copywrite©Marjie Gemmell
RESIDENT BIRDS BACK IN FOCUS
Most bird watchers will agree that spring is the best time of year for pure bird watching excitement. Just thinking about migration brings a rush of adrenaline. When migration is in progress, my binoculars are permanently attached to my neck!
Do I really think there’s a chance that while picking up a loaf of bread at Kroger, I might see a flock of warblers hanging out in the parking lot? Perhaps an early thrush or vireo might stop off at Starbucks? Ah, there is always ‘the possibility’!
Sadly, spring migration is long gone and even fall migration has lost its luster by this nearly November date. Warblers, vireos, thrushes and catbirds are pretty much missing from the river trail. In their absence, I have begun hearing our resident birds again. Of course they have been here all along, but somehow I don’t concentrate much on them when the summer breeders hit the woods.
Walking today I enjoyed watching and listening to my year-round birds. The songs and calls of Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers rang out clear in the crisp October air. For the next few months, these little bits of feathers and songs will accompany me on every walk --- am I a lucky lady or what! Good Birding!
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
copywrite©Marjie Gemmell
WALKING IN THE RAIN
Is there anything nicer than curling up on the couch and listening to the rain’s pitter-patter on the windows? Isn’t it just the coziest feeling? Yes, it is! But even better, though not exactly cozy, is going for a bird walk in the rain. Unless, of course, a thunder storm is in progress or the rain is like a cloudburst. All in all, rain and birds are good together!
This morning was a perfect example. I grabbed my rain hat and binoculars and headed for the woods, not pausing to think about the cozy couch thing!
Lucky for me, the rain had dwindled down to a drizzle by the time I began to walk. I could hear the leaves gentle drip-drip-dripping, and an occasional louder plop of bigger drops. The forest floor was a bit soggy, but that served to muffle my footsteps, which helped me approach the birds without alerting them to my presence. I needed to get as close as possible to the birds, as my binoculars were not easily accessible. I usually tuck them into or my shirt, or cover them with my jacket, in order to keep them dry as long as possible.
Birding in the rain causes the ‘bird watching lady’ to become a ‘bird listening lady.’ When that happens, this lady is happy and pleased to be able to identify so many birds by hearing their songs and calls. I have taught birding by ear to many, many folks over the years. It isn’t as difficult as you think, and unquestionably adds an extra dimension to bird watching.
This morning for instance, I identified sixteen birds by ear, before I saw the first one! A list of ‘heard’ birds included Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Robin, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Mallard Duck and American Crow.
Eventually, I did observe several of those ‘heard only’ species and in addition got to view Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow and a Great Blue Heron. The swallows and vireos are near the end of their summer residence here, and many have already migrated.
So, the next time you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on your window, and if you have a choice…opt for a bird walk in the rain. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification and bird song go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Commentary? E-mail Address: marjie@easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
WALKING IN THE RAIN
Is there anything nicer than curling up on the couch and listening to the rain’s pitter-patter on the windows? Isn’t it just the coziest feeling? Yes, it is! But even better, though not exactly cozy, is going for a bird walk in the rain. Unless, of course, a thunder storm is in progress or the rain is like a cloudburst. All in all, rain and birds are good together!
This morning was a perfect example. I grabbed my rain hat and binoculars and headed for the woods, not pausing to think about the cozy couch thing!
Lucky for me, the rain had dwindled down to a drizzle by the time I began to walk. I could hear the leaves gentle drip-drip-dripping, and an occasional louder plop of bigger drops. The forest floor was a bit soggy, but that served to muffle my footsteps, which helped me approach the birds without alerting them to my presence. I needed to get as close as possible to the birds, as my binoculars were not easily accessible. I usually tuck them into or my shirt, or cover them with my jacket, in order to keep them dry as long as possible.
Birding in the rain causes the ‘bird watching lady’ to become a ‘bird listening lady.’ When that happens, this lady is happy and pleased to be able to identify so many birds by hearing their songs and calls. I have taught birding by ear to many, many folks over the years. It isn’t as difficult as you think, and unquestionably adds an extra dimension to bird watching.
This morning for instance, I identified sixteen birds by ear, before I saw the first one! A list of ‘heard’ birds included Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Robin, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Mallard Duck and American Crow.
Eventually, I did observe several of those ‘heard only’ species and in addition got to view Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow and a Great Blue Heron. The swallows and vireos are near the end of their summer residence here, and many have already migrated.
So, the next time you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on your window, and if you have a choice…opt for a bird walk in the rain. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification and bird song go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Commentary? E-mail Address: marjie@easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
LOOKING FOR BIRDS & KICKING LEAVES
copywrite©Marjie Gemmell
LOOKING FOR BIRDS & KICKING LEAVES
With winds blowing strong through the night, this lovely autumn morning seemed a good opportunity to get out and search for some south-bound migrants who might have set down to rest along the river.
The trail was alive with bird chirps and cheeps. Sparrows seemed the order of the morning, as I heard White-throated Sparrows at every turn. Their call is a clear whistled, “poor sam peabody, peabody, peabody”, or, if you’re north of the U.S..border, I’m told the White-throats sing “oh,sweet, sweet Canada, Canada, Canada” !
Not to be outdone, the Song Sparrows were giving forth also, easily identified by their 3-note introductory whistle, followed by a pretty little song. I really like Song Sparrow because they never make me hunt for them by hiding in the brush or slinking around behind trees. They are in-your-face singers, popping up atop a twig or branch, as if to say “look at me”!
Yes, this was a pretty ‘birdy’ morning for a walk, but I confess I missed a few birds. You see last night’s breezes, brought down bunches of leaves. I think the kid in me must have taken control, because the first thing I knew I was scuffling leaves, then kicking leaves, and finally skipping and plunging through piles of leaves.
Suffice it to say that this morning the ‘bird lady’ forgot about her binoculars and her quiet walking manners. She was undone by the kid in her, making such a racket it was impossible to hear the chirping birds. So, I missed a few birds, but tomorrow’s another day.
Frankly, the bird lady and the kid had a ball this morning! Hope you’ve had some birding fun today, too!
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more go to:
http://www.easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
LOOKING FOR BIRDS & KICKING LEAVES
With winds blowing strong through the night, this lovely autumn morning seemed a good opportunity to get out and search for some south-bound migrants who might have set down to rest along the river.
The trail was alive with bird chirps and cheeps. Sparrows seemed the order of the morning, as I heard White-throated Sparrows at every turn. Their call is a clear whistled, “poor sam peabody, peabody, peabody”, or, if you’re north of the U.S..border, I’m told the White-throats sing “oh,sweet, sweet Canada, Canada, Canada” !
Not to be outdone, the Song Sparrows were giving forth also, easily identified by their 3-note introductory whistle, followed by a pretty little song. I really like Song Sparrow because they never make me hunt for them by hiding in the brush or slinking around behind trees. They are in-your-face singers, popping up atop a twig or branch, as if to say “look at me”!
Yes, this was a pretty ‘birdy’ morning for a walk, but I confess I missed a few birds. You see last night’s breezes, brought down bunches of leaves. I think the kid in me must have taken control, because the first thing I knew I was scuffling leaves, then kicking leaves, and finally skipping and plunging through piles of leaves.
Suffice it to say that this morning the ‘bird lady’ forgot about her binoculars and her quiet walking manners. She was undone by the kid in her, making such a racket it was impossible to hear the chirping birds. So, I missed a few birds, but tomorrow’s another day.
Frankly, the bird lady and the kid had a ball this morning! Hope you’ve had some birding fun today, too!
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more go to:
http://www.easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
Friday, October 12, 2007
ABOUT THE BIRD LADY
copywrite©Marjie Gemmell
ABOUT THE “BIRD LADY”
My name is Marjie Gemmell. I’ve been sharing my birding thoughts,via this blog spot for a few weeks, and figure it’s time to introduce myself. Here’s a bit of history about the “Bird Lady” (a name given me by my students.)
I’m an Ohio native, and have always lived in Ohio. I love the changing seasons in this part of the country. Each season brings a change in the weather, the landscape, and most exciting in the bird population!
I’ve been hooked on birds 30 years. My 21 year career as a naturalist blended perfectly with my ever growing infatuation with feathered creatures. I taught elementary students and adults a variety of natural history subjects, with lesson plans on trees, ferns, wildflowers, insects, mammals, butterflies and moths, reptiles, fungus and stream studies. I was enthusiastic about all the subjects…but my passion was and is ornithology. Having spent thousands of hours in the outdoors introducing others to birds has been very rewarding.
Early in my naturalist days I obtained state and federal permits in order to collect and preserve dead birds. This enabled my students an up close and personal look at many different species. Few were the kids or adults who weren’t fascinated by the embalmed specimens. It is one thing to watch a chickadee (for instance) a few yards away at a feeder, but it conveys a whole new dimension to the chickadee, when you can observe one in your hand!
The love of birds and bird watching has lured me down many paths of delightful discovery. I have traveled the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and nearly every other continent in the world, on my quest to observe and identify birds. Looking back, I can only be very grateful that I was so beguiled by birds. Happy Birding!
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
ABOUT THE “BIRD LADY”
My name is Marjie Gemmell. I’ve been sharing my birding thoughts,via this blog spot for a few weeks, and figure it’s time to introduce myself. Here’s a bit of history about the “Bird Lady” (a name given me by my students.)
I’m an Ohio native, and have always lived in Ohio. I love the changing seasons in this part of the country. Each season brings a change in the weather, the landscape, and most exciting in the bird population!
I’ve been hooked on birds 30 years. My 21 year career as a naturalist blended perfectly with my ever growing infatuation with feathered creatures. I taught elementary students and adults a variety of natural history subjects, with lesson plans on trees, ferns, wildflowers, insects, mammals, butterflies and moths, reptiles, fungus and stream studies. I was enthusiastic about all the subjects…but my passion was and is ornithology. Having spent thousands of hours in the outdoors introducing others to birds has been very rewarding.
Early in my naturalist days I obtained state and federal permits in order to collect and preserve dead birds. This enabled my students an up close and personal look at many different species. Few were the kids or adults who weren’t fascinated by the embalmed specimens. It is one thing to watch a chickadee (for instance) a few yards away at a feeder, but it conveys a whole new dimension to the chickadee, when you can observe one in your hand!
The love of birds and bird watching has lured me down many paths of delightful discovery. I have traveled the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and nearly every other continent in the world, on my quest to observe and identify birds. Looking back, I can only be very grateful that I was so beguiled by birds. Happy Birding!
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Bird Walk Highlighted By Kingfishers
copywrite©Marjie Gemmell
BIRD WALK HIGHLIGHTED BY KINGFISHERS
These past few months of near drought-like conditions have altered the amount of water in the river that flows along-side my bird walking route. Normally it flows swiftly, rushing on its merry way, bank high. Due to the lack of rain however, the topography has changed. Sand and gravel bars and shallow pools with exposed rocks are evidence of the lack of water.
Nearly everyday I hear Belted Kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon) along the river. Most often their loud rattling call alerts me to their presence. The calls ring out for long seconds, and I play ‘find the kingfisher’ by sound. But today the Belted Kingfishers were easily viewed as they took advantage of the low water to perch on stubs of long submerged trees, not available to them when the current is high.
It was delightful to watch them perching in quiet vigil. The sunlight showed off their slate-blue breast band and punk-looking, ragged head feathers. These are two great bird identification field marks by the way. Male and female birds were present, often vying for the same perch. The quiet was often broken with some raspy rattles of complaint when one couldn’t convince another to move on. But, the food source was apparently plentiful because I saw kingfisher after kingfisher plunge in head first and make a yummy catch. They have some seriously wicked bills and it was fun to watch them use their sharp spears on the unwary prey.
It just goes to prove that even when nature’s ways are not beneficial to us, as when we lack adequate rainfall, nature often makes up for the lack in other ways. Case in point my up-close observations of the kingfishers today. We have only to be observant enough to see what is before us. Keep your eyes open! Good Birding.
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
BIRD WALK HIGHLIGHTED BY KINGFISHERS
These past few months of near drought-like conditions have altered the amount of water in the river that flows along-side my bird walking route. Normally it flows swiftly, rushing on its merry way, bank high. Due to the lack of rain however, the topography has changed. Sand and gravel bars and shallow pools with exposed rocks are evidence of the lack of water.
Nearly everyday I hear Belted Kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon) along the river. Most often their loud rattling call alerts me to their presence. The calls ring out for long seconds, and I play ‘find the kingfisher’ by sound. But today the Belted Kingfishers were easily viewed as they took advantage of the low water to perch on stubs of long submerged trees, not available to them when the current is high.
It was delightful to watch them perching in quiet vigil. The sunlight showed off their slate-blue breast band and punk-looking, ragged head feathers. These are two great bird identification field marks by the way. Male and female birds were present, often vying for the same perch. The quiet was often broken with some raspy rattles of complaint when one couldn’t convince another to move on. But, the food source was apparently plentiful because I saw kingfisher after kingfisher plunge in head first and make a yummy catch. They have some seriously wicked bills and it was fun to watch them use their sharp spears on the unwary prey.
It just goes to prove that even when nature’s ways are not beneficial to us, as when we lack adequate rainfall, nature often makes up for the lack in other ways. Case in point my up-close observations of the kingfishers today. We have only to be observant enough to see what is before us. Keep your eyes open! Good Birding.
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
