This makes me wonder... scientists are finding that many of
the more insidious pollutants now in the environment -- the
ones that "don't kill you right away" -- have estrogenic
effects. In other words, over the course of two generations
or so, their effects mimic the effects of estrogen. This has
already been documented in birds in the Great Lakes region.

I would sure have to wonder whether such pollutants would
affect their ability to sing effectively.

Kathy Jope
National Park Service
Seattle


A friend sent me the following of dubious value:

THE MUSICAL ANIMAL: The British Ecological Society, studying the apparent
upswing in songbirds being unable to sing on key, has decided that loud
noises from auto traffic is to blame. The Society says that many wrens,
tits, woodcock and pheasant are now unable to use their calls to scare
away intruders or attract mates, and says that the many roads of the
British countryside are the culprit. "This is proof of what we have long
suspected, that roads and birds do not mix," Said a British Trust for
Ornithology spokesman. (Reuter) ...Then why are they always aiming for my
car?