From the Vancouver Sun:
The “magic” in the mud was first uncovered just south of Vancouver where up to half the world’s western sandpipers touch down to refuel as they migrate north.
Now the gooey, paper-thin biofilm has also been found to be a key bird food on the other side of the Pacific, revealing what researchers say is a “missing link” in the avian world.
Biofilm can make up to 70 per cent of the diet of small shorebirds, which slurp up the stuff like energy drinks, says Environment Canada researcher Robert Elner, who led the international team that reports its study findings this week.
Read more: http://www.canada.com/life/Magic+tidal+flats+shorebird+populations/6115696/story.html#ixzz1lpXv2Yvp
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Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Birds |
