ChatterBirds Birdwatching Blog

Where to Find Raptors in February

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:07:54 +0000

The month of February is often overlooked as a time to go birding. Many birdwatchers who hail from cold, northern latitudes already got their fix of winter birds during December and January. They already ventured outdoors to brave the icy winds and crunchy snow to see wintering waterfowl, flocks of gulls, and other birds that …

A 7.5 Million Dollar Birding Book

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:04:20 +0000

During the 1800s there weren’t any field guides available for birders. Actually, there weren’t many birdwatchers either. I am sure there was a certain portion of the population that enjoyed seeing birds and knew how to identify quite a few bird species but the few people who were serious about birds were ornithologists and people …

Why Winter is the Best Time to Look for Owls

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:32:21 +0000

Owls always rank high on birder’s “most wanted” lists. The “most wanted” are those species that hold a special place of importance in the field guide. When you look at the illustrations that depict such birds, your mind just about goes blank with the yearning desire to lay your eyes on them, to actually prove …

Studying Goshawks to Make Collision-Free Unmanned Vehicles

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:58:42 +0000

The Northern Goshawk and other Accipiters are among the most agile of birds. Their ability to zip through dense forests without flying headfirst into a tree amazes birdwatchers and terrifies the small birds and mammals they prey upon. Anyone who has watched a video of a goshawk manoeuvering its way through holes in hedges and …

Spark Birds

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:12:50 +0000

Before birders spent a substantial portion of their time and energy on learning about and watching birds, they were non-birders. They may have taken notice when a large hawk flew by or knew the difference between a duck and a sparrow, but their knowledge of anything avian may not have gone much further. If you …

Birds Flying Further as a Result of Climate Change?

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:37:57 +0000

The consequences of climate change can be incredibly frightening to contemplate. Rising seas, sudden changes in precipitation and temperature that may have large-scale effects upon people and wildlife, and other scenarios can be a serious source of worry. It was rather a relief, then, to read about climate change affecting birds in a positive way. …

It’s January- Time to Start Your Year List!

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:41:31 +0000

People watch birds for all sorts of reasons. A lot of birdwatchers put out seed in the backyard and simply enjoy feeding the sparrows, doves, and starlings. Other species show up too but some backyard birdwatchers don’t worry too much about identifying them. However, a fair number of such casual bird enthusiasts eventually do pick …

A Hooded Crow Goes Sledding

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:43:15 +0000

A video recently posted to YouTube seems to show a Hooded Crow enjoying a bit of winter sports on a rooftop in Russia. The bird in question appears to place a ring-shaped object beneath its feet and then uses it to slide down the incline of the roof. After reaching the bottom of the roof, …

New Big Year Record for North America?

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:44:53 +0000

Like any self-driven hobby or passion, birding can and frequently is taken to extremes. While a large percentage of people who enjoy birdwatching limit their hobby to feeding birds in the backyard, another segment of the birding population watches birds in a much more serious manner. Some birders put the hobby above almost every other …

Pigeons are Smart Birds!

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:52:15 +0000

Some birds seem to be smarter than others. Birds like Common Ravens and jays stand out by merit of their cunning, comical behavior. Parrots demonstrate their smarts with their ability to communicate and act like a three-year old child. Some members of the Columbidae family, though, seem to be just the opposite when it comes …