Animals

Science & Technology

Monarch butterflies get tiny trackers to help scientists follow their mysterious migration

Dorany Pineda

Every August, monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains begin their migration from southern Canada and the northern United States to central Mexico to hibernate.
Arts & Culture

How two artists are bringing axolotl conservation into focus at Birch Aquarium

Audy McAfee

The new exhibition features work by Itzel Islas, Maricruz Alvarado and other local artists to highlight conservation of the critically endangered salamander native to Mexico.
Environment

Oyster stocks have plunged in the Chesapeake. This resident wants to bring them back

Ari Daniel

Oyster reefs once abounded in the Chesapeake, but overharvesting slashed their populations, leading to poorer water quality and less habitat for other species. Now, researchers and local residents are finding creative ways to bring their numbers back up.
Environment

Even birds get jet lagged, study shows

Geoff Brumfiel

A species of seabirds appears to become disoriented on flights back to its nest due to shifting time zones.
Health

Do San Diego County mosquito treatments work? Officials say it’s an ongoing effort

Heidi de Marco

San Diego County is using mosquito treatments to control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of West Nile virus as warm weather extends the season.
National

When an invasive fish is also tasty, Maryland schoolkids can help 'eat the problem'

Bill Chappell

The Chesapeake Bay, home to blue crabs and striped bass, has a new apex predator: the blue catfish. It's invasive and voracious. It's also delicious, which officials hope might help save the bay.
Environment

'A really special region for birds': The Nat's new curator on birding, collections and climate

Tammy Murga

Ryan Terrill joined the San Diego Natural History Museum as the new curator of ornithology, focusing on feathers and molt migration in the Southern California-Mexico region.
Quality of Life

Beluga whale named Cyprus dies at SeaWorld San Diego

City News Service

Cyprus came to SeaWorld Aug. 22 after he was rescued from what was described as "a dire situation" in Canada, according to a Facebook post by SeaWorld. His passing was unexpected.
Living

County opens new Santee Animal Shelter after delays, closes Bonita site

Jacob Aere

The modern facility could help foster a better environment than the previous site for visitors and pets that use the space.
Science & Technology

A rare family of barn owls moved into Manhattan's Upper West Side. New Yorkers are captivated

The Associated Press

Manhattan's Upper West Side has been reveling in the company of its latest celebrities: A family of barn owls nested in a water tower atop a building near Central Park.