As he and other scientists study the makeup of birds’ nests, they’re looking for signs of human influence. Some birds have begun using insulation, foil, and cigarette butts, for example ...

Contrary to its name, the common coot is no ordinary bird. Contrary to its name, the common coot is no ordinary bird. These plump, black-and-white birds have made themselves at home in the canals ...

Plastic waste has let common coots reuse nests year after year. Scientists have now used the trash layers to date how old nests are.