Birding Ethics - To remind us all!
Birding is quite the sport because birders can do their thing no matter where they are almost anywhere on Earth. With almost 10,000 different species found throughout our planet we can enjoy birding everywhere. Let's Go Birding wanted to remind everyone what the prescribed birding ethics are according to the American Birding Association. First and foremost - "In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first." 1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment. 2. Respect the law, and the rights of others. 3. Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe. 4. Group birding, whether organized or impromptu, requires special care. Each item above is described in greater detail by the American Birding Association. Great Blue Heron in rice fields of Yolo Cty Ca. taken by Sonny Mencher
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Come spend time in nature!
| Saturday, Aug. 3 |
Off to find California Condors - Final trip report! |
| Sunday, Sept. 14 |
Coastal hot spots - Moss Landing, Moon Glow Dairy... |
| Starts Sept. 25 |
4 week raptor class - more details under EDUCATION |
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Bird fact of the Month -
Cliff Swallow -
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
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 The wings of a bird can vary greatly from family to family. Species have evolved various wing shapes depending on needs. Different shapes are better suited to do
different activities required per family. Migrating long distances, swimming, hovering or dive bombing a pigeon at 200 MPH all require different shapes and maneuvers. Broad wings provide maximum lift and high drag (hawks). Narrow wings produce low drag allowing for great speed (falcons). Shorter, rounded wings allow songbirds to dart through bushes. Swallows have developed short, pointed wings allowing them to maneuver in the air to catch the flying insects that make up their diet. In fact, about 50 different muscles control the movement of a bird's wings. Birds have to control their wing movements in order to hunt, fly, land and escape danger. Birds can also control each wing independently allowing the ability to turn and twist. Bugging Cliff Swallow image by Tom Grey
Save the date: October 11, 2008 - Learn Why!
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| Birding Tip of the
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Birds are starting their migration south from their northern breeding grounds. So keep an eye out for species that you don't usually find in your area.
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