Latest posts
SIB Travels: Panama
It was over a year ago that Melanie Jerome started asking people if they wanted to join her for a birding vacation to Panama. She had heard great things about Canopy Tower. Bob and Eileen Mercer and myself (Judy Morr) thought it sounded like a good idea. We decided to go in March which is…
Ask SIB: What can we do to protect a nesting owl?
Question: They have just begun clearing the lot next door where I know there is a nesting owl. What can we do to protect the nest? – Anonymous neighbor Answer: You are not alone in wanting to protect an owl nest! As stated on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife website: Most bird nests are protected…
SIB Travels: Hammock Coastal Bird Festival
In October, we published a blog telling you about a scheduled Bird Festival sponsored by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce called Hammock Coastal Bird Festival. Melanie Jerome, Jennifer Jerome, Susan Markum and Judy Morr decided to have a “girls weekend” to participate. After finding a 4 bedroom condo, deciding on meals (the conference provided dinners),…
Trip report: SIB visits Bear Island and Donnelly
On February 16, a small group from SIB visited these wonderful Wildlife Management areas. Bob Mercer provided a wonderful trip report of the day we thought you would like to see. Getting started at 5:30 AM is not everyone’s idea of a good time. The three people who made the effort to set out for…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – Grackles: Boat-tailed and Common
Grackles have always appealed to me due to their beautiful iridescence and graceful look in flight. They have adapted to living in close proximity to people and are abundant in our area. Although the range of the Common Grackle is large and expanding, their numbers are declining. Boat-tailed Grackles, however, are not at risk. These…
SIB “Bird of the week” – Eastern Screech Owl
Eastern Screech Owl – Megascops asioLength: 6.3-9.8 in. Weight: 4.3-8.6 oz.Wingspan: 18.9-24 in. If you find yourself in a wooded area at night, don’t be too alarmed if you hear a haunting whinny floating across the night air. No, it’s not a ghost horse, it’s likely coming from a bird no bigger than a pint…
Ethical Birding and Bird Photography
With the increasing popularity of birding and bird photography, combined with warm weather and spending more time outdoors, it’s a good time to remind everyone of the dos and don’ts of birding and bird photography. Think of it as birding etiquette. Audubon has several articles to this effect, here are a few pointers taken directly…
Ask SIB: What is Brown-headed Cowbird doing?
Question: Have researched this question to no avail! We have tons of Brown headed Cowbirds this time of year on the feeders and on the ground. Often a male or two puffs himself up, tucks his head in, and naps on the ground under the largest feeder. Seems like a risk with all the birds…
Ask SIB – American Oystercatcher U5
One of our Facebook followers asked the question below: Q: I found a photo of U5 that I took 8 years ago. How long do oystercatchers usually live? Cindy Moore Johnson A: We found this on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website, All About Birds: “The oldest American Oystercatcher was at least 23 years, 10…
Ask SIB: Mating Behavior of Terns
Several years ago and for several years we used to see a mating ritual among a class of terns in mid Spring. We saw it down at the point by the beach club but they would also appear over our Sealoft villa. The ritual was something like this. A female (I assume) tern would take…