http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/exbirds/index.html

This Web site is the online companion to Extraordinary Birds, a recent documentary from PBS's Nature. "From Kundha Kulam's vibrant monsoon marshes to the rugged American Rockies," Extraordinary Birds explores the "intimate links that people have forged with birds." This is a great site to visit whether you've seen the program or not. Users will find video clips, an interview with the editor of American Falconry magazine, a short quiz, and other engaging features. The Web site also provides links and other resources for further exploring this fascinating subject. [RS]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/genes/

This site comes from the BBCs "Gene Stories...The Basics of Being," a Web feature that explores in great depth the field of genetics and how it relates to our everyday lives. In Genes and History, visitors can "find out how science can help solve historical riddles that have long perplexed historians, and how history can offer cautionary tales about the promise of science." The site also includes some interactive features like How Viking Are You?, a fun way to find out if Viking blood runs through your veins. [RS]

http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/

This Web site is the homepage of Queensland Museum in Australia. Besides the usual visitor information details, the Web site has an excellent Features section where virtual visitors can learn more about peregrine falcons, the snakes of Queensland, spiders, Queenslands frog species, and more. Each section contains pages of interesting information and cool features, such as a live cam for Frodo the peregrine falcon and a time-lapse movie of how skeleton specimens are prepared (with flesh-eating insects -- not for the squeamish). [RS]

http://www.calacademy.org/research/aquatic/seafood_guide/

This Web site from the California Academy of Sciences contains an updated version of the Seafood Guide -- an excellent resource for consumers who want to "be a part of the solution to the global fisheries crisis." The Web site also includes detailed information about mercury contamination in seafood, as well as links to important research on marine fisheries. The Seafood Guide may be downloaded and printed out as a handy wallet card. [RS]

http://www.badgers.org.uk/badgerpages/

With this individually-hosted Web site, badger buff Steve Jackson makes it easy "for people around the world to find out more about badgers, the threats they face, and how they can be protected." Jacksons comprehensive Web site is absolutely packed with information and photos. Fortunately, the site is also very well-organized, both by badger species and by specific issue (e.g. conservation, threats, managing badgers in urban settings, etc.). Jackson also provides detailed tips on how to watch and study badgers properly. [RS]

http://www.kew.org/gowild/index.html

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew celebrates UK biodiversity with Go Wild, a summer festival that "turns the spotlight on the splendour of Britains wild species" and "shows the conservation message at the heart of Kews work." Visitors to the Go Wild Web site can take a virtual tour of the festival at Kew and at Wakehurst Place, including panoramic views of festival exhibits. The Web site is loaded with information and photos, and offers a good explanation of biodiversity at the genetic, species, habitat, and ecosystem level. [RS]

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/YearInReview/

This Web site contains a recently published report by the National Park Service titled Natural Resource Year in Review -- 2002: A portrait of the year in natural resource stewardship and science in the Natural Park System. The report opens with Year at a Glance, summarizing NPS activities month-by-month in 2002. The following chapters offer detailed treatments of various park management topics, including biodiversity assessment, ecological restoration, and marine and coastal resource preservation. The entire report may be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format. [RS]

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa006&colID=1&articleID=00083A00-318C-1F30-9AD380A84189F2D7

This Web site contains a feature article from the September 2003 issue of Scientific American, written by neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky. The article explores how "an emerging understanding of the brains stress pathways points toward treatments for anxiety and depression beyond Valium and Prozac." The entire 8-page story is available free of charge to any reader. [RS]