Kenneth R
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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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Activity 1: This course has definitely raised my awareness not just about birds but why they matter. My focus is not on counting but on photographing the birds I have seen and I'm now using eBird to share my photos. Super excited about my new birding passion and to share what I have seen. Activity 2: We have always been proactive about adding bird friendly plants in our garden and about keep the stream clear and useful for birds to use. We're also making a concerted effort to reduce plastics in our life. Protecting these creatures should be a priority for all of us. Activity 3: While I haven't been birding that long, I have noticed the difference in just the past few years of the kinds of birding visiting our yard. I'm sad that our owl box was only used once in the past 5 years...hoping that we'll have one next year. Activity 4: I am now actively birding and documenting what I see several times a week and hoping that this contributes to the awareness to the importance of birds in our area.
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Activity 2: The more aquatic habitat around Sevenoaks seems to have more waterfowl, waders and shorebirds along with the raptors and others. The open fields and sporadic areas of shrubland around Down House seem much more suite to birds who prefer those types of habitats.
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Activity 1: In and around the Lithia Park Reservoir in Ashland, OR we have a Great Blue Heron that comes back in the morning or afternoon, the occasional pair of Canada Geese and the usual Mallards. I have also seen a Belted Kingfisher several times but only in early morning. Yesterday, a Red-breasted Sapsucker was tapping away at tree on the edge of the reservoir. This time of year I have also seen Dark-eyed Juncos and Spotted Towhees foraging around the reservoir. Further up the hill, on one of the partially forested trails above Ashland, the Warblers, Tanagers and Hummingbirds passing through have been seen recently. A few days ago a Cooper's Hawk was hanging out midday, I suppose looking for lunch or digestng the one he just had.
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Activity 3: I have really struggled to distinguish between gold and bald eagles (younger ones) and red-tailed hawks that I see around Lower Klamath Lake WR, since [1] the distinctive white head of the bald eagle doesnt show up until they are older and [2] the variation on the hawks seems significant....I found this bit of description helpful: "While golden eagles and juvenile bald eagles can look similar, there are a few key differences. Golden eagles have gold colored feathers around the nape of their neck. Golden eagles also have feathers all the way down to their foot. Conversely, bald eagles have un-feathered yellow ankles (it almost looks like they're wearing capris). The last diagnostic tool is the head size; golden eagles have much smaller heads than balds (almost like a red-tailed hawk head on an eagle body)."
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Activity 4: Having been to Tulelake 3 times in April and May, I am fascinated in how the species present even during that short period, have changed. During my last visit, the White-faced Ibis were leaving in the hundreds...what a sight.
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Activity 1: The Steller's Jay and California Scrub Jays which are so prevalent in our area, while (sort of) having similar colors, are easy to differentiate by shape due to the Steller's pompadour-like crown. Activity 2: The Varied Thrush, and Black-headed Grosbeak are easily confused for me due to the similar colors; and throw in the American Robin, especially when they all are moving, and things get messy:-) I find that the patterns (like the Varied Thrush's necklace) can really help distinguish birds with similar colors and size and shape. Activity 3: The Scrub Jay and Northern Flickers were both foraging on the ground in a nearby meadow today, but it seems the Flicker was looking for food, while the Jay may have been looking for nesting material. And the Acorn Woodpeckers seem to be ...well looking for acorns.:-) Activity 4: One of my favorites is the Acorn Woodpecker with [1] their clown-ish call (hee haw, hee haw), [2] their red cap, [3] their always seeming to move in groups and [4] the flash of white on their wings when they are in flight.
Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)