Play the video above to see these stories on AZ Illustrated Science on Wednesday, Aug. 7:
RAPTORS LIKE UTILITY POLES: Urban-dwelling raptors -hawks, owls, and other similar birds- sometimes perch and nest atop utility poles. This puts them in danger of electrocution, among other hazards, so Tucson Electric Power trained its linemen to help birds move nests, and provide them with alternative spots.
RAPTORS ADJUST TO URBAN LIFE: Modern human settlements have been detrimental to many types of wildlife around the world, but some species in Arizona have adapted to urban environments. In Tucson, some raptors, not only are using utility poles for nests to rear their young, but also finding a steady supply of prey, such as small mammals and doves, as food source. Bill Mannan, professor and researcher at the UA's School of Natural Resources and the Environment, has been studying such occurrences.
BIRDING ECONOMIC IMPACT: A chat with Mark Hart, public information officer at Arizona Game and Fish Department about the financial and cultural impact of birding and 'watchable wildlife' in the state. Birding brings a multi-billion-dollar-boost to the nation's economy every year.
STOPPING BUGS AT BORDER: The port of entry in Nogales is the busiest in the nation for fruit and vegetable shipments. U.S. Customs and Border Protection scientists inspect the produce for potentially devastating insects or pathogens that could spread in the U.S.
OUR GREAT OUTDOORS: A look at what is happening in our great outdoors during the month of August.
AZ Illustrated Nature is produced by Tony Paniagua. Contact him at tpaniagua@azpm.org
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