Snowbirds

Dark-eyed Junco

When I was growing up, a lot of people called these little birds "snowbirds." Here in the Great Plains we only get to see Dark-eyed Juncos in the winter. When I see the first juncos in the fall I know winter is on the way, and when they suddenly disappear in the late spring I know winter is over. Very often you see them scratching in the snow looking for food. When I was a kid I always imagined the term "snowbirds" came from the birds' white bellies. They always appear to have their undersides covered in a thin layer of snow. These two birds were among dozens of juncos eating spilled seeds on my deck yesterday during the early stages of our blizzard. I'm sure I will see dozens more of them today while the storm rages on. When the weather improves next week, they will start heading back to the northern conifer forests where they will spend the summer.

Dark-eyed Junco

Rowe Sanctuary

Sandhill Cranes flying low over the Platte River.

We arrived back home after a weekend in Nebraska, and were greeted with what is being called the worst winter storm of the season. March has decided to go out like a lion. But what wonderful memories we have of the Platte River valley and the Rowe Sanctuary! For more information about the Rowe Sanctuary and the cranes, go to this website: http://www.rowesanctuary.org We watched the cranes rise from the river on Saturday morning while bundled up in this unheated blind.

A dozen dedicated crane watchers.

We couldn't stand looking out the windows for two straight hours, so we took turns resting on the benches.

Daria was cold, but happy to see and hear the cranes.

From inside the blind we had terrific views of cranes taking off in small groups and heading for the nearby fields where they would spend the day feeding and loafing in preparation for their long migration to the far north.

Sandhill Cranes in a clear blue sky.

The Sandhill Cranes are the main reason Rowe Sanctuary exists, but there were many other birds there as well. I found this very cooperative Harris's Sparrow that was also resting and eating before its own migration to northern Canada.

A Harris's Sparrow found some seeds at Rowe Sanctuary.

Bird Devotional 9

Bewick's Wren, Photo by Paul O. Roisen

Bewick’s Wren, Thryomanes bewickii

“I will come upon them like a lion, like leopard I will lurk by the path.”

Hosea 13:7

The guidebook for California’s Big Morongo Canyon Preserve said there were Bewick’s Wrens in the marsh at the beginning of the trail. After searching for some time and not finding any, I walked on, disappointed that I had missed seeing a new life bird. I continued for another thirty minutes, observing many intriguing birds along the way. Then, I saw movement in a tree up ahead next to the trail. Swinging my binoculars into place, I saw two large, feline eyes glaring back at me. That’s when I recalled the sign at the trailhead: “WARNING! Mountain lions may be in the area. Do not allow small children to wander unattended.” The cat that was watching me looked more like a bobcat than a mountain lion, but I was taking no chances and decided to turn around and go back the way I came. When I reached the marshy area once more, there in plain sight, singing its heart out, was a Bewick’s Wren.

In today’s text, God spoke through the prophet Hosea of judgment facing the children of Israel like a lion or leopard lurking by the path. Hosea continued, “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall… I will heal their waywardness and love them freely” (Hosea 14:1,4). Have you sometimes taken the wrong path in life? Are there lions and leopards lurking by the path? Then turn around and go back the way you came. God has a wonderful new path He wants to show you. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” When I turned around at Big Morongo Canyon, I found a beautiful Bewick’s Wren. Who knows what beautiful things God has in store for you when you repent, turn around and, “Return…to the Lord your God.”

Father, I repent of my sin and return to you. Thank you for healing my waywardness and showing me the right path. Amen.

Cranes on the Platte

Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis

Well, I made it to Nebraska's Platte River valley. We arrived at the Rowe Sanctuary at 6:15 this morning to meet with our group, get instructions from our guide, and then walk a half mile in the darkness to the crane viewing blind. The temperature was a brisk 18 degrees, and if I told you we nearly froze to death, I would not be exaggerating much. To me the best thing about visiting the Sandhill Cranes is the sound. The loud, gurgling, rattling call of the cranes is all around you. The crane music permeates your entire being. It is not an especially pleasant sound, mind you, but it is not really irritating, either. It is just the cranes being the cranes. The second best part of visiting the cranes is getting back to the warmth of the visitor's center for a hot cup of coffee. I will have more details and reflections of the trip later. But for now, so you can have a glimpse of the experience yourself, here is a short video clip I made this morning.

There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of Sandhill Cranes rising from the river in the morning.

Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River

Pied-billed Grebe

Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed Grebes are just now returning to South Dakota lakes after their winter sojourns in the south. I was discussing Pied-billed Grebes with a friend the other day, and he noted that some people mistakenly refer to these birds as Pie-billed Grebes. So I gave that some thought, and here is what I came up with. First, the word pied means "covered with patches or spots of two or more colors." If you look at this grebe's signature bill, you see that it is indeed "covered with patches or spots of two or more colors." So that is clearly what the original bird-namer had in mind. However, you will notice that the bird's bill is shaped like a piece of pie. Hmmm...is that why there are those who call it Pie-billed Grebe?

I Wish They All Could Be California Gulls

California Gull, Larus californicus

California Gulls are migrating through here on the way to their breeding grounds a little farther north. However, these migrants aren’t the first California Gulls we have seen here this year. One very stubborn and hardy California Gull spent the winter in Pierre rather than along the nice warm coast of California. Several species of gulls are found in central South Dakota during most winters, but California Gulls are not usually among them. In fact, the California Gull I found on the December 20, 2008 Pierre Christmas Bird Count was the first one recorded in the nearly 40 year history of that count. That same bird, (presumably) was seen off and on by birders from November through March. A few months ago, when a bunch of us were discussing California Gulls, I heard one gentleman in the background softly singing, in his best Beach Boys style: “I wish they all could be California Guuuuuuuls…” Ever since, I am unable to think about California Gulls without humming that tune. I thought I would be kind enough to share this story with you, and now maybe you will have that Beach Boys song running through your head, too. So join with me and harmonize this time. “I wish they all could be California Guuuuuuuls.”

State Yardbird

Ring-necked Pheasant

I'm wondering how many people are able to see their state bird in their own backyard. Some states like Iowa are easy. We had American Goldfinches in our backyard all the time when we lived in Iowa. Some states are hard. Not many Minnesotans can see Common Loons in their backyard. South Dakota probably lies somewhere in between. This picture, taken in my backyard a few hours ago, proves that South Dakota's state bird can be found even in the middle of town.

Mom and Blue Jays

Today would have been my mother's 93rd birthday. Though she has been gone for over 17 years, I still think about her nearly every day--especially on her birthday. Mom loved birds and was a pretty good backyard birder. She was kind and loving almost to a fault if that is possible. I don't recall her ever saying an unkind word about any living creature except Blue Jays. And even in regard to Blue Jays, the worst she could say was, "They're kind of bad birds." She called their raucous calls, "scolding," and told me they ate the eggs and young of other birds. Her negative impression of this bold, brash beauty did not get passed on to me, however. I loved Blue Jays then and I love Blue Jays now. If you saw my list of top ten favorite birds in January, you will recall that the Blue Jay was number 4. Maybe I feel a little guilty placing this "bad bird" so high on my list of favorites, but I can't help myself. Saturday my wife and I had the opportunity to visit the home of a delightful couple a few miles north of Pierre. My oh my, do they ever have the Blue Jays! These pictures show just a little of what happens when the feeders are filled with peanuts. At least 8 Blue Jays flew in with larcenous glee and pilfered every last nut. We only saw one of the birds actually eat a peanut. The rest of the tasty morsels were probably stored away for future use.

My mother passed on a lot of good qualities to her children. Her only major failure with me was in regard to Blue Jays. I guess it's not her fault, though. Sometimes there is just nothing you can do with a rebellious son!

Two Are Better Than One

Yesterday I read a story about a man who was photographing birds from a jetty on the coast of New Jersey. He fell into an area between two large boulders and was unable to extricate himself. It is quite a story, and as my friend Tucker Lutter said, “It’s one more reason not to go birding alone.” Here is a link to that story: http://www.howardsview.com/Jetty/Jetty.html

Reading about that man’s experience on the New Jersey jetty made me think about a favorite Bible passage from Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Most birders like to go out with a friend because it’s just more fun that way. You always see more birds when you are with a friend because two sets of eyes are better than one. Or as Ecclesiastes says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work.” But that business about falling down and your friend lifting you up…that is the real blessing of friendship. It is not just literal falling down that we’re talking about, either. How about when you are depressed, lonely and confused? Those are the times when friends are truly important. Think about those people in your life who are truly your friends. Do any of them need lifting up today? Go see them, give them a call, or write them an email. Tell them you were thinking about them. Then read them the passage from Ecclesiastes, and tell them the story of the man on the jetty in New Jersey.

Bird Devotional 8

Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus

“Bear the names on his shoulders.” Exodus 28:12

Male Red-winged Blackbirds look like little military generals in sleek black uniforms, their shoulders adorned with red epaulets trimmed in gold. During the spring breeding season dozens of these birds can be seen evenly spaced along roadsides, guarding their territories. Red-winged Blackbirds are one of the most abundant and conspicuous of all American birds. They breed in marshes and grasslands in all but the most frigid parts of North America. The northernmost birds migrate to the southern part of the continent each fall. In the winter they often gather in immense flocks to feed in agricultural fields.

The Book of Exodus describes the special garment to be worn by the High Priest. Two onyx stones were to be placed on the shoulders of the garment: “Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones…Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord” (Exodus 28:11-12). The High Priest bore the names of the twelve sons of Israel on his shoulders to symbolize that the people of Israel had a special relationship with God. This relationship was formed through a covenant established with Abraham. In the Book of Isaiah we read that God desires that same type of relationship with us, and that He even wants to bear our names: “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16). The Red-winged Blackbird carries its name on its shoulders as part of the bird’s very being. If you have placed your trust in God, then God says that He carries your name, too. You are engraved on the palms of His hands.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving your Son, Jesus, and that through Him I can be so intimately identified with you that I am engraved on the palms of your hands.

Crane Cam

Next Saturday I am going to the Platte River Valley to see the Sandhill Crane migration. I will be posting details and photos of that experience next weekend. If you want to get a flavor of what it is like to see and hear hundreds of Sandhill Cranes, click on this link to a live "crane cam." The best times to visit the crane cam are dawn and dusk.

http://www.rowesanctuary.org/crane%20cam.html

Cheerily-Cheer-Up

American Robin

Those who study and write about bird songs say that the American Robin's song is "cheerily-cheer-up." I never really bought into that until this morning. I opened the back door to let the dogs out while it was still dark, and was greeted by a very distinct "cheerily-cheer-up." I listened closely and could hear robins singing from all directions. What a pleasant wake up call. How could you possibly be in a negative mood after listening to that!

FOY

Mourning Dove

In birding, as in all endeavors of modern life, there are confusing acronyms one must learn. FOY is one that is used quite often. It stands for "first of year." It indicates the first time you see a particular bird in a calendar year. Yesterday I saw my FOY Mourning Dove pictured above in the Fort Pierre National Grasslands. There was nothing remarkable about this Mourning Dove. I will see thousands and thousands of other Mourning Doves before autumn comes in six months. But this is the first one I have seen this year, so it earned a special notation in my journal: "Mourning Dove, 3-19-09." Today is the first day of spring. Even though we often have bad weather here in South Dakota well into April or May, it is still a day full of hope and promise. Get out and enjoy the springtime. You might even get to see some FOY birds!

"Sparrow Hawk"

American Kestrel

The American Ornithologists Union changes the names of birds from time-to-time, and the bird that was called Sparrow Hawk when I was a kid is now known as American Kestrel. This bird is a falcon-- the smallest falcon found in North America. I have seen a few American Kestrels this winter in South Dakota, but we are at the northern edge of their winter range. Most of the kestrels that spend the summer here move a little to the south for the winter. This week I have started to see large numbers of American Kestrels along the road. They eat small mammals, small birds, and large insects that they find from a perch or while hovering in the air. These little raptors are about the size of a Western Meadowlark. In fact, the particular kestrel pictured here had me fooled when I first saw it. As I was driving along South Dakota's scenic highway 1806 yesterday, there were large numbers of Western Meadowlarks perched on utility wires. One of the meadowlarks looked a little weird-- its tail was too long. So I stopped to get a better look, and saw that it was not a meadowlark, but an American Kestrel. The blue on the head and wings tell us that this one is a male. Keep your eyes open, maybe you will find a few Western Meadowlarks that turn into American Kestrels like I did.

Buffleheads

Buffleheads on Lake Andes, March 17, 2009

The duck migration continues at full throttle. Yesterday on South Dakota's Lake Andes, it seemed like it was Bufflehead Day rather than St. Patrick's Day. When I first got to the lake, it appeared to be devoid of life. However, when I looked through my binoculars, I could see thousands of waterfowl out on the far end of the lake. Most of the ducks were Buffleheads. I drove to a better vantage point, and was able to get this photo of a male and female Bufflehead. The male is the one with more white. The male Bufflehead is another one of those birds that looks like it is on its way to a formal dinner wearing a tuxedo. Sometimes when I am out birding I feel like I should go home and get dressed up to fit in with the birds! The name Bufflehead is said to be a derivation of "buffalo head" because someone thought the duck's head looks like the head of a buffalo. Do you see it? I can't say that I really do either. The Bufflehead is also notable because it is one of the handful of birds with just a single-word name. Maybe some day I will write about all the "single-word birds."

Wearin' O' the Green

Green-winged Teal

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm not Irish, but I still try to wear green on St. Patirick's Day. I don't think either of these birds is Irish either, but they still wear green. There are lots of these cute little Green-winged Teals migrating through South Dakota right now. We don't have any Green Herons yet, but in a few weeks they will make their way up here, too.

Green Heron

Post Number 50

Violet-green Swallow (Photo by Paul Roisen)

Today is blog post number 50!

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, and many of you will be wearing green. So today and tomorrow we will have a look at some birds that wear green every day of the year. Both the Violet-green Swallow and Green-tailed Towhee are common residents in the western United States. I look forward to seeing them each year when I make a trip to the mountains. Aren't they handsome birds?

Green-tailed Towhee

Bird Devotional 7

Brown Creeper (Photo by Paul Roisen)

Brown Creeper, Certhia americana

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me, I was found by those who did not seek me.” Isaiah 65:1

Most people have seen and can identify a number of different types of birds. The vast majority, however, are content to merely “watch” birds. Avid birders go beyond mere “watching” and actively seek out birds in diverse and sometimes inhospitable locations. Most birders keep a “life list” of bird species they have seen. After a few years of birding, most of the “easy ones” have already been recorded, and it takes diligence, willingness to travel, and just plain luck to add additional birds to one’s life list. So, a few years ago it was quite a pleasant surprise on a cold and snowy December morning that I saw my “life” Brown Creeper from my living room window as it diligently searched for insects hidden in the bark of our ash tree. I experienced a little gift of grace as expressed in Isaiah 65:1: "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.”

The Brown Creeper is an inconspicuous, drab little bird that is perfectly camouflaged for a life on the trunks of trees. While feeding, it starts at the base of a tree and slowly works its way up the trunk as it seeks insects, spiders and larvae that are hidden in crevices of the bark. When it reaches the top, it flies to the bottom of the next tree and starts the process all over.

Seeking is a very natural human activity. We are naturally curious creatures and are continuously striving to learn something new, or to find the latest thrill. Even though Jesus tells us to seek and keep on seeking, He also reveals that He is the one who is actively seeking us. He tells us in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." We can search for God all our lives, but then ultimately we are the ones who are found by Him. Seek Him, and He will find you.

Heavenly Father, seek me out. I want to be found by you. Amen.

Monk Parakeet II

Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus, is a medium-sized parrot (11.5 inches in length) that is native to the Pampas region of Argentina and Brazil. For centuries they have been captured in the wild and kept as pets. In the late 1960s and early 1970s there was a boom in the pet trade, and over 200,000 Monk Parakeets were imported into this country. The importation of these birds has now been stopped, and all the birds currently in the U.S. are descendants of those original birds. Pet bird enthusiasts prefer to use the term Quaker Parrot rather than Monk Parakeet. There is an established network of Quaker Parrot breeders and owners, however, owning or selling Monk Parakeets is illegal or regulated in more than a dozen states.

In the last 35-40 years, there have been numerous incidents in which Monk Parakeets have escaped from confinement. When an escape involves two or more birds, with at least one bird of each gender...well you've heard about the birds and the bees haven't you? They start to build nests and lay eggs. The birds have successfully established breeding colonies in many states, including Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois. Monk Parakeets are different from all other parrot or parakeet species in two important ways. First, their native range is in a much more temperate climate zone than their relatives. That means they are capable of surviving in the colder weather of North America. Second, Monk Parakeets are the only members of the parrot family that build stick nests. All other parrots are cavity nesters. Monks build enormous communal stick nests in trees, or on man-made structures such as utility poles or communication towers. The most famous group of Monk Parakeets in the U.S. lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, near the University of Chicago. There are hundreds of birds living happily there in a number of communal groups. The birds are able to survive in large part because of their varied diet. In the winter they survive almost entirely on seeds from bird feeders. In the spring they switch to flowers and buds. Dandelion flowers are a particular favorite. When summer comes they start eating fruit from ornamental trees and shrubs. When the fall comes and people start filling their bird feeders, it's back to seeds again. Many people have been worried that Monk Parakeets would take over the entire continent the way European Starlings and House Sparrows have done, and the way the Eurasian Collared-Dove is doing in our lifetime. However, Monk Parakeets have not dispersed far from the locations of their original escapes. They are considered a sedentary species, and studies have shown they usually do not venture more than 500 feet from the nest where they hatched! So my conclusion about the Akron, Iowa bird is that it almost certainly is an escaped bird. Unless it finds another Monk Parakeet (of the opposite gender of course) in the northeast corner of Akron, there is never going to be a nesting colony in that area. So, if you are in Akron, Iowa or anywhere else where a wild Monk Parakeet is seen...keep your eyes open, keep your bird feeders filled, and let your dandelions grow like crazy. The birds will love you even if your neighbors don't.

Photos by Paul Roisen

Monk Parakeet

Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus

Photographed in Akron, Iowa by Paul Roisen 3-12-09

When we had Invasive Species Week a while back, I almost included Monk Parakeet. However, not having a photo or a good story to go with it, I decided against it. I'm glad I waited. On Sunday March 8, 2009, the Monk Parakeet pictured above first appeared at a backyard feeder in Akron, Iowa, and the homeowner snapped a picture of the unusual guest. My sister just happened to be visiting the woman later that day, and was shown the photo. My sister said she would forward the photo on to her brother (me of course) and see what he thought of it. Well, I recognized the bird as a Monk Parakeet, and I shared the news with Paul Roisen who lives just thirty miles away. Before Paul could get up to Akron to have a look, the photo taken on Sunday was published in the Akron newspaper, The Hometowner, and another person came forward with a report the bird was seen on Wednesday about two blocks away from the first sighting. Paul finally got up to Akron on Thursday, and after considerable searching, found the bird. Take another look at the picture before I go on. Isn't that a magnificent creature? So, you're dying to ask, what is an exotic bird like that doing in northwest Iowa in the middle of the winter? The best guess would be that it is an escaped cage bird...somebody's lost pet. If it were lost in the Akron area perhaps the owner will come forward and acknowledge that. The less likely possiblity is that this parakeet is a wild bird that managed to make it to Akron on its own power. Where in the world would a wild parakeet come from, and how would it survive a harsh Iowa winter? Well, come back tomorrow when I will give you the rest of the story of the Monk Parakeet.

Sioux Falls Feeder Cam

The Sioux Falls Bird Club has a nice feeder complex that features a live-feed camera. You can view it here:

http://96.2.121.192:8080/ You probably won't get to see a Red Crossbill like this one that was visiting a feeder in Colorado last summer, but who knows what might show up? Check back often. The birds are always changing.

Lapland Longspurs

Lapland Longspurs

Yesterday South Dakota experienced a late winter snow and ice storm. In spite of the weather conditions, I just had to make a slight detour and check for new birds at Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge. On a gravel road near the refuge I found a flock of Lapland Longspurs. I rolled down my car window and captured these photos from a distance of fifteen feet.

Lapland Longspur Male

Lapland Longspurs breed in the far northern Arctic tundra. They migrate south to the U.S. in the fall. This is about the time of year they will head back north again. These two longspurs had probably spent the winter farther to our south, and were on their way back to Canada. Yesterday's northern blast is supposed to switch to a south wind tomorrow. I imagine these birds will catch that southerly breeze and be well on their way to Canada by the weekend.

Lapland Longspur Female

Small Town

Monowi, Nebraska

Population 2

I am always amused when people refer to Pierre, South Dakota (population 14,052) as a small town. Pierre seems like a metropolis to me. I grew up in Ponca, Nebraska, which today has a population of 1,042, but which when I was growing up was home to just 924 people. So I know about small towns. However, last week when I drove through Monowi, Nebraska and saw the sign stating the population is 2--well, even I was taken aback. By the way...I looked around, but I did not see either resident.

Trees or Cages?

Searching for birds in the trees of the Minnesota Northwoods.

(Photo by Marlene Krause)

God loved the birds and created trees.
Man loved the birds and invented cages.

Jacques Deval (French playwright, 1890-1972)

Bird Devotional 6

Northern Harrier, Circus cyaneus

“Go out to the open country to hunt.” Genesis 27:3

Three years before I became a serious birder, I spent a lot of time driving across the prairies of South Dakota. I began to notice a peculiar kind of hawk with long, narrow wings and a white rump patch that was visible every time the bird turned. This hawk would fly low, sometimes just above the ground, apparently searching for something in the grass below. My old bird book told me these were Marsh Hawks. Later, when I obtained a field guide with a more recent copyright date, I learned that the name had been changed to Northern Harrier.

Northern Harriers are birds of open country, hunting over prairies and marshes, as their former name suggests. They eat mice, rats, birds, frogs and snakes. There are at least four common uses of the word harrier in the modern English language: harrier is a breed of dog, similar to a foxhound; harrier is used by sportswriters to refer to cross country runners; harrier is an aircraft; and harrier is a type of hawk. All these usages have in common the idea of using speed and cunning to chase something down--whether that is a fox, a championship medal, enemies in combat, or small animals to eat.

In Genesis 27:3, Isaac, asked his son, Esau to, “go out to the open country to hunt.” Isaac was near death, but he wanted to enjoy the taste of wild game one more time. He also wanted to give the blessing to Esau, his eldest son, who outwardly exemplified everything a father wished his son to be. However, Jacob, the second born, tricked his father into giving him the blessing instead. Even though Jacob used trickery to obtain the blessing, it is clear that Jacob, rather than Esau, was God’s choice to receive the blessing. Isaac made the wrong decision concerning which son to bless because he was thinking of earthly things rather than spiritual things. The message for us is that we should not judge or make decisions based upon outward appearances, but we should look at the heart, and keep in close communication with God, our creator. We must focus our hearts and minds on God, and not out in the “open country” in order to keep walking down the path God has ordained for us.

Father, as I see the world you created, I see that it is good. Help me at the same time to keep my eyes on you, and on your will for me so I will make good choices. Amen.

Northern Pintails

Northern Pintails, Anas acuta

These five Northern Pintails were among the waterfowl migrating through central South Dakota this week. One lone female, (second from left) was traveling with a quartet of handsome males. You only get one guess as to how the pintail got its name.

Redpolls at Last!

Common Redpoll Glaring at the Camera

Redpolls are birds of the far north. In the winter they travel south in search of their favorite food, birch and alder seeds. In good years they do not need to go far to find a good supply. Some winters, however, they wander deep into the United States in their quest. Not finding too many birch and alder trees, they will settle for weedy fields or backyard bird feeders. This winter must be tough up north because the redpolls have been seen throughout South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa in droves! I have been fortunate enough to see them in two places in central South Dakota in the past few weeks, but I waited in vain for them to come to my feeders. That is until last night. At 5:00 yesterday afternoon two Common Redpolls joined the hordes of Pine Siskins in raiding the black oil sunflower feeders.

Common Redpoll Munching a Sunflower Seed

These are some photos I got in the fading light. I hope the birds come back this weekend when I can get some really good looks at them. And in case you were wondering, the word poll means top of the head. So they are literally "red-top-of-the-head birds." Redpoll...a pretty good name if you ask me.

Common Redpolls Showing Off Their Red Hats

Paul Harvey's Birds

Paul Harvey (1918-2009)

Paul Harvey died last week at the age of 90. He was a radio icon who had been speaking to me over the airwaves for my entire life. I am really going to miss him. My favorite Paul Harvey broadcast of all time was his annual Christmas presentation of "The Man and the Birds." Let's listen to it one more time. Click on the link below. You may need to scroll down a bit and then click on the arrow to activate the audio feed. Good Day!

http://www.kffb.com/blog/paul-harvey-and-the-man-and-the-birds-a-christmas-story/

To Kill a Woodpecker

With due apologies to Harper Lee for today's blog title...Is it as much of a sin to kill a woodpecker as it is To Kill a Mockingbird? Read this NPR story and then tell me what you think.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyID=100922979

More Snow Geese

Here is a flight of Snow Geese I saw today near Lake Andes, South Dakota. If you look closely you can see both white and blue morph geese.

Blue and White

The Snow Goose migration is underway. Pictured above (with a Canada Goose in the background) are two Snow Geese. The one on the left is a blue morph, and the one on the right is a white morph. These color morphs were formerly considered separate species, but now both are classified as one species, under the name Snow Goose. Hundreds of thousands of Snow Geese will be migrating through the central plains in the next few weeks as they make their way north to the arctic tundra. That tundra is a fragile ecosystem, and Snow Geese have become so numerous that they are destroying their own habitat -- eating themselves out of house and home, so to speak. Many states in the flyways used by these birds have expanded the "light goose" hunting seasons in an effort to control the burgeoning population. Let's hope they are successful in keeping the numbers at a level that can be supported by the Canadian tundra. The wondrous Snow Goose migration each spring and fall is something we need to preserve for future generations.

Tale of Two Feet

Female Mallard Showing Her Orange, Webbed Feet

One of the remarkably interesting things about birds is the incredible difference in their feet. Here are just two examples. Both of these birds, the Mallard and the American Coot, spend their lives swimming around in the water. They appear superficially alike when observed in the wild, and many people think the coot is just another type of duck. They are not at all closely related, however, and the easiest way to prove that is to look at the feet. Mallards have webbed feet. Coots do not. Coots have funky feet with separate, lobbed toes. Coots swim quite well with these feet, and the long spongy-looking toes are useful when walking on soft, slippery ground. Wow! The things you usually don't see because they are just below the surface!

American Coot Showing Off Its Lobbed Toes

Bird Devotional 5

Eurasian Collared-Dove, Streptopelia decaocto

“Let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me.” Isaiah 27:5

My father-in-law passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of a Sunday in November. Later that day, most of the family were gathered at my wife’s childhood home in Oklahoma City. As I happened to glance out the living room window, I saw a flash of gray and white in the trees. At first I thought it was one of the many Northern Mockingbirds that frequent my mother-in-law’s backyard. However, when I saw the bird land in a tree I could see it was some member of the dove family. It just did not have the right look to be a Rock Pigeon, and it seemed to be too large for a Mourning Dove. Soon the first bird was joined by a second, and slowly the realization dawned on me: I was observing my first Eurasian Collared-Doves.

Normally, adding a new bird to my life list is a time for celebration. Of course, on that particular day my excitement was tempered by the sadness of the loss that had come to our family. I recalled an e-mail message my wife had received from her dad just a week earlier: “I want you to know that my time here with you all is very limited. I thank the Good Lord for the time that He has given me and I am at peace with Him.” As I considered the Eurasian Collared-Doves I had seen that day, I had the very real sense that they were indeed doves of peace. The birds reminded me of the peace my father-in-law had received from his Lord and Savior. It is a peace we all can receive. As Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Is your heart troubled? Are you afraid? Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:14, “He Himself is our peace.” Receive the peace that Jesus wants to give, and you can say with my father-in-law, “I am at peace with Him.”

Father, when my heart is troubled and I am afraid, I thank you for the assurance of your peace. Amen.