Andrew Iwaniuk
@evoneuro.bsky.social
neurobiologist, ornithologist, scruffy looking nerfherder, social distancing since 1974, Canadian in Alberta, Treaty 7 lands
🇨🇦 🇦🇺 🧪🪶🧠 stuff
open access link for our book: https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/6000/Bird-Brains-and-BehaviorA-Synthesis
🇨🇦 🇦🇺 🧪🪶🧠 stuff
open access link for our book: https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/6000/Bird-Brains-and-BehaviorA-Synthesis
Pinned
Andrew Iwaniuk
@evoneuro.bsky.social
· Jul 2
In celebration of me avoiding becoming department chair for the next 3 years and receiving a new research chair, please enjoy one of my favourite parrot photos from two years ago.
Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans)
#birds #birding #academicsky #WildOz #parrots 🪶🦜🇨🇦🇦🇺
Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans)
#birds #birding #academicsky #WildOz #parrots 🪶🦜🇨🇦🇦🇺
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
Variable Hawk sitting on a fence post on Pebble Island in the #FalklandIslands. Fluffed up against the inevitable wind and unperturbed by our nearby vehicle, he is rather an impressive fellow.
270mm f7.1 1:4000s ISO800
#BirdOfTheDay #Posted #Birds #Raptors #EastCoastKin #StunDay #Wildlife #ArtYear
270mm f7.1 1:4000s ISO800
#BirdOfTheDay #Posted #Birds #Raptors #EastCoastKin #StunDay #Wildlife #ArtYear
February 8, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Variable Hawk sitting on a fence post on Pebble Island in the #FalklandIslands. Fluffed up against the inevitable wind and unperturbed by our nearby vehicle, he is rather an impressive fellow.
270mm f7.1 1:4000s ISO800
#BirdOfTheDay #Posted #Birds #Raptors #EastCoastKin #StunDay #Wildlife #ArtYear
270mm f7.1 1:4000s ISO800
#BirdOfTheDay #Posted #Birds #Raptors #EastCoastKin #StunDay #Wildlife #ArtYear
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
If the idea that barbets are related to woodpeckers never really made sense to you... meet the pied barbet!
It looks the long-lost cousin of a downy woodpecker!
It looks the long-lost cousin of a downy woodpecker!
February 8, 2026 at 8:19 PM
If the idea that barbets are related to woodpeckers never really made sense to you... meet the pied barbet!
It looks the long-lost cousin of a downy woodpecker!
It looks the long-lost cousin of a downy woodpecker!
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
If you watch the Super Bowl today, remember the NFL Players Association blames researchers for the high player suicide rates. Because researchers are creating a heightened awareness of CTE so players would rather commit suicide than face CTE🙄😡
“As a scientist, I am disgusted. As an NFL widow who witnessed unimaginable suffering, I am furious,” writes Eleanor M. Perfetto. www.statnews.com/2026/02/07/s...
As a scientist and NFL widow, I am furious about a recent NFL Players Association-funded CTE study
“As a scientist, I am disgusted. As an NFL widow who witnessed unimaginable suffering, I am furious,” writes Eleanor M. Perfetto.
www.statnews.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:43 PM
If you watch the Super Bowl today, remember the NFL Players Association blames researchers for the high player suicide rates. Because researchers are creating a heightened awareness of CTE so players would rather commit suicide than face CTE🙄😡
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
Artificial light at night may extend pollen season by 1–2 weeks, raising allergy risks.
Researchers say light pollution is a public-health “blind spot” urban planners should consider.
Researchers say light pollution is a public-health “blind spot” urban planners should consider.
Light pollution could worsen allergy seasons, new study suggests
Nighttime light is a well-known hazard for migrating birds and sea turtles. New research suggests it may also pose risks for human health. The study finds that plants exposed to artificial light at…
news.mongabay.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:45 AM
Artificial light at night may extend pollen season by 1–2 weeks, raising allergy risks.
Researchers say light pollution is a public-health “blind spot” urban planners should consider.
Researchers say light pollution is a public-health “blind spot” urban planners should consider.
Listing badgers as a species of special concern will unfortunately mean nothing for the species in Alberta. Rural Albertans will continue to vilify and shoot them whenever they can because they don’t care what scientists or anyone else thinks.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Badgers designated as ‘special concern’ species in Prairie provinces | CBC News
Badgers are common on the Prairies, but a recent federal assessment suggests they’re vulnerable to the same threats facing the endangered populations in Ontario and British Columbia.
www.cbc.ca
February 7, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Listing badgers as a species of special concern will unfortunately mean nothing for the species in Alberta. Rural Albertans will continue to vilify and shoot them whenever they can because they don’t care what scientists or anyone else thinks.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
JD Vance unable to discern booing at Winter Olympics from booing every other day of his life
JD Vance unable to discern booing at Winter Olympics from booing every other day of his life
MILAN, ITALY - United States Vice President JD Vance was reportedly unaware of being booed during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, due to the fact that he is already relentl...
www.thebeaverton.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:54 PM
JD Vance unable to discern booing at Winter Olympics from booing every other day of his life
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
We found a 4th egg in #kakapo Waikawa's nest yesterday and found it was fertile. Waikawa has maintained her incredible 100% fertility record: 5 clutches of 4 fertile eggs in 4 breeding seasons. That's unmatched by any other kākāpō. #kakapo2026 #conservation #birds
February 7, 2026 at 3:26 AM
We found a 4th egg in #kakapo Waikawa's nest yesterday and found it was fertile. Waikawa has maintained her incredible 100% fertility record: 5 clutches of 4 fertile eggs in 4 breeding seasons. That's unmatched by any other kākāpō. #kakapo2026 #conservation #birds
FYI if anyone out there is interested, I’m happy to deliver this talk elsewhere via Zoom or in person
#birds
#birds
Anyone in the #Lethbridge area, I will be giving a public talk this week to address the question I get the most: Why study bird brains? I will discuss how studying bird brains led to some major discoveries and helps us understand bird behaviour.
#yql #birds #Alberta
www.sacpa.ca/why-study-bi...
#yql #birds #Alberta
www.sacpa.ca/why-study-bi...
February 7, 2026 at 12:45 AM
FYI if anyone out there is interested, I’m happy to deliver this talk elsewhere via Zoom or in person
#birds
#birds
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
February 6, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
Introducing Birds Canada’s 2026 Avian Ambassador: the Evening Grosbeak.
Throughout the year, we'll be connecting you with stories, conservation work and researchers who are working to better understand this enigmatic finch.
Throughout the year, we'll be connecting you with stories, conservation work and researchers who are working to better understand this enigmatic finch.
February 6, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Introducing Birds Canada’s 2026 Avian Ambassador: the Evening Grosbeak.
Throughout the year, we'll be connecting you with stories, conservation work and researchers who are working to better understand this enigmatic finch.
Throughout the year, we'll be connecting you with stories, conservation work and researchers who are working to better understand this enigmatic finch.
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
"Cuts to science are good, actually."
- Carney fans who can absolutely f*ck all the way off
- Carney fans who can absolutely f*ck all the way off
February 6, 2026 at 4:46 PM
"Cuts to science are good, actually."
- Carney fans who can absolutely f*ck all the way off
- Carney fans who can absolutely f*ck all the way off
Minus my spouse who is unemployed in Lethbridge yet again because neither my institution nor local businesses and NGOs value her education and experience. They would rather hire "someone they know" 🤬
February 6, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Minus my spouse who is unemployed in Lethbridge yet again because neither my institution nor local businesses and NGOs value her education and experience. They would rather hire "someone they know" 🤬
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
Brock University is laying off administrative support in academic departments. Apparently, layoffs are an "innovative approach to building a sustainable, resilient future.” Also, cutting support so that no department has enough, will promote equity.
Brock University to lay off administrative staff
An undisclosed number of Brock University administrators have begun to receive layoff notices. The St. Catharines university said the staff reduction as part of its broader strategy to streamline oper...
www.wellandtribune.ca
February 5, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Brock University is laying off administrative support in academic departments. Apparently, layoffs are an "innovative approach to building a sustainable, resilient future.” Also, cutting support so that no department has enough, will promote equity.
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
I am a professor in a Food and Human Nutritional Sciences department and I am begging the media in Canada to ignore Charlebois, unless it is to dunk on him with names like the Food (borne diahreaa) Professor when he defends raw milk because Communism!
Here is my latest. Sylvain Charlebois, Canada's beloved commentator on the food industry, thinks that not giving us access to raw milk is communism.
noraloreto.substack.com/p/canadas-fo...
noraloreto.substack.com/p/canadas-fo...
Canada's Food Professor wants you to buy raw milk
Sylvain Charlebois drops his mask on far-right podcast
noraloreto.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:07 PM
I am a professor in a Food and Human Nutritional Sciences department and I am begging the media in Canada to ignore Charlebois, unless it is to dunk on him with names like the Food (borne diahreaa) Professor when he defends raw milk because Communism!
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
⚠️ Fortress Mountain Resort Proposal Released ⚠️
When the All-Seasons Resort Act passed, our worst fear was that public land would be converted into private development in regions that *cannot* support more... and now it's come true 🫣
cpaws-southernalberta.org/fortress-mou...
#DefendAlbertaParks
When the All-Seasons Resort Act passed, our worst fear was that public land would be converted into private development in regions that *cannot* support more... and now it's come true 🫣
cpaws-southernalberta.org/fortress-mou...
#DefendAlbertaParks
February 5, 2026 at 5:20 PM
⚠️ Fortress Mountain Resort Proposal Released ⚠️
When the All-Seasons Resort Act passed, our worst fear was that public land would be converted into private development in regions that *cannot* support more... and now it's come true 🫣
cpaws-southernalberta.org/fortress-mou...
#DefendAlbertaParks
When the All-Seasons Resort Act passed, our worst fear was that public land would be converted into private development in regions that *cannot* support more... and now it's come true 🫣
cpaws-southernalberta.org/fortress-mou...
#DefendAlbertaParks
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
A large seal the size of a small boulder. Southern elephant seal rocking among the boulders along South Georgia. 🦊🦑
February 5, 2026 at 5:01 PM
A large seal the size of a small boulder. Southern elephant seal rocking among the boulders along South Georgia. 🦊🦑
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
New #OpenAccess Note
Skull measurements as a tool for avian species identification 🐦⬛🪶
Walker et al. 🔗 https://ow.ly/YfC950Y5z3J
Skull measurements as a tool for avian species identification 🐦⬛🪶
Walker et al. 🔗 https://ow.ly/YfC950Y5z3J
February 5, 2026 at 4:45 PM
New #OpenAccess Note
Skull measurements as a tool for avian species identification 🐦⬛🪶
Walker et al. 🔗 https://ow.ly/YfC950Y5z3J
Skull measurements as a tool for avian species identification 🐦⬛🪶
Walker et al. 🔗 https://ow.ly/YfC950Y5z3J
For anyone interested in why there was a strong protest against Frances Widdowson showing up uninvited to ULethbridge today, check out this article from @aptnnews.bsky.social
#yql #Alberta #Canada #abpoli
www.aptnnews.ca/investigates...
#yql #Alberta #Canada #abpoli
www.aptnnews.ca/investigates...
Denialism close-up - an APTN Investigates
APTN Investigates Dismantling Denialism by correspondent Christopher Read delves into residential school denialism.
www.aptnnews.ca
February 5, 2026 at 4:31 AM
For anyone interested in why there was a strong protest against Frances Widdowson showing up uninvited to ULethbridge today, check out this article from @aptnnews.bsky.social
#yql #Alberta #Canada #abpoli
www.aptnnews.ca/investigates...
#yql #Alberta #Canada #abpoli
www.aptnnews.ca/investigates...
Francis Widdowson attempted to give an impromptu uninvited talk today. It did not go well
A chaotic scene at the University of Lethbridge right now. A police officer weaves through the crowd of students yelling, making noise, drumming, and a full band playing.
@ulethgeo.bsky.social
@ulethbridgeartsci.bsky.social
@ulethbridge.ca
@ctvnewslethbridge.bsky.social
@ulethgeo.bsky.social
@ulethbridgeartsci.bsky.social
@ulethbridge.ca
@ctvnewslethbridge.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Francis Widdowson attempted to give an impromptu uninvited talk today. It did not go well
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
A new Powerful Owl! @lucyparkerpaul.bsky.social and I had been to this site several times, and had found evidence ... feathers, scat, a pellet. But finally it revealed itself.
#brisbane #birds #wildoz
#brisbane #birds #wildoz
February 4, 2026 at 4:07 AM
A new Powerful Owl! @lucyparkerpaul.bsky.social and I had been to this site several times, and had found evidence ... feathers, scat, a pellet. But finally it revealed itself.
#brisbane #birds #wildoz
#brisbane #birds #wildoz
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
A reminder to university administrators and boards of governors that the administrative functioning of a university depends on voluntary academic participation. Treat your faculty like cattle, especially during contract negotiations, and you may find the administrative gears moving very slowly.
February 4, 2026 at 2:10 AM
A reminder to university administrators and boards of governors that the administrative functioning of a university depends on voluntary academic participation. Treat your faculty like cattle, especially during contract negotiations, and you may find the administrative gears moving very slowly.
Reposted by Andrew Iwaniuk
13% success rates at #CIHR, is a really 87% fail rate for>4000 scientists. At a time when 🇨🇦 is investing millions to recruit more scientist into a broken funding environment. 🇨🇦, U need a strong science foundation 2 attract success. #CIHR, fix your science foundation, it is eroding in real time
February 3, 2026 at 11:13 PM