Free Republic

Feathers are flying as new regulations swoop in to tighten the reins on bird owners across Great Britain. From backyard chicken coops to parrot perches, the government is spreading its wings to crack down on bird flu. But is this move all it’s chirped up to be? In a bid to curb the spread of avian influenza, proposed rules are set to cast a wider net, roping in bird keepers of all feather sizes. Whether you’re raising a brood of chickens or sharing your home with a chatty parrot, the government wants to know. But the question remains: are these...

The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you. If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located. This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. It is impossible to hijack...

When it comes to birds with the gift of mimicry, parrots usually steal the show. However, there is a common bird native to the UK that has proven to be just as talented in this area. The European starling has astounded people worldwide with its remarkable ability to mimic various sounds, including the human voice. In a video shared by Nature Is Amazing on Twitter, viewers are treated to an incredible display of this bird's mimicry skills. With over six million views and six thousand bookmarks, it's evident that people are truly blown away by this unique talent.

The Osage Nation won a massive ruling in Tulsa federal court on Wednesday that requires Enel to dismantle a 150-megawatt wind project it built in Osage County despite the tribe’s repeated objections. The tribe’s fight against Rome-based Enel began in 2011 and is the longest-running legal battle over wind energy in American history. As reported by Curtis Killman in the Tulsa World on Thursday, the ruling grants the United States, the Osage Nation, and Osage Minerals Council permanent injunctive relief via “ejectment of the wind turbine farm for continuing trespass.” The decision by U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Jennifer...

Meet Tango, a lovable and expressive cockatoo who has taken the internet by storm. In a viral video clip shared on social media, Tango can be seen giving his owner a hilarious scolding for being glued to his phone instead of paying attention to him. This witty bird has captivated the hearts of millions with his dramatic outburst, leaving viewers in stitches.

In a heartwarming video that has taken the internet by storm, a man can be seen purchasing birds from a seller and promptly releasing them into the wild. This simple act of kindness has sparked both admiration and criticism from viewers. While some applaud the man's compassion, others question the effectiveness of his actions.

Weddings are often filled with unexpected moments that become cherished memories for both the couple and their guests. However, one couple had a truly unique and hilarious experience during their special day, thanks to a saucy bird. In a stunning photograph captured by Tara Lilly, a whisky jack landed on the bride's head just as the groom began to recite his vows. This comical moment not only brought joy and laughter to the wedding ceremony but also earned Lilly the prestigious title of 2023 International Wedding Photographer of the Year.

The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you. If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located. This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. It is impossible to hijack...

In a significant move towards fostering inclusivity and distancing avian species from problematic historical figures, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced its intention to rename several North American birds. This initiative, set to impact numerous avian species in Pennsylvania, aims to dissociate these magnificent creatures from namesakes associated with racism. The AOS's decision to rename certain birds stems from the realization that several species, such as the Townsend's warbler and solitaire, bear names that honor individuals with racist backgrounds. Peter Saenger, an ornithologist from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, has highlighted that this project could potentially affect over a dozen...

A remarkable reunion has taken place in France, as a stolen parrot has been returned to its owner after three long years. The parrot's clever tactic of shouting out its own name to the police played a crucial role in this heartwarming event. When authorities seized the talkative parrot, it immediately started squawking, repeatedly uttering the name "Jako, Jako, Jako." In France, "Jako" is a traditional name for parrots, similar to the commonly known name "Polly." Intriguingly, one of the officers recalled a fellow colleague who had lost a parrot named Jako back in 2020. This officer had mentioned to...

When considering the ostentatious and attention-seeking members of the avian community, one's mind typically conjures images of peacocks or flamingos. However, it is time to redirect our attention to the captivating Tragopan temminckii, the Temmincks tragopan. This remarkable pheasant species, native to Northern Asia, showcases an extraordinary courtship display that is sure to captivate any observer. During the breeding season, which occurs in March and April, male tragopans employ a mesmerizing Courtship Dance to attract a female companion. This intricate display involves the male unfurling and inflating its wattle-like gular lappet, inflating its two horns, fluffing up its plumage, and...

An Australian man's unconventional attempt to scare magpies away from his backyard using a homemade scarecrow has resulted in an unexpected turn of events. Despite its eerie resemblance to a leftover Halloween decoration, the man believes that the birds were actually flocking to his garden to worship what they perceived as a magpie deity.

You may be familiar with the classic story of the thirsty crow, but now is your chance to witness it unfold before your very eyes. In a captivating Instagram video that has taken the internet by storm, we are transported into the world of a parched crow desperately seeking water. This remarkable footage beautifully captures the essence of the beloved tale, leaving viewers in awe.

Dozens of famous bird species will lose their familiar names in the coming months and years as part of a nationwide effort to eliminate monikers “clouded by racism” and to diversify bird-watching. The American Ornithological Society, which is responsible for standardizing English bird names across the Americas, announced plans Wednesday to ditch any bird classifications derived from a person’s name, instead identifying them by their physical traits or their habitats. Although not all fowl named after people are linked to unsavory histories, the undertaking mainly aims to purge names connected to racism, misogyny and genocide, the AOS said. Birds with...

But racism runs deep. Next up on the chopping block are our fine feathered friends: birds. The American Ornithological Society has announced that starting next year they will rename all birds in the United States and Canada that have English names.

“ How L.A.’s bird population is shaped by historic redlining and racist loan practices” On a recent afternoon in L.A.’s Boyle Heights neighborhood, Christian Benitez and Eric M. Wood stood outside a corner liquor store searching for birds. The researchers spotted a house sparrow and pulled binoculars to their eyes. “They’re all over the shrubbery in Boyle Heights,” said Wood, an associate professor of ecology at Cal State Los Angeles. Among the most ubiquitous and abundant songbirds in the world, house sparrows are urban creatures that thrive where people do. They’re resilient, adaptable and aggressive, and are found around buildings...

Our colleagues and friends in the Chicago, Illinois area have sad news about a major bird collision event that occurred last night and this morning, 4-5 October 2023. Reports from the area indicate that large numbers of birds died in collisions while major migration was occurring in the area (see the following checklist, as well as this one). Although details are still emerging, this event appears to be a combination of high intensity migration, adverse weather conditions for flying, and light and glass – a mix we know too well can be deadly.Please note: we urge all businesses, building owners,...

When Christina Farley relocated to her new apartment in Medellín, Colombia, two months ago, she experienced a sense of unease about living alone. Despite her attempts to approach the situation with an open mind, peculiar occurrences within her home led her to believe that her apartment might be haunted. "After a few days, I started noticing strange happenings. I returned home one day to find all the toilet paper unrolled, as if a mischievous cat had been playing with it. Additionally, a picture frame had fallen down," Farley recounted to The Dodo. "I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched."...

A heartwarming video captures a crow's remarkable act of kindness towards a hedgehog in a perilous situation. The crow carefully nudges the hedgehog, standing in the middle of the road, towards safety.

Cassowary (Casuarius) Cassowaries are the only members of the family Casuariidae and belong to the order Casuariiformes, which also includes the emu. Three species (counted by some experts as six), each with several races, live in habitats that span parts of Australia and New Guinea. The cassowary has been known to kill human beings with slashing blows of its feet, as the innermost of its three toes bears a long daggerlike nail.