Here is a classic optical illusion – the three horizontal lines in the image below are all the same length. Yes, they are identical (move your cursor over the image to see the proof). I’ve been pondering this illusion and wondering how often we see similar effects in bird identification. I suspect that a lot […]
Optical illusions and bird identification Read More »
The Blackberry app has been updated again today: Blackberry Update Version 4.1.0 – 7 Jun 2011 Blackberry-style theme (replaces “90′s DOS style” interface) Improved smart search Improved support for touch-enabled devices Improved support for native text auto-complete This follows an update on 27 May 2011 which included the following changes: Added “My Location” Global filter by
Blackberry eGuide updates Read More »
There is more evidence of the dire situation with Spoon-billed Sandpiper – efforts are currently underway to develop a captive-breeding population. A team led by staff from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and Birds Russia, along with several other international organizations, is currently in Siberia working to locate and capture a small number of
New efforts to save Spoon-billed Sandpiper Read More »
See my detailed discussion of White-crowned subspecies here, which needs updating with the information below. In early May 2011 I spent several days in southeastern Arizona, and devoted a lot of time to studying the White-crowned Sparrows. At that date most of them were migrant Interior West birds of subspecies Z. l. oriantha. Most of
Distinguishing Interior West from Western Taiga White-crowned Sparrows Read More »
On 9 May 2011 several birders saw and heard a strange oriole in Georgetown, South Carolina (photos here). They identified it as a Scott’s Oriole, a first state record and the first spring record in the east. When other birders saw the photos, some questioned why the bird was not an Orchard Oriole (common in
A “mystery” oriole and the limitations of identification by impression Read More »
At last…. The Sibley eGuide is now available for Blackberry! Check it out at the Blackberry App Store Now Blackberry owners can enjoy having the entire content of the acclaimed Sibley Guide to Birds on a device that fits in your pocket – all 810 species, over 6600 paintings, over 700 range maps, and detailed
The eGuide for Blackberry is available! Read More »
The Mexican Duck was formerly considered a species (Anas diazi), and is currently lumped with Mallard (as subspecies Anas platyrhynchos diazi), but recent DNA studies suggest that Mottled Duck (not Mallard) is its closest relative (McCracken et al. 2001). Whatever its genetic background, it is clear from field observations that Mexican Ducks and Mallards interbreed
Intergradation between Mexican Duck and Mallard in Arizona Read More »
11 May 2011, 6:00 to 8:30 PM – Lecture at Boston Public Library, Boston, MA Sponsored by the New England Forestry Foundation. I’ll be talking about the history of forests and bird populations in New England, and the critical need for young forest, shrubland, and grassland. With a book-signing after. Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Copley Square, Boston,
Two new events coming up this month Read More »
I’ve just updated the list of field identifiable subspecies incorporating several readers’ comments, adding notes on several species, and adding an asterisk to highlight the most distinctive subspecies (as determined by my own subjective and arbitrary review process). Thanks to all who have contributed. Please keep sending suggestions and comments.
Updated List of Identifiable Subspecies Read More »
Note: I’m preparing posts on the range and identification of Brant subspecies, which will help make the following more understandable to those who are not already well-versed in the intricacies of Brant. Over the last fifteen or so years I have seen several odd “gray-bellied” Brant along the US Atlantic coast. This spring I finally
Three interesting Brant from Massachusetts Read More »