birds

The National Audubon Society kicked off its annual bird count Wednesday — a program that helps experts understand how birds respond to climate change.

Drought and the severity of winter conditions are factors as to whether there will be more or less wildlife available for hunters during hunting season. Overall, the outlook is favorable, though some species of wildlife are expected to more plentiful for hunters than others. The season officially began in mid-August.

This year’s strain of the bird flu is still killing birds in our region, from poultry to hawks. Officials hope the virus dies out later this summer, but until then, they urge bird owners to use good hygiene practices and to protect the birds from other wild species. To report sick or dead livestock, contact agriculture officials. To report sick or dead wild birds, contact your state wildlife officials.

Health officials detected H5N1 influenza – known as avian flu – in the nose of a 40-year-old man who was culling the chickens in Montrose County as part of a prison pre-release work program.

The first case of avian influenza was confirmed in Wyoming last week. The highly deadly disease was found in Johnson County in a non-poultry backyard flock. Since then it has also been confirmed in Park County. A raptor program in Cody is taking precautions so their 12 birds don't get infected.

According to a recent study, between 365 and 988 million birds are killed each year in building collisions, and particularly, collisions with windows.

Proponents of the plans say herbicides will help fight invasive species while opponents are concerned it will negatively impact small bird and animal habitats.

New research is the first to use GPS-tracking data to look into the effects of wildfire smoke on bird migration. Its findings suggest that tagged geese changed their behavior to avoid smoky conditions.

Wyoming is a stronghold for the sage grouse. But a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) finds the birds are on a long-term decline.USGS…

Spring bird migration is underway and will continue in the Mountain West for the next few months.