophic level, which may explain the elevated Hg levels in species like the #SharpshinnedHawk.
#Mercury pollution is a global issue impacting human and wildlife health. Since raptors are indicators of environmental health, we analyzed Hg in #Merlin feathers in North America. Our findings reveal differential Hg exposure across their breeding range. https://t.co/doo8bfLYK3
Check out the pectinate claw, or serrated talon, on adult #BarnOwls. Thought to be useful in grooming that immaculate feathered head and facial disc, and possibly for combing out ectoparasites.