Birding Adventure TV

Hello everyone! Yes, I’m still here alive and well, trying to survive through the busy summer months. I want to apologize for the sporadic post lately; I hope to be back on regular “blog schedule” soon…

I wanted to take a moment and pass along the word about an email I recently received from James Currie. James is the host of a very cool TV program called Birding Adventures. It’s a program that focuses on destination and adventure birdwatching. It takes you to some of the best exotic birding destinations in the world looking for rare and highly sought after bird species. James informed and asked me to pass along the news that Birding Adventures has branched out and is now being offered to a wider audience across the US.

See press release: http://www.pr.com/press-release/165379

If it’s still not available in your network you can go to the web site to watch previews and purchase complete episodes. Season 1 is already out with 13 episodes and can be purchased for $14.95. http://www.birdingadventures.com/shop.php

Check it all out when you get a chance!

Eastern Bats in Trouble

Well, I was currently in the middle of writing on a different subject when I was somewhat sidetracked by an article that I ran across in our local Sunday (2/17) paper – The Virginian-Pilot. It seems that bats located in New York and Vermont are mysterically dying by the thousands. At this point, scientists have no clue as to what is causing these cave dwellers to perish. The only symptom found on the dead or dying bats is a white ring of fungus around their noses – hence the name “White Nose Syndrome” was born.

This syndrome has affected at least four species of bats thus far and the numbers of deaths are enough that many are worried about the economic implications to local crops and orchards. Without the bats to keep balance, insects could potentially cause widespread damage to the local crops there.

Here is a link to the article in its entirety: Scientist in the dark over bat die-off cause

Frogs, bees, bats....what's next?

Here in Virginia, according to VDGIF, there are 14 species of bats. The Little Brown Bat and the Eastern Big-Eared Bat are the most common ones in my particular area…and BTW, the Virginia Big Eared bat is the official state bat of Virginia. It is a federally protected endangered species and is only confirmed in four states (VA, West VA, Kentucky and NC).

Here is a picture of our state bat:





Personally, I have been thinking about putting up a bat house on my property once I research it a little more. From what I know so far, bats in my area can be attracted to bat houses if the house is located properly. I’m sure this will spark some interesting conversation with the neighbors. I can see the neighbors talking now – “What is he doing now?”; and my wife…don’t get me started with that; and the in-laws… Nobody around me understands the method of my MADNESS!! LOL!

Weekly Bird News Roundup

Below are some links that I have come across while perusing the internet this week relating to birds in some manner or another. Maybe theres something that will interest you...

They're Knockin' on Wood

Wild birds find sanctuary inside power plant

Ban on bird-killing pesticide upheld

Fishing bycatch is 'junk food' for sea birds

Lost birds seek owners

Green Thumb: Attracting butterflies, birds to your garden

Rare Sandpipers Found in Myanmar

Ramona man's hobbies are truly for the birds

Birds - Valentine's Day equals blackbird's return

S.P. Business Helping Birds As Well as Students to Learn

Groups seek to protect endangered bird's Prairie dance floor

Hawk Mtn. helps kids feed birds

People, as well as birds, benefit from filled feeders

Parks Worker Is Charged With Trying to Kill Birds

Birds choke to death on migrant fish
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Higher Prices...

Ran across an interesting article published in Newsweek Magazine (Nov ’07) explaining the rising cost in bird feed. There was also a good point made by Laura Erickson - don’t buy the cheap stuff! Not only do the cheap bird mixes contain “fillers”, but in my own experiences, they tend to attract birds that you may not care to have around; such as, European Starlings, House Sparrows and even pigeons.

You can read the article here:
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/tipsheet/archive/2007/11/24/high-prices-are-for-the-birds.aspx