New Winter Birds!

Some of you who live in southern Ontario may have seen Common Goldeneyes and Snow Buntings recently. If you have seen these birds or any other birds please make an account on eBird (http://ebird.org.) It is a website where you report your observations and helps orthinologists study birds. These birds have arrived a little late due to the recent fierce storms in southern Ontario, also they had to take a different route due to the storms in New York and other northern states. Anyway, some of you may have neve heard of these birds so here is a few facts about them. Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities near water. They winter in small flocks by water. Best indentified by bill and head. The Common Goldeneye or Bucephala clangula has a length of 18.5 inches. It has a wingspan of 26 inches and a weight of 1.9 pounds. Flies with deep wingbeats. The Snow Bunting

Hanukkah Begins

Today Hanukkah begins, Hanukkah is a Jewish ceremony which is eight days. It all started when Jews were on a journey to see a great lord, they went in a temple and only had canvas olive oil for one day. They needed this for something important, although it lasted for eight days, therefore Hanukkah is eight days long. For more information about this, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hanukkah/.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Solstice

As some of you may know, today is Solstice. Solstice is also the first day of winter. It happens twice a year, once on the first day of summer and once on the first day of winter. In summer it would be a northern solstice, this means the sun reaches its highest arch and the sun is the most high on that day also this is the longest day of the year. In winter it would be a southern solstice, this means the sun reaches its lowest arch and the sun is at its lowest, also its the shortest day of the year. That's about all I learned from research, so I'll move on to a different subject. The bird of the day or in this case the bird of the weekend is the Bald Eagle or Haliaeetus leucocephalus. The fierce aspect of the grand North American raptor, so clearly on display here as it swoops in on an icebound fish, makes this bird a fitting choice for our national symbol. After spending many decades on the endangered species list, it has made a welcome comback in the lower 48 states in the past 20 years. It has always been abundant in Alaska, where this photo was taken. Bald Eagles acquire their adult white-headed plumage after four years. Arthur Morris, USA
Goodbye,
Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 8)

On Friday, December 5, 2008 the cruise ship docked at Freeport, Bahamas. We spent about an hour there trying to get a good deal on a tour, but eventually we did. He was an excellent tour guide, he took us wherever we wanted to go and for only $80.00. Of course we gave him a 25 percent tip! First we went to a nature center but it was closed so we went to a park. Dad and I spotted so many birds and butterflies that we couldn't identify. Then we went to the beach with Mom and Jesse, it was beautiful! Unfortunately it can't show you a picture of it because I deleted my photos from my camera as I thought I was done with them and it filled up my memory card. Anyway, we didn't stay in the beautiful paradise long because the under toe was very, very strong and could pull us in 4 feet of water within seconds in just one wave. Next he brought us to a dolphin conservation, where they were free to swim back out to sea although they didn't because they were feed. That was the end of the tour and there is my cruise trip in eight posts! Hope you enjoyed how I told you it!

Birdman

P.S. I will try to get those beach pictures from Freeport.

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 7)

On Thursday, December 4, 2008 I went to a late night and early morning party for kids on the cruise. It started at 10:30pm and went to 3:30am, I came in early when the normal kids program was going on and they were watching the end of Fried Worms. A few kids left and then we began the party. It started by dancing games then we did face painting. There was two teams, with two designs they were Team Red and Team Blue. After we were done, we played capture the flag and Team Blue won 2 0. Then we went to play video games, I played the wii for a while then I went back to my stateroom.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 6)

Drabber adult Violet-crowned Hummingbird sitting on nest

On Wednesday, December 3, 2008 the cruise ship docked at Isla Ronda, Honduras; a island off the cost of Honduras that Hondurans claimed. We got of the boat and met with the Pirates, Birds and Monkeys group of the Caribbean as with booked a spot for it. They took us on a tour bus to there conservation area. Lets just say it wasn't a pleasant ride! After it was over, our tour guide let us have a washroom break, then we began our tour. First she brought us to a special, endangered tree that had roots that could spread 3-5 miles! Then she brought us to a plant, if you touched it's leaves they would close up and open again a few minutes later. Next she brought us past a cacti garden and in an artificial cave. She teached us about pirates that used to live in Isla Ronda. Then we had to cross a bridge to interact with the birds and monkeys. First we did the birds, all of us had fun, there was lots of parrots that had probably been rescued as though some of them had damaged beaks, faces and feet. We could only hold the healthiest ones which were the Military Macaw and the Scarlet Macaw. Everyone got to hold them and they tasted my hair when I was. See my profile picture for them. Then we went to hold the monkeys, as we walked there I noticed some of the parrots had followed the group and the White Rats that lived in Honduras had no ears or tail and appeared to be large rats. Most people were a little scared of holding the monkeys because they can make you feel uncomfortable the way they sit on your shoulder. After that we went to the beach, although everyone else went in the pool. We had lots of fun although I forgot to bring a towel. Then it started raining so we went back to cruise ship. Of course the rest of the day we relaxed.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 5)

Adult Nonbreeding Elegant Tern Diving

On Tuesday, December 2, 2008 the cruise liner anchored a few miles from Belize City, Belize. First we had breakfast, then we took a boat to Belize City and shopped. I also birded, and saw many gulls, terns and other Diomedeidae, Procellariidae and Laride birds. Including the Elegant Tern which I posted a video of (above.) Anyway we didn't do much because it was dangerous out of the city and tourists weren't recommended to go out of it. Although mom and dad bought me a collection of butterflies and Jesse got a drum made from Bolivians. I think mom regretted it though because he drove us crazy trying to play it! After that we had lunch and went back to the cruise liner. It had to anchor far from Belize because the government of Belize protects the reef by Belize which is the second largest in the world! Uncle Bruce and Aunt Lori went away from the city and had a tour of the the island. By the way they told us it sounded like they had a great time, they saw Herons, Iguanas, Insects and other interesting and rare animals. But I'm glad I didn't go because it was to big of a risk, I really wish Belize and Guatemala could be peaceful. When we got back we just swam for the rest of the day.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 4)

Adult Female Magnificent Hummingbird

On Monday, December 1, 2008 the ship docked at Cozumel, Mexico. We had breakfast then we went into Cozumel and took a tour around the island. First our tour guide stopped at the Mayan Ruins so we could walk around for 30 minutes and explore. Before we entered we had to pay to see the Mayan Ruins, then we started our hike. There was lots of birds, butterflies and nature everywhere. Although, no animal could stay in sight long enough for a picture except a hummingbird that I took a picture of (above.) But we still had a good time exploring all the ancient Ruins that were build by Mayan Cultures. Although some of them seemed pointless like large, deep holes without signs beside them to explain the purpose of them. Anyway, our grandparents were getting tired so I quickly took some pictures of flowers and we walked back to the tour van. Next he took us to a place which was like a plaza or something. As we walked in on the stepping stones, a 10 foot snake was there to greet us! Mom of course was frightened so she left but they asked if I wanted to pet their iguana. I did, although I may have regretted it as I forgot to wash my hands after. I wanted to take a picture of all their animals but they wanted about $10.00 for a single picture! So mom pretended to take a picture of us but she was trying to take a picture of the snake. They caught her and moved the snake. Then we went down to have some fun at the beach but salt was splashing on my camera. Luckily it didn't damage it, mom bought us some fries and we left. On our way to the tour van we saw some grackles and a crab which I got a picture of, it quickly ran away so everyone got back in the van and he drove us to the ship and we just relaxed for the rest of the day.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Birding at Riverside Park and Linear Trail

House Finches
Black-capped Chickadee

Grey Squirrel

Herring Gull

Black Scoters (left) and Buffleheads (right)

Red-tailed Hawk

Northern Shrike

Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings

At 10:00am, Ruth picked me up and we went to Riverside Park and went birding. We only walked for about 10 minutes because of Ruth's knee having an infection as you know from her blog. Although we saw, American Crows, Northern Cardinals, House Finches, European Starlings, Rock Doves, Mourning Doves, we got to hand feed Black-capped Chickadees and Grey and Black Squirrels. Then we went to Linear Trail to try to spot the recent Juvenile Bald Eagle sighting. Unfortunately we didn't, although we saw Herring Gulls, Black-capped Chickadees, Black Scoters, Buffleheads, Canada, Geese, Mallards and a Red-tailed Hawk. So we went to a place someone else had spotted an eagle but the river there was frozen so we had no chance of seeing one. Next we went to a road with many Pine Trees because someone spotted White-winged Crossbills there recently. We may have seen them there but I don't have any prof. Anyway we did see Northern Shrikes and Cedar Waxwings roosting and feeding their young. Then we went to Tim Hortons for lunch I had the Chili Combo a Ruth had a Steeped Tea. After having lunch we went to Ruth's house to pick up Becka and drop her off at a friend's birthday party. Then we drove me home at about 3:00pm...seeing more crows! We saw a total of 21 species of birds! Although we didn't see White-winged Crossbills or Bald Eagles I still had a good time, thank you Ruth for taking me birding with you!

Goodbye,

Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 3)

On Sunday, November 30, 2008 we wen to a karioke show a dinner. I can't write much because I only stayed for a bit.
Goodbye,
Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 2)

Atlantic Adult Nonbreeding Brown Pelican Gliding

On Saturday, November 29, 2008 my dad and I went birding again and saw lots Pelicaniformes (pelicans, tropicbirds, cormorants, etc.) In fact that's almost all we saw that day. Here is how it began; after having breakfast and getting ready we took a shuttle to Port Canaveral, Florida where the cruise liner would be setting sail. As soon as we arrived there, I saw albatrosses, frigatebirds, gulls, terns, grackles etc. and the line for the cruise was about a kilometer long! Fortunately my grandparents had a VIP from the suite they booked in the Marriot Hotel so we could cut the line. When we got in, our passports had a B2 stamp on them and they thought that we didn't live in North America. After a while they let us board the ship. We got on the 3rd Deck and we all got our picture taken for an ID for our Sail & Sign Cards. We went to our room, unpacked and explored the ship. On the 10th Deck we decided to stop to go birding. I saw a variety of gulls, gannets, albatrosses, terns, pelicans, anhingas, cormorants, vultures and lots more. Then we set sail out into the Atlantic Ocean. When we had dinner the waiters were excellent and funny. After dinner we had a great time but then we went to bed.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Carnival Glory Cruise Liner Trip (Part 1)

On Thursday November 27, 2008 we drove to the the Toronto Airport and flew to Orlando, Florida then we stayed at the Marriot Hotel. The next morning we had a big breakfast at the hotel while we were eating I spotted many birds out the window, including; bitterns, anis and warblers. After breakfast we went birding at a pond by the hotel and the were domestic and wild waterfowl foraging in the shallow water. Also I spotted a school of large cichlids in the water resting at the surface. Next I saw a Anhinga far in the water swimming in a way that made it look like a snake, this is why its nicknamed the "snakebird". Although everytime I tried to take a picture of it, it would dive underwater for a couple of minutes and come back up in another place so I gave up. Then we went to the mall for Black Friday but it was very busy and we all regreted going there all day but I did see a lizard in the flowers outside the mall. Then we had lunch and we back to the Marriot Hotel and I went birding again in another pond with my dad. We saw egrets, anis and lots of other birds. Unfortunately I accidentaly deleted most of my pictures so we had dinner and went to bed.

Goodbye,

Birdman

4 Days Until Cruise!

Cambridge Pound/Wild Turkey

Adult Nonbreeding Male Wild Turkey

Today we took the cat to the pound but they wouldn't accept it because we lived in Breslau (out of the Cambridge region.) So we made a deal, my mom gave them $5 to drop off the cat. They said he would find a home quickly because of how playful, cute and nice it was. Later, on the way home from Cambridge we noticed a large bird standing by a harvested corn field. We parked by it and my mom took some pictures of it with her iPhone. When we came home I identified it and it was a Adult Nonbreeding Male Wild Turkey.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Stray Cat

Lately, a stray cat has been coming to our deck begging for attention, so now were caring for it until we get a call back from the Camridge Humane Society.
Goodbye,
Birdman

Max

Today after school we visited the vet, for a check-up for Max. Unfortunately he has the same problems but worse

Lazer Quest

Yesterday Scouts was having a party at Lazer Quest from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. My dad and I started driving at 6:30pm and it wasn't until 7:10pm when we found it. When we came in Scout Leader Phil gave me a Lazer Quest Card so I handed it in for a Lazer Quest Gun Activator. Eventually I found my scout group and one of my friend's friend was there with her sister. Her mouth was as wide as a human mouth could open when she saw me! I wasn't that surprised! Anyway the Lazer Quest Mission was just beginning so we followed the Lazer Quest Marshal for instructions, he explained to us how to play Lazer Quest and all the rules. We entered the room and he gave us all vests and a gun. Then we had 30 seconds to hide until we could begin. Then everyone went crazy, every corner I passed about 10 people shot me about 50 times. That put me in 26th place. The next round I made a team to make it easier (although every individual is suppost to be on their own team. Anyway this time was a lot better, we took corner shots at everyone! Until I turned my back, they ditched me. I went looking for them and a lot creepy things happened then but I won't mention them. But as soon as I found them they shot me about 100 times each! It put my score wwwaaayyy dddooowwwnnn!!! In fact I came in 19th place that time. Although it was fun, I don't trust my friends as much. I was sweating like crazy when we were done because they had no AC in there! Neither did I on the way home...Dad!
Goodbye,
Birdman

Re-Fish Feeding Time

A few days ago I failed to publish a video called "Fish Feeding Time". It wouldn't download because it was over 20 seconds long. So here is a shorter, more edited version of "Fish Feeding Time". I hope it will publish this time.

Goodbye,

Birdman

Max

I bet some of you are thinking I haven't done a blog post on Max in a long time so here is an update about him. He has a few miner health issues; he is having a allergic reaction on his ear and belly but we are taking him for surgery on Thursday, he is 1 pound over the maximum weight for his age but we are feeding him special food and walking him everyday. Also we have to risk him running away when we walk him because his collar doesn't fit over his coat but we only walk him around the back of the house and we are keeping close watch on him. Of course once Spring begins he can go for larger walks with a collar and leash.
Goodbye,
Birdman

Snowy Day

SNOWY DAY

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Also. check out these blogs:

http://bodysoulandspirit.blogspot.com/

http://the-becka.blogspot.com/

http://sibleyguides.blogspot.com/

http://monarchbfly.com/

Bye,

Birdman