Skywatch Friday – Old Oak
September 30, 2010
Article in: Photography
Check Out Other Skywatch Friday photos!!
The Bird Artwork of Brendan Wenzel
September 30, 2010
Article in: Birding
Thanks to Stacia for finding this one!
Please check out Brendan Wenzel’s fantastic bird artwork. I especially like the Hooded Merganser with an enlarged hood.
Screenshot of some of Brendan’s art
I really think Brendan could turn his work into a fantastical children’s book about nature. His art reminds me of a cross of Dr. Seuss and Charley Harper.
Wordless Wednesday – It’s a Girl!!
September 29, 2010
Article in: Photography
Dakota and Jennie’s new dog: Lily Nevada
Rock Cut State Park Hawk Watch
September 28, 2010
Article in: Birding
For an NCIOS sanctioned field trip we had the privilege to have hawk expert Vic Berardi lead a hawk watch at Rock Cut State Park. Here’s a recap.
Hawk watching
We began the day at Rock Cut State Park’s Olson Beach parking area. This is one of the highest points in the park and also one with a panoramic view of the open sky. To the north is a small man-made lake (Olson). The wind was blowing pretty hard from the northeast but we had a fairly successful day.
Our view to the northwest
If you’ve never participated in a hawk watch we stay in one spot and observe all the migrating raptors that fly into view. However, many of the sightings are of distant specs and for non-hawk experts (like us) are extremely difficult to identify. But, with an expert like Vic and other supreme birders present, we were able to discern 61 raptors of 8 species:
- Osprey – 2
- Bald Eagle – 1
- Northern Harrier – 1
- Sharp-shinned Hawk – 6
- Cooper’s Hawk – 7
- Broad-winged Hawk – 7
- Red-tailed Hawk – 35
- Peregrine Falcon – 2
The biggest highlight for me were the two Peregrine Falcons. These were not only awesome birds to see but had the audacity to come really close (although both times when my camera was inexcusably inaccessible).
Overall, the weather was beautiful but cold and windy. Participating in such a count really helps to improve your birding skills. It is also pretty amazing just how many birds are on the move when you make a concentrated effort to find and identify them.
Note: I am a terrible hawk watcher but was awed by the skills of the pros and grateful for their informative insights into identification.
The only bird shot of the day, a Turkey Vulture
Review of Identifying and Feeding Birds
September 27, 2010
Article in: Book Reviews
“Feed more birds, have more fun” is the mantra of Bill Thompson III in his new book Identifying and Feeding Birds
Identifying and Feeding Birds
Several pages in various chapters of Identifying and Feeding Birds
Crafting a backyard full of native plantings, what we like to call “birdscaping”, is a great way to increase the variety of birds that visit. Plus, the plants and water features provide additional intrinsic value to your outdoor experience.
Bill also covers traditional bird feeding, going into detail on nearly every type of feeder and food offering. There’s a handy page covering the main groups of birds that come to feeders and what they mostly eat. Ten common bird feeding myths are also debunked. Find out if Birds will starve if you stop feeding in winter and if Feeders keep birds from migrating among others.
For attracting nesting birds, Bill’s included a reference chart for cavity-nesting birds. The dimensions and mounting info provide all you need to get started constructing your own artificial nesting places for the birds.
An entire chapter is dedicated to the potential challenges you are likely to encounter as you feed more birds. Bill’s spent a lot of time feeding and watching birds and provides his personal anecdotes of what he’s been through.
While the first section of Identifying and Feeding Birds
The common backyard bird section will not replace a full field guide but provides a handy reference to either discern what bird is coming to your water feature or to assist in your aspirations of attracting new species.
Bill Thompson III’s humorous style makes Identifying and Feeding Birds
“Feed more birds, have more fun.”
Included in the book is an offer for 2 free issues to Bird Watcher’s Digest. This is one of the best bird-focused magazines out there and a real joy to read.
Disclaimer: The above book was given to us by the publisher for free to review.
Bird Photography Weekly #109
September 26, 2010
Article in: Bird Photography Weekly
Join in now on the 109th edition of Bird Photography Weekly!!
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Skywatch Friday – Sycamore
September 23, 2010
Article in: Photography
Wordless Wednesday – Common Buckeye
September 22, 2010
Article in: Photography
Common Buckeye – Junonia coenia
Part of Wordless Wednesday
