My $.02: Smithsonian Field Guide to Birds

Recently I heard about the newly released Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America. After reading a couple "right on the mark" blog reviews, one over at 10,000 birds and the other at The Drinking Bird, I started looking for the book. I found it at Sam's Club for $15.74. So I bought it. You can work hard in cyber space and win a copy. Check out the details here!

Anyway, this is a guide worth checking out. To me, it does for "photo" field guides what Sibley did for "illustration" field guides. It is clearly in a class by itself, far superior to either the Audubon Society guide and the Kaufmann Focus Guide, and is equally useful for a beginner and an advanced birder. The CD of bird songs that comes with it is limited, but it's basically free. The field guide is well worth the money.

I still believe that the illlustrated Sibley Guide to Birds is the best North American guide ever. For instance, I noticed that a first year male Rose-breasted Grosbeak with its buffy plumage, which can be confused with a Black-headed Grosbeak under the right conditions, is not photographed. Sibley covers this alternate plumage well. In fact, there is little that Sibley misses and his illustrations (art, actually) cannot be matched in North America. I am, however, a fan of Lars Jonsson's art in the Birds of Europe with North Africa and the Middle East, but that's a blog entry for another day.

I expect that this is a field guide that we will see in increasing numbers in the coming year. At $15.74 for over 2000 digital photos of 750 North American birds, you can't go wrong! Add this one to your bird reference shelf.

Palmetto Meadows Meanderings

Perhaps, it was only fitting on Father's Day, with both grown kids out of town, that I wandered out to the agricultural fields of Palmetto Meadows. The landscape of Palmetto Meadows reminds me of my childhood days in central Kansas more than any other place in the Ozarks. It was in this type of habitat, with hedgerows, grasslands, and farm fields, that my dad introduced me to the great outdoors. Immediately upon entering the grasslands environment, I heard the songs of the Dickcissel and Eastern Meadowlark ring out in space. Soon, the Grasshopper Sparrows were joining in. The Great Blue Heron surveyed the surrounding from his lofty perch.On this day, however, I was searching for a Western Kingbird. Recent reports of the species in Columbia, Missouri, begged the question. Why don't we see them down here? There is at least one record of a nesting pair near Fellow's Lake, but the species has not been relocated in our area in recent years. My last Missouri sighting was in the mid '90's..... where? ....... Palmetto..

Back to Father's Day. My dad was an upland game hunter, and the love of the outdoors that we shared surely began for me as coveys of Northern Bobwhite exploded near the noses of our English Pointer Duke and Brittany Spaniel Stubby. So, you can imagine my surprise when a pair of Bobwhite, uncommon in our area, crossed the road in front of me.Bobwhite were once common in the Ozarks. The native grasses and agricultural fields provided excellent habitat for the birds. But then there was fescue. Although I didn't live here at the time, apparently in the 60's and 70's the non-native invader was planted everywhere because of its ability to thrive in both winter and summer in the Ozarks. This served the growing cattle ranches well.So Bobwhite are uncommon in the Ozarks these days, but you wouldn't have known that at Palmetto today. I heard 4 males singing and saw two pairs. The regulars of the area, Scissor-tails and the eastern version of my sought after bird, sat on the barbed wire, wary of the slowly approaching vehicle.Farmers on my favorite Farm Road 166 have planted wheat this year so the area really resembles central Kansas. The flooded fields that attracted Willets, Phalaropes, Plovers, Sandpipers, Pipits, Merlins, and Peregrine Falcons this spring again stand inundated as a result of recent rains. We are now 18 inches above the yearly average, and storm clouds again approach from the northwest.

And so it goes in the Ozarks. June birding is slower and more pastoral. On this balmy summer afternoon, memories of my father swirl around in my head, and Palmetto Meadows, with its robust and abundant Bobwhite, fit the bill perfectly.

Casual Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the Ozarks

This e-mail from Marvin DeJong arrived late this afternoon:

Hey Greg, should there be Rose-breasted Grosbeaks around. There was one at our feeder this afternoon. Isn't it kind of late?

I quickly replied:

Yes, definitely.  It is casual in the Ozarks in the summer, but nests in  the Glaciated Plains in northern Missouri.   It should be documented.   The last June sighting down here was in Springfield in 1986 by Connie  Tyndall.   She saw an adult male and an immature bird.   Some of these  sightings are unpaired birds.  If you see a pair, it is possible that a  nest is near.  If so, it would be the southernmost nesting record in Missouri, and a very, very big deal.  In 1885, the last southern nesting  record was in Freistatt in Lawrence County.  That's farther north that  you are.   As it is, it is a casual record.   Any photos? Great discovery! Greg

Marvin replied:

Here is its picture.

m

Willard Quarry Specialties

When does human activity that alters the landscape benefit avian species? Suburban housing developments provide perfect habitat for Purple Martins. Perhaps we could add House Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Eurasian Collared Doves, Rock Pigeons, various swallows, and many others to the list. Human-constructed reservoirs provide habitat for countless waterfowl species. And, of course, we birders are partial to those species indigenous to North America. An exception would be those species from elsewhere in the world that have, on their own power, found their way to North America. Well, back to the topic.......My favorite local example of an altered landscape that has become a birder's mecca is the Conco Quarry in Willard, Missouri. Species that are both rare and common in the Ozarks inhabit this barren and scrubby habitat. The deep and wide quarry plays with the air currents, so many Turkey Vultures take advantage of thermals to sail on the winds. Red tails, Red shoulders, and Kestrel frequently join the vultures in the skies. This vulture sets on the ledge awaiting the winds that will carry him high above the limestone cliffs.In the same environment and very uncommon in the Ozarks, Bank Swallows take advantage of huge piles of crushed limestone to carve out amazing nesting colonies on the bare ledges.But the best of all is the population of Painted Buntings that has inhabited the quarry for at least five years. There seems to be something about the steep ledge of the quarry that attracts the species to this northern portion of its geographical range. The local population is currently increasing and provides a predictable warm season site in which all Missouri birders can locate and marvel in what is arguably the most beautiful bird in North America.This photo by Marvin DeJong. I took the rest.

Rebycling: From Bikes to Birds

Interspersed with episodes of birding in my life, I have jumped on the saddle and rode my bicycle for miles and miles along many of the same roads that I have birded for years. Palmetto Meadows, Valley Water Mill Road, and Fellows Lake have not only been meccas for birds and birders, but they have served as gathering places for bikes and bicyclists, too.

With retirement from full time teaching at hand, I have reevaluated my future needs and am making adjustments accordingly. I have no plans of giving up bicycling, but the pastime has taken on more of a utilitarian function, far removed from the competitive jaunts that lured me during my mid-life. Now, I simply ride leisurely to work, to the store, or on the residential streets down to the river trail. I'm leaving the 50 mile journeys on my fancy racing bike to the younger generation or to the baby boomers more determined to anaerobically respirate than I.
You don't need a Colnago Racing Bike to leisurely ride. The old Cannondale hanging in the garage will suit me fine. I'm sure if my Colnago could speak, it would cry for the peloton and beg to cruise at 35 mph in the draft of 100 riders. And so, I'm letting it go to fulfill the dream for which it was carefully constructed. For sale:
Colnago Dream Plus Team Mapei 54 cm frame
Colnago Force fork
Campagnolo Record carbon shifters
Campagnolo Chorus componentry9 speed rear derailleur
Campy Proton Wheel Set.
Deda Magic stem and bars
Chris King headsetCampagnolo Titanium seat post.
Selle San Marco Aspide saddle
Vittoria Rubino Pro tires
$1800

So, what's this have to do with birding? In my retirement, I dream of birding the 50 states and beyond, and I long to identify, with confidence, species that I have never seen. Long a believer in recycling, I have already spent the $1800 that I hope to get for my racing bicycle. My new Zeiss Conquest 8 X 40 binoculars and Kowa TSN 821 spotting scope for angled viewing with a 20-60X eyepiece will arrive here in less than a week. Can't wait to break them in!

So, my risk of an accident appears to be reduced, until you consider that I'm trading the risk of being hit while riding a bicycle 20 mph on the country roads with the risk of being hit while standing in the middle of the road transfixed on a rare bird in the distant field.

I still like the odds of surviving while spotting birds! Cycling is colorful, but not as colorful as the Painted Bunting I recently spotted. Anaerobic respiration and VO2 max; it's overrated. For me, I'm choosing a slow walk through the woods, the song of the thrush, a loon at the far reaches of a lake, and the peace that comes from appreciating the pace of our natural world.

Need a one of a kind racing bike? Let me know! I have a beauty, and a few optics to pay off!

Backyard Birding

It's been a delightful migration season in the Ozarks. In spite of living in a suburban subdivision, I was amply entertained by my yard birds. I even added two life yard birds to my list, a Tennessee Warbler and a Green Heron.

The thrills, however, were not from the drab warbler, but from the flashes of colors that arrived during the season. From Indigo Buntings to Baltimore Oriole, the range and variety of hues was simply outstanding. Beginning with our Missouri state bird,
the bathing Eastern Bluebird:

My favorite yard bird, the Baltimore Oriole.

and, of course, the elegant Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Big Day Part Four: The Mudflats and Wetlands

Links to previous Big Day posts: Prairie, Drive, and Forests.
With our species count at 102, we headed for Palmetto Meadows and Valley Water Mill to pick up some shorebirds. We were not disappointed at the gathering on FR 166. Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and one peep that is still haunting me. All photos except the Common Yellowthroat courtesy of Marvin DeJong.

I wanted to call it a Western due to its slight downturned bill, but my confidence on that species is lacking, and I searched for reinforcement from birding companions. Unfortunately, I was unable to help the others lock onto the bird in question before the entire flock took to flight. The Wilson's Phalaropes, however, were easy to identify and fun to watch.After surveying the shorebirds and warblers on FR166, we headed to Valley Water Mill, which had been drained for trail construction. Charley and I took a short trail that was hot! We picked up Lincoln's Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, and I caught this Common Yellowthroat in the brush. We saw the yellow breast and belly of a secretive warbler in thick brush, and I caught the glimpse of a black collar/necklace, or something of the sort. So, I believe that it was the Hooded or Canada that got away for lack of a better look.We watched the Great Egret feeding before heading to Springfield to observe a Cooper's Hawk on the nest, and a Yellow-crowned Night Heron on the nest. Stopped by Lake Springfield toward the end of the day and picked up Double-crested Cormorant, Tree Swallow, and Cliff Swallow.

All in all, a very successful and fun day was had by all. 125 species: a new personal Big Day record. You just can't beat the month of May!

Big Day Part Three: The Glades and Forests

After our prairie visit and our drive to the forests, rains delayed our birding just long enough for us to grab lunch in Ozark before heading down to Busiek Conservation Area. Upon arrival we tried to call up a Cerulean Warbler, but we were unsuccessful. We then headed to the limestone glade to pick up the Prairie Warbler. We were greeted by this Ruby-throated Hummingbird gathering nectar from an Indian Paintbrush.

All Photos courtesy of Marvin DeJong

Soon after we heard the chief avian residence of the Missouri glade habitat, the Prairie Warbler. He paused long enough to give us all great looks, and Marvin caught a bit of his personality in the photos below:


It was then time to head for the deep woods. We followed Prairie Ridge Road over to W highway, which is the gateway to the Mark Twain National Forest. The forests were alive with small birds as our list mount toward the 100 mark. A Red-shouldered Hawk posed near its nest just before the Red Bridge Bull Creek crossing.
Shortly after crossing the bridge, we spotted the Gray-cheeked Thrush, our 100th bird for the day! Pine Warblers become our 101st, where else but on top of Pine Ridge. It was 3:30, and there was much ground to be covered.
On the way to the mudflats of Palmetto Meadows and FR 166, we stopped by Linden to observe nesting Barred Owls and to see if we could add Prothonotary Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. Unfortunately, we ended the day with neither of these warblers.

Onward we went, our mission then was to pick up shorebirds and waders. More on that later!

Big Day Part Two: The Drive

The Springfield Plateau is an ecotonal zone between the prairies of the Great Plains and the oak/hickory deciduous and short leaf pine forests in the southern Missouri Mark Twain National Forests.

Fortunately, there were several unique microcommunities to explore on the drive to the forests from the prairies on Big Day 2008. Our first stop was at a wetland area near Ash Grove. The local scouts had developed a trail around the pond. We immediately heard a Yellow Warbler, so we decided to walk the trail. As we left the parking lot, we picked up a Northern Parula. Shortly thereafter, a Green Heron flew in. Yellow-throated Warblers were everywhere, and Tennessee Warblers showed their drab plumage to keep us temporarily puzzling over the ID. But the highlight was this Blackpoll Warbler that gave us great looks. This was only the fourth one of this species I've ever seen, so it was a real treat!All photos courtesy of Marvin DeJong
We were forced off of the trails by rains, so he headed on to the Willard quarry. Along the way, we picked up Bobolinks and a Ruddy Duck. When we arrived at the quarry, the Painted Buntings were waiting for us. We observed 3 birds. Here's a few of Marvin's pictures of two of the 3 birds:
All photos courtesy of Marvin DeJong
After leaving the quarry, we bee-lined to the French's Mustard plant on Interstate 44. There, amid new construction and habitat destruction, is the nest of a Missouri bird. Swainson's Hawks successfully raise young exclusively in and around Springfield, and no where else in the state.A brief look, a few pictures, and we were off once again for the forests of southern Missouri. Next blog entry: the glades of Busiek Conservation Area and the trees of the Mark Twain National Forest. Stick around!
All photos courtesy of Marvin DeJong

Raise the Raftanic II

Looking across the Finley River on a cold, March day, we spotted the first raft clinging to the brush after the mighty waters subsided. March floods wreaked havoc upon riparian zones in the Ozarks, and, as a result, our friends Ted and Cathie mourned the demise of their beloved floating dock after it took an unbridled and especially destructive ride downstream. I featured this regional watercraft in blogs last autumn. I offer these entries as a memorial to the sunken ship.The spirit of the vessel lingered as life without this elixir became less than tolerable for Ted and Cathie. So, the craft was retrieved from the brush by a group of hardy, but aging outdoors men and women. They set up a Tyrolean Traverse across the river current and hauled the wreckage to Ted's boathouse for repair. Unfortunately, Ted soon found that even though some parts were salvageable, the broken and bruised deck of the watercraft would have to be rebuilt.Five weeks later, we were delighted to be invited to the launching of Raftanic II. With lawn chairs hors doevres, and 3 bottles of wine, we left the land behind and headed up the river. The pictures say it all, and we were happy that the little electric motor survived its inundation and served us quietly and efficiently for the whole evening.