I and the Bird #36
The latest edition of I and the Bird #36 has just been posted over at Words and Pictures. Plenty of good sites to visit, articles to read and pictures of birds to look at.
As usual my contribution is featured, along with many others from around the world.
Link:
- I and the Bird #36 – the latest carnival of birds.
- Words and Pictures – host of this week’s carnival.
Rainbow Lorikeets
David Kleinert Photography
I’ve recently discovered a wonderful photography site.
David Kleinert Photography is an Australian photographer whose site shows off his considerable skills in this art. He includes many bird shots but also of interest are the many photos of Australian flowers, animals, reptiles, scenery, amphibians and much more.
Each photo has a short description and visitors are able to comment. The site is a little different to get used to. By clicking on the photo one is taken to the previous photo, click on that and you go to the next previous photo and so on. My suggestion is to go instead to the archives and click on the category you wish to view.
Bird Word: breeding plumage
- Breeding plumage: feathers that are usually more brightly coloured than non-breeding feathers and which appear during the breeding season.
Just when beginner birders think they have a handle on identifying the birds common around their home and immediate district, along comes the breeding season. Here in Australia that is often late winter, through spring and into summer, from August through to about February, though this differs greatly between species. Some species seem to be able to breed around the year, and do so.
The problem this poses for the newbie birder is that some species take on quite different plumage patterns. The male Superb Blue Wren, for example, takes on a brilliant coat of colours during breeding.
It’s all rather confusing, actually.
Just another reason to have at least one good field guide, and to study it carefully.
For more in this series of articles check out the Glossary of Bird Words here.
A Snail’s Eye View of Birds and other Things
I’ve recently started reading a blog called A Snail’s Eye View. Now that’s an interesting perspective on life.
Anyway – it’s…. An occasional blog about natural history, travel, books and writing … and anything else that catches my attention.
And the natural history part is often about birds.
Bird Words: bird watcher, birder, birding
Today’s word is not just one word, but three words. This is because they are all very similar.
- Bird watcher: a birder, someone who watches birds as a hobby.
- Birder: a bird watcher, a person who enjoys watching and studying birds.
- Birding: the hobby of watching and studying birds
Typical Pose of Husband
This is a photo of a dedicated birder in action.
I didn’t realise at the time that my wife had taken this shot of me.
For more in this series of articles check out the Glossary of Bird Words here.