Beak of the Week: American Oystercatcher

05 Dec 2011
An American Oystercatcher plucks a Moles Crab out of the sand.

Allow me to introduce to you the American Oystercatcher! The long, vibrant reddish-orange beak and yellow, red-ringed eyes of this large, otherwise neutrally colored, shorebird are so striking it is hard to pass this beauty by without taking a second look. As an easily identifiable bird, the American Oystercatcher is a great place to start when learning about shorebirds.

American Oystercatcher

Common Name: American Oystercatcher

Latin Name: Haematopus palliatus

Range: Atlantic coast of North America, Gulf Coast and northern South America. Pacific coasts of Mexico, Central America and northern South America.

Habitat: Coastal areas, including beaches, marshes, dunes, and mudflats.

Diet: As its name suggests, the American Oystercatcher feeds on oysters and other bivalves and invertebrates.  These include mussels, clams, starfish, limpets, jellyfish, etc.

Conservation Status: Although generally considered of least concern, the American Oystercatcher is listed as bird of special concern in many coastal states on account of habitat loss and vulnerability issues. We are reminded to enjoy these gorgeous shorebirds from afar in order to avoid disturbing them.

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus galapagensis), Galapagos subspecies parent feeding a small crab to a downy chick on Santiago Island, Galapagos.

Three cool facts about this brightly billed bird! 

  • To disguise its speckled eggs, the adults add broken shells or pebbles to the nest and will sometimes pretend to roost where there is no nest in order to detour predators from actual nesting sites.
  • A group of oystercatchers are collectively known as a “parcel” of oystercatchers.
  • Breeding pairs may last for life.
Happy Shorebirding!
Danielle & Michelle

 

Posted by Michelle on December 5, 2011

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Nibbles (June 16, 1991–Dec. 2, 2011)

03 Dec 2011

 Today, we break from feathered friends to honor a furry one, who is no longer with us….

Nibbles Storm Mohilef

(June 16, 1991 – December 2, 2011)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dog, Nibbles.  Last night, our beautiful Rat Terrier nibbled for the very last time…

Nibbles was given her name when Michelle and I first found her.  Only a few weeks old, at the time, she would nibble on our ears, hair, fingers… and, well, pretty much anything she could get away with!

Nibbles joined our family over two decades ago, and was as big a member, and part of our family, as any of us.  For the past 20½ years, our lives have been immeasurably enriched by her presence.  She was our faithful friend, our sister and our true and constant companion.

Nibbles brought smiles to our faces each time we walked through the door and stole hearts with just one wag of her stubby, albeit loving, tail. She never ceased to amaze us with her keen intuition. She washed away countless tears with her rough pink tongue, and, magically, knew when and by whom she was most needed.

 

 

We were so enamored with our loving Nibbles that, over the years, we have expanded our family by another four Rat Terriers.  Words will never suffice in expressing the tremendous love, joy, laughter and energy she brought to our family and friends.

Nibbles with her favorite bunny toy!

“Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives.”

John Galsworthy


So many people just smile at the sound of her name, as they recall a moment when she brightened their world as well.  Having touched the lives of so many, the news of her passing will surely sadden those who knew and love her.

Michelle and Nicky playing with Nibbles on the farm
Nibbles stuck right by me throughout my teenage years!

Unsurprisingly, Nibbles passed in the arms of her momma (my mom, Monica). She wouldn’t have had it any other way.  Without a doubt, their bond ran deepest.  She was even nicknamed “Shadow,” because she would never leave my mother’s side.

Nibbles and her momma taking a nap!

A little charmer, Nibbles would happily hug her momma, on command. When asked why Nibbles managed to live an abnormally long lifespan, I can only attribute it to my mother, who did all she could to keep her beloved pup healthy and vital.

Nibalicious!

In the end, it hurt us all to see that her spirit was so alive and well, but the rest of her just wasn’t.  Selfishly, we hoped she’d last just a little while longer; but nature took its course…

Dolly & Nibbles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having grown up on a ranch, surrounded by animals, one would think that our family would have grown accustomed to the realities of nature.

Nibbles and the gang cuddling…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though well aware of these inevitabilities, the loss of one of our own will never grow easier. And today, we are heartbroken.

Danielle, David (Our Dad!) & Michelle with Nibbles on her first road trip to Arizona!

If life is a system of balances, of yin and yang, birth and death, light and dark, then the proof of the immense pleasure Nibbles gave us lies in the quantity of pain her passing has caused.

Nibbles Storm Mohilef (June 16, 1991 – December 2, 2011)

Rest in peace, Nibs.  We love you.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by admin on December 3, 2011

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PB Debuts In WildBird Magazine

01 Dec 2011
The January/February 2012 Issue of WildBird Magazine

The January/February 2012 issue of WildBird Magazine has officially arrived! Like me, bird lovers, nationwide, are excitedly plucking the latest copy from their mailboxes, nestling by the fire and leafing through the pages of the much-anticipated Backyard Birding Issue.

In addition to feeding and gardening tips, the magazine boasts some excellent articles about birding around the home. This edition also features the Backyard Roundup, which is an overview of some of the latest and greatest backyard birding products on the shelves.  And, Pacific Bird™ is thrilled to have been included in the mix!

The Pacific Bird™ Mealworm Feeder featured in the January/February 2012 issue of WildBird Magazine

An entertaining magazine dedicated to educating its readers about North American birds and birding, WildBird is a leading publication in the bird watching community.  Michelle and I love the fact that WildBird Magazine covers a great variety of bird-related interests- from feeding and photography to travel and optics. Better still, the magazine really speaks to people of all skill levels and experience. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to get your copy today, so that you, too, can take advantage of all of these useful birding tips…. oh, and don’t forget to check out page 31 (wink)!

 

Happy Backyard Birding!

Danielle & Michelle

Posted by admin on December 1, 2011

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Beak of the Week: Lilac-Breasted Roller

28 Nov 2011

As an art aficionado, with a background in art history, it should come as no surprise that I often connect things in the natural world with manmade works of art. To me, it is obvious why people, myself included, are fascinated and moved by the infinite number of inspirations found in nature.

“Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.” Claude Monet

Aesthetically, the Lilac-breasted Roller is, without a doubt, my favorite bird. Though, historically this bird was certainly not the muse for the 19th century Impressionist movement, it appears as though it could have been.  At the very least, it looks like Monet, himself, could easily have painted this feathered canvas using his warm, lively palette and quick, spontaneous brushstrokes.

“I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ” Claude Monet

This is the bird I reference when I feel the need to explain my love for them, and the one I show to demonstrate how unexpectedly striking they are.  To date, all individuals introduced to this beauty have been truly awe-inspired—I hope this week is no different!

For me, one glimpse at the Lilac-breasted Roller triggers imagery of Monet’s brilliant brushwork and intoxicating color palette.

Common Name: Lilac-breasted Roller

Latin Name: Coracias caudatus

Range: Found throughout eastern and southern Africa.

Habitat: Open woodlands and grasslands, farmlands, and riverside areas.

Diet: Insectivorous. Feeds on grasshoppers, beetles, lizards, crabs, and small amphibians. On occasion, has been known to eat smaller birds.

Conservation Status: Least concern.

 

Five Colorful Facts about the Lilac Breasted Roller…

  • Receives its name from an exciting courtship flight, which includes diving from a high elevation, with rocking and rolling motions, combined with loud, harsh calls.
  • Believed to be monogamous.
  • Partly migratory, but sedentary in some areas.
  • Lives in pairs or small groups, but is often found perched alone.
  • Males and females possess same coloration.

Hope this beauty adds a splash of color to your Monday!

Michelle

 

Posted by Michelle on November 28, 2011

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Beak of the Week: Wild Turkey

21 Nov 2011

Welcome to “Beak of the Week!”

Find the new ‘Beak of the Week’ on The Birding Bug Blog EVERY MONDAY! We thought this would be a great way for all of us to learn more about a different species of bird each week.  Danielle and I look forward to taking a deeper look at our fascinating feathered friends and sharing our findings.  We hope that you, too, will join in the fun and impart your knowledge as well! Thoughts, sightings, questions, corrections and additional facts are ALWAYS welcome! Without further ado… drumroll, please…

The Wild Turkey

A Wild Turkey

Although entirely by chance, it seems fitting that our first “Beak of the Week” coincides with the Thanksgiving holiday.  As we all know, the Wild Turkey has become a symbol of this autumnal celebration, signifying such things as community, generosity, and abundance. And whether or not a turkey is the main attraction at your Thanksgiving table (A whopping 97% of Americans eat Turkey on Thanksgiving!), or you have chosen an alternative, such as Tofurky, this bird has come to hold many meanings at any traditional Thanksgiving festivity. On that note, I would like to give my thanks and appreciation to this great symbol of American culture…

Wild Turkey Hen

Common Name: Wild Turkey

Latin Name: Meleagris gallopavo

Habitat: Hardwood forests with scattered openings, ponderosa pines, grasslands and chaparral across North America.

Diet: Seeds, fruits, nuts, insects, and small reptiles.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

 

Ten Fun Facts About the Wild Turkey… 

1.  An adult male turkey is called a “Tom,” an adult female turkey is called a “Hen,” juvenile males are called “jakes,” juvenile females are “jennies” and all very young birds are called “poults.” A group of turkeys is called a “flock.”

2. In a letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin proposed that the national bird be a Wild Turkey on account of its proud demeanor and protective instincts.

Continue reading →

Posted by Michelle on November 21, 2011

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Preparation, Meet Opportunity.

20 Nov 2011

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Seneca, Roman dramatist, philosopher, & politician (5 BC – 65 AD)

 

In birding, like any sport, reward is largely dependent upon effort.  With birds appearing anywhere at anytime, one must always be ready for action. Here are a few ways to stay prepared!

  • BINOCULARS     Always have a pair of binoculars on hand.  My advice is to keep a spare pair in a convenient location. Mine can be found in my glove compartment, trunk, or purse. These days, I even leave an old pair in my husband’s car, just in case.
P.S. I Like To Bring Two Pairs For Precisely This Reason!
  • FIELD GUIDE     Modern technology makes this one way too easy.  While I do leave a field guide in my car at all times, I have all of the latest birding apps conveniently downloaded on both my iPad, computer and phone – and one of them is always with me!  With good, detailed notes and/or drawings, you can always refer to a field guide later on, too.  Continue reading →
Posted by admin on November 20, 2011

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Impromptu Birding

20 Nov 2011

Like most avid birders, I never know when my luck might strike.  Once you start birding, it doesn’t take very long to learn that a ‘life bird’ may appear when you least expect it; or worse yet, when your binoculars are not within reach.

I am sure we have all experienced an occasion when the ‘bins’ were mistakenly left at home, or the scope was removed from the car (to make room for the baby shower gift or groceries) and was never replaced.  Naturally, those are the days when it seems like all of the birds have made a secret pact to emerge.  It’s almost as though they dance before me teasingly warbling na, nana na-naaa, na…  As expected, I curse my mistake and vow never to leave home without my gear in tow again.  Of course, weeks later, I, unwittingly, find myself in the very same position.

For a birder, there is just nothing worse than being ‘naked’ in the presence of a ‘lifer’… I take that back.  Once, my camera battery expired in the near presence of a rare hen harrier.  That stung!

An impromptu birding adventure where I was pleased to find that I had brought my goodies with me! So pleased, in fact, that I took this silly picture… yikes!

Anyway, a few weeks ago, my husband, Jonathan, and I were traveling up to Santa Barbara, CA for the wedding of our dear friends, Eron and Lisette.  Assuming we wouldn’t have much time to bird during a weekend jam-packed with exciting wedding festivities, we contemplated leaving our gear behind. Last minute, haunted with memories of birds missed, we tossed our equipment into an already crammed trunk, and headed north. Continue reading →

Posted by admin on November 20, 2011

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Hello, Mr. Wood Stork.

14 Nov 2011

Now, usually when I refer to a “birdie weekend” it suggests a Saturday and Sunday of solid birding. However, this weekend, the term took on an entirely new meaning.  You see, Michelle and I spent this past weekend in the Florida Everglades with over a hundred members of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry for the organization’s annual meeting.  While we weren’t exactly out watching birds, we were certainly talking about them, non-stop, for three whole days – making it a very birdie weekend, indeed!

Michelle and I had a blast meeting new people and catching up with folks we’d already had the pleasure of knowing.  Once the meeting came to a close, knowing full well that we couldn’t possibly head home without birding, we took the few hours we had left, and headed straight to the nearest swamp!

On our way to the swamp, I catch my trusted driver, Michelle, with her eyes everywhere BUT the road.  Obviously, this isn’t a first.

Naturally, Michelle would rather watch the birds than the road!

I don’t know about you, but I have never been with a birder – in a car, on a walk, or at a restaurant – who isn’t constantly looking. Safe? Doubt it.  We just can’t help it! And, with roadside birds galore, how can you not look?  Out of nowhere, Michelle casually says, “Hello, Mr. Wood Stork.”

Mr. Wood Stork

Her cool and relaxed remark is followed by a fast and reckless U-turn that made me glad I was wearing my seatbelt. She managed to bring the car to an amazingly silent halt right beside the beautiful, endangered Wood Stork.

A Wood Stork searching for food in the Florida Everglades. The yellow bill and brown coloring down the neck and head indicate that it is a juvenile.

Mr. Wood Stork showing off his beautiful wings!

This was not the last of Michelle’s fancy driving. There were birds everywhere!

A Great Egret strolling along the highway...

I believe that this is a Juvenile Broad-winged Hawk. I am, admittedly, still a little shaky on my raptor identifications (especially those juveniles, who can vary quite a bit in appearance). If anyone disagrees with this ID, please share... I am always happy to learn something new!!!

Here is another photo! Doesn't this hawk make you want to soak up some Florida sun, too?

Here is one more photo of what I believe to be a Juvenile Broad-winged Hawk. There are two things that are throwing me off a bit: 1) The throat doesn't have nearly as much white as I would expect, and 2) The presence of the crescent shaped translucence on the edge of the wing (common in Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawks). Hmmmm.... Thoughts?

This happened no fewer than five times, before we realized that we needed to make it to the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Reserve quickly, or we would be left with very little time there.

Welcome to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

A White Ibis from afar

Love those baby blue eyes!

A Red-bellied Woodpecker

A Juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

A Downy Woodpecker

An Anhinga!

Check out these gorgeous wings!

The Pileated Woodpecker - what a sight!

The Great Crested Flycatcher

There were a few more we would have loved to spot, but I suppose we will have to wait until next time…

Until then, happy birding!

Danielle

P.S. Fully aware of my slight anxiety when it comes to alligators, Michelle swore there weren’t any nearby.  Toward the end of our adventure, though, she thought it would be swell to point out the “little baby” two feet away from me… Not cool.

The "baby" alligator!

Then, with an huge, up-to-no-good smirk, she kindly pointed out he, who was partially responsible for creating the little munchkin above. Few things encourage me to accelerate my birding pace. This, apparently, is one of them! Even more so than the flight we were about to miss…

The "papa" Alligator

Posted by Danielle on November 14, 2011

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Mansions For Birds?!?

07 Nov 2011

Looking for a bird mansion that won’t break the bank?  Well, today is your lucky day!

This morning, I was scrolling through one of my favorite websites, Ruelala.com. A guilty pleasure of mine, Ruelala features many of the most sought-after brands – in fashion, accessories, footwear, home, travel, wine, gourmet food, local services, and more – at a much lower price!  The catch? You only have a limited time to buy.  Not only do I get to purchase my favorite brands without actually having to go to the store, but I can do so at a great price, too.

Today, I paid pay a quick visit to Ruelala and was pleased to see a great selection of bird mansions, or extra large and intricately designed bird houses.  Usually quite pricey, these Home Bazaar Bird Mansions are discounted up to 50%.

If you’ve had your eye on one of these for a while, but haven’t wanted to make such a hefty investment, you have almost 24 hours left to get the bird mansion you’ve always dreamed of, at a price you can feel good about.

And remember, the holiday season is upon us! These houses would make excellent gifts for the bird lovers in your life (hint, hint!).

Happy Birding!

Danielle & Michelle

 

 

Posted by admin on November 7, 2011

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Go Wild For Halloween!

28 Oct 2011

Halloween has long been one of my favorite holidays.  I’m sure it is mostly because I have always had an insatiable sweet tooth (Put it this way: I’m lucky my hubby is a dentist!). On this day (feel free to replace “day” with “month,” as I often do!),  I believe I get to take full advantage of the opportunity to indulge in my sweet favorites – only in the spirit of the holiday, of course!  However, Halloween also ranks in my top 3, along with Thanksgiving and July 4th (hmmmm… turkeys and eagles. Am I sensing a theme here?), because I love to dress up… as a bird – naturally!

My husband, Jonathan, and I at a Halloween party. Bird of choice: A Scarlet Macaw! Yup, just another way I embrace my love for my feathered friends when I'm not chasing them.

I am crazy about costume parties.  Who isn’t?  I adore the creativity and I love the enthusiasm!

Halloween Treats... YUMMY!

Inspired by 10,000 birds most recent blog, I may just fully embrace the Halloween spirit and go birding in, well, bird costume, this weekend.  Not to worry, there will be photographic evidence to follow…

Aside from my feathered flair, there are many other fun ways in which I express my love of birds during this freaky fiesta.  An eternal favorite – pumpkin carving – is entertaining and provides great family fun, too! After all, bird themed pumpkin carving is an annual event at our house.

A HALLOWEEN BONUS

Once the last fang is removed, the final broom is put away, and sugar levels return to a semi-normal state, why let all of your pretty pumpkin art go to waste?

Leftover pumpkins provide you with the perfect opportunity to add to your bountiful birding buffet.  Bird lovers should know that putting out pumpkin seeds for your wild birds is the perfect way to attract beautiful birds to your backyard and garden.

A Halloween Bird Feeder!

In fact, you would be doing many birds a favor! Pumpkin can make a significant nutritional contribution to a bird’s diet.

       Nutritious and delicious Mealworm + Pumpkin Suet                by Pacific Bird™

Pumpkins and pumpkin seeds contain large amounts of vitamin A, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients. How do we know this?? Well, this is the reason we created Pacific Bird™ Pumpkin Suet – the perfectly nutritious fall and winter treat!

Mmmmm.... pumpkin seeds!

What kinds of birds does pumpkin attract? Well, considering the size of whole pumpkin seeds (and the toughness of the shell), smaller birds may not be interested… BUT, you are likely to attract larger, colorful birds – like blue jays, cardinal and grosbeaks!

Blue Jay

If you are keen on providing some Halloween inspired goodies for birds of the smaller variety, you can always satisfy their needs by supplying them with unshelled pumpkin seeds too.

If roasting pumpkin seeds for your birds, please remember:

1)  Do NOT use Teflon and other non-stick pans. The fumes from these pans can be toxic to our winged guests.

2)  Salt is NOT good for birds.  If you are roasting pumpkin seeds for yourself as well, simply separate out a salt-free portion for the birds once the tray has come out of the oven, and then salt yours to yours to taste.

A few more options for post-Halloween pumpkin usage:

  • Simply offer pumpkin seeds on a tray or platform feeder. You can even sprinkle some on the ground for birds to enjoy.
  • Hollow out your pumpkin and fill it with bird seed (see above) for an easy, inexpensive and festive feeder creation.
  • If you live in warmer climates, like I do (It is 78 degrees in Los Angeles at the moment!), you can offer pumpkin flesh and pulp in your butterfly garden.  First, cut pumpkin into small pieces.  Then, place pieces into a shallow dish for fruit-loving butterflies like Red-Spotted Purples to enjoy.

BIRD THEMED HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

Grab your spouse, your children, or your grandchildren, and enjoy nature!  Here are more ways to get into the Halloween spirit….

Mask

I love this Barred Owl Mask  from www.Birdorable.com . So crafty and fun!  A great option if outdoor temperatures are too cold and indoor pumpkin carving sounds like a hot mess!

Pumpkin Carving

These free bird-themed pumpkin carving patterns are listed from easiest to most difficult.

  • This pumpkin carving stencil depicts a simple singing bird.
  • I fell in love with this Spoonbill! I definitely think this will be my pumpkin project this weekend.

Spoonbill Pumpkin Pattern

  • The Tufted Titmouse is a close second. Maybe I will have to make two… More pumpkin for the birds!

Tufted Titmouse Pumpkin Pattern

  • This one shows a bird peeking out of the front door of its birdhouse.
  • A great owl pumpkin stencil.
  • The Peace dove jack-o-lantern certainly adds a tinge of difficulty.
  • I do appreciate the craftiness required for this fancy peacock pumpkin stencil, though I am not sure I am artsy enough to undertake such a tough one. More power to those of you who can! Pictures please.

Martha Stewart Night Owl

  • In true Martha Stewart fashion, this Night Owl is in a class of its own. I bet Michelle could do it!

Happy Halloween & Happy Birding!

Danielle

 

 

 

Posted by Danielle on October 28, 2011

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