Monthly Archive: August 2009

5 Bird-Watching Locations in Connecticut

August 31, 2009

The state’s coastal shoreline, forests, and privately-owned conservation areas have long been a magnet for bird-watching in Connecticut.

Whether you’re looking to spot a year-round raptor resident or a migratory bird you’ll find something for everybody in this collection of bird-watching destinations in the Nutmeg State.

White Memorial Foundation and Conservation Center – Litchfield:

In 1913 Alain White and his sister, May, created the White Memorial Foundation in the hills of northwestern Connecticut, and with Bantam Lake as its centerpiece. Today you’ll discover 35 miles of trails winding through open water and wetlands. Popular walks for bird-watchers are Lake Trail, the Little Pond Boardwalk Trail and the Butternut Trail.

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Man arrested with 500 wild bird eggs in bedroom

August 29, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 29, 2009

A 58-year-old UK grandfather, Allan Dyche, was recently arrested and prosecuted for illegally collecting wild bird eggs.

North Wales police raided Dyche’s home and uncovered nearly 500 wild bird eggs in an upstairs bedroom. Eight endangered eggs including a cirl bunting, avocet, crossbill, red-necked phalarope, red-backed shike and three merlin eggs were found in the collection.

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Video

Squirrel obstacle course (video)

Based on this performance, can anything really be squirrel proof?

Thanks

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August 28, 2009

Beautiful Toucan – National Geographic Video

August 28, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 28, 2009

The Toucan family is comprised of 37 species, concentrated in South America, but found as far north as Mexico. Toucans are very noisy members of the jungle population. They live in small communities and loudly make noises that sound like the croaks of frogs. They nest in tree holes, laying two to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents.

Toucans are herbivores, eating mostly berries and seeds. The Toucan’s enormous bill, is not used as a weapon, nor does it offer them an advantage when gathering food. The meaning and use of the toucan’s bill remains a mystery to scientists.

Strange fact about Toucans – in Central and South America they are associated with evil spirits, with some believing the the birds to be the incarnation of demons.

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Saw Whet Owl – Aegolius acadicus

August 27, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 27, 2009

The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a miniature owl native to North America. Adults are 18 cm long with a 43 cm wingspan. They nest in a tree cavities, usually created by a woodpecker. They will sometimes use nesting boxes. Northern …

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New Audubon Center Opens in Columbus, OH

August 27, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 27, 2009

Columbus, OH, August 27, 2009 – A former industrial site on the Whittier Peninsula near downtown Columbus is about to be officially reborn as an urban oasis where wildlife can thrive and visitors can connect with nature and the power to protect it. At the heart of this transformation is the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, the latest addition to Audubon’s national network of 50 nature centers.
The new community resource, on the banks of the Scioto River, is the culmination of a unique partnership between the City of Columbus Recreation & Parks Department, Metro Parks and Audubon Ohio. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, Franklin County Commission President Paula Brooks, Audubon Board Chair Holt Thrasher, and other officials and invited guests will cut the ribbon to dedicate the new Grange Insurance Audubon Center and Scioto Audubon Metro Park at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 28 at 505 West Whittier Street.

“What was once an area to avoid is now a destination where the seeds of stewardship will grow in a community that reflects America’s diversity and promise,” said National Audubon Society President John Flicker, who attended the Center’s ground-breaking ceremony on Earth Day 2008.

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Crow Adopts Kitten (video)

August 26, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 26, 2009

An unlikely friendship between a kitten and a crow. Video from Animal Planet. Please keep your cats inside.

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Your Backyard Birds: Red-Bellied Woodpecker

August 25, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 25, 2009

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a member of the Picidae family, and is the largest common woodpecker of the eastern United States. It is found primarily in northeastern US and southern Canada, ranging as far south as Florida and as far west as Texas. Its common habitat is wooded areas, including suburban neighborhoods and parks. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are very tolerant of humans, and are regular visitors to backyard garden feeders (especially during the winter), favoring sunflower seed, suet, and fruit. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers climb and “hitch” along branches and trunks of trees, picking at the bark.

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Video

Video of Male Birds Attracting Females

Many birds use elaborate displays to impress and attract a mate. In this video from David Attenborough and BBC wildlife, some interesting male birds are shown attracting females – including peacocks, pheasants and long-tailed widowbird.

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August 24, 2009

To pish or not to pish

August 19, 2009

by Bill Askenburg

August 19, 2009

Pishing is a term for making noises (and they can only be called noises) that mimic the scolding calls of birds. Basically, it’s creating the sound of a threatened bird, which in turn draws birds in. Most people I’ve spoken to have first encountered pishing on a bird watching trip, and generally are amazed with its success.

It may seem odd that birds actually come closer when hearing a threatening call, but some believe it’s a sort of a “mob behavior”. Birds draw closer to a fight, rather than retreat, almost like school children encircling a bully to show how strong and fearless they are.

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New England Birdhouse Blog

Monthly Archive: August 2009

5 Bird-Watching Locations in Connecticut

Man arrested with 500 wild bird eggs in bedroom

Beautiful Toucan – National Geographic Video

Saw Whet Owl – Aegolius acadicus

New Audubon Center Opens in Columbus, OH

Crow Adopts Kitten (video)

Your Backyard Birds: Red-Bellied Woodpecker

To pish or not to pish

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