hello tweeties,

if you are like me, you like to read about birds in science. however, if you are devoted to reading about birds in science, you will find that you sometimes run across some rather .. unusual .. topics of research where birds contribute to out knowledge. a couple days ago, i read about the function of yawning (did you know there is a world's expert in yawning research?? i didn't!), and the research that contributed to our knowledge of this rather .. odd .. topic was due to the participation of budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus. so this is some really cute research that pertains to your life;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/12/yawning_and_thermoregulation_i.php

of course, if you wish to vote on this piece (icons on the top left), i'd really appreciate it.

the most recently demystified mystery bird was a Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/12/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_60.php

some readers were complaining about this bird's common name, wishing it would be changed to "desert cardinal." but i am not so sure i would like to change this bird's common name without understanding the etymology of "Pyrrhuloxia." any thoughts? (yes, i know i can "just google it", but i'd prefer to read your --much more lively and thoughtful! -- comments on the matter).

today's mystery bird, courtesy of Joseph Kennedy, is a little bit tricky, but you all CAN identify this species -- don't forget to include a field mark that leads you to your ID;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/12/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_116.php

happy holidaze,

GrrlScientist
Devorah
http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/
Roosting high up a tree somewhere in Central Park, NYC