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[blackboyart]

The Bird Flu: A Modern-Day Plague  

The apathy of plagues disintegrates as it reaches groups of people. Over time plagues have been known to wound, damage, and even kill populations. Historical prophets like Moses told people to fight the plague by dipping hyssop in animal blood and smearing blood on the two doorposts and with the blood in the basin to protect the firstborn from dying. Protection from death has come a long way. In 2025, pap smears will endure the efficacy versus effectiveness of vaccines for anyone willing to take them. Since 2003-2024 the WHO reported 954 cases of the human H5N1 virus. In America, there were 70 cases with one death. Egypt had 359 cases and 120 deaths.  Indonesia has had the most with a total of 200 cases and 168 deaths.H5N1, Avian Flu has infected some individuals killing half the number of people infected.

These deaths in other countries due to the bird flu were not mentioned to American society during the time as the news outlets in America projected neoliberalism towards foreign countries.  Corporate advertisements that contain subplots are often made into what major news outlets believe are successful stories.  The devastating effects of death can last for many years. The news of these deaths in other countries was not shared properly because of the potential to go against free markets.   

Currently, the bird flu has not yet reached its full plausible future to become highly contagious spreading from person to person. The bird flu virus, H5N1,  is covered in hemagglutinin which clots the blood from the virus to attach to other cells. Also, neuraminidases cleave cells for entrance into the host cell. The bird flu is only lethal to a limited quantity of people not because of technical advancements but due to the virus being in a novel primordial state.  Vaccines exist but are not available to the public. The vaccine named MF59-H5N1 is one of the most successful vaccines. Recently treatments have been tested using CD4+ T cells, induced by vaccination with clade 1 H5N1 A/Vietnam/1194/2004, which positively reacted with the H5 of different clades. The scientist then compared the T cell response to in vitro stimulation with pools of peptides spanning in different regions including H5 A/Vietnam/1194/2004(clade 1), A/Indonesia/5/05 (clade 2.1) and A/duck/Singapore/97 (clade0-like). The immunization produced high frequencies of antigen-specific  CD4+ T cells that increased when applied to booster immunization between the 3 strains tested.  Using the Wilcoxon test to find the mean frequency for cytokines CD4+lymphocytes after the vitro stimulation was good for finding the mean value of each strain of the virus. There is speculation that a vaccine intended for animals may be better for the public than for humans. 

The first case of the bird flu was in 1996 and came from a goose in a Hong Kong market in Guangdong Province, China.  The CDC, Centers for Disease Control Prevention, states that some of the severe symptoms of the bird flu in humans include high fever, difficulty breathing, altered consciousness, and seizures. The bird flu is a spherical influenza virus that is also respiratory.  Lawrence Brody, Ph.D.  from the National Human Genome Research Institute explains the lack of DNA in the Influenza makes way for RNA's ability to degrade easily due to the uracil.  RNA inside the genome allows the cell to change which genes are being expressed.  The RNA also contains a sugar ribose which has a hydroxyl group that is polar and forms hydrogen bonds with water resulting in better solubility for the functional group of ribose. When the virus mutates then it will become more transmissible to humans. 

As of now in America, the disease is not highly transmissible from person to person. The HPAI A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were identified in dairy cows and unpasteurized milk samples in the United States in 2021. The CDC, Center for Control Disease Prevention, analysis of the genetic sequence of the virus had a genetic mutation in its PB2 protein that has previously been associated with more efficient virus replication in people and other mammals (i.e., change of PB2 E627K).”  This polymerase within the virus would cause concern because then the RNA within the bird flu would be able to form inside an unfamiliar host. Nevertheless, when the bird flu has a surge, there is a disturbance. 

Egg prices are soaring through the stratosphere due to the bird flu causing large amounts of bird deaths at pastors! These prices are staggering, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture, the average price is $8.03 per dozen. This is an increase from the average price of eggs used to be $3.00 per dozen eggs.   As the bird flu is getting stronger a docile hysteria persists, reckoning that humans consume birds for nutrients. Consuming the bird is an understatement.  According to data compiled in 2016 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, chicken is the most common meat consumed, with a population of over 22.7 billion. The number of chickens slaughtered per year is greater than livestock such as pigs and cattle. Moreover, the skeletal structures and DNA of the chickens in modern broilers have altered the reality we face today. This essential slaughter affects how diseases spread equating to empathy shared in some countries.

[blackboyart]

Are Birds Still Experiencing the Doppler Effect?

The Doppler effect is a change in the frequency of light or sound due to the source of the observer moving. When the observer is moving closer to the origin, the frequency increases symbolized usually as a ripple effect. A ripple effect can be projected as a pattern within water that has increased ramifications beyond the original catalyst of elements. Human interaction introducing an increased amount of pesticides to the United States has caused a frequency disturbance to some colonies of birds beyond the original composition of elements. The pesticide DDT, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane,  was invented to kill insects such as mosquitoes, however, DDT was dramatically killing bird populations. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes spawning a parasitic disease fought using DDT. This disease is called malaria. 

Malaria, a vector-borne disease, is also described as a protozoan disease that is eukaryotic, a multicellular organism known as parasite plasmodium. The plasmodium parasites infect the human through penetrating the skin from a mosquito proboscis multiplying plasmodium inside each red blood cell. An outpouring effect is caused by the multiplying parasites inside the human body. Malaria. (2024). IntechOpen described symptoms of the disease may include fever, sweating, and chills” that appear 10–15 days after the mosquito bite; in addition, headache and vomiting, among others,” In other words, it is an executing disease leading to death if not treated.  Unlike anaphylaxis, the CDC reported that malaria in  2022 hit globally, an estimated 249 million cases, leading to 608,000 malaria deaths that year. 

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Scientists have engineered mosquitoes so that their genes attack the parasite within the mosquito as it grows into an adult.  This minimizes the substance of the parasites while keeping fertility persistent for the mosquito. This recent engineering is the best yet seeing how mosquitoes are major pollinators. The most recent malaria vaccine today reported by the (2021) WHO, World Health Organization, is in its second phase trial called the R21. Researchers also published in 2021 that children aged 5-17 months received three shots in eight weeks and a booster 12 months later, the R21 vaccine was 77 percent effective at stopping malaria. This method of controlling malaria is introverted, however, let's look at the extroverted methods of controlling the disease. Such as the spraying of the chemical DDT on residential homes.  This pesticide, DDT, is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, maintaining characteristics of a ghost.

America used DDT to control the spread of Malaria abroad during World War II. Evidence from EPA states that in 1970-72, DDT usage in the U.S. over 80 percent was applied to cotton crops, with the other 20 percent being used mainly on peanut and soybean crops. In the midst of mitigating malaria birds were affected in the crossfire.  Known to the world in 1940 as the insecticide to combat malaria. Furthermore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researchers proved that DDT was a reason for the birds thinning eggshells negatively affecting population size in most bird species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife National refuges states that in 2025  populations of bald eagles are now increasing. Bald Eagles' claim to exist in this modern era is based on the banned pesticide in the U.S.  An obliteration of the pesticide took place in 1972 by William D. Ruckelshaus to help the ecological future. 

According to the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, 1970, began regulatory actions to prohibit DDT's use because of mounting evidence that the pesticide has negative effects on humans. Today, in the year 2025, the insecticide is known by U.S. and international authorities as a probable human carcinogen causing cancer. Puddles of motionless water scattered across the continent while efforts of spraying using DDT still take place in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

[blackboyart]

Infrastructure and Birds

It was the year 1999 and documents show crates full of goods packed tight to the brim like Legos at the Port of Long Beach ready for import and export.  Promoting the demand to expand infrastructure the port of Long Beach wanted to grow due to the Naval Base shutting down; however, their expansion for a new marine container terminal would interrupt a protected breeding colony of various birds, mainly black-crowned night herons. According to David Vilas who was commissioned at the time by MBC Aquatic Sciences, a biological consulting environmental firm specializing in marine communities described that the MBC has had a partnership with the port for a long time.  MBC's partnership ranged from water quality to monitoring biological sustainability. When the port was looking for a consultant for the relocation MBC agreed to take on the project.

This novel project was to relocate a Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  colony of 500 pairs of birds.  One might ask how do you move 500 birds from one location to another and more importantly, explain to them how to stay at their new home and not return to the previous. It began with the MBC team surveying the birds using local knowledge and asking the people who worked at the Naval Base where the nesting birds were located.  The team started to map all the trees on the base, went out every nesting season, and counted active nests. A form of natural observation was used by scientists to gather information to support a conclusion. After careful natural observation, David and his team noticed the birds mainly lived in trees spawning one ingredient for the project's recipe. 

It was a recipe for bulldozing, boxing up trees, bird recordings, and decoys planted through their new sanctuary at Gull Park.  

Trees like the Indian Laurel, Olive, and Paperbark (melaleuca sp. ) were upheld and moved to a naval station near Gull Park to provide a habitable ecosystem for the birds to nest and sustain a population for themselves. The birds followed the trees.  In collaboration with Fish and Wildlife, recordings of bird noises were used to introduce a safe environment for the birds.  After three years, 1,128  young birds were produced making the project successful. When I asked David for any reason as to why the birds currently stopped breeding at the location that was dramatically successful after three years.  He stated “The navy was doing soil remediation; they were out there digging things up and cleaning up the soil creating a lot of activity after the nesting was established.  He further stated no one knows the true cause as to why the birds stopped propagating in the new area. Another explanation was that the trees that were moved were becoming very bushy which was not to the liking of the birds. It is inconclusive to say why the birds stopped nesting in the new area.”  Nevertheless, the novel project remains a pivotal breakthrough between the community of animals and man.  As animals live on this planet just as humans this project symbolized that understanding. 

[blackboyart]

Natural Laws

Should the government create laws within nature? Most environmentalists would answer without hesitation a strong yes for agreement. Environmental scientists' lives are dedicated to research that helps maintain ecosystems and promotes biodiversity. Few researchers might catch the opposing group by surprise and argue that it would be unethical to create laws for nature that go against the natural process of events. I feel laws created are good at helping sustain the environment and that biologists, ecologists, and scientists should make them however let's delve into why not.

This debate stirs up the purpose of having a government—a system to create laws that are good for the future of everyone and not the individual. The government has long been creating rules and regulations for the environment within the United States. 

In the early 19th century the 26th president of the United States Theodore Roosevelt saved 250 acres of public land to be considered a National Forest. He created the USFS United States Forest Service and was the first president to initiate the importance of birds in making a  Federal Bird Reserve. Today the reserve is known as the national wildlife refuges controlled by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The 37th president of the United States Richard Nixon signed an Endangered Species Act into effect in 1973. The act remains relevant in today's era causing clashes with corporations and farmers.  Recently under former president Donald Trump's legislation, the administration disregarded the endangered spotted owl to open up for acres of logging. The bill was reversed by a federal court in the year 2021. 

The current president Joseph Biden the 46th president has several bills that project a voice for animals in the wild.  The Biden administration intends to list emperor penguins as  “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, stating the bird from Antarctica is enduring risk due to climate change. Furthermore,   the lesser prairie chicken is listed under the Endangered Species Act by the Biden administration.  The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the lesser prairie chicken in the southern portion of its range, which includes part of  New Mexico and Texas.  Lastly, the Biden administration set out to conserve 30 percent of U. S  public lands and waters, which would ideally be good for migration stop-by locations and just all-around good habitat for birds. Currently, in Los Angeles councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky is a council supporter of the  Wildlife Ordinance Bill which had been making its way within the government in 2014  a bill that would protect wildlife and biodiversity by limiting fencing and tree removal.  

The laws that are made by the government are in place to protect biodiversity and mitigate the effects of infrastructure and urbanization.  The laws in place inadvertently affect the phenotypic diversity of the animals. However, it makes one ponder if these laws are intended to stop greed and destruction.

Environmental laws help keep balance in an already just ecosystem using power for the good. Though these laws are made to create biodiversity, they affect animals in ways that can change their genetics. 

Some might argue that nature has a way of figuring it out for itself and people are just interrupting that process. I am explaining these laws of nature because they are natural occurrences that control an animal or plant population. I understand that the rules that are in place for nature are usually to regulate human behavior and not animal-induced behavior. 

The environment has natural laws that affect a species. These laws that may happen such as bottleneck, and genetic drift are known to cause changes in the animal population and even can result in the species no longer existing. Human  intervention does not stop the production of an entirely new species or adaptation to occur. 

Government Laws did not exist billions of years ago and biodiversity is prominent. Without those laws in the past animals have still managed to adapt.  

Decreased land is prominent throughout history in nature due to natural disasters such as forest fires and tsunamis. The human intervention of promoting longevity to a species through government acts can be seen as divine intervention.  As animals naturally cease to exist. For example, a natural occurrence called bottleneck is an occurrence that happens when natural disasters occur causing a dramatic decrease in population size.  When that natural disaster happens the gene pool lets say  birds may be the only of its kind left to pass on a specific trait or behavior reducing genetic variation and resulting in possible extinction. Then there is genetic drift that is more focused on the trait itself like a species passing on a genetic trait that is used for the survival of the species. These traits help the bird survive passing on the genetics used for the longevity of the species. When a species is endangered it is due to loss of variation and or loss of habitat.  They are put into wildlife parks and captive breeding programs, no hunting, or deforestation of ecosystems and pollution. The reason for these laws is to help combat the manipulation of the land that humans build upon.

Laws were created to stop animals and plants from disappearing by advocating conservation through non-destruction or human interference.

The importance of animals and ecosystems that play a vital role in sustainability is seen as good for the planet. People are the voice of animals. They do not have a voice or a democracy in place created for the way of life making people responsible for managing them for their good.  If people did not manage laws for nature there would be an imbalance as more pressure on building and depletion, deforestation, and logging with no end until all resources are gone. Laws are in place to help create a balance between the land and humans and not just to regulate animals for economic gain. 

Thanks to regulations, several species are recovering at the state beach of Bolsa Chica Wetlands. These species include the Snowy Plover, California least tern, and the Brown Pelican. These species are on protected land thanks to governmental laws protecting them from hunting of any kind.  And their ecosystem is protected meaning that the land will not disappear due to developmental infrastructure.

[blackboyart]

Incandescent Memory of the Caterpillar 

Can you remember what you ate a week ago or have a recollection of every event you were involved in exactly? The life of a human is far more complex than a caterpillar can even imagine, however, the memory, visual recollection of moments, is believed  possible for the monarch butterfly(Danaus plexippus) . Humans and animals are theorized to have access to multiple types of memory.  Long-term memory which is important to the individual and stored for months or longer becomes beneficial to the longevity of a species. In a region where a nutritional abundance is located, the use of long-term memory is best used to remember the nutritional location. The alternative is called working memory, a type of short-term memory that is specific for solving problems or making decisions. I embarked on a journey to find out if this memory could withstand the chrysalis stage inferno. 

The  monarch butterfly   goes through a complete metamorphosis that changes the entire physical appearance of the animal and its behavior. The fascinating monarch caterpillar completely changes their anatomy. Forming new legs and wings after spending 7-10 days in a chrysalis it survives a reaction that melts body parts. The heat is noted as an increasing form of energy that is described as an exothermic reaction, a reaction that releases energy in any form.  The temperature increased from the initial date the chrysalis formed which was 65 Fahrenheit May 15 2024 to the date the chrysalis opened which was 70 degrees Fahrenheit  May 30, 2024. A thermal energy camera was used to take pictures and get an accurate reading inside a chrysalis. The monarch spent 14 days in this hibernation chamber known as the chrysalis.

The experiment consisted of a monarch caterpillar that was put into what is described as a sensory box that has an illusionary black /white textile pattern around the entire box with an artificial light source on both ends. Observations were made to see if he recognized the milkweed plant (Asclepias syriaca) species moments after hatching. This will support the theory that the butterfly has memory from being a caterpillar. The butterfly was placed into the sensory box immediately after hatching after drying the wings and walking on the opposite side of where the plant was located the monarch butterfly pounced on the plant.  The caterpillar recognized a natural milkweed plant that the caterpillar was previously devouring in the larvae state. No mouth for chewing exists and the newly hatched monarch butterfly has two long straw-like appendages to drink flower nectar.  The caterpillar remembered the sensory input from the plant and stayed on top of the plant for the remainder of the experiment. After the experiment concluded I released the butterfly into the wild near some native milkweed plants. 

My hypothesis was correct about the monarch butterfly having  a memory from when it was a caterpillar. The complete metamorphosis in anatomy did not destroy the memory of the butterfly. Remembrance of working memory was used to decide to move towards the plant and attempt to eat it.  Though this was done as a case study with only one caterpillar, the experiment achieved results that represent memory as a possibility of transformation for the rest of the species. 

[blackboyart]

Echoic Bird and Automobile Memory

Birds exclusive to their habitat are tuned for a unique blend of smoothness and control as found in the comfortable, full-size marsh and wetlands. These birds have an oil that they preen from their uropygial gland causing a sleek mesmerizing sheen on their vibrant plumage. Most water birds coat beads translucent with water to help create buoyancy in their habitat. As the demand for roadways increases it is clear that there is 0% interest for the land of these birds. Automobile traffic affects birds' migration duration and decreases breeding proximity. As in urban communities, an increase in habitat loss for the birds is seen as marshes and wetlands are surrounded by constant traffic. 

It is a windy evening in March 2024 and some of the birds have returned to Southern California as the constant presence of echoic memory from cars gripping the pavement never leaves. Birds such as Canada Geese ( Branta canadensis) at Magic Johnson Park and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula)  at Bolsa Chica Wetlands are met with the proximity of vehicle traffic. Citing government data from the Census, the average travel time commuting increased from 21.7 minutes in 1980 to 22.4 minutes in 1990, and to 25.5 minutes in 2000. That equals an average of one hour of traveling in a car on the roadway to and from work. To put this in perspective there is not just one car on the road there are thousands moving all at different times of the day and night. 

  The park in Los Angeles called Magic Johnson Park has Canada Geese that roam freely, and you can sometimes catch a pack of grazing Canada Geese looking into the distance at the flow of vehicles owning the road. In recent years I have witnessed Canada Geese build nests in spring furthest away from car traffic as not all Canada Geese choose to migrate. Canada Geese are known for flying North for Spring breeding in sub-arctic regions where the population of people and traffic is normally not high. 

Traffic Congestion is known to be a stressor on the animals mainly during the breeding season based on natural observations. Research suggests that populations of migratory birds are in decline for reasons including loss and degradation of migratory stopover habitat. Migration might be the most dangerous time of a migratory bird's annual cycle. For example, 85% of the yearly mortality of the black-throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) occurs during migration. Any bird that migrates stops at several locations before reaching their destination. When there is a limited ecosystem available then this path turns into a treacherous one. The stop-over sight can be replaced with a 70-mph machine and a person with no remorse. 

Other bird habitat locations in Southern California that have a relationship with traffic is the Pacific Coast Highway which borders Bolsa Chica Wetlands Botanical Park. There is a pack of Snowy Egrets that currently roost in a tree near the highway during sunset. I hypothesize these birds are using the highway as security from pedestrians or predators throughout the night such as coyotes. Given the recent statistics of California bird density and automobile traffic are negatively correlated. However, the birds have no choice and are adjusting to cars. According to The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) report World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision, half of the global population now lives in urban areas. Stating that by the year 2050, two-thirds of the world's people will be city dwellers. The relationship people have with their cars is a love affair that is sending sorrow to birds in more ways than I can imagine. A more dense population will create a more dense congestion of traffic resulting in a demand for vehicle travel space. If interest is not met with these species to a wider audience there will be fewer ecosystems with water in the urban community. 

In 2019 at Madrona Marsh Nature Reserve I conducted research on bird species such as the Egrets and Herons at the Madrona Marsh Nature Center. A center with 10-foot metal gates that surround the park. I researched interactions that arise from being in a central habitat. The objective was to create an understanding of how much the Egret reacts to the activity with other Egrets at the Marsh being in a habitat that is surrounded by industrialism. The research showed the significance and relationship egrets have with the location based on the number of birds and population density at the marsh. Their interactions with each other despite being in a marsh surrounded by traffic were surprising. The birds were aware of the vernal pools that eventually dried up and that is their reason for them leaving. The information was based on the birds before migrating. Rien Reijnen' conducted a similar study in 1995 that possesses relevance concluding that a large number of species had a reduced density with a high noise load than with a low noise load. On the other hand, there were no clear differences between subsets of paired plots which differed in visibility of cars but not in noise load. However, it seems that birds are evolving to live near cars and understand their relationship with them. The snowy egrets completely disregard the traffic during the day as hunger arise  they spend most of their time at the Bolsa Chica hunting for food. Egrets are not the only birds taking advantage of cars. This relationship with the birds and vehicles is now being seen throughout the city. In parking lots for markets, cowbirds are using cars as shade and momentary shelter from the beaming sun. 

The more cars produced on the road the more demand for road space will be needed. The population is growing in urban cities and as the population grows so does the love affair with cars. According to the United States Census Bureau (2023), Los Angeles has a population estimated at 3,822,238 making it one of the largest cities in the United States. Los Angeles is widely known for its congested roadways and impatient traffic due to its large population. In recent decades, researchers have viewed traffic in Los Angeles as having a negative correlation to bird habitat loss. Differing from the traditional stance on traffic that causes global warming, traffic congestion also puts pressure on the city to expand roadways putting habitats for birds as a mirage. I feel land should be shared with people and animals. As the population of various species of birds is decreasing along with their -proximity to land, the population of humans is going in the opposite direction. The population of humans is increasing. The more population the more roadways will be made resulting in less environment available to the birds. 

My 2020 research at Madrona Marsh Nature Center pertained to concentrated areas of activity that are chosen by the birds within their habitat. The surrounding area has lost the wilderness for the birds. An alternative, or more likely supplementary explanation is that birds also avoid areas close to roads because of stress (Illner, 1992a; Reijnen et al., 1995b) I measured the activity by taking images of the birds interacting with each other. The results were images of birds near the largest pools of water furthest away from the flow of traffic. 

As I wash my car the next time I will consider the complications and what is at stake when I ignite the engine to join Los Angeles traffic. I enjoy my car and have even nicknamed it the Grey Goose. If taking the bus now and then means I get to see a miracle of flight then I believe it is worth it. We as people have evolved for ourselves and some birds are evolving for everybody. Legislation, however, is not a popular solution when it comes to finding equality in the environment. In this modern era of ecosystems decreasing, government officials should consider land to be permanent which promotes an ecological balance to help all living organisms become sustainable for future generations. The only law that seems to be taking effect is Gresham's Law where the bad cars are driving out the good, the birds. Americans must consider whether to allow the increasing trend of traffic to abolish the discrete ecosystem that is available. Boundless to the pavement with elegance, they glide as a breeze through a mountain. Boundless to the land the bird leaves with no passport. It is seen with amazement that millions of years bring these two organisms together as a last choice for shared land. Humans and birds have the potential to share land to have a sustainable future.

Work Cited

Akerlof, G. A. (1970). The Market for “Lemons”: Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 84(3), 488–500. https://doi.org/10.2307/1879431

Reschovsky, C. A. (2004). Journey to work, 2000. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau.

Reijnen, R., Foppen, R., Braak, C. T., & Thissen, J. (1995). The Effects of Car Traffic on Breeding Bird Populations in Woodland. III. Reduction of Density in Relation to the Proximity of Main Roads. Journal of Applied Ecology, 32(1), 187–202. https://doi.org/10.2307/2404428

Reijnen. (1997). Disturbance by traffic of breeding birds: Evaluation of the effect and considerations in planning and managing road corridors. Biodiversity and Conservation, 6(4), 567–581. https://doi.org/info:doi/

Matheson, Andrew M. M., and Jon T. Sakata. "Relationship between the Sequencing and Timing of Vocal Motor Elements in Birdsong." PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 12, 9 Dec. 2015. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A437105939/AONE?u=csudh&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=d6908cba. Accessed 30 Mar. 2024.

McClure CJ, Ware HE, Carlisle J, Kaltenecker G, Barber JR. An experimental investigation into the effects of traffic noise on distributions of birds: avoiding the phantom road. Proc Biol Sci. 2013 Nov 6;280(1773):20132290. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2290. PMID: 24197411; PMCID: PMC3826227.

 Uropygial or Preening Gland in Birds | VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com)

[blackboyart]

Taxonomy of the Birds

  At Bolsa Chica, the aroma of the beach is everlasting during the visit. The smell of saltwater clashes with the whiff of ocean swamp. There is a vehicular hum from the Pacific Coast Highway in the background. I arrive just before dawn as herds of Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) race through the mudflats at the cuff of the water's edge clinging to the glistening ripples, moving with a pulse and rhythm to the waves. When taking a break along the linear trail that stretches for miles one notices the western sandpipers (Calidris mauri) darting about in colonies surgically pounding the mudflats for their next meal of crustaceans and invertebrates. I notice Earth is teeming with life. 

According to Audubon, figures are raking in close to 10,500 different bird species. To make sense of identifying the plethora of species that exist a philosopher named Aristotle pioneered a taxonomy system. A system later refined in the 18th century by Carl Linnaeus, a Swiss botanist. Over the past century, the world has become more connected than ever, and scientists have found ways to make sense of the totality. An event made possible using fossil records, behaviors, genetic egg protein, and there is even a formula conjured up about thigh muscles that categorize species of birds. It is safe to say biologists have gotten classification down to a science. 

Taxonomy is the biological classification of species including eight sections. The system is used for both animals and plants as a means of identification. The taxonomy starts with the beginning, a basic cellular structure of life: called the Domain. Birds are eukaryotes, cells with a membrane and organelles. The next category is the kingdom which is the evolutionary history of cells. Then comes the phyla which are grouped by traits. The taxonomy system has a category named class which is about attributes such as reproductive process.

The bird class is named Aves. After class comes order which is how taxa rank each species lineage. A group called family involves species closely related together based on descendants. After the family section is genus and there can be over a hundred different types of one genus. Lastly, species is the scientific name singularity of the animal in nomenclature form. An example of this classification process is Domain: Eukaryote, Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Peleciandae, Genus: Pelecanus, and Species: Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). 

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview David Sibley, an author and illustrator whose work influenced and inspired millions of people. David Sibley is making discoveries through the illustrations that show the differences between distinguishing features, subspecies, and even variations. Sibley used extensive research and natural observations to discover at least a dozen records of European sandwich terns in North America scattered all over the Northeast. Also, inland in the Great Lakes and one as far West Colorado. He states and I quote “Sandwich terns are occurring quite regularly in the Northeast.”

  In response to my question on the elaboration for the importance of taxonomy, a system aimed at benefiting the conglomerate that lives in each ecosystem. Sibley offers a persuasive statement: He said, and I quote. 

“Taxonomy is the framework of everything we study about birds. It's the structure, everything else hangs on. Understanding taxonomy, the relationship between species, genera, families, and order is the framework that helps you understand the difference between a wren and a thrasher, a sparrow and a finch. Sparrows and finches though they are superficially similar, often brown and streaky with thick bills there are so many differences between those two groups and similarities within the group. Finches often perch in the open, they call a lot in flight, and they travel in flocks. Sparrows are down in the weeds and the bushes, they do not call a lot in flight, and they do not sit up top in the treetops, usually, there are so many other things that distinguish them. The taxonomy, the grouping of related species is what makes sense of all that variation. 

I really think it is critical and I do not subscribe to any of these ideas of reorganizing the bird book in a way that tries to put similar-looking species together unrelated to taxonomy. Taxonomy is really the fundamental difference. You have a cardinal and a tanager. They are both red, however, they are in different genera, they are distantly related and there are so many differences between them that are much more fundamental than their color. That was my soapbox about taxonomy.”

The number of animals can seem infinite to possibilities making the number of species close to that. Taxonomy sheds light on the primordial history that birds conceal revealing similar traits such as beak formation and feeding styles that directional selection could not dissipate. The taxonomy system has a lot of information to offer. A chronological data point that tells a change on the planet that results in divergence in genetics. However, through taxonomy, I noticed some species that come from the same order which is Pelecaniformes interact more often. 

  In the year 2023, I saw a pack of white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) offshore at Bolsa Chica drying before the sunset to glide off into the distance. I would see birds after their long day of hunting the land for food reside in groups of alternating species. There are several cormorants (Phalacrocorax auratus) near the edges of the shore to. These two species are linked through some historical migration of verbal rituals. 

When looking closely one can see that the cormorant bill has the same hook towards the end followed by a gular pouch that pelicans have. Both are pelagic birds using the ocean for habitat and as a food source. Pelicans, cormorants, and even boobies are related to a taxonomy group titled order: Pelecaniformes. Furthermore, based on taxonomy records it makes sense that some species congregate closer together than others. This observation gives insight into a story that is still alive.

Traditionally, birds are classified by comparing their roots, so let us look at methods such as analyzing the proteins in the whites of their eggs. Species have shared traits because most animals come from a similar point of rooted ancestry. Flamingos have been in a taxa debate by scientists for a long time over their resemblance to storks, however, their egg protein puts them closer to herons.

  The Condor published a paper in 1969, describing scientists Charles and Corbin preparing samples for electrophoresis. Egg white proteins were obtained from the thin egg white of freshly incubated eggs and stored at 4 degrees Celsius before use. The starch-gel is powered by electrophoresis, a positive and negative cathode.  In addition to the variation observed in the total number of egg-white fractions, there were differences in the mobilities of the major proteins. 

On the starch gel, a researcher could visually see the reaction to proteins that are found in the eggs. In the herons and the flamingos, the ovotransferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein found in eggs leaves a pattern based on the electric cathode. The results showed similar patterns on the starch gel making Flamingos more closely related  to herons than storks. I am not surprised by this intrigued state about embryonic development. Scientists separate embryonic traits defined as chordate within taxonomy which is defined as chordate. Chordata is a species that has a backbone, a notochord, during embryonic development. 

Currently, in the year 2023, researchers have made strides in Peptide fraction subjected to nano LC-MS/MS (Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. Initially, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) stated the presence of 400 proteins in the egg white and 456 proteins in the egg yolk, and 371 and 428 proteins, respectively, were newly identified molecules reported for the first time. These methods of classification for bird eggs are detailed and have information that can help understand the species for conservation. 

The importance of saving species from extinction is critical for the future. Conservation efforts are made possible by a legitimate system of taxonomy. Birds, which help flowering plants get pollinated and seeds dispersed are an important asset to the network of life. Taxonomy is a system of aesthetics that seeps within the convulsions on earth. A process that prevents mishaps in the field such as waiting for a snowy Egret to turn into a Great Egret. 

Work cited:

Sibley, C.G., K.W. Corbin, and J.H. Haavie. "The relationships of the Flamingos as indicated by the egg-white proteins and hemoglobins." The Condor 71 (1969): 155–179.

Egg White and Yolk Protein Atlas: New Protein Insights of a Global Landmark Food - PMC (nih.gov)

19. D’Ambrosio C., Arena S., Scaloni A., Guerrier L., Boschetti E., Mendieta M.E., Citterio A., Righetti P.G. Exploring the chicken egg white proteome with combinatorial peptide ligand libraries. J. Proteome Res. 2008;7:3461–3474. doi: 10.1021/pr800193y. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

Toshihiro KITAMOTO, Masae NAKASHIMA, Atsushi IKAI, Hen Egg White Ovomacroglobulin Has a Protease Inhibitory Activity, The Journal of Biochemistry, Volume 92, Issue 5, October 1982, Pages 1679–1682, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.jbchem.a134097

Driscoll, Sally. “Carl Linnaeus.” Carl Linnaeus, Aug. 2017, pp. 1–3. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=19617146&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

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Prehistoric dances and connections in today's fire of light reveal genetic differences between males and females. Sexual dimorphism is when genders of the same species have different characteristics in physical and behavioral traits. Sexual dimorphism's main goal is the sustainability of the species throughout the ages. Birds enter a cognitive thought process that affects mating choices from the species to pass on what they feel are the best genes. An example is the male peacock (Pavo cristatus) that flaunts its engulfing tail in a dance to attract a female of the same species who does not have the same decorated tail. The difference between decorated male and female peacocks is called sexual dimorphism. The behavior of moving the elaborate tail to attract the female is integrated into the tail itself. Furthermore, bird species courtship involves dances. Birds also occasionally engage in territorial battles for dominance that progress to mating.

On December 30, 2018, the Madrona Marsh located in Torrance was painted with blue skies and blotches of clouds. Two birds disconnected from the herd of other aquatic birds in the water. The weather was pleasant and not hot enough to break a sweat. I began to look at the birds on the water. A couple of shoveler ducks (Spatula clypeata) were swimming close to the shoreline. As seen when two people are in love the world disappears around them. The female shoveler resembles a female mallard with brown mottled features and a longer prominent bill. The male shoveler is seen with a striking iridescent sheen that is green and blue with a white body and a brown patch on the body. The species interlocked with each other around the head twirling in the water, an anthropomorphic moment. My 6-foot presence did not stop their routine. The clouds above have moved to another location just as the 3-5 minute duration has passed. Both males and females stop swimming in their interlocked knitted circles. Their world stops. They swam off to another location in the park. The female follows the lead of the male. Sexual dimorphism is not always about the differences in looks. The differences are within behavior from male to female.

Birds sometimes engage in territorial behavior or disputes with species of birds that are not even the same species. On June 11, 2020, I naturally observed some of the most known territorial birds. The calls from the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) warned birds when it was within his territory. Broadening his shoulders and making loud calls heard amid the marsh. The species of red-winged blackbird is scattered on the different trees within proximity to each other. A large leafless tree branch near the middle of the Madrona Marsh is used as a post for one of the males to see who and what is entering his presence. The tree stands with a motion to spare. The day continues with the water known as liquid matter disappearing inside vernal pools. Male red-winged blackbirds chased away a variety of species from their territory. Left and right darts of birds colored like black coal with red embers hovered above what little water existed at Madrona Marsh. Eventually, I observed Egrets, coots, and even other red-winged blackbirds chased away. The red-winged blackbird widens the shoulders and makes a loud call. The female black-winged bird is different from the male. The female has dark brown feathers edged with light brown. A female red-winged blackbird has faint red patches on the shoulders with foraging behavior. The male red-winged blackbird sings more often with glossy black with robust red shoulders. After a few moments and the dust settles, the male red-winged blackbird has attracted several female red-winged blackbirds and begins to dance and mate.

The courtship and genetics of birds seem to be ever-changing in this post-modern era from the Mesolithic era. I am excited to see the changes in sexual dimorphism for bird species. May the hard part be over for what comes next is parenting. These sightings are seen seasonally at Madrona Marsh located: 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA

The Madrona Marsh Nature Center is free to the public and open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. If you are interested, take the main street Sepulveda and then make a right on Maple Street then a left on Plaza Del Amo. There is free parking across from the park. Upon arrival you are greeted by gentle docents to remind you of hours and sightings. I enjoy nature walks. I feel the ecosystem is important for my well- being. I take walks through the park to appreciate nature and sometimes bring my camera.

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Attack of the Azolla Moss!

  Azolla moss covers habitable locations within the nature preserve located in Torrance. People stated, “It looks like sand.” If it looks like sand to humans, it looks like sand to the birds. The green-tinged moss even turns burgundy in some areas. The Azolla grows rapidly seeing as the lifeline is 50 million years old and has symbiotic nitrogen fixation properties within the leaves that are cyanobacteria meaning the Azolla moss makes their own food from photosynthesis. The moss can also be used as a mosquito repellent.

As the silence surrounds the park, the serene atmosphere collides with the number of birds that are located at the Southern California Marsh. The now deserted park (2023) once teeming with birds is completely different than 2017 with numbers of fowl reaching double digits with snowy egrets ( Egretta thula) and Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) in flocks congregating and having mating dances. These numbers have plummeted due to my prediction that the illusion of no water present at the marsh causes birds to pass by and stop at another location.

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