"Birds "weaponizing" fire to help in the hunt" Topic

It seems some species of Australian Raptors have been observed spreading grass fires in an effort to flush out prey.(Ignore the dumb headline for the link below):

link

Apparently, Aboriginal sources have claimed this for hundreds of years. Now, it is one thing for birds to learn that fires produce spooked and vulnerable prey, but it's another thing to have the birds actively engaged in spreading the fires.

Next thing you know, them birds are gonna start forging steel weapons. Then what?

Thanks.

I for one welcome our new pyromeniac bird overlords!

Nothing new. Pontiac started making Firebirds back in the late-60s.

Hurray for anecdotal evidence!

Dan

C'mon Dan, that's how science starts. It's observing animal behaviour in very isolated, underpopulated areas. Now that this is coming to light, one can arrange for remote video and photography.

We're not talking about a new cancer drug that has to go through preclinical testing and the 4 phases of clinical trials and is given to millions of people. Anecdotes are not good enough here.

And yet, even pharmacology benefits from anecdotal evidence. Minoxidil originally was used to treat ulcers. Anecdotal evidence from ulcer sufferers indicated that the patients began to have lower blood pressure. Research showed that this was the case and minoxidil became a antihypertensive. Then doctors began to hear anecdotal reports that the ulcer and high blood pressure patients began to experience hair growth. Minoxidil is now primarily used for alopecia.

On a personal note, I have recurring and relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. To control it, I take Tecfidera. It was not originally developed for that. It was actually an anti fungal medicine, but discontinued due to contact allergies. It was then found to suppress certain autoimmune diseases. Again, anecdotal evidence. Since 2013, it is used against MS. It's mode of action is still not understood.

Hooray for anecdotal evidence. I agree!

It's just birds, Dan.