How Do Animals React to a Total Solar Eclipse? Scientists Document Strange and Surprising Behaviors

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“I was really skeptical. I didn’t think that animals were going to have a particularly strong reaction,” Hartstone-Rose says. After all, clouds and passing rainstorms regularly dim the sun’s light. “And animals don’t have a very strong reaction to that.”

Still, he stationed students across zoo exhibits of animals spanning 17 species and had them observe the creatures for two days before the eclipse and on the day of totality. To his surprise, about three-quarters of the species showed a measurable response—and, in a few cases, the animals did something completely unexpected.

The Galápagos tortoises, which are usually very sedentary, displayed one of those unusual behaviors: “During the peak of the eclipse, they actually started mating, which was remarkable,” Hartstone-Rose says. “That was bizarre.”

Meanwhile, the Komodo dragon had spent the two days prior to the eclipse sitting still as a statue. “It could have been a taxidermy animal as far as we could tell,” Hartstone-Rose says. “[It] didn’t move one inch,” even on the morning of the eclipse. But once the moon blocked out the sun’s rays, the reptile moved toward the door to its indoor enclosure, which was closed, then began running around the exhibit, “almost, like, climbing the walls,” until the sun reappeared.

Across the zoo, many other animals responded to the total eclipse, disproving Hartstone-Rose’s initial impression. Gorillas collectively approached their evening habitat. Flamingos gathered together, putting their young at the center of their huddle. Two cockatoos began touching beaks and preening each other. A sleeping tawny frogmouth—a nocturnal, “goofy little bird”—woke up and started foraging during totality as if it were nighttime, though the creatures usually just “try their best to look like a tree stump” during the day, says Hartstone-Rose.

Some of the animals didn’t react at all or didn’t seem fazed—one bear that had been lazing around simply lifted its head a moment, then returned to sleep. And even when creatures did react, especially when they showed signs of anxiety, the eclipse might not have been the only driver of that response: Increased visitor activity at the zoo could have unsettled them, for example.

 

Read more: Smithsonian Magazine

6 minutes ago, Andy said:

Well if it wasn’t for a paywall it’d be easier to tell maybe but they’re gonna be able to see it

Thanks for the heads up...I found a non-paywall news update:

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/eclipse-ny-watch-time-lawsuit-prisons/5292707/

Makes you wonder how much emerging tech is more old school than they'd have us believe.

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Amazon's ‘Just Walk Out’ technology in Amazon Fresh stores relied on manual human labour, it was reported. The company introduced the system in 2018 using which people would enter a store, grab what they wanted to buy and leave without checking out as they would get receipts afterwards.

The Information reported that even though Amazon claimed that it used a host of cameras and sensors around the store to track what customers grabbed, hundreds of Indian workers were used by the company to track customers instead of relying completely on AI and technology.

What report claimed on Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' technology?

1.       The company used remote cashiers based in India to check what customers were buying and leaving stores with.

2.       These included over 1,000 workers in India, The Information reported, as the work of cashiers was outsourced to India.

3.       The company undercut local jobs and chose low paid workers in India.

4.       Amazon has decided to do away with the Just Walk Out technology from its Amazon Fresh stores and said that it was getting to be too time-consuming.

5.       The report claimed that outsourced workers in India took hours to compile the data they tracked which was then used to generate receipts that customers would receive much later.

Read More HERE

Even as someone who is not served by the Sewer Districts, I do understand the "sticker shock" that many are having from their jacked up usage bills.

And, as inflation strikes, the price tag is becoming too high for that consumer base to absorb. 

So it's not like doubled or triples sewer bills is even enough to meet the mandated upgrades anyway. If State and Federal bureaucrats are demanding these upgrades, then it's reasonable for state/fed funds to help make it happen. 

10 hours ago, Ars76 said:

Anything get figured out with this?? Pretty bizarre

I was wondering the same. 

Describing it as "low tech and unprofessional", one would think the perpetrator likely left some electronic trail that could be followed. 

If LEO's are stumped, let the public know any "new details" that could bring forth more evidence.  Or, if the mystery's been solved, announce it -- even if it's minors that they choose not to charge.

On 4/3/2024 at 4:44 PM, TTL News said:

NEW YORK (AP) — Inmates in New York are suing the state corrections department over the decision to lock down prisons during next Monday's total solar eclipse.

The suit filed Friday in federal court in upstate New York argues that the April 8 lockdown violates inmates' constitutional rights to practice their faiths by preventing them from taking part in a religiously significant event.

The plaintiffs are six men with varying religious backgrounds who are incarcerated at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Woodbourne. They include a Baptist, a Muslim, a Seventh-Day Adventist and two practitioners of Santeria, as well as an atheist.

“A solar eclipse is a rare, natural phenomenon with great religious significance to many,” the complaint reads, noting that Bible passages describe an eclipse-like phenomenon during Jesus' crucifixion while sacred Islamic works describes a similar event when the Prophet Muhammad’s son died.

The celestial event, which was last visible in the U.S. in 2017 and won’t be seen in the country again until 2044, “warrant gathering, celebration, worship, and prayer,” the complaint reads.

Unless the State provides glasses for every single inmate in DOCCS, they will get sued by a thousands claiming they have 'eye damage' from NYS allowing them to be exposed to danger. And even if they do give them all glasses, there would still be a large number who wouldn't use them and require medical care.

Woodburn Correctional is a partial eclipses (less than 95%) anyway. If they weren't expecting an eclipse, chances are they'd have just thought it was heavy cloud cover.

By the way.....any word on where these guys were in 2017? Were they all in prison then, or did any of them feel a strong enough religious urge to bother to travel someplace and "witness that sacred celestial event"?

8 hours ago, Chris said:

Whats the superintendent's salary? Something I saw online listed it as $230k. The governor of the whole damned state is making about $250k. 

Yes....$230k in 2023 (according to https://www.seethroughny.net/payrolls).

And, according to a report linked HERE from NYSED, his 2023-24 salary is set at $244k plus $100k+ in benefits and “other”, which puts his compensation higher than other local counterparts.

Full disclosure: I live (and pay taxes) in another school district, and my kids left HHDS schools several years ago. So my interest is just as an outside observer.   

After listening to most of the presentation last night and some comments from members of the BOE and the public.....I hope that whoever has been drafting the budget proposals isn’t pulling off a masterful job of “wagging the dog”.  

The most emotionally charged “fears” are being highlighted (in proposals that stay under the 2% cap). 

So now (even if the public comments weren’t as fiery as some of the FB discussion), there’s a vocal segment of the public poised to demand that the cap be overridden, if they stay convinced that it’s the only way to save those 49 jobs.

Some points that came up that I’d like to see more discussion about.

1)      I think I heard that 11 of the 49 positions 'in jeopardy' are vacant and would be attrition. And a number of the other (38) seem to be newly created healthcare and support “pandemic” jobs (that were initially funded by emergency grants). While it’s unfortunate for anyone to lose their job.... if the job was created to address a short-term crisis, then it’s not rational to expect it to be perpetual. (Imagine if a family member had a medical situation and insurance covered a home aide for recuperation...and then the family was expected to keep that person on payroll indefinitely after the medical need had passed).

2)      The 100% bussing has always seemed unnecessary to me. It boggles my mind to be following a school bus through town and see them stopping to pick up kids a block or two from the school. Sure, door-to-door service is a nice bonus if/when there’s a stable budget to accommodate it, but not necessary by any stretch.  If, as was suggested last night, aligning with the narrower NYS bussing requirements would bring about a $1.5 million savings, it ought to be given strong consideration.

100% agree with @KarenK

I've no doubt that Moss has the authority to request the NYS Budget Office do an assessment, and it seems appropriate to do so.

The entire turn of events the last few years of owning/operating the Arena as tax-payer-owned property is questionable, and deserves scrutiny to ensure no one is wasting (or misusing) County resources.

The CCCR/IDA remitting payments "on behalf of" Donner/Mammoth needs investigating. As well as someone explaining what, if any, money was deposited in the "$625k/yr" fund that Donner's contract required (and an accounting of where every penny went). If nothing was deposited, the CCR/IDA oversight was an inexcusable failure that needs to be addressed. 

However, if a State assessment finds deeper issues than the independently commissioned audit did, then the appropriate legal processes are the answer - not the Exec acting as judge/jury and preemptively deciding the outcome by withholding money that was lawfully approved by the Legislature. 

That seems clearly outside the Executive's scope of authority.  

So infuriating that NYS allows this creature to walk the streets without any bail.

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“Although lower prices may seem like a good thing,’’ Banco de España, the Spanish central bank, says on its website, “deflation can in fact be highly damaging to the economy.’’

How so? Mainly because falling prices tend to discourage consumers from spending. Why buy now, after all, if you can purchase what you want — cars, furniture, appliances, vacations — at a lower price later?

Wow. Are there consumers who really believe this line of BS?

Not only do falling prices not discourage consumers....there is a direct correlation that lower prices lead to increased purchases. 

From cars to electronics.....consumers buy more as prices fall. Things that used to be "luxuries" only found in a few households that became commonplace for every family to own more than one.

DVD players, cell phones, TVs – you name it. Remember when a PC cost $5-6k and only a few geeks bought them?  

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When the Ford Model T was introduced in 1908, it cost about $950 (nominal dollars), with only 10,000 units produced. By 1924, 2 million units were produced at the cost of $300 each

And here's what the result looked like:

Source

Have to wonder how those Troopers felt about being obligated to bring her to crash a solemn event, knowing that her presence would further add to the grief of the attendees.

🙁

And someone should ask her why a whole motorcade going round trip from Albany to Long Island wasn't all EV instead of gas guzzling SUVs . 

Unfortunately “affordable” isn’t a concrete notion. To some, that means not having rental rates that are running 50-60% of the ‘median’ income of working families. To others, it may mean more of a focus on public assistance recipients.

I think the Town of Horseheads project off Gardner And Westinghouse falls into the former.....but some officials outside the Town (County & Village) fear-mongered that it would be the latter.

From this article, I’m not sure which it is. One thing that's not entirely explained is a full and clear account of what “support” and “support services” actually means. (Although the phrase is used repeatedly).  "Support/supportive" is a pretty broad term that "could" refer to anything from Mental Health advocacy to Aging services or Meal Delivery.

But, from the vagueness of the Press Release, I sort of get an impression that "support/supportive" means the concentration could be more welfare than working class. The closest reference is this part that encompasses "supportive" services under the NYS public assistant agency. 

6 hours ago, TTL News Bot said:

The development includes five studios, 30 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments. All 41 apartments are affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

13 apartments are reserved for families experiencing homelessness who will have access to supportive services and rental subsidies through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

It seems like a little bit of spin to have 13 units (31%) reserved for for families experiencing homelessness....but only six (15%) have more than one bedroom. So.....mostly homeless individuals and/or couples?

16 minutes ago, Chris said:

Just denied it again live on Facebook. 

Wow. I can't find it.........I wasn't aware he had an active Legislator FB page.  Like many of them, I only see the "campaign" page get busy during election years.

Even if he’s using slick, manipulative language like no taxes are being used for directly “operating the Arena”....then it’s twisting facts to give a false perception.

The ongoing Room Tax contributions have never been explained in anything more than vague “everyone benefits because the Arena brings visitors to the area”.  No specific, measurable metric to ever show a payoff for the “investment”. Ten years down, 15 to go. 

And the ARP funds were earmarked for specific equipment, repairs and replacements, etc.  All of which they argued were/are necessary for the Arena to operate. Period.

11 minutes ago, Chris said:

I wasn't staying up past 9, let alone late enough to see the aurora ( if even possible with the increased light pollution ). Did anyone see anything?

Nope.

It was too late in the night and would have needed a short road trip to get a clear view....Besides the fact that you can't get far enough "out of town" to escape the brilliant light a Full Moon. 

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Margeson has repeatedly said the Arena is not financed by tax dollars. Freedom of Information Act requests show the First Arena has received at least $875,909 from the Covid-19 American Rescue Plan. Those are federal tax dollars. 

In addition to the $875 in ARP funds.....every year, the Legislature passes a resolution to pay $103,000/yr of Room Tax Revenue to the IDA for the Arena.

This is a continuation of a 2014 resolution that promised the CCIDA more than $2.5 million in tax dollars specifically for the Arena over a 25 year period (2014 – 2039). 

$100k a year isn't a bad steady income for a shady 'quasi-government' agency that flagrantly violates Open Meeting Law to hide its operations from public view, and then boldly lies to the public when it is on record.

He's arrogantly denying the Arena is receiving nearly $3.5 million in tax money ($875k ARP + $2,575,000 Room Tax).

This doesn't include past legislative actions that were a few million from 1999 through 2017......just current tax money trough that the CCIDA is feeding at.

"Who us?? We din't git no tax money." 

3 hours ago, Chris said:

But seriously, adjacent to the AOMC campus? Why there, other than a donated location? Good God, there’s already no parking to be found in that area as it is.

If I had to take a guess, I’d think donated could be a factor. Also, the idea of a property that’s already “built to suit” as a medical facility. A little clean up and fresh paint on existing waiting rooms, reception areas, exam rooms, etc and the place is ready to start accepting patients on Day One..... without any real renovations needed.

I admit the “campus-style” layout is practical for large medical facilities, especially if they are regional specialists/experts, etc.  Whether it’s Mayo or Cleveland Clinic....or Strong, specialists will schedule multiple tests and visits on the same day for anyone coming from out of area. Having services and specialties all located in tight proximity makes sense for that.

But can’t stand that concept for local care. Fighting to park adds unnecessary stress to medical visits that are already a source of anxiety for many people.  I do not need my doctor to be located right next door to every single test or lab that they might ever need at any point in my lifetime.  

1 hour ago, Chris said:

Or did the usual bullshit power struggle in county government screw that all up and now someone else ( the city ) is starting over?

This would be my guess. Or, quite likely....the FQHC developers got sick of waiting for Moss to do his job and approached the City. And maybe suggested that Elmira apply for one of the DRI that the State Legislature green-lighted?

The developer had a presentation at a County Legislature meeting about the deal they approved ARP funds for.  At the time, they (County Leg) asked the City pitch in with them, and it was declined.  That plan was proposed adjacent to AOMC - not the Southside. 

Those guys already had a facility in either Chautauqua Cattaraugus County and were putting up a few million of their own. And after the County Legislature approved the ARP money, they started work on their side. Including working with Dr. Surosky to have a building donated for the project. 

38 minutes ago, Chris said:

I’ll have to look into him some more but so far I’m not impressed. But then again he’d likely be better than the other two brain dead.

It seems like he certainly has some “controversial” views on some things....but nonconformist doesn’t mean he’s not intelligent. I kind of think he understands strategy and the importance of dialogue and being thoughtful of differing opinions/priorities, etc.

I know he’s characterized as “anti-vaccine”....and also as extremely “green”. I have no reason to doubt the holds those views. But there can a huge difference between having personal views and wanting to  impose those views on others.

One can truly believe and be concerned that anything (from high carb diets, to fossil fuels, to gun ownership, to school curricula) may be an "existential danger".....and still believe citizens should be free to make their own choices. 

Not having researched his direct platform, I’m really not clear on how “rigid” RFK's particular policy ideas are. But I haven’t seen anything that says he supports prohibiting things he dislikes or mandating things he supports.

10 hours ago, KarenK said:

So speaking of 3rd party, I know Kennedy is an extreme underdog here but he seems to be garnering more and more support very quietly.  Maybe that's the idea.

Regardless of what anyone may think about some of his specific views.....nobody should doubt RFK Jr's intelligence. He has about twice the cognitive understanding (especially about about numbers, probability and strategy) of the other two combined.  

If he didn't have so many partisan hurdles restricting his "reach" to the public, his would be a lot less of an underdog.

I think you’re right.

Sane voters across all parties and persuasions are unhappy with the presumptive 2-man race. But, being of sane mind, they don’t have much desire to get into heated arguments by saying that out loud.  

Both campaigns are built on emphasizing what’s bad about the opponent. While neither is doing much to demonstrate why their candidate is a good choice.

I feel like this election could be more like the unexpected 2016 result. Whether their reasons were “anti-Hillary” or “pro-Trump”..... it seemed like a large number of voters didn’t advertise their feelings, and just cast their vote quietly in November (throwing polls out the window).

In contrast to the 2020 attitude of both sides screaming their choice, we could very well see quiet voters having a huge impact again.

1 hour ago, Chris said:

More on topic, as I the only one who thinks his rhetoric, in whatever context, is not only unbecoming of the office he held but also potentially dangerous?

And before anyone responds with, “What about…” yeah I get it, the left talks as if a Trump win is the prophecy of Armageddon fulfilled. We can talk about that as well. But “what about” isn’t an answer in my way of seeing things, and too often uttered.

I’ll refrain from “what about” examples, and just say that other politicians say (and do) things that are also offensive, with much less scrutiny and amplification (whether social media, pundits or “news” coverage).

For now, I’ll try to focus on your specific questions about Trump’s conduct***.(see footnote)

I'll qualify my remarks by saying, I did not vote for him (and will not vote for him in the future).

Yes....his rhetoric is often abrasive, antagonistic, crude and hyperbolically exaggerated.

In my opinion, his campaign(s) and presidency have displayed the same persona that he demonstrated on The Apprentice......evidently making it very successful – with dozens of awards and nominations. (Although I proudly count myself among those who never watched a single episode and found the commercials/clips distasteful).

But clearly, the millions and millions of Apprentice fans would suggest that his rhetoric style is effective, and many people found it appealing.

While his distasteful persona is unbecoming of POTUS, I’ve seen little to no evidence of the “dangerous talk” (or perceptions of) equating to any genuinely dangerous Executive actions that have been fear-mongered. (no EO’s to lock up or censor reporters, or jail Muslims, or strip LGBTQ’s of any rights, etc).

And, I do include Jan 6^th in my consideration. There's been plenty of domestic unrest, with intent to forcibly influence Constitutional government activity, throughout US history. Often in larger numbers and with comparable (or even higher) degrees of violence....Anyone who wants a taste of what “insurrection” actually looks like can scoot on down to Haiti. 

Weighing his rhetoric against his actions as POTUS, I believe his domestic and foreign policy decisions had far more positive impact on national security and economic prosperity than his successor.

Barring some miracle of a third party being able to defend against the powerful D/R machine that restricts voter choice.....I have to say that, in the presumptive 2-man 2024 race, I will be more optimistic about the future if the former POTUS with potentially dangerous rhetoric prevails over the former POTUS with a demonstrably dangerous policy record.

***(perhaps we can also have an equally critical discussion on Biden’s potentially dangerous conduct at a later time – also refraining from “what about” comparisons).  

34 minutes ago, Chris said:

It's a snotty little f--ker, that's "learning" how to get responses. 😉

Unfortunately, getting responses can be a dubious objective.

The li’l f—ker is likely to “learn” that a click-bait model with provocative rhetoric will absofarking-lutely satisfy a metric based on “responses”.

Whether the bulk of those resulting “responses” are going to be thoughtful or contentious....welllll. 🤷‍♀️

Bill proved that years ago without any AI help. 😉