The Snail Kite is named because its diet consists almost entirely of Apple Snails. They glide low and slow over marshes, and drop to pick up a snail with one foot from the surfaces of water or plants. They are believed to turn to alternative food sources only when Apple Snails become scarce, such as during drought.
I’ve decided to start using this blog as a place to put the pictures I’ve taken while birding. And what better way to start that than with possibly the rarest sighting I’ve ever had.
This little guy is an I’iwi and was the main bird I was hoping to find when I visited Maui in May. I remember seeing the flash of scarlet through the trees and the hope that it was an I’iwi. I could’ve stood there and watched it for hours.
Something so small and yet so important. Unfortunately, these guys are one of the 17 remaining species of Hawaiian honeycreepers out of the original 56 species. This rapid extinction has been due to the spread of avian malaria, not to mention habitat loss and predation.
If you ever have the chance to see one of these guys don’t just take one glance. Truly stop to look at them. They’re such a marvel of evolution.
Hummingbird Female. by Bob Rumer.
Via Flickr:
My Garden. Pa. Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment and favoring my images. Enjoy the day.
There's a Bird Watching Station on my way to work. i never had the chance to stop at until now. It is sponsored by a local youth group, and it's so beautiful and peaceful. I could imagine spending some afternoons here just detoxing.
I've also taken up Bird watching, so I'll try to post more of that in the future.
There's a Bird Watching Station on my way to work. i never had the chance to stop at until now. It is sponsored by a local youth group, and it's so beautiful and peaceful. I could imagine spending some afternoons here just detoxing.I've also taken up Bird watching, so I'll try to post more of that in the future.
It’s hard to see them here (phone camera) but out on the river today, I got to see plenty of osprey nests and ospreys to go with them. It’s been a while my friends!
The Black Grouse is an iconic, widespread bird with seven known subspecies. They are well-known for their spectacular communal breeding displays, where the males gather in display grounds known as 'leks' and try to entice females, by strutting around and spreading their white tail feathers and inflating their necks, all the while producing a distinctive call.