A Break From Birding
April 16, 2007
Article in: Birding
It’s not often that we aren’t talking about birding or conservation but last night we got news that one of the Dobermans we were sponsoring passed away. She was 14, abandoned at age 13 because her owners didn’t want to deal with her medical problems – treatable medical problems. At fourteen, this Doberman lived a long life and at the end was loved by a foster family. However, there are many Dobermans (and other dogs) that are in need – abused, neglected dogs that are abandoned and need help.
Over 12 years ago we were blessed by a stray Doberman that appeared out of no where on a cold night. Her name was Baby and we often went birding together. In March she succumbed to bone cancer. We have since rescued another Doberman, a friendly puppy that was dumped by the airport.
Arizona Doberman, a mixed breed full of energy
The point is we love Dobermans and it is disgraceful that people abuse dogs and treat them like property. Dobermans constantly get a bad rap – they are often protrayed as aggressive, blood-thirsty heathens that are only worthwhile of being guard dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Dobermans are some of the sweetest dogs out there and deserve to be respected as thus. Many people had crossed our Doberman’s path and discovered how sweet and gentle she was. There are many organizations out there that help disadvantaged Dobermans and we support Special Needs Dobermans.
In Memory of Baby Doberman, September 1994 to March 2007
Barred Owl on the Prowl
April 15, 2007
Article in: Birding
It was nice to get out again today when the weather was actually sunny and what might qualify as being “warm”. Sandhill Cranes were finally spotted – a nice flock of a dozen flew over and landed in a farmer’s field.
There are still plenty of Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, etc. fluttering about. Most of the neotropical migrants are most likely still stockpiling south of us. The highlight today was a Barred Owl. He responded to my “Who Cooks For You?” immitation and eyed us before departing.
Midwest Crane Count
April 15, 2007
Article in: Birding
Yesterday we participated in the Midwest Crane Count, an annual count headed by the International Crane Foundation.
The Birdfreak Team split into two groups.
The event began at 5:00 AM and we were greated by a surprised Song Sparrow as we headed in the dark to our designated location.
The early morning sounds were wonderful – we had Woodcocks “peenting” and Wilson’s Snipes winnowing all around us. A lone Sora called out but we of course were focusing on cranes. We totalled twelve different “sessions” of calls of Sandhill Cranes. No Whooping Cranes but a week or so earlier four were spotting flying over Winnebago.
Our other group saw four Sandhills fly over but heard none! They did spot three Northern Harriers and heard many of the same birds including a Barred Owl.
It was well worth waking early and sitting in the cold. The count only lasted a couple hours but was sure a lot of fun.
The Nature Writers of Texas
April 13, 2007
Article in: Birding
There’s a really cool blog about the great outdoors in Texas called the Nature Writers of Texas. Reading through it I found a great post about one of the coolest backyards in the world. If you’ve been to Pharr, you know where this is!
We went there in April of 2005 and plan to return soon! This is where I saw a Blue Mockingbird. Texas truly is great!
Blue Mockingbird
Spring Brings in the Blogs
April 12, 2007
Article in: Birding
Here are a few recent posts from other birding blogs:
Being the lover of the southwest that we are, we would like you to check out Aimophila Adventures’ post on Catalina State Park. Rick Wright got a beautiful shot of the Saguaro Cacti, with a Gilded Flicker on top! His blog is always a good read.
Far, far away from our U.S. state of Illinois is a cool Australia blog, Trevor’s Birding. Trevor writes extremely well and posts about some wonderful places such as Granite Island, Victor Harbor.
Another Birdfreak favorite is Hondubirding, por el Amor a las Aves -For the Love of the Birds- Daniel Germer had a really great post on Snow Geese Migration.
Also, check out Mon@rch’s Nature Blog for his great photos such as an Osprey and really really cute Tree Swallows.
Winter Wonderland at the C.N.P.
April 11, 2007
Article in: Birding
This reminds me of a post on December 1st, 2006…
This is how our personal nature preserve looked today after the snow moved through. Now it is raining…
Virginia Creeper
Winter Wren
April 10, 2007
Article in: Birding
In light of winter’s refusal to give in to spring, here is a picture of a Winter Wren.
Bird Conservation Alliance
April 10, 2007
Article in: Bird Conservation
The Bird Conservation Alliance is a network of organizations with a shared interest in the conservation of wild birds. Through the Alliance, millions of birdwatchers and concerned citizens are united with conservation professionals, scientists, and educators to benefit bird conservation efforts.
This organization has tons of bird conservation members and is working on a project to help Cerulean Warblers (one of our favorite birds).
We will be highlighting member organizations of this alliance in the weeks to come.
