The Avairy-- aka Gone to the Birds

[StoneFinn]

'allo All and welcome to the Avairy

Thought that I would start this back up-- For the birds, and those of us who love them.

The songbirds that come and brighten our days in our gardens, the parrots that wake us here at dawn. The crows and blackbirds that we love, and the small finches that we put seed out for...

Who are the birds in your life... who are the rare birds you look for, the ones you watch out for...

This is our place to share our stories, questions, pictures... and overall love of birds...

Welcome! :penguin::duck::penguin:

[StoneFinn]

Just a photo or two to help get things rolling:

Some Emu's-- NOT in a zoo, but just out alongside the road during a drive one weekend... they are amazing (and dangerous) and I got nervous once the male was within a couple of meters of me. (do remember that emu's are a little smaller than an ostrich and have huge talons that are about 6 inches long on the end of very muscular legs)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/PC196091.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/PC196132.jpg

These last ones are a mating pair of Wedgetail Eagles that we saw on another drive not far from home. They are among the largest birds of prey in the world-- reaching wingspans of 73-89 inches (6'1"- 7'5"), with a very distinctive wedge shaped tail.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/PC287431.jpg

[Jess]

When we still lived in Charles City, the annual migration of cedar waxwings was always a great treat to catch. I referred to them as tiny bandits, as they would move from tree to tree stripping any berries or nuts hidden by squirrels and make off with them. Couple interesting notes: They will store food in their throats, like 30 berries at a time to feed young. They will also line up on a branch and pass food from one to the next down the line until one finally eats it.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/cedar_waxwing_glamor.jpg

Neat lil fellers!

Thanks for the thread Finney Han! I'm a big old bird watching dork from way back!

[Andrew, Jr.]

I am another bird watching fan here! I even belong to a club called Birds & Bikes. You follow birds and ride your bike along nature trails. I really enjoy it.

[violaine]

stone finn, i have long loved your bird photography. thank you for starting this thread. here is a link on cranes, please:

http://www.savingcranes.org/


thinking about how connected we are all to birds-

impacts/more thoughts: wind farms and flyways, backyard to remote habitats, oil spill and migration, endangered species, songbirds, raptors, pesticides, representation in history of art, spirituality, poetry/music, ornithologists, et c.

stunning images-

belle

[Kobi]

I put up a couple of pretty handpainted birdhouses on my deck for decoration a couple of years ago. A sparrow couple set up housekeeping and have never left! They are very sexually active and give birth 3-4 separate times each season. Fascinates me when it is time for the little buggers to venture out of the nest.

Thankfully, they are used to my being there now and no longer dive bomb me when I step foot out the door.

We also have a pair of hawks which are awesome to watch until they swoop down on the chipmunks for a snack.

Cardinals, yellow finches, chickadees, titmouses.....sometimes I sit there with the Birds of North America book trying to figure out who is visiting me.

[violaine]

today is already quite warm in indiana. visiting the feeding stations today are the following birds-

sparrows, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, cardinals, jays, and on the ground- mourning doves, american robins, crows [my favourite], & late afternoon/early evening ducks.

the red-winged blackbirds take over the feeding stations, and make a shrill sounding * chreeeeeep- chreeeeeep*

during a walk, i'll see all of the birds listed at the feeders plus- finches, woodpeckers, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, cooper's hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, crows, and great horned owls.

cornell lab is a wonderful place :) i am very fond of ornithologist kevin mcgowan, and he's why i became a supporter of the field work/research he's done over the years with florida scrub jays and crows. i've made his acquaintance, and while some people may become star struck over actors, i'd much rather meet ornithologists/primatologists and so on !

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/index.html

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/animals.htm

the first link is to kevin/cornell, and the second

has tons of information on history of art/animal symbolism.

Falcon / Hawk byk - The sacred bird of the falcon-headed solar god Horus, it was also regarded as his Ba. The falcon was a bird that had protective powers, and was frequently linked with royalty, where it was depicted as hovering over the head of the pharaoh, with outstretched wings. The falcon was also sacred to Montu, god of war, and Sokar, god of the Memphite necropolis. The bird of prey was sometimes associated with Hathor, 'The House of Horus'. The son of Horus, Qebehsenuef who guarded the canopic jar of the intestines, was a falcon-headed god. The human headed ba-bird was sometimes given the body of a falcon.

Heron bnw - The bnw-bird was represented as a heron, and was thought to be the original phoenix - it was a bird of the sun and rebirth, the sacred bird of Heliopolis, closely linked to the primeval mound. It was also thought to be the Ba of both Ra and Osiris.

Ibis hb - Regarded as the reincarnation of Thoth, the sacred ibis was sacred to the god of knowledge, who had the form of an ibis-headed man. The Akhu, part of the soul, was written with the sign of a crested ibis, known as the Akhu-bird.

Ostrich nyw - Ma'at, the personification of order, was shown as a seated woman wearing an ostrich feather as her headdress or as the feather itself.

Vulture nrt - sacred to Nekhbet, goddess of Upper Egypt and Mut, mother goddess. The vulture often holds the shn symbol of eternity in its talons, offering eternal protection to the pharaoh. As such, the vulture is closely linked to rulership.

happy day birding to you all-

belle

[violaine]

http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac155/raptors_midwest/AprilOwlOwletts/aprilhawk.jpg


i started two albums for here- one is called aprilOwls, though it contains hawks. the other album is crows [which only has a few rather far away images, but i like them anyway!]



http://s895.photobucket.com/albums/ac155/raptors_midwest/AprilOwlOwletts/

[Hack]

I'm hitting my favorite birding spot next weekend in northern Michigan, hoping I am not too late for the spring migration. Michigan is blessed by being located in a major fly-way. We see lots of cool birds here in the spring. A few years ago, my best bird was a Lewis' Woodpecker, normally only seen in the desert out West. It was blown off course and was spotted at Whitefish Point in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I happened to be in the area and drove over to the area and I ended up spotting it in the scrubby pines. It was amazing!

I'd love it if birders would post their lists in here of things they seen on their birding days. It would be cool to read what others are seeing in their part of the world.

Jake

[Heart]

I'm not an official birder - but I love birds.

One day 10 years ago, I was sitting in a friend's garden looking at the pigeons lined up on the telephone wires above. And there, in the midst of their grayness, was a bright bold green parrot.

There's actually a colony of parrots living in a large cemetery not far from my house. Here's a link: http://blogs.discovery.com/nerdabout_new_york/2009/03/the-wild-parrots-of-nyc.html

[Medusa]

We have some pretty interesting birds here in Arkansas and Jack saw her first Cardinal and Bluejay when we moved here!

We do have some funny little ones running along the ground. At first I thought they might be actual RoadRunners but they have a bluish-back and a reddish-belly. They are FAST too!

We also have a lot of Killdeer (I think that's what they are called?) that build their nests in rocks on the ground and then if you get too close to them, they will act like they have a broken wing to lead you away.

Oh, and did I mention that some kind of bird has built its nest on the downspout right outside our living room window? I expect to see little hungry heads popping up any day now :)

[violaine]

medusa,


roadrunners are very cool birds with an impressive ground running speed and diet.

i am having a hard time thinking of all the marine environment, birds in need of human intervention, and habitats - plant/animal. long-term ecological effects of the oil spill nightmare have me feeling beyond sad today.

[MrSunshine]

they are taking hair cuttings from all over the U.S to fill stockings with which in turn will help in cleaning up the oil spill. There's an article but I'm too lazy to post the link.(it's actually worth looking up) I did however donate as much hair as I had yesterday :buzz cut:

[StoneFinn]

I'm hitting my favorite birding spot next weekend in northern Michigan, hoping I am not too late for the spring migration. Michigan is blessed by being located in a major fly-way. We see lots of cool birds here in the spring. A few years ago, my best bird was a Lewis' Woodpecker, normally only seen in the desert out West. It was blown off course and was spotted at Whitefish Point in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I happened to be in the area and drove over to the area and I ended up spotting it in the scrubby pines. It was amazing!

I'd love it if birders would post their lists in here of things they seen on their birding days. It would be cool to read what others are seeing in their part of the world.

Jake

'allo Jake... and great to hear from you-- that is an awesome story about the Lewis' Woodpecker ! Talk about you being in the right place at the right time there!

I am a pretty avid birder and bird photographer-- in my early 20's I was lucky enough to be the naturalist for one of the Audubon Society Reserves in the US for a while. Even before then, when I was small my Mum was a vet tech, also in the States, and I was able to do things like raise a set of orphaned ducklings, and even an orphaned great horned owl at home. The ducks, we eventually released ourselves, though the owl went to a Raptor rehab center after a while.

I also was also lucky to have a large raptor nest right next to my side of the house on the farm growing up-- so birds have always been a huge focus of mine. I started working on photographing them with that nest-- running out with my kodak 110 insta-matic trying to get decent snaps of the ospreys or the owls.

Since that time, I have traveled all over North America, and now also parts of Southeast Asia, into New Zealand (to see the Albatross specifically), and live in Australia. I have even been lucky enough to stand within a couple of meters of the Little Penguin-- an Aussie native penguin-- in the wild down in the Melbourne region.

Thank you everyone for posting and sharing your stories and photos! Keep them coming :) every one makes me smile, and I love being able to share some of the birds that I see that others might not ever be able to... and seeing birds that I might never be able to travel to see myself

My partner has become used to me doing things like suddenly stopping the truck, grabbing the ever present camera, and me running off somewhere, chasing after something... usually all she hears is "BIRD!" as I jump out... LOL She has an eternal patience with me, especially when it comes to this-- her only "rule" is that I don't run the truck off the road, into another MV or off a cliff because I am too busy looking at a bird. :) I think that is fair.


Otherwise-- I am hoping for the safety and well being of all my and our feathered (and scaled and non-scaled and so on) friends up in the Gulf of Mexico....

will close with a couple more photos tonight...
A **small** flock of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in NSW
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/PA179917.jpg

One of the ducks (that I am still working on an ID for) at one of the local park ponds.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/PA311108.jpg

[suebee]

they are taking hair cuttings from all over the U.S to fill stockings with which in turn will help in cleaning up the oil spill. There's an article but I'm too lazy to post the link.(it's actually worth looking up) I did however donate as much hair as I had yesterday :buzz cut:

A Matter of Trust (http://www.amatteroftrust.org) <<<<linky loo

[violaine]

http://www.avianweb.com/greycatbirds.html

i hear them every time i walk, and they sound exactly like a meowing possibly quite hungry cat! was able to photograph one- although he or she did give me the stink eye. they are elusive creatures- or else quite bold- so i've read. i think, in my own experience, more of the former!

[suebee]

http://www.avianweb.com/greycatbirds.html

i hear them every time i walk, and they sound exactly like a meowing possibly quite hungry cat! was able to photograph one- although he or she did give me the stink eye. they are elusive creatures- or else quite bold- so i've read. i think, in my own experience, more of the former!





Now THIS is something that I've wanted to know for awhile now. I hear them all the time around here. They confuse me now and again when I'm looking for my outdoor kitty.

Saw three or four crows chasing an eagle away from - I assume - their nest this afternoon. The great hunter chased away by the great crowers. It never ceases to amaze me - the protective instincts of animals.

[Hack]

I will be in the field Saturday all day and Sunday morning. I cannot wait! I will post my list back here when I have a minute.

[violaine]

Hack wrote: I will be in the field Saturday all day and Sunday morning. I cannot wait! I will post my list back here when I have a minute.

i hope you have a great time! :)

sue, catbirds are beautiful birds, and i'm not surprised about the crows mobbing eagles, hawks, or owls. in turn, crows are mobbed by smaller birds.

[Arwen]

I am mad for birds. I've owned and bred birds. I'm an avid bird watcher.

StoneFinn, could that be a Garganey or an Australian Wood Duck? It's hard to tell because it's a black and white. :) My third guess is the Pacific Black Duck.

I love playing the "id this bird" game, by the way.

Wildest bird I've ever seen was when I was very young. It was a Sunday morning in Monroe, LA (southern United States). Our neighbor came knocking on our door to "Come see."

In his live oak tree sat a HUGE white bird.

It was a Snowy Owl who'd apparently taken a heck of a wrong turn somewhere. She or he was gorgeous.

I've seen some other unusual birds in my day. I want to get a birding book and do some serious, binoculars-in-hand, early-freaking-morning birding.

[Liam]

It has taken a few days, for me to identify the latest additions, to the backyard, Rock Wrens. Busy little birds!

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/rock_wren/id

[Hack]

I am either a little too early or a little too late for peak spring migration in northern Michigan. I didn't see nearly the number of bird species that I have in the past few years at this park on Lake Huron. I compared my field notes from the last few years, I saw easily triple the amount of birds two years ago at this park at about the same point in May. We've had some weird weather here the last few weeks, so I don't know if that's screwing with migration this year or what.

Here's my list from today, though. Nothing I don't already have on my life list:

American Redstart
Nashville Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Purple Finch (female only)
Ring-necked Ducks
Common Tern
Red-tailed Hawk
Palm Warbler
Great Blue Heron (that stood statue-still while a yearling deer walked up to it, only to fully spread its wings to scare the deer away when it was less than a yard away -- very cool!)
Wild turkeys (including a male displaying for a female)
And I heard ruffed grouse drumming

Two years ago, I saw at least 6 more warbler species at this park, and flocks of white-crowned sparrows.

[Arwen]

They are a dime a dozen here but today I got to watch a Blue Jay chase down a moth.

Apparently there are Caracara's near here as well. Pretty interesting looking birds. I'm going to keep my eye out and take a drive to see if I can't see them.

[Jess]

It has taken a few days, for me to identify the latest additions, to the backyard, Rock Wrens. Busy little birds!

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/rock_wren/id

Maybe it's all wrens who are such industrious lil fellers. Around here Carolina wrens abound and will constantly be building nests in and around where you are working. I think they like the co-worker aspect of homebuilding.

I was out in the yard ( at our old place) clearing out a shed and moving stuff from the back porch to the shed. So, the little guys attempted 3 nests that day. One in the shed, one on the back porch and one in one of the holes that run along the top of the truck bed. LOL!

They would always build a little nest in one of my planter boxes too, so we got babies every year.

This year a sparrow has built a nest in Christie's pink hanging begonia! Makes watering a little tricky!:wateringgarden:

[Jess]

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n45/christie0918/begoniaeggs.jpg


Not a great photo but these are the girls' "begonia eggs"!! We'll try to get some shots when they hatch!!

[Arwen]

I spotted one of these yesterday at Emma Long Park here in Austin. Held quite still so I was able to see it very clearly. I did NOT take this picture, though.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Black-crested_Titmouse.jpg

[Corkey]

http://sdakotabirds.com/species/photos/purple_finch_1.jpg


At our feeder yesterday, a purple finch!

[violaine]

jess, i love the begonia eggs, how exciting to get to witness baby birds!


thought i should post a link to audubon action center - if anyone is interested in volunteering in or out of state, for the gulf of mexico tragedy.

i'm ready.set. for frontline, if necessary, as i am wildlife rehabilitation certified, et c. from birds to wolves to squirrels!

here is the link, please:

http://www.audubonaction.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aa_registration_thanks

[violaine]

May 8, 2010

Dear Volunteer,

We are writing because you indicated that you were a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. We have been advised that all rehabilitation efforts are being coordinated through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with Tri-state Bird Rescue & Research. Please see the message below from USFWS, which we have been asked to forward to you. We will continue to communicate with you about additional ways you can help as they arise.

Sincerely yours,
Audubon's Oil Spill Response Team

REQUEST FOR WILDLIFE PARAPROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research (Tri-State) who is contracted by British Petroleum to provide wildlife assistance for species who may be impacted by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Service recognizes Tri-State’s expertise in wildlife oil spill response and, while many wildlife organizations and individuals have expressed interest in providing their assistance, all rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the Service and Tri-State. Coordination is vitally important for recovery and research efforts, and specific safety requirements and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation.

The Service and Tri-State have designated a Paraprofessional Coordinator (PPC) to compile a list and organize scheduling of potential responders providing the information requested below. Paraprofessionals located within the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Texas will have first preference in scheduling and will be scheduled for efforts located within their home state. If you are located outside of these states and are interested in providing wildlife assistance, please submit the same requested information. All responders will be contacted by the PPC when their assistance is needed.

State rehabilitation organizations, permitted wildlife rehabilitation organizations or private rehabilitators can help now by providing the following information if you would be available to assist in the oil spill response efforts. You must include your name, address including city and state, phone number (prefer cell phone and alternate numbers), email address, if you have prior oil spill experience, and how far you can travel, as well as:

a. If you are a Rehabilitator with at least 6 months of experience;
b. What species you have experience with, i.e. wading birds, raptors, pelagic seabirds, waterfowl, etc. It would also be beneficial to know if you are a veterinarian or an avian veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or a well-seasoned rehabilitator;
c. If you have a minimum of 4 hours of HAZCOM certification;
d. If you have Rabies pre-exposure shots;
e. Your availability. (this can be a rough estimate by identifying dates available)

Please direct inquires or any calls about your interest in providing wildlife assistance to fw4ppc@fws.gov or to 404/679-7049.

A paraprofessional is defined as individuals that:

Either possess, or work directly under a person possessing, an active permit or authorization related to the species to be worked on;
Are affiliated with a wildlife organization working within the Wildlife Branch of the Incident Command Structure (ICS),or are a staff member of a wildlife Trustee agency;
Agree to work under, and abide by, appropriate planning documents prepared by the Unified Command (such as Site Safety Plan, Incident Action Plan, public affairs requirement, etc.) and
Have a working knowledge and experience (at least 3 months) with the general protocol, procedures and safety hazards associated with working on the species of question.
All oiled wildlife calls should be directed to the Wildlife Hotline at 1-866-557-1401 so we can coordinate recovery/rescue.

It is important that you please avoid going to affected areas or handling wildlife until you are part of a coordinated response effort. Thank you in advance for your assistance and for your willingness to help America's wildlife.

[Arwen]

Last year's Hibiscus renters:

First, Mama perches on the Hibiscus bush. You can see that she is egg-heavy here.

http://tarotbyarwen.com/share/Mockingbird_eggheavyJune2009.jpg

The results of all her and Mr. Mockingbird's hard work.

http://tarotbyarwen.com/share/mockingbird_babies_7102009.jpg

What was interesting to me is that about 5 days into the life of the babies (post hatch) another adult mockingbird was feeding them. I thought I was losing it, until I saw all three at the same time. No squabbling. Not sure how that occurred, but it did. Somewhere I have a picture of the babies actually hatching from the shell.

[Enchantress]

The yard is simply filled with the most beautiful full breasted Robins (to date all I've seen are the females). There's something joy inducing about their plump chests...

[StoneFinn]

'allo everyone! thank you all so much for everything you are sharing in here (and out with our friends-- don't forget to keep fresh water out :) )

I will be back after I get some sleep, so much I want to comment on, and reply to... but thought that I would share some photos from this past weekend with everyone...

Violaine- this one is for you-- the Australian White Ibis (in the Royal Botanic Gardens next to the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/P5146320.jpg

Also in the Harbour-- one of our Little Penguins (The Little or Fairy Penguin) Sorry this one is a bit blurry, they only surfaced for a couple of seconds, and I was literally having to jog along the walk to keep up with them trying to get good photos lol

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/tattooedfinn/Birds/P5145511.jpg

okay-- I will chat with everyone in the morning... hope you are all well!

[Jess]

Awesome pics StoneFinn! Thanks for sharing them! Hope you sleep well!

[violaine]

http://animals.jrank.org/pages/459/Wading-Birds-New-World-Vultures-Ciconiiformes-PHYSICAL-CHARACTERISTICS.html

to storks and ibis.

* .. .
The New World vultures were moved into this group with the wading birds because they are more closely related to storks than they are to hawks and eagles, but many people still think of all vultures as birds of prey.

All of the ciconiiforms (birds in the order Ciconiiformes) have big bills and long necks, bulky bodies with short tails, long legs and toes, and large, broad wings. They are all medium to very large birds, and males and females look alike. Very few of these birds have colorful feathers—most are combinations of gray, brown, black, or white. But many of the wading birds and vultures have bare parts on their heads, necks, and legs that are very colorful .. . *


there's a VERY good book i would suggest to anyone interested [in new world vultures/old world are covered]- raptors, the birds of prey, an almanac of hawks, eagles, and falcons of the world- scott weidensaul.

thank you for the beautiful image, stone finn!

[violaine]

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=1737#clojobs=1

[violaine]

VjE0Kdfos4Y

[Daywalker]

A piece of film we took of our Crow Family ~ and the new Offspring!

LUieZ0Ko_RA

:daywalker:

[Arwen]

I need help. I have a goose in my bathtub. Chinese Goose most likely female from the small knob and type of honk.

[Random]

I want to get a birding book and do some serious, binoculars-in-hand, early-freaking-morning birding.


Another thing for the *To Do* list..

grin...

[Arwen]

Another thing for the *To Do* list..

grin...

I adore you EVEN more now. :) You are so on!

[Random]

I adore you EVEN more now. :) You are so on!


hehehe..

Oh, no.. I may need a new camera... how horrible...

[Gayla]

I wanna know how a goose got in your tub. Please.

[Arwen]

I wanna know how a goose got in your tub. Please.


Basically it's all Eshe's fault. We (Ashton, Eshe, Kimbelle and I) were at Joe's Crab Shack. After dinner we were sitting around teasing, I mean talking. Eshe went out for a cigarette.

When we all left, there were a bunch of people crowded around the front of the building. I get out there and there is this goose. It is literally up against Eshe and folks are petting it and taking pictures.

I see that it has a broken wing. I go into Bird Commando mode and herd it into Eshe even more. Then I loosely grasp the neck and hoist the bird up under my arm.

You'd think I'd done this before. I've never picked up a water fowl in my life. So the kids all have to pet and we discuss how to pet and why it has "teeth things". Yes, Arwen the intrepid wildlife educator.

I proudly announce to one and all that it is a NeNe goose. Then I ask Eshe to grab my keys and purse and food. Eshe, being one smart butch, realizes that he is going to have to help me so he gallantly escorts me and goose to my Blazer. Goose is not happy about sitting in my lap. So goose struggles until goose is on the floor. This is after goose has christened my cute dress. :|

So we take off and goose sticks its head UNDER my dress. Eshe pretends to be looking out the window while choking. I am sure that he was not howling with laughter at the fact I now have a goose under my skirt. The goose is tasting my inner thigh. I let out a somewhat demure yelp (Okay, I may have screamed out the open window that there was a goose under my skirt) and we drove on. Goose and I and Eshe arrived at my apartment where I put goose in the tub and ran water.

Goose is very very very very tame. As in likes to be petting and doesn't even begin to try to flee.

So I look up all sorts of information. The first thing I discover is that it is not a NeNe but a Chinese Swan Goose (brown variety). She is female. I determined this from reading two web pages. I are so smart.

I'm calling her Josephine and wishing I could keep her.

So, you can see how this is all Eshe's fault.

[Gayla]

Smoking is bad. /lights up

[Arwen]

Smoking is bad. /lights up

I do think Eshe may realize that now.

[violaine]

nice of you to help the goose! were you able to locate a wildlife rehabilitator in your area? contacting DNR for your county/state may be able to help you, if you have not found someone already, to take the goose.



ETA: i love research. so, i'm submitting these resources, even if you have found a WR, the links may be of help to someone in the future.

this one seems great, and it offers links to NWRA and IWRC:

http://www.lonestarwildlife.org/

Keep the animal warm, safely contained, and away from loud noises, children, pets, and air conditioning.

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL FOOD, WATER, OR MILK until you have spoken with a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Water can go into the animal's lungs and cause pneumonia. Feeding an animal the wrong food will cause more harm than good.

Most native wildlife are protected by state and federal laws. It is illegal to possess the animal or its nests, bones, feathers, or eggs without the proper permits. Wild animals belong in the wild—they are not pets.

http://www.lonestarwildlife.org/links.htm

http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/rehabilitators/texas-rehabilitators.html

[violaine]

"She wouldn’t even say hello to you," said Lynda White, Eagle Watch coordinator for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland. "She’d take the bird and kiss it on top of the head."

i respected & loved her; she taught me a lot of lessons years ago. :candle:

http://www.community-paper.com/Archives/AnnYoung.html

http://theannyoungwildbirdrefuge.com/

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/2008/09/received-this-n-2.html

may she fly free as a bird, and with the birds, gather to communicate, perch on sound-filled limbs, and soar effortlessly over lush fields..

[violaine]

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/eagle-cam-cuteness-and-danger-in-equal-measure/?partner=rss&emc=rss


http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/muskrat.htm

[Miss Scarlett]

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/eagle-cam-cuteness-and-danger-in-equal-measure/?partner=rss&emc=rss


http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/muskrat.htm

OMG Thank you for posting this! They ran a piece about the eagle cam on NPR this afternoon! :cheer:

[Miss Scarlett]

:awww:...they're feeding the babies!!!!

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Miss Scarlett;314512]:awww:...they're feeding the babies!!!!

i keep checking on them ;) she's a good mama bird. was asleep, now cleaning her feathers. love the infared light.

addictive!

[Daywalker]

:vampirebat:

Here's a couple of mah Crows:
:bluebat:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/208065_10150151872108123_530278122_6955759_5318638 _n.jpg


They look like Jekyl n Hyde on the walkway,
discussing who is gonna 'bomb' the passer by...LOL

:grindevil:

:daywalker:

[Miss Scarlett]

Crows are way cool! Great pic Daywalker!

OMG they're sleeping...Awesome!It's so cool to watch the eagle fall asleep after it's been up tending the babies...

[violaine]

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/04/20/2011-04-20_hbo_documentary_saving_pelican_895_chronicles_j ourney_of_bird_from_oil_spill_res.html



the following links involve some lives of workers involved in the oil spill cleanup. i passed all of the examinations required to go there- and checked in frequently with NWRA/Audubon, elsewhere, because of a desire [calling] to help these birds. though it was not until close to the time for me to start packing things up in indiana to move back home, did i receive a call from the audubon society about going down to help. i knew that by my being on the autism spectrum with metabolic issues/chemical sensitivities, and so on, my plan to help, perhaps, not the most well-made/wisest choice; and now, one year later, i see how so many individuals are, not surprisingly, very ill from the chemicals involved in this cleanup effort.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/18/gulf-oil-spill-health-cleanup-workers_n_850486.html

http://www.floridaoilspilllaw.com/46-bp-oil-spill-wildlife-cleanup-workers-reported-rashes-itchy-skin-red-skin-35-headaches

http://savethegulfnow.net/bp-oil-spill-cleanup-workers-getting-sick-part-2-democracy-now/

[AtLast]

After being involved in some of the clean-up efforts around the SF Bay after the tanker spill a few years ago, I have been keeping track of shore birds at the dog park I walk my pooch at daily. The park is right on the Bay and you can go off on other trails in protected areas (but not with dogs off leash).

For a long time, the birds left because the oil obviously ruined their food supply. Now, they are returning- it has taken nearly a decade!

Sometimes, I bring a snack and after my dog has had some good exercise, I sit with my "nocks" and just watch them feeding at low tide. The numbers have increased from last year to this! Frog Dog just sits next to me and looks out at them.

I talk to people that allow their dogs out in that area- tell them it ain't cool! Although, very few people do this. This park has co-existed with the bird sanctuaries established for over 20 years and now there is a fight going on to take away portions of the dog park.

The birds are returning and they don't seem to have any problems with the dog park being nearby as long as humans read and observe the rules! Also, all of the rest of the shoreline is totally restricted- no dogs at all for many miles. they need these areas to produce little baby birds and dogs would disturb this process.

I wish people would just stop screwing up things! Observe the rules and everyone, including our pooches can enjoy this wonderful park.

[Arwen]

I have a family of these (http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab186/Woodbadge213/Birds%20-%20miscellany/P1000415.jpg) at my bird feeder this morning. The parents are still feeding the baby but trying to entice it into eating from the feeder on its own. The baby would rather sit on top of the feeder fluttering wings with beak gaping. They are Black-crested Titmouses (Titmice?) and they are bringing me such joy this morning.

And I'm very sad about the Eagles in Iowa. :( Apparently the female had a fatal encounter with a plane. The last time I went to the site, the camera was offline as well.

But back to joy! My bird feeder routinely sees the Titmouse family and doves. I've seen a male cardinal eyeing it but haven't seen him enjoying it yet. I am going to get a tube feeder so I can put out some oiled sunflower for he and his family.

[violaine]

http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles#utm_campaigne=synclickback&source=http://www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/decorah_eagle_xcel.html&medium=3064708

look how far below the traffic!

[violaine]

http://www.messybeast.com/extinct/moa.htm



The Moa stood thirteen feet high, and could step over an ordinary man's head or kick his hat off; and his head, too, for that matter. He said it was wingless, but a swift runner. The natives used to ride it. It could make forty miles an hour, and keep it up for four hundred miles and come out reasonably fresh. It was still in existence when the railway was introduced into New Zealand; still in existence, and carrying the mails. The railroad began with the same schedule it has now: two expresses a week-time, twenty miles an hour. The company exterminated the moa to get the mails.

[violaine]

http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2011/05/us_military_spy_crows_binladen.php#c3845229

[lionpaw]

When we still lived in Charles City, the annual migration of cedar waxwings was always a great treat to catch. I referred to them as tiny bandits, as they would move from tree to tree stripping any berries or nuts hidden by squirrels and make off with them. Couple interesting notes: They will store food in their throats, like 30 berries at a time to feed young. They will also line up on a branch and pass food from one to the next down the line until one finally eats it.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/cedar_waxwing_glamor.jpg

Neat lil fellers!

Thanks for the thread Finney Han! I'm a big old bird watching dork from way back!


Oh, this is such a beautiful bird!...We love birdwatching!.....I was told about this thread the other day, but I never saw it....I couldn't find it.....So, thank you for whomever added to the thread.....Now, my honey and I can enjoy the birds too!

[lionpaw]

I am mad for birds. I've owned and bred birds. I'm an avid bird watcher.

StoneFinn, could that be a Garganey or an Australian Wood Duck? It's hard to tell because it's a black and white. :) My third guess is the Pacific Black Duck.

I love playing the "id this bird" game, by the way.

Wildest bird I've ever seen was when I was very young. It was a Sunday morning in Monroe, LA (southern United States). Our neighbor came knocking on our door to "Come see."

In his live oak tree sat a HUGE white bird.

It was a Snowy Owl who'd apparently taken a heck of a wrong turn somewhere. She or he was gorgeous.

I've seen some other unusual birds in my day. I want to get a birding book and do some serious, binoculars-in-hand, early-freaking-morning birding.


Ditto....I love birdwatching too......When we lived in Seattle, I use to have several feeders and the different kinds of birds native to the area would just come from everywhere......It was funny watching the birds and the squirrels in the feeders too.....

[Liam]

This arrived in an email I received from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478&ac=ac) my favorite bird resource on the web, and I thought I would share. I never knew that snowy owls were nomads.

Ufkcx-UqljM

[FireSignFemme]

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e35/13113785_125492911189999_1090237790_n.jpg?ig_cache _key=MTI0MDMzMTUwMjM0ODU2MDA4Mg%3D%3D.2

[C0LLETTE]

aviary...not that it matters. The photos are beautiful.

[Kätzchen]

This arrived in an email I received from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478&ac=ac) my favorite bird resource on the web, and I thought I would share. I never knew that snowy owls were nomads.

Ufkcx-UqljM

COLLETTE is one of my favorite readers to follow, so I never even knew about your post on owls, Liam!

Liam? I don't know much about owls, but I do know that owls in Oregon are the types of owls that don't wander. They set up permanent homes in established territories.

In case you might be interested, I will leave a link about owls from the Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife. Barn owls and Snowy Owls are very beautiful. And formidable birds of prey, I think. I also think of them as being terribly shy, when they aren't shy at all. Plus (bonus), they're cuter than eagles. :blush:


http://www.dfw.state.or.us/species/birds/owls.asp

[Kätzchen]

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/de/68/c8/de68c827af0cb7472a0ed7ff740cd7fe--moonlight-white-owls.jpg

Here's my favorite owl, late at night. :stillheart:

Very darling, I'd say. :balloon:

[FireSignFemme]

It's too bad humans aren't more like owls, a lot of owls do a much better job of parenting, pair bonding and looking after one another than many humans ever will.

http://www.wildaboutpets.net/info/vsites/186/news/z50-34-iStock_000009559452XSmall.jpg

[FireSignFemme]

Hello Bird Lovers :)

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdzJ3FWtkDly1o6mbnzSNBOg82phme1 2ROY6T1JNUgTK56O_7i

[Kätzchen]

https://res.cloudinary.com/sagacity/image/upload/c_crop,h_408,w_500,x_0,y_0/c_limit,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_80,w_1080/12208485_10205141474797549_190201442529289549_n_fg ujae.jpg

Here's an press release about peregrine falcons living in my hometown metro area. At one time, there was an peregrine falcon couple nesting in an huge tree on my work campus. Often times on my lunch hour, one could see them soaring above the towers on my work campus. I even saw them teaching their baby how to fly.

www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2015/11/11/this-amazing-peregrine-falcon-is-hanging-out-at-portland-monthly-s-offices-filling-us-with-both-joy-and-terror

[homoe]

It's too bad humans aren't more like owls, a lot of owls do a much better job of parenting, pair bonding and looking after one another than many humans ever will.

http://www.wildaboutpets.net/info/vsites/186/news/z50-34-iStock_000009559452XSmall.jpg

.....AMEN!

[FireSignFemme]

[https://www.hbw.com/sites/default/files/styles/ibc_1k/public/ibc/p/Keel-billed-Toucan_Knut-Eisermann.jpg?itok=SxFFne6y

[Kätzchen]

https://images4.alphacoders.com/880/thumb-1920-880546.jpg

[homoe]

http://justfunfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/woodpecker-peck-2.gif

[FireSignFemme]

https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w728-h425-c728x425/upload/9d/45/ae/strigops-habroptilus-1.jpg

The kakapo (Strigops habroptila) is one of the most distinct parrots in the world, as it is flightless and nocturnal. The bird is gigantic and heavy, weighing about 8 pounds. The bird resides in New Zealand and it listed as critically endangered. A long period of isolation in the islands of New Zealand caused the bird to develop a high level of adaptation, and it is especially vulnerable to extinction. Deforestation and introduction of predators have caused the numbers of the species to decrease rapidly. The bird is on IUCN red list as threatened species and the status as critically endangered.

https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w728-h425-c728x425/upload/22/b0/b4/kakapo-sirocco-1.jpg

[homoe]

wFTm3A7HpxM

[StillettoDoll]

Wow didn't know there was a bird thread here , loving it!
Just went on my first guided birding excursion 2 weeks go .It was awesome !
I can see this can be addicting.
Some reason i cannot post pictures on here , or else I would share the beautiful local birds we have here along the Texas gulf coast.

[homoe]

https://www.gotscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/female-buntspecht-3A4A4755-cc-hp-crop-down-1024-576-e1441234026477.jpg


Great spotted woodpecker..

[homoe]

A_IDGrKZ0Rs

[FireSignFemme]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwbvIKOWQdYxiqSC7LUgckFkfJYrykj 0upwTKmdLRpyClayNns

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2e/27/f6/2e27f6070106106bee0f811a47616f7f.jpg



I believe this one is called Gouldian Finch

[homoe]

6toa91gfv-w

[StillettoDoll]

saw these nesting near me !

https://cdn.audubon.org/cdn/farfuture/i4ArIXzwHO3tOK7lWHEUrlMYJuzW9QZix577kG-tXWA/mtime:1486716199/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow/public/6_apa_2012_24391_190474_cynthiahansen_roseate_spoo nbill_kk.jpg?itok=fH07-Jc-

[FireSignFemme]

saw these nesting near me !

https://cdn.audubon.org/cdn/farfuture/i4ArIXzwHO3tOK7lWHEUrlMYJuzW9QZix577kG-tXWA/mtime:1486716199/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow/public/6_apa_2012_24391_190474_cynthiahansen_roseate_spoo nbill_kk.jpg?itok=fH07-Jc-

Oh wow that is amazing, such a great photo. Nice pick! :)

[Kätzchen]

3Km-jtXueTw


Notes from the video: Did you know they make these haunting sounds through their nostrils? A gulp of air a big chest expansion and it comes out their nose. One of my favorite sounds in the Backyard this fellow gives us a rare closeup performance!


Personal note: We have Mourning Doves that roost near my work campus and when I'm on a lunch break, walking around the neighborhood, you can hear the Mourning Doves cooing, nearly all hours of the day or night.

[nhplowboi]

So it was an interesting week at the feeder. Maybe it is migration but we had an abundance of birds outside our window. The colorful cardinals, goldfinch, blue jays, and Baltimore orioles (not a normal sighting). Woodpeckers galore: hairy, downey and red bellied (not a normal sighting). The usual suspects: black capped chickadees, house sparrows, cat birds, tufted titmice, nut hatches and brown headed cowbirds. On one of the days I was looking out the window and having my coffee, I noticed our juvenile rooster "Goose"(and that is a whole other story) was having a wild turkey encounter. He was all puffed up and being a bit aggressive but the female turkey was not impressed. After a couple minutes of his bad behavior I thought maybe a bit of bread was called for. When I went out onto the deck the turkey headed for the woods, until she saw me throwing bread and she came running back. I have to say in 22 years here I have never had the chance to feed a wild turkey first hand. After the bread was gone I tried throwing down an ear of corn to keep her in the area but she seemed uninterested and wandered off. A keen eyed crow spotted that ear of corn and flew down into the yard (also not normal though they are all about) and began to give the corn a tasting. In our barn we have a pair of swallows back again and they are playing house down there. Lastly, on my way to the house after work, there was a scarlet tanager sitting along side the roadway. It was a great week for bird watching in New Hampshire.

[Kätzchen]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--TAEuB7vu--/19750sd1uenabjpg.jpg

I like how the starlings take on the shadow form of an Eagle in flight.
Pretty amazing, the shapes and forms Starlings take when in flight.

[StillettoDoll]

Looking for birding events for next year. Please post of you know of any good ones:cluck:

[FireSignFemme]

https://www.bushheritage.org.au/getmedia/f45d232d-d0c7-4128-956e-12b7375cb3d1/23996-spotted-bowerbird-bath?width=800&height=505&ext=.jpg

[Kätzchen]

Looking for birding events for next year. Please post of you know of any good ones:cluck:

If you are close to Beaumont TX, then there is birding event coming up soon.
Here is a link for you, StillettoDoll: www.aba.org/festivals-events

[Kätzchen]

_2dY6MwEoUk

[Kätzchen]

lT8XPKUlBX4

[Kätzchen]

NK2_bcQcoD4

'Thou, light-winged dryad of the trees
In some melodious plot,
Of beechen green and shadows numberless,
Singest of summer in full-throated ease.'

(Keats, Ode to a Nightingale)

[homoe]

OnEw1lGr_KE

[homoe]

https://live.staticflickr.com/3421/3832409244_bd187f6286_b.jpg

[Stone-Butch]

Getting well into my book "Of Crows and Ravens" and now I have the crow calls set on my computer. I saw quite a flock yesterday but no communication. I will keep trying. I love all the crow family, so many, crow, ravens, blue jays etc.
I have been carrying food with me each time I go out for years now, just in case I see one or the other. So many people don't like crow but they are one of the most intelligent birds around. They are mischevious cause they are so smart and will steal the coin off a dead mans eyes LOL.

[homoe]

nNcwwVGCukc

[homoe]

-qS77R0Y1K8

[Kelt]

https://live.staticflickr.com/3421/3832409244_bd187f6286_b.jpg

No fair. You can’t just put up a picture without telling us what it is! I think I may have some of these or something close to it.

I’m just getting into birding as I live on the edge of the sanctuary. I’m now learning how to identify some of these guys. I’m keeping a list separating them by water birds and terrestrial birds. I have a nest going by my kitchen window with a couple I have not identified yet, and just discovered that wall hung flower pot is now home to a Mourning Dove nest.

[homoe]

~~
I noticed I have had the above bird landing on my patio several times this spring and I had posted the picture because I'm clueless as to what the bird. Anybody know??

[Truly Scrumptious]

Is that the actual bird you saw? I mean, did you take the photo?
Because I'm pretty sure it's some sort of White-eye, either a Warbling White-eye or Indian White-eye . . . but they would only be found in Asia.

If it's a bird that looks similar to this one, it could be a Vireo (specifically a White-eyed Vireo or Yellow-throated Vireo, or some kind of Flycatcher depending on where you live. The Merlin Bird App is a good resource to check or you can also try: https://www.whatbird.com/



~~
I noticed I have had the above bird landing on my patio several times this spring and I had posted the picture because I'm clueless as to what the bird. Anybody know??

[homoe]

Is that the actual bird you saw? I mean, did you take the photo?
Because I'm pretty sure it's some sort of White-eye, either a Warbling White-eye or Indian White-eye . . . but they would only be found in Asia.

If it's a bird that looks similar to this one, it could be a Vireo (specifically a White-eyed Vireo or Yellow-throated Vireo, or some kind of Flycatcher depending on where you live. The Merlin Bird App is a good resource to check or you can also try: https://www.whatbird.com/

Thank you so much!

No I didn't take the picture just found the closes looking one and posted that.

[homoe]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0b/8f/c2/0b8fc2503d619a8aa7a00424eb62ad89.jpg


Anyone have a clue as to what this bird is?

[homoe]

L_hO0olT2YU

[Stone-Butch]

moe this bird looks kind of familiar in my bird book as a Varied Bunting. I am not sure but it is a bird with much color and small, same shape including the beak. I am not sure but looks close.

[homoe]

moe this bird looks kind of familiar in my bird book as a Varied Bunting. I am not sure but it is a bird with much color and small, same shape including the beak. I am not sure but looks close.

Thanks Stone! I often see birds out here in Green Acres that I can't find in our bird books and wonder about them....

[Cin]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0b/8f/c2/0b8fc2503d619a8aa7a00424eb62ad89.jpg


Anyone have a clue as to what this bird is?

It's a banded broadbill. They are a subtropical/tropical species found mostly in Southeast Asia. It is a beautiful bird and a very nice pic.

[homoe]

RHnzqKfxSQw

[homoe]

https://nitrocdn.com/VzDTcelgyjlqCFufeQihLgpgIfPOoPjN/assets/static/source/rev-2c544eb/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/b7.jpg

[homoe]

https://www.duncraft.com/common/images/products/large/3144_zoom.jpg

[homoe]

https://imgc.allpostersimages.com/img/print/u-g-Q1BU23N0.jpg?w=550&h=550&p=0

[homoe]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7cdgaCF1Mrs/maxresdefault.jpg

[C0LLETTE]

I can't help it. The photos are amazing. The stories/posts are great.

Can we just change the name of the thread from "Avairy" to "Aviary"...unless of course "Avairy" is the name of someone's great aunt and she loved birds.

[homoe]

https://www.wild-bird-watching.com/images/northern-oriole-male.jpg

[homoe]

https://img.srgcdn.com/e//dWFYWEUxZnpKVGduUlhOTXdTbUwuanBn.jpg

[nhplowboi]

So they showed up a couple of weeks ago. After a little research we found they love oranges AND grape jelly. We now have a skewered orange out for them but we need to figure out the grape jelly thing (I did buy some squirt jelly for when we do).https://www.wild-bird-watching.com/images/northern-oriole-male.jpg