It was difficult to leave Portal behind after the fantastic experiences I enjoyed while exploring the Chiricahuas. I’d seen so much in such a short period of time that even if the remaining days of the trip were completely birdless I would still consider the vacation a success. Of course, the second half of my visit to southeastern Arizona turned … Read More
Arizona Birding Adventures, Part 1
The last time I visited Arizona was the first time I visited Arizona. During the summer of 2005, my family embarked on one of our most ambitious cross-country camping trips, driving through the Rockies from New York to California and returning by way of the desert southwest. Our time in the state was focused on visiting the National Parks: Grand … Read More
Review: The Princeton Encyclopedia of Mammals
Alright birders, let’s take a break from spring migration (if that’s even possible) and challenge your other-nature knowledge. Do you know the defining features of a mammal? Sure, the average person could provide the correct – if not complete – answer of “they have hair.” But I know second-graders who can do that. A more knowledgeable person might add “they … Read More
What’s in the box? Part One
Over the past week I’ve been cleaning out American Kestrel nest boxes in Marion and Levy Counties. These boxes are most commonly mounted on utility poles or longleaf pine trees. Over the years, debris can pile up in nest boxes and make them nearly unusable for kestrels, especially if a squirrel has moved in. If a box has been used … Read More
SE Arizona Birding, Day 4 – Chiricahuas to Willcox
This is the fourth posts in a series of posts about my recent birding trip to SE AZ (links to day 1, day 2, day 3). On July 31st, Mark, Chris, Anna and I woke up early and watched the hummingbird feeders outside of the George Walker House in Paradise, AZ. We really wanted to pick up Juniper Titmouse here, … Read More
Review: Mammals of North America, second edition
It should be immediately stated that I am most definitely not the bird enthusiast in the Weber household. Indeed, while Drew can easily get up at 4am to find some passing warblers, or stare through a scope at a flock of gulls for (what may seem like) hours, I enjoy sleeping in until the sun rises and there are times … Read More
Cold Weather Birding 1-15-11
Today, Mark Markiewicz and I made a huge birding loop from Hershey, down to Lancaster County, then Berks County, then Lebanon County, and finally back to Hershey. We were trying to pick up as many of the interesting species of birds recently reported as possible. The first stop was along Hess Road near New Holland to see if any wintering … Read More
Millbrook and Duck Pond
An early walk at Millbrook Marsh added another two birds to the year list. I finally found a Song Sparrow and a Green-winged Teal was a nice surprise as well. I am slowing checking off the easy species that are around and soon I’ll have to look a lot harder to find new birds. At the Duck Pond, the highlight … Read More