This is a photo of the birds killed during the fall migration in 2002 in Toronto just to give you an idea of how big this problem is. Please watch the 4 1/2 minute video below to learn about Fatal Light Awareness Program and maybe together we birders can begin to make a difference in the cities near us to solve this problem.
Windows may be the most significant cause of death to birds, second only to loss of habitat according to Dr. Daniel Klem of Muhlenberg College who has done studies over a period of 20 years, looking at bird collisions with windows. There has been some improvement in Toronto, Chicago and New York which have introduced programs to dim lights in skyscrapers at night but there is much work to be done. [continue reading…]
These gregarious members of the Crow (Corvidae) family can only be found in California. I am fortunate to live in the foothills of Northern California where the Yellow-billed Magpie is a common site. As I drove to town from home the other day, a flock (tidings) of Yellow-billed Magpies flew over the road and I was able to see their distinctive wing pattern from below.
There must have been at least 20 of these beautiful, iridescent birds heading to the top of another huge oak tree farther up the hillside opposite the large open field they were abandoning at that moment. [continue reading…]
This is the best shot I could get of this Nuttall’s Woodpecker from the tee box on the golf course yesterday. He was just working away on this oak tree while my buddies and I teed off 20 feet away. However, I didn’t want you to go away without doing this bird justice. So I posted this photo below taken by my friend Mark Schmitt.
Nuttall’s Woodpecker photo by Mark Schmitt
This is a beautiful woodpecker we see quite often here in Northern California.
I liked the effect of the rays from the sun caught on the digital camera. Anyone know what causes this? Make sure to check out all the other great photos at Skywatch Friday!
Social Media Connect