Bird Watching for Birders

Groups ponder fate of bird with a fowl reputation

2006-06-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

The purple swamphen looks positively chicken-esque as it stalks through the marsh: feathered, feckless and full of wide-eyed chicken innocence.

But is it fowl or foe?

Keep reading --> Groups ponder fate of bird with a fowl reputation

Bird Note

2006-06-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

In WA State, there is lots to keep a birder happy. One of them is listening to Bird Note on the local public radio station.

In the interest of sharing...guess what? You can listen to it as well! Bird Note runs it's own blog/website where you can listen to the recordings.

So treat yourself to sound bird calls.... Bird Note

Landscaping for Birds

2006-05-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Are you a gardener? I am, though I'll admit it seems that there is precious little time for it these days. Nevertheless, I do realize the importance of having the yard and garden as "bird friendly" as possible. Afterall, it means that I can enjoy another favorite hobby almost anytime...bird watching.

When you think about landscaping for birds or making your yard bird friendly, there are a few simple things to keep in mind.

Water - it's essential. Just like us..birds need water to.
Protection - feeding birds need places to retreat should you friendly cat visit the area
Diversity - of plants as well as feeders will go a long way toward attracting birds to your yard.

Visit Birding Mania for more tips on lanscaping for birds.

Hummingbirds & Bird Houses

2006-05-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Spring comes a bit slow sometimes in this corner of the world. But it's finally here...and so are the hummingbirds and swallows.

It's a joy to watch the hummingbirds have their breakfast while I have mine. They definitely bring a smile to all who watch them.

I recently came across and article on hummingbird houses. I'd never even heard of them prior to this...and now I'm jazzed to wonder if one would work in my yard.

See what you think....Hummingbird Houses.

500 Million Birds!

2006-05-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you love to be a part of this? I know I would.

"Each year, some 500 million birds visit Israel's Hula Valley, a migratory crossroads where Europe, Asia and Africa meet. On November 5-11, 2006, thousands of serious ornithologists, weekend bird- watchers, and people of all ages from around the world who simply enjoy seeing Mother Nature at her best will also flock to the region - for the first annual Hula Valley Bird Festival in Israel."

For more information visit http://www.hula-birding.com/festival.htm

Spotting a Rare Bird

2006-05-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

What birding maniac would not love to spot a rare bird? Here's one that did:

~~~~~

Rare bird spotted in Bismarck back yard
Allen Nass was hoping to get more photographs of a Harris's sparrow Saturday when another bird, one he didn't recognize, showed up in his back yard.

He thought it was some kind of finch at first because of the red on it. Then he wondered if it was a woodpecker. Then he did what he always strives to do in such situations.

"Take pictures and ask questions later," he said Tuesday.

What Nass photographed in his yard about eight miles east of Bismarck was a European goldfinch.

Want to read the rest of the article?

Shorebirds - where are you?

2006-04-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

As I posted previously, our annual Shorebird festival is this weekend. I was out there this morning (excellent spring weather!) to do a bit of birdwatching. Usually, it's very quite and at most see just one or two other people. Today...there was not even any parking!

It's about a mile or so out to the platforms from the parking area. It was a warm and beautiful morning right at high tide (important to see the shorebirds in concentrations). As we got further out, I kept saying..."where are the birds?".

Apparently the counts are quite a bit lower this year. Don't know why. I for one am hoping they are just getting a late start in migrating.

Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival

2006-04-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite events - it's mind blowing to see so many birds at once...

===============

EACH SPRING, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest and feed in Grays Harbor estuary on their migration northward. Coming from as far south as Argentina, these Arctic-bound shorebirds are among the world's greatest migrants. Some birds travel over 15,000 miles round trip! Tens of thousands of shorebirds feed on the open mudflats in the estuary. This concentration of birds offers people a great chance to view a number of shorebird species, and with luck, to see the birds fly together in beautiful formations while trying to escape the fastest creature on earth, the Peregrine Falcon.

The 11th Annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival will be held on the weekend of April 28-30, 2006 in Hoquiam, Washington with headquarters at Hoquiam High School. The keynote speaker at the banquet on Saturday night will be Dr. Stephen W. Kress, Vice President of Bird Conservation for the National Audubon Society and manager of the Society's Maine Coast Seabird Sanctuaries. Included activities are guided field trips, fun fair for kids, live auction at the banquet, lectures, book signing by authors, poster contest in elementary schools, and lots more.

This wildlife spectacle happens every year at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and other parts of Grays Harbor County. People from around the world come to view this event of hemispheric importance. The Shorebird Festival works to bring people together for this incredible natural phenomenon.

To learn more please visit Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival

The Pelicans' brief visit

2006-04-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

I love pelicans! Every summer the Brown Pelican blesses us with visits along our coastline. However, I don't think I've every seen a White Pelican here. But look who has....
=========

"I've never seen so many pelicans," says Sedwick. "At least not in this country."

"They're magnificent birds," he said of their black-tipped wings and 110-inch wingspan. "I never even knew they were here."

The birding community is all aflutter at the sheer number of pelicans stopping by Nelson Lake Marsh this spring. Bird enthusiasts counted as many as 145 birds, up from a previous high of about 30 to 40, says Bob Andrini, president of the Kane County Audubon Society.

"I really don't have an explanation as to why there are so many pelicans this year," Andrini said. "I think it's just a matter of they told someone, who told someone, who told someone."

The Pelicans' brief visit

Where to go birding?

2006-04-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds like a no brainer, but you need to go to where the birds are. A good place to start is to find a bird sanctuary or wildlife refugee near you. There are hundreds of wildlife refugees in the United States and there is sure to be one with in driving distance of you. You can find a list of them at http://refuges.fws.gov. This is the federal wildlife service's web site for wildlife refugees.

For even more information on where to bird, read Bird Watching.

How to Identify Birds

2006-04-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

The first thing a birder wants to do when starting out is to learn to identify birds. This article gives great pointers...could not have said it any better myself....

===========

Identifying birds involves some basic categories: visual categories such as size, shape, and field marks; behaviour categories such as habits, flight patterns, habitat, and song or call; and geographic characteristics such as migration and range.

Everyone knows a few broad categories of birds: swimmers, long-legged waders, aerialists, perching birds, woodpeckers, chicken-like birds, and birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and owls.
Categorizing a bird into one of these can be a good first step, eliminating many other possibilities.

It is also important to estimate the bird’s size and shape; was it tiny like a hummingbird, or big like an eagle?

You can use familiar birds as a reference; e.g. it was bigger than a robin but smaller than a crow.
Shape can help to eliminate many possibilities: birds can be slender like a heron, stout like a grouse, or streamlined; they can have crests, or long necks, or long or hook-shaped bills.
After the first two categories of size and shape, field marks can be crucial in either eliminating possibilities or nailing a bird’s identification.

A field mark is a distinguishing feature of a bird’s plumage, and can include marks such as wing-bars, eye-rings, and crown stripes; pay particular attention to marks on the head, wings, and tail.

In order to distinguish field marks, you need to learn the names for the parts of a bird; experts know these very well.

Of course there are the legs, wings, tail, bill, and head … but what about the nape, belly throat, and rump – or even more obscure parts such as the scapulars, under-tail coverts, and auricular? Any decent bird book includes a diagram showing all the parts of the bird that it uses for identification. Study these parts; it will pay off.

Read more about IDENTIFYING BIRDS

An activity strictly for the birds

2006-03-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

So is it "birding" or "bird watching"...what is the correct terminology?

An activity strictly for the birds

Life's Lessons from Birds and Nature

2006-03-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to read read about young people getting involved in birding.

Birder's lessons of life from nature

Kingfisher hairdos part of birding expo

2006-03-27T22:11:00.000-08:00

Kingfisher hairdos part of birding expo: "North Alabama Birding Festival"

Truly a family affair! If you are in the area, check it out.

Happy Birding!

New Birding Blog

2006-03-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, this blog had been tagged as a splog (spam blog) and had been locked by Google. While I certainly appreciate their efforts to keep slogs down to a minimum, I was also frustrated in my in ability to add content for our readers.

That said, in addition to this blog, we've added a new one that will be attached to Birding Mania, called Birding Mania News!

For at least the time being, and perhaps in the long run, we will keep both blogs going. I guess there is enough to write about when it comes to bird watching and all things "birder", it will not be too difficult.

In the meantime, Happy Birding!

Sandhill Cranes - 500,000 of them are waiting for you!

2006-03-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Right now, until the first part of April, you can visit the Rowe Sanctuary in Nebraska from the comfort of your computer and see first hand 500,000 Sandhill Cranes!

You can watch them, listen to them, and interact with others on the forum.

Who's doing this...National Geographic of course.

Here are the best viewing times:

March 21-March 27
Morning: 6 a.m.-7:45 a.m. CT
Evening: 6:15 p.m.-7:45 p.m. CT
(450,000-500,000 cranes expected along an 80-mile [130-kilometer] stretch of the Platte River)

March 28-April 3
Morning: 5:50 a.m.-8:30 a.m. CT
Evening: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. CT
(500,000 cranes expected along an 80-mile [130-kilometer] stretch of the Platte River)

April 4-April 10
Morning: 6:30 a.m.-9 a.m. CT
Evening: 7 p.m.-9 p.m. CT
(100,000-400,000 cranes expected along an 80-mile [130-kilometer] stretch of the Platte River)

Where: CraneCam

Cost: Priceless!

Don't miss it!

Spring migration has begun

2006-03-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Though spring starts next week, it's already here! This morning I woke to the Canda Geese flying overhead as they have begun their migration north. Robins have returned and yesterday I noted several killdeer, seemingly looking for nesting grounds.

On the west coast here we are on what is called the Pacific Flyway. Literally millions of birds will pass over the roof of my house (or very near by) on their annual migration.

Just a few hours north of here is beautiful British Columbia. They have incredibly wonderful areas for watching this migration happen...here is one article on just that.

Survivors - the birds

2006-03-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

When one things of Los Angeles, CA one does not think of biriding in that city. I know...I've spent enough time there. You have traffic, smog, people, more traffic, noise and traffic. So imagine my surprise to find people birding in LA...right in the middle of the city!

I'd class these birds survivors! Read on.....

Flights of fancy
Angelenos might see the city as a concrete jungle, but to nearly 500 species of birds and those who watch them, it's a rustic aviary.
By Hugo Martín, Times Staff Writer
March 9, 2006

'DO you hear that?' Bob Shanman asks fervently as he leads a dozen bird-watchers toward a clump of shrubs in the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve in Torrance. 'That's them!'

His followers, mostly middle-aged birding enthusiasts, rub the sleep out of their eyes as they traipse through one of Southern California's last vernal marshlands, a 50-acre enclosure of marshes and grasslands, ringed by urban sprawl."

Continue.....Flights of fancy - Los Angeles Times

Travel To Uganda - A Kingdom Of Birds

2006-03-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Lots of birders plan vacations specifically to see birds. While I've not done exactly that, I do make it a point to go bird-watching where I go.

One place that has not been on my radar for birding is Africa. What a mistake. The more I ready about Africa, the more excited I become. Right now, I work with a woman from Tanzania, and I've spent hours listening to her talk about the wonders of her country....another place that is now high of my list of places to visit.

============

Travel To Uganda - A Kingdom Of Birds: "

Uganda is an equatorial country with an amazing diversity of Habitats. Truly a Kingdom of Birds, Uganda hosts over 1000 bird species, both Albertine Rift endemics as well as rarities with half of the species known on the African continent, and over 10% of those on record throughout the entire world. For a birding safari, Uganda is a perfect destination."

============

I suppose this should have been on my radar. The end of last year, National Geographic magazine was operating a 24/7 wildlife cam at a watering hole in Botswana. I was completely enthralled watching the animals come and go to this particular watering hole - which included many birds - many which were obviously new to me.

So the next time you think of a birding vacation - or any vacation - think of the wonders of Africa.

Golf Course to become habitat for birds

2006-03-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

The Ponderlodge Golf Course (Cape May, MA) is the first - and hopefully not the last - to return habitat back to the birds.

You can read it here: Cape golf course goes to birds for open space

What is really important about this step is it will bring us back into balance. Right now, we are loosing wildlife habitat at an alarming rate. While we as people want spaces for our lives and own pleasures, it's essential that we attempt to return to more of a balanced world. The earth, just like our bodies, does best when we are in balance.

To do your part on a mare local level, you can provide space for birds and other wildlife in your own backyards. You can get more information on how to do that at BirdingMania.com

Bird Watching in Toronto

2006-02-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for information on bird watching in Toronto?

Having spent some time in the region, I know there is lots to see there - especially around the lakes where I tend to hang out.

Here is a site that may interest those of you in the North.

Bird Watching in Ontario

Attracting birds to your yard...

2006-02-25T22:53:00.000-08:00

It's nearly spring and I've started to hear various song birds again. Aside from listening to the water, the next best sound is that of birds. Do you want to attract birds to your yard?

The easiest way to attract birds is with bird feeders. Start with a tray type feeder as it will make it easier for the birds to find the food at first. They will either easily see the food or other birds feeding. To really enjoy watching the birds at your feeder I recommend getting a good bird watching book. Any large bookstore should carry them and you can probably get one for just your region of the country.

You can read the rest of this article and more at www.BirdingMania.com

Birding in Kentucky - for beginners

2006-02-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

When you are just starting bird watching, the general guides can be somewhat confusion.

I really like the idea that many locations are coming out with their own guides. Here is one such guide for Kentucky, geared toward the beginner.

Lexington Herald-Leader | 02/18/2006 | A birding guide for beginners

Another good way to start is your own backyard. One of the reasons backyard birding is a great place to start is because as you watch all the birds, you begin to recognize them, their behaviors andhow they are similiar or not to other birds.
As you compare them to the guides you are using, you learn to quickly look for certain details as new birds come into the yard. To learn more about getting started, visit Backyard Bird Watching.

Hummingbirds and Feeders

2006-02-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

In the some part of the US, it's time to get your hummingbird feeders ready. In fact, in some places in the Southwest, you've already got hummingbirds visiting you (lucky you!).

For the rest of you...do you know where to hang your feeders? What kind of feeders are best? Do you know how to make your own feed without using chemicals and dyes?

You'll find more information at BirdingMania's Hummingbirds in Your Yard.

Bird Songs

2006-02-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder which bird is singing that beautiful note you are hearing? I do that all the time.

When looking at various bird guides, they always include something to give you an idea of what that sound will sound like. But...I don't know about you...but it never sounds like I read it. Besides, usually, I ONLY hear the bird, not see it.

One of my favorite bird songs is made by the RedWing Blackbird. I just get thrilled every time I hear it. But it just does not sound like chortle-deeeeee.

I have a cd that plays sounds and identifies birds, but I don't find it useful. Since I don't know what bird I'm hearing, it makes no sense to listen through both CD's to find the sound of one bird.

So...other than taking an expert at sound identification out with you every time, how did you learn the bird songs? What resources do you use?

I'm looking forward to hearing your responses.