The Great Backyard Bird Count

» Jonah - Birds and More Birds

Great Article. It's got me wanting to break out my field glasses and hit the ole back yard, (smile).

So far this year I've seen a Red headed woodpecker, two grouse, some cardinals and another type that I haven't identified.

Do squirrels count? I've got dozens of those in my back yard.

One of the most interesting birds I've ever come across is the Anhinga or snake bird. We had a few in South Carolina, however I never saw them in the numbers we have in southern Louisiana. I was at a friends house the other day and counted about a dozen in the water and over 30 of them on the wires.

What makes the snake bird so interesting is that like his relative the loon, he has no oil in his feathers and so must sit with his wings widespread to dry them out after leaving the water. They also have long sinewy necks and when swimming that is the only part that sticks above the water giving them the appearance of a swimming snake.

Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your articles

Rich T.

-- posted by Jonah

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» Gaia - What kind of birds do you have?

Jonah sure has some neat birds in his backyard. I hate to say it but crows are about all we get around here in the winter. A few bluebirds and cardinals grace our yard too. Does anyone else have interesting birds that visit their yard in the winter? Let us know.

-- posted by Gaia

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» Jonah - Another backyard friend has arrived

I forgot to mention another kind of bird I started seeing around here a few weeks ago. I understand that they arrive here every year in mid- January to February from South America and gradually as spring arrives head further north.

These birds are in the Swallow family and are dark purple in color. Over hundreds of years their living patterns have changed and they now nest almost exclusively in homes built by man. Either elaborate multi-room birdhouses or hollowed gourds.

I saw my first pair about two weeks ago, but they were probably here before then and I just didn't notice them. Have you guessed what they are yet?

That's right, They are Purple Martins. I hope some of you will share with us the interesting birds in your area. I always like learn about what is different in places I haven't been to.

Rich "The Salty" T.

-- posted by Jonah

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