Souls Tumbling In The Light
Every fall, birds head south and, around Sept. 11, New York sends two beams into the sky. When birds and lights collide, that could mean trouble — but New York is surprisingly gentle.
Animals
U.S. Gets Middling Marks On 2014 'State Of Birds' Report Card
Domestic cats, high-rises and vanishing habitat are taking a toll on more than 33 species of American birds, a comprehensive update reports. Still, wetland and coastal birds are faring better.
Dogs Are Invited To A Costume Party In Boulder, Colo.
It's a competition, meant to encourage people to clean up after their dogs and use a waste composting program. The contest is called: There's No Such Thing as the Poop Fairy.
When Wildlife Documentaries Jump The Shark
Networks like the Discovery Channel have been criticized for pushing entertainment at the cost of science, with fake "documentaries" about everything from mermaids to mythical monster sharks.
Lone Passenger Pigeon Escapes Pie Pan, Lands In Smithsonian
Passenger pigeons used to be the most abundant bird in North America. But hunters drove them to extinction, and by 1914, only one was left. A century later, that pigeon, named Martha, is on exhibit.
Making Sure Those Walking Horses Aren't Hurting Horses
Animal rights groups say Tennessee walking horses' distinctive high-stepping gait is partly the result of trainers hurting the animals. This year, a major show is testing to try and curb abuse.
China Accuses Panda Of Faking Pregnancies To Get Treats
When pandas have symptoms of pregnancy, keepers put them in private rooms and feed them extra food. When it's clear the pandas aren't pregnant, some maintain the act to keep the better accommodations.
No. 1 Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Elephant's No. 2
A coffee entrepreneur claims his brew is different — and better — than the trendy civet poop coffee. And it starts with the idea that elephants, unlike humans or civets, are herbivores.
Between A Town And Its Bears, A Star-Crossed Relationship
Most people in the town of Old Forge, N.Y., want to refrain from feeding black bears. The trouble is, without the bears coming around as often as they do, the town stands to lose a lot of its tourism.
Pesticides Used On Florida's Mosquitoes May Harm Butterflies
Environmentalists and a South Florida community want to limit aerial spraying for mosquitoes — saying it's ineffective and harmful to wildlife. Two butterfly species were added to the endangered list.