Birdfreak: The Bird Conservation Blog

Firebug: CSS Styling Made Easy for Nature Bloggers

The Birdfreak Team — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:43:45 +0000

If you are wondering what CSS is, it is yet another acronym to cloud your brain that essentially means “website styling”. (It actually stands for cascading stylesheets which can complicate the issue.)

We use CSS to position items, make links look pretty, change font sizes, etc. Without CSS we could still have style, it would just be clunkier and not as fun to edit. Wait, did I just say “fun”? Sure! Adding style to your blog/website is a big part of attracting returning visitors, helping visitors read and enjoy your content, and also make a site stand out.

But this isn’t just about CSS. There are many tutorials on how to style like a pro. Instead, we’d like to show how a Firefox plugin called “Firebug” can assist you in editing your blog’s style with ease.

Grab the plugin here and install it into Firefox. In the bottom right corner is a little bug icon that toggles the Firebug console. This opens up an overlay on your site where you have numerous options. Here our focus is just on the “Inspect” and “HTML” options.

Please click on the images to enlarge to see the details.

We’ve selected the yellow box which then shows the styles already attributed to that element. On the left side you can actually edit the text; perhaps to see how more or less text would wrap around an image. On the right side is the CSS. You can edit and add new styles to this.

I changed the background and border colors just as an example. You could edit the padding, margins, width, and more. The best part of all this: these are non-destructive changes. You can easily see how a small (or large) adjustment would change the look. If you are happy with it, then you can manually change the .css file once and be done with it.

This works essentially on any webpage. So if you like what someone has done with their site and wish to emulate it, you can easily do so.

Bird Photography Weekly #45

The Birdfreak Team — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:01:10 +0000

Join in on the 45th edition of Bird Photography Weekly We are thinking of moving BPW on a subdomain of Birdfreak.com to give it more exposure. Do you think this is a good idea? Got any other ideas? Let us know!

Help spread the word with these badges:

Copy this code to place this badge:

Let Freedom and Bird Conservation Ring

The Birdfreak Team — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:01:34 +0000

Today is a special day for citizens of the United States. Every year, we celebrate our independence and realize just how lucky we are to have so many freedoms. Much of our daily routine is bombarded with bad news, negativity, disagreements, etc. But today should be a day of respect, love, and fun. Go out there and be proud of our country, be thankful of your family and friends, and have an amazingly fun time.

Remember this: our freedom gives us the privilege to gain great successes and survive setbacks. We have the power to destroy habitats but more importantly, we have the ability to conserve land. Peace and we at Birdfreak.com are proud to be Americans.

Phriday Photo – Canon’s Last Firing?

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:45:37 +0000

After spending an evening hiking and chasing a storm with Bella, I discovered a slight problem. The trusty Canon Rebel XTi that had taken a TON of shots was unresponsive. I have no idea what happened and will be taking it into a camera store this weekend but this Dickcissel could well be one of the last shots fired by a wonderful camera.

Digiscoping is Child’s Play

The Birdfreak Team — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:07:03 +0000

Digiscoping¹ requires a lot of practice to get the hang of. Some amazing photographers have mastered this technique and can produce some unbelievable shots of birds that are normally beyond the range of traditional digital cameras.

However, the concept and execution of digiscoping is rather easy once you get a little practice in. I took Dakota birding with the sole purpose of letting him have full control of the digiscoping rig. Manipulating the scope/tripod into position required a little assistance but once we found a good place to scope out, Dakota began to shoot. As an 11-year old, it is often difficult to keep Dakota from fidgeting or getting impatient. But, by allowing him (and other kids) the opportunity to use expensive (and durable) equipment gives him the sense of responsibility and helps to teach patience, a trait missing in many children (and adults).

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any birds that would light long enough to be photographed, but Dakota had a great time being his Uncle’s helper. Remember, not only can you teach kids to digiscope, they make excellent Sherpas when you don’t feel like carrying your gear.

¹digiscoping is the combining of a spotting scope and a digital camera to take a long-range photograph

Marketing Monday: Review of Seth Godin’s Purple Cow

The Birdfreak Team — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:24:07 +0000

Seth Godin is regarded as one of the best marketing thinkers of our day and has produced several best-selling, easy-to-read (and understand) books on the subject. Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable is a nearly pocket-sized guide describing ways to stand out by producing products that are worthy of demanding attention.

The concept and real world examples are perfect for the birding and bird blogging community. Essentially, when faced with all the other available activities (video games for example) how can conservation marketers, bird clubs, etc. grab attention? We need purple cows.

There’s not much special about a cow. But wouldn’t it be truly remarkable if that cow was purple? That is the underlying principle of Godin’s 130+ page book. For those wanting to promote birding, we suggest adapting this concept in a slightly different way. Instead of cows, we can refer to them as purple gulls. Wouldn’t it be pretty remarkable to see a purple gull?

With his real-world examples and conceptionally spot on treatments, Seth Godin’s Purple Cow is well worth the read for anyone wanting to promote birds, birding, and conservation.

Bird Photography Weekly #44

The Birdfreak Team — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:12:03 +0000

Join in on the 44th edition of Bird Photography Weekly Do you have an idea on how to improve BPW? Increase participation? Let us know!

Help spread the word with these badges:

Copy this code to place this badge:

Get Your Duck (Conservation) Stamp Now!

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:56:20 +0000

Federal Duck Stamps are the single best way to conserve habitat for birds and other wildlife. 98% of the $15.00 cost goes directly to improving and purchasing habitat. This is land that is not just for ducks or duck hunters.

Purchase your stamp (get two!) here.

Phriday Photo – Lake of the Ozarks

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:38:15 +0000

Jennie’s internship led her to the MWCC Environmental Conference in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. This is a view from her elegant hotel room overlooking the gorgeous scenery.

I and the Bird #103 – Take Me Out to the Ballgame

The Birdfreak Team — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:00:18 +0000

The days are long, the weather is hot, and the sights, sounds, and smells of summer are in the air. What better way to spend the day than at Birdfreak Stadium for a game of birding baseball. Today’s game is the visiting Rancho Cucamonga Falcons and the home favorite, Seven State Cardinals.

Pre-game

Parking at the stadium is at a premium so it is best to get there early. Nature Remains arrived as the gates opened, and was ready for some tailgating.

Before long, more fans arrived, including Greg Laden who was decked out in body paint from head to toe and Greentangle, sporting a foam finger falcon.

Batting practice was just getting underway and Cardinal players were signing autographs. Rosyfinch Ramblings was ecstatic to get ace pitcher Mary Lou’s autograph.

After infield practice it was time for the National Anthem, sung by the artistic Tara Young. Then it was ready to start the game. Play Ball!!

1st Inning

The Falcons jumped out to an early lead, thanks to Ben Cruachan’s two-run double.

The Cardinals threatened with back-to-back base knocks but a swift double play from Space Coast Beach Buzz ended the rally.

Falcons 2, Cardinals 0

2nd Inning

The Falcons went down 1-2-3 thanks to the excellent pitching of YC Wee from the Bird Ecology Study Group.

Fear of a pitching battle quickly subsided as the Cardinals put up three runs including a two-run dinger from The Greenbelt.

Cardinals 3, Falcons 2

3rd Inning

An otherwise uneventful 1/2 inning was interrupted by a streaker who made it to centerfield before getting tackled by Chicago Bird Watching and escorted off the field.

With two outs and a runner on third, Seabrooke Leckie from The Marvelous in Nature tripled off the wall and scored on a wild pitch.

Cardinals 5, Falcons 2

4th Inning

Those wanting to take a break from the heat were invited to the Birder’s Lounge to sample Dryocopus pileatus martinis.

The Falcons scored one but were robbed of a game-tying homer when Wren made a leaping catch at the wall.

The Cardinals failed to score but the fans were entertained by the dancing styles of the Qarsauq at the end of the inning.

Cardinals 5, Falcons 3

5th Inning

The Cardinals turned an unassisted triple play thanks to IDEALS.

In the bottom half of the inning, the Cardinals left the bases loaded, but the details are sketchy on how it happened.

Out in right field, many fans were enjoying the newly installed “Wanderin’ Weeta Duck Pond“, which of course is full of ducks.

Cardinals 5, Falcons 3

6th Inning

The sun began to set and the lights were turned on. The Falcons proceeded to light up the scoreboard with an RBI triple by Vickie Henderson and a three-run double by DaveA’s Birding Blog.

Falcons 7, Cardinals 5

7th Inning

The concession stands were hopping as the fans couldn’t get enough of the Nuttall’s Woodpecker Homemade Sappy-Insect Ice Cream.

7th Inning Stretch

While “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” blared on the P.A. system, team sponsors gave away free hot dogs to celebrate Bird Photography Weekly.

The Cardinals filled the bases and eventually scored after a long at-bat that led to a walk.

Falcons 7, Cardinals 6

8th Inning

Rick Wright hit a pinch hit double and then reached third on a wild pitch. While the Cardinal’s pitcher was distracted by a large flock of Greater Flamingoes, he stole home!!

Falcons 8, Cardinals 6

9th Inning

In the top of the ninth a commotion broke out at the world-famous Birdfreak Sushi Bar when a Great Blue Heron went fishing without paying.

In the bottom of the ninth with two outs (go figure!) Mighty Corey came to bat and tied the game with a massive home run that nearly made it to Kazakhstan.

Cardinals 8, Falcons 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Falcons 2 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 8 16 0
Cardinals 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 8 14 1

Extra Innings!!

Well, it looks like this game is going into extra innings. Keep on playing and watching in the next edition of I and the Bird hosted by A birding blog by Gunnar Engblom.

If for whatever reason I missed your submission for this week’s I and the Bird (most likely if the email went into the SPAM dungeon), feel free to email me a link and I’ll put it up on the sidebar.

Birding Missouri – What is Veery’s Job?

The Birdfreak Team — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:06:45 +0000

Veery has temporarily moved! The Birdfreak Team is partially split for the summer as Veery spends the summer working in Jefferson City, Missouri. Join in on her adventures through a new state and answers this question: How’s the birding in mid-Missouri?

Well, although I have not gone out birding yet, I have settled in and began work. June 15 was my first day and I have decided to briefly explain what I will be up to this summer/fall.

What is GIS?
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a multidisciplinary software system for input, storage, processing and retrieval of spatial data. This sounds like a textbook definition, and it is, but it is my favorite. I have taken numerous classes about GIS while in school and have learned some of the software programs, basic applications and a whole lot about digital mapping. Now I will be putting this new knowledge to work.

This internship that I am doing is going to include two parts. Collecting data and turning that data into a digitized map. The maps are done for the Missouri Department of Natural Resource’s Hazardous Waste Program’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) in an effort to increase the amount of GIS material for public use.

A brownfield is a site “where redevelopment and reuse is complicated by known or suspected contamination with hazardous substances” (BVCP). Some examples are gas stations, dry cleaners and old buildings.

The first part of the internship is simply going to a brownfield site and using Trimble GeoXT and XM GPS models to collect satellite points to be entered into the computer. The second is to add the points and create a map of the area, using ArcView 9.2 software.

This weekend I am attending the Missouri Waste Control Coalition Conference 2009 in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. I will be learning a lot about the BVCP and other related programs. I will also get to meet and get to know more about my co-workers, who have made me feel entirely welcome already.

Marketing Monday: Creating Amazing, Catchy, Appealing, Inviting, Awesome, Sweet, Unbelievable, Magnificient, Superb, Creative, Ingenious, Remarkable, Breath-taking, Splendid, Tremendous Titles

The Birdfreak Team — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:56:39 +0000

When writing a title there are three main points to consider:

Cleverness – Does the headline have that certain pop that just says “I gotta see what that’s about!”?
Informative/Meaningful – You can have the most clever, intriguing headline, but if your post is about Breeding Bird Surveys, your title should represent this topic.
Keyword Rich/Search Engine Friendly – Instead of saying “Recap of the ND BBS” you’re better off with spelling it out. This actually benefits your rankings in the search engines as well as assists your readers.

And of course, a super long title is usually not the way to go either!

Bird Photography Weekly #43

The Birdfreak Team — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:49:08 +0000

Join in on the 43rd edition of Bird Photography Weekly Do you have an idea on how to improve BPW? Increase participation? Let us know!

Help spread the word with these badges:

Copy this code to place this badge:

Skywatch Friday – American White Pelican

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:01:29 +0000

Going through some photos and found this one from Horicon Marsh last month. Gotta love those Pelicans!!

See more Skywatch Friday photos!!

Phriday Photo – Dickcissel Singing at 800mm

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:13:21 +0000

Dickcissel {Spiza americana} 800mm [Canon 100-400 lens with 2x extender]

Learn more about Dickcissels at Cornell’s All About Birds

Birding Missouri – It Begins!

The Birdfreak Team — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:12:38 +0000

Veery: The internship I will be starting is a GIS position and I will be working on digital maps for brownsite cleanup sites. I am nervous but excited to have such a wonderful opportunity!

I hope to do some birding, explore the area and write some separate posts about the experience. So, until I get settled in…good birding to everyone!

Marketing Monday: If Wrens Could Tweet

The Birdfreak Team — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:44:50 +0000

The House Wrens in our parent’s backyard chatter from pre-dawn to sundown. Their rattling and scolding barely subsides during a thunderstorm and when their voices return, it is a sure sign the rain has stopped.

If wrens could use Twitter they would not have too many followers. Their constant raukus would be overwhelming to even the most obsessed tweeter. The repitition would make it difficult to sift through the onslaught of information.

Tweeting often and about essentially pointless things is poor marketing.

If mockingbirds could use Twitter, they would constantly retweet other people’s messages, never finding a voice of their own. They would surely grab your attention but it would be short-lived as you grew tired of them.

Retweeting is fine, but overdone it is a bad thing. Giving props for others ideas is always a great idea. But coming up with your own spin or thought on a subject is even better.

If Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (or Great Crested Flycatchers in our area) could use Twitter, every tweet would be about themselves, their greatness, and how cool they are. Every detail of their life would be in the forefront.

Self promotion is necessary when using Twitter, but you can only say “Read my blog now” in so many ways before it loses its effect.

So what bird would represent the best tweeter? Perhaps a Prothonotary Warbler. Their eye-catching color would attract a lot of followers. Their subtle, yet strong voice would grab your attention. Their propencity to vanish, providing only fleeting glimpses would leave you hungry for more.

Tweet like a Prothonotary Warbler: be noticeable and unique but not overbearing. Be bold but not self-indulgent. Share your space with other warblers (Twitterers) by retweeting and give your audience a reason to come back for more.

What bird do you think identifies best with Twitter and could provide a better representation than the usual blue bird?

Look for upcoming tips on how to integrate twitter into your blog and make better use of this interesting web application. There are several websites fully dedicated to Twitter, but we’ll bring a focus on how the conservation community can benefit from this free service.
And don’t forget to follow us!!

Bird Photography Weekly #42

The Birdfreak Team — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:20:09 +0000

Join in on the 42nd edition of Bird Photography Weekly

Help spread the word with these badges:

Copy this code to place this badge:

Phriday Photo – Female Cape May Warbler

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:00:28 +0000

By herself, this bird would probably had gone on the unknown warbler list but her proximity to a bright male Cape May led us to believe she was indeed a Cape May Warbler (and possibly a pair).

Review of The Travails of Two Woodpeckers

The Birdfreak Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:22:14 +0000

I have long held a fascination with extinct birds, such as the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. Every bird book I had as a kid included plates of species such as this (and the Carolina Parakeet and others) but did not include a range map. Instead there would be a paragraph that speculated on the bird’s probable extinction. I was fascinated because the author didn’t want to say they were extinct because they hoped they were not.

The Travails of Two Woodpeckers: Ivory-Bills & Imperials, by Noel F.R. Snyder, David E. Brown, and Kevin B. Clark, is another offering amongst recent literature about the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. What makes this book stand out is that it also covers the Imperial Woodpecker, an equally-fascinating yet less-researched species. The authors, like many others, assume these two species are extinct, despite reported sightings.

The authors set out to “present a reexamination of the causes of the historical decline of both species and to discuss the conservation of implications of these causes” (7). Although they rely heavily on the research James Tanner completed on the Ivory-Bill during the earlier part of last century, they also refute some of his claims. Specifically, they offer a differing view of what caused the Ivory-Bill’s decline. Tanner, and most others, believe that extensive logging of the woodpecker’s habitat led to the demise of the species. Snyder, et. al., suggest that “relentless depredations” by people have long contributed to the decline of the highly-visible and large bird (7). Sadly, no one has studied the Imperial Woodpecker to the extent that Tanner and others have studied the Ivory-Bill.

The first two chapters, one covering each species, include a concise and well-researched ornithological history. They provide an informative read for anyone interested in a historical look at these birds. The third chapter discusses conservation efforts and gives a new viewpoint to the issue. For instance, conservationists have applied Tanner’s research on the Ivory-Bill to the Imperial (due to a lack of research on the Imperial), which the authors of this book believe is a mistake. The authors argue that, by understanding the history of conservation efforts towards these two woodpeckers, conservationists will be better prepared as other species face similar problems.

The book includes many photographs interspersed throughout plus twenty-seven color plates, including the only known photograph of an Imperial Woodpecker. The appendix on known sightings of Imperials is interesting but confusing to the non-scientist.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a avid interest in conservation and to anyone who is interested in learning more about two intriguing woodpeckers that they will most likely never get to see.

Time Has Run Out for More Trees for Birds

The Birdfreak Team — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:35:47 +0000

RIPT Apparel has a new shirt available for birders. But you only have to the end of today to buy it! Check it out now before you’re too late!!

Bird Photography Weekly #41

The Birdfreak Team — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:18:12 +0000

Bird Photography Weekly is moving to SUNDAY beginning JUNE 14th. It will run each week until the following SATURDAY.

Join in on the 41st edition of Bird Photography Weekly

Help spread the word with these badges:

Copy this code to place this badge:

Phriday Photo – Bella Nova

The Birdfreak Team — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:26:25 +0000

Two weeks ago yesterday Birdfreak adopted a new dog: Dobella Nova Scotia, aka Bella. She already is a great hiker and has been to several local forest preserves and other birding spots. So instead of bringing you a bird photo this week, here are a couple shots of Bella.

Bella is thought to be a Doberman/Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Look for more updates of our hiking adventures! The Birdfreak Team has a great love for dogs!!

Battle of the Redheads

The Birdfreak Team — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:12:12 +0000

Our recent trip to Horicon Marsh NWR yielded an interesting squabble between a pair of Redheads. The battle was captured with our Swarovski Digiscoping rig.

Did you notice the male Mallard looking on to the left?

BirdJam – Arizona, Mexico, and Costa Rica Add-Ons

The Birdfreak Team — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:58:47 +0000

We’ve been using BirdJam for what seems like eons now. Basically, the BirdJam software takes your installed bird song CDs and turns your iPod or iPhone into the ultimate bird song machine. Birdjam:

removes voiceovers announcing the bird on the track
splits double tracks into individual ones
adds a plethora of playlists to better organize the birds
places taxonomic information, written cues for remembering bird songs, and photos (when applicable)

Recently we added three new modules to our ever-growing bird sound library: SE Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, Costa Rica: Caribbean Slope, and Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

The SE Arizona and Sonora, Mexico module matches up with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Bird Songs of Southeastern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico” by Geoffrey A. Keller. BirdJam’s software adds beautiful photos to each of the Arizona birds (but not the Mexican ones).

The Costa Rican module is synced with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s “Voices of Costa Rican Birds: Caribbean Slope,” CD set by David L. Ross, Jr. and Bret M. Whitney. This module has 220 songs and calls but does not include any bird photos of birds other than those also found in the Stokes guides.
The Yucatan module adds support for the Bird Songs of Mexico: Yucatan Peninsula Volume 1.

We were able to run the software with little effort and the entire process took less time than actually importing the tracks from the physical CDs.

Note: The CDs are sold separately from the BirdJam software.

There are other add-on modules also available through BirdJam including Frogs & Toads and North American Owls. Each of these add-ons costs just $9.99. We highly recommend BirdJam and fully endorse the responsible use of it. [Not using it in highly sensitive bird habitats or around rare or endangered species.]

We have found a conflict with a birding friend when trying to import the Stoke’s CDs into iTunes version 8.1.1 (10) on Windows Vista. If you have this problem uninstall iTunes and download version 7 and then reimport the CDs. Once they are loaded, install version 8.1.1 and it should work fine.