BJORN
Forum Replies Created
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BJORNParticipantI am gonna' go practical. I have some birdbaths. I am gonna' put a branch, stick the branch in the ground, and have it be right above the bird bath. So the bird has the extra perch, to sip the water. I have put whole tangerines, stuck like a shish-kabob, on the secondary stems, on the branch, to attract birds, and bugs, which attract more birds. Also, a lot of potted plants. 2-3 berry plants, around the perimeter, of the garden. I will also add 'specialty grasses,' as mentioned, in the grassy areas. Switchgrass. And other grasses. Last year, I left the perimeter, mowed less. I will do the same in '24. And I have a small, weed garden, in the middle of my backyard. It will have some potted plants, added to it, and a large dead branch, near the weed garden. Dug into the ground. So woodpeckers, have a stump of wood, to peck and hammer, while in my garden. Lastly, native potted plants, with berries, will be added, like I said. And also, I will plant the complementary grasses, on the perimeter, and/or in the weed garden. And as I have noted, un-mowed areas, grow unintentional wildflowers, that birds enjoy. So I will expand the un-mowed areas. Form the perimeter, to intentional 'circles' in the lawn. bk
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BJORNParticipantI have taken a few good pics, of birds in flight. My best strategy, is to always make the whites under exposed, to appear textured. And under-lit. Then, fix the dark areas. Cause it is easier afterwards, to photo edit, to fix greys and browns, than fix 'glowing' white areas. I have a great camera, but not enough to focus only on birds in flight. Since I started this class, I take the opportunity, and add, birds in flight, to my bird watch walk. OSPREY top, RING BILLED GULL, bottom. More on the way ? nikon p1000.in reply to: Practice Capturing Birds in Flight #990184
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BJORNParticipantI usually go birding, with basic photos in mind. When I saw this course, I said, 'I will try to get the flying birds.' Only thing, as good as my camera is, 125 x zoom. It is still tough. Because usually birds are way up there, in flight. And I get 'album cover,' type shot. I edit them to be kinda sketchy, but cool. I got my best picture of an Osprey, in flight, ever. But I could not get the same scientific quality, as a bird within 150 feet. But now, I have more things to look for, than basic birding. And I just think, 'prepare to adjust exposure and zoom, the second I see a bird in the sky.' bkin reply to: Practice Capturing Birds in Flight #987492
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BJORNParticipantThe Mass., zone is 6 a and 6 b . / I think that I may add some shrubs, like a Holly, or put potted plants, in the yards. I looked up the Holly, which is a cool looking shrub with berries, and it is very important for winter birds. Two or so are suggested, to plant, for only one style has berries, and the other not. And they may complement each other. As stated by source ? I am also going to change to a battery powered mower, only. Because I have made a lot of the changes, suggested in this course, to my yard. i.e. More grass allowed on the perimeter. Allowing messiness. Bird baths and a bird feeder. etc... However, a KOBALT/ECHO mower, is on my list for next year. For that would add an improvement to the mix, as to not have gasoline in the air, during mowing, or in the general air. / My lawn is fairly 'full,' so I know there is no sandiness, and most of the soil is not too dry, nor too swampy./ I have a weed garden, and have noticed that some sort of long stemmed dandelions are growing. /Leaving areas un-mowed, helps with the growth of natural wildflowers. I also leave areas around the trees mowed less./ I have noticed a lot of the common backyard birds. Especially wood-peckers and nuthatches./ I am going to add potted plants as needed, and install, perhaps a Holly, or a Blueberry shrub, as well as mtx. the garden I have made. bk/ ( I like the patterns, of leaving long grass, in areas that do not sacrifice the neatness of the lawn, the best. Around trees, and around the perimeter.)in reply to: Gather Your Local Knowledge #984740
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BJORNParticipantThis image has most, if not all, of the basic components. I think, from this course, and my own experience, that multiple birdbaths/water drinking baths, are very important. Because in some areas, water is the most important. Depending on the season. Bugs supply air foraging, the earth has insects, and in the summer, there are plants. I have 3 bird baths, one with a solar powered fountain/bubbler, and another 2 water baths on the other side of my property. But only one or two seed holders. And I sprinkle berries there as well. I live near an area, where there were multiple black bear sightings, earlier this summer. So I cut down on anything that would obviously attract wildlife. And I cut my lawn diff., now. Leaving a border, with no de-weeding. This winter, I plan on an outdoor x-mas tree, with cranberry and popcorn string. As for native plants, I should, and plan on, buying potted seasonal plants. But I have not yet planted bird friendly plants. I get good activity, basic backyard birds, with nuthatches, and smaller wood-peckers. Robins, Crows, Cardinals, the usual. thx. bjk. (pic. has best native plants, and messiness. I would put in bird baths)in reply to: Keys to Gardening for Birds #977618
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BJORNParticipantOne thing I will do, is to place potted/jarred plants, temporarily, to offer a wide array of options. So I am not stuck with the mtx., and landscaping of garden beds. A small potted berry pot in the summer. A few spread out, with gravel around it. And in the winter, an outdoor x-mas tree, with seeds scattered on or near the outdoor x-mas tree. x-mas tree temp, in a base/holder. I am a little lazy with full landscaping. My bird garden is kind of visually cool, but not expensive. I will use, for ex., the old berry/popcorn string on the outdoor x-mas tree. And will but seasonal potted/jars on the lawn. like a MAACO paint job. cheap, but it looks good.in reply to: Keys to Gardening for Birds #970911
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BJORNParticipantI have had success, with putting cut, or whole, oranges, and/or tomatoes, on branches. Pierced like a ' shish-kabob.' It offers a visual highlight, and the birds peck them, and the oranges and/or tomatoes attract flies, so that gives the birds an opportunity for air foraging. Similar to an ORIOLE bird feeder. I also have 2 birdbaths, and a dug in branch, for Hairy or Downy WoodPeckers. And a bird bath for seeds only. Next up is some plants, and maybe a bird bath accessory. btw, HEIRLOOM tomatoes, look the coolest. I do not put many out, they are acidic. And the water baths I put out, outnumber the seeds and snacks, to control squirrel and wildlife intrusion. To try to, anyway.in reply to: Keys to Gardening for Birds #966962
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BJORNParticipantI installed a large branch, cut in half, and dug it into the ground. I actually saw a woodpecker beak-drilling into it. It was cool, because it is near my backdoor, and my original intent was to attract a woodpecker. It was a Downy Woodpecker. I also attract a lot of squirrels, and I saw a White Squirrel, in the bird feeder/bath. I have read, that is is tough to have a bird feeder-yard-system, and not get squirrels. But it is good, I think, that the critters get healthy food, and then when Raptors hunt them, they get a critter, that has had good food, and not Rodenticide affected food. I have seen some Raptors near me, but never in my yard. I have seen DOVES, WOODPECKERS, SPARROWS, BLUE JAYS, and once, a group of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. And a GRAY - TUFTED TITMOUSE. Thx., bjorn k.in reply to: Give Birds What They Need #908591
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BJORNParticipantI saw, on an Ebird photo, and orange slid over a branch. Like in this photo. And I learned, from this course, that water is more important than seeds, relatively. I installed 2 water baths, and 1-2-3, seed feeders. I saw, 6 American Goldfinches, all together, last week. And a male and female Cardinal, together, almost 5 times in the past week. This method, is more educated, than, say, putting a huge amount of seeds, and little/no water. thx. bjorn k.in reply to: Joys of Naturescaping #898469
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BJORNParticipantMy question is, why are some birds so scared of humans. And some not. A Canada Goose, a Crow, a Seagull, all will eat food, practically out of your hand. In the wild. Other birds, would take a trainer, and/or a low % of that certain breed, would not fly away. I have always seen GREAT BLUE HERONS, and Raptors, or Eastern Bluebirds, be of the 'flighty,' type. But a Canada Goose, Duck, or a Sparrow, be much less scared of humans. Especially if we have food, for them. The obvious answer is the partial domestication of that bird. But some birds fly away, immediately, at the sight of a person, walking in their territory. Yet some birds, stay put, until you are about a few inches from them. Certain percentages exist, of course, of exceptions, of each hypothesis. Not all bird are always scared, and most flinch a little. But some will stay right near you,and some will fly away from fear, at the mere sound of a footstep. Why ?in reply to: Linking Citizen Science & Inquiry #823766
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BJORNParticipantRESEARCH - OBSERVATION - EXPLORATION - DISSECTION - CRITICAL THINKING I would say that the exploring, and finding, of the needed specimens are important, because you need the actual 'thing.' Be it a Lady-Bug or a water vial. Also, the science through observation and the dissection or inspection of the 'thing,' and its' scientific analysis. I am also curious how to analyze a non-scientific trait of birds. Do birds pose for a camera ? I have seen birds fly up to me, and stop, and then fake me out, and leave as I press the button. Or actually stay until I am done with a few takes. How can a person answer that question ? I would like to run a group on which types of birds can handle food produced from humans, and which cannot. Seagulls and Crows eat rubbish. But I never see a RWBB, nor a Swan, eat rubbish. But Canada Geese do. What is the affect, and why ?in reply to: Citizen Science in Your Classroom #821843
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BJORNParticipantI was a relief worker in social work, before COVID hit, and then was hired as a Stray Cat Feeder, in the interim. If I go back to social work, I would like to lead groups, or 1 on 1, in wilderness therapy. And one concept, is the INQUIRY CONCEPT, in regards to comfort and amazement, and how it relates to experience in the field. The first time you see a Red Winged Blackbird, or get a pic. of a Great Blue Heron, and then the 5th time. Does your knowledge increase ? Do you get excited with multiple taken pictures, multiple times ? I, 2 years ago, I never had a RWBB, nor a GBH, photo. Now I have many. And it is exciting, and therapeutic. Also, validating, as you go on a walk, and then see the birds you are seeking. So the INQUIRY CONCEPT, and learning thru citizen science in the field, is a great cycle. Therapeutic, teaching, and real.in reply to: Intro to Citizen Science #816403
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BJORNParticipantI used to be a Counselor for a SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM. And we ran open mic's. Of poetry and music. It was amazing at the level of skill that was present, depending on the preparation of the student. And the Self awareness of the student, and the preparation, as it affected their comfort. Sort of a 'self inquiry.' If the student practiced, and was at least of basic talent, they were comfortable. If the student was great, but not ready, through practice. They felt uncomfortable. If a student tried to be too good, and was not rehearsed, they felt awkward. So the sort of 'self inquiry,' was different, depending on those circumstances. So, you can see this sort of solution, that occurred, depending on the preparation. Like the Science experiments. The minute there is an understanding, there is learning. And then the previous example/situation, is "solved," or "understood." Then, the inquiry, creates learning. But in music/poetry, you want to learn first, in rehearsals, so there is no "un-chartered territory," in the presentation. In a learning situation, there is an 'a-ha,' and a possible conclusion, through INQUIRY.in reply to: Inquiry in Your Classroom #806175
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BJORNParticipantOne of the simple ways I used INQUIRY, was my introduction the Red Winged Blackbird. Before the 'LAB,' courses, I never really knew about them. Then on one of my first nature walks, I saw 2. Then I thought, it must be a rare bird. Then I read that they are one of the, " most abundant birds in North America. " Then I went to a place where I can see dozens of them, every time I go there. Now I know, they are an abundant bird, but they love nature settings, only. So they are not like a 'backyard bird.' Nor a rare, California Condor, in there commonality. They are and abundant bird, but are usually in a natural environment. Not in a backyard, nor a parking lot ? Now I can photo them, and am comfortable with them, and now, through inquiry, I understand. At least in my zip code ?in reply to: Intro to Inquiry #803392
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BJORNParticipantI would say, that the knowledge of looking for a 'white-wash,' is helpful, when looking for Owl homes, in trees. That is the best way to tell if there is a large, raptor style bird, in the area. Especially Owls. Gross, but helpful. Also, the different Owl sounds we learned, are helpful. I knew the basic, 'hoot hoot.' But now, I can practice about 3-5 sounds, from the list. Lastly, the Owl classifications and populations are good to know, especially the spooky, ethereal, Sri Lanka Owl, Boobook, and Congo Bay Owl. It is not easy to learn about jungle, foreign Owls. Now I know.in reply to: Find the Hidden Owl #786547
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BJORNParticipantI always thought, Dove sounds were Owls. The 'coo coo,' sounds like 'hoot hoot.' So I would think there were dozens of Owls in the forest. Now, after these courses, I can tell, that an Owl is not as prevalent, and sound more like -' hoo hoo hoo hohoho hoo.' Also, I never knew a Barn Owl sounded so Catlike. I would think, to hear that in a night time forest, it was a Panther. Scary. The Great Horned Owl sound makes sense to me, and so does the Screech Owl, because they are unique. But the Screech Owl almost sounds like a robot. So spaced and 'cartoon like.' All the Hooter Owl sounds ring a bell, and sound like classical Owl sounds, but just a little different, than the classic, 'hoot hoot.' I like to hear the ones that mixes a trill and a hoot. Owly and unique.in reply to: Is It An Owl? #775958
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BJORNParticipantThe Owl Family, seems to be more private, and almost scared/paranoid, of beholders. One thing I want to do, is get a picture of a raptor, that seems easier to photo, than Owls and Hawks/Eagles. A Vulture cleaning a carcass. I do not think I will ever see an Owl, that will stay still. I have seen them perch, and fly away. And like an Eagle, or Hawk, they do not seem to like being in the eye of a beholder. What is it about some birds, that they do not get scared away. I have seen Swans, right next to me, and other Swans have eaten,out of a persons hand, even in the wild. An Owl is scared, like a smaller bird. And they are never near people. Even skittish small birds, eat near people, and will eat out of a persons' hand, if food is presented. Why is such a strong bird, so skittish ? And just in general, what makes a bird scared, or not, of people ? Why can a Swan, be within a few feet of you ? And a Goose too. And other birds be completely scared ? Owls also seem to have more personality to them. The pics I have seen, almost show human moods to them. Not blank, nor plain. Like they are wearing a fear, and a care, on their sleeve. Not a plain bird.in reply to: Young Owls Grow Up #775295
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BJORNParticipantI saw, in one of the lessons, that a Great Horned Owl, can hunt, up to the size of a Cat. I would love to see a picture of a larger Owl species, in a fight with a Cat. Or even a Grouse. It seems the Owls, usually go after smaller vertebrates. But if there is a picture of a larger Owl, hunting a medium/small vertebrate, it must be awesome. OWL vs. CAT, or OWL vs. GROUSE. It would have to be a larger/largest Owl. Great Horned Owl / Fish-Eagle-Hawk Owl. ?? I did not know there was a Fish Owl, or a Hawk Owl, or an Eagle Owl. Kinda like the Osprey, to Eagles and Hawks. Same family, but a little different.in reply to: Owls and Their Prey #773388
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BJORNParticipantOne thing I would like to do, is take a trip to, Cape Cod. For birding, only. I usually go to the Gloucester Ma., area. But, I think that some Cape Cod areas, may be better birding hot spots. For different birds. Are there more Heron/Crane variations ? I know the North Shore is great, but I need a different landscape. I would like to research, more, where to find birding hot spots, and go there just for that reason. Birding. Birding only. More 'rarity,' or 'unique,' sightings, and more detective work, as to, where to go. OWLS/OSPREYS/EAGLES/VULTURES/PUFFINS, are on my list. -b.k.in reply to: Activities: Helping Birds in Your World #767426