I and the Bird #94

By Mike • February 19, 2009 • No comments yet

When the vagaries and viccissitudes of a temperate climate become decidedly intemperate, I begin to long for California. Most California dreamers conjure visions of that sun-kissed coastline from Santa Barbara south to San Diego. My mind takes me back to Northern California, easily one of the most magnificent and dramatic landscapes in the world yet not nearly as afflicted with ice and snow as some spots I might mention. Northern California has it all… ravines, rivers, and redwoods. Reports too, thanks to Larry Jordan of The Birder’s Report. Larry has been keeping the world abreast of the avian action in his slice of paradise for a while now. Today, Larry delivers a massive edition of I and the Bird #94.

What are the birds like in your little slice of paradise? Share your sightings with the readers of I and the Bird. Our next editions will be hosted by Connie Kogler of Birds O’ The Morning. Please send your links and summaries to me or Connie (zblueheron AT gmail DOT com) by March 1.

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About the Author

Mike

Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but what he really aspires to be is a naturalist. Besides founding 10,000 Birds and I and the Bird, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining sites and resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network.

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Asides

New website for Canadian IBAs

Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada have launched a new website for the Canadian Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme. The main goals of the IBA Canada website (www.ibacanada.ca) are to raise awareness of the IBA Programme, to share information about Canada’s IBAs, and to empower more Canadians to reconnect with nature as volunteers for the IBA Caretaker Network. Check it out.

What happens to penguins after they die?

Did you ever wonder why you never see dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica? Craig at SABirdNet has provided the answer…
It is a known fact that the penguin is a ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life. They have a very strong community bond, are very committed to their family and will mate for life. They also maintain a form of compassionate contact with their offspring throughout its life. When a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried. The male penguins then gather in a circle around the freshly dug grave and sing…
“♫ freeze a jolly good fellow…♪”

BirdLife Malta petition on YouTube

BirdLife Malta have produced a heart-breaking and highly effective video to promote their petition demanding the Maltese prime-minister ban illegal hunting. The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0SgNMBvVoQ. Watch it, think about it, sign the petition. Please.

Results of the Puerto Rico Contest

Of course it has been months since Patrick of The Hawk Owl’s Nest was fortunate enough to win the 10,000 Birds / Wildside Nature Tours contest for an “Endemic Dash” through Puerto Rico but it is just now that the results of that contest are really becoming apparent…