Natural History Wanderings

Monga Bay reported

• Long-term research in California shows that many bird populations increase after wildfires and can remain more abundant in burned areas for decades, especially following moderate fires.
• Although some bird species are adapted to fire and benefit from low to moderately severe blazes, megafires in California are becoming more frequent.
• Megafires, scientists say, are unlikely to benefit most bird species and harm those that depend on old-growth forests.
• Wildfire smoke poses a serious threat to birds’ health, with evidence linking heavy exposure to particulate matter in smoke to reduced activity, weight loss and, possibly, increased mortality.

Read more at How are California’s birds faring amid ever more frequent wildfires?