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So many birds contributing to the eco system, the creeks over flow creates these  wet lands annually, providing the natural habitat for many avian summer visitors.

Went for a walk on the boardwalk in town today, it was an absolute delight, walking as slowly as I could with my young dog. Fantastic a feast for my eyes and ears, the day held periods of sporadic sun and cloud, the air filled, with that beautiful smell of the sun warming the earth after rain. So many birds singing and flitting amongst the trees and shrubs, first I saw this guy a Hammond’s flycatcher, although the one I saw had much more olive green on his front.

It was joyous for me to catch sight of 3 nesting pairs of Red Winged Blackbird, although I think they unfortunately had build their nests, under the boardwalk it’s self, not a good plan for a quiet nest. The parents where defending the nest with vigor, there are yet many more people to walk the boards, may be they will move to a better spot.

Next I was privileged to spot Wilson’s warbler darting in and out of the bushes, this little bird was whipping around so fast I was lucky to see them at all. It was recognizable from a distance because of it’s bright yellow body and grayish wings.

There was a cacophony of singing and little birds zooming about, could not identify them all, but I will be back before the month is out.

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Examples and life and travel patterns

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Snow geese, whooping cranes, say? Birds following long routes south along a series of long used stopping and resting places?

I'm looking for specific observations and publications if any evidence exists migratory birds or animals are confused by changing locations of magnetic north and the implications as it relates to the possible source of 'directional sense'.

Links appreciated.

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Bird watching in Canada. SHARE MY CHANNEL WITH OTHERS:http://www.youtube.com/share?

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Avian enthusiasts visiting the state of Haryana, India have a delightful destination to explore. The Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of record numbers of endemic and migratory birds. Found in Farukh Nagar Road of the Gurgaon district, only 15 kilometers away from Gurgaon and 40 kilometers from Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan, this site is protected by the state government as a National Park.

The marshy lands of the reservation, fed liberally and flooding during the monsoon months, is ideal breeding ground for fish, insects and crustaceans which in turn becomes prey for the birds they attract. Although the area has always been locally famous for its congregations of exotic birds, it first came to official attention when bird enthusiast Mr. Peter Jackson petitioned the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to make it into an officially sanctioned bird reserve. The area, which spans over 350 acres of marshland and field, was first declared a Bird Sanctuary and finally gained its rightful status as a National Park in 1991.

The park is today home to over 250 species of birds, over 100 of whom are migratory birds hailing from places as far-flung as the Himalayas, Siberia, Afghanistan and even Europe. Winter is the ideal time to visit as the grounds become a vista of flittering color as migratory birds arrive in great flocks to find new feeding grounds in warmer climes. Siberian cranes, teals, rosy pelicans and flamingos, Eurasian widgeons, starlings and sandpipers of many varieties are among these annual visitors, as are the musical Asian koels, the Eurasian golden orioles, cuckoos, comb ducks and bee-eaters. At least one and half hours is given as the requisite time to do a full tour of this bird sanctuary, whose wonders are not limited to the feathered friends. A number of rare animals also make the park their habitat, such as sambar and hog deer, blackbucks, wild cats and mongoose, hyenas, hedgehogs and porcupines, antelope and even leopards. 

The Department of Wild Life Preservation continues to make the area even more attractive to both eco-tourists and the wildlife through facilitating the proliferation of vegetation, with special emphasis on trees favoured by particular birds. Many tourist facilities have also been provided, such as four observatory towers for bird-watching, an education and information centre as well as a dedicated library complete with film clips and observation equipment. The Interpretation Centre, dedicated to famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, features a spectacular montage of pictures depicting the bird denizens of the park, captioned by informative write-ups.

Tourists staying at nearby Gurgaon hotels enjoy the dual advantages of being close to the park, as well as having the commercial attractions of Delhi near at hand. The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR) is one of the highly-regarded leisure and business hotels Delhi, providing comfortable, centralized accommodation and a host of business and recreational facilities.

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One of the harshest facts about the winter months, especially in the northern states, is that many factors combine to make it hard for birds to find food.  First, there is just less of it.  Plants that many birds might feed on, such as berries, have just stopped producing in many areas, and those birds that like to feed on the insect population will find that there it has pretty much disappeared, either dying out or hibernating during the cold months.  So finding a good source of food is a challenge.

The other thing to keep in mind is that because birds are warm blooded, and wintertime is so much colder, they need a very high source of energy to keep warm enough to survive.  Much of the bird seed available these days doesn’t really provide much in the way of calories or energy.  That’s why suet feeders are a favorite for winter time bird feeders.

Suet is raw beef fat, typically taken from around the kidneys and loins. Because of its high fat content it is very high in energy.  Suet is one of the best foods to attract nuthatches, woodpeckers, wrens, titmice, chickadees, thrashers, cardinals, bluebirds and many other types of birds.  And, as usual with bird feeders, it can attract some less desirable wildlife like starlings and squirrels.  So, if these are a problem, you may want to use a suet feeder with a cage, and for starlings try a feeder covered on all sides but the bottom, which will feed many other birds but discourage starlings.

Depending on the type of suet you use, it can start to melt and go rancid at temperatures above 70 degrees F, so take care to empty after the spring thaw.

Another thing to keep in mind is the wintertime need for water.  Obviously, with freezing temperatures, the availability of water outdoors will drop, and a typical bird bath will freeze over fairly quickly since they are designed to be shallow.

There are many heated bird baths, but probably the easiest way to solve this problem is to add a bird bath heater to your existing bath.  Make sure that the bird bath is made from a material that can take the heat, some resins may melt.  Also be sure that the heater has a thermostat so it won’t overheat the water as well.

With a few simple steps like this, you can make sure that the birds in your yard are going to make it through the winter.

Jon Ruppel – About the Author:

To learn more about suet bird feeders and to see the various types of bird bath heaters, go to http://backyard-birdz.com

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/winter-bird-care-help-your-backyard-birds-through-the-winter-644057.html

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Rajasthan is the most colorful state of India. It famous for variety of wildlife species, wildlife destinations, historical heritages like majestic palaces and rugged forts held in different cities of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India as it is dotted with numerous tourist attractions. Let us known about the popular wildlife destination and about the famous historical heritage of the state:

There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. Some of the popular national parks are Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska National Park, Desert National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National park, Mount Abu National Park, Darrah National Park, Kumbhalgarh National Park, etc. Sariska National Park and Ranthambhore National Parks are famous for huge population of tiger. You cab easily spot tigers in these national parks. Some of the commonly found animals in the park are sambhar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, etc. These two parks are also famous for enjoying tiger safari. Desert National Park and Keoladeo Ghana National Park are famous for bird watching. More than 250 species of birds can be spotted in these parks. Tourists love to enjoy rickshaw ride and boating in Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Rickshaw ride is the best way to enjoy bird watching in the park. Tourists can spots many rare and species of desert eco system in the Desert National Park. Endangered species of birds like Great Indian Bustard and Siberian Crane also visit these parks during winters. Rajasthan wildlife tour is mainly famous for tiger safari and bird watching. Visit these park and enjoy the wildly experience of jungle safari.

Rajasthan is very famous for numerous historical forts and palaces. Forts and palaces are positioned in almost all cities of Rajasthan. Some of the popular forts of Rajasthan are Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace –all in Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace –All in Jodhpur, Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace –all in Bikaner, Golden Fort, Patton-ki-Haveli, Nathmalaji-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singhji-ki-Haveli –all in Jaisalmer, Lake Palace, Monsoon Palace, Chittorgarh Fort –all in Udaipur. There are some more forts situated in many small cities and town. Visit all these luxurious forts and palace for luxury tours Rajasthan. These forts and palaces are equipped with all luxury and lavishness.

If you want to explore some more historical heritages of India then go for Delhi Agra Jaipur tour popularly called as golden triangle tour. This is popular tour package in India that let the tourists visit most of the historical grandeur of North India including wondrous Taj Mahal.

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Technorati Tags: and, Explore, Heritage, Historical, of, Rajasthan, the, Wildlife

India is great destination for wildlife tourism. There are more than 400 national parks and over 100 wildlife sanctuaries in India containing the wildlife heritage of India. Each wildlife destination of India is famous for one or other species of flora or fauna. Let’s know about three popular national parks of East India.

KazirangaNational Park:

Kaziranga National Park is homeland of great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park is positioned in Golaghat and Nagaon district of Assam.  It is a World Heritage Site as per UNESCO record. According to recent survey the park is known to house maximum density of tiger populations in India leaving behind Ranthambhore National Park. So, this is perfect place to enjoy tiger safari. Herds of elephants can also be easily spotted in the park.  Tourist can also enjoy adventure of chasing tigers and other wildlife species sitting on elephant back.

Elephants, tigers, wild boar, jackal, wild buffalo, pythons, lizards, swamp deer, leopard, hog deer, sloth bears, jungle cats, otters, hog badgers, etc are common fauna found in the park. The park is also famous among bird lovers.

SunderbansNational Park:

Sunderbans National Park is located in West Bengal. It is a World Heritage Site and is largest reserve of Bengal tigers. The park is populated with mangroves forest. It is the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. The park contains a variety of birds, reptile, salt-water crocodiles and invertebrate species besides normal flora and fauna. The park is a paradise for bird lovers. Wide species of birds dwell in the park.

The park is mainly famous for highest density of Bengal tigers. The tigers in the park are known for their man eating tendency. As the park remain wetted with brackish water, the tigers in the park have developed a unique habit of swimming to comfortably adapt in the park.

ManasNational Park:

The picturesque landscape attracts of Manas National Park attracts thousands of wildlife lovers every year. It is situated in Himalayan foothills in Assam. It is also a natural World Heritage Site. It is famous for its tigers and unique golden monkeys. The park is also known for housing rare and endangered wildlife species like Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare and pygmy.  Tourist can also spot herds of elephants in the park. Simul, khoir, udal, sida, bohera and kanchan are the common flora of the park.

This park is also famous for bird watching tour. About 400 species of birds can be spotted in the park. Morning and evening hours are best for enjoying bird watching.

These are three famous national parks of eastern part of the country to be visited on India wildlife tours. Wildlife crazy tourists should also visit northern and southern part of the country to make their wildlife tour India a complete delight. In national parks of North India tourist can also enjoy I jeep safari. India jeep safari tour is mainly famous in Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska National Park and Jim Corbett National Park.

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Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and largest reserve in India. The stunning natural presence along with the Royal presence of wild life makes it most thrilling holiday destination in India. If you are a wild life lover you really cannot ignore this reserve while visiting India. The presence of Royal Bengal Tiger and 520 types of birds make it the heaven for wild life lovers and bird watchers. This is located in the Himalayan valleys which are undoubtedly blessed with and you can simply spill yourself into nature here. Dhikala Tiger Tour with Nainital valley is famous for its natural beauty and awesome presence of stunning natural beauty. A wide number of tourists go on coming here throughout the year. Looking into this a wide range of resorts and hotels has come up in the area and they are next name of luxury for you.

That who love activity and wants to go for more and more adventure trips can come here and with Corbett Rishikesh Rafting Tour. Rishikesh rafting tour is a real trip for those who love to go for the unlimited thrill in the Ganges. You can do the Risikesh trip with the trip of the Jim Corbett Nature Reserve only. River rafting is a trip that gives complete thrill and ecstasy for adventure lovers. You will be able to book Corbett Rishikesh Rafting Tour easily online and enjoy the beauty of nature and thrill together.

Those who love presence of wild life only knows the value of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the presence of them in India is indeed the main consideration while going for the Dhikala Tiger Tour with Nainital. The presence of more than 500 types of birds along with this makes a strict contrast and from around the world a number of people come every year to Jim Corbett national Park to have Corbett Bird Watching Tour. Those who love bird watching know it is really refreshing and gives a beautiful mental and physical balance to wild life lovers. Even it is told by them that the chirping of birds give them inspiration to life and refreshment of life.

So the next time whenever you come to India you should have the trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, it is a must to make your thrust for nature and wild life love come and end.

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Technorati Tags: Always, Corbett, Delight, Jim, National, Park, Tour, You

Bestowed with a varied topography, India is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Known for its unique features, the wildlife of India attract wildlife enthusiasts and common traveler from all over the world. With the aim to save the wildlife of the country from poaching or other man-made destruction, government of India declared the wildlife areas as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Presently India is home to dozens of wildlife protected areas providing natural habitat to wild species. One can spot massive elephants to fierce beast tigers to small hare in the wildlife sanctuary and national parks of India. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries of India are as follows.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan) : Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a World Heritage Site. Situated in Bharatpur town of Rajasthan, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary spreads over 29 sq km. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 400 bird species including domestic as well as migratory birds. Though the bird sanctuary remain full of birds round the year, but during the winter season the migratory birds the caravan of local birds. The Siberian Crane is the special attraction of the park, the birds visit the park every winter in large number. Other foreign bird species visiting the park include Cranes, Egrets, Pelicans, Ibises, Ducks and Geese. If you want to enjoy the bird watching at its best hire a cycle-rickshaw at the park gate and explore the every nook and corner without burning your calories much.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan):Known for tigers, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Rajasthan. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in one of the protected wildlife areas of the country, where Project Tiger remained successful. Set amidst the Aravalli Hills, Sariska is full is covered with thorny deciduous forests. Besides tigers, you can spot a number of other wild animals such as leopard, wild dog, sambar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai, civet, four-horned antelope, gaur (Indian bison) and porcupine. Sariska is also home to ruins of the Kankwari fort, the ancient Shiva Neelkanth temples and a Palace of Maharajas of Alwar, now converted into a heritage hotel.

Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan) : One of the important wildlife sanctuaries of India, Ranthambore National Park lies in Rajasthan. The national park with an area of 392 sq kms is set at the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas mountain ranges. Indian tiger is celebrity figure at the national park, in addition to this you can spot several other faunal species such as leopards, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, wild boars, gazelles, sambar and nilgai. Other attractions of Ranthambore include reptiles like snub nosed crocodiles, lizards, tortoise, cobras, kraits, turtles, Indian python, rat snakes and Indian chameleon.You can spot the bird species such as Indian horned owl, spoonbills, patridges, kingfishers, storks, ducks and the much sighted peacocks inside the park.

Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal) : If you have a long desire to see the Royal Bengal Tigers, then Sunderbans is the right place for you. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is situated at a distance from Kolkata. Sunderbas, the biggest mangrove forest and delta of world is formed by the merging of rivers – Ganges, Brahhmaputra and Meghna. Sunderban Tigers Reserve has a core area of 1330.10 sq. kms and spreads over a series of thickly forested islands and saline water channels. In addition to tigers, the tiger reserve also encompasses more to satisfy your visual feast. Here you can see Spotted Deer, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkeys, Herons, Kingfishers, White Bellied Eagles and much more.

Kaziranga National Park (Assam) : A hundred year old wildlife sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park is situated in Cetnral Assam. A World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is known for Great Indian one-horned rhinos an endangered animal species. Kaziranga is also home to Wild Buffalos, Swamp Deers, Wild Elephants and over 450 species of birds. A visit to Kaziranga is once in a lifetime experience. Here alongwith wildlife viewing you can spot the mother nature at its best on your own.

Manas National Park (Assam) : Situated on the foothills of the Great Himalayas in north-east state of Assam, Manas is known for its unmatched beauty. Once a hunting ground for royal families, Manas National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. One-horned rhino is the major attraction of the national park which draws wildlife enthus from all worldover. Tigers, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Elephants, Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Chital, Indian Bison, Sloth Bear, Gaurs, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaques, Hoolock Gibbons, Asiatic Wild Buffaloes and rare Black Panthers are other attractions of the national park. Manas also provides shelter to endangered species such as the Hispid Hare and the Pigmy Hog.

Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh) : Renowned for White tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is the place where nature meets with history. Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh covers 448 sq kms area. Tigers have always been the prime attraction for visitors to the park. Besides tigers, the national park is home to faunal species like Rhesus Macaque, Porcupine, Langur, Golden Jackal, Indian Gazelle, Bengal Wolf, Fox, Sloth Bear, Indian Grey Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Small Indian Civet, Leopard, Wild Boar, Sambar Nilgai, Gaur, Indian Pangolin, Chital, Four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck etc. Bandhavgarh also provides natural habitat to about 150 bird-species such as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Shahin Falcon and Brown Fish Owl. Bandhavgarh Fort, Kalchuri Archaeological Remains, Baghel Museum, Ghapudi Dam and Bhamera Dam are other attractions in and around the national park.

Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) : Once the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s all time great classic ‘Jungle Book’, Kanha National Park is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries of not only India, in fact the world. Situated in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park spreads over an area of 1,945 sq km. Established in 1955, Kanha provides shelter to a variety of wild animals and avian species including endangered species. You can spot wild animals like tigers, leopard, gaur or Indian bison, wild pig, antelope, black buck, barking deer, swamp deer, jackal, fox, nilgai, jungle cat etc. Bird species which you can spot in Kanha are green pigeons, rock pigeons, partridges, orioles, hoopoes, pond herons and much more. Kanha Museum is an added attraction at Kanha and don’t forget to visit the museum.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat) : Situated in Gujarat, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of Asiatic Lions. Once the part of the erstwhile Junagadh state, Gir was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1965. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over 1412.13 sq km area, with core area of 259 sq.kms. One of the world’s rare wild species, the Asiatic Lions attract large number of nature lovers and common travellers to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Other wild animals found in the sanctuary are leopard, sambar, spotted deer, chowsingha, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar etc. Gir is also home to a number reptilian species like Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a wide variety of snakes.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) : One of the biggest wildlife reserves in India, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Kerala. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is set ammong the low lying Cardamom hills of the Western Ghats and centre of attraction here is the artificial lake. Periyar is known for tigers and huge population of elephant. Other animals that you can spot are gaur, wild boars, sambar, deer, bison, barking deer, wild dogs, lion tailed macaque, the nilgiri langur etc. Enjoy the boat ride across the periyar lake and see the herds of elephants taking bath in the lake.

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An African safari is the wonderful, mysterious, and adventurous destination for the tourists from all over the world. It has wide range of animal lives residing under one roof of African continent. Additionally, it has magnificent and pleasing landscape including lofty dunes, spectacular mountain ranges, spotless beaches and big plain areas.

Africa is completely significant and perceptible destination to experience the Africa safari tour. Exploration of African wild-lives, game tracking, and game drives with native tribal people is most interesting part of anyone’s holidays. Likewise, it is truly unforgettable and leaves an impressive and indelible mark over the tourists’ mind.

Africa continent has full of natural resources and diverse climatic features. The ideal month to tour this place is May to October. Actually, this period is use to be dry season, therefore you can enjoy animal watching, mountain tracking, and water searching. However, it has wide range of climatic diversity; hence there are various favorable months to make a tour of different parts of Africa. For example – if you want to visit Kenya safari, the best time is December to February and July to August. These months use to be dry; hence you can have fun without any interruptions. If you love watching birds, you can visit Kenya Safari between October and March-April. There is already wide range of varieties of birds in Kenya but during these months more than hundred varieties of birds come here.

Though, the game watching is the sole purpose of Africa safari tour but additionally, you can also experience the other fun making activities such as ballooning, canoeing, bird-watching, and you can also enjoy the local culture and food with the native people.

Moreover, for the detail information about the particular African safari such as South Africa safari, Botswana safari or Kenya Safari you can find it on the internet. Here you will get all information about the safaris hotels, resorts, guides, cost of tour, and the best season to visit these places. Hence, you can make your complete holiday plan of Africa safari tour through internet.

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Would you like to rekindle the romance with a mountain vacation where you and your significant other can cuddle under the stars while breathing fresh, mountain alpine air? Or would you rather spend your vacation watching the setting sun turn crystalline water into liquid gold while you relax in a lounge chair beneath the sun’s warmth? Believe it or not, you can get both vacations in the same spot. Southeastern Oklahoma’s McCurtain County – the Beavers Bend State Park area – offers the best of both worlds when you are looking for a hidden romantic getaway.

The Mountains

Bird-watching and hiking are also popular activities in the area. You will see a variety of birds, including red-shouldered hawks, bob whites, and mourning doves. . For ornithologists, bird-watching is splendid in this region. In the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area birders have sighted over 270 different species including many that are rare to Oklahoma. While hiking, you may also see deer, raccoons, bald eagles and maybe even a black bear.
Many people may not consider Oklahoma when thinking about a couple’s vacation, but the area is a slice of paradise when it comes to romance and relaxation. The Kiamichi Mountains which are part of the Ouachita Mountains National Forest, whose name derives from a Native American word meaning “good hunting grounds,” rise gracefully against the Oklahoma sky, creating breathtaking, smoky-blue vistas surrounded by thick forests of pine, oak, and hickory. In the autumn, the leaves give a fiery glow of golds and bronzes and crimsons.

If you want to go on a romantic road trip, take the Talimena Scenic Drive, one of the most beautiful in the nation. Winding through the mountains, the road even runs across the tops of some of the peaks, offering incredible views. Pack a lunch and stop at a scenic spot for a quiet picnic where you may hear nothing but the birds and breeze in the background.

For a romantic place to stay, consider the Beavers Bend State Park area and its surrounding areas of Hochatown and Broken Bow. You can, which rents accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to larger, more elegant log homes. If you want to leave the stress of planning behind, some cabins even have concierge service and will make sure you fridge is stocked with food and wine when you arrive.

The accommodations at Beavers Bend in the Beavers Bend State Park area have everything you need for a romantic vacation. Soak your cares away in a bubbling hot tub on your deck while the stars twinkle overhead. Wrap a warm quilt around the both of you and snuggle in front of a roaring fire as you share a midnight glass of champagne. Watch shooting stars leave their trails against a dark sky.

The Water

Broken Bow Lake at Beavers Bend State Park boasts some of the cleanest and clearest waters of any lake in the United States. In fact, it is so clear that swimmers can see their toes down to six feet or deeper.

Water activities abound here. Pack a cooler into a canoe or kayak and explore the many coves around the lake. Take your pick of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, or just lounging on the banks as the water laps gently at your toes. If you are into scuba diving, the lake’s deep, unique rock formations and valleys make for a spectacular, fresh-water, scuba diving experience.

Fishing types can enjoy the serenity and challenge of fishing, cast for brown and rainbow trout in one of the best trout fisheries in the US. The Glover and Mountain Fork Rivers are loaded with trout and can be fished from the banks or by wading. You can also fish for walleye, crappie, catfish or largemouth bass on Broken Bow Lake. If you are beginners to the angling world, don’t worry. Nearby guides can assist you and rent you any needed equipment.

As you can see, the best of both vacation worlds exists in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. The area is considered a hidden gem, but now you are in on the secret. Pack your bags and spend a romantic weekend in beautiful southeastern Oklahoma.

McCurtain County is an easy 2 ½ to 4-hour drive from Dallas, Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, OK, Tyler, TX, Little Rock, AR and Shreveport. LA.

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Galveston, Texas is an island on the Gulf Coast of Texas that’s a popular vacation spot. There are lots of activities, museums, water sports, restaurants, and sightseeing available. Most will cost you to participate but there are a few good and absolutely free things that are available too. Here’s a quick list of fun and free things to do next time you’re in Galveston, Texas.

Galveston is well known for its miles of beaches. There are a few paid beaches (on the east side) but most beaches that are along the seawall after 16th street are free. There are no bathrooms but you can park free along the seawall. Towards the western end of the island after 61st and the end of the seawall there are numerous beach areas with blue signs that say Beach Access. Be aware there is no lifeguards at most of these beaches and the following rules apply:

No overnight camping
No glass containers
Pets must be on leashes
No open fires
No four wheelers
No alcohol

Another great pastime is bird watching. There are many locations along the bay side of the island (north side) that offer great places to watch all the different wildlife on the island. One of the most popular for the birds to hang out is along the Pier areas on Harborside Drive. Pier 19 is where the fishing boats dock and is a good area to go visit to people and bird watch as the fishing boats go out in the mornings and come back at noon or early evenings. The Cruise Ship Terminal is on Harborside Drive to and is worth a visit. At any time of year there are around 200 different species of birds and during the fall and spring migrations, as many as 300 different species. There is an abundance of other animals natural to the habitant and dawn and dusk are a great time to see many of them.

I shouldn’t even mention this since you will be on holiday but you can check your email for free at the Rosenberg Library on 23rd and Sealy. Actually the library does have a lot to offer and has paintings and historical items. The library is open 9 – 9 on Monday through Thursday and 9 – 6 on Fridays and Saturdays. You can also get free Internet access if you have a laptop along the seawall at restaurants from 7th street to 37th. Just turn on your WiFi and you’ll pick up available networks.

Go windows shopping in the Strand Street and downtown area that has a variety of specialty shops, antiques, and souvenir stores. There are some great old and historic buildings and houses to see and is also good for people watching. Parking is an issue; since you will need to pay for the time you park your vehicle in most areas downtown. Parking meters are popular for short trips but you should use one of the paid lots if staying over a 2 hours since they are much cheaper.

Galveston has one of the only Sea Turtle Research facilities in the country and offers free tours. Just east of 53rd street on Sias Drive. The tours last about 30 minutes and are guided by expert Biologists and provide some great insights on Sea Turtles and the hundreds of different species. You get to see all the different varieties of Sea Turtles and if you visit late in the summer may get to see some hatching. The facility is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for tours hourly from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

There is a Ferry service from Galveston Island to Bolivar Island at the east end of the Galveston. The ferries (there are several) transport people and cars to Bolivar and back every day. I’d like to tell you there is a schedule but there really isn’t other than to say it comes and goes as it fills with cars. On busy days it can take about 30 to 45 minutes in line and about a 20 minute crossing time. You can get out of your vehicle and even feed the seagulls that follow the ferry. No animals are allowed out of the vehicles, there is no smoking, fishing, or sitting on the rails. Once you get to Bolivar you can enjoy the wildlife areas to the northern side of the island.

Fishing on both the beach side and the bay side is free in many places. You can also go crabbing on the bay side and in the canals at many places. Most areas are posted if you cannot fish or crab. State licenses requirements apply. Crabbing can be done with a few chicken wings, string, and a container for the crabs. Surf fishing on the west end of the island right before St Luis Pass is usually very good, best times are dictated by the tides. You want an incoming tide for the best conditions but outgoing can also be good. There can be two tides a day or more so if you stop at a bait shop they usually have the latest information on when the tides are coming and going out.

The activities mentioned above can provide some great free entertainment and are available year around. There are also many annual events that offer a lot of free things to see and do. Just check the local paper or Tourist Visitors Center at 2027 61st Street for additional information.  

source:

Fun and Free Things to Do in Galveston, Texas

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Rwanda is a landlocked country which lies on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley. Rwanda has an evergreen landscape and also has a thousand hills. It is therefore referred to as the Land of many hills. It is a beautiful country with many adventures, tours and safari. These include; gorilla tracking, cultural interaction, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, city tours and bird watching. The best place for gorilla tracking in Rwanda is within the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes which are covered with bamboo. This is also where he late Dian Fossey studied the characteristics of the endangered mountain gorilla for 20 years.

The Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda. This park is ideal for game viewing. It is in this park where you will have a chance to view and photograph the big five (lion, elephant, Buffalo, leopard and rhino). You also get to see other animals such the giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, hippos and over a dozen species of antelopes. The hippos and crocodiles are normally found along river Akagera where they lie in wait for animals as they come to drink water. Lake Kivu is the deepest fresh water lake in Africa. It is situated in Rwanda and has gorgeous islands and beaches. It is also a wildlife heritage for tourism.

The Nyungwe National Forest Park is the largest block of mountain forests in central Africa. It is an ideal site for tracking chimpanzees and the beautiful golden monkeys. Chimpanzee and gorilla tracking takes many hours of walking in the thick forest, this makes the safari quite tiresome. However, this is worth it especially after seeing these endangered relatives and watching their behavior which is similar to that of human beings. It is important to keep your distance for your safety. In addition, avoid flash lights when photographing.

For those people who love bird watching, Akagera and the Viruga Volcanoes are the best sites in Rwanda. From these two sites, you can watch about 650 species of birds. Of this, 44 species are only spotted in Rwanda. These birds include the little bee- eater, the red faced-barbet, eagle, owl, sunbird, shoe bill and many others. A safari to Rwanda also gives you an opportunity to interact with the local people. From this interaction you get to learn about their history including the 1994 genocide where hundreds of people including children were killed. You also get to learn more about this by visiting the Genocide Memorial Site.

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Costa Rica’s name means, literally, “rich coast.” The name is appropriate. This beautiful country is rich with amazing wildlife, gorgeous coastlines, and exquisite tropical weather. Cost Rica is a leader in environmental performance and eco-tourism. Its national parks are home to many endangered species, drawing visitors to observe animals in their natural habitat. Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish. Its official currency is the Colon, but many merchants accept the US Dollar. Costa Rica Holidays tours are a popular escape from the winter cold for many travelers who seek a warm and sun-filled getaway.

Visit one of Costa Rica’s butterfly farms for a complete escape from the dreariness of winter weather. Because the weather in Costa Rica is usually very warm, the number of butterfly species is tremendous. Butterflies are a main attraction on Costa Rica tours. In the tiny country of Costa Rica, there are more butterfly variations than in the entire continent of Africa. Many butterfly farms offer travelers the opportunity to spend hours admiring the colourful “flying jewels” in action. It is not necessary to visit a special farm to view butterflies, though. Butterflies are a beautiful part of everyday life in Costa Rica.

Along with butterflies, bird watching is another main attraction of any tour of Costa Rica. Harpy Eagles, an endangered species, have found a home in the nation’s forests. With over 800 different species of birds, Costa Rica’s national parks are resplendent with coloured feathers and chirping songs. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a paradise for those who enjoy watching birds. Canopy tours of the rainforest offer a bird’s eye view of the land below. Guides will escort visitors along suspension bridges and pathways in the tops of rainforest trees.

Tour a butterfly farm, watch birds in a rainforest, or take a skywalk in the Monteverde Reserve. Costa Rica offers a rare combination of beauty, pleasant weather, and richness of wildlife. Whether staying in a five star hotel, or backpacking through the countryside, every tourist will find something to enjoy.

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Viewing the sunrise in the desert from 3000 feet above the ground has got to be an unforgettable experience. That’s why an uncountable number of tourists want to try hot air ballooning in Dubai. Truly, this activity is an unmatched experience you will never regret while on a tour in Dubai.

Feel the cool atmosphere high above the union of the sea and sand beneath. Capture sights like the unending stretches of the desert region, the sunrise, the red dunes, the sky scrapers, the mountains and the blue waters. Watch the skyline of Dubai in the west and the cratered rugged landscape of the Hajj Mountains in the east.

Hot air balloons are always tested before use. They also have a huge capacity of carrying 40 persons at a time. The best time to try out this activity is at dawn even though afternoon trips are also available. Above all, Dubai’s climate is perfect and great for experiencing a gently floating hot air balloon adventure. The take off and landing is as exciting as staying afloat in the bright sky.

“Ballooning in Dubai has turned into another form of sightseeing” many say, as while you get to watch the whole city from a bird’s eye view you can enjoy the experience excluding the hustle and bustle of city life. This makes ballooning in Dubai a magical experience that every tourist wants to be a part of.

Become part of this exclusive family activity with One World Travels and when it is over you’ll still have the rest of the day to enjoy. Book this Dubai tour activity with One World for a memorable experience.
For more information, visit http://dubaitourcompany.wordpress.com

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It is a pretty exciting and restful practical knowledge as you look at several unique species and note how they reside their every day lives.

Foods is the range 1 requirement for drawing birds to your property. They desire lots of meals to deliver the vitality wanted to carry out regular routines. So, this is an very good spot to start out. Set up a feeding station to draw birds to your yard. Most birds like sunflower seeds and millet seeds. Commence with these two seeds so birds will know wherever to obtain great meals. By the way, this article is sponsored by oven fresh bites bird food. A Natural Bird Food that is oven baked to perfection. Oven Fresh Bites bird food is the only natural bird food that is nutritious, all natural and a 100% all natural bird food.

When significant flocks come to your feeders, debris builds up underneath them. This will provide the ground feeders this kind of as doves. To deliver birds to your stations, the only issue you need is a big supply of seeds and trays to them in. Use a number of sizes and types of trays and there are lots of low cost merchants and pet provide retailers that have a sizeable choice accessible at sensible prices.

Some birds are aggressive and chase other birds absent. By viewing just about every day, you will be in a position to observe how birds communicate and interact with each other and the standard habits of each species. A surprising truth is that birds watch out for every other. More substantial birds like blue jays, crows and doves alert other people when a predator is in the location. Most grownup birds will aid defend nests of eggs or child birds of all species.

Birdbaths are an additional good way to draw birds to your yard. They give a fresh supply of drinking water and bath water, in particular in the course of hot dry spells. There are quite a few designs of birdbaths. A well known one is the pedestal with a basin on prime. You can just use the basin suitable on the floor or at many heights about the yard. Pedestals seem beneficial in the middle of a lawn even though other folks can be positioned below trees or in secured locations of flowers or bushes. Clay or plastic saucers that are employed beneath potted plants make superb baths.

Using dark or black saucers in winter months assist absorb the sun’s rays and avoid the water from freezing too rapidly. It is a excellent thought to clean the birdbaths to cease the algae and insect larvae from developing. A stiff brush will assistance clear up this difficulty.

Preventing theft of the meals supply by squirrels or raccoons is important since if the meals station is empty, birds will move elsewhere. For feeders mounted on a post, place far away from branches or roofs so they can’t leap on them. Slip plastic or metal pipes of the proper size on posts below feeders so the pests can’t climb them. For hanging feeders, a wonderful trick is to place a considerable circular basin about them and far adequate away from tree trunks and structures so that squirrels can’t grab the feeder. Shops have quite a few merchandise constructed to avoid predators from having at the foods. To more hinder the thieves, rub petroleum jelly to posts and wires or chains of feeders. Keep near observe on your property every day because squirrels are wise creatures who can figure out a way to get to the food. As you look at every last day, you will choose up new strategies to improve the region and make it work more effective for you.

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Bird watching could be a very exciting experience, leaving long lasting memories and unforgettable moments for all nature lovers. For this reason why you need to be careful, when purchase a pair of binoculars. The quality is very important – it is always a pleasure to be able to identify bird species and its specific coloration patterns or see clearly different parts of the body. Blurred lenses or very narrow field of view can cause a failure and you won`t fully enjoy your favorite hobby. Actually this can be very frustrating. Now we are going to discuss the basic criteria that should be taken into consideration when choosing, so that will spare you moments of hesitation and negative emotions.

Light collection

The main criteria is the possibility of gathering a maximum amount of light. Very often we will have to watch birds in the early morning or in the end of the day. In these situations there is a little light and we need a maximum quantity of it to catch the object with a high-grade image. Of course, this is achieved with larger lenses of the objective. Lenses coating has a great importance when it comes to observing in low light conditions. The most recommended lenses are Fully Multi-Coated. They allow the highest level of light transmission and this provides you with a clear, sharp and bright image.

Magnification

Admittedly, the magnification of binocular is not forgotten. Everyone wants a maximum magnification to be able to see more details, but there are some facts that we should not forget. At high magnification, we get pretty narrow field of view. This will hinder us in finding the object and also monitoring its movement. Birds fly fast, so is good to have a wider field of view. It is accepted, for birdwatching binoculars, the field of view to be not less than 300ft/1000 yards.
Optimum version, of gathering enough amount of light and good magnification, is binocular with size 8×40 mm or 8×42 mm.

Exit pupil

The exit pupil, measured in millimeters, refers to the diameter of the shaft of light that exits each eyepiece and reaches the pupils of your eyes. Calculate this number by dividing the diameter of the objective lenses by the magnification. A 7 x 35 model, for example, has an exit pupil of 5 mm (35 divided by 7). In other words, a bigger exit pupil means more light reaches your eyes, producing a brighter image. A large exit pupil also makes it easier to maintain a full image if your hands move or shake. Keep in mind that your eyes’ pupil size varies from approximately 2.5 mm in bright light to 7 mm in low light. For viewing at dusk or dawn, look for binoculars with an exit pupil of 4 mm or more.

Focusing system

Another important factor is the speed at which you can focus the binocular. The reason is that birds are fast moving and they quickly change the distance from us. Binoculars with good focusing mechanism can go from close focus to infinity in one full turn of the focus ring, but for focusing at close distance, this is a problem. So some manufacturers offer as option focusing with variable speed of rotation. When the ring rotates rapidly, the focus also changes rapidly. A fine tuning can be done at lower speed of rotation. However, that needs some practice. What also matters is ring position, it should be easy to reach. Convenient option is binocular with auto focus.

Waterproof

Regarding to waterproof, binocular is good to be at least water resistant, that would keep it from light rain. But it is obligatory to be fogproof. This prevents from internal fogging, caused by high humidity, fog and temperature extremes.

Weight

Weight does matter and it is not something that you can easily ignore. We have the binoculars with us all day long, perhaps we need to climb or walk on uneven terrain. So, it is better to think of well balanced binoculars, comfortable to carry around and of course a strap, which can be very useful both for your neck and for your binoculars  safety.

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Lots f people help the birds by throwing out stale bread for them to eat. Although this does elevate the birds hunger, bread isn’t a very nutritious food source.

Most garden bird’s staple diet is usually, fruit and berries, nuts and seeds, insects, worms and grubs, Very tasty.

To really help the bird out this winter you could string p some monkey nuts. Buy some peanuts in their shells and thread a sharp wool needle with a length of wool with a knot in the end of it. Push the needle through the middle of the peanut shell and out of the other side, it’s a bit like threading beads. Thread on more monkey nuts in this way until the wool is almost full. Unthread the needle, make a loop in the wool that is left and tie a knot to keep the nuts and the loop in place. Use the loop to hang the nuts from the bird-table or tree.

You could also make a tasty bird-cake…

Add to a bowl some chopped up bacon rind, leftover chicken bits from Sunday dinner, a few peanuts, a few raisins and frozen peas, some shelled sunflower seeds if you have any, some diced apple and a couple of heaped table spoons of flour and mix well. Add some water and mix to create dough.

Mould into a ball shape and leave it over night on the kitchen windowsill to dry. By morning it will be hard and ready to leave out on a bird table or lawn for the birds to peck at.

It’s just as important the water is left out as well as food. In the winter, water turns to ice and the birds do not have access to drinking water. Leave a dish with fresh water in it out in your garden for the birds, and check it on really cold mornings to make sure it hasn’t turned to ice.

Some of the UK’s bird population are becoming endangered, this means that their population numbers are falling. Organisations like the RSPB do valuable work to protect and monitor endangered breeds of bird. You could monitor the birds yourself during the winter months, spend an hour each day for a week recording all the birds that visit your garden or bird-table. Bird watching is also known as twitching.

There is a chart on the website, a list of UK winter birds that you may see. Each bird has an illustration to help you to identify which breed it is, and there is some information about each birds preferred habitat. Some birds are residents of the UK, which means they like here all year round, others just visit for the winter.

Some birds on the list are endangered, so some of the birds are rarer than others; but you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them. Maybe you could tempt them into your garden with a bit of tasty bird-cake.

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Birds play diverse roles in folklore, religion, and popular culture and have been domesticated by humans both as pets and for practical purposes. History tells us how birds had been used in ancient days to convey important messages. Pigeons were known to carry information written on paper tied to their legs. The significance of birds has also been portrayed through symbolic art and design. The peacock with its striking looks was the inspiration behind the famous Peacock Throne of the Mughal emperors. Attractive birds such as doves, mynahs, lovebirds, and macaw have been kept as pets by humans all over the world. Bird lovers also plant bird feeders in their gardens to attract various species of birds.

If you are a bird lover and on the hunt for books that can tell you all about birds, the WindowAlert collection of .bird books should be the right choice for you. Budding ornithologists can enjoy the sight of their favorite birds lingering in their backyard with useful tips from the Bird-by-Bird Gardening book. What could be better than bird photography books by National Geographic to help you capture lovely pictures of birds that catch your attention? Backyard Bird-Feeder’s Bible, a colorful guide to intermediate bird watchers, and the World Atlas of Birds, make fantastic gifts for bird lovers. Go for the WindowAlert books and audio collection on birds to learn all that you have ever wanted to.

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There are so many bird houses available, how do you pick the right one to attract the birds you would like is a question people ask all the time. Most do not know where to begin and will turn to the internet to decide. Well I would like to offer some help on choosing a bird house online.

One important issue is the size of the hole of bird houses. If the hole is too large other animals and predators can bother or harm the very birds you are trying to protect. For smaller birds like Chickadees, the hole should be around 1 1/8 inch, for larger birds it can be about 1.5 inches wide.

I’m not going to be able to cover all birds here, but I will talk about Purple Martin Bird houses and Blue Bird Houses to give you an idea of what to look for when you are buying bird houses.

Purple Martin Bird Houses have to be comfortable nesting houses which are built for several families of birds. Purple Martins like open spaces so keep trees and shrubs away from your Martin Bird Houses. Purple martin bird houses should be installed about 30 to 120 feet from human housing.

Blue Bird Houses only require room for one family of birds because blue birds prefer to be alone. To further help prevent predators, blue bird houses do not include a perch and should be flat front bird houses. Treated lumber should be avoided due to the toxic content that could be detrimental to the blue bird. Blue bird houses should not be located in wooded, brushy areas, feedlots or where there is heavy pesticide use. The best hole size for this type of bird house is 1.5 inches.

Whichever type of bird houses you seek, the internet features a variety of decorative bird houses, wooden bird houses and windchime bird houses to turn your backyard into your own personal bird watching haven.

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Different species of birds like different kinds of locations.  For example, if you are looking to attract woodpeckers or nuthatches, you would want to place your bird house on a tree in a wooded area or on a post.  Bluebirds, swallows and certain types of wrens would be comfortable in a house hung in an open field or in a large backyard that does not have much vegetation.  Robins are attracted to wide wooden ledges with roofs over them that are protected from the wind.

Bird houses should be erected well in advance of the breeding season.  This would, normally, be during late summer or early fall to give birds the opportunity to situate themselves before starting to breed.  Bird watchers should have their bird houses up by early winter, the latest.  When birds are appearing in your yard, it is already too late to start hanging nesting boxes.

The location of a bird house is just as important for attracting birds as is the type of house provided.  Some species of birds prefer open, grassy areas and some prefer wooded shaded areas.  However, it is recommended to place birds in a sunny, open space.  One should be careful not to hang bird houses on trees as this gives easy access to the bird house for predators such as squirrels and cats.

Spacing, also, needs to be considered when erecting a bird house.  Bird houses should be placed, at least, 5-30 feet above the ground, again, making them more difficult to be attacked by predators.  And, always, it should be kept in mind that all bird houses should be, at least 25 feet apart.  This would address the territorial issue of birds.

When the bird watchers main goal is to attract a variety of species to nesting boxes, pairing of boxes should be employed.  This is done by putting boxes on poles in pairs.  This offers the advantage of allowing more than one species to, peacefully, coexist in the same environment.

Following these simple guidelines can turn into a very pleasant experience for anyone interested in bird watching.  They will attract many cheerful, singing birds that will provide entertainment for the interested bird watcher for hours.

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Bird Sancturies In India

India is one of the great places on this planet that offers bountiful species of wildlife especially when it comes to birds. India is home for over approximately 1200 different species of birds living in diverse climatic conditions, vegetations and habitats. From North to South and East to West, every corner of India offers hundreds of species of birds. Some of the best destinations are listed below.

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary- KARNATAKA
 
The bird sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.  One look around and a host of surprises await you.  Crocodiles, otters, flocks of some of the world’s rarest birds on tiny islands.  
Birds from Siberia, Australia and even North America have made this a haven for seasonal habitats.
When you hit the water on cane boats, you get a close up of some spectacular creatures-ibis, egret, heron, partridge or the cormorant.
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Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary

Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghanna Sanctuary boasts of being one of the finest heronries in the world. For ages the rich aquatic plant and animal life in the fresh-water shallow marsh of Bharatpur has been attracting resident and migratory birds in millions. While many of India’s parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo Ghana was created by a maharaja. By diverting water from a nearby irrigation canal, a fabulous ecosystem which sustains a wealth of bird life was created. Over 350 species of birds find refuge in Bharatpur’s 11 square miles of shallow lakes and woodland. It is considered to be unique in the total number of bird species as well as the quantity of bird life which it harbors. It has an impressive assortment of land and arboreal birds, but the grand spectacle is provided by the aquatic species. For example, there are four species of cormorants, eight species of egrets, three ibises, 17 species of duck and geese, and two species of crane. The Siberian Crane is one of the rarest species in the world, and Bharatpur is its only known wintering ground in India. There are over 353 species, belonging to some 56 different families. The estimated production of chicks is about 30000 from over 12000 nests during the breeding season .
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Nalaban Island, Chilika Lake

The vast and dream like Chilika Lagoon is situated on east-coast of India. It is the largest brackish Water Lagoon with estuarine character that sprawls along the east coast. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on the Indian sub-continent. The Nalaban Island within the Lake is notified as a Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) Act.

It is one of the hotspot of biodiversity in the country, and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened animals inhabit the Lake area for at least a part of their life cycle. The total number of fish species are reported to be 225 along with a variety of phytoplankton, algae and aquatic plants. A survey of the fauna of Chilika Lake carried out by the Zoological Survey of India in 1985-87 recorded over 800 species in and around the lagoon. This list includes a number of rare, threatened and endangered species, including the Barakudia limbless skink. On account of its rich bio-diversity, Chilika was designated as a “Ramsar Site”, i.e. a wetland of International Importance. The lagoon is also identified as a priority site for conservation and management by the National Wetland coral reefs Committee of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctaury: This Sanctuary is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat India and one of the largest in India. Nal Sarovar harbours a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowls flock to Nal just after the monsoon. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the birds that feed in the shallow waters.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres around the Vembanad Lake, It plays host to a large number of migratory birds like Siberian Stork and crane, flycatcher, teal, parrots, wood beetle. Beside these native birds like the kingfisher, heron, egret, owl, cuckoo, are seen in plenty.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary: Situated 45 Kilometers from Lucknow on Lucknow–Kanpur Highway. Sanctuary is a great excursion destination around Lucknow. Although Nawabganj Sanctuary is a small bird Sanctuaryand spread just across 4 square kilometers, it attracts lots of migratory birds during winters. The sanctuary is precisely confined to an area that encloses the lake. This is a natural lake and has a very beautiful environ around it thus it attracts a lot of avian population. This was declared Bird Sanctuary by Uttar Pradesh Government in 1984.

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Part of being a bird lover is learning how to properly identify birds and luckily for amateurs, they can easily learn this by observing the birds that visit their yards to use their bird feeders and bird baths. With that said it is beneficial to have these two things around if you wish to attract birds and at the same time, learn more about how to identify them. There 2 ways when it comes to identifying birds. The first of which is through sight and the other is through sound. Yes, you can learn how to identify birds through the sounds that they make. Remember Cameron Diaz in the Charlie’s Angels movie? Well, she was able to identify a particular bird just listening to the kind of chirping sound it made. So, shall we get started with learning more about these two methods?

A field guide should be very helpful if you want to learn how to identify birds through the way they look. These are books that have pictures and ample descriptions of the various birds that might come and visit your yard. You might want to consider getting books that show birds common to your country as well as migratory birds that regularly visit places near where you live. Some books have very limited information so choose yours well. The first question that you have to ask when identifying birds by sight is “how big is the bird?” as this could easily narrow your search down. Afterwards, take a look at the bird’s plume. Check your book for similar colorings. The colorings help identify one bird from the other, although there are certain birds that have pretty similar looking plumes. If that is the case, check for other identifying features such as their beak, head, legs and tail.

Fact is, learning how to identify birds won’t be easy the first time that you give it a try. It can take a few months before you get used to the differences and the similarities because certain factors might affect how a particular bird looks. Depending on the hour of day, a brown bird can appear to be of a different color.

Now, let’s talk about identifying birds through sound. For this, you would need to tune your ear to a bird’s song. Yes, it would be more difficult than identification through sight but it is also useful if you intend to bird watch in bigger outdoor spaces. At home, you may practice through the different bird species that visit your yard. Check out your feeders and bath, are there any birds there? Listen to their bird song. Is it high? Low? Do they sing with a particular pattern? Write this information down and look up the bird that’s been making the sound. With time and practice, you’ll be able to do this easily.

So there you have it, just a few tips when it comes to learning how to identify birds. Regardless of which method you choose, remember that it would be beneficial to have feeders and baths in your backyard in order to attract these winged creatures which should allow you to practice your newly found skills. Good luck!

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Opus feeders are more than just bird feeders. With their wonderful and practical designs, you’ll truly have something you can fix your eyes on.

Nowadays, more and more people are getting attached to this habit. But, who could blame them? You know how elusive birds are, so the chance to see birds feeding in your own lawn is quite rare.

A garden filled with wild and colorful birds is a sight worth looking at. With such panorama, you don’t have to go anywhere just to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. But, how can you really bring birds into your garden?

Birds are birds, no matter how wild they are, they will always scour for their food. Aside from that, these creatures have the tendency to fly back in places where food is abundant. For this reason, bird feeders are among the popular garden accessories nowadays.

Although there are lots of bird feeder brands that offer practical designs, there are but few that can offer beauty, practicality and quality together. And among them is Opus.

Opus bird feeders are most appreciated because of their well-designed and high quality bird feeders. Aside from feeders, the company also manufactures other garden products such as bird bath.

Opus feeders are also offered at prices most friendly to your budget. Even with less than $10.00, you can easily find designs that would fit your garden and taste.

Moreover, if you have one bird feeder from them, you can expect that it’ll last longer than most brands in the market.

So what are the different Opus bird feeders that you can select from? Here are several of them:

-        Squirrel proof feeders are ideal ground feeder for gardens where the squirrels love to play. They are covered with wide plastic covers to protect seeds from being munched by the rodents.

- Hanging bird feeders are among the top choices of birdwatchers. These decorative bird feeders will not just add appeal to your lawn; they will also keep the seeds protected until your favorite bird is back.

 This feeder style, you can expect your garden to look appealing even in the absence of birds. You can mount or hand them on your window or pole.

-        Opus hummingbird feeders are especially made to let hummingbirds join you in your yard. These kinds are offered in various shapes, colors and materials. For example, for an original design, there is the tulip humming bird feeder.

-        Wild bird feeders are the type of designs that you should be looking for if you want to attract different kinds of birds in your garden. These styles are built with multiple feeding tubes to allow birds to pick seeds.

With this brand, you can find feeders that are made of glass or plastic. There are also those that are built with copper materials and other kinds of steels. Moreover, you will find that they also offer different sizes garden bird feeder.

Opus feeders are high quality feeders that are affordable yet stylish. With their feeders, even the wildest birds in the sky will not escape your tempting garden. So, before you start buying any kind of feeders, check for a name that can offer almost everything.

Are you looking for well-designed and attractive bird feeders? Are you looking for topnotch <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.thebirdshed.com/op-453-2.html “>Feeder opus</a>? We at The Bird Shed have different and quality designs of bird feeders. We started mainly to satisfy the curiosity and love of bird watching and now we aim to protect and aid nature in a positive way. Visit our website at <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.thebirdshed.com/”>http://www.thebirdshed.com/</a> to get more info.

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For those who love birds in their yards during the spring and summer, it is actually possible to keep them around all year under the right conditions. Birds look for three things to keep them around including water, food, and a place to live. They are attracted by the right kinds of seed as well as specific kinds of bird feeders, depending on the type of birds natural to the area.

Birds are especially coveted because of the fact they come to us. For many people the earliest memories are of birds in the garden, swimming in a pond or lake, or eating from a feeder. This often leads to the hobby of bird watching which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment.

It is important to remember that the types of birds drawn to a yard is often directly dependent on the type of food provided as well as the type and placement of the feeder. Therefore, a variety of bird food and feeders should be provided that accommodates the most needs. This will ensure that a wide variety of birds can be viewed regardless of what time of year it is.

Many people fear that feeding birds during winter months will interfere with migratory patterns. However, ornithologists agree that these genes are more powerful than the fact food is available. In fact, for birds that migrate each year, they leave long before the natural food or seed provided by bird lovers runs out. Therefore, one should not be concerned about interfering with natural instincts by setting out feeders.

Food should be put out the same time of day winter, spring, summer, and fall. In the winter birds will settle down before the first snow fall. If moving a feeder, however, it may take awhile before they locate it and new clientele are attracted. By spreading white bread on the ground around the feeder, they will be able to spot it more easily.

The types of feeders and nesting boxes in today’s market are specific to certain species. There are actually five kinds of feeders which are rated based on the type of food they hold as well as the type of birds they attract. Some tube feeders, for example, have larger holes that are designed to be filled with sunflower seeds in order to draw chickadees, cardinals, and jays. On the other hand, for feeders with smaller holes, thistle seed is the best type of food that will encourage goldfinches and other smaller birds to visit.

Those that resemble little barns are called enclosed hopper feeders. These hold a lot of food and attract a variety of birds. They can be easily mounted on a pole or hung from a tree branch, but they have a tendency to be less waterproof. Open trays are some of the easiest to use and birds of all sizes love them. Since feed will rot and mold when it gets wet, it’s important to have drain holes in the feeder so it stays fresh and dry.

There is no reason a person can’t appreciate their feathery friends all year round if the right bird feeders are used. Much will depend on the type of birds as well as other critters native to the area. Although migratory birds will move on when the season is over, there are many others that will remain and provide enjoyment throughout the year if the right feeders have been appropriately placed.

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When I first decided to invest in a pair of Nikon bird watching binoculars or ‘bins’ as they are sometimes called, I had no idea about what I wanted or what to look for in a good pair of binoculars. I recently started going on outdoor walks in the countryside as part of a healthy lifestyle change, and decided to get a pair of binoculars so as to enjoy the outdoors a little more close up, you know the usual things, for spotting birds and checking out local wildlife. A friend in the know recommended the Nikon range to me.

I simply wanted a decent pair of robust, reliable binoculars that I would be able to use daily. I thought it would be an easy task to find the right pair, however it proved harder than I thought. It was very confusing trying to fathom out all the technical questions on what seems to be a simple thing to choose – which set of binoculars is best for me?

Questions such as – which magnification to choose? What of an image? the light or darkness of an image? How to get a better field of view? What makes the image sharper? What types of lenses are best? The list goes on…

Here is what I discovered; it may help you save time and money when deciding which pair of binoculars to buy. I narrowed down my search to finding the best binoculars for bird watching to one’s that give a decent magnification, a sharp quality image, and the build quality had to be robust enough to handle daily use while at the same time be light enough to carry and use on long walks.

About Magnification – which to choose?

The magnification that seems to be most popular with bird watchers is the 8 x 42 or 10 x 42 models. The numbers are a little confusing for beginners, so to put it in simple terms 8 x 42 means that the image you are looking is eight times closer than that of viewing something with the naked eye, the 42 is the width of the viewing lense in millimetres, this also affects how much light is allowed into the binoculars, the lower the number the less light is allowed in and thus the darker the image. Pick a set with 35 to 45 mm, this will allow enough light to enter the binoculars to help give a clear, sharp image in low light conditions such as in the early morning or late evening. But an important point to note is the higher the magnification, the more you will suffer with image shake unless you have very steady hands or use a tripod. Using too high a magnification also reduces the width of view.

About Image Quality – what affects a sharp image?

The quality or sharpness of the image is very important; this is what usually separates a great set of bird watching binoculars from an average run of the mill pair. Image sharpness is governed by the quality of the lenses and the coatings that have been applied to them. The better the lenses, the sharper the image, but better lense quality is usually reflected in the price you pay. The difference between a cheap pair and a good quality pair will be worth the difference in price and will enhance your bird or wildlife watching enjoyment.

About Build Quality – are they tough enough?

You may, like me be out and about in all weather conditions and terrains, so you want a set of ‘bins’ which are tough enough to put up with all manner of ‘lumps and bumps’. It happens from time to time that the binoculars may be bumped against trees or fence posts or even be dropped on rough ground. This can cause all sorts of problems with cheaper or poorly made models, from loss of alignment and double images, to allowing water penetration causing the lenses to mist up. As a minimum the binoculars you choose should be 100% water proof, fog proof and shock proof. Preferably with a rubber coated body for extra protection. You also have to consider the weight of the ‘bins’, holding up heavy binoculars for extended periods of time soon gets very tiring on the arms.

So, how to get Nikon Bird Watching Binoculars for the best price?

All in all, the final choice is down to you, but remember spending a little extra money on a good quality set of bird watching binoculars now rather than a cheap set will give you many years of bird or wildlife watching pleasure, and could save you from having to spend extra money in the future, when you realize the cheap pair are just not up to the job. There are many online stores that sell binoculars that are ideal for bird and wildlife watching, but finding the right pair can take a long time. I found out that to get the best quality ‘bins’ at the best price I had to do a lot of research and took advice from people in the know. The easiest way to get the best quality and price on bird watching binoculars is to ask someone who has already done it!

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Backyard bird watching is one of the most relaxing and inexpensive hobbies you can persuade along with family and friends. It is fun and at the same time educating as you can learn a great deal about your environment and survival from backyard bird watching.

The Must Have Equipment for Backyard Bird Watching: Birds are very sensitive to sound and presence of humans and therefore you must place yourself as far away as possible in order to watch the bird behave in their original manner and the only way to observe them closely from a distance is through binoculars. Most of us who take backyard bird watching seriously will also keep a journal to record all types of birds you see in and their different behavior as well. It is fascinating to go through the pages of your journal each year and observe some of the same birds returning at almost the exact same time of the year; you will find yourself waiting for them and predicting the time of the year by the types of birds you see in your backyard.

Attract Birds to Your Backyard: There are many ways in which you can attract birds to your backyard so you can observe different types of species and the most common practices are installing a fountain or birdbath where they can find relief from the scorching summer sun or quench their thirst; you can provide a feeding cage where you can place seeds that will attract a wide range of birds year round as they learn of its existence and you can provide some nestling facilities, which birds may adopt as their home and return every winter to it. Backyard bird watching can turn into an adventure everyday if you dedicate time to this hobby. You will find yourself almost recognizing the different types of birds each year without having to look up its description. You will also learn their behavior and habits.

Helpful Tips: When preparing for backyard bird watching, ensure you have plenty of water and some high energy snacks especially when you plan to spend several hours under cover entertaining your hobby. Hats during the summer time and a baseball cap in winter will protect you from the sun and cold respectively. Birds are fascinating creatures to observe and with time you will find yourself planning for bird watching vacations especially if your family enjoys the same backyard bird watching hobby as you do.

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Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard

If you like to watch the playing, fluttering and fanciful nature of birds, watching birds in your own backyard or right outside your window can be a great joy. It’s extraordinary how many different kinds of species you can see. If you think there aren’t very many birds in your yard, there are a few things you can try that will attract them. With bird baths, different bird feeders and a couple of bird houses, you’ll soon have some special visitors.

You’ll find many different bird feeders on the market, and you will find that most of them fall into three different categories. There are hoppers, tray feeders, and tube feeders. Tube bird feeders are cylindrical, with landing places at the holes where the feed comes out. Tube bird feeders are good for various kinds of seed, as long as the opening is big enough for it to fit through. Hopper feeders will attract birds that might be leery of tube and tray feeders. Tray feeders are wonderful for birds that are smaller. If you really don’t care what types of birds visit your backyard, and you would just like to watch and enjoy any bird that shows up, you can purchase a general bird seed. A lot of bird seed can appeal to a number of different varieties of birds, because it’s got a number of seed varieties. If you want a particular kind of bird to come to your backyard, then you want to include a seed or food that appeals to that species.

Bird baths are a great thing to add to your backyard if you want to attract more birds. Birds love wading and splashing in the water, and if it’s kept clean, that’s even better. You can choose from more conventional bird baths, or you could go for something different, like a fountain that’s solar powered. Bird baths with moving water will appeal to wild birds that customarily would not frequent a regular fountain, like humming birds, robins, warblers and thrushes. Birds particularly like moving water, and it easily attracts them. Bird baths also look great as garden accessories. There are those that love bird baths for the fact that they bring the birds very close. This is the perfect chance to take some fantastic photographs, and enjoy the company of the birds.

If you decide to add a birdhouse to your yard, birds could potentially nest in it. Not only will they frequent now and again, but if it’s safe and secure, they might choose it as the place to lay and hatch their eggs. What a delight this would be because you could get a peek at the babies every once in a while, or when it is time for them to start flying. Not only is a birdhouse a place the birds will like, but it is a charming yard decoration too. Naturally, there are a variety of sizes, kinds and shapes of birdhouses, and the one you decide on depends on your particular taste.

Implementing these three things easily can make your backyard a little bit more accommodating for birds. There are a couple of other simple things you can add, like fragrant flowers, and crevices and openings so the birds can hide. If they feel safe in your yard, they will stick around. Happy backyard bird watching!

Author’s Bio

Ms. Ellis has written a number of articles related to bird feeders, bird houses, backyard bird watching and is a leading expert specializing in backyard birding. Please visit 14thebirds.com to read her other highly regarded work on things like various bird feeders, solar bird baths, bird houses and so on.

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Bird watching is the observation of birds.  It may also be known as birding.  A favorite pastime or hobby for many people, according to US Fish and Wildlife Service there are currently 51.3 million birders in the United States alone and this number continues to grow.  Bird watching is a great way to spend time outside and enjoy the natural habitats in which different birds live.  Bird watching entails both your visual and auditory senses.  At times you may hear the bird before you see it.  Bird watching is a great for anyone that loves variety and a challenge while pursuing their hobby.

Tools for the Beginning Bird Watcher

There are definite tools that you will need to get started with your new hobby.  First on your list should be a good reference book or two.  The book should be one in which can easily find the bird that you may be specifically looking for or one that helps you to identify the type of bird that you have seen.  There are many great field guides to choose from to get the perfect book for you.  Check with your local bookstore. The next items on your list are pencils and a pad or journal.  A journal is a wonderful way to record where you have spotted a specific bird as well as keeping notes about the bird’s habitat and activities.   The next essential tool that the beginning bird watcher will need is a pair of binoculars.  The old adage “you get what you pay for” is true with binoculars.  It is important that you choose binoculars that will allow you to clearly see the subtle features of the birds you are looking for.  Most bird watchers choose a 7 or 8 power magnification and a 32 to 42 objective lens.  These numbers will read 8 x 32 and is usually recommended for the beginning birder.  Birders that wear glasses should look for binoculars that have a long eye relief. A long eye relief will provide an unrestricted view.  An 8 x 32 binocular will give a wider view and are easier to hold steady.  There are a number of other pieces of equipment that you can buy, but with these listed here you can easily get started with your new hobby.

Where, oh where are all of the birds?

You have your tools and are ready to get started bird watching.  Where do you start first?  There are a number of great ways to find the right spot to start bird watching the first of which being your backyard.  This helps you to learn to use your references, what you want to document, and getting the feel for using your binoculars.  Besides, the backyard can provide a wide range of birds that are fascinating to watch and identify. Some of the factors that you should consider are the time of year, time of day, and the habitat in which you live.  This helps you to learn what birds live in your area and gives you a starting point. 

Exploring the Bird Watchers World

Once you feel comfortable with the basic tools and observe a few birds you will want to spread your wings.  There is a whole world to explore and groups to join if you so choose.  Resources for groups, trips, vacations and specific species of birds can easily be found by doing a little research.  The Audubon Society is a great place to start.  Visit your local library for current birding magazines. Searching the Internet can also help you to find what you are looking for. 

Bird watching, or birding, is a wonderful hobby for anyone that loves our fine-feathered friends.  By yourself in the backyard or on an exotic vacation, you will always have a wonderful time with this hobby.  The main thing to remember is to have fun!

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Compared to USA and Hawaii, Mexico has more bird species and it has double the amount of bird species found in Canada. One of the best Bird Watching spots in Mexico is the Yucatan Peninsula. You can find 548 various species which includes 11 endemic varieties; during winter one finds even more species because migratory birds go to the warm region. The Yucatan provides great Bird Watching year round because of its subtropical location. Famous birding sites close to the Riviera Maya are:

• Sian Kaan Reserve
• Cozumel Island
• Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
• Botanical Garden Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin
• Coba Ruins
• Punta Laguna

You can visit all these bird watching sites in one day tours from the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is a very good birder destination because it enables the visitor to appreciate its tourist infrastructure and comfy hotels while going out on day trips to specific birding sites. One can also opt to stay in non-urban areas with less comfort yet a lot more birds!
Here is a brief introduction to these six Bird Watching Destinations that can be visited from the Mayan Riviera:

Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an Biosphere is surely well worth a visit by birdwatchers as 345 species of birds can be found in the site. Because of the excellent diversity of aquatic habitats, marine and wading birds are well available. The species found here represent 33% of all species determined for the whole country of Mexico and 67% of those documented for the Yucatan Peninsula. Two-thirds of its species reproduce within the reserve.

Cozumel Island
Only 5 to 10% of this lovely island has been improved which leaves lots of habitats for exotic bird species. Cozumel -which indicates island of swallows – has subtropical forests, mangroves and dune vegetation. 214 Species of birds have been listed of which 71% are residents and 29% are migratory birds. On the list of most typical species we find: herons and egrets, Magnificent Frigate bird, Black and Turkey Vultures, Osprey, American and Brown Pelican, parrots, fishing eagle, sea swallows and tanagers. Special attention endemic species are the Cozumel Thrasher, the Cozumel Vireo, the Cozumel Wren, the Cozumel Great Curassow, that is extremely endangered and the Cozumel Emerald – a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.

Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
One of the most considered bird site for bird watching is Rio Lagartos having a total of 72 migratory and 141 resident species. The reserve protects an area covering around 120,000 acres of protected land, made up of mangrove forest, coastal dune vegetation, low deciduous forest, savannas and hummocks. The reserve is well-known for its significant groups of Greater Flamingoes as the area is an essential nesting site for this species. Birding tours are often done by boat although trials are also available.

Botanical Garden Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin
The 150-acre Yaax Che Jardín Botánico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín is the biggest botanical garden in Mexico. It can be found in Puerto Morelos. A nature walk goes straight through the mangroves for some excellent birding. There are more than 220 species of birds identified here and there is a tree house in the garden which serves as a lookout for even better bird watching experience.

Coba Ruins
The ruins in Coba is well worth a visit in itself; this is the only Mayan ruins dating back to the Classical period in Quintana Roo. The site has temples, pyramids and structures that are built wide apart with a park having immense dimensions, huge forest which is excellent for bird watching. The site was constructed next to a lagoon and therefore yields habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic bird life.

Punta Laguna
Punta Laguna is a little Mayan village whereby roosters and pigs have the right of way and the smoke from women preparing tortillas over an open fire filters through the thatched roofs of their houses. Together with some 4 other villages, Punta Laguna is part of a 5,000 hectare, government-protected nature reserve known as Ma’ax Yetel Kooh. Along with the distinctive subspecies of spider monkey that inhabits the region, the protected area is also home to howler monkeys, pumas, coatis and a huge diversity of birds.

To be accompanied by a local guide who has been trained to identify birds with their English names is the best way to enjoy your birding and natural history experience. This allows you to check out destinations you never would have discovered on your own.

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Are you a curious bird watcher who just loves to solve questions regarding birds & their habitats, to simply watch them, or to enjoy their chirping? If yes, then a Bird watching holiday in India is what you should not miss.

Birding in India can be an exciting experience for nature lovers and bird watchers. From singing cuckoos to dancing peacocks, India has been rich with bird species with sheer dynamics & impressive diversity.

Bird watching tours to Indian Wildlife Sanctuaries & National parks are arranged by the tourist guides & travel experts for better sighting & bird knowledge. The most popular species of birds that can be spotted on Bird watching holidays in India are :

Indian Peafowl – Both male & female breeds of Indian Peafowl have fun shaped crest on their head. The most attractive part of them is the fan or train of feathers extending into a shining blue back. They are one of the most colorful birds. They are generally found all over India, being majorly spotted in Kanha National Park, Ranthambore national park & Sariska Tiger reserve.

Great Indian Bustard – Males are 120 cms long & females are generally 92 cms long. Underparts & neck is white, upperparts brown in color. Having a black clown on its forehead, the bird looks very pretty. Mostly visible in the Lala-Parjau sanctuary in Gujarat and Desert National Park in Rajasthan, can easily be spotted on Bird watching tour to these destinations.

Sarus Crane – The bird has good height of upto 200 cms with a wingspan of eight feet, stands as tall as the man. Has long red legs, head & upper neck red in color, beautiful white crown covered with green skin. It is the world’s tallest flying bird, can be spotted in India at the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Madhav National Park, Bhindawas bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur National Park.

Indian Roller – Also known as Blue Jay, the bird is 13 inches long with a large head & short neck. Crown, lower wings & tail of this bluish bird are green in color. Indian Roller is mostly spotted in India in the Corbett National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kanha National Park, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park.

The amazing atmosphere with the calm greenery will spell you bound with an exciting experience during your Birding in India. If you are simply curious to watch the beautiful rarely seen birds in their natural habitat and love to listen to their melodious songs, then plan a Bird watching tour to India with a travel expert and check out the famous bird sanctuaries of India.

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When you think of Alaska, what are some things that you naturally associate it with? Many people would say glaciers, thousands of miles of wilderness, and lots of snow. While these are not incorrect associations, there is also another Alaskan treasure: birds. Depending on where you go in Alaska, there are many different kinds of beautiful birds. In fact, Alaska has become quite a popular place not just for vacations, but also for Alaskan bird watching.

About Bird Watching in Alaska: There are many different landscapes in Alaska. These landscapes include the beautiful natural habitats of the boreal forests, the tundra, the rainforest, the artic, and the seacoast. Because of the wide variety of habitats in Alaska, there are many different opportunities for Alaskan bird watching. Bird watching in Alaska is at its best during certain times in the year. These times include peak migration times, salmon runs, and the breeding season. It is important to note that breeding and migration season may vary a bit according to the species of bird.

Bird Watching in Alaska for the Sandhill Crane: The Sandhill Crane is a popular bird to look for in Alaska because it is Alaska’s largest game bird. This bird stands about 3 feet tall, and has a wing span of about 6 feet. They are best to watch during mating season, because they have a comical mating dance that has become quite a popular sight amongst bird watchers. The Sandhill Crane can be found most prevalently on the Yukon-Kuskokwin Delta, and also on the coastal areas of northern and western Alaska.

Bird Watching in Alaska for the Great Gray Owl: For those who want to bird watch for a mysterious bird breed, the Great Gray Owl is an excellent choice. In fact, the Great Gray Owl is so reclusive that even many native Alaskans have never seen one. This owl grows to be about 19 inches tall, and has a wing span of about 4 and a half feet. It has been most often seen in Cook Inlet and the Brooks Range.

Where to Find More Information about Bird Watching in Alaska: To find out more information, visit a local library for books about Alaskan bird species. You can also check a local travel agency for information, or look online. With the proper research, not only will you find specific bird breeds that you will enjoy observing, but you will also have planned what is sure to be an excellent bird watching sojourn to Alaska.

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Do you enjoy fresh air? Do you enjoy peaceful moments in the forest? Do you like nature? If you answered yes to a few of these questions why dont’t you try a great hobby like bird watching? You can even travel the world and still enjoy this simple and inexpensive pastime during a vacation.

A special bird watching vacation to try, if you’re a passionate bird watcher, is a world tour visiting some of the world’s great bird watching sites. Even locally in the United States, a lot of states offer bird sanctuaries and aviaries where you can go. Every places is home to countless species of native avian life, and promises a amazing experience. Here are a few of the more prominent international sites you’ll want to visit if you decide to go farther abroad:

South America – the jungles of South America house to thousands of beautiful birds. Bird watching vacation popular spots in South America is the Itatiaia National Park in Brazil, which is home to around 350 variety of species of birds native to the Amazon. The Iguazu National Park is the principal natural reserve in Argentina, with more than 400 types of native birds. Hato Pinero and Hato Cedral ranches in Venezuela, which are especially popular for bird watching, are other great places to visit in South America.

Europe – there are tons of popular spots in Europe for bird watching. There are in fact hundreds of bird watching spots in Britain alone. If you are considering Britain, the annual bird fairs and conventions held in various local districts are some things to look out for. Scotland and Ireland are also popular bird watching places, as they have little lakes and isles around these two countries are home to many different forms of bird life that are unique specifically to these islands.

The Carribean – While normally associated with vacations of a different sort, the Carribean Islands, are actually another great place to visit on a bird watching vacation world trip. In the Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island is the most well-liked place to go for bird watching. Bermuda is another excellent place to visit, as there are seven major natural reserves there sponsored by the Audubon Society. In Jamaica, the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary is popular because the birds there are so tame they sometimes perch on the bird watchers and eat out of their hands.

Asia – if you want to choose far afield, Asia is a fantastic place to go for bird watching vacation as a lot of different live there that have no equivalent counterparts in the west. Japan alone encompasses around 600 species of birds. The Lake Utonai and Tateyama Bird sanctuaries in Japan are the most important wildlife preserves where you can see them. China’s main attraction is not only its original species of birds, but the fact that certain sites like Beidaihe are a migratory centre for far-ranging birds from all across Asia. Another good place to visit for bird watching is Thailand’s Doi inthanon International Park, which boasts 382 resident species. As you can see there exist a lot of places you could indulge yourself in an excellent bird watching vacation. Don’t forget to take your camera and your trusty bird watching binoculars with you!

So as you can see there are a lot of interesting places you can go visit while enjoying this super bird watching hobby. If you don’t feel like travelling there is also your trusty backyard to be discovered. You could be surprised of what you can discover in there.

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Now a day, large numbers of people from all over the world are involving in bird watching. Thousands of bird species are found in all over the world. People usually attract to the birds, as they don’t hurt to anyone, they are colorful, lively and interesting to listen. Over 1200 species of birds are found only in India. This is really an interesting work to do, as this activity doesn’t demand a lot of equipment. For bird watching, you must have only a pair of good binoculars and a field guide that may help you in identify the birds.

First of all try to observe birds in forest. There are two least methods to approach.

1. Whenever see any bird, walk along slowly and quietly, before the bird sense your presence.

2. Second method of watching the bird is to sit and wait patiently in a concealed position for birds to appear.

How to start Bird Watching

First of all it is better to know about the birds. You must have some knowledge about the birds and their species. It will help you during your tour to recognize the birds. It is very difficult to catch the birds as they disappear very quickly whenever they hear any sound around them. There are some tips, which I want to share with you which will help you during your bird watching tour.

The best way to start your bird watching tour with a person who knows better about birds and their species, as he can help you by providing the information about the bird.

If you don’t have any friend or person who is familiar with birds then don’t worry there are many good bookshops having a selection of books, magazines and tapes on bird watching. These can help you out.

If you can explore on net then you can also have lots of information about the birds and their species. Learn to identify common local species using your field guide.

Choosing a Bird Guide

Try to choose a good bird guide, which can provide exact knowledge about the birds. The guide includes information about habitats, maps showing range of different birds. It must also provide the knowledge about the birds that where and when they migrate and what their song or call sounds like. These guides also give information about the various birding sites. Bird guides will be useful to provide the knowledge about the water birds, birds of prey, and perching birds.

Checklist

A list of birds in any one particular area is called a Checklist. This checklist is found in most of the national parks and bird sanctuaries. These checklists tell about the bird species, which is found in that particular area. This is also very helpful resource to know about the birds and their species. Some of the websites on net also provide this type of checklists.

Equipment for Bird Watching

It is better to bring your binoculars with you to watch the birds from very close. Bird watching is not a simple game. Sometimes it is possible that you will walk for a long time and you will not see a single bird. And sometimes, unexpectedly you will see hundreds of birds. You should also put a cassette recorder with you which will be helpful to record the voice of the birds. If you have any pre-recorded cassette of bird voice with you then it may help you to attract the birds.

Clothing during Bird Watching

Whenever you go for Bird Watching, you must wear light in weight and dark in color clothes. Wear a hat of similar color so that your head is not so obvious when looking at a bird. Try to wear long trousers for some protection against thorns, insects, leeches and snakes. Jungle boots are ideal for protection and they can dry quickly after getting wet.

Birding Ethics

Ø      During bird watching, you must be quiet, avoid harassment and don’t disturb the birds.

Ø      You must be little bit of extra careful during the breeding season of the birds as it may disturb them.

Ø      First of all do not handle eggs or young birds in your hand and if you do this don’t do it too long at nests.

Ø      Try to follow all the rules of every national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Ø      Try not to go in large groups for bird watching. If you have a large group then divide larger groups of people into smaller.

Don’t leave any garbage or trash behind you, as if any bird eats it then it may be harmful.

To know more about Bird Watching in India, click Bird Watching in India

Aloha Kauai Rainforest Adventure – CLICK HERE!

Technorati Tags: bird, of, Techniques, watching

The Joy Of Watching The Birds.

For me,  the greatest joy of the spring and summer  seasons, are the visiting birds. Even though their visit is short, I enjoy the warm breezes carrying the voices of song birds, within it’s soft caress.   Strolling  within a wooded area, trying to identify  birds, as each sings its merry tune.  Hearing those of regular migratory birds thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers  and some sounds that are unfamiliar.  However until I do find out what kind they are, my imagination paints the feathers in beautiful bright colors.   It is a treat to be witness to nature in such an delightful way, better than listening to  any piped music, winter is the time for that, when trees stand bare or with pine needles covered in quite snow, the  hardy residents of squirrels, crows, ravens, magpies nuthatches, chickadees and others, busy and hiding within their branches.

Summer though is so different, a world of color, song and abundant load highway traffic.  With the Robins the first to arrive and the first who’s eggs crack open in spring, by the end of May little chicks are out of the nest scratching in the mud for food.  By June the young of many bird spices, are hopping around in the tall grasses and shrubs at ground level feeding on seeds and wee beasties.  It does my heart good to savor  the  mixed buzz of insects, butterflies flitting around flowers, as well as the many styles of brown sparrow, and may be a kind of black bird.

So as the “weeds” grow in my garden, they are enjoyed by the birds who visit to dine on the smorgasbord, of treats that are also attracted to the unkempt yard.  Gazing at this from my deck brings me to the conclusion not to mow.

Technorati Tags: birds, Migratory birds

 Bird Spring Migration

The return of spring herolds the return of the migrating bird, this miagration is a time of peculiar advantage to the bird-lover. It seems good to welcome back our friends, and this return give a special smile of pleasure. This feeling is the more enhanced because of the scarcity of birds during the winter.

There is, too, a certain delight in being with in a  wooded area  at the time when Nature is awakening, when the sun beams warm again, causing the spring aroma to arise from the fruitful earth and the early flowers modestly to open to our view. It might seem as though there were beauty enough to call people forth from their shells of sedentary employment even apart from the birds. Yet these will furnish an immediate motive without which many a ramble would be lost or postponed.

It is a fascinating no less than a healthful pursuit to "keep tab" on the arrival of the spring birds. As though realizing that it is important to make a good impression, they come arrayed in their very best garments, all of these new, and some a wedding outfit.

Everything considered, the birds are remarkably regular in their return each spring according to calendar. Each species has a certain normal time of arrival, and in most years the dates will not vary much. It seems wonderful that, with only instinct to guide, they can sense the time as nearly as they do. There is, however, some variation, depending upon the weather. Unseasonable warmth will bring the birds on prematurely, and continued cold will keep them back, or at least the majority of them. Yet even then there are often individuals in whom the instinct is so strong that they brave cold and storm and come on time. The problem of the origin and cause of migration still remains shrouded in mystery, which adds all the more interest to observation of it. It will be largely through gathering of data by many observers everywhere that we can hope to come to a better understanding of it.

The watching of the migration will give special pleasure if several observers in a locality work together. It is really very exciting to try to be the first to record the arrival of the various species. One has a sense of achievement in being the first to see and report the new appearance, especially if it is some very early or unusual one.

In the case of those who expect to go afield at this time with considerable frequency and regularity, I suggest that they write to the Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, and secure data-blanks for recording migration. There is a column on the left where the names of species arc to be put down in the order in which they are seen. In other spaces opposite can be given the dates when first seen, when at greatest abundance, and, in the case of those proceeding further, when last noted. This will not only furnish neat and convenient stationery for one’s own records, but the copy returned to the Department at the end of the season will be a real contribution to science.

Quite a number of our hardier familiar land-birds winter in the Southern States and return to their familiar nesting-haunts comparatively early in the spring. Of some of these a few individuals are occasionally seen in Northern States in winter. Such species are the robin, bluebird, song sparrow, red-winged and crow blackbirds, meadowlark, kingfisher, cedar-bird, purple finch, woodcock, and various others. But the great majority pass on to Central or South America. On the return migration in spring, some come by the all-land route, through Mexico and Texas, but more of those that reach the eastern districts prefer to fly across the Gulf of Mexico. Of these, some take the easier route through Cuba or other islands of the West Indies to southern Florida. This route affords convenient resting-places to break the long journey.

Birdwatching and Spring Bird Migrations : Singaporeblawg.com

Once, I was on an early morning spring migration bird walk in western Pennsylvania. The area was an ideal mix of open fields, nearby streams, ponds and forested woodlands. The weather was damp and foggy. 

Shook Foil: Spring Bird Migration

Spring Bird Migration. Check out this map of migrating birds. I guess radar reflects birds and clouds within a 30 mile radius, so the dots represent birds within a locality of a radar station. This is large scale Spring migration. 

The Wings of Spring

One of the tell-tale signs of spring’s approach is the reappearance of numerous bird species that have returned from their winter homes. Perhaps you have noticed an increase in bird song filling the air.

Alaska Bird Observatory » Arctic Warbler Spring 2009

Raven was concerned about this… The above is an excerpt of an article in the Spring 2009 Arctic Warbler written by ABO Education Coordinator Tricia Blake. ABO Logo, Alaska Bird Observatory, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Doing Some Bird Watching During Spring Migration

Doing Some Bird Watching During Spring Migration – Free articles – Get quality free articles for your web site or submit articles to promote them.   

Bird migration & climate change

If you’re interested in more information, on either bird migration or climate change, the Library has resources for you! Search the Library Catalog to find titles such as Birds of two worlds: the ecology and evolution of migration

Author: Liza Othman

More information about studying birds http://StudyBirds.FunHowToBooks.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liza_Othman

Technorati Tags: bird migration, bird spring migration, birds in spring, Migrating Birds, migration birds, spring birds in a tree

Taking A Bird Watching Vacation

Bird watching has quickly become one of the most popular hobbies in the World. What at one time was just a backyard interest has now grown into extensive bird watching vacations. When looking for a bird watching vacation, you can choose from one as simple as a weekend getaway or you can elect to go on one as long as a 14-day extravaganza full of rare and interesting birds to watch.

There are more than 1000 different species of birds in the United States alone, all of which are unique in their own way. Each species of bird has their own call pattern, sound, shape, and even a different beak. As a bird watcher, you may only have about a half a second to identify a bird by seeing how it moves through the trees, or by the shape of its wings. For the amateur bird watcher, it can be frustrating out there alone, not knowing what to look for, or what type of bird you have found. That is why a bird watching vacation can be quite an adventure for you, as well as a time for you to learn a hobby that you may soon fall in love with. Usually bird watching vacations are guided tours with a large group of people who enjoy helping others discover the love of bird watching.

Where to Go On a Bird Watching Vacation

The possibilities are endless when deciding where to go on a bird watching vacation. Here are just a few choices that have been rated some of the best bird watching vacation spots in the World. Costa Rica has often been considered the Mecca of bird watching. With such exquisite locations as the reserve of Bosque de Paz and the La Ensenada refuge, Costa Rica is one of the most popular bird watching vacation spots to be found.

South Africa frequently offers bird watching vacations to Kruger Park, Pretoria, Hluhuwe Game Reserve, and everywhere in between. Birders can experience a great variety of local birds, migrants, and endemic birds that make up the almost 850 species that can be found in this stunning location.

During a winter bird watching vacation, you may want to find yourself on the sandy beaches of The Grand Bahama Island. Grand Bahama Island has the distinction of being the 2nd most bird-populated island in the Bahamas. The Rand Nature Centre is home to West Indian Flamingos, Red-legged Thrushes, the endangered Bahama parrot, as well as numerous other species of birds. While kayaking in the crystal clear water you will have the chance to see rare birds that live in the Mangrove swamps, and the Caribbean Pine Forest.

Opportunities are plenty on any of these bird watching vacations. It is up to you to choose the one that takes you both to a beautiful location and one that will thrill the bird enthusiast within you.

By: John Wollitz -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Brought to you as a courtesy of Bird Houses and More, found at The Garden Decor Store.

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 Tree Conservation

Trees are not just a key to the natural ecosystem, they are an essential part of our life experience.  For most birds too, from majestic individual trees that have historic significance or that are simply beautiful, to a quiet grove of greenery we seek for solitude, trees enrich our life experience simply by just being there. Trees are the longest-lived and largest plant form on Earth and throughout recorded history trees have been acknowledged as symbols of power, wisdom, fertility and life.

Trees are also symbols of immortality, being able to live to considerable age. Pando, a Trembling Aspen located in Utah, USA is considered the world’s oldest living tree. Pando is estimated to be over 800,000 years old. Pando is a clonal colony of a single male Quaking Aspen. This massive tree’s root system covers 107 acres and is estimated to weigh in excess of 6,000 tons which makes it the heaviest known living organism in the world.

Throughout the world many different species of trees live amazingly long lives.  The verified oldest measured ages are:

Norway Spruce (Picea abies) 9,550 years
Baobab (Digitata Adansonia) 6,600 years
Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) 4,844 years
Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) 3,622 years
Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) 3,266 years
Huon-Pine (Largarostrobos franklinii) 2,500 years
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata) 2,435 years

Because of their potential for longevity, trees are frequently planted as living memorials. We become attached to trees that we or those we love have planted and tended.

Trees add beauty and grace to any locale. Blossoms in the spring, verdant summer foliage and breath-taking colors in the fall; trees mark the seasons as they enhance the beauty of world. They make life more pleasurable, peaceful and relaxing. The majesty, endurance and strength of trees imparts a cathedral-like quality as they help us to experience a primal connection with the earth and our most deeply held cultural and spiritual values.

The tree has always been a cultural symbol. The tree is often used to represent nature or the environment itself. In South America, a tribe of Indians hold the belief that the trees of the forest hold up the sky. According to ancient tribal legends, the downfall of the trees will precipitate the destruction of Mother Earth.

Since ancient times, cultures around the world have honored trees with reverence and respect. Cultures in Australia and Asia regard the trees as mythical ancestors. Trees were often worshiped as the living embodiment of their gods and were believed to have holy medicinal applications and miraculous healing qualities for the body, mind and spirit.

The Druids of Europe were particularly influenced by trees and believed that trees possessed great mysterious powers. The Ancient Greeks are also known to have had a highly developed respect for the nobility and power of trees. Painting and pottery from the period display images of gratification and reverence. The Greek culture held the Bay Tree in especially high esteem as the tree was dedicated to their God Apollo and his young son Aesculapius and was held in sacred honor. Aesculapius was the God of Medicine and thus the Bay Tree was believed to have healing power and was used in many medical potions.

Built in the mid-12th century as a tribute to the Mother of the King, Ta Prohm Temple in southern Cambodia is the undisputed capital of the Kingdom of the Trees. The mystical and enchanting jungle temple’s beauty is explored with delight and left with deep regret. It remains virtually untouched by archaeologists except for the clearing of a narrow pathway for visitors. Because of its natural and pristine state, one can experience the wonder and joy of the early explorers when they discovered these amazing ancient monuments in the middle of the nineteenth century.

Wreathed in silvery mist and shrouded by dense jungle, the temple of Ta Prohm is ethereal in every aspect and conjures up a romantic mysterious aura. Banyan, kapok and fig trees spread their gigantic sprawling roots over giant stones, probing walls and tearing terraces apart as their branches and leaves intertwine to form a lush sheltering canopy over the structures. Trunks of these noble trees twist amongst stone pillars and over cobbled walls. The strange, haunting charm of the temple trees entwines itself about you as you go, as inescapably as the roots have wound themselves about the walls and towers. When visiting the awe-inspiring Kingdom of the Trees one quickly becomes aware of how powerfully present and fully alive trees are and one can not escape the all-encompassing connection trees provide in the intricate and fragile web of existence.

More than 8,000 tree species, 10 percent of the world’s total, are threatened with extinction. Destruction of forests and woodlands and unsustainable logging of valuable timbers stands are causing the devastation of many important species. Clearing and burning of our forests leads to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to global warming.

It saddens the soul to realize that the majority of the citizens of the Earth are so accustomed to seeing trees that they take them for granted, forgetting that these noble entities are fundamental to our very existence. Trees act as the living lungs of the planet, sequestering carbon dioxide and returning to us precious, life-giving oxygen.

Trees have numerous aesthetic and economic benefits beyond their important role in carbon sequestration and oxygen production. Trees offer shelter, filter water, cleanse the air of pollution, moderate the climate, help prevent soil erosion as well as providing wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and a plethora of items we use daily. We rely on trees for paper products, building materials, fuel, food, medicine and more.

Benefits of Tree Planting

We all desire abundant forests for our children and grandchildren. Trees maintain sustainable soils and control erosion. By retaining soil in place with their root mass, deflecting wind-driven rain with their canopies and contributing nutrients with their leaves, trees are crucial to sustaining and improving the earth’s ecosystem.

Trees cleanse our air and water. From auto and factory emissions and ozone in industrialized areas to fertilizer and pesticide runoff from rural farms, trees absorb toxic pollutants as they recharge ground water and sustain stream flow. Trees also combat global warming. As trees grow they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the major contributor to global warming.

We depend on trees for their nutritional bounty. Fruit and nutmeats are a staple of diets around the world. A fruit tree can live for more than forty years and produce more than 10,000 pounds of fruit. A tree truly gives life. Apples are one of the most popular fruit tree choices and a mature apple tree can produce up to 500 apples in a season. Consider planting pear, plum, cherry, apricot, orange, lime, lemon or banana trees. Research what will grow well in your local area. Plant and enjoy an organic harvest grown in harmony with nature. Nothing tastes sweeter!

Trees are used world-wide as landscape amenities to soften the harsh outline of buildings, create green spaces in communities, provide privacy, screen unsightly views and dampen noise pollution as well as beautify the property. Shrubs and trees, properly planted and tended on a residential or commercial lot can significantly increase real estate value. Mature, healthy trees add an average of 20 per cent to a property’s value.

Planting trees saves energy. Trees planted strategically around our homes will decrease cooling costs in summer and provide a windbreak against the cold winds of winter, thus saving on heating expenses. Depending on species and maturity, the cooling shade of trees can reduce home energy consumption by up to 20 percent. Air temperature in the vicinity of trees is cooler than that away from trees. The larger the tree, the greater the cooling effect. Tree planting in urban areas moderates the heat-island effect caused by concrete paving and heat absorbing buildings.

Planting trees feels good! It is immensely satisfying to plant a tree; you are happy in the knowledge that this gift to the earth will bring joy, shelter and sustenance to our children, grandchildren and countless future generations.

Environmental Stewardship

Problems caused by massive and increasing levels of deforestation worldwide has raised awareness of environmental issues and the crucial role forests play. Climate change is the largest environmental issue the world faces this century. People of all ages throughout the world agree that we must act. However sometimes the task seems overwhelming, the challenge too global for any one person to make a difference. Wrong! Every individual act has rewards and consequences.

Celebrate Life! Plant A Tree!

Plant trees in your yard, volunteer with civic and community tree restoration efforts and contribute to non-profit organizations implementing reforestation.

Consider green gifting. Are you looking for the perfect gift for a birthday, wedding, anniversary celebrations or any milestone occasion? Are you looking for a meaningful way to mark the birth of your child or grandchild? Would you like a special way to memorialize a loved one who has passed away, a unique way to honor a veteran? Giving the gift of a celebration or memorial tree is a unique gift that will last a lifetime.

There is strength in numbers. Together we can make a difference. Take action by living a green lifestyle to reduce your carbon output, educate children about protecting the planet we all share and be part of the solution simply by planting more trees.

Advanced Fundamentals of Tree Conservation on Development

Georgia Urban Forest Council presents Advanced Fundamentals of Tree Conservation on Development Sites — Wednesday, April 08, 2009 — Savannah, GA.  

Papua New Guinea Establishes First Ever Conservation Area, Tree 

Tags: biodiversity, Conservation, conservation area, conservation international, deforestation, development, endangered species, environment, global climate, iucn, Papua New Guinea, Saruwaged Mountains, tree kangaroos, woodland park zoo.

Effects of climate change in Missouri take root

We need to act now to stem the causes, minimize its severity and take science-based conservation action to help species and habitats weather the changes we can’t avoid." The Arbor Day Foundation suggests planting a tree to help counter

Successful water conservation & tree planting 

In an article in The Hindu, Febr. 12, 2009 about a visit to Kongathiraiyanpatti village (40 km from Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu, India), MJ Prabu reports on how water conservation along with tree planting helped farmers rebuild their lives.

Forest conservation: Growing money from trees – ClimateChangeCorp.com

The UN-backed proposal does not enjoy a monopoly on market-based forest conservation, however. Market-based schemes to save the world’s trees are proliferating. Under the UN’s existing Clean Development Mechanism.

Author: Marlene Affeld

Nandu Green is a lifestyle portal, offering high-quality, unique, intriguing and innovative merchandise from around the globe.

Marlene Affeld’s passion for the environment and all things natural inspire her to write informative and insightful articles to assist others in living a Green Lifestyle. For more Green Living info from Marlene visit Nandu Green at http://nandugreen.com/index.php/Green-Lifestyle/Sustainability.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marlene_Affeld

Technorati Tags: save the rainforest, Save Trees, tree conservation, tree planting

 Bird Photography

 Bird photography can happen anywhere on our beautiful globe. The not so nice thing is that birds are small or shy, and you need to be able to get close enough with your equipment. In this article, we will be looking at the ideal equipment for bird photography. 

This lovely picture by Heather Green

Camera body

We live in the world of digital photography, and therefore we will only be discussing digital camera bodies. I am also a really big Canon fan, so I will talk Canon, and you can translate it to other manufacturers if you need to.

You will need a decent camera body that allows you to set continuous focus while shooting images in the raw image quality. The cheapest body allowing you to do this is the Canon EOS 20D. However, it is not really cheap. The reason for it being not too affordable is that it is actually a very good all-round camera body for the serious amateur or professional. You cannot go wrong with this body…

Lenses

A lot of amateurs think that a really decent long zoom lens will solve all their problems. I have been there guys, and it does not. Do what the professionals do and get that long prime lens.

I used the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM for a long time, and my results were decent but not good enough. It is not the sharpest lens. If you need to use a zoom rather stick with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. It is pin sharp.

I now use the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM and it is the best thing that could have happened to my photography. It is very sharp and very fast at the same time. A bit heavy at times, but I need the exercise! With this lens I mostly use a Canon Extender 1.4x II for an effective focal length of 1 120 mm with auto focus! That is plenty for any bird, and I cannot imagine getting a lot of good bird photographs with anything shorter.

By the way, do not use manual focus. Today’s cameras were not built for manual focus as the viewfinders are small and do not allow you to see enough detail to manual focus effectively.

Photographing flying birds

Okay, now you have all the equipment and you are heading into the field to get that award winning photograph of a flying bird. You have to have enough light entering your lens for a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the action. You also want your camera to focus where the bird is in that split second you are going to give it before firing away. So what do you do…?

Set you camera to an ISO speed of 400. In sunshine this ought to be fast enough. The reason for not using ISO 100 or 200 is that you are photographing action and you do not want anything to blur.

You must also make sure your lens is open at its maximum aperture. A Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM lens coupled with a Canon Extender 1.4x II gives a maximum aperture of 5.6, and this is what I use when photographing flying birds.

Also ensure your camera is set to continuous autofocus. Canon calls this setting AI Servo focus. This is crucial and the main reason why I am not a fan of camera bodies like the Canon EOS 350D. They do not allow you to use this focus with raw images… Thanks Canon!

I also set my image stabilizer to Mode 2 for photographing moving subjects, to avoid it actually working against that sharp photo rather than for it…

Now all that is left is moving that heavy lens around while the birds are flying past. Happy shooting!

Conclusion

We professionals have a way of sometime making it sound like you do not need good equipment to be a good photographer. That is utter non-sense. Get yourself decent equipment and you will see why the pros get the shot and you don’t.

The other thing that makes the professionals so much better than the average amateur is patience. Go and sit somewhere where there are birds, forcing yourself not to move for three hours, and you will get the magic shots. Your patience will be rewarded.

What Type of Photography Do You Do?

I belong to Nikonians and they ask the same stupid question. My photography interest is so varied that I cannot pigeon hole myself into any category. I have shot landscapes, architecture, birds, animals, macro’s, flowers, still life.

camara for birding? in need of advice

i do not know anything about bird photograghy, i usually use a compact digital camara for taking everyday pictures, which are usually not of birds. i would like to buy a camara and a good lens to use without tripoid.

Treading on Moss: Frosty Fog

Who can resist a foggy morning in the garden. Add on top of that, frost, and you get MAGIC. Ever fef ything is traced in white. Hoar-Frost. Posted by Mon Cheri at 10:37 AM. Labels: Garden Photograghy … David Copperfield – Dickens; Wives and Daughters – Elizabeth Gaskel; To Kill A Mocking Bird – Harper Lee; At The Back Of The North Wind – George MacDonald; Ben Hur -Lew Wallace; Freckles – Gene Stratton-Porter; Perelandra -C.S.Lewis; The Lively Lady – Kenneth Roberts

Help – Wildlife and Environment Forums

I am an absolute beginner in the photograghy stakes but am keen to learn as much as possible, I would like to take photos of birds and animals and wildflowers, can anyone recommend a good starter camera which will be easy to use.

About The Author

Dries Cronje is a freelance nature photographer operating in Southern Africa. He has a passion for teaching and has dedicated one of his sites, http://www.africa-nature-photography.com, purely to helping his fellow nature photographers.

Technorati Tags: bird photographs, Bird Photography, birds photography, wild bird photography

Bird Baths Online

The history of bird baths remains largely unknown, but it is rumored they were invented in Greece many years ago. Regardless of where they came from, it is fact that they have become an essential structure of backyards all across the world. This is one of the great things about them: almost anyone can have one. If you have been thinking about purchasing one, but don’t know where to start, the process is actually very easy.

Birdbaths What You Need to Know

Unlike feeders, bird baths can bring all types of birds up close and personal. This is because many birds are not seed-eaters, so they are not drawn to bird feeders. All birds however, need a safe haven to clean themselves, drink, and socialize with other birds. This is where the bath comes in! Offering fresh, clean water to birds is the number one method you can use to bring them into your yard. Beyond that, here are a few other necessities that will bring birds over.

• Shallow Water. The water can’t be too deep in a bird bath. In fact, you don’t want it to be any deeper than three inches in the center, and it should be shallower at the edges. Just like people, birds prefer to ease their way into the water!
• Moving Water. Birds are in awe of gurgles, splashes, and drips. To attract many different types of birds, it should have some type of a drip or gurgle to entice them to stay awhile. This isn’t necessary, as it isn’t a safety issue, but if you’re purchasing a new one, consider one that comes with a mechanism to move the water around. You can also run a hose that trickles into the bird bath, or purchase a separate fountain designed for styles.

• Bumpy Bottoms. If it has a smooth, slippery bottom, birds will be unlikely to hang around. They do not like losing their footing any better than you do! If your birdbath has a slick bottom, just pick up a few nonskid stickers. You can apply them to the bottom to give your birds a bit more stability.
• Placement is Essential. Your birdbath should be placed in an area of your yard that is away from shrubbery, so cats can’t lie in wait. Also, if you have a spot with branches from a tree hanging down, putting the  bath there will give your birds a place to jump to. They will love this, and these branches offer a quick-escape route should they need one.

What Type of Bird Bath is Best?

There are several different types of birdbaths on the market today, so you are sure to find at least one that you love. With that in mind, there really is not a ‘better’ type of bird bath. Think about your likes, your yard, and what appeals to you. Some of the types of birdbaths to consider are:

• Pedestal Birdbath. A pedestal bath is the most common type on the market today. They’re also thought of the most traditional of all baths.  These baths have the bath raised on a pedestal, and the designs vary from the most modest to the most elaborate. Another plus is that they are available in all shapes and sizes.
• Heated Bird Bath,  are ones that ensures the water in the bath never freezes. If you live in a climate that is mild all year, you probably don’t need to consider purchasing a heated one. On the other hand, if you live in a locale that has cold winters, you will be doing your birds a favor by furnishing them with water they can use twelve months of the year.
• Fountain Bird Bath. As mentioned earlier, birds are drawn to the sound of moving water.  These are especially appealing because of the relaxing sound they enhance your yard with. Also, it is so much fun to watch birds play in the running water. They can be powered by electricity or by the sun as explained below.
• Solar heated Bird bath. Accomplish the same goal as the fountain bird baths do, except that instead of being powered by electricity, the solar heated ones are powered by the sun. These are a terrific way to give your birds a fun place to splash and bathe, in colder weather with no electricity.

Care and Maintenance of Birdbaths

While a bird bath requires regular care and maintenance, it is fairly simple to keep your them in top condition. Depending on the type you own, it might be as simple as washing and refilling the it on a regular basis. Some types, i.e. concrete, have the tendency to become mossy, which means slippery surfaces for little bird feet. These will require regular scrubbing to remove the moss. Also, fresh water is critical to birds’ health, so keeping up on it is essential.

In conclusion, bird baths are an amazing way to bring the natural and breathtaking beauty of birds to your yard. With so many models and types available today, there is sure to be one that will match your likes and your yard perfectly.

Solar Powered Bird Baths Attract Wild Birds Throughout The Year

If you want to attract wild birds to your garden all through the year you should use a solar bird bath Birds will be attracted to water in your garden as much as the food you provide, not only to drink but also to bathe.

Bird Baths Make Great Garden Water Features | Backyard Gardening Tips

Feeders bird baths are not only a great way of attracting wild birds and enjoying nature, they also enhance the beauty your landscape by adding one

Bird Gardens – Wildlife Gardening for Birds and Other Ways to Help …

Putting seed in your yard will attract only seed-eating birds, but most birds are attracted to bird baths. Birds drink and bathe in shallow water, sometimes more than once a day. For the thrill of seeing a baby robin taking its first 

Garden Muse: For the birds … no really!

I too have caught the bird bug…I have added in some bird baths, a few feeders and am workin on the houses. I initially started this for Kiki’s entertainment. The birds haven’t shown up to the feeders, but they are all in the yard.

Bird Bath Ice Melter Keeps Feathered Friends Happy

Not all birds go south for the winter, and you can keep them coming to your yard with a bird feeder and a . But, wait, if your bird bath is covered with snow and ice, it won’t make a very appealing jacuzzi for your feathered

Add a Fountain Bird Bath to Your Garden and Attract More Backyard 

Add a Fountain Bird Bath to Your Garden and Attract More Backyard Birds – Free Reprint Article Written By Lee Dobbins.  

Considerations When Choosing a Bird Bath

When clean, fresh water is hard to find the wild birds will love to come to a garden birdbath to bath and drink. Fledglings will often be brought to a bird bath by their parents and you can watch in delight as the baby birds

Tips For Backyard Bird Baths | The Garden Site

A bird bath is one of the easiest ways to attract birds to your garden. Not only will you attract greater numbers of birds if you install a garden bird bath, you’ll also attract a greater variety of species.

Dirty water

It’s complete with a springboard and towel rails, while at the other end of the scale are the concrete bird-baths containing more swamp life than water. A quick swish with a hose is all it takes people, is that too much to ask?

Author: Becca Reese

Technorati Tags: bird baths online, copper, pedestal, solar heated bird bath

BIRDS SONGS

 Bird songs whilst walking in any slightly wooded area, even a street with a few trees lining it, there will be bird song, they are often quite loud during the morning hours, but unless you have a trained ear you may not recognize the which kind sings what song. birders know that the fitter the bird the better quality of the song, birds songs are the speech of avians, and all animals in ear shot can understand what a bird is trying to say simply through the pitch of its song.  Humans need to train our selves in order to have the ability to understand birds.

Training our ears to hear all bird that surrounds us hearing  more birds we see is a given. Some birds prefer to be high upon a tree’s top, and we may never see them, but we will certainly hear them by listening carefully.  As our hearing becomes more acute, we can learn to distinguish that birds sound differently when they are in danger, when they become alarmed, or when something happens that is out of the ordinary. For the attentive birder, taking heed of these alarm callers can save us from danger as well.

Birds use these alarm calls to warn other birds of predators, the domestic chicken has distinct alarm calls for aerial and ground predators. Individual birds also seem to be able to identify each other through their calls, mothers and chicks, partners or members of a flock.

Many birds have unique songs that they sing under special circumstances such as in flight, aggression, dawn and at nightfall. studies show that brighter bird species had more parasites, as did those that sang more musically complex songs. In another study, researchers discovered that the type of bug immunity had an influence on birdsong the number of song bouts was higher in birds with better general immunity that, and the length of the bouts greater in birds with better antibody immunity.

Many bird songs play an important role in the mating ritual,
lots of birds engage in duet calls, where the Male’s call is answered antiphonally by the female in a call and response, but the significance of this is unclear. Some birdsong, like those of starlings and mockingbirds, creatively incorporate arbitrary musical bits learned during their individual lifetime. In most species though the basic song is the same for all members of the species, young birds learn some details of their songs from their fathers, which get passed
down through generations.

Mnemonics, or the practice of using words to remember phrases in bird songs, helps greatly in getting use to the different bird songs, some birds that say their own names, like the Carolina Chickadee, who says "chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee," the Eastern Phoebe with its phoebe call, the bob-white and the Eastern Wood Pewee, who cries out "pee-a-wee."  Night the Whippoorwill and the Chuck Will’s Widow calling out their names too near water or in fields, another bird announces it’s presence with shrill cries of "killdeer! killdeer!" saying it’s name quite distinctly.

There are other birds don’t call out with their names, but have song birds that sound remarkably like phrases in English, Miss B.Potter emulated this many times in her stories, do you remember "little bit of bread and no cheese?" In grasslands, you’ll hear and
recognize the Eastern Meadowlark’s "spring-of-the-year".  Many Woodland birds who ‘speak English’, include the Tufted Titmouse, calling to "peter-peter-peter," the meowing Gray Catbird, the Eastern Towhee telling everyone to "Drink your tea!" and the Carolina Wren, singing it’s loudly with "teakettle, teakettle, teakettle".

Flycatchers are another thing they all look similar to each other. The best way to distinguish one from another is by the song. The Great-crested Flycatcher says, "Wheep!", the Arcadian says "pizza, pizza," the Alder cries "Fitzbuh," and the Olive-sided begs, "Quick! Three beers."

Owl calls are easy to learn. The typical hooting call belongs to the Great Horned Owl. The Eastern Screech Owl whinnies like a horse, and the Barred Owl continually questions, ‘Who cooks for you? Who cooks
for you-all?’

If at all possible it is a grand thing to be able to observe the song birds behavior whilst they sing, they will do this whilst lining up for there turn at the bird feeder, some birds wait turns within their species (Chick-a-Dee’s) and communicated whilst doing so. American Robins appeared particularly congenial to one another, chattering back and forth, attending this fine buffet and social occasion.

Birds are wondrous creatures enjoying them every where, now if you have trouble hearing these wonderous songs perhaps you could invest in a nifty song bird hearing aid, they bring nature so close.

 More Birding by Ear Eastern and Central North America A Guide

 Just as the original BIRDING BY EAR audio introduces listeners to a unique method of learning and remembering bird songs, MORE BIRDING BY EAR employs these proven techniques for ninety-six.

Teachers: California Academy of Sciences

As far as season of the year, the greatest shear amount of bird song may be heard in the spring, when males of many species defend territories and/or try to attract mates. 

Downloading Bird song onto MP3 player – BirdForum

Downloading Bird song onto MP3 player Computers, Birding Software And The Internet.   

Developing a new Bird Song identification device 

So we thought we might be able to develop and build a cheap and portable bird-identification device (by processing the bird-songs) for bird-watchers and hopefully.

Technorati Tags: bird, go find bird song Id, identification, song bird hearing aids, songs

Bird Watching At Home

Bird Feeders quite  successfully attract birds to you, just about were ever you may hang them.  They bring birds equally well hanging on a balcony as they do hanging in a garden, there are many types of bird feeders specially adapted for a specific purpose, there is also the homemade bird feeder that will work equally well.

Suet Bird feeders are used for bringing woodpeckers, also they are considered winter feeders, bringing a little fat building for these tiny avians in the colder months.

Squirrel proof bird feeders like there name suggests, are designed to keep the cute critters from eating all the bird seed and scaring the birds away not forgetting those crafty raccoons some bird feeders need to be raccoon proof too.  Now no squirrel proof bird feeder is one hundred percent infallible, sometimes those little squirrels can interupt your bird watching taking over the feeder.

Window bird feeders are an excellent way of getting a close up view of our feathered friends, as they will be right up in front of your nose.  I recommend hanging a Sheer between you and the window, to avoid startling the flighty fellows.

Hummingbird feeders are specially designed for the narrow beaked nectar drinking birds, quite different that a seed holding feeder.  humming birds will be attracted to  the feeders in the summertime, depending on where you live as some areas do not allow bird feeders to be hung in the summer as they can attract more than birds.

There are other ways to bring the birds to you, bird houses are often a good enticement hung in a good spot, you can get to watch them hoping in and out of the bird house feeding their young.  A passing flocks of birds may stop at a bird bath to bath, or feast on the seeds falling from plants and grasses in your garden, what ever attractants you chose to use to bring the birds to the yard there will be many hours of enjoyment.

Old Holborn: The bird feeder

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed. Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible

A DC Birding Blog: Salmonella and Bird Food

Cleaning feeders is something that ought to be done on a regular basis regardless of known disease outbreaks. Bird chick has been asking bird food companies whether any of their products .

Feathered Friends: A Busy Day at the Bird Feeder

our bird feeder. It was a very busy destination and everyone was moving very quickly for they might have sensed an impending snow storm. Among the visitors were the cardinals and bluejays,

Technorati Tags: homemade bird feeders, Humming Bird Feeders, window bird feeders

Wild Bird Feeder Habitate In The Backyard

Bird feeders can transform your backyard into a natural habitat for birds. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, or simply want to invite nature a little closer to your home, birdfeeders put down the welcome mat for our avian friends.

 Ground feeders are flat and open, have a screened bottom, and rest off the ground and should be situated ten feet from nearby trees or bushes so that birds can fly away from any predators. Ground feeders can be made squirrel proof by utilizing wire mesh over the bird feeder.

Squirrel Proof Bird feeders come in a few designs that are helpful for keeping the squirrels out of them, no squirrel proof feeder is 100% but the droll yankee comes close.

Window Bird feeders are designed to stick right on the window or window ledge or to hang right in front of it, giving the occupants the perfect up close view of the avian visitors.

Humming Bird feeders are designed to be filled with a form of nectar that attracts them these also come in window style for that up close view, some humming bird feeders can be adapted with bigger holes for woodpeckers if you wish to attract them. be careful to avoid using red food coloring and honey. In addition, you should change the solution in the humming bird feeder weekly, or more often in hot weather.

Tube birdfeeders are cylindrical in shape and typically have openings that allow birds to access the seeds. They should be hung off the ground and, for maximum enjoyment, near a window so that family members can witness the wild birds that come to visit.

Suet and hopper bird feeders are typically shaped like houses. A suet bird feeder, made for wild birds that peck at the seed mixed into the suet, is usually hung, while a hopper bird feeder can either be hung or placed on a post for easy access by wild birds. A hopper bird feeder contains a large quantity of seed, which is released when the wild bird steps on the feeder trigger. Hopper birdfeeders attract both small and large birds, including the cardinal.

Thistle bird feeders are designed with very small holes, allowing only small-beaked finches to access the food. Thistle birdfeeders should be hung, and can be made squirrel proof.

It is certainly possible to make your own bird feeders, but there are several great birdfeeders available on the market, including those made by Droll Yankee, Opus, Woodlink, and Duncraft.

To get the most out of your bird watching experience, the Audubon Society suggests that you utilize several different types of bird feeders and that you place them at various heights and locations. In this way, you will attract a wide variety of wild birds. In addition, be sure that your efforts to create a backyard habitat don’t harm the birds you are trying to attract. Keep birdfeeders three feet away from windows to avoid collisions, and make sure to keep your cat indoors.

About The Author Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. To learn more about subjects like bird feeder please visit the web site at: http://www.wildbirdz.com.

Fat Balls Attract Birds To The Garden
Fat Balls Attract Birds To The Garden. In the last week we have had a couple of fat balls hanging in the garden near to the kitchen window so that we can see which birds are attracted to the fatballs. We have seen.

Oriole Bird Feeders – Attracting Orioles with an Oriole Feeder
In the Midwest the most common birds are Northern (Baltimore) Orioles and Orchard Orioles. They spend much of the summer in the northern states, but it’s important to have your feeder set up and ready to attract birds when they arrive.

Attract Winter Birds to Your Garden
Bird feeders attract insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches, offer suet in the wintertime. Ground feeding birds like juncos, sparrows, towhees and mourning doves prefer cracked corn scattered .

Trying to get some wildlife into the garden
For example, I noticed that Starlings make a heck of a din when feeding which attracts the attention of other birds like Sparrows. I knew Starlings were around but never went into the back garden, so I put some obvious crumbs and seeds .

Backyard Humming Bird Garden
The best way to obverse the act of bird is to create humming garden in your backyard. Plan the right place for humming garden. There are several things which are necessary to attract humming birds. That factor that influence the humming

Fat Balls Attract Birds To The Garden

Fat Balls Attract Birds To The Garden. In the last week we have had a couple of fat balls hanging in the garden near to the kitchen window so that we can see which birds are attracted to the fatballs. We have seen: …   Read more…

Technorati Tags: Attracting Wild Birds, garden, Ground feeder Hummingbird, squirrel proof., wild bird feeders, wild bird seed feeders, yard

Bird Feeders And Bird Baths

 Bird feeders, bird baths correct Selection  will transform your garden in to a hub of cheerful activity. All the chirping of the wild birds around the wild bird feeders and bird baths will be music to ears.  Bird watching will be a rewarding hobby for you if you pay attention to the needs of the birds and their security.

There are so many models available in the market that you may compromise security and the needs of the birds for beauty and design. Ideally, the bird baths and feeders should be a combination of both looks and utility.

The bird bath is an artificial puddle of water created for the birds to have bath and drink water.  A shallow basin is put on a pedestal and a depth of two inches is sufficient for the wild birds, as they do not submerge their entire body in the water, they just dip their wings and splash water all over the body.  Heated water in bird bath with solar bird baths help in frosty months.  The wild and migratory birds can get warm water to bathe in during the winter from your backyard. You can even add a suet bird feeder during the winter months.

  Bird feeders and bird baths should be cleaned regularly to maintain proper hygiene and to prevent the spread of any diseases.  Different species of birds carry different harmful viruses and bacteria, which could affect the health of other birds.

It is amazing how fast the feeders bird baths can get dirty, the bird bath can be scrubbed clean, however there are tablets containing naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes can be used to break down organic waste and keep the bird bath clean with less scrubbing, which will leave more time for birding.

  Bird feeders and bird baths placement is also of utmost importance when you are planning for bird watching in your own yard.  The bird bath should be placed near a big tree or bush so that when there is an imminent attack from birds of prey your winged guests can fly off and take shelter immediately.

Bushy berry trees can serve the dual purpose of providing shelter and food.  Many species will love the bird feeders and bird baths in your yard if they are assured of proper shelter and protection.

By: Michael Selvon Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

  Garden Guide and Blog

You can use bird feeders and bird baths to attract wild birds to your garden but if you also plant a bird garden you can increase the attractiveness of your garden enormously. 

  Attracting Wild Birds With A Bird Garden | Stuff Worth Knowing

You can use bird feeders and bird baths to attract wild birds to your garden but if you also plant a bird garden you can increase the attractiveness of your yard.

  Heated Bird Baths in the Winter

 I’ve found that most people store their bird baths in the winter months, but this can be the time of year when birds are most in need of water for drinking.

  Bird Baths

 I use a very shallow water dish instead of a bird bath, and refill with fresh water often. This seems to work just fine. If you have a deep bird bath, You could try using mosquito repellant.

Technorati Tags: Bird Baths, bird feeders, Bird Watching, birding, solar heated bird baths

Woodpecker Bird Feeders

Woodpecker bird feeders are a great way to attract woodpeckers to your yard. Woodpeckers are a great bird to have in your yard because they eat insects and bugs that are in and on your trees as well as your garden. A woodpecker will eat grasshoppers, flies, wasps, beetles, grubs and can eat thousands of carpenter ants a day.

A great way to keep these pecking birds in your yard is to offer them their own woodpecker bird feeder. The bird feeder that is best suited for a woodpecker is a suet bird feeder. Suet cakes are available in a variety of styles from peanut, seed, berry and raisin flavors. Another favorite of woodpeckers and a great woodpecker feeder would be a perching bird feeder. This type of perching bird feeder would include a platform bird feeder. It is important that there is lots of perching space on your bird feeder for the woodpecker. On your platform woodpecker bird feeder be sure to include woodpeckers’ favorite seed, black oil sunflower. Some woodpeckers will come to your platform bird feeder if you have cracked corn or grapes, raisins and apples.

Woodpeckers and other flickers also enjoy drinking sweet nectar, just like orioles and humming birds. You can place a hummingbird feeder or an oriole nectar bird feeder in your yard as a treat to the woodpeckers that you have attracted. With a humming bird feeder, or a nectar feeder make sure that the feeding holes are large enough for the woodpeckers beak, they also will feed from tube feeders.

  Woodpeckers as well as different sizes, there are many different kinds, the most common type of woodpecker you are to seed at your woodpecker feeder would be the Common Flicker, Red-headed Woodpecker and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. If you are lucky you may even attract a Pileated Woodpecker to your woodpecker feeder. These are only a few types of woodpeckers there are at least 10 different types of woodpeckers that you could attract to your backyard wild bird feeding station.

By: Pam CaouetteArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comPam Caouette is the lead author for www.aplusbirdfeeders.com Visit www.aplusbirdfeeders.com for great information on bird feeders, wild birds, and how to attract wild birds to your backyard.

  Create Backyard Bird Feeding Stations For Bird Watching

 I have a variety of woodpeckers visit my feeders–Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, but not the Red-headed Woodpecker so for now I am focusing

  New Video: woodpecker feeding young

 woodpecker feeding young Author: cherrywaff Keywords: great spotted, woodpecker woodland Added Click Here to View Video To Upload Your Own Video Click Here.

  Window on Nature: Backyard Birding.

 Mrs. Red Bellied Woodpecker isn’t seen often. at my suet feeder, but this morning she braved the cold and came for a visit. I still find each day too short for all the thoughts

  Feeding Wild Birds: Products for Woodpeckers, Nuthatches ...

 Feeding woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and birds with similar feeding styles over the winter months, by zoologist Frank Indiviglio on That Avian Blog

  Bird Feeding in Winter

Woodpeckers especially love suet and since the other birds eat sunflower seeds, peanuts and various seeds, and Woodpeckers like to eat bugs, which are pretty hard to come by in the depth

Technorati Tags: nectar, suet bird feeder, watching, woodpecker bird feeders

Enjoy Bird Feeding

Bird feeding is an interesting and absorbing hobby, it gives immense pleasure to its lovers who like to watch the birds eat. Wild bird seed, nuts, bread crumbs and fruits are placed in the bird feeder. Not just any bowl filled with food can become a bird feeder. The feeder should allow for all kinds of wild, migratory birds to perch and have a meal. Regularly replenishing the food will ensure a lot of activity at your feeder.

A bird feeder should be designed to accommodate the wild birds that frequent your yard. Squirrel Proof feeders, platform feeders, tube feeders, thistle sock feeders, suet bird feeders, nut feeders and window feeders; these are some of the widely used varieties. Hummingbirds feed from honey feeders and it is common to add red color to attract these jewels of the bird world.

  In order to watching the birds, perhaps take the time to feed them, then you must also take care of their safety. A bird feeder should be placed in a safe place so that the birds can fly to safety immediately when they see a bird of prey in the sky. Also, feeders should be sturdy enough to withstand the perching of many birds, as squabbling among your avian visitors may go on all at a time.

  Bird feeders should be positioned high above the ground and away from the trees to save them from another species of predatory animal; cats. Regardless of whether you choose decorative bird feeders or bird feeder houses, they must all be strategically positioned with the safety of the birds in mind.

Feeding birds that are indigenous to the area can be a round the year activity, (depending on where you live) peaking during the winter and ebbing during the summer. The bird feeder should be stocked with wild bird food and it should be replenished often. You never know when a winged guest might arrive. There is a chance of diseases spreading from bird-to-bird or from bird-to-humans; therefore, all of your bird feeders should be cleaned and sanitized regularly, at least once a year is recommended.

By: Michael SelvonArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comDid you enjoy this article ? Why not visit us and learn how to attract hundred of birds in record time with our bird feeders manifesto, for minimal expense and very little work.

  Create Backyard Bird Feeding Stations For Bird Watching

To get a closer look at the actions and reactions of the birds, another purchase was binoculars. I had already established one bird feeding station and trying out different

  Too cold; Feed the birds » TheOtherEndOfTheLeash

 It was 26 below this morning on the thermometer by the kitchen window, 36 below at a neighbor’s. I suspect the temperature in the barn, which is down the hill from the house.

  Bird Feeder Bird

 Make a bird to feed your birds! Inspired by the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill calling out in droves to wake me in the … … Hope you post a pic of birds feeding

Technorati Tags: bird feeding basics, bird feeding behaviors, bird feeding supplies, wild bird feeding

Bird Houses

Bird houses besides being functional havens for the world’s feathered friends, bird houses, whether of the most simple design or intricately crafted, can be objects of exceptional beauty.

Many people travel the world over, and pay untold hundreds of thousands of dollars, to collect exquisitely designed bird houses for their own personal enjoyment and the comfort of their lucky avian visitors. Other people take great pleasure in creating their own bird houses, whether putting their personal touches to houses purchased as kits, or painstakingly building from scratch elaborate mansions drawn from their own rich imaginations and unique artistic talents.

 Bird houses can range anywhere from being the most humble one-room roosts with simple feeders to being spacious, multi-chambered creations in the style of Italian villas for some fortunate winged travelers. Constructed from varieties of wood and/or metal, and painted subtly or in riots of brilliant colors, bird houses are as unique and assorted as their feathered occupants and the men, women, and children who create them. Bird houses crafted with thought and care can enhance an already beautifully designed setting, or be the focal point of any garden, porch, patio, or sunroom.

The building of bird houses can be wonderful outlets for adults and children alike – an absorbing and fulfilling way for a solo artist to pass the time, a happy bonding experience for parents and their children, or a productive and challenging educational project for a group of scouts or a classroom of school students. With so many different varieties of bird houses designed for different types of birds, adults and children can also gain a tremendous amount of knowledge about – and likely a much greater interest in – the intricacies of the avian world all around.

Hung from ceilings or deck rails, perched in trees or poised on pedestals, bird houses are a representation of life’s simple joys and a reminder of the importance for living beings to care for and nurture each other.

By: Martha Mountjoy -Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.combirdhousetoday.com a website packed with information on rustic bird houses and humming bird houses

  Eco Birdhouses

 Eco Birdhouses. This set of three birdhouses is simply cute and perfectly ecological. The birdhouses are handmade from wood and rusty tin, collected from old houses

  Daily News in the World of Online Woodworking.: Birdhouses …

 If you are wanting to build some birdhouses, this is hands down the best value that you will find for birdhouse and feeder woodworking plans — 27 full size patterns!

  bird houses on Flickr – Photo Sharing!

 Click this icon to see all public photos and videos tagged with birdhouses  Click this icon to see all public photos and videos

Technorati Tags: affordable bird houses, backyard bird houses, Bird Houses, unique bird houses

 Winter Suet Bird Feeders

Suet bird feeders help birds in winter, winter can be a  favorite time  for winter activities all dressed in layers.   But for our feathered friends, it is also a stressful cold time food hunting.  It is the time when birds need more energy just to stay warm when it’s so cold outside, but food is not as readily available, so then suet bird feeders are a viable option.

 Birds that are attracted to suet feeders include woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, cardinals, thrushes, jays, bluebirds and wrens.  Some folks consider it unfortunate that they will also attract starlings.  If you are one that doesn’t want to attract starlings try finding a suet bird feeder with only upside down access, since starlings can’t hang upside down to feed.  Haning a garden bird feeder can also attract squirrels  to suet feeders than many (including the birds) consider a pest.  To keep squirrels out you need to make sure the feeder cant’ be accessed by climbing or jumping from a nearby roof or tree.  If you still have a problem often using baffles will help keep them away.

Of course winter is a tough time for birds. For birds looking for berries, most plants have lost those long ago.  Flying insects and crawling grubs are hidden safely away the winter months, and if there was some source of food out that a bird might eat much of the time it is hidden under a several inches of snow, so putting a garden bird feeder in your yard will help them greatly.

Traditionally one of the best feeders for the winter bird population is a suet bird feeder, as opposed to a more conventional seed hopper or tube feeder.

Suet feeders are a popular choice because it has several advantages for use in the winter, the woodpeckers just keep coming back for more.  It holds up to cold weather well. At temperatures above 20 C it will melt, and attract bears (if you have them in your area)so don’t leave it out year round. Since it has a large percentage of fat it has a lot of calories, and is usually mixed with other high energy foods like peanuts for additional protein to give an additional energy boost. Finally suet cakes will last for quite a while so you don’t need to refill the suet feeder too often.

Suet was used many years ago by the settlers in America. It comes from raw beef or mutton fat, it’s often made from the fat found around the loins and kidneys. Our ancestors found many uses for it like candle-making. To make suet the fat is rendered in a process where the fat is heated to produce a wax like material. Once it cools slightly this wax like material is shaped and stored like soap.

Once you have the raw suet, to make it usable in a feeder it is usually prepared in a block similar in shape and size to a sandwich. To increase the protein in the food it’s common to add other ingredients like cracked peanuts or seeds which are mixed in before the suet solidifies so they are distributed through the food block. There are many types of commercially available suet blocks. There are also many web sites featuring suet recipes targeting different bird species if you are inclined to make your own suet.

Usually a suet feeder looks like of a small wire cage feeder where the suet block is placed. This can be hung from a tree or simply nailed to the trunk of a tree. Another common favorite is a traditional bird hopper feeder that also has suet cages on the sides, to prevent squirrels from taking it all.

 
Suet bird feeders come in many of styles and shapes. The most common of all the suet feeders are the simple cage feeders. These house the suet in a protective cage that can hang from a tree. For those wanting something more aesthetic there are decorative suet feeders. These are often mounted on a pole that can be freestanding in your yard, hopefully safe from your squirrel friends.

While winter is a tough time of year for our feathered friends, with a suet bird feeder you can help the birds in your area come through ready for spring in good health.
By John Ruppel

Bird Feeder on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
  Pro User says:. Looks like a brand new suet feeder. Great shot up of the woodpecker. I have them too and they love the suet this time of year.

Effect of Weather on Birdwatching | Birdfeeders
Just before storms there is frantic attendance to bird feeders. Birds will continuously visit all tube feeders, platform feeders and suet feeders in order to eat enough to

Harvest Moon by Hand: Making Bird Suet
Throughout the years, more trees have been planted on the property (especially pine trees which provide year-round shelter), and additional suet bird feeders have been hung in the trees.

Suet Bird Feeders, Woodpeckers, Clingers and Jay Birds | The …

{vidavee id=16588 w=320 } I have realized that I need to use several different suet bird feeders if I want to keep the Jays away from my good,   Read more…

                                                                       Another wonderful bird that you could attract in the winter is the blue jay. With these two birds coming to your yard you will have a flurry of red and blue.Winter bird feeders

Suet Style Bird Feeders

Suet bird feeders are a great way to feed birds all year long. Despite what some may think that suet bird feeders are only suitable in the winter months suet bird feeders are a v…   Read more…

Suet Style Bird Feeders

Suet bird feeders are a great way to feed birds all year long. Despite what some may think that suet bird feeders are only suitable in the winter months suet bird feeders are a v…   Read more…

Technorati Tags: feeders, garden bird feeders, squirrels proof, suet, Suet Bird Feeders, winter, woodpeckers

Birdsfeeder.com is dedicated to providing quality information on the subject of birds and in particular, on bird feeders, houses and bird watching.

Here you will find helpful reviews, informative information and tips and much more. This site is in the format of a ‘weblog’ so that each time I post new information, it will come to the top of the front page. This means that you can check back here frequently to see new updates to the information found here.

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Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 18, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 18. Under our Terms of Service, children under 18 are no allowed to access our service.

Collection of Personal Information

On visiting this site, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyse trends, administer the site, track user’s movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. Importantly, IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.

Links to third party websites

We have included links on this site for your reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites.

Alterations to this Privacy Statement

The content of this statement may be altered at any time

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