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3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

abcnews.go.com

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Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#3
post #2

On one hand that sucks. On the other hand, given their alleged response to disturbances, how aren't these birds extinct yet? This makes me somewhat skeptical of this story.

Many bird species have low survival rates for their young but the species survives because each adult lays a large number of eggs in its lifetime.

Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#4
post #2

On one hand that sucks. On the other hand, given their alleged response to disturbances, how aren't these birds extinct yet? This makes me somewhat skeptical of this story.

> Michael H. Horn, a professor emeritus of biology at California State University, Fullerton, said that although the loss of 1,500 eggs might not threaten the long-term health of the elegant tern, which has a worldwide population of about 100,000 to 150,000, the drone crash was still troubling.

[0] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/04/us/elegant-tern-eggs-dron...

Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#6
“ That’s contributed not only to increased drone activity, but also to more dogs and bicycles on the trails – all of which are prohibited.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in dogs, particularly off-leash,” Loebl said. “That’s devastating for wildlife and this is prime nesting season. The dogs chase the birds and the birds abandon their nests.”

Another problem is the development of multimillion-dollar homes on the hillside at the north end of the reserve overlooking the wetlands, said Fish and Wildlife warden Nick Molsberry. While most residents respect the sensitive nature of the estuary, there are a few scofflaws, he said.

“It’s residents that sometimes feel entitled, that feel they should be able to use the land as they like,” Molsberry said. Authorities are ramping up enforcement and citing people who break the rules. “

It’s sad to see people taking ignorant actions that harm future generations from experiencing nature.

Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#7
post #2

On one hand that sucks. On the other hand, given their alleged response to disturbances, how aren't these birds extinct yet? This makes me somewhat skeptical of this story.

With that attitude eventually there will just be cockroaches, rats and humans.

Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#8
post #7
post #2

On one hand that sucks. On the other hand, given their alleged response to disturbances, how aren't these birds extinct yet? This makes me somewhat skeptical of this story.

With that attitude eventually there will just be cockroaches, rats and humans.

not even humans. what humans don't understand is that when you protect ecosystems, i.e. the planet you protect your own species. We are part of a biological "balance" a change creates risks for us.

Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#9
post #2

On one hand that sucks. On the other hand, given their alleged response to disturbances, how aren't these birds extinct yet? This makes me somewhat skeptical of this story.

Really? You are “skeptical”? Did you even read the article? It’s a nesting island on a dedicated ecological reserve. This has likely been happening there for decades or centuries.

Re: 3,000 eggs abandoned after drone scares birds in California

#10
post #2

On one hand that sucks. On the other hand, given their alleged response to disturbances, how aren't these birds extinct yet? This makes me somewhat skeptical of this story.

Does anyone know how these birds react to thunderstorms?
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