Hello Tweeties,

the most recent issue of Birds in the News is now available for your reading pleasure. This issue features a pair of European Bee-eaters, Merops apiaster, where the male is courting the female by tossing a large insect around. The expression on their faces and their body language are priceless, in my opinion;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/birds_in_the_news_149.php

the most recent mystery bird to be identified is a Neotropical Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, as many of you correctly surmised;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_35.php

be sure to read Rick Wright's informative analysis about this species and about the Pelicaniformes in general. Photographer Joseph Kennedy, whose images often appear as mystery birds, also has some interesting comments (in the comment thread) that you will want to check out, too.

here's today's mystery bird for you to identify, courtesy of my friend, photographer, Dave Rintoul;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_55.php

if you are an arachnophobe, as I am, then this story will *impress* you;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/spider_eats_bird_in_australia.php

and last but not least, here's video of a raven that talks;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/terry_the_talking_raven.php

cheers,

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