Hello fellow bird lovers!

I have another field guide review for you today. The Princeton Field Guide: Birds of the Middle East by Richard Porter & Simon Aspinall. This field guide is not unlike the other Princeton Field Guides¹. It begins with a succinct but informative introduction, giving some insight into the area being covered in the guide, why certain birds were excluded, why some disputed birds were included. It includes a thorough illustrated diagram of bird topography (what a bird looks like, naming its various parts) and gives a good explanation of the voice (or call/song) of each bird.

The authors even go into detail about how voice recordings lag far behind photographic identification of birds. The opening pages are not at all lengthy or boring to read through. Overall, the guide is set up in an efficient manner, addressing the relevant topics required to use the guide and follow the normal layout of a guide. The order in which the birds are placed in the book are according to genetically derived phylology (or how close in DNA the specific birds are related). This is a logical way to order, albeit a bit chaotic for the novice reader.

Much like the other Princeton Field Guides, Birds of the Middle East is set up with the left side pages containing the specific information of over 850 species and subspecies of birds found in the Middle East region. Each description or plate, as they refer to them in the guides, includes the length from bill to tail (L) and a wingspan (W) for the larger birds, snippets of relevant information, easily identifiable physical or flight characteristics, specific and detailed physical characteristics, the differences between females, males and juveniles, the bird’s habitat, their various names, the voice or specific call or song of a bird and often a relevant, short note. They have also included on the outside of the left side pages handy color-coded distribution maps of each particular bird indicating when you can expect to find the bird in that particular location. On the right side pages (adjacent pages), you can find detailed colorful illustrations of each species of bird.

The illustrations in this book are mostly adopted from the first edition but some are newly found species and thus were drawn for this second edition. The illustrators, John Gale, Mike Langman and Brian Small, have done a fantastic job with detail and life-like illustrations. Just look at these partridges:

It is as if you are almost seeing the bird itself. =) These illustrations are important to helping anyone identify the birds. The authors also include a responsible reminder to respect the conservation of birds and their nests above all else. Encouraging you to enjoy birds and all wildlife without disturbing it. The well-being of a bird is more important than some photograph or any bird checklist. Be respectful of the health and well-being of birds, love birds first by respecting them and appreciating them in a manner that reflects this fundamental attitude.

Another excellent field guide from Princeton Press.

1. see 1, 2 and 3 [↩]

Good morning fellow Nerd Birders!

I have another excellent Princeton Field Guide review to share with you today, Birds of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire by Bart De Boer, Eric Newton, and Robin Restall.

This guide is the first and only of its kind for this area of the world, which makes it an important contribution to the birding community. It visually different, as you can see, from the other Princeton Field Guides I reviewed this week (North America and Greenland & Hawaii, New Zealand and the Central and West Pacific). It begins with an interesting introduction, giving us a feel for the area we are exploring with a map of the are as well as its succinct history. Then it goes into general flora and fauna in this beautiful area of the world with a fair amount of detail, even including pictures. Like the other Princeton Field Guides, the Birds of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire has a page on how to use the book, a quick reference guide and a bird topography page to help you identify the various parts of any bird. It is also made of water resistant pages and is small enough to take with you on vacation without adding too much bulk.

These particular islands are full of lovely birds but there are certain hot spots for birds and other places set up for management and conservation where you should not go in order to protect the birds. This guide explains where these are and how to recognize them. This is an important part of responsible birding, protecting the birds and respecting governmental attempts to do so by avoiding protected areas. This guide gives proper respect to helping you know where to go and where to avoid to enjoy and conserve the beautiful birds on the islands.

Like the other Princeton Guides, you can see the colorful illustrations on the right pages and on the left pages the descriptions including each bird and its multiple names, where it is found, when it can be found there, its habitat, its specific calls/songs, its status and distinguishing characteristics of each bird. This guide, however, does not have the small illustrated distribution maps next to the descriptions on the left. This is probably because it covers much less area and so extensive distribution maps are not necessary in most cases.

This is another field guide I would recommend to anyone who loves or is interested in birds. Even if you never make it to the Lesser Antilles, you can learn about their birds in this guide. But, you never know where you might find yourself one day and having this book might be handy. =)

Hello Nerd Birders! I have another wonderful guide book to tell you about. Like the Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific Princeton Guide, this guide, Birds of North America and Greenland by Norman Arlott is an excellent hand guide for birds in North America and Greenland. It features the same type of amazing illustrations of the various birds on the right side pages and the descriptions on the left. Each bird is identified by its multiple names, where it can be found, when it can be found there, its habitat, its specific calls/songs, distinguishing characteristics and a colorful illustration of each particular bird.

Like the other books in this series, Birds of North America and Greenland is made with water resistant paper and is small enough to tote around with you, should you wish to do so. It still has an amazing amount of information in it, covering over 900 species of birds. It even features every type of plumage in males, females and juveniles which is very useful when identifying birds. Female birds can often look like different species of birds altogether, to the untrained eye. And let’s face it, we all can use a good guide to remind us or help us identify the fairer sex birds or the young. The introduction is succinct and informative. It includes a simple to follow distribution map and bird topography diagram to help identify various parts of the bird. This is useful when trying to identify various species.

There are a couple of differences between the Birds of North America and Greenland and Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific. In the North America and Greenland guide the small illustrated distribution map on each page is on the inside of the left pages (see above), instead of on the outside (see picture in my review for the other guide here). I think I preferred it on the outside, like in the Hawaii guide. This guide also is much more succinct. I suppose it would need to be to cover the vast number of bird species it must cover. It is far less wordy and this is actually preferable to me.

All-in-all, another fantastic guide book for any level of bird lover.

I think one can never have too many bird guides. Each one gives a unique perspective in helping identify various birds. We all have our preferences but knowing that some guides lend themselves to some aspects of bird identification, while others focus on other aspects or a broader view for beginners. It is good to have a variety to choose from. The Princeton Illustrated Checklists: Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific by Ber van Perlo is useful for not only people living in these places or visiting them but also in giving a sneak peak into the birds some of us may never see. I learned of a few new birds I had never heard of before reading this book. The pigeons and fruit doves endemic to these islands are amazing and colorful! I want to see these kind of doves and pigeons coming to my feeders!

The Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific starts with a thorough index. I might add that the paper used for this guide is thick, water resistant sturdy paper. This is important if you’ve ever went birding and it started to rain or what not. You can never be quite sure what will happen while birding. =) To save time and space Ber has devised a system of symbols, abbreviations and a glossary for the readers to easily refer to in the front of the book. Next, he adds an extensive diagram of the various parts of a bird. This is important for beginners and novices alike. It is easy to read and figure out what each part is…

In the introduction, we are walked through how to use this guide most effectively. This guide follows a uniform systematic approach and a set of names that are valid in the areas it covers, clearly labeling which is which when identify the various birds. Each bird is identified by multiple names, where it is found, when it can be found there, its habitat, its specific calls/songs, distinguishing characteristics and a colorful illustration of each particular bird.

The book starts with a series of birds endemic (found only in a particular place) to each place. Then it moves into birds by greater types such as Albatrosses, Petrels, Fruit-Doves and Doves, etc. It is rather easy to follow. I would have liked to see some sort of small color index, as it is always easy to identify birds by their color. This is a nifty trick for beginners. Alas, there is not one in this book but the illustrations are on the outsides of the pages and this makes it easy to spot various birds which are on the right pages and the locations each can be found are on the outside of the left pages, both easy to find when thumbing quickly through the guide.

The book ends with a thorough section for end notes, national and international ornithological organizations, bibliography and references and a fantastic appendix. I appreciate complete appendixes so I can just flip to the back and find what I am looking for easily. Overall, this guide is excellent for its purpose, thorough in its approach and well-made. It does get a pedantic in the explanation of the elaborate abbreviations and symbols used but once you get used to the system, it works no matter what edition of guide you get — whether it is an older version, a newer one or a guide for another location. Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific is worth having around!

For our 400th post on Nerdbirder dot com… I would like to share with you a unique and fun project: Peckingham Palace. Yes, that is spelled correctly. An elaborate bird house fashioned after the Buckingham Palace. Now, that alone should be cool enough to share BUT it also comes with a Tweet Deck. When a birdy visitor lands somewhere upon this lovely bird palace, it sends a tweet to Peckingham Palace on Twitter. This avian-sized replica of the Royal house is a public relations stunt for the company Cuprinol (apparently, they make wood stains in the UK). The Peckingham Palace features some of their new stains. How clever! =) I don’t mind PR stunts, especially if they benefit the birds and bird lovers! =)

So, check out this tweet pad… literally.

According to Rik Henderson at pocket-lint dot com, the Peckinham Palace “will eventually be permanently installed at the Centre for Wildlife Gardening in Peckham (naturally). Before that however, the London Wildlife Trust is keen to show it at the Wild London Jubilee event in Richmond Park on 15 May, with the Queen herself in attendance.”

THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!

Whilst sharing a crow related animation video, I came across a brilliant and creative art project:

The Bird Wall: A Ceramic Aviary, hatched up as a final semester project by three architecture students (Kevin, Lawrence and Alex) at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. The assignment was to design a performative skin system¹²) . They decided to make a bird wall, a ceramic aviary. Ingenious, right?

The plan was to make a wall out of ceramic tiles (which they refer to as modules) that serve as bird houses, bird baths, perches and feeding spots for the local birds. From concept to actualization, these three smart birds created a ceramic aviary with their own hands and minds and a little financial help of some friendly, personal investors³. The base of the wall, a steel structure, leans up against the wall, extending the reach of a tree which already resides on campus near the building where this aviary wall is constructed. This structure provides a lovely area aside the tree for local birds to live, bathe, eat and relax. At the top, you will find the birdhouses. In the middle, a place for birds to perch. At the bottom, more places for birds to perch and to bathe as well, if they wish.

A wonderland made for local birds! Each tile was handcrafted to be like a leaf, curled up to collect water or allow our little feathered friends to perch upon comfortably.

Each birdhouse was made with a very bird-friendly thoughtful design. The hole is large enough for most any of the smaller local birds to fit in easily but not too big to allow in critters dangerous to nestlings or eggs. Each house also has holes on the bottom allowing for natural water drainage. These fellas even thought to make each house with a yellow color on them to attract the birds!!

Each tile was handcrafted, glazed and fired in a kiln to perfection.

Add significant muscle power…a dash of zen…

A well-constructed steel frame…

lift

Add in many hours of hard work and buckets of creative love… an urban haven for birds…the very original Ceramic Aviary is born. And apparently, it was not just the birds that get to enjoy this mid-city treasure… the squirrels appreciate a good climb as well.

And as if this is not cool enough on its own, to learn about, to see… these three have offered to make a deal with you, my readers, if you’d like to purchase a bird house or a tile! There are only a limited quantity available, so hurry, hurry! (And no, I do not get a commission for any sales or purchases made… or for this post. It is all just for informational fun on my part!) You can contact them directly at ceramicbirdwalla at gmail dot com to discuss the details!

If any readers have seen this lovely aviary first hand, I’d love to hear about it! =)

Till next time, thanks so much for reading nerbirder.com and a tip of the beak to Alex, Kevin and Lawrence for incorporating a healthy appreciation for urban birds into their educational process and for making their campus a lot more bird-friendly!

1. a building enclosure system, high tech or low tech, that responds to or capitalizes upon its environment. A facade that aspires to be more than a simple thermal barrier or mediator of views [↩]
2. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mmmc/aqua/researchTopics/performative%20skins.pdf [↩]
3. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1709491227/bird-wall [↩]

The International Migratory Bird Day is on May 12th this year. I won’t try to paraphrase or rewrite something to explain what this day is all about. I will just let you read from their website,¹

What is International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD)?
IMBD celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas – bird migration.  Bird Day is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

 

When is International Migratory Bird Day??
IMBD officially takes place on the second Saturday in May in the U.S. and Canada and in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean each year. But we recognize that this date doesn’t work well for all bird events and bird festival organizers, or for the migratory birds themselves. To the south, migratory birds have left, heading for breeding sites to the north. Farther north, the birds haven’t arrived.  We remedied this problem by removing the month and day from our bird education and festival materials, leaving only the year, and reminding groups “everyday is bird day.” Now, IMBD is celebrated almost year-round. Most U.S. and Canada events take place in April and May, while fall events are the norm in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Why Celebrate Migratory Birds?
Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation. Citizens who are enthusiastic about birds, informed about threats, and empowered to become involved in addressing those threats, can make a tremendous contribution to maintaining healthy bird populations. By modeling what can be done and involving people, their interest and involvement in stewardship can grow. One of the most successful vehicles for public education on migratory birds is International Migratory Bird Day(IMBD).  Across the Americas Bird Day events are providing great ways for people to get involved.

So what can you do to celebrate? Join an official event. Or host one. Learn about a new bird. Go for a bird walk (just go walk and see what birds you can find or do some research to find a local bird walk in your area–if you don’t know where one is, ask me, I’ll help you do the research). Identify your local birds. Join the Audubon Society.

1. http://birdday.org/birdday [↩]

Photo Source: (http://www.etsy.com/listing/95711336/typography-hummingbird-and-vintage) -- Made by ContemporaryEarthArt on Etsy.com

Two of my very favorite things, in one! Actually, three if you include the art itself! =) You can buy this print here from this talented artist on Etsy dot com.

An owl-fit I put together all by myself...I made the dress and sign by scratch and bought the hat and socks!

Many a bird day, but today, May 4th, is the original and first national holiday to celebrate birds. May 4th is Bird Day! According to the U.S. Library of Congress, Bird Day began on May 4th, 1894. The superintendent of schools in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Charles Babcock came up with the idea to “encourage conservation training and awareness of birds for all.”

This should NOT be confused with National Bird Day celebrated on January 5th every year.  Nor is it the International Migratory Bird Day which is celebrated on the second Saturday of May every year…which happens to be May 12th this year.

So. Today, take the initiative to learn about a new bird, read about it online, find one in your neighborhood, go bird watching. Look out your window and notice the many birds that come your way. Put out a feeder, leave some bird seed out. Go to the park, watch for new birds. Celebrate the loveliness that birds bring to our world every single day.

Owl

Clocks belled twelve. Main street showed otherwise
Than its suburb of woods : nimbus—
Lit, but unpeopled, held its windows
Of wedding pastries,

Diamond rings, potted roses, fox-skins
Ruddy on the wax mannequins
In a glassed tableau of affluence.
From deep-sunk basements

What moved the pale, raptorial owl
Then, to squall above the level
Of streetlights and wires, its wall to wall
Wingspread in control

Of the ferrying currents, belly
Dense-feathered, fearfully soft to
Look upon? Rats’ teeth gut the city
Shaken by owl cry.

Written by Sylvia Plath (1932-1963)