Did you know that the world’s largest birdwatching event is scheduled for this weekend? The British Birdwatching Fair, known to friends simply as the Birdfair, is held on the nature reserve at Rutland Water (a RAMSAR and Special Protection Area natch) and hosts about 20,000 visitors in a 3-day span. This event has a substantial conservation component; since their first project “Stop the Massacre Campaign” in 1989 to the current day, more than £2,000,000 has been raised to help save birds and their habitats in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. No wonder birders and exhibitors flock (pardon the pun) from around the world to take part. Will you be attending the British Birdfair this weekend? If not, what will you be doing and will you be watching birds? Share you plans in the comments below!
Charlie will be holding court at the Birdfair, at least for a day. Seek him out on Friday! Alas, the rest of us will be idling in the Empire State. Corey will be tearing it up donwstate whilst I might seek out Caspian Terns and the like on Lake Ontario or Skaneateles upstate.
Whatever your plans this weekend, make time to enjoy SkyWatch Friday. Also be sure to come back Monday to share your best bird of the weekend!
Keep your eyes to the skies for wild parrots like this Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Charlie saw in Sydney
Ha! Depending on the continuation of our current heat wave or not, it’s either the stroller route through the fields south of Heidelberg or the living room window, peering out from behind the closed curtains that shelter our south-facing rooms from the sun.
Based on the weather reports, I think we will be birding underneath the big umbrella in front of the pond in our back yard. On those misty, rainy days it resembles something from Dagobah. It doesn’t stop the birds, though!
To be more specific, I’ll be wading with the shorebirds at Jamaica Bay!
Hi, I am been following this blog for awhile now and I really enjoy the reading and pictures.
My husband and I will be birding and braving the bugs at Chincoteague Island, Va. I hope to see some good shorebirds on their way south.
This weekend is the start of fasting month, so I will not venture very far. Birding at local park and golf course will be enough.
I, too, will be at Jamaica Bay, squinting at shorebirds and hopefully not getting thundered on.
Well, I’ll be at the BirdFair, but not till Sunday, so I’ll miss Charlie. I haven’t been for five years – outrageous! My only excuse is living in Scotland. I should catch up with tree sparrows for the year list and, more dubiously, Egyptian geese. Last time I also had garden warbler, which has been elusive this year. A bird in trouble?
Gosh – 20,000 a day is a lot of people! Since I won’t be seeing a beautiful white parrot in CO anytime soon, I’m glad I can enjoy your photo.
Great cockatoo shot.
Do not have to go far. With our area in a drought all I have to do is sit still by the fountain in our courtyard. Painted buntings, numerous types of finches, cardinals, etc. all come for the water. Love the in-flight shot!
Very nice actionshot her, love it, Well done!!
Have a nice SWF
I haven’t seen Red-cockaded Woodpeckers for a while. I think I might have to go check them out again this weekend.
Yeah, Nate, and this has nothing to do with your dad being around and the fact that he’s yet to see his life Red-cockeded?
😉
@jochen- mere coincidence, truly 🙂
This is a fabulous shot. Cockatoos are so beautiful, I’d love to see one taking flight in the wild.
I’ve got a cockatiel at home who is very camera shy 🙁
Please visit me: Picture This . . .
The lake, in Cass County, MN.
OK, tried to go to Britian, but could not find extra funds for air flight…. So, we did this.
I’ll be in central park!