Saturday, October 17, 2009

I smell like bsBO!

So, if "One in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush", what does this mean?

What a great autumn day! We're coming to you live from the BirdMobile on a wonderfully sunny and chilly afternoon.

We stopped by to visit our buddies at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory this morning and drop off a copy of my latest photo presentation. I'll have to figure out how to post a part of my 'slide' show on the blog one of these days. While we were there Kimmay asked if we could help her collect the birds out in the mist nets for banding. We'd have to be real stoopid to say no to that!

While she was pulling the birds from the nets and placing them in the mesh bags, I learned how a Black-capped Chickadee, well known as a vicious killer bird, could crawl up the inside of the bag and attack the palm of my hand with that dagger like little bill! Beware the Chickadee!

Kim does so much to help birds, birders and young people. And on this day a group of eager students from the city of Solon came by for an outstanding learning experience.

They were here as part of the Science Olympiad program to learn hands on about birds, migration and habitat. Kim had them so excited about our little friends. They took turns holding a few of the birds netted this morning and I think it has left a lasting impression on them.

As you can see, me and the Doodles got a little more involved also. This was the first time that we helped out and were able to hold these amazing creatures in our hands. They are so light and delicate to handle and yet they can migrate thousands of miles. I am still in awe...

We need more people like Kim Kaufman to share our love of birds and to teach about habitat preservation!

The crazy eye from a Golden-crowned Kinglet. Check out the bling he's wearing!
When you don't hold those tiny legs tight enough, you end up empty handed and looking silly.

The Doodes is a happy girl!
She has a new favorite bird...

If you can get close enough, you'll be able to see the yellow soles of the Blackpoll Warbler's feet.
Good luck with that!

Kim had their rapt attention.

Proof that not all students only know sports and video games. These young people knew a good bit about birds.

Kim and the students of the Solon Schools Science Olympiad.
Good Luck!

Remember the White-throated Sparrows I had in our gardens a few posts ago.
They look much nicer when you're holding them!

Kim makes you recite an oath swearing you will not "squeeze the guts out of my birds!"

The first Fox Sparrow of the season. THAT'S a pretty Sparrow!

Of course, there has to be a shot from behind!

Thanks Kimmay!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

International Crappy Photo Day

" Honest, just a second ago, there was this Warbler..."


This was from this past May's Warbler Mayhem at Magee Marsh. Sometimes you win, sometimes you get a nice branch...Maybe I could become a 'Branch Manager!" Anybody hiring?
Yep, I got nothing today...

Monday, October 12, 2009

Sparrows of the Home...

The lowly House Sparrow, disliked by American birders. Silly birders!
Take a closer look at a House Sparrow someday, they really are a good looking bird!
Still not at work, still staring out the kitchen window at the feeders...At least we have enough plantings in the gardens so the neighbors don't think I'm ogling them (ick, by the way!)
Our yard list for the month is growing now that I can look out of the windows all day! The Brown Creeper Saturday was the best in a while, too bad I couldn't get a pic. I'll keep a lookout for him. Here's a few of the visitors from today, a very drab, dreary and drizzly day.
My British bird buddies will be jealous of this one!
I lost count at FORTY House Sparrows in the back around the feeders.
And I didn't include the little piggies at the front feeders!
And here's today's prize winner!
We haven't seen the Eastern Towhee in a couple of months, he's back for a visit before leaving for the winter.
Eat and run...or fly...
The White-crowned Sparrows are multiplying in the undergrowth.
This one heard my lens bounce of the glass in the window! Oops, that one hurt.

We always have a couple of Song Sparrows as they nest on the other side of our fence.
You just don't see them in the summer with all the plants and jungle!

Now THAT'S a White Crown!

We've been getting small flocks of young Red-winged Blackbirds flying through on a regular basis.
An odd bird to see at your sunflower feeder!

The Northern Cardinals are finally getting their crests back. Who's a pretty bird...now?

This Mourning Dove is stupid.
The Cooper's Hawk made a fly by, everything in sight flew away except for him.
I see a lunch date in his future!
By the way, have you ever seen Kenn Kaufman's impersonation of a male Mourning Dove trying to pick up a female? Hysterical!
This shy American Goldfinch would not turn around. I waited and waited, then gave up.
They're the reason we don't dead head our plants at the end of summer. They like the real stuff!

"So, I says to the wife, Blue Jays gotta eat too!, oh she didn't like that a bit! She wants a sign that says 'House Sparrows Only!'"

The Chipmunk said he would eat through the pond liner if I didn't post his picture.
They 'spliced' into our cable service for underground internet service...really...you gotta keep an eye on them rascals!