Articles from February 2009
The Nature Notes archive is where you'll find my past writings and natural history notes. You are currently viewing a list of articles that were published in February 2009.
A New Way to Track Migratory Songbirds · 26 Feb 2009
Until recently, small migratory songbirds, too small to track via satellite, have eluded scientists who wish to follow their annual migrations. Now, a tiny device that senses light levels and records sunrise and sunset times, enables scientists...
Carotenoids Bolster Birds' Feather Color · 25 Feb 2009
In many species of birds, bright, colorful feathers serve as a signal of vitality and as a result the more vibrant birds often are more successful at attracting mates. In species such as house finches, flamingos, scarlet...
The Mystery of North America's Black Wolves · 20 Feb 2009
Despite their common name, gray wolves (Canis lupus) are a colorful bunch of canines. Their coat color can range from white to gray to black and is regulated by a complex set of genetic factors. The frequencies...
Evidence of Early Sponges Discovered in Oman · 11 Feb 2009
Scientists studying sedimentary rocks in south Oman have discovered high concentrations of steroids that they believe were produced by ancient, multicelluar animals. The team proposes that the fossilized steroids, which date back 635 million years, were produced...
Study Reveals Whales' Feeding Traditions · 10 Feb 2009
Scientists studying southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) have discovered that mothers teach their young where to feed. Southern right whales gather off the coast of the Argentina’s Peninsula Valdés between June and December each year. The site...
