Three days without birds
I’m back.
It has been a while since my last post. I’ve been here most of the time but I’ve been very busy coping with life. My studies have distracted me for many weeks now, but I can finally see the end of my course work.
Then I had a short stay in the local hospital. Kidney stones are no fun. Over that now, thank goodness. Then my wife had a stay in hospital. Between us we are keeping the local health services gainfully employed.
When I came home again I suddenly realised I’d gone 3 days without seeing a bird. There was a window in the room I was in, but the patient I was sharing with didn’t open the curtains much because he generally wanted to sleep. I knew there was something missing from my life those three days, and it wasn’t until I returned home to a garden full of birds that I realised what it was.
We are in the middle of winter now in South Australia and the bird life has diminished somewhat at present. Despite the cold conditions there is still enough activity around to keep one interested. That is one of the wonderful things about birding as a hobby. There will always be some birds around, and there’s always some form of activity. One just has to take a thirty second break from work and look out of the window to enjoy what is fluttering around or flying by. I’d certainly hate to work in an office where I couldn’t see out a window.
Enjoy the birds in your life.
Happy birding.
Can birds see colours?
This week I had an interesting question from a reader: Can birds see colours?
She also asked what colour flowers birds are most attracted to. This is a fascinating topic, one I am far from qualified to answer in full.
Yes birds can see colours – in fact, they can see colours far more intensely than humans. Scientists have only recently discovered the vast range of colours that birds can see, and most are completely beyond what humans can see or imagine. The reason for this is that humans have three cone cells in the retina while birds have four cones. In real terms, one could say that humans are virtually “colour blind” compared to birds.
For a good discussion on this topic go here:
http://www.csulb.edu/labs/bcl/elab/avian%20vision_intro.pdf
As far as what colour flowers birds are most attracted to, there is no simple answer. In my very limited understanding of the topic, birds are attracted more to the ultraviolet patterns on flowers rather than the colour that we see in our limited range of perception.
This is a vast and interesting topic. Thanks to Emilie for asking the question.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Good bird photos
No Comments »11th May, 2009; Category: General
Photography seems to run in the family. My wife takes photos of plants and flowers, I take photos of scenery, birds, animals and flowers, my daughter takes photos of people and places and my son takes photos of scenery, buildings, animals and now has a growing interest in birds.
In recent times he has added some interesting new equipment to his camera gear. This has enabled him to take some great photos. Here are some links to some recent great shots.
- Munro Park – including shots of a White-faced Heron catching a fish.
- Taronga Park Zoo – including a wonderful photo of a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo.
- Lane Cove National Park for lunch – this features an amazing photo of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and another of the back of my head (not together).
Silver membership of Birds SA
No Comments »9th May, 2009; Category: General
I received in the mail yesterday a Silver Membership Certificate from Birds SA (South Australia). This was in recognition of 30+ years of membership. I actually joined on the 31st March 1978, so it is actually 31 years and a little bit.
Nice to be recognised in this way.
Rain at Last
2 Comments »25th April, 2009; Category: General
Rainbow Lorikeets
South Australia – along with many other parts of the country – has been suffering terribly through an extended period of drought over the last few years. The land is parched dry and the flora – and probably the fauna as well – has been suffering.
Over the last three days however, the state has received its best rain in over four months. Here where we live in Murray Bridge it’s the best rain we’ve had in over eight months. In fact, except for a few showers a few weeks ago, this is this only rain we’ve had this year. And the weather people are forecasting more of the same over the coming days.
It is about now that grain farmers (mainly wheat and barley) are preparing to sow their seed for the coming season. This is perfect timing for them. Now we wait for good follow up rains over the next six months or so.
I have been interested to note that most birds have been relatively quiet today. Mind you, they’ve probably been sheltering from the heavy rain.
I don’t have a photo of the rain. Instead I’ve included a photo of two Rainbow Lorikeets.
Special Note: Today is Australia’s most sacred non-religious day: ANZAC DAY. On this day we stop to remember those who served in war.
For my special tribute, go to my writing blog.
LEST WE FORGET.