Life at Boomer Lake with Deb, Wednesday February 5, 2014
Field Notes
Even the Southern Hemisphere Sees Climate Change
Climate change is killing Megellanic Penguin chicks of southern Argentina, not just with lack of food, but also with the stifling heat and driving rainstorms. Will it ever get better, or will this be another species soon to be extinct?
- Deaths attributed directly to climate change cast pall over penguins -- ScienceDaily
Climate change is killing penguin chicks from the world's largest colony of Magellanic penguins, not just indirectly -- by depriving them of food, as has been repeatedly documented for these and other seabirds -- but directly as a result of drenching
Notable Child Birder
Mya-Rose Craig, an 11-year-old girl from the United Kingdom, travels the world with her parents, and thus far has spotted 3,000 species. That is amazing for a child to have such an interest in the avian world, but why?
- Mya-Rose Craig, 11, becomes youngest twitcher to spot 3,000 bird species | Mail Online
Dedicated Mya-Rose Craig from Somerset has travelled the world with her parents, spotting, recording and ticking off thousands of species of birds.
Australia's Bowerbird
Being a male Bowerbird is quite a job. This beauty builds some of the most elaborate nests in the world in order to attract a female, and it is getting to be rather hard to pass on their genes in view of this. National Geographic comes up with quite a photographic layout. This is a natural talent for this bird.
- Bowerbirds - Photo Gallery - National Geographic Magazine
To woo a “Mary,” bowerbirds decorate with shells, cans, even pink paper clips.
Great Blue Heron Handles Winter in NJ
Cape May, NJ has had one of the coldest winters in a long time, but many of the Great Blue Herons have been staying put. For more information, read this:
Common Potoo of Brazil
Can you spot Brazil’s Common Potoo? This bird is really in plain sight, and has a chick, no less!
- The World's Most Brazenly Hidden Bird
The Common Potoo pretends to be a broken tree branch, amazing camouflage and mimicry. South America
Groundhog Says Winter Will Last Six More Weeks
The groundhog says that there is six more weeks of winter left, which I find very hard to believe. Why, you say? Just because it has already been cold enough for an entire season already. We’ve even had a little more snow than usual around these parts, but you know, there are days where I can barely stay out. THAT is a bad sign.
Cedar Waxwing Strikes Poses
However, I have discovered haunts, and they are wonderful haunts at that. How many of you have ever seen the beauty of the Cedar Waxwing? These are one of the most regal looking birds that we have in this country, yet many people have never witnessed this beauty. The fact is, that they can be seen all over the U.S. How’s that for such wonderful photo opportunities as these. Get out there, and get some pictures.
The American Robin
What else have I managed to spot this week? The American Robins are out of their neighborhoods, no longer hiding within the confines of greater warmth. They are itching to explore, to set up housekeeping, to say goodbye to this frigid season.
Resident Canada Geese
The Canada Geese are also ready to begin a season of new life, instead of standing around and waiting for spring. However, on some o these days, that is about all the options that they have. We are all ready for change, and the sooner the better.
Winter Reflections
There are so many things that I have been unable to see this year, but on the other hand, I have been grateful for the new and wonderful opportunities that I have had. In many ways, it has been like a breath of fresh air to see all the things that I have. Even though the cold has drained me in so many ways, it has managed to invigorate me to the point of so many priceless discoveries.
Winter has given nature the downtime that she needs to rest, in order to renew life in the coming months. I look forward to her offerings, especially the new discoveries that always come along with these things. I, for one, am just like the kid in the candy store, waiting to see what new surprises are in that store of life, just for me. It will always be sampled, and its wonders will stay with me for as long as that flavor remains. Yet, I will be able to search for more. Maybe I’ll find additional supplies, but there will always be something else to take its place if there is not.
Looking Forward to Spring
Spring is surely on its way, that ultimate harbinger of hope and resilience. Bask in its offerings and search for the life that it has to offer. Listen to her gifts of new life, see the greenery that has been left for you in an uncommon place, and treasure the scents of the best that is yet to be. New life is soon to break forth in a frenzy of color, stereophonic sound, and may the sun shine upon you in every way as that happens in your cities and towns. Embrace it with open arms, see it with all your senses, and share it with your loved ones. In turn, these wonderful things will impassion and delight you like only they can. I will leave you as the caretakers for the new life about to unfold.
Keep your eyes on the ground and your head in the clouds until next time. Happy birding, and may you relish the new life about to be bestowed upon you.
I Want to See Boomer Lake!
© 2014 Deb Hirt