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Before the invention of devices called methane detectors,
coal miners relied on the canary to warn them of the presence
of toxic gases in the mine sections they were working in.

The miners would take a canary bird in a small cage to
work with them in the sections. Being so small, if there
were gases like methane, or blackdamp present, the canary
would pass out and most likely die. This gave the miner
warning to escape from that area before he would be
overcome himself.

Below are some pictures of canaries in the mines provided
to us by R C McDonald.



Canary Bird with Coal Miner






Pictures of how Canaries saved the lives of Coal Miners:









Canaries: warning system for Coal Miners




Pictures courtesy:

R C McDonald
www.robirda.com



See Also:

Gases in Coal Mining

Canaries in the Coal Mines

The most famous canary is Tweety Bird of Looney Tune fame.

All about Canaries & Canaries as Pet Birds

American Singer Canaries