by Lanny McDowell on February 23, 2010
There are some simple reasons I can’t stay away from watching and photographing purples this time of year. Firstly, they are here on the Vineyard and fairly uncommon most other places. I know where to find them when I want to, usually up scouring the rocks at Squibnocket, because they are location loyal. That’s about the habitat, which is the habitat that shows up in the bird photos below. They are not always there, but they are likely to be there on a bright winter’s day.
The other factor that brings me back to find them is that they are relatively tame when feeding or resting, even with Stella at my side. Stella is very respectful and patient when it’s clear that I am trying to move slowly or I’m waiting for the sandpipers to approach me as they move among the rocks. [click to continue...]
by Lanny McDowell on February 15, 2010
Here is an update on where we stand right now. By the way, the new name for our shorebird project within GCA is The Red Knot Survival Project.
I was just reading about non-profits and who gives to them, who the supporters are. Well it turns out that 75% of the money donated comes from private individuals. That is pretty astounding, and also encouraging. As of this writing, Global Conservation Alliance has received money donations from various individuals, from one corporate contributor and from one conservation organization donor.
GCA members have traveled to Delaware Bay to work there the last two years, in 2008 and 2009; and we anticipate going back this year. Our target dates are May 22 until June 1st. The full moon, when horseshoe crabs gather in the most dense numbers to lay their eggs, because the higher tides of the full and new moons take them further up the beach, occurs on the 27th of May this year, right in the middle of our stay. Also, it happens that the historical departure date for Red Knots leaving en masse for the Arctic occurs on some afternoon between the 27th and the 29th of May. [click to continue...]
by Lanny McDowell on January 26, 2010
Economy got you down? Looking for ways to save your hard earned do-re-mi? Thinking of cutting back or cutting off birdseed altogether? Let them fend for themselves, right?
But wait! Try the new Sharpienator. One sharpie used only once or twice a day will solve that bird food drain on your scarce resources. And it is Absolutely Free! You can’t buy the Sharpienator in any store. But wait. There’s more!
So, you get the idea. When the last snows started to melt the action at my feeders returned quickly to null and void. I am used to having a coops cruise the place on a regular basis. This year it’s a handsome and very stealthy adult male. [click to continue...]
by Lanny McDowell on January 23, 2010
I received a call from someone who had found a barn owl in the snow, with just its head protruding. It had died, most probably from starvation, and it was found a few feet from a small rural outbuilding which had been fitted with an entrance hole high up in the gable end. I do not know if there was a nesting box inside, or only the visible entrance hole, clearly provided as an access for winged beasties.
The snow was melting away leaving more of the dead owl exposed. The caller and I speculated on the raptor’s demise. I spoke of the recurring threat of snow cover too deep for too long, the condition that denies the owl’s access to rodents and that defines how far north (so far) these birds can survive. Or, in this case, how far north they cannot survive.
Sadness is balanced by appreciation of the incredible beauty of the remains. [click to continue...]
