Beak of the Week: Snowy Owl

02 Jan 2012


Happy New Year, Everyone! As tradition has it, now is the time to make some resolutions. And, at year’s end, when Danielle and I began to discuss our gratitude for lessons learned and appreciation for all things good, we decided to make a very different kind of resolution: to spot – and photograph – the Snowy Owl! In honor of this objective, and with the hope of realizing many birding goals in 2012, here begins our search this majestic bird!

Common Name: Snowy Owl (Also known as Arctic Owl or Great White Owl).

Latin Name: Nyctea scandiaca

Range:  Nests in the Arctic tundra (Northern most regions of Alaska, Canada and Eurasia). During the winter, migrates south into Canada, northern United States, Europe and Asia.

Habitat: Breeds on open Arctic tundra. Winters in fields, beaches, coastal dunes, prairies and other open areas.

Diet: Lemmings, when available.  Also rabbits, rodents, waterfowl, other birds, and fish.

Conservation Status: Least Concern. However, because of their preferred habitat, very little data is known.

A smorgasbord of facts… 

  • Snowy Owls are fierce and territorial–they will even defend their nests against wolves!
  • Artistic representations of the Snowy Owl from the Paleolithic era can be found in the cave paintings in Ariege, France.
  • Unlike most most owls, who are nocturnal, the Snowy Owl is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day and the night.
  • The Snowy Owl is the official bird of Quebec.
  • Harry Potter had a pet Snowy Owl named Hedwig.
  • In the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and Eastern Canada, Snowy owls are irruptive, appearing only in some winters but not in others. This year the Snowy Owl is irruptive!!!
  • The feathers of snowy owls contain no pigment, which allows more space for air. This helps to keep the birds warmer, since air is such a good insulator.
  • A group of owls is known as a bazaar, a glaring, a parliament, a stooping and a wisdom.
  • Snowy Owls have heavily feathered toes and legs to protect them from the harsh weather in cold arctic regions.

 

Wish us luck! 

Happy New Year and Happy Birding!

Danielle + Michelle

Posted by admin on January 2, 2012

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Beak of the Week: Dark-eyed Junco

26 Dec 2011

 

There are so many reasons why I love feeding birds!  And, while it is always exciting to see a new face stop by for a meal, it is equally refreshing to see familiar guests return for some feed, too! As I sit at by window this winter, watching my birds, I can’t help but be excited by the Dark-eyed Juncos that come back time and time again. Although one of the most common feeder birds, in addition to being one most plentiful birds in North America, the Dark-eyed Junco’s quirky moves and boisterous behavior make it a hard one not to love!

So, without further ado, I introduce to you this week’s featured bird…

 

Common Name: Dark-Eyed Junco; also nicknamed “snowbird” on account of its ubiquity during winter months.

Latin Name: Junco hyemalis

Range: In the summer, during breeding season, the Dark-eyed Junco is found in the western United States, across Canada and in the Appalachians. In the winter, this Junco is commonly found in all regions of the United States.

Habitat: Breeding summer range: coniferous and mixed-coniferous forests. Winter range: fields, parks, woodlands, farmlands, roadsides, and at your backyard feeder!

Diet: Mainly seeds, often eating from the ground. Known to eat insects during breeding season. To learn more about the Dark-eyed Junco feed/feeder preferences, click here!

Conservation Status: Least concern

Interesting Fact: The Dark-eyed Junco has many regionally diverse appearances. In fact, up until 1973, five different variations of the Dark-eyed Junco were considered separate species.  Look below to see some of the most common variations…

 

“Oregon” Junco
“Pink-Sided” Junco
“Slate-Colored” Junco
“Gray-Headed” Junco

For more variations, take a look at a field guide of North America!

Happy Bird Feeding!

Danielle + Michelle

Posted by Michelle on December 26, 2011

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Beak of the Week: European Turtle Dove

19 Dec 2011

“…My true love sent to me…Two turtle doves…And a partridge in a pear tree.”

 

Seasons Greetings! I hope everyone is having a happy and healthy holiday season. In the spirit of this festive time of year, I have chosen to feature the Turtle Dove—a bird with an especially familiar name during the month of December. And, whether or not Christmas is your holiday of choice, it is very likely that you have heard, or will hear, carolers singing about the Turtle Dove in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” So, here is some interesting information to share about this dainty dove …

Turtle Dove
A Turtle Dove

Common Name: European Turtle Dove

Latin Name: Streptopelia turtur

Range: Migratory with a very large range. Lives mostly in Europe and North Africa in the spring and summer and sub-Saharan Africa in the autumn and winter.

Habitat: Found in many habitats including: woodland edges, farmland, open bush, orchards, parks and gardens.

Diet: Primarily Seeds. Occasionally nuts, fruits and insects. Forages mostly on the ground.

Conservation Status: Least Concern, except in Britain. In the UK, the Turtle Dove has a RED conservation status. Populations have declined by an estimated 62% since 1976. Click on RSPB to learn more about conservation efforts.

Three delightful facts about the Turtle Dove…

  • The Turtle Dove’s name has no relation to the reptile, but comes from the “turrr, turrr” sound the bird makes.
  • Turtle Doves are famous for their mating habits. They form strong bonds, are usually found in pairs, and are mostly monogamous for life.
  • Turtle Doves often symbolize devotion, friendship, love, and fidelity.

Some Cultural References of the Turtle Dove…

“Song of Songs” of the Old Testament

“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.  For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.” (Song of Solomon 2:10-12 King James)

Giuliano de’ Medici, c. 1478/1480, by Sandro Botticelli, National Gallery of Art

Giuliano de' Medici
Giuliano De’Medici Beside A Turtle Dove

 

During the early Renaissance, when literacy was limited, symbolic imagery served as a crucial way to communicate with the masses.  On account of this, many works of art from this period are full of visual metaphors, carefully constructed to convey very specific messages. For example, this seemingly simple portrait of Giuliano de’Meidici, reveals complexities from subtleties present in the work…

Background: On Easter of 1478, members of the rival Pazzi family launched an attack on brothers Lorenzo and Giuliano in an effort to gain control of the government. While Giuliano was brutally stabbed to death, Lorenzo was able to escape and eventually regained political control.  Nevertheless, Giuliano’s murder was a shock to the community. In response, several works were commissioned to memorialize him while also serving as visual warnings to other conspirators. It is up for debate whether this particular work was commissioned posthumously or prior to his tragic death.

Description: Giuliano de’Medici, a member of a wealthy Florentine banking family, is depicted in an interior space, elegantly and appropriately dressed in a richly textured red overcoat with grey piping. His countenance is solemn but stern and his gaze appears to draw towards the ground.  To his right, a Turtle Dove is perched on a leafless branch. Behind him, an open window exposes the light blue, daytime sky.

Interpretation:

  • Interior space: Though visibly set inside, the open window in Renaissance art typically signifies death, suggesting one’s passage from life to hereafter.
  • Sunken Eyelids: Though not agreed upon by all art historians, Giuliano’s somnolent gaze may suggest the work was created posthumously from a death mask.
  • Turtle Dove: The strongest argument for the commission of this work prior to his death, by Giuliano, himself, is the placement of the Turtle Dove perched on the barren branch. Giuliano’s wife, Simonetta, had passed two years earlier. In Renaissance tradition, it is said that when the mate of the Turtle Dove passes, the surviving bird perches alone a dead branch.
A lovely Turtle Dove 

An Excerpt from “The Phoenix and the Turtle Dove”

So between them love did shine,

That the turtle saw his right

Flaming in the phoenix’ sight:

Either was the other’s mine.

 

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

 

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 

Mr. Duncan, (Owner of Duncan’s Toy Chest): Oh yes. May I make a suggestion? Take the Turtle Doves.

Kevin McCallister: I can have two?

Mr. Duncan: Well, two turtle doves. I’ll tell you what to do: you keep one, and you give the other one to a very special person.  You see, turtle doves are a symbol of friendship and love. And, as long as each of you has your turtle dove, you’ll be friends forever.

Kevin McCallister: Wow. I never knew that. I thought they were just part of the song.

Mr. Duncan: They are, and for that very special reason.

Home Alone 2 Scene: Turtle Doves
Kevin Gifting One Of His Turtle Doves

Happy Holidays & Happy Birding!

Danielle & Michelle

 

 

Posted by Michelle on December 19, 2011

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Gifts For The Little Chickadees

13 Dec 2011

24. POLLY PAJAMAS I’m a bit partial to holiday pajama sets. Let me explain…   Every holiday season, for as long as I can remember, my grandma Pola would make Michelle and I, and every one of our cousins (and there are A LOT of us!), a matching pajama set. The pattern and style was different each year. Grandma Pola made every single one of them by hand.  We unwrapped our gifts and immediately hopped into our PJs. Then, we would gather around our grandmother and take a precious family photo.  As my grandmother is no longer with us, these pajama pictures are something that we will continue to treasure for the rest of our lives…

When I stumbled upon this Polly Kids Classic Stretch PJ set from Bed Head Pajamas, I knew it had to be my #1 gift pick for young birders. You, too, can fly your little chickadee back to the nest (after a keepsake photo, of course) wearing these cozy, charming pajamas.

If your first thought was, “why don’t these come in my size?” then we are totally on the same page! Not to worry, they have them for adults, too! See below for the adult version of this adorable PJ set.  In fact, they have the pattern in both a Polly Sateen and a Classic Stretch. Nice!

Certainly, it is unlikely that your bird loving friend or family member already has these, so it could be the answer to your gift search.

Even the folks at People Magazine think Polly Pajamas would make a fantastic gift!

25. A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD US… that there is such a thing as Birding Summer Camp!  I know that it is tough to think about summer camp when we are right in the middle of winter, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about presenting your children with the birdiest opportunity of a lifetime. The Audubon and ABA websites are a great place to start on your search for the perfect birding summer camp experience.  I only wish there were sessions for adults, too!  A chance to hang out with new birds and new bird-loving friends… um, yea, I’m in!

26.  FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDS Expose your tiny chickadees to the love of birds and nature with the National Geographic Readers Series.  There are so many entertaining and educational options out there.  Why not gift your future birder with something that is sure to get the bird-loving wheels turning?!?

National Geographic Readers Series: Penguins!

27. FOR THE FLEDGELINGS Who doesn’t love a stuffed animal? Especially a plush bird that makes authentic sounds… I mean, really?

Wild Republic offers a a series of realistic plush birds that are licensed by Audubon. With all of the authentic sounds recorded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, your future birders will be birding by ear in no time!

Check out Audubon’s collection of plush bird toys.  From Snowy Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers to California Quails and American Goldfinches, how can you resist a little chickadee for your little chickadee?

28. IT’S IN THE BANK! I don’t know about you, but I still have my first piggy bank. People, there is a reason that this early childhood gift is a classic.  I only wish that mine had been one that looked more like this stunning Silver Bird Bank and not the eyesore I was kindly given (a multi-colored ceramic pig, to be exact).  Did I mention that this jewel can be personalized? What a great way to create a lasting memento!

Silver Bird Bank, Pottery Barn Kids

29. BIRD-OPOLY! Yup, this does exist!  I could hardly believe it myself the first time I saw it. I have shared my love for family-style board games in previous posts, and considering traditional Monopoly is one of my favorites, you can only imagine how excited I am about this one!

BIRD-OPOLY

BIRD-OPOLY is a game based on our feathered friends, featuring rare birds, backyard classics and great North American species.  With the structure of a conventional board game and the added magic of our feathered friends, this bird-themed property trading game is a fantastic gift for any birder in training!  Please note: if you’d like to play against me, you’ll have to fight me for the earthworm game piece – I called it first!

30. THE GREATEST GIFT ON EARTH (And better yet, it’s FREE!) Uh huh, that’s right.  The greatest gift you could possibly give the future bird lover in your life on this holiday – and always – is 100% free!!

Spend some of your time off over the holidays enjoying a nature hike or bird walk with your family and friends. Enjoy some hot cocoa and smores overlooking your backyard feeders, or set up your first backyard feeder together, and see what swings by your front porch. It costs nothing and means everything!

If there is anything you take away from these 30 Birdy Holiday Gifts of ours, please let it be this last one…  and spend some time with those you love most enjoying life’s greatest gift: nature!

 Happy Holidays and Happy Birding!

Danielle & Michelle

 

Posted by admin on December 13, 2011

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The Backyard Birder

12 Dec 2011

19. A FEEDING FRENZY If you know somebody who treasures their backyard birds, then you know just how much joy they derive from nurturing them.  Wild bird feeding supplies make excellent gifts year-round, but during the holidays, when birds require some extra TLC during the frosty winter months, they make exceptionally wonderful presents.

You can’t go wrong with a basic tube, window or platform feeder! And, if you are looking for the perfect gift for the experienced backyard birder, then specialty feeders are the way to go…

From nectar feeders and nyjer feeders to mealworm feeders and suet feeders, the avid backyard birder is always happy to grow their birding buffet in order to adorn their yard with even more colorful gems!

Pacific Bird Mealworm Feeder

20.  BIRDS, BATHS & BEYOND Backyard birding goes way beyond traditional feeders and birdseed.  From birdhouses (and decorative bird mansions, believe it or not!) to birdbaths and birdbath heaters, there are a number of beautiful and practical gift ideas for backyard birders.

If this doesn’t make you want a bird bath this instant…

21. TWEET FOR THE CAMERA! It warms any birder’s heart to spot a beautiful bird at their backyard feeder.  Imagine if you could help that birder capture and savor the delightful image even longer… well, now you can!

The BirdCam 2.0 from Wingscapes.com is a weather-proof, digital, motion-activated camera with a flash and timelapse feature to capture stunning images and videos of wildlife.  With the ability to capture 8-megapixel, high-resolution photos and videos of backyard birds, your loved ones will be proudly sharing their BirdCam images with you in no time!

22. AVIAN-INSPIRED STATIONERY Bird stationery can be great for keeping in touch with fellow birders no matter what the occasion.

Adorned with glitter, gems, foil and embossing, this PAPYRUS exclusive snowbird card is a fabulous way to give holiday wishes to loved ones.

or recycled gift cards like these!

Mudlark Abigail Note Gift Box, Papyrus

23. GIFTS FOR THE HOME  From dishes and wall decals to fabric and furnishings, our feathered friends are showing up everywhere! For some great gift ideas for your favorite backyard birder this holiday season check out our recent blog, Feather Your Nest For The Holidays. There are so many items available to help your family and friends add a birdy touch to their homes this holiday season!

Pottery Barn Glass Bird Canisters

IF YOU ARE STILL LOOKING FOR BIRDY GIFTS FOR THE YOUNG BIRDER, PLEASE COME BACK TOMORROW FOR FIVE FABULOUS IDEAS THAT ARE SURE TO EXCITE ANY FLEDGELING!

Posted by admin on December 12, 2011

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Beak of the Week: Osprey

12 Dec 2011

In the birding world, there are those who are obsessed with shorebirds, those who are passionate about colorful songbirds, and then, there are those, whom we endearingly call, “raptor people.”

These individuals are absolutely wild about birds of prey—and with good reason! What these birds lack in color and song, they more than compensate for in precision, strength, and grace.

If you haven’t yet fallen in love with falcons, hawks, and eagles, I hope that my introduction to the Osprey will beak, errr, peak your curiosity about these incredible birds!

Common Name: Osprey

Latin Name: Pandion haliaetus

Range: Every continent except Antarctica.

Habitat: Near bodies of water and coastal waterways

Diet: Approximately 99% of an Osprey’s diet is fish.

Identification: Tones of brown and black on back and wings; white crown and forehead; Wingtips angled slightly backwards; dark stripe across eyes.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

 

The Out of the Ordinary Osprey….

  • Is one of the largest birds of prey in North America and one of the most widespread in the world.
  • Has an incredibly large wingspan, reaching approximately 6ft.

  • Is also known as a “fish-hawk” or a “sea hawk” and possesses superb hunting skills, with an estimated 90% success rate.
  • Is able to hunt by diving into the water from 30 to 100 feet up and can shut its talons in 2/100ths of a second.
  • Has four equal toes, unlike other raptors.  The outer toe is reversible, which allows the bird to seize prey with two toes pointing forward and two toes pointing backwards.
  • Is an expert aerodynamicist, positioning fish head first, to decrease wind resistance for flight.
  • Has an average lifespan 30 years.
  • Eggs hatch in a staggered fashion. Older siblings are more dominant and may leave younger birds to starve when food is scarce.

 

 

 

Posted by admin on December 12, 2011

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A Birder’s Delight

11 Dec 2011

STILL UNSURE ABOUT WHAT TO GET THE BIRDER IN YOUR LIFE FOR THE HOLIDAYS? TAKE A LOOK AT THESE IDEAS…

13. FIELD GUIDE FRENZY Field guides are always a safe bet for the bird lover in your life.  Consider getting the well-equipped birder (those who seemingly own every traditional field guide in existence) something new and different, like The Crossley Guide. Birding journals and ornithology books are a great option for advanced birders. To take it up a notch, and add a bird-themed bookmark as a gift tag.

14. BINOCULARS, BABY! Birders demand a lot from their bins. From weight and optical performance to brand and cost, selecting the right binoculars can be a very personal choice. Whether the birder in your life is seeking to upgrade, or looking for an alternative pair of optics to add to their collection, my advice is to do your best snooping in order to find out which glass they’ve set their eyes on.  If this isn’t feasible, a gift certificate is your best bet.  Think this seems a bit impersonal? Think again!  Any birder would be thrilled to be that much closer to getting the binoculars of their dreams!

Swarovski 8.5x42mm EL SwaroVision Binoculars

15. GEAR FOR THE SHUTTERBUG Bird photography is extremely fun.  However, capturing compelling avian images can be quite the challenge… so having the best possible photographic equipment is certainly helpful. While camera bodies and telephoto lenses are sure to make any bird photographer swoon, buying gear for the shutterbug in your life doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. In fact, there are a number of photography-related gifts out there that are sure to excite the bird lover in your life.   From tripod heads & LensCoats to memory cards and Better Beamers, there are a variety of desirable gadgets available!

While gear is enormously helpful, understanding avian behavior and honing specialized identification and photography skills take some practice…

16. TEACH ME! By nature, birders tend to have an insatiable thirst for learning. By the same token, the excitement of birding only grows with one’s ability to discover, identify and appreciate new bird species.  Gifting your favorite birder with an opportunity to utilize the expertise of other experienced birders and improve on her skills is something most birders would love.

From birding classes to photography workshops, there are many chances for the bird watcher in your life to learn more about these feathered jewels and how to capture them in flight and in action.  Though there are a ton of options worldwide, you can start by checking out sites like Florida’s Birding and Photo Fest, your local Audubon, Arthur Morris’ Birds As Art,  Cape May School of Birding, The Cornell School of Ornithology and The Fat Birder for a list of some additional ornithology courses.

17. FLY LIKE A BIRD! Adventurous birders would, undoubtedly, go crazy for more the chance to visit new and exotic destinations in search of never before seen species. Tropical Birding and On My Mountain are among a number of spectacular birding tour companies that specialize in all sorts of specialized travel opportunities to see unique birds. Gifting family and friends with tickets to annual birding festivals is another way birders can see species away from home, alongside local experts.

18. CONSERVATION GIFTS Many birding organizations and wildlife conservation associations appreciate donations to help them practice wildlife conservation.  I cannot name one birder I know who wouldn’t appreciate such a thoughtful gift given in his name. Whether you rescue an acre of rainforest, sponsor wild bird rehabilitation, promote environmental study, or commit to planting a tree, birders will find such a gesture meaningful.

WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE BACKYARD BIRDER! TOMORROW, YOU WILL FIND THIS SEASON’S BEST GIFTS FOR THE BACKYARD BIRD FEEDER IN YOUR LIFE…

Posted by Danielle on December 11, 2011

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Stocking Stuffers

10 Dec 2011

STOCKING STUFFERS BIRD LOVERS WILL ADORE…

 

6. BIRDY BOOKS Avid readers would love a reflective book on the joys of birding.  Bird books and novels, like The Big Year by Mark Obmascik, Life List by Olivia Gentile, or The Biggest Twitch by Alan Davies and Ruth Miller, would make excellent, entertaining gifts.

The Biggest Twitch by Alan Davies and Ruth Miller
Life List by Olivia Gentile

7. MAGAZINE MANIA Subscriptions to birding magazines, like Birds & Blooms, BirdWatching, Bird Watcher’s Digest and Wild Bird Magazine, make wonderful gifts for fellow birders.

8. DREAMY DOCUMENTARIES If you know somebody who treasures wild birds, chances are they would be giddy to see a birdy DVD , like Winged Migration, March of the Penguins and The Life of Birds, peeking out from their stocking on Christmas morning.

Winged Migration DVD

9. EAT, DRINK, BIRD AND BE MERRY This is a great bottle cap opener from Pacific Bird. Use it for holiday entertaining or for home decor! This would make an excellent stocking stuffer for any bird lover (over the age of 21, or course!).

This Cast Iron Bird Bottle Opener can be found on the Pacific Bird website.

10. NOVELTY BIRDING GIFTS Birders, at least the ones I know, are more than happy to poke some fun at their brilliant, albeit quirky, hobby. Some of the most fun gifts for birders are novelty items. From avian-inspired hats and sweatshirts to snarky bumper stickers, keychains, skateboards and neckties, there are many chuckle-worthy options. I found a number of birder gifts on Zazzle.com, Etsy.com and Magnificentfrigatebird.com. Here are just a few examples:

“I Love My Backyard Birds” Hat, Zazzle.com
Ignore the Swerving Bumper Sticker, Zazzle.com
Future Birder Kids Hoodie, www.magnificentfrigatebird.com

11. ECO-FRIENDLY These eco-friendly water bottles are perfect for any birder to use out in the field.

Water Bottle, Pottery Barn

12. A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME… that women love jewelry!  This Free Bird Feather Pendant is the perfect gift for the elegant birder in your life. Made from recycled sterling silver (or gold-dipped recycled sterling silver), this petite, handcrafted feather necklace offers an inspirational symbol that can be worn proudly around the neck of any free spirit.

Free Bird Feather Pendant, Nordstroms

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR GIFTS THAT ARE SURE TO BE 

A BIRDER’S DELIGHT!  

Posted by Danielle on December 10, 2011

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30 Birdy Holiday Gift Ideas

09 Dec 2011

 

Selecting special holiday gifts for friends and family members is (almost) always a delightful experience. For me, this proves to be doubly true when choosing gifts for the bird lovers in my life. Why? Because I know exactly what will tickle their feathered fancies.

However, when it comes to buying a meaningful gift for the cyclists or antique car enthusiasts in my life – I am STUMPED! As a mildly creative person, I, ultimately, figure out something; but it doesn’t mean that, when the time comes, I don’t hand over the gift with an unfortunate dose of reluctance.  While they always say they like the present (who wouldn’t?), the unsettling uncertainty that accompanies the whole experience leaves me feeling downright icky. And that is, precisely, why I created this helpful, stress-reducing list…

So, if you are someone who is seeking gift giving ideas for the bird lover in your life, then the list below is for you!  If there is an experienced birder in your life who appears to have it all, perhaps this list will spark a new idea. And, if you are a birder yourself, who’d like to drop a hint to the lovely, yet clueless, as-of-yet-non-birder in your life, then the “Share and Enjoy” function at the bottom of this post should come in mighty handy.

Over the next week, I will be posting a total of 30 gift ideas for bird lovers of all sorts… Stay posted!!

Be sure to check back daily, so you don’t miss out on the greatest gift ideas for birders this holiday season!

 

DANIELLE’S TOP 5

 

1. A WINTER BIRDING HAT The holiday season arrives as the coldest part of winter advances, which means that this is a great season to buy a birding gift that will serve to keep your favorite birder warm throughout his or her winter birding adventures. These Faux Fur Hats by Restoration Hardware are perfect for keeping any animal-lover warm in the field.  They even have versions for children at Baby & Child Restoration Hardware (On Sale Now)! The perfect excuse for a Mommy/Daddy & me birding adventure!

Luxe Faux Fur Russian Ushanka Hat, Restoration Hardware
Check out this picture of me birding last weekend with my super warm faux fur hat! L.O.V.E.

2. A BOTTLE TO BE REMEMBERED Living in California certainly has its perks.  The birds, the weather and… the wine, of course! At a recent Audubon event, in Venice Beach, I was reminded of all three. An impressive showing of bird lovers gathered at an art gallery on this particularly pleasant autumn evening.  We listened to a charismatic and engaging James Currie share tales of his birdwatching adventures over glasses of Three Hoots Wine. I remember thinking, “Does life get any better than this?”

Three Hoots Wines

That night, I was introduced to the Three Hoots, a wine label which grew from a collaboration between Davis & Dyke Winery and Audubon, in order to offer wine made from sustainably farmed grapes.  I came to learn some lovely facts about the group, based out of Saint Helena, California, and its commitment to nature.  Not only are Barn Owls embraced as an ally in sustainable farming and winegrowing efforts at Three Hoots, but the group created a cause marketing campaign where 5% of the net revenue is donated to Audubon in order to support awareness for Audubon’s mission.

Learn how winegrowers, with a vision toward sustainability, have found a natural ally in the Barn Owl. AMAZING!

Three Hoots Winery Holiday Gift Box

Three Hoots’ delicious wine is created from the extraordinary harvest of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards. These wines would make an excellent gift for a host or hostess. If the recipient is a birder, it will, undoubtedly, touch his or her heart; and, if the giver is the bird lover, then that is one bottle that will certainly be remembered and stand out amongst the others!

And, if the special birder in your life is also a wine enthusiast, then you can always gift them a membership to the Owls Club.  I can assure you that your friends will be toasting to you – their favorite birder – as they enjoy their delectable wine.

3. BIRDS OF A FEATHER, FLOCK TOGETHER If you’ve read our other blogs, then you’d know that Michelle and I are huge proponents of family-style birding (Check out #9!). The Great North American Bird Watching Trivia Game is another great way to spend some quality time with your loved ones learning about what we all love: birds! Yes, this trivia game from Outset Media is fun, interactive and educational; but, most importantly, it is a fantastic way to gather and enjoy some unforgettable moments as a family this holiday season.

The Great North American Bird Watching Trivia Game

4. A BIRDING APP SHOPPING SPREE With so many magnificent birding applications available, why not give the birder in your life some ‘gelt’ with which to purchase them. An itunes gift card will allow your favorite bird enthusiast to add the app of their choice to their technological birding arsenal. Did I really just use that phrase? Wow!

The ibird Pro Backyard Plus. One of MANY fantastic birding apps out there!

5. BRING YOUR PHOTOS TO LIFE Not all presents need to be store bought.  In fact, there is something so beautiful about receiving a gift carefully crafted by someone you love.  If you are looking for a way to infuse a homemade quality into your holiday gift, while not gifting yourself a ton of work or financial burden, then a Bird Photo Book is the perfect option! Whether you are an amateur shutterbug, or an experienced bird photographer, a personalized photo book for family and friends is a wonderful way to share your art and passion with those who love you. Not feeling the whole photo book idea? You can always take one of your all-time favorite photos and create a personalized and thoughtful gift.  From playing cards and mouse pads to coffee mugs and tree ornaments, there are a number of gifts (large and small) that require minimal effort and impart tremendous consideration.

5 DOWN, 25 TO GO… CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR SOME OUTSTANDING STOCKING STUFFERS!

Posted by Danielle on December 9, 2011

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Feather Your Nest For The Holidays

07 Dec 2011

10 WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Lucky for us, bird decor is all the rage these days!  No matter the season, Michelle and I try to incorporate our love for birds into our lives, and into our homes, in a variety of different ways. Pottery Barn has easily become one of our favorite places to shop for all things bird.  Considered one of the commercial meccas for interior decorating, Pottery barn boasts a wide range of charming bird-related products.  Even Pottery Barn Kids has a great collection of birdy fun!

A couple of years ago my sister, Michelle, and I began to see a surge in birdy decorations. Though elated, we assumed it was just a fad and would quickly be replaced by the next big trend. Much to our hearts’ delight, not only has the trend endured, but the craze has only continued to grow – and spread – to other commercial venues.   With the vast selection of goods presently available, the possibilities are as boundless as the sky where our feathered friends soar…

In the midst of preparing our own homes for the holiday season, we thought we’d share 10 of our favorite goodies from Pottery Barn this season…

Pottery Barn Pollie Bird Stockings

These Christmas Stockings speak for themselves! An obvious choice if you are looking for a great way to fully embrace your love for birds this holiday season. (On Sale Now!)

Pottery Barn Bird Jewelry Dish

I bought this jewelry dish a year ago and am not at all surprised that it is still available.  It is a perfectly subtle way to bring your love for birds into your home.

Pottery Barn Painted Blue Jay Doormat

What better way to welcome your friends and family into your home? My sister gifted me a different, albeit equally birdy, doormat just last year. This Blue Jay Welcome Mat is a simple touch to bring life and color to your entryway, while making sure the snow and mud stay where they belong – outside!

Pottery Barn Glitter Bird Candle

Your cheese and charcuterie are beautifully arranged, but you aren’t sure what else to place on the table to give it that little something extra? These glitter bird candles will definitely do the trick. (On Sale Now!)

Pottery Barn Bird Plate

I love these avian-inspired dishes!  I am certain that they would be a huge hit at any dinner party of mine.  As I do not yet own them, consider this a not-so-subtle hint to family and friends who are still wondering what I would love to unwrap this holiday season – wink! (On Sale Now!)

Pottery Barn Bird Cafe Pillow Cover

This decorative pillow is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add a little spice to your living room.

Pottery Barn Cardinal Duvet Set

I am a sucker for birdy bedding! Seriously.  In fact, you won’t find anything else in my home.  Who could go wrong with this winter-inspired Cardinal duvet cover? It’s seasonal, vibrant and lovely! (On Sale Now!)

Pottery Barn Bird & Holly Embroidered Guest Towels

I adore these guest towels.  They are a festive, eco-friendly (and way more attractive!) alternative to the disposable guest towels I usually use.

Pottery Barn Beaded Metallic Bird Ornament

My grandma Ethel loved anything with a bit of sparkle.  This bird ornament totally reminds me of her! Whether or not you are a sparkle fanatic (and, most of the time, I’m not), the holidays tend to call for a bit of glitz and glitter.  This would be a beautiful addition to any bird lover’s tree! (On Sale Now!)

Pottery Barn Wire Bird String Lights 

Simply put, these bird string lights are precious.  Need I say more?

 

Whether we are longing for the warmer days of spring, or trying to brighten up our winter-wearied homes, adding a touch of birdy brightness to our living spaces is always a great way to admire their feathered beauty all year long.  Why not start with a trip to Pottery Barn to spruce up your nest for the holiday season?

 

Happy Holidays & Happy Birding!

Danielle & Michelle

Posted by Danielle on December 7, 2011

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