If you want your kids to be a part of the process it is very easy to make your birdhouse very simple. It is quite possible to use four or five pieces of wood and construct one with very little in the way of tools. Then there is the posture of a bird. Believe it or not, birds perch differently. For example, a Flycatcher perches vertically (straight up and down) when on a branch while a Vireo perches horizontally (almost lying down) when on the same branch.
Here's one other practical feature that you will fall in love with; stainless steel bowls that are only accessible from outside the cage. This is a must have if your bird is a "biter".
The #1 thing to watch for is a cage that is sturdy, but can be broken down in a matter of 2 minutes or less, without the need for any tools. All of the top brand name bird cages have this feature.
Get to Where the Birds Are! This sounds obvious, but many birders spend the majority of their bird watching time and energy on poor locations.
Choosing a Hat for Birdwatching
Sure, "any old hat" will do. After all, birdwatching is not a fashion event and no birdwatcher has ever won a ‘best in hat' category, but birdwatching is an outdoor activity. One of your most important concerns other than the birds is protection. Exposing yourself to the elements and suffering afterwards will definitely make your birdwatching unforgettable, but in a bad way.
Here are some tips in choosing a good hat for birdwatching.
Consider the climate and the weather.
Think of the location where you will be going birdwatching. If it's just in the vicinity of your neighborhood, then that "any old hat" of yours will do. But if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors under the rays of the sun, then get the appropriate hat.
A good birdwatching hat should be lightweight with a brim for sun protection. It should always be wider than your face. If you are going to a place where there is little covering and where you will be exposed to the sun for some time, consider protection for your ears and the sides of your face. A sunscreen also affords protection, but it cannot keep the feeling of heat off your skin.
For instance, image stabilization will keep your view from shaking-very important when watching from a long distance. Other cool features include anti-fogging, low-light viewing and wide-view characteristics.
If you are buying an actual antique, prepare to pay a hefty price. Be on the lookout, though, at garage sales and flea markets. Sometimes you can find an undiscovered treasure for mere pennies. Think about the ability of your family to care for a pet and then only choose a bird that you could really care for and enjoy.
Just where to hang the feeders? In general, it is good to hang these feeders in any part of the garden where there is no direct exposure to sunlight and where the wind will not be able to shake the feeder.
The top two ways to give your bird stimulation on a daily basis are: toy hooks & playtops. There's no need to explain why toy hooks are stimulating, they just are!
On days when it's really bright, you could have a problem with glare so you'll want to protect your face. A higher crown is good for better ventilation. Waterproof nylons are ideal for tropical conditions.
Color me camouflage.
An outrageous, funny hat would be very tempting for an outdoor activity, but only for humans and not for birds. Birdwatching is strictly that – watching; and when you scare birds off, what else is there to do?
Remember that you will enter the birds' territory, even if you watch them from afar. The best hat color would be the ones that resemble mulch or dried leaves or the ground. So go for the tan, beige and dark greens. Avoid hats that are pure white and those that come in bright colors. The best colors are earth tones. If you look like your surroundings, birds are less likely to be agitated at a sight that is familiar to them.
A hat should reflect your style and personality and birdwatching should not deter you from this goal. When you enter the territory of the birds, you are the guest and certain behavior is required so be sure to choose the appropriate hat that befits a guest in the wild.
How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at http://www.bird-watch.info This is a tricky dilemma when shopping for a bird cage, but here is the general rule of thumb; the bigger the better, as long as the bar spacing isn't too wide. So what is too wide of a bar spacing?
If you're looking at a quality cage it will be constructed of steel (powder-coated ones should have steel underneath the powder-coat and stainless steel cages need to be 100% stainless steel, not plated or hollow) or iron. Buying a pet bird can be quite an investment. After spending money on your bird and its supplies, you might be looking to save a little on the cage. Luckily, discount bird cages are available.
If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum. We may have the best intentions to let our bird spend most of his time out of the cage. But there will still be times when he needs to be in his cage.
After you have brought your bird bath home, find a place to set up the bath well within sight of your outdoor and indoor spaces.
About the Author: If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
What Kind Of Bird Was That
Building and decorating a bird house is something that parents and kids can do together. It is relatively cheap and can provide hours of entertainment even after the project is completed. Finches fly in a more exaggerated roller coaster pattern while woodpeckers fly in a more moderate rise and fall pattern. Then there are birds like Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Northern Goshawks that make several wing flaps which are followed by a long glide, whereas a Red Tailed Hawk can usually be seen soaring.
Here is a feature that is often overlooked: bird-proof door locks. You should get a cage that your bird can't escape from. Just think about what would happen if your bird escaped & was free the entire day while you're out!
But on the other hand, a carefully cared for, high quality powder-coated bird cage can last 10+ years. So what makes a cage simple to clean?
You may find that perhaps only a few species actually inhabit that particular area. With a little preparation, you will be able to more readily identify bird species from each other. Keep a list of successfully viewed species – we'll call this tip number two and a half.
What kind of bird was that?
This is what you normally ask yourself or your partner when you see an odd bird perched around in one of those trees.
It is fascinating to see birds around you chirping and enjoying the bounties of nature or even the city life. What is even more fascinating though is when you see a bird you have not seen before.
Have you ever seen a bird that seems different from the rest? Normally we give these unknown birds a name – odd birds. These odd birds are either an un-named breed by the taxonomists or a foreigner to a certain area.
Bird watching is one of the most calming and peaceful hobbies available. Just sit down in a good spot and have your kit in hand. For the novice, you might want to consider taking along a good picture book of the common birds in your area so you will not tag a named bird as odd.
If you suspect that the bird you saw is odd, take a picture of it and research. Look for it in books and bird websites. It just may be that the bird is just visiting your area but is not really going to stay there for long. The top two ways to give your bird stimulation on a daily basis are: toy hooks & playtops. There's no need to explain why toy hooks are stimulating, they just are!
If you desire the look of antiques without the price tag, reproductions are also available. Replica antique bird cages often maintain the look and style of the original, but at a fraction of the cost.
Perhaps many people think that owning a bird is reserved for the wild at heart or certainly for those living in a tropical climate.
Just where to hang the feeders? In general, it is good to hang these feeders in any part of the garden where there is no direct exposure to sunlight and where the wind will not be able to shake the feeder. Additionally, binoculars with built-in digital cameras enable you to identify birds once you get home. These benefits will definitely enhance your bird watching. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a great one. You can count on it!
If you still have difficulty in looking for that specific bird share the picture to an ornithologist or someone more knowledgeable in that field. It will be a great contribution to science if this bird is still un-named and you found that bird and were able to take note of it.
Another help you can add is if the bird is used as a bio-indicator and might lead scientists to know if there is something new or different in the environment. An example of this are some shrike species that indicate presence of pollution. So share your knowledge and learn from it too. Remember to note where you saw it, the sound of chirps that you heard, the colors, the form of the beak, the feet, feathers, wing span (approximately), length, tail, and its characteristics (like if its moves around from branch to branch or if its very noisy).
No matter how odd or different looking the bird you saw is, just be glad it showed itself to you. Settle down and don't be too excited because you might scare this odd bird away and you may not be able to finish looking at its features.
Enjoy bird watching and be one with nature. How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at http://www.bird-watch.info
This is a tricky dilemma when shopping for a bird cage, but here is the general rule of thumb; the bigger the better, as long as the bar spacing isn't too wide. So what is too wide of a bar spacing? If you're looking at a quality cage it will be constructed of steel (powder-coated ones should have steel underneath the powder-coat and stainless steel cages need to be 100% stainless steel, not plated or hollow) or iron.
One great resource in looking for cheap bird cages is the internet. Amazon often offers bird cages at significant discounts. This website also offers customer reviews of different products. This can be a helpful tool if you are still in the decision-making phase of your cage search.
The birds tail will not touch either the back or the bottom of the cage while sitting on the perch. If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.
Just like people, birds get hot and thirsty. Especially during the blistering summer months, your favorite flying friends may be roasting in their feathers. Help out your local birds and provide them with a shady spot to splash, play, bathe, and drink--a bird bath!
About the Author: If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.
Here is a feature that is often overlooked: bird-proof door locks. You should get a cage that your bird can't escape from. Just think about what would happen if your bird escaped & was free the entire day while you're out!
But on the other hand, a carefully cared for, high quality powder-coated bird cage can last 10+ years. So what makes a cage simple to clean?
You may find that perhaps only a few species actually inhabit that particular area. With a little preparation, you will be able to more readily identify bird species from each other. Keep a list of successfully viewed species – we'll call this tip number two and a half.
What kind of bird was that?
This is what you normally ask yourself or your partner when you see an odd bird perched around in one of those trees.
It is fascinating to see birds around you chirping and enjoying the bounties of nature or even the city life. What is even more fascinating though is when you see a bird you have not seen before.
Have you ever seen a bird that seems different from the rest? Normally we give these unknown birds a name – odd birds. These odd birds are either an un-named breed by the taxonomists or a foreigner to a certain area.
Bird watching is one of the most calming and peaceful hobbies available. Just sit down in a good spot and have your kit in hand. For the novice, you might want to consider taking along a good picture book of the common birds in your area so you will not tag a named bird as odd.
If you suspect that the bird you saw is odd, take a picture of it and research. Look for it in books and bird websites. It just may be that the bird is just visiting your area but is not really going to stay there for long. The top two ways to give your bird stimulation on a daily basis are: toy hooks & playtops. There's no need to explain why toy hooks are stimulating, they just are!
If you desire the look of antiques without the price tag, reproductions are also available. Replica antique bird cages often maintain the look and style of the original, but at a fraction of the cost.
Perhaps many people think that owning a bird is reserved for the wild at heart or certainly for those living in a tropical climate.
Just where to hang the feeders? In general, it is good to hang these feeders in any part of the garden where there is no direct exposure to sunlight and where the wind will not be able to shake the feeder. Additionally, binoculars with built-in digital cameras enable you to identify birds once you get home. These benefits will definitely enhance your bird watching. A great pair of binoculars will turn a mediocre experience into a great one. You can count on it!
If you still have difficulty in looking for that specific bird share the picture to an ornithologist or someone more knowledgeable in that field. It will be a great contribution to science if this bird is still un-named and you found that bird and were able to take note of it.
Another help you can add is if the bird is used as a bio-indicator and might lead scientists to know if there is something new or different in the environment. An example of this are some shrike species that indicate presence of pollution. So share your knowledge and learn from it too. Remember to note where you saw it, the sound of chirps that you heard, the colors, the form of the beak, the feet, feathers, wing span (approximately), length, tail, and its characteristics (like if its moves around from branch to branch or if its very noisy).
No matter how odd or different looking the bird you saw is, just be glad it showed itself to you. Settle down and don't be too excited because you might scare this odd bird away and you may not be able to finish looking at its features.
Enjoy bird watching and be one with nature. How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at http://www.bird-watch.info
This is a tricky dilemma when shopping for a bird cage, but here is the general rule of thumb; the bigger the better, as long as the bar spacing isn't too wide. So what is too wide of a bar spacing? If you're looking at a quality cage it will be constructed of steel (powder-coated ones should have steel underneath the powder-coat and stainless steel cages need to be 100% stainless steel, not plated or hollow) or iron.
One great resource in looking for cheap bird cages is the internet. Amazon often offers bird cages at significant discounts. This website also offers customer reviews of different products. This can be a helpful tool if you are still in the decision-making phase of your cage search.
The birds tail will not touch either the back or the bottom of the cage while sitting on the perch. If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.
Just like people, birds get hot and thirsty. Especially during the blistering summer months, your favorite flying friends may be roasting in their feathers. Help out your local birds and provide them with a shady spot to splash, play, bathe, and drink--a bird bath!
About the Author: If you are a new bird watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum.
How To Attract Birds With Window Bird Feeders
One of the great things about having a backyard garden is all the birds that are attracted by the plants. If you don't have enough space to have a garden in your backyard, there are still ways to attract birds. Window bird feeders are a great way to do this, even if you don't have any yard space at all.
There are plenty of different sizes and styles of bird feeders, each designed for a different type of bird. You can also choose different types of food to attract different varieties of birds to your windowsill.
These feeders are usually made with a one-way mirror so you can see through it to watch the birds but they see a reflection so they're not scared by having you watching them.
These feeders can be refilled quite easily from the window, so you don't need to leave the comfort of your home to refill them. This is especially useful if you live in an apartment or townhouse and are on an upper floor.
There are various ways to mount these bird feeders. Some have suction cups and stick to your window, others clip into the window frame. The ones that clip into the window frames are generally a better choice because they are a little more secure, but the suction cups used on birdfeeders are better than most, and it's rare that they lose their grip.
These birdfeeders are made from a number of different materials as well, the most common being cedar and polycarbonate plastic. They are both resistant to the weather, however cedar is nice because it can be painted or decorated however you wish.
Some birds are attracted to certain colors so if you want to attract a specific species, being able to paint your feeder is helpful.
About the Author: Ronnie Booth offers tips for choosing the best window bird feeders on The Birding Guide website. For more helpful information and to sign up for our free mini course on birding, visit http://www.thebirdingguide.com
There are plenty of different sizes and styles of bird feeders, each designed for a different type of bird. You can also choose different types of food to attract different varieties of birds to your windowsill.
These feeders are usually made with a one-way mirror so you can see through it to watch the birds but they see a reflection so they're not scared by having you watching them.
These feeders can be refilled quite easily from the window, so you don't need to leave the comfort of your home to refill them. This is especially useful if you live in an apartment or townhouse and are on an upper floor.
There are various ways to mount these bird feeders. Some have suction cups and stick to your window, others clip into the window frame. The ones that clip into the window frames are generally a better choice because they are a little more secure, but the suction cups used on birdfeeders are better than most, and it's rare that they lose their grip.
These birdfeeders are made from a number of different materials as well, the most common being cedar and polycarbonate plastic. They are both resistant to the weather, however cedar is nice because it can be painted or decorated however you wish.
Some birds are attracted to certain colors so if you want to attract a specific species, being able to paint your feeder is helpful.
About the Author: Ronnie Booth offers tips for choosing the best window bird feeders on The Birding Guide website. For more helpful information and to sign up for our free mini course on birding, visit http://www.thebirdingguide.com
Geese Make Good Watch Dogs
I have a small flock of geese and they are totally alert to any form of danger that might exist around them. They never miss a trick, even when you want them to. Geese tend to bully smaller birds, though normally not in a mean way, so when you are trying to feed all the birds at once, the geese usually get the King's share of the goodies. But when there is danger about, such as predatory birds, weasels, opossums, dogs, raccoons, and big cats, the geese make excellent watch dogs.
This is a service they perform willingly, and with class and grace. They know they are the biggest birds in the flock so they take a natural responsibility for the others. When danger appears, the geese spread their wings, honk loudly and repeatedly in warning, and stomp toward the direction of safety, herding the rest of the flock in front of them. This is how humans herd ducks, with arms outspread like a set of wings, and it works like a charm. The smaller birds and the geese all respect that gesture.
Geese are quite capable of taking care of a flock of fowl, both water and land fowl, due to the fact that their serrated bills are nasty when used to full extent. I have personally witnessed what damage a goose can do with that bill, they can bite clear through a galvanized metal bucket. But these same geese are gentle as lambs when you feed them from your hand. They know exactly how hard they can bite before you will feel pain. Generally speaking, when an angry goose bites you, you will have an instant bruise or blood blister, but they seldom break the skin. They certainly could if they wanted to, but they are not viscious with their human keepers.
Geese are demanding, especially the "mouthy" breeds, like the Chinese. They squeal, scream, bark, make a sound like an air-horn, and just basically raise the roof with their "chatting". Amid a flock of geese you cannot hear yourself think, but to get them to shut up is fairly simple...you just raise your "wings" again and scream louder than they do. The former is easy enough, but you have to be pretty loud to be heard above a goose, and even if you are, they will typically only shut up for the barest of seconds. Geese like to be heard and do not take any lip from anyone else, humans included.
I have one female White Chinese goose who makes a sound similar to "what!" If you say "what" to her, she will bark it right back at you, over and over again. This sport seems to distress her mate, who will try to come to her protection. We have a Brown Chinese goose who says, "hoink" instead of "honk". So, certain sounds seem to be characteristic of a breed while others apparently are simply characteristic of the individual. Geese are graceful birds, though a little clumsy on their feet. They tend to walk about with their eyes on the sky, probably alert to danger, so they miss the little details like the tree they are about to walk into.
I have seen geese trip over water buckets, a hole in the ground, other smaller birds, anything that gets in their paths, simply because they seldom look where they are going. This seems to be more of a problem with the "swan-like" geese, because they have very long necks and long legs and the ground just seems to be a nuisance to them, since they would rather be watching the sky. Most of the bigger geese have wingspans that stretch up to about five feet long, and I imagine they do look rather intimidating to the predatory animals and birds that stop by to visit.
So, if you have a flock of ducks, chickens, pheasants, pea-fowl, or whatever, the addition of at least a pair of geese would probably be a good idea. They are strong, loud, overbearing, gentle and alert, just the qualities you need in a good watch dog.
http://www.quazen.com/Recreation/Birding/Geese-Make-Good-Watch-Dogs.1943
This is a service they perform willingly, and with class and grace. They know they are the biggest birds in the flock so they take a natural responsibility for the others. When danger appears, the geese spread their wings, honk loudly and repeatedly in warning, and stomp toward the direction of safety, herding the rest of the flock in front of them. This is how humans herd ducks, with arms outspread like a set of wings, and it works like a charm. The smaller birds and the geese all respect that gesture.
Geese are quite capable of taking care of a flock of fowl, both water and land fowl, due to the fact that their serrated bills are nasty when used to full extent. I have personally witnessed what damage a goose can do with that bill, they can bite clear through a galvanized metal bucket. But these same geese are gentle as lambs when you feed them from your hand. They know exactly how hard they can bite before you will feel pain. Generally speaking, when an angry goose bites you, you will have an instant bruise or blood blister, but they seldom break the skin. They certainly could if they wanted to, but they are not viscious with their human keepers.
Geese are demanding, especially the "mouthy" breeds, like the Chinese. They squeal, scream, bark, make a sound like an air-horn, and just basically raise the roof with their "chatting". Amid a flock of geese you cannot hear yourself think, but to get them to shut up is fairly simple...you just raise your "wings" again and scream louder than they do. The former is easy enough, but you have to be pretty loud to be heard above a goose, and even if you are, they will typically only shut up for the barest of seconds. Geese like to be heard and do not take any lip from anyone else, humans included.
I have one female White Chinese goose who makes a sound similar to "what!" If you say "what" to her, she will bark it right back at you, over and over again. This sport seems to distress her mate, who will try to come to her protection. We have a Brown Chinese goose who says, "hoink" instead of "honk". So, certain sounds seem to be characteristic of a breed while others apparently are simply characteristic of the individual. Geese are graceful birds, though a little clumsy on their feet. They tend to walk about with their eyes on the sky, probably alert to danger, so they miss the little details like the tree they are about to walk into.
I have seen geese trip over water buckets, a hole in the ground, other smaller birds, anything that gets in their paths, simply because they seldom look where they are going. This seems to be more of a problem with the "swan-like" geese, because they have very long necks and long legs and the ground just seems to be a nuisance to them, since they would rather be watching the sky. Most of the bigger geese have wingspans that stretch up to about five feet long, and I imagine they do look rather intimidating to the predatory animals and birds that stop by to visit.
So, if you have a flock of ducks, chickens, pheasants, pea-fowl, or whatever, the addition of at least a pair of geese would probably be a good idea. They are strong, loud, overbearing, gentle and alert, just the qualities you need in a good watch dog.
http://www.quazen.com/Recreation/Birding/Geese-Make-Good-Watch-Dogs.1943
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
California Birding
Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake
The majestic Sierra-Nevada Mountains offer birders the most beautiful scenery in California as well as some of it's most exciting birding. From Yosemite Valley across Tioga Pass and down the eastern slope of the Sierra-Nevada to Mono Lake, birders can find a stunning variety of habitats as well as species. Because of weather, road conditions and the variety of birds, you will want to plan a trip to this part of California from late spring through the early fall.
Yosemite National Park, with its' towering peaks, spectacular water falls, vast meadows, unspoiled lakes and streams and thousands of acres of forest, form a pristine wilderness that holds nearly 250 species of birds. While you are visiting the park, bird the conifer-rimmed Tuolumne Meadows and the meadows at Crane Flat for Green-tailed Towhees, Calliope Hummingbirds, Lincoln's Sparrows, Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, Cassin's Finches and Hermit Warblers. A good place to look for Great Gray Owls at dawn or dusk is the meadow directly behind the Chevron service station at Crane Flat. Be sure to walk the trails around White Wolf and Bridalveil Creek campgrounds for elusive Black-backed Woodpeckers and other nesting birds. The famous groves of Giant Sequoias in the park have the usual forest birds like Brown Creepers and Mountain Chickadees, but may also shelter White-headed and Pileated Woodpeckers. The areas surrounding Mirror Lake or along nearby Tenaya Creek are excellent for Black Swifts, Winter Wrens, American Dippers and MacGillivray's Warblers. At the lower elevation riparian areas in Lee Vining Canyon along Highway 120, you can search for nesting Western Wood-Pewees, Lazuli Buntings, Warbling Vireos, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, House Wrens, Mountain Bluebirds and American Robins during summer.
Situated in the Mono Basin, due east of Yosemite National Park, is world-famous Mono Lake. This area has several worthwhile birding locations. The Tufa grove on the south shore of the lake is an excellent place to search for nesting Violet-green Swallows, Mountain Bluebirds, Say's Phoebes and even Great Horned Owls. While you are birding the south side of the lake, be sure to check the adjacent Mono Craters forest for nesting Pinyon Jays and Williamson's Sapsuckers. In spring, drive the dirt roads and walk the trails around Mono Lake County Park to check for Common Snipe, Common Nighthawks, Snowy Plovers and some of the lakes' 50,000 nesting California Gulls. You may also find a few Wilson's Phalaropes which nest here in small numbers as well. By mid-summer however, the lake becomes an important migration staging area for Wilson's and Red-necked Phalaropes and can hold up to 150,000 birds. Even more impressive are the nearly one million Eared Grebes that use the lake as a staging area for their migration by early fall!
Yosemite National Park offers many hotels, tent cabins and a number of campgrounds that are all very popular, so make your reservations as early as possible. The grand old world-famous Ahwahnee Hotel in the Yosemite Valley is highly recommended (209) 252-4848. The number for park information is (209) 372-0200 and for accommodations call (209) 252-4848. To reach Yosemite, take Highway 140 out of Merced and continue about 70 miles east. Your other alternative is to first visit Mono Lake along Highway 395 at the town of Lee Vining, and then follow Highway 120 over Tioga Pass to reach the east entrance of Yosemite. For information on visiting Mono Lake, call the California Department of Parks and Recreation at (619) 647-6331. You should also consider picking up an excellent resource of birding information for this area; David Gaines' book entitled Birds of Yosemite and the East Slope.
The San Bernadino Mountains
Only a 90-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles you can find some of the finest montane birding in all of California. The San Bernadino Mountains, rising to over 11,500 feet, offer visiting birders a wonderful opportunity to find bird species that can be hard to find, especially around the rest of southern California. Birding here can be interesting any time of year, but during the summer breeding season, the action really heats up.
As you begin your trip up the mountains, take highway 18 ("Rim of the World Drive") off Interstate 215, and be sure to check the brushy chaparral foothills for California Quails, California Thrashers, Wrentits and California Towhees. Look in the Canyon Live Oaks for Bushtits, Plain Titmice, Band-tailed Pigeons and Nuttall's Woodpeckers. As you gain elevation, search the groves of Alders, Sycamores and Cottonwoods for Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes, Downey Woodpeckers and Lesser Goldfinches. Around Big Bear Lake, you may find nesting Redheads, Ruddy Ducks, Pied-billed and Eared Grebes and Common Nighthawks. In winter, as many as 25 Bald Eagles have been found, often perched close to the lakeshore.
Bluff Lake, Baldwin Lake, and the road to Round Valley provide birders a wide variety of species to search for within the San Bernadino's. The dirt road to Bluff Lake (closed by snow in winter) is a little rough, but once you are there, you will discover it was well worth the trip. In spring and summer, the meadows and forests around Bluff Lake have an abundance of nesting birds. Look for Williamson's and Red-breasted Sapsuckers, White-headed Woodpeckers, Dusky Flycatchers, Steller's Jays, Mountain Chickadees, Western Tanagers, Pine Siskins, Cassin's Finches and even Townsend's Solitaires among the Lodgepole Pines. Check the edges of the mountain meadows for nesting Lincoln's and Fox Sparrows, Calliope Hummingbirds, Hermit Thrushes, Dark-eyed Juncos, Western Wood-Pewees and Western Bluebirds. At night you should listen for owls such as Northern Saw-whet, Spotted, Northern Pygmy and Flammulated Owls. During fall migration, you may find Hermit and Townsend's Warblers along with Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Baldwin Lake, home to the second largest breeding population of Eared Grebes in southern California, is best for water birds in the years following a wet winter. During drought years the lake can be almost completely dry. There are a number of dirt roads around the lake leading to the shoreline. Be sure to bird the arid sagebrush that lines the area around the lake. This is a great place to test your sparrow identification skills during spring and summer. You may find Savannah, Vesper, Lark, Sage, Song, Brewer's, Chipping, Black-chinned and Lincoln's Sparrows. In spring and fall, scope the lake for Wilson's Phalaropes, Gadwalls, Cinnamon Teals, Mallards, Northern Pintails and American Wigeons. Also, watch for Mountain Bluebirds and keep an eye out for Bald Eagles over the lake in winter.
To reach the Round Valley area, pick-up a detailed map of the area and look for road 2N02 at the south end of Baldwin Lake. This dirt road winds through some of the best Pinyon-Juniper habitat in the state. Stop occasionally and listen for Gray Flycatchers, Green-tailed Towhees and with luck, Gray Vireos. When you reach Arrastre Creek, check around the willows for nesting Calliope Hummingbirds, MacGillivray's and Wilson's Warblers and watch for the occasional Hepatic Tanager. Continue on through the Joshua Tree forest to Round Valley. Here you should find Scott's Orioles, Gray Flycatchers, Pinyon Jays, Black-chinned, Brewer's and Vesper Sparrows, Rock Wrens and Gray Vireos.
The San Bernadino Mountains can be accessed by taking highway 18 off Interstate 215 and following the road towards Big Bear Lake. There are plenty of motels and restaurants in the towns of Running Springs and Big Bear Lake and for information on birding this area call the U.S. Forest Service at (714) 866-3437.
Southern California Desert
The arid deserts of southeastern California are a stark contrast from the rest of the state and hold a mix of birds found nowhere else in California. In this land of sandy washes, barren landscapes, dry vegetation and little water, the desert oasis act as a magnet for attracting birds and birders. Most birders prefer to visit during the cooler months of spring and fall and at this time of year you can find most of the species special to this area. To find the resident species, the summer nesters and the migrants just passing through, you will want to visit Joshua Tree National Park and The Nature Conservancies' Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
When you reach Joshua Tree National Park, be sure to stop at the headquarters at Twentynine Palms Oasis and pick up a map of the park. The nature trail to this oasis can be good for Roadrunners, Gambel's Quails, Verdins and Phainopeplas. On spring mornings, this is also an excellent place to look for migrating landbirds. Follow the main road through the park and remember that almost anyplace you find water you are likely to find birds. Check the stands of Joshua Trees for desert specialties like Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Cactus Wrens, Black-throated Sparrows and Scott's Orioles. There are a number of campgrounds, picnic areas and palm oasis' in the park where birders should search for resident and migrant species. When you reach Cottonwood Spring, stop and bird the Fremont Cottonwoods for vireos, warblers, grosbeaks, flycatchers and tanagers during spring and fall migration. From here, you can hike up to the beautiful Lost Palms Oasis and look for Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Loggerhead Shrikes, Red-tailed Hawks, Cactus and Rock Wrens, LeConte's and Bendire's Thrashers, Costa's Hummingbirds and Ash-throated Flycatchers along the trail. When you reach the oasis, you should find nesting Hooded and Scott's Orioles, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers and numerous migrants. Also, the elusive Desert Bighorn Sheep can be found in Joshua Tree National Park as well.
From the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, it is just a 30-minute drive to one of the finest spring "migrant traps" in California. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a lush oasis of Fremont Cottonwoods with a permanent stream that has attracted over 200 species of birds. This is the most reliable place in the state to find nesting Vermilion Flycatchers, Brown-crested Flycatchers and Summer Tanagers. Walk the trail through the big stand of Cottonwoods and listen for, endangered "Least" Bell's Vireos, Warbling and Solitary Vireos, Virginia Rails, Bullock's and Hooded Orioles, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Hammond's and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers, the occasional Yellow-billed Cuckoo and many other western migrants. Check the brushy patches and fields around the parking lot for Yellow-breasted Chats, Lazuli Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Lawrence's Goldfinches, Gambel's Quail, Black-throated Sparrows, California Thrashers and Costa's Hummingbirds.
You can reach Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park by following highway 62 north off of Interstate 10. The town of Twentynine Palms is conveniently located between both areas along highway 62 and has plenty of motels and restaurants. If you are a little more adventurous, there are also some marvelous campgrounds in the national park. For information on Joshua Tree National Park you can call (619) 367-7511 and for Big Morongo Canyon call (619) 363-7190.
The Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, a vast man-made 35-mile long lake in the middle of the California desert, is unlike any other birding location in the United States. Created by accident in 1905 when a canal carrying Colorado River water flooded, the sea and its' surrounding habitats are now home to an unparalleled amount of bird-life. Large numbers of Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, Herons, Ibis, Cranes, Storks, Geese, Ducks, Grebes, Rails, Pelicans, pelagic birds, landbirds and a few endangered species call the Salton Sea home. Birding here can be productive any time of year for both land and waterbirds but be forewarned, summer at the Salton Sea is like visiting your local steam bath.
The best way to bird the Salton Sea is to start early (sunrise) and make many quick stops on an all-day loop trip around the sea. If you want a more relaxed pace, then spend most of your time birding the south end, starting at the National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. In winter, the ponds and fields behind the offices hold large numbers of White-faced Ibis along with Snow, Ross' and Canada geese. In summer, take the Seaside Trail just west of the headquarters to look for Clark's and Western Grebes, Laughing Gulls, Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers. Also be sure to check around the headquarters picnic area for Abert's Towhees, Verdins and Cactus Wrens.
Work your way around the edge of the sea on any of the numerous farm roads, and search the agricultural fields for birds. You are likely to find big flocks of Cattle Egrets, White-faced Ibis, Red-winged, Brewers and Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Great-tailed Grackles as you work your way down to the sea. Make sure you drive down to the end of Vendel Road to look for Burrowing Owls beside the road, and to check the ponds at the end for ducks and shorebirds. In summer, endangered "Yuma" Clapper Rails nest here along with Least Bitterns, Cinnamon Teals, Redheads and Ruddy Ducks.
You also want to stop at Red Hill Marina and Obsidian Butte and check the large ponds in this area. These are good places to scope the sea and to look for shorebirds, Yellow-footed Gulls and even Wood Storks in late summer. As strange as it may sound, when you look out over the sea, keep an eye out for pelagic birds. Magnificent Frigatebirds, Blue-footed and Brown Boobies, Laysan Albatross, and a number of different Shearwaters and Petrels have all been seen at the Salton Sea! If you have decided to work your way completely around the sea, some of the places worth checking are: the end of Johnson Street at the north end, Bombay Beach, Niland Marina, the Wister Unit, Finney and Ramer Lakes and Salton City.
The Salton Sea can be reached by following highway 86 south off Interstate 10 or highway 86 north off Interstate 8. Indio, Niland, Calipatria, Brawley and Salton City are just some of the small towns around the Salton Sea that can provide restaurants and accommodations. For more information contact the Salton Sea State Recreation Headquarters at (619) 393-3052.
The Orange County Coast
The coast of southern California, although highly developed by the real estate market, still has a number of excellent locations for birders. With its' beautiful beaches, rocky shorelines, coastal sage scrub and coastal saltmarsh habitats, it can offer you some unique terrain for birding. California specialty birds like Elegant Terns, Allen's Hummingbirds, Black-vented Shearwaters and endangered California Gnatcatchers can easily be found in this part of the state.
The Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve, located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Orange County, is one of the best remaining coastal lagoons in California. It has an outstanding one and one half mile loop trail around the lagoon, from which most of the birds here can be found. Be sure to check the trees on the bluff at the north end for White-tailed Kites, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, American Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons. In spring and summer there is a nesting colony of terns that provides birders with a marvelous chance to study some of these look-alike species. Elegant, Royal, Forster's, Caspian and Least Terns along with Black Skimmers can all be found nesting at Bolsa Chica. The occasional Sooty, Gull-billed, Sandwich or Black Tern can add excitement to the mix as well. In spring and fall, you should find both Brown and White Pelicans, Great and Snowy Egrets, Greater Yellowlegs, Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, Willets, Least Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plovers, Marbled Godwits and resident "Belding's" Savannah Sparrows. By late fall and winter, you can find Eared, Horned, Pied-Billed, Western and Clark's Grebes, Common Loons, Surf Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Buffleheads, Blue-winged Teals and more. For photographers, there is a wealth of photo opportunities by just standing on the boardwalk that overlooks the lagoon from the main parking area. Most of the waterbirds will eventually make their way past the boardwalk and many of the terns and shorebirds will fly right overhead.
The other place you don't want to miss is just 5 miles down the road from Bolsa Chica. The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, the largest remaining estuary in southern California, hosts an impressive variety and number of birds and is a must for any visiting birder. From Pacific Coast Highway, take Jamboree Road to Back Bay Drive and follow this one-way road as it skirts the edge of the reserve. There are a number of pullouts and parking areas where birders can scan the marshes or just walk the edge of the road. Upper Newport is famous for its concentration of endangered "Light-footed" Clapper Rails, Virginia Rails and Soras. The rails are most often seen at extreme high or low tides that push them out in the open to feed. When you reach the intersection of Back Bay Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road, park and check the freshwater outfall for wintering ducks. Cinnamon, Green-winged and Blue-winged Teals, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Mallards, American Wigeon and the occasional Eurasian Wigeon are all seen drinking and bathing within 15 feet of the edge of the road! As you drive through the reserve, be sure to scan the skies for raptors. Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Ospreys, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, White-tailed Kites, Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles are all possible.
Continue to the next main parking area and stop to check the coastal sage scrub habitat on the south side of the road adjacent to a freshwater pond. This is an excellent spot to find Allen's Hummingbirds and California Gnatcatchers. Listen for the Gnatcatchers' "mewing" call that is reminiscent of a cat. Other birds possible in this area are Loggerhead Shrikes, Say's and Black Phoebes, Anna's Hummingbirds, Bushtits, Bewick's Wrens, California Towhees and Mourning and Spotted Doves. During spring and fall migration you could find Nashville, Yellow, Black-throated Gray, Townsend's, Wilson's and MacGillivray's Warblers, Olive-sided, Willow, Pacific-slope, Hammond's and Ash-throated Flycatchers along with Lazuli Buntings, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Tanagers. In summer, you may find Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Cassin's and Western Kingbirds and Hooded and Bullock's Orioles. In winter look for Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers, Hermit Thrushes and Lincoln's, Golden-Crowned, Song, Savannah and White-crowned Sparrows.
To reach coastal Orange County, take the 405 Freeway and exit at Jamboree Road and continue west to the Pacific Coast Highway. There are plenty of hotels, motels and restaurants around Orange County that are close to both Bolsa Chica and Upper Newport. For information on Bolsa Chica call "Los Amigos de Bolsa Chica" at (714) 897-7003 and for Upper Newport call the Department of Fish and Game at (714) 640-6746.
No other state can match California's unique mix and diversity of habitats. Because of California's deserts, mountains, wetlands, seacoasts, forests, riparian woodlands, grasslands, alpine tundra, offshore islands, open ocean, lakes and rivers, chaparral, coastal sage scrub and more, the state has attracted over 600 different species. From Allen's Hummingbird to Xantus¹s' Murrelet, and every bird in between, California offers it's visitors an outstanding variety of birds to find. With a fine system of parks and preserves, beautiful scenery, excellent weather and knowledgeable birders, California truly is the "golden state" for birding.
Additional Information
San Bernadino Mountains:
The San Bernadino Mountains offer a variety of activities at any time of year. The winter months provide opportunities for a myriad of winter sports. There are six different alpine skiing areas (including Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and Snow Forest) along with areas for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow playgrounds and sledding (phone 909-866-5766 for reservations and information). In summer, Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead offer boating, fishing, water-skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and canoeing. You can rent just about anything you need at Big Bear Marina, Gray's Landing, Holloway's Marina or Pine Knot Landing. Activities on the lakes usually run from March through November, depending on the melting of the lakes.
There are numerous opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jeep tours, camping and backpacking in the San Bernadino Mountains. Check with the San Gorgonio District Ranger Station (909-794-1123) to obtain a wilderness permit for entry into the backcountry for these activities. One excellent self-guided nature walk for birders is at the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve. There are lots of waterfowl and up to 25 Bald Eagles here in winter. The trail starts at the visitor center that is open 10am to 4pm (909-585-0717). Two other good nature trails are the Ponderosa Vista and Whispering Pines trails near Barton Flats. Both trails are self-guided and are over easy terrain. Also of interest is the Big Bear Solar Observatory on the north shore of the lake (909-866-5791).
There are about 20 forest service campgrounds in the San Bernadino Mountains that accommodate both tent and trailer camping. Most of the campgrounds are open from May through November and reservations can be made for some by calling MISTIX at (800) 283-2267. Barton Flats, San Gorgonio, South Fork and Hanna Flat campgrounds are some of the best. For more information on recreation in the San Bernadino Mountains contact the Forest Supervisor at (909) 383-5588.
Desert Areas:
Joshua Tree National Park has a number of fine trails you may want to explore. The Barker Dam Trail, 2 miles east of the beautiful Hidden Valley Campground, is an easy 3/4 mile walk ending at a pool of water. This trail takes you through the "Wonderland of Rocks" and provides a good chance to bird along the way. The 35-mile long California Riding and Hiking Trail is a great way to see the park on horseback, foot or mountain bike. This trail winds through the park and provides excellent viewing of the park's varied desert scenery. This trail can be accessed off Joshua Lane near Black Rock Canyon. The Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail begins off Canyon road four miles west of Twentynine Palms off highway 62. This moderately strenuous 1 1/2 mile hike takes you to an oasis where water-loving plants thrive and birds and animals come to drink at the spring.
Rock climbing is a very popular activity in Joshua Tree National Park as well. The park offers more than 300 climbs. Some of the most popular spots are the Wonderland of Rocks, Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove and Hidden Valley. For campers, there are 8 campgrounds within the park that offer a variety of amenities. They all offer RV as well as tent camping spaces and are very popular in spring and fall. Call MISTIX at (800) 365-2267 for reservations. Black Rock Canyon, Jumbo Rocks and Indian Cove campgrounds are the best. You can get additional information at the Oasis Visitor Center by calling (619) 367-7511.
Orange County Coast:
The best way to see Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve is by following the 1.5 mile loop trail that starts on the boardwalk at the south parking lot. Follow this walking-only trail around the east side of the reserve until you reach the tide gate and then turn back south to complete the loop. This trail will also bring you close to the bluffs at the north end that are a favorite place to check for raptors. If you do not want to walk the trail then just spend your time scanning the mudflats, saltmarsh and open water around the boardwalk.
The best way to see Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is to follow Back Bay Drive along the south side of the reserve. This 3-mile road is open to bike, rollerblade, automobile and foot traffic. It can get very busy on weekends so you may want to try visiting mid-week. Canoes and kayaks are also available for rent near the marina at the west end of the reserve. Call 714-640-6746 for more information.
The Salton Sea:
There are five public campgrounds along the east side of Salton Sea State Recreation Area, and another, operated by Imperial County, is located just south of the Red Hill Marina. Mecca Beach, Salt Creek and Bombay Beach campgrounds are three of the best. On the west side of the sea there are private campgrounds at Salton City and Desert Shores.
The staff at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area Visitor Center, located 1 1/2 miles south of North Shore off Highway 111 at State Park Road, can answer questions and provide information on the sea and the surrounding area. The center is closed in summer and you can call them at (619) 393-3052. The Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located 6 miles west of highway 111 at Sinclair and Gentry roads (619) 348-5278. There are a number of trails and roads leading from the refuge headquarters that will head to wetlands and croplands that are managed for birds. Designated trails are open all year and most roads within the refuge are closed to vehicles and are used only as hiking trails. The Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, located 4 1/2 miles northwest of Niland off highway 111 on Davis Road is well worth exploring. As many as 40,000 ducks and 20,000 geese use this area in winter and there are over 4200 acres of man-made ponds and marshlands to search. Phone (619) 359-0577 for more information.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Camera Binoculars - an Excellent Gift
If you are a nature lover or involved in birding, camera binoculars would be a great item. Imagine not only seeing objects that are far away, but also possibility to take pictures of them. And if you think that binoculars and camera combo are terribly expensive, you are wrong. They are quite affordable.
When would you use camera binoculars?
As the name suggest a camera binocular is a binocular with a built in digital camera. It is necessary when you want to photograph objects that are far away. Ordinary digital camera doesn't have enough zoom for this kind of job.
Camera binoculars are extremely useful for people who research the lives of birds and animals that live deep in exotic locations. Like Amazon Rainforest, for example. The forest is full of interesting creatures, but they are afraid of people and are impossible to capture on ordinary film.
For this reason digital camera binoculars were invented. Imagine yourself sitting in ambush for hours, hoping to see rare animals and birds. When somebody appears, you can take a picture for later study. Even better, if your camera binoculars have a video feature you can capture the creature on video. It would only be a short video, not longer than a minute, but it is still a great opportunity.
Camera Binoculars for Capturing Sporting Events
Horse races are another place to use camera binoculars. You can capture great moments and take many photos. Since binoculars are equipped with digital cameras, you can take a lot of pictures without worrying about wasting film. How many pictures you can take is determent by how big your flash card in the camera is. The minimum is usually 64 Mg, but you can always have a bigger card or another card to replace the full one.
Binoculars buying tips
When selecting camera binoculars go with reputable brands. Bushnell binoculars are considered the best. Other good brands are Celestron, Meade and Barska. It is best to buy your binoculars at big sport equipment or electronic stores. On a flea market you can find cheaper prices, but nobody can guarantee that a Celestron binoculars you are buying half price is genuine.
If you are thinking about getting camera binoculars, make yourself a gift. They are really fascinating items and the prices went down significantly in the recent years. At about a $200 mark you can get high zoom quality binoculars and enjoy it for many years.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
When would you use camera binoculars?
As the name suggest a camera binocular is a binocular with a built in digital camera. It is necessary when you want to photograph objects that are far away. Ordinary digital camera doesn't have enough zoom for this kind of job.
Camera binoculars are extremely useful for people who research the lives of birds and animals that live deep in exotic locations. Like Amazon Rainforest, for example. The forest is full of interesting creatures, but they are afraid of people and are impossible to capture on ordinary film.
For this reason digital camera binoculars were invented. Imagine yourself sitting in ambush for hours, hoping to see rare animals and birds. When somebody appears, you can take a picture for later study. Even better, if your camera binoculars have a video feature you can capture the creature on video. It would only be a short video, not longer than a minute, but it is still a great opportunity.
Camera Binoculars for Capturing Sporting Events
Horse races are another place to use camera binoculars. You can capture great moments and take many photos. Since binoculars are equipped with digital cameras, you can take a lot of pictures without worrying about wasting film. How many pictures you can take is determent by how big your flash card in the camera is. The minimum is usually 64 Mg, but you can always have a bigger card or another card to replace the full one.
Binoculars buying tips
When selecting camera binoculars go with reputable brands. Bushnell binoculars are considered the best. Other good brands are Celestron, Meade and Barska. It is best to buy your binoculars at big sport equipment or electronic stores. On a flea market you can find cheaper prices, but nobody can guarantee that a Celestron binoculars you are buying half price is genuine.
If you are thinking about getting camera binoculars, make yourself a gift. They are really fascinating items and the prices went down significantly in the recent years. At about a $200 mark you can get high zoom quality binoculars and enjoy it for many years.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Bird Watching Binoculars – Critical Bird Watching Equipment
Avid bird watching enthusiasts often look like pack mules hiking to a gold rush in the west. Bird watching binoculars are one of the critical pieces of equipment they carry.
Binoculars
There are a lot of issues when it comes to choosing binoculars for bird watching. Optics and personal preference seem to be the foremost, but here is a list of issues you should consider.
Bashability
Bashability isn’t really a word in the English language, but it certainly applies to bird watching. The bashability of binoculars refers to how tough they are. For instance, if you drop them on the driveway while loading the car, will they hold up? What if you drop them off a small cliff? I, err…"a friend" once did this on the cliffs above Torrey Pines beach in San Diego. More than a few people have been surprised to learn that binoculars go out of whack when bashed. Now, I realize you would never drop them or subject them to anything but the finest treatment, but just check them for me.
Costs
I like wine. I drink wine. Unless I am standing at the cash register, I can’t really tell the difference between a $10 bottle of wine and one selling for $100. Bird watching binoculars seem to run along the same lines.
You can buy bird watching binoculars for as much as $1,000. Heck, Victoria’s Secret or Neiman Marcus probably have diamond encrusted ones for $100,000. Do you need to spend this money? No. My personal experience has revealed binoculars in the $200 to $400 range perform well and I’ve never missed a sighting because of their quality.
Obviously, you can spend whatever you wish, but keep in mind you don’t have to go overboard. Plus, binoculars without diamonds tend to still be on the beach once you make it down from the cliff.
Feel
This may sound obvious, but you need to buy binoculars that are comfortable. Ideally, you are going to lug these babies around for 10 or 20 years. Make sure they “fit” your face and spacing of your eyes. Also, make sure they don’t weigh too much. After a few hours of birding, this can become an issue.
If you’re going to be a birder, you’re going to need binoculars. Like wine, you can go overboard on them, but don’t need to.
Article Source: http://www.thearticlezone.com
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of diary and writing journals. Bird watching journals are great bird watching gifts for bird watching tours and vacations. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com for more bird watching articles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)