Natural History Wanderings

The New York Times reports how plastic trash can be fatal to birds

The bird is unable to eat because of a discarded plastic ring stuck in its beak.

Initially, birders rejoiced at the rare New York City sighting of a common merganser, an elegant-looking duck with a regal auburn crest, in Central Park.

But as photos of the duck spread quickly on social media, so did concern: a piece of discarded plastic appeared jammed in the duck’s distinctive narrow bill, preventing it from feeding.

READ MORE Central Park Races to Save a Rare Duck Gagging on a Piece of Plastic – The New York Times