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Bird Word: Diagnostic

No Comments »19th December, 2006; Category: Bird Behaviour, Bird Word
Yellow Rumped Thornbill

Yellow Rumped Thornbill

Diagnostic: a feature of a bird that helps to distinguish it from other species being observed. It can refer to plumage colour, size, shape, behaviour or call. For example, the call of a Laughing Kookaburra is diagnostic; no other species of kingfisher sounds like it except perhaps the similar Blue-Winged Kookaburra. The colour of a Blackbird distinguishes it from a Grey Shrike Thrush. The size of a pelican sets it apart from a tern or gull. The beak of a thornbill is slender compared with a finch.

Zebra Finch

Zebra Finch

How to be a lazy birder part 1

5 Comments »18th December, 2006; Category: Garden birds, Hints, The lazy birder

Birding can be exhausting, so today I start a series for The Lazy Birder.

  • Be careful not to exert yourself doing this activity.
  • Gently pick up your binoculars and hang them by the strap around your neck so you don’t strain your arms too much.
  • Gently stroll outside into the garden.
  • Find a comfortable place to sit.
  • Watch the birds as they come to you.
  • If you are really energetic, you may write down a list of the birds you see (optional).
  • Go to sleep if you get drowsy – the birds will still be there when you wake.
  • Happy birding.

Great Birding Moments # 27 Wood Duck family

3 Comments »17th December, 2006; Category: Baby birds, Ducks Geese and Swans, Great Birding Moments
Vehicle Ferry crossing the River Murray

Vehicle Ferry crossing the River Murray

A beautiful spot near our home in Murray Bridge is the nearby town of Mannum. This pleasant community is also built on the banks of the River Murray. It is about a half hour drive from home. Mannum has several lovely picnic spots on the bank of the river. We had our picnic overlooking the river and all the bird life in a sanctuary near the caravan park.

Australian Wood Ducks with ducklings

Australian Wood Ducks with ducklings

Mannum has two vehicular ferries crossing the river at one end of the main street. These ferries are always on the go during the day. They offer a 24 hour river crossing service. While we were waiting to cross over to the other side we were delighted to see two families of Wood Ducks on the grass bank in a nearby park.

Australian Wood Ducks with ducklings

Australian Wood Ducks with ducklings

A feather in one’s cap

No Comments »16th December, 2006; Category: General

On my writing blog I have been writing about idioms we often use in everyday life. Some of these refer to or relate to birds in some way. Here is one of them.

“A feather in one’s cap.”

Meanings:

A special achievement or acknowledgment of one’s work or efforts is said to be “a feather in one’s cap.”

Origins:

A number of different cultures around the world celebrate victory over an enemy or the killing of an enemy by placing a feather somewhere on the head, as in the head-dress of the American Indians. Feathers still feature prominently in the ceremonial apparel of many cultures, from the highland chiefs in Papua New Guinea with their elaborate head-dresses made from the feathers of a Bird of Paradise through to the ostrich and heron feathers used in the cap of members of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in Great Britain.

Today, the common expression is used of anyone who has accomplished some special achievement.

Example:

  • Winning the seven year old race on Sports Day is certainly a feather in your cap.

I and the Bird #38

No Comments »15th December, 2006; Category: Blogs, Carnivals, General

The latest issue of the birding carnival I and the Bird, now in its 38th edition, has come to visit Australia.

Duncan, who lives in south eastern Victoria, has hosted this week’s edition. I’d encourage you to visit his blog and enjoy being taken on a birding journey around the world.

And of course I have made a contribution to this current edition.

Link:

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