#fauna: avian: hawks

[dansnaturepictures]

Nine of my favourite flora and fauna photos I took in September 2024 and month summary

The photos are of; Red Deer at Bushy Park, Common Seal on the Beaulieu River, young Coot at Bushy Park, Barn Owl in a flying display at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Clouded Yellow at Milford on Sea, Lesser Yellow Underwing moth at home, Ruddy Darter on Brownsea Island, Common Lizard at Thursley and hawthorn berries with a ladybird on.

Some of my most magical wild moments of a mesmerising September were watching mammals; immersive views of Common Seals and Grey Seals, enchanting Red Squirrels and ravishing Red, Roe, Fallow and Sika Deers bringing glorious late summer/autumn feelings of splendour. Grey Squirrel, Rabbit and Brown Rat provided some nice moments too.

It was a marvellous month of avian movement with many of my top birds of a fine birding moth enjoyed on migration in and out including Ospreys, Hobby, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, Brent Geese, Pintail, Wigeon, Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, a rare for Lakeside Tree Pipit seen on my patch, a Chiffchaff in the garden and unusually Sand Martin at Bushy Park and epic scenes of many House Martins and a few Swallows moving through places. Other highlights this month included incredible views of majestic White-tailed Eagles twice at Newtown and Poole Harbours, Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawks including one coming into the garden, Kestrel, Sandwich Terns, Shag, Curlews, Common Gulls, Mediterranean Gull, Egyptian Geese, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Starlings, Ring-necked Parakeet, Grey Heron, Greenshanks, Sanderlings, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Snipe, Great White Egret, Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, captivating views of Spoonbills in Poole Harbour, Little Grebes, Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Dartford Warbler, Cetti's Warbler heard and Kingfisher. Cormorant, Stonechat, Jay, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and lots of nice views of Great Crested Grebes including the chicks, Moorhens and Coot were other highlights at Lakeside. It was great to spend a day spellbound by birds of prey and others on an amazing day at the wonderful Hawk Conservancy during the super week off of day trips with so many phenomenal places visited and much wildlife seen.

Butterflies did quieten down this month for me but I saw some fantastic ones, headlined by adding the excellent Clouded Yellow to my year list a great final piece of the jigsaw to another memorable butterfly year for me. I also really enjoyed seeing Small Coppers at Bushy Park and Southbourne, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Speckled Wood especially seen well at Lakeside, Common Blue, female Adonis Blue at Old Winchester Hill, Green-veined White, numerous Small Whites and Large Whites especially on sunny days, beautiful Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and Peacock. I enjoyed seeing a fair few moths this month too including dashing Willow Beauty, Garden Carpet, L-album Wainscot, Light Brown Apple moth, sumptuous Lesser Yellow Underwings, pretty Lunar Underwing, Square-spot Rustic and Silver Y and Vestal in the day. Dragonflies and damselflies took a large amount of the limelight again as they dazzled at this well lit and beautiful time of year, Brown Hawker, thrilling Black Darter, Common Darter and Ruddy Darter views, Keeled Skimmer on Brownsea Island, resplendent Migrant Hawker, gigantic and eyecatching Southern Hawker and exquisite Emerald Damselfly were special to see.

It was captivating to watch Common Lizards at Thursley Common and a Common Frog on a wet New Forest walk at Puttles Bridge. Symbolising the shift to autumn I saw loads of craneflies this month which was memorable. I also enjoyed seeing Long-winged Conehead, Common Green Lacewing, hoverflies, bees, wasp, hornet, enigmatic Devil’s coach horse beetle and ground beetle at Thursley, ladybird, Forest Bug, Dock bug, and Grey Silverfish and spiders at home.

Key flower/plant sightings this month included my first ever skullcap at Bushy Park, lots of great devil’s-bit scabious one of my favourites, harebell, common toadflax, restharrow, marjoram, wild basil, water mint, great willowherb, sundew, bog asphodel, sea rocket, wild radish, seaside daisies, sand spurrey, yellow-horned poppy, sea kale, rock samphire, mercury yarrow, wild carrot, pineappleweed, mignonette, hedgerow crane’s-bill, red clover, white clover, comfrey, a strong month for yellow with ragwort, fleabane, tormentil, sowthistle, oxtongue and autumn hawkbit, montbretia, self-heal, gorse, ivy, plantain, black medick and bell and common heather painting the landscape a splendid purple. There was a lot of nice fruit to see including apples, dogwood berries, guelder rose berries, rowan berries and fine ruby hawthorn berries. Sunflower, pretty fuchsia, buddleia, roses, rose hips, firethorn berries and other colourful plants were nice to see at home this month.

[monarch-afterdark]

Superspecies History: The Maritime's Bestiary

Welcome once again to Monarch: After Dark, the digital gateway between you and the organisation dedicated to understanding and navigating this troubled new world we live in.

Here we are, the end of the road for our Skull Island fauna coverage...kind of. While there are quite a handful of other superspecies we are yet to talk about, we do not yet have access to their profiles, and as such we can't really talk about them. Once we can, however, we will be returning to Skull Island.

For now at least, let us end the coverage with another round-up of creatures known to Monarch, but do not have enough information known about them to warrant giving them individual entries. You may remember we did something similar a while back for the remaining Titans awakened in 2019, and this entry will be similar in presentation, but for the superspecies encountered by survivors of the cryptid-hunting vessel Once Upon a Maritime in 1993.

(Pictured above: Artwork drawn by a younger Annie, depicting herself and her animal familiar "Dog" battling a scorpion-like creature)

Now, given that these events transpired prior to the 1995 expedition to Skull Island, and thus prior to any Monarch presence on the island, all we have on the following creatures are the testimonies of those who had encountered them firsthand. With that said, let us dive in.

----

"Dog"

(Pictured above: Artistic depiction of "Dog" and Annie together)

The nickname given to a large, canine-like superspecies, "Dog" was first met by Annie as a pup after their fathers had killed each other. Developing a strong bond, they would spend the next 10 years together on an island Annie named after herself, battling monsters. The two would wind up on Skull Island together whilst escaping mercenaries hired by Annie's mother.

Dog's current status is unknown, as he and Annie were separated following Kong's killing of the Skull Island Kraken, and Annie being taken to the mainland by her mother. Monarch's attempts at getting much information out of Annie were made more difficult by her constant demands to be reunited with the animal.

-----

Trapdoor Crab

(Pictured above: Artistic rendition of a Trapdoor Crab, by Monarch cryptoartist Jung-Ha Kim)

Trapdoor Crabs are beach-dwelling ambush predators that lurk beneath the sands on Skull Island's coasts. A group of Trapdoor Crabs attempted to kill Once Upon a Maritime crew members Charlie and Mike once they'd washed ashore on Skull Island, but the duo were rescued by Annie. More would attack the trio later, but the sounds of Kong's roar scared them off.

-----

Rock Bug

(Pictured above: Artist sketches of a Rock Bug, by Jung-Ha Kim)

Rock Bugs were insectoid monsters capable of curling their bodies to disguise as simple rocks. Even as babies, their bodies are highly durable. Their underbellies are composed of similar material to a diamond, mesmerizing potential prey or predators.

Rock Bugs were apparently first encountered by Charlie's father, and captain of the Once Upon a Maritime, Cap. Charlie himself had accidentally thrown a baby Rock Bug into a swarm of Trapdoor Crabs, and according to Annie, Kong threw a Rock Bug at the Kraken during their battle.

-----

Aloe Turtle

(Pictured above: Artist's rendition of an Aloe Turtle)

A related subspecies to the Magma Turtle, the Aloe Turtle is a florafauna reptilian with aloe leaves growing on its back in place of the conventional shell turtles have. Their leaves secrete a gel that can be used to treat venom-related injuries.

A lone Aloe Turtle was spotted by Cap and Irene, Annie's mother, whilst they were getting acquainted. Irene later used one of the aloe leaves from the species to treat a venomous wound Mike had sustained during the Kraken's attack on the Once Upon a Maritime.

-----

Hawk Monster

(Pictured above: Artistic depiction of the Hawk Monster resting on Kong's arm)

A large red avian creature, the Hawk Monster was apparently a beast companion for Kong during his time on the island. According to later analysis of a temple-like structure high on Skull Island's mountains, Kong seemed to have met the Hawk Monster during the 1980's.

While the Hawk Monster is presumed dead by Monarch as of 2021, as it had not been seen with Kong during Monarch's time on the island, it had been spotted in 1993 menacing Irene's team, and had brought Charlie and Dog to Kong's temple, presumably as food.

-----

Croc Monster

(Pictured above: Artistic depiction of the Croc Monster)

Unlike the Sirenjaw, the Croc Monster was a more traditional-looking crocodilian superspecies, keeping the core traits associated with modern crocodilian species. This creature was capable of both quadrupedal and bipedal movement.

A Croc Monster had menaced Charlie and Mike briefly after killing one of Irene's mercenaries. Charlie recalled the pair diving off a waterfall to evade the beast, only for the Croc Monster to dive down after them. It was grabbed from the water and eaten by Kong before it could attack the boys further.

-----

Giant Dodo

(Pictured above: Artistic rendition of the Giant Dodo)

The Giant Dodo...is a rather self-explanatory animal to explain. The name really speaks for itself here.

A Giant Dodo briefly menaced Charlie and Mike before it was swiftly killed by Dog. The boys realised that Annie had used them as bait to kill the creature, and the group roasted the Giant Dodo over a fire with the intent to eat it.

-----

Giant Ant

(Pictured above: Artistic rendition of the Giant Ant)

A large insectoid species that dwelled in underground pits on Skull Island, connected by a series of tunnels. They had durable exoskeletons, and may have been prone to cannibalising on deceased Giant Ants. It is unknown whether or not the Giant Ants may be a caste of Snarehunter, due to the limited information at hand.

One attacked Charlie, Mike and Annie in a pit after dragging off the carcass of one of its own. When an ancient sword Charlie uncovered shattered against it, Annie played dead in front of the Giant Ant to attract Dog, who chased it off.

-----

Jovian Flytrap

(Pictured above: Artistic depiction of a Venus Fly Trap Creature)

Another example of "faunaflora" (a reverse instance of florafauna where plants take on animalistic traits), the Jovian Flytrap seemed to be the Skull Island equivalent of carnivorous plants known to the surface world. This creature was referred to initially as just a "Venus Fly Trap Creature", but a search through the Skull Island database found the creature already catalogued as the Jovian Flytrap.

Irene, Cap, and mercenary Sam encountered a group of Jovian Flytraps, one of which attempted to eat Irene while she had her back turned to it. The creature was killed in the effort to free Irene, who later found it ironic that she, as a botanist, was almost killed by a plant.

-----

Nightboy

(Pictured above: Artistic rendition of the Nightboys, by Jung-Ha Kim)

Nightboys were pale-skinned, demonic creatures that would collectively hide around bare trees, turning them into spined formations. They were highly aggressive to anyone who disturbed the group, but could be fended off by an inexperienced teen with a club, and thus aren't quite as deadly as other fauna on the island.

Charlie recalled accidentally startling a group of Nightboys attempting to ignite a tree to get the attention of Irene's party. This brought the attention of Irene's mercenaries and Annie, who reunited with Dog as the mercs gunned down the creatures.

-----

And that's all she wrote for the Maritime's bestiary! Or, at the very least, that's all in terms of what we were actually told by those who were involved with the 1993 incident. Refusal to co-operate with Monarch, the unreliability of human memory and lack of enough time to explain them all played a part in the limited selection and information we have presented here.

Still, a shoutout is due to Monarch's talented crew of artists who were able to bring mere word-of-mouth descriptions to life as fantastic and terrifying creatures.

Until next time,

Monarch: After Dark

[perfectsolutionsgarage2]

Madera Park Oasis: Embracing Nature's Refuge in Citrus Heights, CA

Nestled amid the suburban scenery of Citrus Heights, California, Madera Park stands as a natural haven, a living canvas painted with diverse flora and fauna. This lush oasis invites individuals to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature within an urban landscape.

From the peaceful walking trails weaving through mature oak groves to the calm pond that hosts a variety of waterfowl, the park creates an environment that both fascinates and captivates its visitors.

As we uncover the mysteries of Madera Park, there's an undeniable sense of anticipation for the tranquility and discovery that lies ahead.

Revealing Madera Park's Natural Charms

Madera Park, an oasis of greenery in Citrus Heights, California, is teeming with a plethora of natural attractions, providing visitors with a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna to explore and delight in.

The towering trees offer a refreshing shade from the California sun, while the lively wildflowers paint the landscape in vibrant hues—a visual treat for all who visit.

The park's ponds serve as a sanctuary for waterfowl, and the expansive grasslands are a habitat for a diverse range of bird species.

Interwoven walking trails guide visitors through the park, creating a journey of exploration and revelation.

Every season unfolds a distinct facet of the park's beauty, ensuring that each visit is a unique and enriching experience.

Madera Park truly stands as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, extending an invitation for all to discover their place within its borders.

Immersing in Wildlife at Citrus Heights Oasis

Stepping into the heart of Citrus Heights Oasis, visitors encounter an abundant display of wildlife, a testament to the thriving ecosystem within the park.

From the fluttering butterflies adorning the blooming flora to the industrious squirrels darting across the verdant landscape, this oasis offers an intimate connection with nature.

Observers might catch a glimpse of deer peacefully grazing at dawn or dusk, while bird enthusiasts will be enthralled by the diverse avian population, including majestic hawks soaring overhead.

The serene ponds within the park are home to various fish species, and fortunate visitors may even spot the elusive river otter.

Here, you're not merely a spectator but an integral part of this vibrant ecosystem, fostering a profound sense of belonging and connection with the natural world.

[garagegaterepair]

Exploring Houston's Natural Beauty: A Day At Willow Waterhole Greenway

https://localprogaragedoorrepair.com/

In the heart of the bustling metropolis of Houston, Texas lies an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty - Willow Waterhole Greenway.

This green space, a part of the Greater Houston area's extensive park system, serves as a sanctuary for local flora and fauna whilst providing numerous recreational opportunities for its visitors.

Spanning nearly 300 acres in Westbury neighborhood, this urban wildlife habitat is celebrated for its preservation efforts and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The exploration of Willow Waterhole Greenway offers a unique insight into Houston's rich biodiversity, with dedicated areas for wildlife spotting and bird watching.

It also features an array of amenities that cater to diverse interests—be it leisurely strolls along well-maintained trails, engaging in sporting activities or simply unwinding amidst serene surroundings.

As one delves deeper into understanding this gem within the cityscape, it becomes evident how integral such spaces are in fostering a sense of community while promoting environmental awareness amongst residents.

Wildlife Spotting and Bird Watching at Willow Waterhole Greenway

At Willow Waterhole Greenway, a plethora of avian species can be observed in their natural habitat, making it a veritable paradise for bird watchers and providing an intriguing glimpse into the wildlife of yesteryears.

The 279-acre park is home to more than 200 species of birds, including raptors like the Red-tailed Hawk and migratory birds such as the Indigo Bunting. The Greenway's diverse ecosystem offers ample food sources and nesting areas which attract these birds year-round.

From the quiet rustle of wings to melodious bird calls echoing through the woods, every visit provides an immersive sensory experience that brings one closer to nature.

Being part of Houston's larger parks system, Willow Waterhole Greenway also serves as a sanctuary for various other forms of wildlife. On any given day, visitors may encounter rabbits darting across trails or turtles basking in sunlit ponds.

The dense vegetation lining pathways is often abuzz with dragonflies and butterflies adding vivid splashes of color against the green backdrop. This biodiversity not only enriches visitor experiences but plays a vital role in sustaining local ecosystems by facilitating pollination and serving as natural pest control.

Despite being nestled within an urban expanse, Willow Waterhole Greenway manages to preserve its wild charm effortlessly. Its peaceful ambiance allows visitors to disconnect from city life momentarily while fostering their sense of belongingness towards nature's grandeur.

Whether you are an ardent birder keen on ticking off new sightings from your list or someone seeking respite amidst lush greenery punctuated with vibrant wildlife, this verdant oasis has something unique to offer everyone who steps onto its welcoming paths.

Activities and Amenities at Willow Waterhole Greenway

Willow Waterhole Greenway offers a myriad of activities and amenities that cater to various interests and age groups.

The site is renowned for its extensive walking and biking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while staying active.

Additionally, scenic picnic areas provide a serene backdrop for leisurely meals or gatherings, while an array of community events and programs foster a sense of camaraderie amongst park-goers.

Exploring the Walking and Biking Trails

Numerous walking and biking trails meander through the lush greeneries of Willow Waterhole Greenway, offering an immersive experience into Houston's vibrant natural landscape. These trails are a testament to the city's commitment to conserving its green spaces and providing recreational facilities for citizens and visitors alike.

The pathways, which vary from smooth paved surfaces ideal for cycling to more rugged routes perfect for hiking, provide opportunities not only for physical activities but also for appreciating the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit these areas. Birdwatchers will be delighted with sightings of local bird species, while joggers can enjoy the serene environment away from the city's hustle.

The grandeur of Willow Waterhole Greenway extends beyond its verdant landscapes as it serves as a gathering place that fosters community spirit and promotes environmental stewardship among Houstonians. As one traverses its winding trails, there is this profound sense of connection - not only with nature but also with fellow park-goers who share in their appreciation of this urban oasis.

The frequent encounters with cyclists signaling their approach or families engaging in outdoor picnics by the waterholes exemplify a shared sense of respect and love for this public space. This interconnectedness resonates deeply within those who visit Willow Waterhole Greenway, encouraging them to uphold its conservation efforts while creating meaningful experiences within its beautiful confines.

Enjoying the Scenic Picnic Areas

Scattered throughout the lush parkland are scenic picnic areas, ideal for those who wish to enjoy a meal amid nature's tranquility. These spaces offer a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Willow Waterhole Greenway while enjoying an alfresco lunch or dinner.

Carefully designed with visitor comfort and convenience in mind, these areas feature well-maintained tables, benches, and expansive grassy spots perfect for laying down a picnic blanket. Set against the backdrop of verdant foliage and blooming flowers, these facilities provide a picturesque setting that is sure to enhance any outdoor dining experience.

The strategic placement of these picnic spots allows visitors to appreciate Houston's diverse flora and fauna up close. The symphony of bird songs offers soothing background music while squirrels dart playfully amidst the trees nearby.

Furthermore, these locales often present prime views of Willow Waterhole's series of interconnected ponds – teeming with ducks, herons and turtles – providing not just an idyllic visual feast but also an engaging wildlife observation point.

Thus, spending time at Willow Waterhole's picnic areas is more than just about satisfying one's appetite; it presents opportunities for discovery, relaxation and bonding over shared experiences - all integral aspects that cultivate a sense of belonging within this urban oasis.

Participating in Community Events and Programs

Engaging in the various community events and programs is another enriching activity to partake in, further promoting unity and interaction among park-goers.

Willow Waterhole Greenway serves as an active hub for a multitude of local events that bring together Houston's diverse residents. These range from environmental conservation programs, bird-watching sessions, guided nature walks, to music festivals and art exhibits - all aimed at fostering a sense of community while encouraging appreciation for the park's natural beauty.

Particularly impressive is the annual 'MusicFest,' where local musicians provide riveting performances amidst the lush greenery.

Moreover, educational initiatives offered at Willow Waterhole Greenway are instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of urban green spaces and wildlife preservation. These involve interactive workshops and presentations conducted by experienced conservationists who share their extensive knowledge about Houston's unique biodiversity.

Additionally, volunteer opportunities abound for those interested in contributing more actively towards maintaining this urban oasis.

By participating in these community-centered activities, not only do visitors gain valuable insights into Houston's environment but they also experience a deep sense of belonging within this vibrant community that appreciates and preserves its natural surroundings.

[myhaverphotography]

Harris's Hawk 24783 ~ Photography by Mark Myhaver
Features a Harris's Hawk in flight over my home in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Oro Valley, Arizona 
Prints and merchandise may be purchased via link in bio. Thank you for your support. It is greatly appreciated. 🙏🏼 Creator ID: Mark E Myhaver / 0xecd34B01F5aE457A37B0432c779848600953C72f #myhaverphotography #harrishawk #hawks #wildlife #nature #predatory #avian #ornithology #animal #raptor #fauna (at Photography by Mark Myhaver) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgFoWg4v6Av/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[apothecaryassistant]

Pre-planes

[a-dinosaur-a-day]

Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus

By the USFWS, in the Public Domain 

Etymology: Naked Nostrils

First Described By: Wied-Neuwied, 1841

Classification: Dinosauromorpha, Dinosauriformes, Dracohors, Dinosauria, Saurischia, Eusaurischia, Theropoda, Neotheropoda, Averostra, Tetanurae, Orionides, Avetheropoda, Coelurosauria, Tyrannoraptora, Maniraptoromorpha, Maniraptoriformes, Maniraptora, Pennaraptora, Paraves, Eumaniraptora, Averaptora, Avialae, Euavialae, Avebrevicauda, Pygostaylia, Ornithothoraces, Euornithes, Ornithuromorpha, Ornithurae, Neornithes, Neognathae, Neoaves, Inopinaves, Telluraves, Australaves, Eufalconimorphae, Psittacopasserae, Passeriformes, Eupasseres, Passeri, Euoscines, Corvides, Corvoidea, Corvidae, Cyanocoracinae

Status: Extant, Vulnerable

Time and Place: From 1.8 million years ago through today, from the Calabrian of the Pleistocene through the Holocene 

Pinyon Jays are known from the Southwestern United States 

Physical Description: Pinyon Jays are beautiful, distinctive blue birds. They range from 26 to 29 centimeters in length, making them somewhat small Corvids. The males tend to weigh more than the females. They are a beautiful blue color, fairly uniform all over their bodies, though they do have white and blue striped throat pouches. They have beady black eyes and long, black beaks. These beaks are very pointed and sharp, and the nostrils on them are completely without feathers - hence the meaning of the genus name. The juveniles tend to be more grey and become blue as they get older. 

By Seabamirum, CC BY 2.0 

Diet: Pinyon Jays have evolved, specifically, to eat the seeds of Pinyon trees for food. These seeds are very heavy and not great for wind distribution, so they rely on animals to eat them and disperse them. As such, the Pinyon Jay fulfills this role. They’ll eat other seeds too, and supplement their diet with insects and other arthropods and grains.

By John Drummond 

Behavior: Pinyon Jays live in large, cooperative, synchronized flocks - of up to five hundred individuals - which move around their ecosystem together in search of their specialized food, usually gotten on the ground or in seed feeders. They make a wide variety of calls, probably more than fifteen of them, allowing them to coordinate their activities and recognize different individuals in the flock. The begging calls of juveniles are also unique per individual, allowing it to be clear to the adults who exactly needs food. These unique calls for each individual Pinyon Jay means that the individuals can recognize each other completely across these giant flocks. They make long, alarm calls that are combinations of other calls; and they can make very long rambling songs for twenty or more minutes at a time. These giant flocks will roam over large areas, moving nomadically in search of their favorite flocks. 

By Noah Strycker 

Pinyon Jays do cache food, allowing for seeds to be grabbed when needed during development, courtship, nest building, egg laying, and incubation. They’ll fly many miles in order to cache seeds, usually in the Fall, and they’ll rely on these cached seeds during the cold months. They will often move the seeds as well, in order to avoid theft from other birds. They’ll cache them in the ground, usually buried in dead needles and twigs - so don’t throw out or pick up such piles!!! Let your fall leaves lie on the ground!!! They will switch to caching in trees when the ground gets too hard to dig into. They remember the location of their caches for at least a week, though it is possible they can remember these locations for longer collectively as a flock. 

By Albert Linkowski 

These jays begin breeding in the early spring and continue through to autumn if food is particularly plentiful. They form monogamous pairs, possibly for their entire lives (at least as long as ten years), and they make nests together in very synchronized colonies as flocks. Previous children do help build nests, but it’s not as common as in other species. Both parents will build the nests out of a platform of sticks, with a middle layer of coarse grasses woven together, and the nest lined with finely shredded plants, feathers, and hair. They’ll usually place these nests in pine trees. The pair will lay between 2 and 5 eggs which are incubated by the female for two and a half weeks. Both parents will feed and take care of the chicks in the nest for three weeks. The fledglings then gather together in creches which are guarded by a few adults, as foraging resumes back to normal; the parents will return to their fledglings with food every hour. The young depend on their parents for two to three more months. They are then juveniles, learning from the rest of the flock for a few more years. Sometimes these juveniles will move to other flocks, but they usually stay with their parent flocks for their whole lives. Females will begin breeding at 2 years old, and males at 3 years, and they’ll create many broods throughout their lives. They can live for as long as 16 years, in the best of conditions. 

By Hal & Kirsten Snyder 

Ecosystem: Pinyon Jays stick to woodlands and forests where there are pinyon-juniper trees. They’ll also go to chaparral and scrub oak forests, as well as locations of ponderosa and Jeffrey pines. They can also be found in city and town gardens. Pinyon Jays are highly preyed upon, though their flocking and colonial nesting helps to protect them; they also use pinyon, juniper, and ponderosa pine trees for cover, and rarely stray too far from these sites unless needed to for caching and food storage. These birds also mob potential predators, such as Great Horned Owls, Sharp-Shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Common Grey Foxes. They are also preyed upon by ravens, crows, Steller’s Jays, Abert’s Squirrels, Rock Squirrels, snakes, gray foxes, and domestic cats. Sometimes, these predators pull females from their nests while they’re incubating the young. 

By Seabamirum, CC BY 2.0 

Other: Pinyon Jays are extremely common birds in their range, but they have undergone extremely rapid population decline due to the loss of its specific woodland habitat. The pinyon-juniper woodland is decreasing due to drought and tree-related diseases. Unfortunately, Pinyon Jays are very nomadic and social, which makes estimating the exact population of these jays fairly difficult. They do use bird feeders in urban and suburban habitats, which means they may be able to get by as their habitat decreases. Interestingly enough, fossils of this bird are known from the last Ice Age, indicating that they did not evolve recently, but have been a fixture of the Southwestern United States for millions of years.

~ By Meig Dickson

Sources Under the Cut 

Balda, Russell P.; Bateman, Gary C.; Foster, Gene F. (1972). "Flocking associates of the Pinyon Jay". Wilson Bulletin. 84 (1): 60–76.

Balda, Russell P. 1987. Avian impacts on pinyon-juniper woodlands. In: Everett, Richard L., compiler. Proceedings—pinyon-juniper conference; 1986 January 13–16; Reno, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-215. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 525–533.

Barton, Andrew M. (1993). "Factors controlling plant distributions: drought, competition, and fire in montane pines in Arizona". Ecological Monographs. 63 (4): 367–397.

Bateman, Gary C. (1971). "Flocking and annual cycle of the pinyon jay, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus". The Condor. 73 (3): 287–302.

Bateman, Gary C.; Balda, Russell P. (1973). "Growth, development, and food habits of young pinon jays". Auk. 90 (1): 39–61.

Bednekoff, Peter A.; Balda, Russell P. (1996). "Social caching and observational spatial memory in pinyon jays". Behaviour. 133 (11–12): 807–826.

Clark, L.; Gabaldon, Diana J. (1979). "Nest desertion by the pinon jay". Auk. 96 (4): 796–798.

Cully, Jack F.; Ligon, J. David (2010). "Seasonality of Mobbing Intensity in the Pinyon Jay". Ethology. 71 (4): 333.

Emslie, S. D. 2004. The early and middle Pleistocene avifauna from Porcupine Cave. In A. D. Barnosky (ed.), Biodiversity response to climate change in the middle Pleistocene; the Porcupine Cave fauna from Colorado 127-140.

Gabaldon, D. J.; Balda, R. P. (1980). "Effects of age and experience on breeding success in pinon jays". American Zoologist. 20 (4): 787.

Gottfried, Gerald J. 1987. Regeneration of pinyon. In: Everett, Richard L., compiler. Proceedings—pinyon-juniper conference; 1986 January 13–16; Reno, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-215. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 249–254.

Gottfried, Gerald J. 1999. Pinyon-juniper woodlands in the southwestern United States. In: Ffolliott, Peter F.; Ortega-Rubio, Alfredo, eds. Ecology and management of forests, woodlands, and shrublands in the dryland regions of the United States and Mexico: perspectives for the 21st century. Co-edition No. 1. Tucson, AZ: The University of Arizona; La Paz, Mexico: Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste, SC; Flagstaff, AZ: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 53–67.

Lanner, Ronald M. (1981). The Pinon Pine: A Natural and Cultural History. University of Nevada Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-87417-066-5.

Leidolf, Andreas; Wolfe, Michael L.; Pendleton, Rosemary L. 2000. Bird communities of gamble oak: a descriptive analysis. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-48. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.

Ligon, J. David (1974). "Green cones of the piñon pine stimulate late summer breeding in the piñon jay". Nature. 250 (461): 80–2.

Marzluff, John M.; Russell P. Balda. 1988. Resource and climatic variability: influences on sociality of two southwestern corvids. In: Slobodchikoff, C. N., ed. The ecology of social behavior. [Publication location unknown]: Academic Press, Inc.: pp. 255–283.

Marzluff, John M.; Balda, Russell P. (1988). "The advantages of, and constraint forcing, mate fidelity in pinyon jays". Auk. 105 (2): 286–295.

Marzluff, J (1988). "Do pinyon jays alter nest placement based on prior experience?". Animal Behaviour. 36: 1.

Marzluff, J. M.; Balda, R. P. 1990. Pinyon jays: making the best of a bad situation by helping. In: Stacey, Peter B.; Koenig, Walter D., eds. Cooperative breeding in birds. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press: pp. 197–238.

Marzluff, J. M; Russel P. Balda (2010). The Pinyon Jay: Behavioral Ecology of a Colonial and Cooperative Corvid. London: T & AD Poyner. p. 39.

Marzluff, J. (2019). Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Short, Henry L.; McCulloch, Clay Y. 1977. Managing pinyon-juniper ranges for wildlife. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-47. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station.

Springfield, H. W. 1976. Characteristics and management of southwestern pinyon-juniper ranges: the status of our knowledge. Res. Pap. RM-160. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station.

Stotz, Nancy G.; Balda, Russell P. (1995). "Cache and recovery behavior of wild pinyon jays in northern Arizona". The Southwestern Naturalist. 40 (2): 180–184.

Stuart, John D. 1987. Fire history of an old-growth forest of Sequoia sempervirens (Taxodiaceae) forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California. Madrono. 34(2): 128–141.

Stuever, Mary C.; Hayden, John S. 1996. Plant associations (habitat types) of the forests and woodlands of Arizona and New Mexico. Final report: Contract R3-95-27. Placitas, NM: Seldom Seen Expeditions, Inc.

Tomback, Diana F.; Linhart, Yan B. (1990). "The evolution of bird-dispersed pines". Evolutionary Ecology. 4 (3): 185.

[officerjennie]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Naruto Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Senju Tobirama/Uchiha Madara Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Pre-Slash, Magic-Users A commission for @kitsunekage88 - hope you like it!

Commission and Ko-Fi info in blog header :) Click the link or continue below to read!

Traveling alongside a high ranking fire elemental hadn’t originally been on Tobirama’s To-Do list. Interfering in anyone’s business seemed so unlikely it was laughable at this point in his life, so used to minding his own, taking work where he could and never staying still long enough to learn the names of those around them let alone help them. Growing attached enough to a cause to care was as foreign to him now as it had once been a part of his nature.

What exactly had possessed him to aid in this venture, then, he couldn’t really say. The part of him so against careful analysis of himself wanted to say it was merely for the sake of preserving what was left of his powers. Too many dragons had been lost already, the earth’s magic dwindling further and further as their blood seeped into the ground. Jealousy was a nasty beast that drove men mad, and the ancient sky gods said to be too intertwined with the planet’s life force to cause any harm, even to defend themselves from their impending extinction.

Protecting one, preventing yet another dragon slayer from slaughtering a sacred animal for its scales and bone, should have been his reasoning. Stopping a magicless human from felling that which gifted the world what they could never use was surely enough to allow another pair of boots to march alongside his own, to sit across the campfire from another person for the first time in years.

It hadn’t been the only reason he’d stayed rooted in place at the inn all those nights before, voice cracking with misuse when he’d agreed to aid the Uchiha with his mission.

Their destination was the forest region at the northern border of their territory, at the foothills of the Senzu Mountains. Any path, dirt or paved or otherwise, had been left behind them several hours hence, the crunch of leaves beneath their feet only accompanied by the chattering of squirrels and the incessant grumbled curses under Madara’s breath. Even after traveling in each other’s company for weeks now, his pride had apparently not yet healed from the blow of asking for aid, no matter that it was necessary. An elemental might need no conduit to call upon their powers but it came at the cost of being limited to their bloodline’s element. With the hanging trees and brush becoming denser around them with each step, it was all too clear fire would do more harm than good here.

He paused as he felt a shift in the air, stopping next to a young oak just tall enough to avoid being smothered by its brethren towering above. Something pulled at the edge of his senses, tugging at the magic in his veins, and whether or not it was a warning or a call he could not tell.

“Why on earth are we stopping here? I see no dragon or slayer, mage.”

“Quiet.” Fingering the silver talisman hanging around his neck, he stepped closer to the oak, removing one glove with his teeth to place his palm flat against the rough surface.

Madara’s indignant squawking slipped away with his conscious awareness. Becoming one with the greater stream was dangerous, leaving a small part of himself behind each time he reached into it but he did so anyway. Followed the endless tracks like spiderweb fractures on glass, felt the pulse of something beyond his understanding, overwhelming enough to be just around the next corner but never quite able to find what he was-

There.

It took more effort to pull himself back together than to let go, but that was nothing new. His tracking had felt like seconds to him though by the look on Madara’s face it must have been some time. It left Tobirama panting, blood trickling out of his nose but he wiped it away with little care, slipping his glove back on and taking a moment to gather his wits.

“East. It’s due east.” He hated how breathless he sounded, how he didn’t feel like himself after (it had been far too many years since he had stopped feeling like Tobirama, so much of him lost in small increments. Yet every time felt like a fresh wound that made him long for the comfort of the family he’d lost touch with long ago).

Giving Madara no time to respond, Tobirama set off immediately toward the source of heavy energy so dense it made the air thick around them.

Tobirama may have never seen or sensed a dragon before, but he knew a powerful being when he felt it. And that energy had been massive and very much alive.

The quiet lasted only a few minutes between them, the whole while Madara’s steady gaze burning a hole in Tobirama’s back. If it wouldn’t have been a waste of precious energy to fight with him Tobirama was tempted to snap and demand what the issue was. Madara solved that mystery for him either way, walking faster to catch up and frown thoughtfully over at him.

“Sure you’re going to make it, mage?”

His tone lacked its usual verbal sneering, barely sarcastic enough to not be sincere concern. Not knowing exactly what he was supposed to do with that, Tobirama stopped to send a seething glare his direction, clenching his fists to stop the exhausted shaking in his arms.

“Spare me the unnecessary concern and worry about keeping yourself in control. The last thing I need is to deal with a forest fire brought on by a temper tantrum.”

“Temper tantrum?” Small flames flickered to life in black hair, and Tobirama used the moments it took Madara to breathe through his frustration to duck under a low hanging branch and continue onward.

Sheer stubborn will was all that kept him going until dark. By the time Tobirama allowed himself to rest black had crept into his vision, and he all but collapsed against a vine covered tree trunk, any and all camp setup left to his companion as unconsciousness took him.

The midday sun greeted him through the thick canopy overhead. It was quiet around him but not eerily so, air heavy but not suffocating. Before opening his eyes Tobirama took stock of his state, making sure he’d fully recovered from slipping into the magical pathways the day prior.

When he lifted his head, Madara stood not far away with a large hawk perched on his arm. He seemed unconcerned by the sharp talons digging into his skin, head titled to the side as the bird clacked its beak.

Madara chirped, and it sounded so close to an actual bird sound Tobirama snorted in surprise. It earned him a sharp look from his companion, and a squawk from the hawk as it took off, leaving behind a deep cut on the arm it had been perched on.

“I didn’t know you spoke bird, Uchiha.” Despite his drawling tone, it was admittedly an interesting and unexpected talent. Not that he thought Madara could truly speak an avian language, just that he’d been clearly attempting to communicate in some fashion.

“I wasn’t speaking bird, mage.” Tobirama rolled his eyes at the obvious statement, finally pulling himself up while Madara continued. “She’s trained to understand my commands - how do you think I planned to track the hunters in such a large forest?”

He had a good point, though Tobirama wasn’t going to admit it out loud. Instead he rolled his stiff shoulders and dusted some of the dirt and leaves stuck to his cloak.

“Since you asked for my expertise, I thought it understood that I would be doing the tracking. Why else would I have wasted time locating the dragon if not to find our quarry?” Without being able to sense the hunter’s magic, since they lacked even a drop in their system, he couldn’t exactly track them. But knowing what the hunter was here for made that getting around that hurdle easy.

“Well I hadn’t planned on having help.” Madara crossed his arms with a huff, ending the conversation with a childish jerk of his head and something too dangerously close to a pout to be good for Tobirama’s sanity.

Before his brain could make any insane connections between that expression and anything even remotely close to the word ‘cute’, Tobirama turned away and busied himself, crouching down to search through his pack for a late breakfast.

It took another two days travel to reach the heart of the forest. Location wise it was no where near the center, but the magic was so thick there it near sparked across his skin, the trees so old and tall they blocked out the sun. Yet though the sky was not visible, the forest around them was lit by something unseen, so bright they could have traveled on during the night if they had wished to.

The fact that the forest was not only surviving but thriving with a giant fire-breathing reptile residing there had Tobirama understandably baffled. If it weren’t for the otherwise in-explainable force they were making steady ground towards, he wouldn’t have believed it to be the right place at all.

But even Madara had begun to sense the energy, every so often shaking himself with furrowed brows at the odd sensation. So further in they went, climbing over twisted roots and pushing past plants that had grown well over three times the expected size - making Tobirama more than thankful for the unusual lacking fauna population. Dealing with a fifty pound squirrel or a two ton bear weren’t exactly up there on his bucket list.

Early afternoon on the third day, Madara held out a hand to stop him without warning. When Tobirama sent him a sharp look he merely pointed at a low hanging branch, gesturing towards where his hawk sat staring off beyond the trees ahead.

They crept up close, discovering the forest opened up to a clearing. In the center sat a giant stump, several men tall at its highest and far too wide to measure by sight alone. The clearing around it was bare of trees, instead filled with wildflowers and splattered with berry bushes, a sea of color surrounding the umber brown bark that almost seemed alive despite obviously being long dead.

This was the source of the magic, the heart of the thrumming woods. He had little doubt that the stump was the dragon’s den.

His suspicion grew stronger when he spotted the hunter. Two of them, as a matter of fact, communicating through hand signals he couldn’t fully make out from their hiding spot in the tree line.

Madara already had his weapon in hand, a gunbai previously strapped to his back that was no doubt usually meant to fan his flames. He raised a single brow at the odd choice even as he pulled a scroll out of his pack, running a finger over the seals to activate them and pull out his staff. Not his choice weapon, but without a natural water source it would take too much energy to use that element efficiently in battle. A blunt bit of sturdy wood could knock most people out with enough force; the fact that it was a conduit of its own only made it even more useful, giving him the option of earth magic if it became needed.

Sneaking up on the hunters proved easy, and one went down in an instant when Tobirama cracked his skull open with a swift strike. It was a bit of bad luck that Madara didn’t manage the same, Tobirama turning around to find him struggling against his opponent, fan against blade, the elemental baring his teeth as they pushed against each other to see who would falter first.

Not wanting to too obviously steal his thunder, if only because he’d never hear the end of it, Tobirama called to the plants around him using the earth conduit embedded in his staff. Such magic wasn’t his strength, but it bent to his will with a little effort, roots tangling around the hunter’s feet to give his companion the advantage.

The resulting victorious and near feral grin on Madara’s face as he stood triumphant sent an odd shiver down his spine, and Tobirama looked away quickly to not have to analyze the feeling further.

Checking the bodies was a necessary evil, needing to find whatever magical item they’d used to track the dragon. Stolen magic, if his gut was right, and even knowing the amulet might be useful to him didn’t stop Tobirama from snapping it to pieces. Nothing was worth using magic taken by force, ripped from the user’s body, a part of them lost forever. He knew all too well what it felt like to lose parts of himself, but at least his were lost to the greater stream by choice.

With the threat dealt with, their mission of sorts was complete. Madara seemed ready to leave immediately, leaning against his gunbai, head tilted back to watch his hawk circling above them.

But something gave Tobirama pause. A familiar thrill down his spine. The urge to discover, smoldering curiosity, still muted as every emotion was to him but trying its best to tempt him anyway.

Scientific discoveries had lost their flair to him years ago. All his hobbies had fallen to the wayside, more victims of his sensing magic. Interest sapped out of him, leaving him to wander aimless and hoping to stumble upon a purpose once more.

A dragon lived here. A dragon. Creatures that had went into hiding centuries ago, almost abandoned to legend by most since so few living had ever seen one. Just inside the stump. And it begged to be discovered.

“What are you doing, mage?”

Madara sounded baffled, almost concerned, but Tobirama paid him no mind. Instead he wandered around the stump, finding the part with the lowest height and judging the best way to climb it.

“Wait, what are you doing?”

“Just a minute.” The first few feet were easy, though the sputtering behind him was rather distracting. He ignored all of Madara’s spewed protests, slipping and cursing as he caught himself once more, pulling himself up further.

The last step, last foot of bark, had his heart beating fast. Hands shaking with excitement. One of the original magic users, one of the very beings that had given the earth and all the races therein magic, created the greater stream that connected so much of the world. Just beyond this last foot of bark, a dragon-

It wasn’t there.

He stopped, halfway pulled up on top of the stump. Blinked unbelieving at the empty ring of just more grass, just more flowers.

No dragon. No reptile of any sort. And nothing to suggest anything had ever lived there.

“Are you coming down sometime today or not?”

“It’s not here.” He whispered the words, only vaguely aware he’d done so, flooded with disappointment. Swallowing it back the best he could, he leaned back far enough to look down at his companion. “It’s not here, Madara. The dragon. Nothing is.”

“Then hurry up! I’m tired of eating granola and berries, get down here so we can leave!”

“Alright, I’ll be down in a second, don’t set anything-”

The ground shook violently, cutting him off. It was enough to throw him off balance, scrambling to find purchase but unsuccessful as he was pitched backwards off the stump.

His back hit something hard though it wasn’t the ground. The groan of protest and steadying arms around his waist clued him in, though his mind was quick to focus on something much more important than the fact that Madara had saved him a nasty fall.

The ground wasn’t shaking. The stump was. Bark peeling away from the dirt and grass around it, as if the roots were digging themselves up, leaving deep groves in its wake.

Only once a massive snout appeared, one giant eye rolling about until it spotted them, did it finally click.

“Dragon,” Madara breathed in awe behind him.

“Technically, a lung dragon, but yes.” His voice was pitifully small as he took in the creature towering over them, the branch-like knotted horns atop its head, the lack of wings at its sides. The way its scales clacked together as it shook itself, the ground rumbling and forcing the both of them to shift their weight with it. It sounded like bamboo in the wind, like the wooden wind chimes the elders in his home village had been so fond of.

Neither of them moved. Tobirama found himself holding his breath as the dragon’s eye moved over and passed them, its head moving up and down as it sniffed the air about the clearing. Madara’s hands tightened around his waist when its shadow fell over them, though it shifted soon after, focusing in on the two corpses laying still on the ground nearby.

The cry it made when it sniffed the bodies went straight to Tobirama’s heart, eyes falling closed against the mournful sound, throat tight. It pitched lower as the dragon scooted its head towards the dead hunters, flowers and bushes sprouting forth where its nose touched the earth, the one big eye Tobirama could see full and wet.

A single tear fell down its scaly cheek as it turned towards them, long tongue flickering as if to taste the air. With its neck stretched out against the ground, it nudged forward closer to them until it was but an inch from Tobirama’s face.

He’d never been more frightened in his life, and yet he felt no ill will coming from this beast. Without even being able to communicate with it he could tell it didn’t mean them harm, though Madara didn’t seem to be as convinced as him, a low whimper escaping him that he would no doubt deny later.

After a few moments of stillness, nothing but the gentle breeze moving about them, the dragon inched forward to nudge Tobirama once - and the force of magic that shot through him at that single touch nearly brought him to his knees, left gasping and clutching at his chest when the dragon pulled away with a pleased shake of its body.

It trumped on off to another side of the clearing, stretching and shaking once more while Tobirama all but gawked at it from where he knelt on the ground. Then the dragon flopped itself back down, the force shaking the trees and sending Madara yelping to his bottom, both of them staring at the ancient being that once again resembled nothing more than a giant stump.

“What...just happened?” Madara’s confusion was understandable, but it hardly registered. Tobirama was too dazed at the moment, too busy running an inner analysis of all the things he could feel, all the parts of him that had been lost suddenly slotted back into place.

“It healed me.” He sounded small, felt small, compared to such a being, and it took several minutes for either of them to recover enough to be on their way once more, looking over their shoulders until the inconspicuous stump fell out of sight behind the trees.

By the time they made it to town a little less than a week later, it still didn’t seem real. After all the time spent as less than, being fully himself again was almost overwhelming, mind whirling away with the storm of thoughts around what had happened to them.

“You know, there are probably more out there.” Tobirama eyed the man at his side in his periphery as they entered the local inn, the burn of curiosity coming back like an old friend. “More dragons. More hunters as well.”

Madara’s frown didn’t have a hint of displeasure in it, huffed breath more a show than anything else as he headed straight for the bar, waving down the tender to bring them their first hot meal in weeks. “If that’s an invitation, mage, it’s a poor one. Gonna have to do better than that.”

They both knew he didn’t. Not after what they’d seen, the benevolent majesty that had shown itself to them, the creature powerful enough to shatter the trees around it and crush them - that had mourned the passing of those who would have done it harm, as if their deaths had torn into its heart.

If protecting such a creature hadn’t been reason enough to travel together before, it was more than enough now. And without even discussing it they left town together the next day, originally meaning to part ways but now set on the same path.

He might have never considered traveling with a fire elemental before, used to being alone after all his years as a vagabond. Madara was certainly an odd choice for a companion as well, quick tempered and full to the brim with snark. But Tobirama realized quite quickly that he didn’t mind the company all that much, feeling at easy with another person poking at the campfire, another pair of boots beating the dirt down as they tracked another rumor across country.

And if there just so happened to be other reasons keeping him at Madara’s side, other interests beyond scientific discovery, it would hardly be Tobirama’s fault he found himself falling for the man who had dragged him out on his adventure - and had inadvertently saved him by doing so.

[ukrrs1928]

Eagle 4.20.2019 #baldeagle #eagle #strength #trees #branch #travel #conservation #bald #natural #outdoor #yellow #head #outdoors #portrait #wild #black #wing #freedom #lake #tree #sky #prey #avian #hawk #hunter #feather #forest #zoo #eyes #fauna #eye #brown (at Mooseheart, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/ukrfs1928/p/BwftJhtgr7V/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=auy57pnjv6lc

[mypubliclands]

Grab your binoculars! Kanab Youth Assist Audubon with Community Science 

Story and photos by Hannah Cowan, BLM Utah

Each year, from December 14 through January 5, volunteers across North and South America partake in the annual Christmas Bird Count. This citizen-science wildlife-census helps the Audubon assess the health of bird populations and provides data to guide conservation action.

In southern Utah, the Christmas Bird Count has become a community tradition – enjoyed by volunteers of all ages. BLM Wildlife Biologist Lisa Church organizes the Kanab volunteers, who identified a fifteen-mile circle that spans state boundaries, crosses into Wilderness Study Areas, and even includes the local airport.

We caught up with Church, the Kanab Field Office, and nine local students to visit a community pond called the Jackson Flat Reservoir. Located only three miles from Kanab, the reservoir is nothing short of spectacular and is home to dozens of species of birds. Hawks soar overhead, looking for their next meal, as flocks of ducks fish in the depths of the reservoir.

“I’ve been doing this since I was a baby,” said a six-year old girl. She excitedly weaves between sagebrush, binoculars in hand, counting the ducks off to our right. “My big sister and brother are really good!” she exclaims. Clearly, this is a family tradition. And, she’s right! Without pause, her sister and brother are able to identify birds at a distance.

“It’s super fun to get out in nature and to know which birds are which. And, you kind of get to brag to your friends when you know what a bird is and they don’t, and it’s kind of a good thing,” said the six-year old’s big sister. This young-adult clearly formed a connection to nature from a young age . ““I’ve been doing this as long as I can remember, as long as I could count and see birds,” she adds.

The town of Kanab is located where popular bird migratory paths cross. Nearby, the Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument works with the Hummingbird Monitoring Network to collect information about hummingbird populations following popular migratory routes. The area is abundant in the avian fauna with recent sightings of: red-winged blackbird, great blue heron, bald eagle, ring-neck duck, western meadowlark, ruddy duck, double-crested cormorant, northern harrier, snow goose, spotted sandpiper, and the northern flicker.

“You can be a part of the whole STEM ethic that the kids are so excited about. This is real science. This is data that we’ve used to not only to help delist bald eagles, but to help with peregrine recovery. It’s helped with the black duck in the United States. This is real data and this is real information that we use as part of our daily analysis. It’s valuable to us and is pertinent to the things we are doing here in Kanab”, said Church.

The BLM values the thousands of volunteers who offer their time, skills and service to help care for the nation’s natural and cultural resources. Volunteers contribute to many BLM program areas, including recreation, wild horses and burros, cultural/historical resources, and environmental education/interpretation.

Follow BLM Utah on Facebook and Twitter

[nikihawkes]

Title: The Fall of Dagger

Author: Glenda Larke

Series: The Forsaken Lands #3

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: Sorcerers, pirates, and thieves collide in this thrilling conclusion to Glenda Larke’s epic fantasy adventure series, The Forsaken Lands. -Goodreads

I guess that sums it up.

. .

The Review:

There are a lot of reasons Glenda Larke is one of my favorite authors: 1. Her beautiful, seemingly effortless writing that lets me just sit back and immerse myself in the story, 2. Her exotic world-building that always takes me to the coolest places (all of you Sanderson fans clamoring for more in the Sixth of Dusk world should pick up a Glenda Lark series for the same encompassing atmospheres spread throughout her trilogies), 3. Her characters, who aren’t perfect, but are endearing in their humanity, and 4. Her infusion of nature (flora/fauna) into the stories. She’s one of my trusted guaranteed-good-read authors.

I can’t decide whether Fall of the Dagger or Dagger’s Path (book 2) is my favorite of the trilogy. Daggers Path had so many good moments (and my favorite setting of the trilogy), but Fall of the Dagger was a very satisfying trilogy-ender with more action. I especially like this series because of the characters. Each POV, while not terribly complex in motivation, always seemed earnest and realistic. I can’t quite put my finger on why I like them so much, suffice to say that I was always invested in their plight. The magic system in this series is also a selling point – there’s an avian-centric magic system that I’ve never come across before that appealed to me with its originality.

Compared to Glenda Larke’s other books, my favorite is still either the Isles of Glory Trilogy or the Watergivers Trilogy, but this one has definitely earned its keep among them. If I’m honest, it’s not a complete “knock-your-socks-off” fantasy read that will shred your soul (like Robin Hobb), but it’s still fun adventure to get absorbed in. I enjoyed them immensely.

Other books you might like:

#gallery-0-6 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-6 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-6 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-6 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

Thief’s Gamble by Juliet E. McKenna

The Name the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Heart of Myrial by Maggie Furey

 by Niki Hawkes

Book Review: The Fall of the Dagger by Glenda Larke Title: The Fall of Dagger Author: Glenda Larke Series: The Forsaken Lands #3 Genre: Fantasy Rating:

[secretsfromthecottonwoodforest]

Secrets from the Cottonwood Forest

A little about my blog,

So much has happened in the last 3 years, and all of it connects at one crossroad, a small cottonwood forest near my house. The forest is absolutely stunning at every part of the year. The Cottonwood tree doesn’t seem special at first. It is actually a very annoying thing to grow up with. They bloom and seed in the spring and saturate entire regions with their notorious snow storm of cotton laced seeds. It also irritates your eyeballs and exasperates seasonal allergies. Just talking about this makes my eyes itch. This tree is a drought tolerant willow that grows in low areas, often near a creek. The wood has historically used for a lot of different purposes. I have heard from some sources, that aboriginal people used the wood for making canoes. For all of the orchid heads in the room, I also hear you can use the bark as a substrate for your tree dwelling orchids. This is untested, but there are so many fallen trees in my region, I am willing to try it. Anyways... The cottonwood forest near my house has been my sanctuary during the pandemic. These magnificent trees take and use intolerable heat and sunshine. They become magnificent in no time, with structures that could give you nightmares as a child. With the trees taking most of the direct sunshine, there is a diverse array of other plant types living underneath them. The prairie grasses grow taller than I have ever seen them. The milkweed flowers line the sides of the forests. Horse grass with it’s strange bamboo like stems. There is also a strange orange moss that grows on the shady parts of the trees. In summer, the prickle pear cacti bloom a brilliant yellow flower, which turns to a delicious fruit in the autumn. Don’t even get me started on these gorgeous and fascinating cacti. They literally crawl on the ground in clumps. They can turn a beautiful purple, like most succulents and cacti, when they are cold. They dehydrate and deflate like a balloon in the fall, which allows them to survive ridiculously cold weather in the winter. There are also these little trees that grow along the rivers side. They grow in thick and I have to push through them. It’s like going through a cornfield, but the Gods planted this forest, not a farmer. The flowers are also ridiculously gorgeous in the forest. Every season except winter brings beautiful and bountiful colours. The fall brings on brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds from daises and sunflowers. In the summer and spring there are beautiful lavender-like flowers that attract an overwhelming amount of pollinators. In spring, little olive trees bloom and create a natural arbour, which welcomes you into the forest.  My vague description of the extraordinary colours in this forest doesn’t do it any justice. The flora and fauna is extraordinary and endless. There are an abundance of rodent types, and therefor an abundance of predators. I have seen hawks, eagles, and great horned owls in the same walk. I have followed coyotes to their dens, which are hidden in plain site. They literally have burrows right by the trails. The aquatic avian are also amazing. Canadian geese come and go, Mallard ducks are common, but the real show stopper are the cranes. They are majestic and beautiful. They are also one of the largest creatures I see in this forest. The beauty is toned down by the pack of raccoons that lives in one of the biggest cottonwood trees in the forest. Near this same tree, I often see red foxes playing. Occasionally I see mule deer with their babies cautiously walking through. I am equally as cautious and afraid of overprotective mothers, in all species. The magic of the forest doesn’t end with the flora and fauna. There is an extraordinary silence, even though you are right near a busy highway. It’s as if you have entered into another realm of existence where nothing is wrong. There is no judgement. Honestly there is nothing to really think about besides the intricate beauty that surrounds you. However, I never leave the forest without a life changing realization. The forest has taught me more than any person ever could about life. It has taught me patience and to slow down and enjoy the beautiful things that constantly surround us. I have learned to enjoy the beauty of silence. This forest has been one of the most therapeutic places I have ever been. It has healed me through the pandemic, losing multiple jobs, breakups and more. I would not be alive without the beautiful Cottonwood forest near my home, and I think a lot of my neighbours can agree.

[investmart007]

HAWAII | AS MUCH AS ONE HALF OF MALAMA KĪ FOREST RESERVE IMPACTED BY ERUPTION

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/Nypg1n

HAWAII | AS MUCH AS ONE HALF OF MALAMA KĪ FOREST RESERVE IMPACTED BY ERUPTION

‘Alala Project Restoration Area Not Currently Impacted

  HILO, HI – Forestry managers on Hawai‘i island report one-third to one-half of the total acreage of the Malama Kī Forest Reserve has been impacted by the month-long East Rift Zone volcanic eruption.

Malama Kī is a relatively small reserve, at 1514 acres, and is home to young ʻohiʻa-dominated forest which has served as habitat to sub-populations of native forest birds. Hawaiian honeycreepers, the Hawai‘i ‘amakihi and ‘apapane are resident to this reserve, with previous work showing that Hawai‘i ‘amakihi make up 24-50% of the bird community, despite the high prevalence of avian malaria and avipox virus. These low-land populations of Hawai‘i ‘amakihi have been documented as being uniquely tolerant to avian disease.  The Hawaiian hawk, or ‘io is also known to be resident in low-moderate numbers in lower Puna, and the Hawaiian hoary bat, or ʻōpeʻapeʻa is known to occur in relatively low numbers.

According to DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Hawai‘i island Branch Manager Steve Bergfeld, “Due to current and further expected loss of this forest habitat due to lava inundation, and defoliation due to volcanic emissions in lower Puna, these remnant and sub-populations of wildlife may no longer persist, rapidly decline, or become further fragmented and/or contract in range.”  Foresters also indicate there will be a loss in the continuity of research on disease tolerance, sub-population genetics, and the measurable effects of rapid ʻohiʻa death (ROD) to the forest bird community in the reserve and surrounding area.  The reserve also serves, in part, as a public year-round hunting area, which may be greatly reduced due to the loss of forest and the effects to feral animals.

In upwind areas, birds are okay and wildlife has been observed within yards upwind of the flows.  Anything downwind would face a sulfur dioxide (SO2) hazard but would likely leave the area. Bergfeld explained, “We don’t plan to go catch wildlife and remove them. There is a unique subpopulation of Hawai‘i ‘amakihi in Malama Kī that will be affected and/or lost by the lower Puna eruption.

Site visits conducted so far show a lot of the vegetation downwind of the eruption plume is dead. More than 200 acres of Malama Kī Forest Reserve have also been damaged by wild land fires sparked by the lava flows. Forestry staff have not been able to do accurate assessments of the forest since it is downwind of the fumes a majority of the time.

In the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve, higher up on the slopes of Kīlauea, staff involved in the recovery of the endangered Hawaiian crow, the ‘alala, are keeping a close watch on the eleven birds released back into the mostly-native forest last fall, as well as about 80 ‘alala at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC).

Jackie Levita-Gaudioso, the DOFAW ‘Alala Project Coordinator said, “We are continuing to monitor the ongoing situation and are prepared and ready.  The released birds are in an area where SO2 and ash fallout are being closely monitored, as conditions change. The field team’s continued and ongoing daily observations allow observers to notice changes in the birds’ behaviors and health conditions.  Staff on-site, in the release area, are prepared to recapture birds and transport them, if needed.” Field staff and KBCC workers have been briefed on human and bird health and safety measures if ash does reach the center.

While the forest area affected by the current East Rift Zone lava eruption and flows is not large, the loss of remnant and unique flora and fauna is concerning and warrants further assessment as soon as conditions are safe.

SOURCE; Originally published by DLNR.HAWAII.GOV on June 3, 2018

[a-dinosaur-a-day]

Kuiornis indicator

By Ripley Cook

Etymology: The Demigod Kui’s Bird

First Described By: Worthy et al., 2010

Classification: Dinosauromorpha, Dinosauriformes, Dracohors, Dinosauria, Saurischia, Eusaurischia, Theropoda, Neotheropoda, Averostra, Tetanurae, Orionides, Avetheropoda, Coelurosauria, Tyrannoraptora, Maniraptoriformes, Maniraptora, Pennaraptora, Paraves, Eumaniraptora, Averaptora, Avialae, Euavialae, Avebrevicauda, Pygostylia, Ornithothoraces, Euornithes, Ornithuromorpha, Ornithurae, Neornithes, Neognathae, Neoaves, Australaves, Psittacopasserae, Passeriformes, Acanthisitti, Acanthisittidae

Status: Extinct

Time and Place: Between 19 and 16 million years ago, in the Burdigalian of the Miocene 

Kuiornis is from the Saint Bathans Fauna, a distinctive snapshot of the evolution of New Zealand’s unique birds - from the Bannockburn Formation of the South Island of New Zealand 

Physical Description: Kuiornis is known from limb elements, so we don’t know much about it, but it seems to have been only a little smaller than the living Rifleman, its closest relative - so it was probably around 7 centimeters long. It would have looked similar to the living Rifleman as well - a round bird, with a distinctively thin tail, and a small head with a triangular beak. As for differences from living New Zealand Wrens, it had differently formed and more compact legs. Beyond this, it’s difficult to say more about the specific appearance of Kuiornis; it probably would have been green and brown in color, like its living relatives.

Diet: Without fossil evidence of the beak, we have to assume that Kuiornis was an omnivore; given that New Zealand Wrens today favor invertebrates but still eat other forms of food, this is not an unreasonable assumption.

Behavior: Kuiornis would have been very skittish like modern New Zealand Wrens, flitting back and forth between the shrubs and vegetation in its habitat. It would have probably been only moderately social, like living New Zealand Wrens, and making high pitched, non-musical calls. Kuiornis would then spend most of its time foraging for food. When not doing that, it would have taken care of its young, building nests out of grass and in secluded spaces. It is difficult to say much about its breeding behavior - or behavior in general - however, since very little is known from this dinosaur.

Ecosystem: At the end of the Paleogene, New Zealand flooded. This completely erased the previous ecosystem, killing most things that had been on the island before that point. Afterwards, the only things that were able to colonize the space were creatures that floated over, and creatures that could fly. This included lizards and snakes and other reptiles, bats, and most notably of all - birds. New Zealand had one of the most unique avifaunas of all time, with many birds evolving to fill roles that mammals took in other locations - things like the moas, the large birds of prey, the adzebills, and living forms like the New Zealand Parrots that are like avian rodents and rabbits. The Saint Bathans Fauna is a snapshot of that initial colonization, showing how these unique birds began to diversify after New Zealand reemerged, in a lush lake enviroment. Kuiornis is just one part of that - showing the origin of the weird New Zealand Wrens. There was also the early Kiwi Proapteryx, the small Manuherikia ducks, the stiff-tailed Dunstanneta, the shelduck Miotadorna, the goose Cereopsis, the wood duck Matanas, the weird pigeon Rupephaps, the early Adzebill Aptornis proasciarostratus, the flightless rails Priscaweka and Litorallus, the swimming flamingo Palaelodus, the herons Matuku and Pikaihao, the bittern Pikaihao, the New Zealand Parrot Nelepsittacus, and potential eagles and hawks. There were also many geckos, skinks, crocodilians, turtles, and tuatara present as well. Weirdly enough, there was a mammal other than bats - but that mammal is what we would call a Mystery.

Other: Kuiornis has been extensively studied in phylogenetic analyses, and these analyses consistently recover Kuiornis as a New Zealand Wren, so it is an important find in understanding how this unique group of little dinosaurs evolved in such an isolated environment as New Zealand. Interestingly enough, it consistently comes out as very much nested in the group, extremely closely related to the Rifleman. This indicates that Kuiornis is not a decent model for the ancestor of the New Zealand Wrens, and also that advanced members of this group were present as recent as the mid-Neogene period.

~ By Meig Dickson

Sources under the Cut 

Archer, Michael; Boles, Walter E.; Scofield, R. Paul; Worthy, Jennifer P.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Nguyen, Jacqueline M. T.; Hand, Suzanne J.; Worthy, Trevor H. (2010). "Biogeographical and Phylogenetic Implications of an Early Miocene Wren (Aves: Passeriformes: Acanthisittidae) from New Zealand". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 30 (2): 479–498.  

England, R. 2013. Recent advances in avian palaeobiology in New Zealand with implications for understanding New Zealand’s geological, climatic and evolutionary histories. Masters of Science Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Hand, SJ; Worthy, Trevor H.; Archer, M; Worthy, JP; Tennyson, AJD; Scofield, RP (2013). "Miocene mystacinids (Chiroptera, Noctilionoidea) indicate a long history for endemic bats in New Zealand". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 33 (6): 1442-1448.

Hand, Suzanne J.; Lee, Daphne E.; Worthy, Trevor H.; Archer, Michael; Worthy, Jennifer P.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Salisbury, Steven W.; Scofield, R. Paul; Mildenhall, Dallas C. (2015). "Miocene Fossils Reveal Ancient Roots for New Zealand's Endemic Mystacina (Chiroptera) and its Rainforest Habitat". PLoS ONE. 10 (6): e0128871.

Jones MEH; Tennyson AJD; Worthy JP; Evans SE; Worthy TH (2009). "A sphenodontine (Rhynchocephalia) from the Miocene of New Zealand and palaeobiogeography of the tuatara (Sphenodon)". Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 276 (1660): 1385–1390.

Mather, Ellen K.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Scofield, R. Paul; Pietri, Vanesa L. De; Hand, Suzanne J.; Archer, Michael; Handley, Warren D.; Worthy, Trevor H. (2019-03-04). "Flightless rails (Aves: Rallidae) from the early Miocene St Bathans Fauna, Otago, New Zealand". Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 17 (5): 423–449.

Michael S. Y. L.; Hutchinson Mark N.; Worthy Trevor H.; Archer Michael; Tennyson Alan J. D.; Worthy Jennifer P.; Scofield R. Paul (2009-12-23). "Miocene skinks and geckos reveal long-term conservatism of New Zealand's lizard fauna". Biology Letters. 5 (6): 833–837.

Mitchell, K. J., J. R. Wood, B. Llamas, P. A. McLenachan, O. Kardailsky, R. P. Scofield, T. H. Worthy, A. Cooper. 2016. Ancient mitochondrial genomes clarify the evolutionary history of New Zealand’s enigmatic acanthisittid wrens. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution: 1 - 29.

Schwarzhans, Werner; Scofield, R. Paul; Tennyson, Alan J.D.; Worthy, Jennifer P.; Worthy, Trevor H. (2012). "Fish Remains, Mostly Otoliths, from the Non-Marine Early Miocene of Otago, New Zealand". Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 57 (2): 319–350.  

Scofield, R. Paul; Worthy, Trevor H. & Tennyson, Alan J.D. (2010). "A heron (Aves: Ardeidae) from the Early Miocene St Bathans Fauna of southern New Zealand." (PDF). In W.E. Boles & T.H. Worthy. (eds.). Proceedings of the VII International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution. Records of the Australian Museum. 62. pp. 89–104.

Scofield, R. Paul; Hand, Suzanne J.; Salisbury, Steven W.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Worthy, Jennifer P.; Worthy, Trevor (2013). "Miocene fossils show that kiwi (Apteryx, Apterygidae) are probably not phyletic dwarves". Paleornithological Research 2013 – Proceedings of the 8th International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution: 63–80.

Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Worthy, Trevor H.; Scofield, R. Paul (2010). "A heron (Aves: Ardeidae) from the Early Miocene St Bathans fauna of southern New Zealand. In Proceedings of the VII International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution, ed. W.E. Boles and T.H. Worthy". Records of the Australian Museum. 62: 89–104.

Tennyson, Alan J.D., Worthy, Trevor H., Jones, Craig M., Scofield, R. Paul & Hand, Suzanne J. (2010). "Moa's Ark: Miocene fossils reveal the great antiquity of moa (Aves: Dinornithiformes) in Zealandia". Records of the Australian Museum, 62 (1): 105–114.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Archer, Michael; Musser, A. M.; Hand, S. J.; Jones, C.; Douglas, B. J.; McNamara, J. A.; Beck, R. M. D. (2006). "Miocene mammal reveals a Mesozoic ghost lineage on insular New Zealand, southwest Pacific". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103 (51): 19419–19423.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Jones, C.; McNamara, J. A.; Douglas, B. J. (2007). "Miocene waterfowl and other birds from central Otago, New Zealand". Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 5 (1): 1–39.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Lee, Michael S. Y. (2008). "Affinities of Miocene Waterfowl (anatidae: Manuherikia, Dunstanetta and Miotadorna) from the St Bathans Fauna, New Zealand". Palaeontology. 51 (3): 677–708.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Hand, Suzanne J.; Scofield, R. Paul (2008-06-01). "A new species of the diving duck Manuherikia and evidence for geese (Aves: Anatidae: Anserinae) in the St Bathans Fauna (Early Miocene), New Zealand". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 38 (2): 97–114.  

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Archer, Michael; Scofield, R. Paul (2010). Boles, Walter E.; Worthy, Trevor H. (eds.). "First record of Palaelodus (Aves: Phoenicopteriformes) from New Zealand". Proceedings of the VII International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution; Records of the Australian Museum. 62 (1): 77–88.

Worthy, T. H., S. J. Hand, J. M. T. Nguyen, A. J. D. Tennyson, J. P. Worthy, R. P. Scofield, W. E. Boles, M. Archer. 2010. Biogeographical and Phylogenetic Implications of an Early Miocene Wren (Aves: Passeriformes: Acanthisittidae) from New Zealand. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 30 (2): 479 - 498.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Hand, Suzanne J.; Godthelp, Henk; Scofield, R. Paul (2011). "Terrestrial Turtle Fossils from New Zealand Refloat Moa's Ark". Copeia. 2011 (1): 72–76.  

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Scofield, R. Paul (2011-07-01). "Fossils reveal an early Miocene presence of the aberrant gruiform Aves: Aptornithidae in New Zealand". Journal of Ornithology. 152 (3): 669–680.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; Scofield, R. Paul (2011). "An early Miocene diversity of parrots (Aves, Strigopidae, Nestorinae) from New Zealand". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 31 (5): 1102–1116.

Worthy, T. H.; Tennyson, A. J. D.; Scofield, R. P.; Hand, S. J. (2013-12-01). "Early Miocene fossil frogs (Anura: Leiopelmatidae) from New Zealand". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 43 (4): 211–230.

Worthy, T. H., V. L. De Pietri, R. P. Scofield. 2017. Recent advances in avian palaeobiology in New Zealand with implications for understanding New Zealand’s geological, climatic and evolutionary histories. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 44 (3): 177 - 211.

Worthy, Trevor H.; Salisbury, Steven W.; Pietri, Vanesa L. De; Tennyson, Alan J. D.; R. Paul Scofield; Gunnell, Gregg F.; Simmons, Nancy B.; Archer, Michael; Beck, Robin M. D. (2018-01-10). "A new, large-bodied omnivorous bat (Noctilionoidea: Mystacinidae) reveals lost morphological and ecological diversity since the Miocene in New Zealand". Scientific Reports. 8 (1): 235.

[blogindiatour]

New Post has been published on https://www.indiatourblog.com/national-chambal-wildlife-sanctuary/

Wild Wild West about National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary : Born to be wild!

  National chambal wildlife sanctuary

National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

Originating in the Vindhayan degrees in M.P. The Chambal River snakes its way idea the states of M.P. Rajasthan and U.P. before ultimately assembly the Yamuna in the Etawah district of U.P. Its rich bio-variety ensured that it become declared a Country wide Sancturary in 1979 with its general region spanning throughout the three states of M.P. Rajasthan & U.P. The ultimate bastion for a number of the country’s most endangerd Flora and fauna like the Gharial, Muggar, Turtles, Otter and the fresh water Dolphin, the Chambal region additionally boasts of a extensive sort of aquatic and terrestrial chook.

After rampant poaching and fishing almost wiped out the Gharial population from the united states inside the 70’s, captive breeding and reintroduction programme became began. Chambal become chosen as one of the main regions for reintroduction the species back in to the wild. The Chambal Sanctuary in U.P. Covers an area of 635 sq. Kms.

Spread over the Agra and Etawah districts, and a complete of 290 exceptional species of migratory and resident birds were diagnosed inside the location to this point. Iciness is the pleasant time to visit the sanctuary. A ship trip in its tranquil waters throughout this time is an exciting experience with spectaculars sightings of the huge reptiles basking along the 180kms. Sparkling sand stretches within the morning solar.

But the major draw of the santuray are of path the Flamingos that arrive right here in November and stay till May additionally. The Rudy Shelduck additionally arrives a little earlier in September & stays here till Can also. The Indian Skimmers have Big Colonies in the sanctuary and bred prolifically here.

Crocodile of Chambal

At a glance The uncommon gangetic dolphin is the primary enchantment of National Chambal Sanctuary. The alternative population of this sanctuary are magar (crocodile) and gharial (alligator), chinkara, sambar, nilgai, wolf and wild boar. Based in 1979 the sanctuary is part of a huge place co-administered via Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The endangered Gharial reveals a domestic inside the Countrywide Chambal Sanctuary in UP, with its buddy, the Ganges River Dolphin. The Countrywide Chambal Sanctuary in UP is a natural reservoir for the marsh crocodiles, swimming eagerly and frequently prying for prey, at shore whilst basing in the solar.

Stretching for four hundred kilometers, the transparent lake of National Chambal Sanctuary in UP also houses the Smooth Coated Otters. These are fresh water carnivores with webbed and clawed feet and thick brown fur. To protect the animals from the harmful outcomes of cutting-edge civilization and their next replenishment, the National Chambal Sanctuary was set up in Uttar Pradesh.

The animals determined right here have been almost on the verge of extinction when they located a natural domestic right here, against the advancing civilization which posed a danger to their life. 6 species of Terrapins are found here, These are the net footed turtles, observed specifically in brackish water.

It’s far herbal that any such huge sanctuary could have a large river or lake to quench the thirst of the considerable animals determined here. The avian enchantment at National Chambal Sanctuary in UP is composed particularly of Black tailed Terns, Pink-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Indian Courser, Pallas’s Fish.

The Chambal River that waters the Countrywide Chambal Sanctuary in UP originates in Kota in Rajasthan, and sooner or later merges with river Yamuna at Bhareh. From dusty ravines to rocky falls this river leaps and bounds via many a ravine to return here in the end.

Eagle, Pallid Harrier, More and Lesser Flamingos which are big red to scarlet net-footed wading birds, with down-bent bills, which inhabit brackish lakes, Darters which might be Fish-eating birds, living in heat inland waters having a long flexible necks and narrow sharp-pointed payments, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane and Amazing Thick-knee.

Weather The daylight hours temperatures range a First rate deal, but it is also warm in the solar. The temperatures dip around mid-December, with the onset of morning and nighttime fog, and the days and nights continue to be quite cold till the end of January.

The temperature tiers among: • Day:25-35 °C Night time:10-20 °C October, November, February and March, • Day:10-20 °C Night: 2-10 °C December and January, • Day:25-35 °C Night time:15-25 °C April

Vegetation The manner of list the Plant life of the Chambal Valley has been initiated.

Fauna A good population of Indian Skimmers is the most powerful birding enchantment right here. This endangered species is effortlessly visible near Bah and is one of the few last locations wherein you can get close views of this stunning chook. Black-bellied Terns, Purple-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane.

Outstanding chambal Thick-knee, Indian Courser, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Darters, and the megastar enchantment of Chambal Safari Resort, the resident Brown Hawk Owl, all add up to an outstanding list of birds.

Travel Suggestions

The simplest real way to chambal revel in the sights of the river is through motorized boat. Preparations to lease boats may be made. Going up and down the river because it flows through the chambal ravines is a Incredible experience.

best Time to go to November to March.