Sorry for the late check-in. Emma. those most certainly look like trumpters. Tundra swans have the little yellow thing/spot near their eye. I couldn’t really see the young, but they’re much easier to distinguish. I also could not really get perspective on size in that pic.The best way to tell them is that they’re fucking huge. Like legitimately massive. Up to a 10 foot wingspan, One of the biggest flying birds in North America. Out here, tundra Swan would be much more likely, but there is a robust population of trumpeter’s in Wisconsin. One of the few nice conservation stories in a world of sadness. Fuck mute swans, in NA not in Europe. They suck, but they have an orange bill so that’s not them. also Popovio, Your pictures are amazing. Merlins are one of my favorite birds, great pics. I’ve been laying low on this thread, but still birding. Have a pretty epic trip planned. So I’ll spam you later with bad pics, and long texts. oh I got a red billed tropicbird, state bird for me. I was way too excited to take pictures. Edit* A US bird for me also. Seen shiton of them in the tropics
Also all those exotic/introduced birds in Cali are wild. That bishop. Have you ever gone to the parrot roost in Pasadena? I heard it’s crazy, and I’m sure a super accomplished photographer you like you would enjoy that Popovio? Those monarchs are solid Jorts Good choice. The separation between the elite binoculars and the actually fucking super solid is shrinking every day. it’s a great pair. You guys clearly have spent a lot of money on cameras. So I don’t feel super Douchey posting this. These two are the best. Trust me. And I always bird with tens♂️, 8x might be easier? But 10s are better for shorebirds and stuff. AMA
My bins on the left, client ones I loan on the right. Those noctovid leicas are like mind blowing. I’m like a bird assassin with those things I hope that didn’t come across as fucking douche. Every one I know, even my ex wife will vouch for me. Solid weird farm boy, if you ever want to really have a super sexy pair of bincoluars, I’m your dude. those leicas are next level…
Nice! Actually entertained Swarovski pair, but were overkill for my needs/interests. Nikon has new model (Monarch HD), that have impressive specs, and priced between mine & Swarovski. Similar to firearm optics, Vortex offers probably the best value proposition out there… similarly spec’d to mine, for about 1/2 the price. I’m brand loyal, to a fault though. Went back & forth on 10x vs 8x… went in assuming 10x was what I wanted, but online “research” swayed me. Pretty happy with them, and they are fantastic in low-light
Popovio Hi. I have. It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful places on earth. I think non birdnerds think of the beautiful vistas and landscapes in the west and think it’s like a diverse nature paradise? It’s actually not. It’s kinda of not super birdy. Some cool birds, and absolutely one of the prettiest areas on the planet. Not a great birding spot, IMO. There are way more birds in suburban NJ, or the southeast, or SoCal than there. Did get my lifer ferruginous hawk there, the now named juniper titmouse. But it’s definitely more of the scenery than the birds. It’s pretty fucking fantastic though
I appreciate the info. Going with some friends for mostly hiking, but I'm gonna be there right at the end of April. So I'm sure I'll get some migrants and stuff. And maybe finally, a fucking Canyon Wren.
Haven’t posted here in a while… I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the binoculars. I haven’t really been able to identify any new species yet, but the ability to search into the tree tops should help down the road. It’s been cool, focusing on their behavior, versus getting a great shot on frame
You know the winter is actually not the most boring season of birds. The ducks are in full force on their wintering grounds. (inside voice)
I just looked at that picture I sent of my binoculars and my fucking table is looking pretty dusty. I cleaned that shit up, apologies. So yo, headed to the Darien gap. I’m really not sure why but the indigenous people of the area love basketball? True story. You guys don’t really know me, but I’m a very tall person. I was basically the Shaq of eastern Panama. Will be fun. They are like the smallest people ever, uncertain why they love basketball so much. I got malaria there, going back. Full fuck it - why not? Only live once. https://canopytower.com/canopy-camp/
I got some all timer photos this morning. Now to get drunk and watch football. Spoiler Green Heron Belted Kingfisher Osprey
I was totally enamored watching a bunch of carolina wrens in my front yard the other day, and now I'm wondering if maybe bird watching might be for me. I have no idea how to do this tho. What's the best way to dip-your-toe so to speak?
That kingfisher pic is great! Hi cutig. I know you’re a fucking nerd also, and used to post awesome stuff from the dakotas or some shit!
And hey Jesus. I rejected my Lord and Savior when people got fucking judgy. Wrens and awesome weird birds. I think, pound for pound -Carolina wrens can sing louder than any animal on earth. Just be aware, and look. It’s not complicated, just be present. Not to get all hippy dippy on you The song wren in the neotropics can sing like no other. It’s bonkers. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_wren
That’s a girl kingfisher, One of the few birds where the females are more colorful than the males. great pic, I’ll see my self out now. polyandry, phalaropes.
In addition to the other suggestions, find a bird sanctuary near you. They'll usually have some feeders and/or drips that will attract birds, which will make your life a lot easier. It will introduce you to birds that you probably won't find in your yard. This is also the time of the year for Christmas Bird Counts, you could find out if there's a planned count in your area. It's a little bit beyond "dipping your toes" to join a group of birders, but I'm confident they would show you a good time and help you pick up some tips and tricks for going out on your own
Thanks, guys, have already taken several of these steps. On a related note, I snapped a pic of a bird on my phone while walking my dog the other day. It was pretty far away and the pics are pretty rough. I thought it was just a bluebird, but now I'm wondering if it could be a towhee. Probably the quality is too bad to say for certain.
South of Charlotte, across the border. I still think it's probably a bluebird, but I can't be certain.
Did our CBC this morning. Way less activity than last year at our designated spot. Went 20 min west to another spot. Immediately saw a huge flock of American Pipits which I've never seen before, 20 Western Meadowlarks, and a Say's Phoebe. Not the best day for photos though.
Jesus male eastern bluebird Goose red-tailed hawk, they have such of variety of plumages often hard to id, especially when like that one with the banded tail and clean breast. They can look like almost anything, from all dark to pale.
Got a video bird feeder, way more addicting than I expected. Excitedly sending my wife screenshots based on the birds it's identifying is one of the most middle-aged things I've ever done
Had this guy show up today, not exactly my dream bird, but at least it adds one to my list on Merlin, I guess...
Turkey vultures are one of the most underrated birds ever. Watch one soar for like 20 minutes without using a single ounce of energy? Respect. Also, they’re super understudied. You can’t ring band them. They pee on themselves, I’m serious and I had to google how to spell that, urohydrosis. This is also why California condors have wing tags and not “leg” bands. Also vomit on attempts to capture, and their diet is already pretty unsavory. Source, many books -and a 14 year old hippo that found a nest in a hollowed out log on the ground. Had 61 on my personal CBC, the whole crew had 92 in the area. It’s a really good citizen data thing and fun -if you want to meet a bunch of nerds? Two weeks in Panama, including the Darien gap coming up. I’ll keep you posted with poorly worded long voice texts from an old guy. I’ll see my self out now. Edited for grammar, and cool birds on the CBC. Three owl species, super late eastern phoebe, horned lark. That dude Jeff found a western tanager, in the winter, in New Jersey?!?!!
https://ebird.org/barchart?r=L1452217 Hey birders, if that doesn’t wet your panties. I got nothing to say?
Not bird flexing, not my style -if that was misunderstood. Love to all, Merry Christmas if that’s your thing.
https://ebird.org/species/ruchum1 Little flex, tiny bit. 248 people have seen it, except for the people that actuallylive there. That’s pretty fucking cool -Merry Christmas. Gonna be fun. Much love
It’ll be 7 years in January. Stayed at two places, one of which was ~ 3,000’ up in the Bajos del Toro. Bird heaven.
Love all of you. little bit drunk, not gonna lie. That was Not the birds, they are cool. The women seem I’ve definitely having like a year long existential dilemma,- so I’m sorry that I over shared. And I will shut the fuck up and not text again for the next couple months -unless it’s a bird
Yeah that was a huge over share, sorry. I’m an idiot, and there was bourbon involved. if I could take that back, I would. Much love to all you. That was super embarrassing. I’m kind of a drunk when I get sad. I’m really sorry. My mom is dying and it’s tough, wild overshare. But hey, at least you know what I look like now -and yo Had a huge flock of peripatetic cedar waxwings, One of my favorite things. I’m still waiting on the bohemian waxing in .Love you all.