Monica Russo - Birdology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Birds

Awesome Snake Science!

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by Cindy Blobaum

Insectigations

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the Insect World

by Cindy Blobaum

Copyright 2015 by Monica Russo

All rights reserved

First edition

Published by Chicago Review Press Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-61374-949-4

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Russo, Monica, author.

Birdology : 30 activities and observations for exploring the world of birds / Monica Russo ; photographs by Kevin Byron. First edition.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-61374-949-4 (trade paper)

1. Bird watchingJuvenile literature. 2. Bird attractingJuvenile literature. I. Byron, Kevin, illustrator. II. Title.

QL676.2.R875 2015

598.07234dc23

2014026071

Cover and interior design: Sarah Olson

Cover photos: Kevin Byron

Interior illustrations: Monica Russo

Interior photos: Kevin Byron

Printed in the United States of America

5 4 3 2 1

T his book is dedicated to the bird workers across North America: bird banders, biologists, rehabilitation specialists and volunteers, conservationists, census workers, and bird-watchers observing as citizen scientistsall who help to study and define the range, home life, habitat needs, and population dynamics of birds.

The black-capped chickadee is the state bird of Maine and Massachusetts and the provincial species of New Brunswick, Canada.

Index

This book would not have been possible without the help and generosity of many people. I would first like to express great appreciation of my parents, who were expert at creating gardens and habitats that attracted birds and other wildlife, for providing me with an early start in bird-watching and natural history experiences.

Kevin Byrons wonderful photographs in this book were taken over the course of many years, in a variety of habitats, and sometimes in very difficult conditions. This book, then, is also his, because the photos are vital to its design and presentation. Kevin was also our systems manager, organizing the production details and communications.

Many thanks go to Dr. Heinz Meng, professor emeritus at SUNY in New Paltz, New York, for giving Kevin the opportunity over the years to observe and photograph peregrine falcons. Professor Meng pioneered the first captive-breeding programs to restore the peregrines. We also very much thank June Ficker, a federal bird bander at a local reserve, for providing much help and patiently letting us watch and photograph the banding process. The Center for Wildlife, a wildlife clinic and education center in southern Maine, was generous in allowing photos to be taken of birds in their care.

We hugely appreciated the exceptional garden sanctuary of our friends Dick and Jane, who are masters at creating varied habitats for birds and insect pollinators. And many thanks to my sister Sandy for reporting on birds seen to the south of us and making sure we had the equipment to create wonderful dinners to sustain us on this project! Thanks also go to Dean and Laura and Joyce, who alerted us to several photo ops. We also thank our friend Myra in Utah, who gave us the unique opportunity to observe and photograph the birds and plants of Park City.

Thanks and appreciation also go to Lisa Reardon, senior editor at Chicago Review Press, who guided us through the planning and development of this project.

With the recent concern about possible nature deficit emerging in children and adults, there could be no better remedy than to experience the sights and sounds of the natural world.

Watching and listening to birds can provide feelings of personal discovery and accomplishment, and a rewarding outdoor experience. North America has more than 700 species of birds, and at least 9,000 are found around the world. You can find birds in the city and countryside, along the shore, and in forests, fields, and backyards. Birds are seen at zoos, museums, city parks, and even in our homes as pets. Birds appear on TV and in movies. They fascinate us with their variety of colors, patterns, songs, and activities, and they astonish us with their flight capabilities. Images and emblems of birds are historically important as icons of strength and freedom.

This book is not a field guide, so it does not focus on identifying species. Instead, the aim is to foster independent study through careful observation and hands-on activities. Parents, teachers, and students can easily participate in observing the birds around them: the variety of colors and patterns, the songs and calls, and the activities of feeding, preening (cleaning), or nesting. Even professional field biologists study birds simply by watching.

Although most of the birds in this book are wild native species, many nonnatives are included, such as the English sparrow, starling, and common pigeon. Domesticated birds such as chickens, along with pet birds or birds seen in zoos and parks, are also included, because these birds are often the most familiar.

Some of the species most familiar to us are pet birds and zoo birds. This is a male cockatiel. His name is Rocko.

The time you spend watching birds now may lead to future study as a biologist, ornithologist, or bird rehabilitatoremerging on the forefront of new discoveries and adventuresto better understand the environment around us. And, studying birds is a lot of great outdoor fun!

A Note of Caution: Birds are protected by federal laws. It is illegal to collect any feathers, nests, or eggs of wild birds. These laws were made to prevent the kind of mass collection and destruction that caused the near