The Bird Brief
A global rundown of newly published avian research and newsworthy bird stories in just 5 minutes.
The Bird Brief
S2 E11: Owl Paparazzi and Birds Emitting Bioluminescence
Today we are going to learn about Birds of Paradise species that emit bioluminescence, the owl papparazzi creating a frenzy around owls during the recent owl irruption near the Great Lakes, and why you should be protecting your hearing right now. Let’s get started!
Stories:
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241905
Links to Ear Protection:
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 7 Pair + Case – (NRR 33 dB Highest NRR). https://amzn.to/3Xn2xrN
3M PELTOR Ear Muffs, X1, (NRR 22) https://amzn.to/41aMcbU (most comfortable muff (in my opinion), even comfortable and lightweight enough that your kid may like them)
3M PELTOR X3 Earmuffs, (NRR 25-28) https://amzn.to/40XXVZN
*Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the number of decibels that the ear pro can reduce ambient noise levels – NRR 33 is the maximum. I’ve found that NRR 33 is pretty bulky/heavy in muffs so I opt for NRR 25 or NRR 22, but I’d definitely lean towards more protective if you’re going to be in crazy loud venues.
Bird Sound:
Magnificent Riflebird. Oscar Campbell, XC941791. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/941791.
Snowy Owl. Tero Linjama, XC343145. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/343145.
Boreal Owl. David Tonnessen, XC407879. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/407879
Great Grey Owl. Logan McLeod, XC610512. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/610512
Music: The Weeknd from wish by Lundstroem is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.
Hearing Protection Tips:
Okay, as your birder friend, I want you to hear your birds today, but also in five years. Make sure you have the basics, get some inexpensive foam earplugs at your local drugstore and put them in your bag or car for those random times you are heading to a show and its going to be way too loud. Also grab some earmuffs and have them handy for when you use the blender or mow the lawn.
Here's a few that I like that are inexpensive and won't break the bank:
-Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 7 Pair + Case – (NRR 33 dB Highest NRR). https://amzn.to/3Xn2xrN .
-3M PELTOR Ear Muffs, X1, (NRR 22) https://amzn.to/41aMcbU. Most comfortable muff in my opinion. Nicely slim for a muff while providing good ear protection. Fantastic to bring to fireworks shows and air shows, so you can take them off to chat with your friends. Bonus -- even comfortable and lightweight enough that your kid will wear them!
-3M PELTOR X3 Earmuffs, (NRR 25-28) https://amzn.to/40XXVZN. Great protection, but can get heavy.
*Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the number of decibels that the ear pro can reduce ambient noise levels – NRR 33 is the maximum. I’ve found that NRR 33 is pretty bulky/heavy in muffs so I opt for NRR 22 or NRR 25.
@THE.BIRD.BRIEF