Is Slavery Unique to Humans, or Does Nature Have Its Own Versions?

Years ago, I believed that humans were the only species capable of deep cruelty—that behaviors like slavery, war, and exploitation were exclusive to our kind. But as I learned more about animal behavior, I discovered that many of the traits we often think of as uniquely human—deception, coercion, even forced labor—also exist in the natural […]

Bird Feeders and Their Impact: A Birder’s Guide to Science-Based Feeding Practices

I grew up in a city so tough that only the most resilient birds—mostly sparrows and crows—managed to survive. My childhood version of bird feeding? Tossing leftover rice and bread scraps onto the ground, hoping they’d find a taker. No fancy feeders, no carefully chosen seeds—just an old-school way of giving birds a snack. Then […]

Stink Bugs: The Unwanted Guests in Your Home and Garden.

Until three years ago, I had never even noticed a stink bug (Pentatomidae), also known as a shield bug. In Bratislava, Slovakia, my garden thrived with vibrant tomatoes and corn, and each autumn, our house was beautifully adorned with ladybirds. But then, everything changed. My once-picturesque world became a battleground as stink bugs invaded, covering […]