A single bird has just accomplished one of the most extraordinary feats in the animal kingdom — flying nearly one-third of the way around the Earth without stopping to eat, drink, or rest.
The record-breaker is a five-month-old Bar-tailed Godwit that flew nonstop from Alaska to Tasmania, Australia. Covering 8,425 miles in just over 11 days, it set a new record for the longest nonstop flight ever documented in any bird.
What makes this journey even more astonishing is that it was the young godwit’s very first migration. The entire route took place over the open Pacific Ocean, with no chance to land. Despite that, the bird navigated thousands of miles of featureless water with pinpoint accuracy.
This incredible endurance is made possible by remarkable physiological adaptations. Before takeoff, the godwit packs on enormous fat reserves — nearly half its body weight — to fuel the flight. At the same time, many of its internal organs, including parts of the digestive system, temporarily shrink to lighten the load and maximize energy efficiency.
Unlike many seabirds that depend heavily on gliding, this godwit flapped continuously for the entire journey, battling shifting winds and weather systems the whole way.
Researchers at the Pūkōroro Auckland Shorebird Centre say discoveries like this are transforming our understanding of migratory birds. Their astonishing endurance, navigation skills, and energy management demonstrate biological capabilities that can match — and in some ways surpass — even the most advanced human engineering.
Hello all, the next few months are looking quite frightening for me what with the cost of living getting worse & worse. I’d be so grateful for some orders in the run up to Christmas for all you wildlife lovers. Even small orders would be so welcome (1/3)
https://t.co/mxr5W30Oyf
Nothing new to share today as it’s been a day of packing up cards, packing orders and doing a bit of commission work. Thought I’d share this hare print as I do love hares. #art#drawing#hares#colouredpencilart
A little reminder that the first 50 visitors tomorrow will receive a goody bag, a warm drink and a lovely excited welcome from me and Emma. See you tomorrow ☺️💙
(If you can’t make it, The Studio Shop will always be open when @popdoune.art is open… come along for a visit any time)
📍Doune
I really need to sell more calendars. I put in another order after selling out as a few people said they wanted one. I’ve not sold any yet of the new batch. They make great gifts & you’d be supporting my struggling business. I need at least to make my outlay back. Please share.
My new collection of one-off necklaces I've made using Victorian and Edwardian stamp holders, lockets and charms along with tiny nature finds I've cast in recycled silver is now in my Etsy shop. It would help so much if you could give this a RT if you get a moment (huge thanks): https://t.co/iRLlvlW7Qv
😺MEET CHEDDAR WHO IS LOOKING FOR A VERY SPECIAL RETIREMENT HOME😺
🐈Meet Cheddar, a lovely older gentleman who arrived at Greenacres as a stray
🐈Unfortunately, that means we don't know exactly how old he is or what his life looked like before he came into our care. What we do know is that he's a sweet, gentle old boy who deserves to spend his twilight years somewhere warm, safe & loved
🐈The sad reality is that cats like Cheddar are so often overlooked. People naturally gravitate towards the kittens & younger cats, while the oldies wait
🐈There is something incredibly special about giving an older rescue animal the retirement they deserve
🐈We don't know whether Cheddar has months or years ahead of him but we do know that however much time he has, it matters
🐈Cheddar isn't asking for much. A quiet home, a comfy bed, good food & someone who will appreciate the gentle companionship that comes with sharing your home with an older cat
❗️We do, however, need to be very clear about what adopting Cheddar means❗️
🐈Cheddar is an old cat. We don't want anyone applying for him without really thinking about that first
🐈He may sleep more, slow down, become a little less tidy or predictable in his habits & as he gets older his health needs are likely to increase
🐈There may be additional veterinary visits, medication or age-related conditions in his future. These aren't unexpected problems or something to be frustrated by – they are part of choosing to give an elderly animal a home
❗️If you're looking for a cat with potentially many, many years ahead of them, then Cheddar probably isn't the right choice & we'd encourage you to consider one of our younger cats instead❗️
🏡For the right person, adopting Cheddar won't be about how long you get with him. It will be about making sure that the next chapter of his life – however long that chapter may be – is comfortable, peaceful & filled with love
🏡So we're looking for someone who understands what they're taking on from day one. Someone who won't mind that he's an old man doing old-man-cat things. Someone who will adapt with him as his needs change & when the difficult days eventually come, will be there for him just as wholeheartedly as they were at the beginning
🏡If you think you could be **Cheddar's person** & offer this lovely old gentleman the quiet, committed home we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you
🏡If you think you can offer Cheddar the right home, please complete the application form by following the link below👇
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https://t.co/Hv72BSqeNS
📝FYI: Applications are processed Monday to Thursday. Please be patient, our Rehoming Team will be in contact with you as soon as possible📝
🏡🏥All successful applications are subject to home & Vet checks🏥🏡
📍Our animals are based in #Pembrokeshire South West #Wales While we do rehome across the UK, please keep our location in mind because visits to the centre are essential. We may also prioritise homes that are closer to the rescue
For full details on our adoption process please visit:
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https://t.co/P5YZxvile6
Can't adopt right now? The best way to help an animal in need is to:
🔁SHARE THEIR POST so it reaches their forever home🔁
📝Engage with their post by leaving a comment or an emoji because this helps with the X algorithm📝
Thank you for considering adoption & for helping us find a truly special home for Cheddar 💚🙏💚
#teamgreenacres #rescue #rehomehour #caturdayeve #caturday #CaturdaySaturday