<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for Birds die in Portland neighborhood after alcohol binge]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by Biodiversivist http://www.grist.org/article/rockin-robins/ Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:42:35 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/rockin-robins/1 Maybe so.

A flock was in my backyard a few days ago. I love robins. They cock their heads to listen for an earthworm moving. We human beings have been drinking alcohol for about 10,000 years. I can imagine the first few thousand years involved a lot of selective pressure. I am the result of ancestors who evolved the ability to hold their liquor.

In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world

]]> Maybe so.

A flock was in my backyard a few days ago. I love robins. They cock their heads to listen for an earthworm moving. We human beings have been drinking alcohol for about 10,000 years. I can imagine the first few thousand years involved a lot of selective pressure. I am the result of ancestors who evolved the ability to hold their liquor.

In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world

]]> Comment #2 by caniscandida http://www.grist.org/article/rockin-robins/ Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:59:07 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/rockin-robins/2 GW connexion?

So far this is just an anecdote, but it could be meaningful if a pattern becomes apparent.

Birds and mammals do indeed relish eating berries that are fermenting.  I did not know that that could be fatal, though.  If climate change is producing poisonously fermenting berries to appear just when flocks of robins and other birds are on the move, that would be a very sad development.

On happier matters, on my commute between Manhattan and my school a few miles west of the Meadowlands, I observe more crows lately, a noteworthy improvement since crows have been principal victims of West Nile virus.

Also, there are over-wintering populations of Canada geese, probably not all-year residents, who like to hang out on grass-planted islands set amidst multi-lane highways, especially around entrances and exits.  Perfect: they are contented there, and they are not pooping on anyone's lawn or golf course.

Chickens are our cousins! So are fish! So are other sentient animals! Let us learn to be kind.

]]> GW connexion?

So far this is just an anecdote, but it could be meaningful if a pattern becomes apparent.

Birds and mammals do indeed relish eating berries that are fermenting.  I did not know that that could be fatal, though.  If climate change is producing poisonously fermenting berries to appear just when flocks of robins and other birds are on the move, that would be a very sad development.

On happier matters, on my commute between Manhattan and my school a few miles west of the Meadowlands, I observe more crows lately, a noteworthy improvement since crows have been principal victims of West Nile virus.

Also, there are over-wintering populations of Canada geese, probably not all-year residents, who like to hang out on grass-planted islands set amidst multi-lane highways, especially around entrances and exits.  Perfect: they are contented there, and they are not pooping on anyone's lawn or golf course.

Chickens are our cousins! So are fish! So are other sentient animals! Let us learn to be kind.

]]> Comment #3 by Steve Erickson http://www.grist.org/article/rockin-robins/ Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:34:29 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/rockin-robins/3 Lots of critters get drunk

I've seen lots of birds fighting over fermented berries. Elephants also get drunk. This is nothing new, though its odd that they died of alcohol poisoning - if that is the cause of death. I think I'd want tot see the results of a serous autopsy before making any conclusions.
And why should bare-skinned primates have all the fun?

Steve E. Whidbey Environmental Action Network


]]> Lots of critters get drunk

I've seen lots of birds fighting over fermented berries. Elephants also get drunk. This is nothing new, though its odd that they died of alcohol poisoning - if that is the cause of death. I think I'd want tot see the results of a serous autopsy before making any conclusions.
And why should bare-skinned primates have all the fun?

Steve E. Whidbey Environmental Action Network


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