Salem-News.com Birds articles Page 5

The Unusual Song of the Zorzal

The archeopteryx demonstrates beautifully the adaptations that had to occur on a wide scale for birds to be so prevalent and differentiated in their vast variety of species.

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - Springtime in North America brings the unmistakable song of the robin as it graces lawns and budding trees triggering our memories of childhood.

Robins, black birds and thrushes, of the genus turdus (Latin for thrush), of the large family Turdidae, are medium sized song birds.

BLACK CHINNED SISKIN, Cabecita Negra de Corbata, Cardueles barbatus, or `Why I Plant Sunflowers`

"Cabecita negra" (literally, little black head) is an oft-used, historic racist term in Argentina.

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - In November or the northern equivalent of just about now, I plant enormous quantities of sunflowers around the periphery of my garden.

These easy-to-grow and robust plants start slowly, but usually by Christmas Day the first sunflower blooms.

California-based Bird Rescue Team Activated to Aid Local Wildlife Groups at Louisiana Oil Spill

The team will work with local organizationsnce once on the ground.

(LOS ANGELES) - A Team of Aquatic-Bird Rescue Specialists in California have been activated in an effort to support local groups preparing for oil spill impact on wildlife in Louisiana.

First Ever Photograph Confirms Colombian Hummingbird

There have been occasional unconfirmed sightings by birders visiting the reserve and its environs since 2000.

(LOS ANGELES) - The first ever photo of a living Santa Marta Sabrewing is the first confirmation of the continued existence of this spectacular hummingbird in over 60 years.

The Santa Marta Sabrewing, classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Endangered, is endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and is at high risk of extinction.

Neotropic Cormorant, or Olivaceous Cormorant, Phalacrocorax Brasilianus

Also known as Phalacrocorax olivaceus, Bigua.

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - Oregon is home to at least three different species of cormorants, the double crested, the pelagic and the Brandt’s. Patagonia has various species too. On Lago Puelo, a half hour drive from El Bolson, we encountered our own; the Bigua, as it is known in Argentina.

Last Gasp For Bird-Killing Chemical

Carbofuran, which is produced by FMC Corp, is an insecticide used to kill pests on corn, soy beans, cotton, potatoes, and other crops.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Opening arguments were heard in an appeal starting today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that will decide the fate of carbofuran, one of the most toxic pesticides to birds.

Spectacled Tyrant: Pico de Plata, Hymemnops Perspicillatus

Meet the Flower Child of Patagonia

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - The Tyrannidae family of the order of song or perching birds is the World’s largest with over 350 species in North and South America. About 124 of these are encountered in Patagonia.

Not surprisingly due to the great number of species, it is the group of birds then that is most endangered and threatened.

The Chilean Flamingo, Flamenco Austral, Phoenicopterus Chilensis

Visiting the gregarious flamingo.

(PATAGONIA, Argentina) - While driving from the Atlantic coast to the Andes Mountains the sudden appearance of a lake full of a hundred or more bright salmon colored birds knocked my sox off.

Proposed Legislation Would Prevent Millions of Bird Deaths

“This legislation will absolutely save the lives of millions of birds that mistake objects reflected in window glass, such as habitat and sky, as real. The reflection of a tree limb looks just like a real tree limb to a bird,” - ABC President George Fenwick.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Bird groups are applauding legislation introduced by Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley to help prevent the deaths of millions of birds that collide with windows at thousands of federal buildings across the country.

The bill calls for each public building constructed, acquired, or altered by the GSA to incorporate, to the maximum extent possible, bird-safe building materials and design features.

Federal Decision Over Sage Grouse Disappointing

It will be placed on the Candidate List with other species whose status is also in limbo. In other words, it gets to wait in line.

(PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA) - 30 years ago I went to see the sage grouse perform their mating dance ritual. They line up and face off, it is remarkable to see. Their plight in the nation took a step forward today, but it was a small step.