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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why is UTSA called the Roadrunners? Explaining nickname amid NCAA baseball tournament
Why is UTSA called the Roadrunners? Explaining nickname amid NCAA baseball tournament Show Caption Hide Caption 5 men's NCAA baseball tournament players to watch The Mongomery Advertiser's Adam Cole and The Tennesseean's Aria Gerson break down the top players to watch in the men's NCAA baseball tournament. Beep, beep! That's the sound Texas baseball heard last weekend as UTSA entered the Austin Regional and walked away with the title over the weekend in Austin, Texas, to advance to the super regional round of the NCAA baseball tournament. That, of course, is because the University of Texas at San Antonio has one of the most unique nicknames in college baseball. UTSA will take on No. 15 national seed UCLA in the Los Angeles Super Regional over the weekend hoping to build on what is already the deepest run in the Roadrunners' postseason history. REQUIRED READING: NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Super regional matchups, schedule, pairings for CWS Here's what you need to know about why UTSA is nicknamed the Roadrunners and the history of the nickname: What is a roadrunner? A roadrunner is "born to run," according to the online bird guide All About Birds. The Greater Roadrunner "can outrace a human, kill a rattlesnake and thrive in the harsh landscapes of the Desert Southwest." According to All About Birds, it typically inhabits open country, particularly arid grasslands and low deserts. Its range extends as far north and west as northern California and has extended eastward into Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. It preys on lizards, snakes, mice and birds. The animal was made famous by its characterization by Warner Bros. cartoon in the form of the "Road Runner," as featured in the show "Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner." Why is UTSA called the Roadrunners? According to the UTSA website, the school held an election in 1977 to determine its school mascot. Other potential mascots under consideration included armadillos, stars, eagles, jaguars, puma, toro and vaquero. The names of armadillos and stars actually won the election, but due to a voided election, a second vote was forced. The roadrunner staged a surprising comeback and won the election to become the school's official mascot. It was introduced at a bonfire rally on Dec. 9, 1977, and officially announced on Dec. 12, 1977. Four years later, Antonio Gonzalez became the first student to wear the Roadrunner Mascot costume when he joined the cheerleaders in an attempt to pep up the crowd when the university launched its intercollegiate athletics program. On Nov. 24, 1981, the Roadrunner made its debut, "hatching" from an egg during a basketball pep rally. The name "Rowdy" for the mascot is believed to be from the "rowdy" nature of the university's spirit squad, according to the school's website. What is UTSA's mascot? Rowdy the Roadrunner has been the school's live human mascot since 1981. Roadrunner hand sign Here's how to show off your Roadrunner support during the NCAA baseball tournament, according to the school's website: Open your hand with your palm facing out and away from you then Curl your first three fingers toward the center of your palm, leaving your thumb and pinky fingers upright. Your thumb is the roadrunner's head and your pinky represents the tail.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Duck Caught on Radar Going Almost Twice the Speed Limit Turns Out to Be Fast-Flying 'Repeat Offender'
A mallard duck was caught speeding, flying 52 km pr hour in a 30 km per hour zone — on a radar camera in Switzerland Authorities said the bird was a repeat speeding offender The same duck was caught speeding at the same spot, exactly seven years priorA duck is being called out for its penchant for speeding through sleepy neighborhoods. A radar camera in central Switzerland meant to catch cars unlawfully speeding in Köniz, a town near Bern, instead snapped a photo of a law-breaking duck, according to a Facebook post from the Municipality of Köniz. The post stated that the radar camera clocked the bird in question flying at 52 kilometers per hour in a 30 kilometers per hour zone — or roughly 32 miles per hour in an 18.6 mph zone — on April 13. According to the post, it wasn't the bird's first offense. Authorities believe the same duck flew too fast past the same radar camera precisely seven years ago. Officials claim they have evidence that the same duck triggered the same camera on April 13, 2018. It's strange enough to find out a duck triggered a radar camera, to find out one duck is likely behind the two sightings, left police "astonished," the post read. "A duck had indeed been caught in the speed trap again, seven years to the day later, in the exact same place and traveling at exactly the same speed," the post stated, also noting that specific duck is "a notorious speeder and repeat offender." The Municipality of Köniz's Facebook post about the bird with a need for speed also addressed claims that the images the radar camera caught of the duck were doctored. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Officials noted that it is unlikely that the footage has been manipulated, because the radar's computers are calibrated and tested each year by Switzerland's Federal Institute of Metrology. Plus, photos taken by the radar camera are sealed to prevent tampering. The duck appears to be a male mallard duck, based on its green head and distinctive ring around its neck, per All About Birds. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, mallards can fly 55 miles per hour while migrating, or faster when flying in the direction of the wind. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Experts raise concerns after observing unprecedented change in species: 'It shouldn't be here'
Rising global temperatures have contributed to unpredictable weather events, but one constant is that wildlife is doing its best to adapt to the changing climate. Songbirds that used to migrate to warmer climates during winter have been spotted in Maine year-round, as the state experiences shorter and milder winters, Maine Public reported. Over half of the more than 650 breeding bird species of North America are migratory, according to All About Birds, meaning these birds undertake the seasonal journeys of moving from one area to another. Birds migrate primarily because their food is limited during harsh winter months, and escaping to a warmer environment is also more enjoyable than shivering in the cold. With the consistent uptrend in global temperatures, however, even the coldest states in the country are not so bad during winter. Maine, which ranked eighth on a list of the nation's worst winter states, according to Thrillist, has warmed in winter a shocking 5 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a century ago. Maine's cold season is also two weeks shorter than it used to be. Birds that were once uncommon in wintertime are becoming prevalent. Red-bellied woodpeckers, for example, a formerly southern bird species, have been spotted in Maine throughout the year, according to Maine Public. The Carolina wren has also expanded northward, making regular appearances in Maine backyards. Bird field guides are now out of date, misleading bird enthusiasts. "Until the 1980s or so, Carolina wrens were barely into southern New England. So a lot of people see an old map like that, and just think, 'Oh, this bird. It shouldn't be here,' but that's really what the change has been," said Doug Hitchcox, staff naturalist with Maine Audubon, per Maine Public. Rising global temperatures, caused by heat-trapping gases that come from the burning of dirty fuels for energy, are affecting wildlife behavior, causing birds to shift their natural migratory patterns. Extreme heat has pushed Ugandan wildlife, such as monkeys, snakes, and elephants, out of their natural habitats and into new environments — typically urban areas already inhabited by humans. As the planet gets warmer, sea levels rise, posing imminent flooding threats to coastal cities and towns, and extreme weather events become more frequent and severe. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One hundred ninety-five nations committed to combating rising global temperatures by endorsing the Paris Agreement, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Paris Agreement represents a global effort to reduce pollution and limit the global average temperature rise to below 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. While the United States has stepped back from this global accord with a planned exit in 2026, other countries are committed to achieving its goals, according to Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, per Reuters. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
A wayward hawk has been attacking tall men - now the quiet town wants to save it
Villagers in a quiet Hertfordshire community are rallying to save a rogue hawk that has been divebombing unsuspecting locals, sparking both chaos and a campaign to protect it. The Harris's hawk, a bird usually native to Brazil, Argentina and Chile, has caused havoc in the historic parish village of Flamstead, swooping down and attacking tall men over the past month. Professionals and local falconers have been recruited in an attempt to bring the bird under control. Rhonda Draper, a resident of the village, has launched a petition to save the falcon, which she says 'deserves understanding'. The Harris's hawk is characterised by 'bold markings of dark brown, chestnut red, and white; long yellow legs; and yellow markings on its face', according to the birdwatching website All About Birds. There are believed to be thousands of Harris hawks in the UK, but only a few are known to be living in the wild. They can also be kept privately in the UK. Earlier this month the local parish council warned it was getting close to having to euthanise the bird following the number of attacks. Ms Draper said the escaped Harris hawk was struggling to readjust after captivity and should not be punished for its behaviour. She said a falconer was working to recapture the bird and urged the community to allow him time. Calling for support, she said wildlife experts should assess the situation to ensure the hawk's safe reintegration. 'I pen this as an earnest plea from a resident of a peaceful village that has recently become a haven for an escapee— a Harris's Hawk. 'This bird of prey, native to our region, has found solace among us after escaping captivity. However, its capricious behaviour, such as sporadic attacks on people and swiping hats has alarmed some.' 'Instead of a death sentence, it deserves understanding,' Ms Draper added. Their high intelligence has made them popular for falconry, with trained birds used to remove unwanted pigeon populations from Trafalgar Square and tennis courts at Wimbledon. The Flamstead resident continued: 'This issue personally hits me as I stand by the belief that every living being has a right to live - humans or wild animals - such as our Harris's Hawk. 'Hawks are beings of immense ecological value contributing significantly in controlling rodent populations. 'Punishing the bird for its former captor's negligence and not providing it ample chance and time to revert to its natural habitat is inhumane and unfair.' It is unknown where the Harris's hawk has come from, with the local zoo in Whipsnade confirming it was not one of theirs. Resident Roy Lambden, 68, previously told The Times he was out walking when he 'felt a whack' on his head, and soon realised he was bleeding. 'It was only from the corner of my eye that I realised it was a bird because I saw it fly away,' he said. 'I was one of the first to be hit by it. Since then, around 20 people I know have been attacked. Lots of bleeding heads — my friend who is bald has got two scars from it.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Non-native 'tree duck' spotted on Cornish beach
A non-native duck believed to have escaped from captivity has been spotted on a Cornish beach. Artist Amal Barwell said he feeds the ducks every morning on Par beach after his dog walks and spotted the odd one out on 17 February. Cornwall Wildlife Trust confirmed it was a fulvous whistling duck that could have escaped from captivity. According to online resource All About Birds, whistling ducks or "tree ducks" are normally found in warm freshwater marshes across the Americas, Africa and Asia. The ducks, which are caramel-brown and black in colour, were once called tree ducks because of their habit of roosting in trees, said All About Birds. Mr Barwell said: "I go and feed the ducks every morning after my dog walks, they spot the car on my way in and gather waiting for when I come back. "About one week ago, I noticed him hanging out with the [others] - first I thought they had a baby but then I noticed he looked nothing like the other and was really cute." He said the duck had a "high pitch whistle" and "stands up for himself". "[He] seems well-accepted, he stays way away from me when I approach him," he said. "He was was here today completely in his element - Par beach inspires me as an artist." Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Cornwall Wildlife Trust
