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Curator Uncovers Wildfire Smoke's Hidden Threat to Birds

3/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Allison Shultz, the ornithology curator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, is on a mission to uncover the hidden dangers of wildfire smoke for birds. By collecting pigeon feathers during recent fires, she’s analyzing pollutants to reveal how chronic smoke exposure affects avian health and the delicate balance of regional ecosystems.

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Story summary

Allison Shultz, the ornithology curator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, is on a mission to uncover the hidden dangers of wildfire smoke for birds. By collecting pigeon feathers during recent fires, she’s analyzing pollutants to reveal how chronic smoke exposure affects avian health and the delicate balance of regional ecosystems.