Not an American Bittern.
A few weeks ago an American Bittern was spotted in the Rocky River Reservation. He appeared daily within 30 yards of a all purpose trail, busy parkway and golf course. Five days in a row. Until I showed up. Jerk bird. All I got were foot prints in the mud. Jerk bird. Jerk Dave, bad birder!
To date this blog has been a lesson in "How NOT to Be a Better Birder." The following are a number of fine examples of my skills as a "birder" and, a "photographer."
Some of the rules that you should not follow are: When you hear of a rarity, get there as late as possible, days late- even better. Focus on a tree, not the bird. Learn their habitats and habits, then ignore that information. Photograph as many sticks and branches as possible. Wait for the bird to move before clicking the shutter. I could go on for years...hmmm..actually I have! Sorry about that.
A Canada Goose on it's natural nesting habitat.
I think he's related to the goose of the last post.
Not a bird.
Not a proper example of a Song Sparrow.
He's sitting still.
Much better example.
Make sure the Wood Duck is so far away you have to crop it so much,
you can barely make out how silly it's feet are.
Not a bittern.
Turtles sometimes resemble ducks to amateur birders.
Bobb, Bobbette and Doodlette think I need to read this book...
about a dozen more times.
Good buddy Jessica from Princeton University Press sent the latest book from Derek Lovitch to me. Apparently she thinks I need help also. Birding help that is. "How to Be a Better Birder" offers many tips and ways to become much better than me in an easy to read book.
He covers birding at night (I may stop walking into trees after this!), habitat, weather, vagrants (not the guys under the bridge) and more. Derek also speaks on the topic of birding with purpose and getting involved with local and world citizen science projects. I didn't notice a chapter on identifying birds by their butts. Maybe one day we'll see this little known subject in print.
Joking aside this really is a great book for everyone that struggles a little and wants to improve their birding skills.
(subtle plug...)
Jerk Dave, at least I can say that, lol.
ReplyDelete(Bob used to be my friend...)
DeleteDude. I do a Junior Ranger Program called B3--Be a Better Birder. If you come to the program, you'll be on your way to earning your Junior Ranger patch. So when are you and the Doodles coming out to visit me and get a lesson? (P.S. Don't let word of this out. I could lose my status as "World's Laziest Birder." Wouldn't want that, now would we? http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1405921983904881960#editor/target=post;postID=4163242620046956500
ReplyDeleteSomebody else with a great humor like Dave! Cool!
DeleteI always wanted to be a junior ranger...I don't know if the Doodles would let me drive that far though...
DeleteI'll bet "How to be a Better Birder" doesn't have any humor?
ReplyDeleteNot like mine!
DeleteGood fun Dave and I hope mistaking a turtle for a duck is one of your jokes or we are all in deep trouble.
ReplyDeleteWhat? You've never heard of a "Turtle-Duck"? They release those at weddings, don't they?
DeleteNot as funny as Dave, perhaps, but you can read a sample of the book here: http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/i9671.pdf
ReplyDeleteJess (AKA the good buddy from the publisher :)
Jess is the Princess of Princeton by the way...
DeleteStill waiting for your new book.."How to be a Badder Birder..Birds from behind". :-)
ReplyDeleteHold your breath! How would you like to be my agent and publisher?
Deleteor maybe you can call it "Birds from Behind" by I.C.More Butts
ReplyDeleteBe a Badder Birder??? I would so like, totally buy that. and y'all should treat yourselves to a road trip!!
ReplyDeleteAgain one of this very nice and funny post Dave. I can of do the same, get to the spot too late and focus on branches ;-)
ReplyDelete