Review of Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia
July 21, 2009
Article in: Book Reviews
It’s no secret that the Birdfreak Team lacks when it comes to shorebird identification. Much of this is due to our geographic location in the somewhat “shorebird free” Midwest. Granted, migration brings many different kinds of shorebirds through our area, but we lack the in-your-face, overloaded with shorebirds hotspot found more commonly on the coasts.
Thus, our shorebird deficiency means we need every tool available to identify those shorebirds that do venture our way. We have an amazing spotting scope and now with Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia (due out in September 2009), we may just get that edge over true shorebird aficionados.
Shorebirds has a lot to offer but the initial draw has to be the photography. With over 850 full color shots, this guide will make your jaw drop. One hundred and thirty-four (yes 134!!) species are covered, providing an overwhelming collection of practically every possible species in the northern hemisphere.
Of course, no field guide is worth its weight if it doesn’t have the text to back it up. Shorebirds has a perfect introductory section for novices like us and plenty to learn for those hardcore shorebirders. The section on behavior is worth reading a few times over.
The birds are grouped by type: ringed plovers, “tundra” or Pluvialis plovers, dowitchers, etc. This helps to narrow down identification quests by offering a good starting point. Once a grouping is determined, each species is given an extensive treatment of text mixed with numerous photos of various plumages, plus flight shots. Range maps are included with the species profile.
Perhaps the only drawback is that a book like this may not be as “field-ready” as other guides. That is, using it with success in the field may be a bit tricky. It is hefty and fairly wide with over 440 pages. But, since most shorebirding is done in fairly open areas with a lot of standing and scoping, the guide can and should be included in a backpack.
We took Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia into the field at Horicon Marsh to give it a proper test. The guide worked well as we think we positively identified a Least Sandpiper. The organization of the book, extensive descriptions, and wonderful photos made the process much easier than normal. Feel free to see if you think our ID was correct.
Bird Photography Weekly #47
July 19, 2009
Article in: Bird Photography Weekly
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Birding Missouri – Runge Conservation Nature Center
July 18, 2009
Article in: Birding
Veery has temporarily moved! The Birdfreak Team is partially split for the summer as Veery spends a few months working in Jefferson City, Missouri. Join in on her adventures through a new state and her quest to answer this question: How’s the birding in mid-Missouri?
Runge Conservation Nature Center is located on highway 179 in Jefferson City, Missouri. It is a beautiful nature center with many hiking trails. Almost all the trails are paved with location signs, good maps and information about each trail.
Carolina Wren
There is a wide variety of prairie, savanna and woodland restoration going on. While I hiked the trails I peacefully saw a large variety of birds. Carolina Chickadee and an excited White-eyed Vireo topped the list. I also added a few more species to my Missouri List.
Easy going trail and good birding
The Nature Center is spectacular. There is a large viewing area behind glass that looks over hummingbird and seed feeders. They even had bins there for bin-less people to use! That is not something I have seen often. There are also exhibits about Missouri habitats and wildlife. I was much impressed.
Good birding and God Bless!
Phriday Photo – Orchard Oriole Female
July 17, 2009
Article in: Photography
Digiscoped at the Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River NWR near Savanna, Illinois
Learn more about Orchard Orioles from Cornell’s All About Birds
Nesting White-eyed Vireos – Photos Galore!
July 16, 2009
Article in: Birding
I took the new dog Bella hiking at one of our favorite places: Rock Cut State Park. After discovering a snake (Bella sniffed but was otherwise indifferent to it) we struggled to find any birds that were photo-friendly. Nothing! Thankfully, near the end of our hike, we were alerted by a commotion of scolding from the sometimes shy yet boisterous, White-eyed Vireo.
Lurking in the bushes was vireo #1
Then a second one popped up carrying a large morsel for a hungry mouth
After a few shots, I was given the cold, uh shoulder…
However, the first bird was ready for a closeup
I never found an actual nest but their behavior was conducive to nesting and I decided to not disturb them further. A great way to end what started out as a ho-hum birding trip.
Learn more about White-eyed Vireos from Cornell’s All About Birds.
Review of Life List – A Woman’s Quest for the World’s Most Amazing Birds
July 15, 2009
Article in: Book Reviews
Life List: A Woman’s Quest for the World’s Most Amazing Birds
Phoebe was interested in science at a time when women weren’t prevalent in the field and were expected to be wives and mothers. She married right out of college and had four children. Her hobby became the career she never got to have, though at some cost to herself and her family.
Author Olivia Gentile spent seven years researching and writing about Phoebe’s life. She was able to put Phoebe’s thoughts and feelings out there in a beautiful way from interviews with her family and friends and from Phoebe’s own memoir. The book is such an interesting read for birders and non-birders alike. The story brings a look into the mind of a true extreme birder.
Many serious birders can relate to the joys and triumphs of finding a rare species, or reaching a life list goal described by Phoebe. This is a fascinating book for any dedicated birder who has gone to extremes in the name of birding but anyone can appreciate the life of Phoebe Snetsinger. Phoebe was an extreme birder with intense passion and love for birds who contributed important research and touched many lives in her amazing quest.
The New Birder Experience
July 14, 2009
Article in: The New Birder Experience
Birdfreak has found the most wonderful woman in the world, Stacia [stay-sha]. Not only is she gorgeous, intelligent, and sweet, she’s also completely into the outdoors! However, she is not officially a “birder” but we’re sure that will change!
We have a rare and unusual opportunity here with The New Birder Experience: we get to learn, yes learn, from a brand new birder on what it takes to be a birder, what the learning curve is, and what tricks, tips, and tools are best suited (and not so well-suited) for attracting new birders.
Thankfully, Stacia is willing to have this journey broadcasted here, affording us all sorts of insights into the process of becoming a birder. We often take it for granted as to how we got into birding since it has been such a long time. A lot of professional, expert birders may be able to recall how they got into birding, but not necessarily with any detail. And the tools have significantly changed even since the 20+ years ago that we got into this hobby/sport.
We’ve also decided that despite Stacia having seen several species of birds (including a backyard Indigo Bunting), her lifelist begins at ZERO. Nada, zip, zilch; the first bird we found over this past weekend is bird #1. We will update often as the list grows and grows and also discuss just why it matters to keep lists.
The journey officially began this past weekend. Look for updates on what we saw and make sure to check back often on The New Birder Experience!
Nature Blog Network Featuring… Us!
July 13, 2009
Article in: Birding
Not familiar with The Nature Blog Network? It’s only the best place to find “Every Species of Nature Blog”. This week we are honored to be the featured blog!
Make sure to submit your nature blog to their list and check out what blogs rank where. They are sorted by category and currently there are 978 blogs on the list. Amazing!!
