Like Lemmings Over a Cliff

Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey have been dispatched to the Falkland Islands to document the behavior of King penguins. During the Falklands war, it was reported that when aircraft overflew penguin colonies the birds were so mesmerized by the sight that they would stare at the planes — and topple over like dominoes as they passed. One pilot from the war told newspapers, “As the aircraft flew over, they would all lean back further and further as they craned their necks. Then they would collapse on the ground like a pack of cards.” But researcher Dr. Richard Stone said he doubted the reports. “Aircraft do have an effect on penguins, but not to the extent of birds falling over,” he said, adding he’s only studying the birds “to discover if overflights can harm colonies at breeding time.” (AFP) ...C”mon, Dr. Stone: people are finally interested in science and you don’t want them to fall for this one?