For the last several months, I’ve been working on a huge series for Environmental Health News, an online publication, about effects of man-made chemicals and climate change on birds. It’s been a riot – the perfect combination of new findings, sleuthing scientists, puzzles and, of course, gorgeous creatures. Some of the pieces, including this opening essay and this one on how mercury affects birds’ songs, have also run on National Geographic’s site. So a huge honour.
Today, it’s my final piece in the series, on whether the newest class of insecticides, neonicotinoids, is affecting the populations of birds that need bugs for food. Fun times, travelling to Saskatchewan to take a look at some hungry baby tree swallows.
Alanna Mitchell 
Your piece on neonicitinoids was wonderful – very informative for a civilian. I find it remarkable that you can do this kind of research and writing. I have so many questions about this type of jouirnalism and how it fits into today’s economy and public policy.
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