Sent: *Saturday,
December 14, 2013 5:25:16 PM
*Subject: *Fwd: Basic research
Subject: Basic research
Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) found over 200
dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that
they may have died from Avian Flu. A Bird
Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to
everyone's relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian
Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
*Subject: *Fwd: Basic research
Subject: Basic research
Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) found over 200
dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that
they may have died from Avian Flu. A Bird
Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to
everyone's relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian
Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
However,
during the detailed analysis it was noted that
varying colors of paints appeared on the bird's beaks and claws. By
analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the
crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were
killed by an impact with a car.
varying colors of paints appeared on the bird's beaks and claws. By
analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the
crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were
killed by an impact with a car.
MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there
was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills
versus car kills. The Ornithological Behaviorist very quickly
concluded the cause: "when crows eat road kill, they always have a
look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. They
discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout "Cah", not a
single one could shout "Truck."
