Called “feathered apes” for their simianlike smarts, crows use tools, understand physics, and recognize themselves and humans. But new research suggests that the brainy birds may be even smarter than was previously thought. Given a complex problem and an assortment of tools, New Caledonian crows came up with a creative solution that hints at higher-order thinking.
In a surprising act of interspecies devotion, a deer stood watch for weeks over a nesting Canada goose in a Buffalo, N.Y., cemetery. The goose sat on her eggs inside a large urn, and the buck stayed nearby, often positioning himself between the goose and any cars or passersby. Typically, both the male and female geese share the task of keeping eggs warm, but the expectant mother was alone except for her deer protector.
Thanks to Ruth R for sharing this with us!
Photo of the day: A young Peruvian girl rests with her baby alpaca named Carmelo near Colca Canyon, Peru. There is no such thing as a wild alpaca because they were domesticated several thousands of years ago by the Moche people of northern Peru. During the reign of the Inca empire, alpacas played several vital roles for the Andean people, including food, fuel, clothing and transportation. Because of their tremendous value, the Incan government strictly controlled their use, which allowed alpacas to flourish and reach populations of tens of millions of individuals.
If I were a cat
haha, fluffy and a poser :P