Well since we're talking raptors. I've had an idea about chickens and why they are so good at finding worms. I saw a show about mouse-hunting raptors (I don't remember what kind) where besides the incredible detailed vision they have, it was pointed out that the expanded light vision enabled them to see mouse urine. It stood out to them. So they could essentially see the patterns of mouse paths, where the path was visible to the sky, 'cause as we know, mice pee everywhere they go. (We can see those well-traveled trails in the meadow grasses and lawn grasses in the Spring, after the snow melts). I remember a graphic showing a network of glowing trails superimposed on a shot of a meadow. I don't know if this is absolutely true or was only a theory. I will try to find out. But if it's true, maybe chickens also see these things.
I've noticed the Buckeyes instantly know when a spot of earth or clump of soil is good worm hunting or not. How so? The soil texture or type? I can sometimes see the worm holes in a clump of soil I dig. So that might be some clues. But sometimes the chickens get really intense when I dig something or they dig in a spot, like they glance at it and KNOW there's worms in there (and there are), and they up the digging effort and pull it apart with their beaks, pull a pebble over, break into the clump of dirt, whereas they ignore other clumps and test spots. They do take a look, but go, "Meh, next please!"
Suppose worms' body slime stands out when you can see a larger spectrum of light? Suppose they shed this slime as they move along, and leave trails, and chickens can see that? Maybe even distinguish between fresh and old trails? Or maybe it's the worm castings they see?
Research time. And that bird I saw: can't find in Audubon app. Swallow type flight, ring around neck, colors on bird yellow, white, grey/black. Nothing looks close.
where have your baby girls gone? So grown up now
Finally having my first proper hatch along! Astronomy theme 🪐✨
