SpeakBeak.com

Bird Migration - Learn More Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:10:00 +0000

Lots of interesting information from CloserToNature.com regarding bird migration. It appears to me that migration is becoming an annual event - but I'm no ornithologist. Happy birding!

When is Bird Day 2011?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:36:00 +0000

When is Bird Day this year? It's to late for 2010 but follow the links to find not only the date of Bird Day 2011, but also National Bird Day and International Bird Day!

The chart gives exact dates through 2015.

Merry Audubon Christmas Birdcount!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:25:00 +0000

Image by Luke Redmond via Flickr

'Tis the season for the annual Audubon Christmas Birdcount. The 110th season runs through Jan 5th and there are birdcounts all over the U.S. and Central America. Each year's count adds to the information gained in previous years. Scientists rely on the data to help identify declining bird populations which are in most urgent need of conservation help. Check with your local Audubon chapter to see how you can participate.

Operation Migration

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Per Operation Migration's website:

Follow the story of a record-making 21 endangered Whooping Crane chicks making their first journey south as ultralight airplanes show them the way! Weekly "countdown" reports begin September 4. Then join the chicks' first migration south with daily reports (and Operation Migration's live CraneCam!) starting in October!

If the team finds connectivity at remote stopover locations, you may be able to watch each morning's departure as the cranes and planes make their way south on a journey of over 1,200 miles. The CraneCam will also deliver views of the Class of 2009 in their travel pen after each migration flight leg is completed.

Demographics of United States Birding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

A recently released report by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis” shows that 48 million of us, 16 years of age or older, are birders.

Among other things, the report shows that more males than females are birders, the four most bird-rich states in the U.S. have the lowest birder participation rates and that birding is primarily an activity of white people??? Go figure....get out there and get some sun everyone.

Read the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s report, "Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis” here.

Now Open! South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:20:00 +0000

September 27th marked the opening of The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, the ninth and final facility of the Rio Grande Valley’s World Birding Center.

Built on 50 acres of wetland, the 10,000 square foot 6.5 million dollar facility has a five-story observation tower and almost 5,000 feet of boardwalk. The boardwalk courses over the Laguna Madre wetland that separates South Padre Island from the Texas mainland. Numerous covered blinds are located along the boardwalk affording photographic and viewing opportunities of the nearly 300 bird species that either live on the island or pass through during annual migration.

Go to the World Birding Center’s website or call 243-8179 for information on the center and visiting hours.

A Field Guide is Every Bird Watcher's Companion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:06:00 +0000

A Field Guide is Every Bird Watcher's Companion

The 13th anniversary of the passing of Roger Tory Peterson was a couple of weeks ago. The release of the North American edition of his Field Guide to Birds this past year prompts Steve Grinley to re-look at the man who revolutionized field guides and the effect that he had on birders like himself.

Trap, Neuter, and Release: Bad for Cats, Disaster for Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:25:00 +0000

American Bird Conservancy has produced a new, short video "Trap, Neuter, and Release: Bad for Cats, Disaster for Birds." Each year, feral and free-roaming cats kill hundreds of millions of our nation's birds, putting additional pressure on the populations of many species that are in decline.

Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) programs catch feral cats, neuter them, and then release them back to their colonies, which are subsequently maintained by volunteers. In theory, cat colonies managed under TNR will diminish over time through attrition, and eventually disappear. In practice this is not the case. View the video here

New Technologies to Help Reduce Bird-Plane Collisions.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

A National Geographic News article by John Roach explains new technologies that are being developed to help reduce future bird-plane collisions. Read the article here.

Scientists Start to Unlock Secrets of Bird Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:56:00 +0000

According to an Associated Press article, research funded by the National Science Foundation has helped scientists start to unlock secrets of bird flight. Read entire article here.

Safety and Birding the Mexico Border

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:03:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

With thousands of people throughout Latin America (as well as other countries) using the U.S.-Mexico border as a way to gain illegal entry into the United States, here are a few thoughts on safety when birding along the Mexico Border.
Typically, illegal border crossers are only poverty-stricken men and women looking for a better way of life in America. But there is another more dangerous border crosser that deals in smuggling narcotics or other illegal contraband. These individuals may be armed, not to mention already paranoid due to the line of work they are involved in.
It’s not hard to imagine an innocent birder with binoculars and khaki or camouflaged clothing looking like law enforcement or a competing smuggler. If you come upon suspicious persons, make the most discrete and hasty withdrawal possible. When you’re back to a well populated area, report any suspicious activity to authorities.
There is a lot of birding to enjoy along the border – but be aware of your surroundings and err on the side of safety. Come to think of it that’s good advice anywhere you bird.

United States of America 2009 "The State of the Birds" Report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar released the first ever comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States. The study shows widespread decline or threats affecting nearly a third of the 800 bird species in the U.S. Reasons given for the decline - habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats.

Find the Interior Department's 2009 The State of the Birds report here.

.

New Children's Book Combines Birding & Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:53:00 +0000

And now for something completely different.....a new children's book combines birding & haiku. It’s written for children but many adults would find it interesting, too. Get more information on Michael J. Rosen's most recent book, The Cuckoo’s Haiku and Other Birding Poems, here.

New bird species found - may be more to come!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:25:00 +0000

AP environmental writer, MICHAEL CASEY, reports from Bangkok, Thailand that a new species of the fist-sized babbler bird has been found in a network of underground caves in southwestern China, raising the prospect the country could become a hot spot for other discoveries. Read the article here...

Texas Century Club.....just crazy enough to work.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:54:00 +0000

Some things make me so proud to be a Texan. This craziness just might be one of them. Take a look at David Ringer's blog post regarding:
100 birds in 100 counties.

$50k Offered for Photographic Proof of Ivory-billed Woodpecker

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:13:00 +0000

$50,000 is offered to anyone who presents photographic proof of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (recent photo I assume). You can read Kenneth Heard's entire article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette here. I wonder if that's $50k before or after taxes.....excuse me while I look for a stuffed Ivory-bill and my camera.

Is Disease Included At Your Birdfeeder Buffet?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:59:00 +0000

When was the last time you cleaned your backyard bird feeder? How about your bird bath? It’s unfortunate that the beneficial act of providing birds with food and water can be potentially life threatening to them. A variety of bacteria, fungi and parasites can plague birdseed feeders, particularly if the seed has become damp or wet. Unclean birdbaths and transmit avian diseases, as well.

Potential avian illnesses include:
• Salmonella, one of the most common bacterial diseases found at feeders and can kill birds quickly. It is spread among birds through direct contact at crowded feeders and also through ingestion of food or water tainted with infected avian fecal material.
• Aspergillosis, a common respiratory infection in birds caused by a fungus which grows on decaying seed.
• Trichomoniasis, a parasitic protozoan ailment that affects the digestive tracts of pigeons, doves, and even hawks that feed on these birds.
• Avian Pox, a virus distributed by direct contact of infected birds, contact with contaminated surfaces such as perches and bird feeders, and through ingestion of water and food that has been polluted by sick birds or carcasses of dead birds. The virus causes growths to form in the mouth, throat and respiratory system, resulting in difficulty breathing or swallowing.

If you have more than one feeder make sure you space them well apart to avoid crowding. Use only fresh, high quality bird seed and keep rodents out of the food. Rats and mice can carry bird diseases.

Cleaning feeders and birdbaths regularly with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) is critical to the health and well being of our backyard friends. Clean at least once a month, always outdoors and rinse cleaned feeders and birdbaths thoroughly to remove all traces of the bleach solution. Cleaning should always be done away from any place human food is prepared. Wash your hands well when finished. Some of these pathogens like Salmonella are potentially harmful to humans, as well.

Birders May Have Contributed to Burrowing Owl's Death

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:01:00 +0000

Birders showing up in numbers and repeatedly flushing a burrowing owl may have contributed to it's death. Click here for the full story.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker Remains Elusive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:01:00 +0000

It appears the ivory-billed woodpecker still remains elusive. According to an Associated Press article this is likely the last year current institutions heading the search will make a full-fledged effort to find the bird. Click here to read the full Associated Press article.

Shade-grown Organic Coffee – Recommended by Birds Everywhere!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:18:00 +0000

For many years coffee has been grown in Latin America in the shade of large trees – hence the name “shade-grown” coffee. A coffee bean ripens slowly in the shady environment resulting in a dense more flavorful bean. This growing method is organic and works beautifully within the forest ecosystem. The tree canopies on shade-grown coffee plantations make natural homes for migratory and tropical bird species. Countless other organisms including reptiles, insects, butterflies and plant life living in the forest rely on these trees, as well.

Over the past few decades coffee growers in Latin America have come under increasing pressure to convert to “sun-grown” coffee farming. Large tracts of forest are destroyed to grow coffee in full sun or at best partial shade. There is a huge downside. During the time it takes you to read this article, acres of tropical forest will be lost to this method of growing coffee. Many sun-grown coffee plantations also rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance coffee production. When synthetic chemicals and pesticides are used in combination, exposure can create a poisonous effect many times greater than the two used separately. These two factors alone may have already contributed to the decline of many migratory bird species. It’s even more disheartening when you realize all this is being done in the name of increased profits for a few.

You set into motion many positive benefits when you purchase only shade-grown organic coffee. Always look for packaging that indicates certified shade-grown organic coffee.

Birdpost.com - these guys are no birdbrains!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:47:00 +0000

I stumbled upon a pretty cool website at Birdpost.com - the website allows you to track, compile and share bird observations. Satellite mapping technology makes it possible to report your bird sightings and search for the sightings of other birders.

Have you ever wanted to see a certain bird but didn't know where to look? Just set the alert for the birds you want to see using the site's Rare Bird Alert. You'll be notified by email the moment the bird is posted on the Birdpost Satellite Map.

Browse birds by a number of different methods, find regional checklists, upload your life list via "CSV" formated files.

Best of all....it's FREE (for now, anyway).

Bird Advocates: A question of justice for cats, birds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:30:00 +0000

Bird Advocates: A question of justice for cats, birds

North American Birding Trails

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Since their inception in 1996, birding trails now wind throughout the United States. Texas was the first of now almost 40 states to create birding trails. The trails were the inspiration of Ted Eubanks and Madge Lindsay. Their inspiration resulted in the first trail, the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. The list continues to grow as birders and other nature lovers discover this great way to enjoy our wildlife resources.

The trails are created using existing highways, byways and county roads to link prime public and private birding areas. Distinctive signs mark the way and detailed maps are available for each of the trails (some are free and some have a small charge). Both can be a big help to birders unfamiliar with an area.

Expert birders and beginners alike are drawn to the trails. A boost to local economies and a boon to birds – birding trails are a win-win situation for all involved. Not only do birders spend money while traveling along birding trails, the trails also help communities become aware of the treasures they may have in their own back yard – and the need to protect those treasures.

The National Audubon Society and the American Birding Association both have extensive lists of birding trails on their web sites. Plan a birding road-trip to somewhere you haven’t been in a while or explore someplace totally new to you. Discover and enjoy what our wildlife resources have to offer.

Please do your part - keep your frickin' cat indoors!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:51:00 +0000

The number of songbirds killed by cats each year is significant. This problem will worsen if left unchecked. Even well fed domestic house cats when left outside will kill birds. Cats hunt out of instinct even when not hungry. Even declawed cats are effective hunters and it is widely know that a bell on a cat’s collar is no deterrent.

Consider this: it is typical for a domestic female cat which is kept indoors to become sexual mature at five to nine months of age. A free roaming cat can become sexually active much sooner than that. Cats from the same litter can mate and female cats, especially in milder climates, can become pregnant any time of year. The average gestation period of a cat is under 70 days and the litter size ranges from three to six (or more) kittens. It is not uncommon for cats to go back into heat one to two months after giving birth - some sooner. Cats can have up to five litters per year. This would give just one female cat the potential to have 15 to 30 kittens (or more) per year. The cycle starts over again when these kittens become sexually mature in five to nine months. You do the math…

There are an estimated 60 million or more pet cats in the United States (this does not include the millions of strays and feral cats). Studies show the percentage of cat owners that allow their cat outside to be conservatively 25% or more. Cats allowed outdoors are not only a threat to birds but also at risk themselves (example: car vs. cat = car winning nearly every time). Neither of these losses is necessary.

The American Bird Conservatory’s citizen education and action program Cats Indoors! encourages responsible cat ownership. You can find recommendations on how you can help on their website. The National Audubon Society has passed a Resolution on Cats supporting the need for action.

Please do your part - keep your cat indoors!

Birding By Ear

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Birding by ear is at the apex of birding skills. It is the goal of birding by ear to separate one song or call from another, and then determine which species is making the sound. It is probably one of the best skills a birder can develop. Birding by ear is an essential skill for paid birding guides, or anyone who studies or surveys birds.

We've all birded with someone who is able to distinguish between an eastern and a western meadowlark just by hearing it. Or someone who is able to identify half a dozen birds before leaving the parking lot when the only thing that's flown by is a black vulture.

If you know someone who has a mastery of birding by ear, accompanying them in the field is a great way to gain insight into the world of bird songs. It sometimes take a very discerning ear to point out subtle differences that a novice might miss.

Sometimes mnemonics is a useful tool in learning bird songs. Mnemonics is accomplished by translating the bird sounds and calls into human speech. "Who cooks for you?" for the Barred Owl, "teakettle, teakettle, teakettle," for the Carolina Wren, "what-cheer, what-cheer, what-cheer," for the Northern Cardinal, etc.

Perhaps the key to learning to bird by ear is repetition. Luckily, we live in the age of mp3 players (such as an IPod, etc.). Not only can you load hundreds of bird sounds and listen over and over in the comfort of your home, the small, lightweight devices can easily be carried into the field, supplementing your learning experience there.

Learning bird songs and calls takes time and patience. Some are easy to remember while others, like migrating warblers, are more challenging. Keep trying and your skills will improve rapidly. Above all else, enjoy yourself and enjoy the experience of being in the moment birding!

MP3PlayerStore.com