Year listing is one of the most popular traditions in the world of birding. The annual cycle of seasons is felt especially strongly by those of us who immerse ourselves in the world of birds, and each new year brings a new set of chances to enjoy unforgettable experiences. On behalf of the whole Nemesis Bird team, I’d like to … Read More
American White Pelican – Prime Hook NWR, Delaware
During a DOS Local Patch field trip led by Tim Schreckengost on October 18th, local birder Julie McCall alerted our attention to an American White Pelican that she found foraging and resting among Laughing Gulls in the marsh near the Prime Hook NWR headquarters. The pelican has since been seen almost daily, mostly from Fowler Beach Rd and typically resting … Read More
DOS Local Patch Birding Series – Prime Hook NWR Headquarters
Yesterday afternoon, I led a small group of enthusiastic birders on a Delmarva Ornithological Society Local Patch Birding Series walk/trip at the Prime Hook NWR Headquarters with the help of Alex Lamoreaux. We met at 3:00 PM in the Visitor’s Center parking lot where we were greeted by many Laughing Gulls and Turkey and Black Vultures flying over. The purpose … Read More
Birds, Bears, Lions – Idaho for the Summer
This summer I am back in Idaho, working for the Intermountain Bird Observatory! I can’t wait to explore a new region of the state, mainly north of McCall to the Canada border while doing daily point count transects for breeding birds. My friend Ian Gardner and I drove over from Pennsylvania, winding around to a few of our friend’s houses and … Read More
Will, Grundy, and Cook County Illinois Birding
Yesterday, I was able to get out for a day of birding with my friend and one of my mentors, Geoff Williamson. In 2013, the ABA bestowed Geoff with the ABA Ludlow Griscom Award, which is for those, “who have dramatically advanced the state of ornithological knowledge for a particular region” (http://www.aba.org/about/awards.html). Geoff helped me when I first found birding, … Read More
American White Pelican – Photo Study
The American White Pelican’s massive nine-foot wingspan, beautiful plumage, and bright orange bill and feet make it absolutely stunning. This pelican of the interior west does not dive like the coastal Brown Pelican, but rather, dips its bill into the water to scoop up passing fish. This species is famous for joining others of its kind to cooperatively concentrate fish and … Read More
Birding CJ Strike WMA and Ted Trueblood WMA
On Easter, Alex and I drove south towards the Snake River to bird the CJ Strike WMA and Ted Trueblood WMA. At a small marsh on the Snake River, Alex and I tried calling rails again, hoping to pull out a Sora. Instead, we were answered by a chorus of Virginia Rails, including one that walked right up to us … Read More
Trip to Idaho and Start of Long-billed Curlew Work
Three days ago, Alex and I arrived in Boise, Idaho after a fast but lengthy drive across the country. We started out early on saturday morning, and by the days end we were in Nebraska, just short of Lincoln. During our morning drive the next day, at sunrise, hundreds of Sandhill Cranes soon turned into thousands, as the remaining Sandhill … Read More