That Sickening Thud My wife and I were just finishing dinner last night when we heard it. There really wasn't any commotion in the backyard. Just the regular robin flock visit. They do this every night just before dark. All of a sudden-THUD! It really didn't sound very close but it did seem loud. I'd had mourning doves pecking away at my patio that had been scared by a … [Read more...] about Our First Window Strike Fatality
Princeton University Press Field Guide Giveaway
I wanted to shoot you a quick post to tell you how you can win two excellent field guides really easily. Here's the info from the Princeton University Press site: This week's book giveaway is not one book, but two: Birds of Western North America:A Photographic Guide and Birds of Eastern North America:A Photographic Guide. Owls, hawks, gulls, herons, woodpeckers, jays, … [Read more...] about Princeton University Press Field Guide Giveaway
I Have A Rogue Raccoon Problem
The Setup My rogue raccoon problem started a few weeks back. I would find my main feeder turned sideways in the morning. This feeder has a raccoon baffle on it so I've never had a problem with either squirrels or raccoons getting to it. Still, I thought it was odd to find the feeder this way every morning. Because it happened at night and because I've heard him getting the … [Read more...] about I Have A Rogue Raccoon Problem
Do You Train Your Squirrels?
My Kindergarten Class Since I moved into my home nine years ago, I've had squirrels. My property backs up to a wooded area that borders several properties so I've had my fair share. When I started birding seven years ago I decided that I would feed them as well. Since I employ a raccoon baffle on my main feeder station and squirrel baffles on my bluebird houses, I wasn't … [Read more...] about Do You Train Your Squirrels?
Vanguard Endeavor ED 10×42 Binoculars Review
First Look at the Vanguard Endeavor ED 10x42 Binoculars The majority of birders who do photography will know Vanguard for their photographic accessories like stands, tripods and cases. Vanguard also manufactures a full line of sporting optics, including binoculars, spotting scopes and monoculars. Recently, the company has stepped up its optics line, putting … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor ED 10×42 Binoculars Review
Birds Of Europe Field Guide Review
Birds Of Europe Field Guide 2d Edition Authors: Lars Svensson, Killian Millarney and Dan Zetterstrom Published By: Princeton University Press, 2010, 448 pgs When I received my review copy of this book I was a little hesitant because I didn't know the size of my overseas readership and I couldn't see how this would help my North American readers. I was mistaken to … [Read more...] about Birds Of Europe Field Guide Review
A Landmark Bluebird Achievement
First Time In Four Years As I have mentioned before in my Dark Legacy post, for the last four years or so I have had a bluebird pair with some type of genetic defect. This theory was backed up when Julie Zickefoose suggested I crack open an unhatched egg and confirm there was no viable chick in it. They would build a nest in my box, lay eggs and then the heartbreak began. … [Read more...] about A Landmark Bluebird Achievement
My Bluebirds Have Made A Nest
Update 5/15/10: The feeding frenzy finally came to an end so I thought I'd check the box today. As far as I can tell all 5 bluebirds successfully hatched and fledged the nest. I'll have another post this week about it as this is an historic moment in my bluebird stewardship! … [Read more...] about My Bluebirds Have Made A Nest