Unusual rainy weather in a region the Alaskan Arctic in 2014 slowed growth of two sets of nesting songbirds. This was discussed recently on the Forbes science web site.
Species studied were Lapland Longspur and White-crowned Sparrows. The project extended over two breeding seasons, 2013 and 2014. The 2013 season had normal weather. The 2014 season experienced heavier than normal rain during one week of the time when adult birds were feeding hatchlings. Insect capture counts were lower during that critical week. Prolonged rain at this time is unexpected, the report said. Since insects provide nourishment for these hatchlings, the weather in 2014 made it difficult for the adult birds to find enough food to adequately provision the young. The 2014 nestlings' growth rate was negatively affected.
The scientists said that climate change can produce unpredictable weather events with unexpected impact on animals.
The article was written by Devorah Bennu, PhD. Research was done by scientists from the University of California, Davis.
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Something similar happened here last year when extensive rain occurred at the time both Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows were feeding nestlings. Minnesota rainfall in June was the heaviest on record. Swallows feed on flying insects, bluebirds on insects found on the ground. I assume that the rain made foraging difficult for the adult birds. Following the wet spell, I found dead nestlings of both species in the nest boxes I tend.