Re: MODERN BIRDS AND MIGRATION

[Danvarner@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-09-09 22:12:08 EDT, you write:

<< I read somewhere fairly recently (in the National Geographic, I think)
 that at least some migratory birds have small granules of magnetic metal in
 their heads.  The theory went that perhaps they are able to follow the
 Earth's magnetic field due to this.  I'm not sure about migrating birds
 simply going along with the trade winds, although it does make sense.  I
 don't believe the whooping crane that migrates to Texas once per year is
 following a trade wind, however.  But, maybe some birds do & some don't.
  >>

   On this topic of what cues birds use in migration: It's an older book,
certainly, but I'd like to recommend_Travels and Traditions of Waterfowl_by H.
Albert Hochbaum, 1955, The University of Minnesota Press. The illustrations by
the author are quite superb. Dan Varner.