#yellow breasted goose

[crypitd]

Yellow Red-Breasted Goose for this special Fat Bird Friday

»   Etsy  •  Various Links   «

© Harlen Chen

[mostlybirdsandphotos]

misc birds from the sanctuary:

bald eagle

yellow-rumped warbler

red-breasted nuthatch

great blue heron

greater white-fronted goose

[ceruleanvulpine]

huge respect to @myxinidaes for reblogging that post with 100 birds

[kateammann]

daily birds week 41!

tricolored heron + emperor goose

blackburnian warbler + violet-backed starling

black-and-yellow broadbill + northern white-faced owl

red-breasted merganser

[aloysiavirgata]

A Mulder-Scully child/children in an interfaith household. Chag Urim Sameach, Virgata Family!

From here, darling. Merry (late) Christmas and Chag Sameach! https://www.tumblr.com/aloysiavirgata/761731982784888832/loved-your-skinner-pov-i-am-the-ultimate-sucker

***

Baby Matilda, dimpled and blue-eyed with a thick shock of cinnamon hair. Baby Matilda, fat as a soup dumpling, blinking curiously as her siblings and parents and grandmother gaze down.

“Chag sameach,” say William and Fiona, Hebrew-school mindful. Their ch- careful as their father’s Bar Mitzvah lessons.

Silas and Clara, less confident, mumble Merry Christmas to her, though it’s two weeks away. Mulder palms their glossy heads, beaming. The tree lights are tacky and bright and gorgeous. They make stained glass circles on his children’s faces.

Margaret, chamomile-warmed and still a little baffled by the existence of these children, cuddles Tilda close.

Salt-dough handprint menorah ornaments on the Christmas tree. Cocoa and dreidels by the fire. Latkes and dripping goose fat and boozy sweet fruitcake. Marzipan and mistletoe and sufganiyot.

William retreats to the big leather armchair with his illustrated book of winter holiday traditions from around the world. Silas and Clara head off to find the cats, and Fiona sneaks another marshmallow into her mug.

Mulder does not believe in god because the notion of an interventionist deity like Scully’s is a Lovecraftian horror to him. But Scully still wants to. Scully cannot look at herself and her five children and not believe that there must be Something who loves her, at least a little.

***

2 AM.

Mulder brings Tilda over to the bed, warm in a deep blue flannel sleep sack with silver moons on it. She is complaining loudly. She is the mottled pink and yellow of a Rainier cherry, with flailing round fists.

Scully takes the unhappy baby to her breast and sighs as the milk lets down. Tilda, already the fiercest of her children, latches on with something like aggression. Tilda has the fattest cheeks of all their babies, the plumpest dinner-roll feet.

“I think maybe she was also a twin but ate the other kid in the womb,” Mulder observes. “I’m going to see what Si and Clara think. As the house experts.”

Scully adjusts the baby. “That’s great, that’s exactly an appropriate question for preschoolers.”

Mulder stretches out beside them on the bed. He loves these lost hours. “Ahhhh, these modern kids are too soft. When we were babies they just gave us bottles full of lead paint and sent us off at six to the asbestos factory.”

She looks at him in amused disbelief. “Mulder you were wearing Brooks Brothers at birth. Your mother had a night nurse for you and Samantha. There’s a picture of you at like 6 eating latkes with crème fraiche and caviar.”

“Okay well first of all those were blini and that’s how they’re traditionally served so pardon my cultural sensitivity.”

Even Tilda pauses nursing to look at him.

“Oh you too?” Mulder pokes his daughter in the belly. “Watch it kid, because she won’t be making all your meals forever.”

Scully sticks her out tongue, switches Tilda to the other breast.

Mulder begins to doze when a blood-curdling shriek splits the night from down the hall. He jumps up, reaches for his hip out of habit.

Fiona, still shrieking, races into the room and launches herself into the bed. She clings to her father like a koala, sobbing. “The Yule Cat,” she wails into his neck.

Tilda, born into the whirlwind, remains unperturbed by her sister.

“I DIDN’T DO IT!!!” William yells, racing in after, hair sticking up everywhere like his father’s

Scully narrows her eyes at that. “William what-“

“SHE STOLE MY BOOK I SAID IT WAS TOO SCARY FOR HER!”

Fiona, tear-stained but no longer howling, points a finger at him. “I didn’t steal your dumb book I just was LOOKING at it while YOU sneaked another sufganiya!”

William scowls back. “Well I wasn’t going to tell but I saw you ate four more marshmallows!”

Mulder peels Fiona off his chest. He looks sternly at both of his children. “First of all we do not narc in this family.”

“Tattle,” says Scully, exasperated.

“We do not tattle in this family,” Mulder amends. “Unless someone is making a choice that will endanger them or someone else. You only tell us to HELP not to HURT.”

Fiona’s lip starts to tremble again. “He eats you up,” she whispers. “Daddy the Yule Cat eats you all up.”

“Oh, honey, it’s not-“

William takes her hand. “Fee?”

Her eyes are brimming again. “Yeah?”

“Come in my room and we can read about Saint Lucia’s Day. The oldest girl gets a special dress and a crown.” William’s face is earnest, excited to share something new with her.

She brightens, Yule Cat seemingly forgotten. “Yeah? Daddy can I have a Saint Lula dress and crown?”

“Sure,” Mulder says, yawning.

Fiona hops down, still holding her brother’s hand. They head to his bedroom and his reading light goes on.

Mulder takes the baby, tosses a blanket over his shoulder, and gives her a few solid thwacks. She belches like a sailor.

Scully laughs, delighted. “God, remember when you first tried with William and I had to explain the goal was to burp him, not put him to sleep?”

Tilda is already out cold and Mulder returns her to the bassinet. “Listen if I broke the miracle baby you were going to be really, really pissed. Now that we have a basketball team…eh.”

Scully curls against him when he’s next to her again. “Mulder, I feel kind of awful, but I’m glad William took her because god help me, I did not have the energy for that child in the bed tonight.”

Having Fiona in bed was a lot like having a bag full of ferrets in bed. “No, no. Me too. Little narc.”

Scully pinches him. “Let’s sleep while the sleeping’s good.”

They nestle into the pillows, exhausted. The white noise machine, the scent of the fire, of jam, of cinnamon…Scully drifts into a gingerbread dream.

Little feet on the hardwood. “Mama,” Clara hisses. “Silas got scared when he heard Fee and now I’m scared too.”

“Got scared,” Silas echoes. “Me and Clara.”

Mulder barely wakes as he heaves his children into the bed. They jostle and squirm but eventually curl together, safe from the Yule Cat.

[theoneandonlysemla]

WIP Wednesday (on Thursday)

Tagged by: @skyrim-forever @dirty-bosmer @firefly-factory

Tagging: @did3lphis @tiredela @elavoria @thequeenofthewinter @ladytanithia

Okay, I had to delay WIP Wednesday to have something to present to you. It really is a taste of what I plan to upload tonight: A new chapter of A Taste of Death. What better day to upload spooky smut than Halloween?

So, here's a little snippet:

The ghost's hand - it had to be one - clasped hers and pulled her closer, another placing on her hip. They were cold as drizzle on a Sun's Dusk morning, but she had not a spark of desire to slip away from them. Too mesmerised by the sudden proximity to something so otherworldly she was; all fear was forgotten, locked away in the back of her mind. All of a sudden, the figure moved and pulled her along, the wind caught in her loose hair. She was whirled around, but remained firmly in the spirit's hold. Ria had never been a talented dancer, but the waltz he used to set her floating inside the fairy ring was easier than anything she had done for a long time. He drew her close to him, only to push her away again like a toy, but soon she found herself back in his arms. The stars blurred around her, wafts of mist rose up and enveloped her, whirled into swirls as they danced together and dissolved into pure nothingness. There was a sweet scent in the air, weighty and meaningful, reminding Ria of decaying flesh in a new dawn's sun.   Finally, he held her close again, his hand found her back and he let her sink down backwards until she was no longer able to keep herself on her feet anymore and was at his mercy. Everything around her was of a tragic beauty, lunar moths danced around them, their lime-yellow wings mirroring the moonlight. Ria's head tipped into her neck and she surrendered to him, her nightgown straining across her breasts. The phantom fingers found her hair, buried themselves in it and lifted her head, but Ria's eyes closed like those of a doll. “At last, you've answered my call, my heart,” her companion hummed, his voice inside her head rather than around her. Through her fluttering lashes, Ria tried to catch a glimpse of her dance partner's visage, but all she saw were a pair of luminous specks of blue, as bright as stars and as brilliant as aquamarine. A shiver ran down her spine, covering her entire skin with goose bumps.

Will we smash a ghost? Maybe. Let's see :P

[heatherwitch]

Yellow-headed Blackbird + Red-winged Blackbird

Mallard + White-breasted Nuthatch

Cinnamon Teal + Northern Shoveler

Canada Goose + Great Horned Owl

[magnetothemagnificent]

I guess it's time I share my list of birds from this past Jewish year (I've been keeping two Big Year lists, Jewish year and secular year). All are from the US, except the last few which are indicated.

1. Ruby-crowned kinglet

2. American Robin

* Leucistic American Robin

3. Song sparrow

4. Rock pigeon

* Melanistic rock pigeon

5. Chipping sparrow

6. Hairy woodpecker

7. Mourning dove

8. Northern flicker

9. Eastern towhee

10. White crowned sparrow

11. White-throated sparrow

12 Savannah sparrow

13. House sparrow

14. European starling

15. American Crow

16. Common Raven

17. Gray catbird

18. Northern mockingbird

19. Canada Goose

20. Spotted Sandpiper

21. American herring gull

22. Marsh wren

23. Limpkin

24. Great white heron

25. Cattle egret

26. Anhinga

27. Snowy egret

28. Great blue heron

29. Black-crowned night heron

30. Wood stork

31. Common gallinule

32. Blue-gray gnatcatcher

33. Turkey vulture

34. Black vulture

35. Yellow rumped warbler

36. Tufted titmouse

37. Little blue heron

38. White ibis

39. Cooper's hawk

40. Cardinal

41. Green heron

42. Carolina wren

43. Palm warbler

44. Pine warbler

45. Sandhill crane

46. Carolina chickadee

47. Bluejay

48. Osprey

49. Chimney swift

50. Red-tailed hawk

51. Prairie warbler

52. American kestrel

53. Glossy ibis

54. Pied-billed grebe

55. Double-crested cormorant

56. Grey kingbird

57. Brown pelican

58. Fish crow

59. Royal tern

60. Bald eagle

61. Painted bunting

62. American white pelican

63. Common grackle

64. Boat-tailed grackle

65. Great-tailed grackle

66. American purple gallinule

67. American coot

68. Brown-headed cowbird

69. Tricolored heron

70. Mallard

71. Black-bellied whistling duck

72. Eastern kingbird

73. Yellow-billed cuckoo

74. Muscovy duck

75. American bittern

76. Ring-billed gull

77. American Pekin

78. Mallard-Pekin hybrid

79. Eastern bluebird

80. Yellow-bellied sapsucker

81. Red-winged blackbird

82. White-eyed vireo

83. Mottled duck

84. Broad-winged hawk

85. Dark-eyed junco

86. Brown thrasher

87. Sharp-shinned hawk

88. House finch

89. Eastern Phoebe

90. Downy woodpecker

91. Fox sparrow

92. Loggerhead Shrike!!!!

93. White breasted nuthatch

94. Red-bellied woodpecker

95. Brown creeper

96. Pileated woodpecker

97. American goldfinch

98. House wren

99. Barn swallow

100. Tree swallow

101. Black and white warbler

102. Red eyed vireo

103. Yellow warbler

104. Mute swan

105. Rusty blackbird

106. Common yellowthroat

107. Warbling vireo

108. Northern waterthrush

109. Veery

110. Swamp sparrow

111. Wood duck

112. American redstart

113. Orchard oriole

114. Greater Yellowlegs

115. Lesser Yellowlegs

116. Baltimore oriole

117. Hermit thrush

118. Wood thrush

119. Ovenbird

120. Indigo bunting

121. Black-throated blue warbler

122. Scarlet tanager

123. Worm-eating warbler

124. Northern rough-winged swallow

125. Blue-headed vireo

126. Northern parula

127. Prothonotary warbler

128. Philadelphia vireo

129. Blackburnian warbler

130. Magnolia warbler

131. Cedar waxwing

132. Blackpoll warbler

133. Yellow-throated vireo

134. Eastern wood pewee

135. Acadian flycatcher

136. Tennessee warbler

137. Caspian tern

138. Laughing gull

139. Forster's tern

140. American oystercatcher

141. Green-winged teal

142. Purple Martin

143. Least tern

144. Field sparrow

145. Killdeer

146. Grey-cheeked thrush

147. Rose-breasted grosbeak

148. Great-crested flycatcher

149. Swainson's thrush

150. Bay-breasted warbler

151. Chestnut-sided warbler

152. Willow flycatcher

153. Ruby-throated hummingbird

154. Peregrine falcon

155. Hooded crow IL

156. Laughing dove IL

157. Eurasian collared dove IL

158. Eurasian jackdaw IL

159. Common myna IL

160. Rose-ringed parakeet IL

161. White spectacled bulbul IL

162. European bee eater IL

163. Chukar IL

164. Short toed snake eagle IL

165. White stork IL

166. Little egret IL

167. Pygmy cormorant IL

168. Eurasian hoopoe IL

169. Alpine swift IL

170. Graceful pinia IL

171. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler IL

172. Tristan's Starling IL

173. Fan tailed raven IL

174. Eurasian black cap IL

Here's to at least 200 next year!

[haveyouseenthisbirdpoll]

List of Birds organized by Order + locations:

Accipitriformes:

Bearded vulture

California condor

Cooper's hawk

Osprey

Red-shouldered hawk

Steller's sea eagle

Anseriformes:

Bar-headed goose

Barnacle goose

Black swan

Common merganser

Red-breasted goose

Snow goose

Trumpeter swan

Apodiformes:

Common swift

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Bucerotiformes:

Eurasian hoopoe

Cariamiformes:

Red-legged seriema

Casuariiformes:

Emu

Southern cassowary

Cathartiformes:

Black vulture

Turkey vulture

Charadriiformes:

American oystercatcher

Atlantic puffin

Black-headed gull

Black skimmer

Black-tailed godwit

European herring gull

Killdeer

Northern lapwing

Ruddy turnstone

Ciconiiformes:

White stork

Columbiformes:

Common wood pigeon

Eurasian collared dove

Luzon bleeding-heart

Nicobar pigeon

Victoria crowned pigeon

Coraciiformes:

Blue-capped kingfisher

Common kingfisher

Cuculiformes:

Asian koel

Greater roadrunner

Yellow-billed cuckoo

Eurypygiformes:

Kagu

Falconiformes:

American kestrel

Common kestrel

Galliformes:

Palawan peacock-pheasant

Plain chachalaca

Scaled quail

Western capercaillie

Gaviiformes:

Common loon

Gruiformes:

American coot

Australasian swamphen/pūkeko

Blue crane

Common moorhen

Sandhill crane

Sora

Whooping crane

Passeriformes:

American bushtit

American robin

Australian raven

Baltimore oriole

Barn swallow

Black-billed magpie

Black-capped chickadee

Black-headed grosbeak

Black-throated sparrow

Blue-headed vireo

Blue jay

Bluethroat

Brown thrasher

California towhee

Canada warbler

Canyon wren

Cedar waxwing

Common blackbird

Common chlorospingus

Common raven

Eastern wood pewee

Eurasian blue tit

Eurasian bullfinch

Eurasian golden oriole

Eurasian jay

Eurasian magpie

European robin

Goldcrest

Great-tailed grackle

Great tit

Hooded crow

House sparrow

Indigo bunting

Kirtland's warbler

LeConte's sparrow

Long-tailed tit

Mexican jay

Painted bunting

Phainopepla

Pine siskin

Pin-tailed whydah

Pinyon jay

Pygmy nuthatch

Red winged blackbird

Rook

Saltmarsh sparrow

Satin bowerbird

Spotted towhee

Steller's jay

Tufted titmouse

Wallcreeper

Warbling vireo

Western tanager

White-breasted nuthatch

White-throated dipper

White-throated magpie-jay

Yellow-rumped warbler

Pelecaniformes:

Brown pelican

Great blue heron

Great egret

Great white pelican

Least bittern

Roseate spoonbill

Shoebill stork

Snowy egret

Phoenicopteriformes:

American flamingo

Chilean flamingo

Piciformes:

Acorn woodpecker

Clark's nutcracker

Great spotted woodpecker

Lewis's woodpecker

Northern flicker

Pileated woodpecker

Red-bellied woodpecker

Red-headed woodpecker

Podargiformes:

Tawny frogmouth

Podicipediformes:

Pied-billed grebe

Procellariiformes:

Wilson's storm-petrel

Psittaciformes:

Australian king parrot

Chestnut-fronted macaw

Citron-crested cockatoo

Cockatiel

Galah

Gang-gang cockatoo

Pacific parrotlet

Red-masked parakeet

Rose-ringed parakeet

Sulphur-crested cockatoo

Strigiformes:

Barn owl

Barred owl

Eurasian eagle-owl

Suliformes:

Anhinga

Blue-footed booby

Double-crested cormorant

Trogoniformes:

Elegant trogon

Locations:

Africa

America

Antarctica

Asia

Australia

Eurasia

Europe

Oceania

[dansnaturepictures]

A look back on my 2024: Part 1 of 3-Birds and Lepidoptera

As those who have known me a while on here will know I have done end of year posts reflecting on my wildlife watching and photography year for a long time with the formats shifting a bit in recent years. This year I decided to do something different, my equivalent of a TV soap opera broadcasting a live episode, in that instead of writing up the posts in proceeding months and timing them to go out I am writing them all and posting them this morning/early afternoon.

Beginning with the main veins of my hobby really, birds and butterflies and my ever growing moth interest which obviously sits best next to butterflies. Firstly it was another phenomenal birdwatching year for me with so many species seen and excellent and precious experiences had. I didn’t necessarily know it’d be the case twelve months ago but I have seen over two hundred species of bird this year and the second highest amount I’ve ever seen in a year behind last year. Multiple Firecrest sightings and treasured Waxwing views in their big British winter brought vibrant colour and energy at the start of my year. Ferruginous Duck, Scaup and Red-breasted Goose were three fine rare waterfowl species I saw in Hampshire at the start of the year. The year once again hinged a lot on our sensational trip to Scotland in the spring where blockbuster species Red Grouse and Black Grouse, privileged views of Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe in gorgeous breeding plumage and Dipper were among my birds of the year. Following the cancellation of the accommodation for a holiday planned elsewhere in June we unexpectedly returned to the Yorkshire coast two years on from our last visit where we were immersed in the incredible spectacle of a seabird colony at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and nearby being spellbound to observe Gannets, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills. We saw two of Hampshire’s greatest birds of 2024 just before each holiday, only my second ever Marsh Sandpiper on Normandy Lagoon Lymington in late April and the Roseate Terns at the same place in May that went on to make history for the county and raise chicks. We were lucky to see another amazing bird in between the two holidays, Stone Curlews in Hampshire.

Three more of my favourite birds really stood out once more this year; mesmerising views of Ospreys in Scotland, Rutland Water, Hampshire and Dorset as I saw more than I ever did in a year, amazing times hearing and seeing Cuckoos in Hampshire, Scotland and Yorkshire in the spring with my first ever juvenile seen including being fed by its Dunnock host at Rutland Water in July and I had another very strong year for seeing electric Kingfishers. White-tailed Eagles seen in Scotland, Poole Harbour and the Isle of White, majestic Golden Eagle in Scotland, Hobby, riveting encounters with Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl and stirring encounters with Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier made it another top year of birds of prey.

Green Sandpiper my two hundredth bird of the year at Rutland Water, Common Sandpipers seen well throughout the year, Purple Sandpiper, Little Stint, Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel and Ruff at Slimbridge were key wading birds I saw this year. That Slimbridge trip in February with stop offs in Oxfordshire on the way there and back also producing heartfelt immersive views of Bewick’s Swans and Common Cranee. Super ducks Garganey, Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck, Great White Egrets seen at some places I never or rarely had in Hampshire before as they continue to be common, January delights seeing Cattle Egret and Glossy Ibis and pleasurable encounters with Water Rail and Cetti’s Warbler especially at Fishlake Meadows where I visited a lot this year were other key birds seen. More stardust was sprinkled on my year with wonderful encounters seeing Yellow Wagtails in Yorkshire and Hampshire, Turtle Dove at Knepp and Tree Sparrows in Moray and Yorkshire. Other big birds of my year included Snow Bunting in November at Sandy Point, Wryneck at Titchfield Haven, amazing Lesser Spotted Woodpecker views in the New Forest, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler and Willow Warblers that invigorated me with their serenading song across the week in Scotland.

Close to home and it was an enjoyable and dramatic year of watching Winchester’s Peregrines with new female Mel overthrowing the much loved Winnie I had a good general Peregrine year and the formidable pair of Great Crested Grebes at my local Lakeside Country Park powered through two broods of chicks bringing many joyous moments watching them. Pochard and Tree Pipit were my two favourite unusual finds at Lakeside in January and September respectively. Sparrowhawk was nice to see at home a few times but my best garden bird title undoubtably goes to the female Black Redstart that made us ecstatic with multiple visits to and near the garden in January and February including during the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

It was a challenging year for butterflies at times with weather patterns and general low numbers but I still loved watching them this year seeing forty three species the joint third highest I’d ever seen in a year. In spring early Red Admiral sightings were no surprise on sunny winter days with the sheer amount around in 2023 I wondered if confused hibernating individuals would be easy to come by. Small Tortoiseshell especially seen well in Scotland and Orange Tip like Cuckoo seen in Hampshire, Yorkshire and Scotland were wonderful hope bringing species seen at that time of year. Green Hairstreak, Marsh Fritillary, Adonis Blue, Small Blue, Brown Argus and Duke of Burgundy were excellent springtime gems which I felt lucky to see. Comma was an interesting species for me this year being the common one I had to wait longest for, usually expected to be one of the first I’ll see in a year it was my thirtieth species of the year seen at Testwood Lakes in June, I only had to wait longer (two days in fact) to see one in one other year 2018. Then intimate views of a Comma gave me one of my greatest summer memories on a perfect sunny and warm afternoon at Martin Down in July.

Those summer butterfly days were magical this year with Purple Hairstreaks duelling atop the oaks of Lakeside on fine and uplifting evenings and seen at Knepp where the epic Purple Emperors was one we were thrilled to see so well again, Brown Hairstreak flitting high in a tree at Shipton Bellinger and enigmatic Common Graylings on a New Forest heath. Dainty skippers the rare and prepossessing Lulworth Skippers at Durlston, fantastic views of lovely Silver-spotted Skipper and the satisfying sight of Essex Skipper were key species of my year. The blues shone over the summer too with captivating views of Chalkhill on the downs and Silver-studded in the forest. Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count was an interesting time in July and August with initially the low numbers this year reflected in my counts before a surge in numbers on the last weekend of it; Marbled White and Ringlet were key species in the count I saw with Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown in high numbers again. There was a whirlwind few days of summer Lakeside walks as those species alongside Large Skipper and Small Skipper rushed into my year with a surge of my first sightings of them in a year in an upturn of weather after a cloudy and quiet spell which will live long in the memory. Wall Brown, Silver-washed Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary brought exotic colour to my year, as did my last species seen this year in some September splendour at Milford on Sea, Clouded Yellow.

Onto moths and a summer phenomenon over a week or so seeing lots of striking Jersey Tiger moths at a few locations was amazing. My first Magpie moths, Brimstone moth, Yellow Shell, Mother Shipton seen well, Silver Ys, Six-spot and Five-spot Burnet, Cinnabar moth, the Vestal, Brown Silver-line, Purple Bar and Hummingbird Hawk-moth were other brilliant daytime fliers to observe this year. Strong species seen at home including in moth traps this year were Garden Carpet, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Scalloped Oak, L-Album Wainscot, Willow Beauty, Lunar Underwing, Large Tabby and an epic Swallow-tailed moth with the Streamer seen in the wild cottage we stayed at in the Cairngorms. Other highlights were Small Dusty Wave, Pale Prominent, Square-spot Rustic, Riband Wave, Double-striped Pug and Lackey moth helping me to record my second highest ever amount of moths in a year. Emperor moth caterpillar, Fox moth caterpillar, Cinnabar moth caterpillars and Burnet moth caterpillars were colourful delights to see this year.

The photos in this set are of; Marsh Harrier at Titchfield Haven in October, Red Grouse at Lochindorb in May, Firecrest at Acres Down in the New Forest in January, Puffins at Bempton Cliffs and Little Ringed Plover at Kilnsea Wetlands in June, Comma at Martin Down and Lulworth Skipper at Durlston in July, Speckled Wood at Hook-with-Warsash in March, Brown Silver-line at Pig Bush in the New Forest in April, Riband Wave at home in July and Emperor moth caterpillar in the New Forest in July.

[archive-of-artprompts]

🦚Send in a number + Character and I'll draw them in an outfit based on that bird🦚

Allen's Hummingbird

African Crowned Crane

African Emerald Cuckoo

American Goldfinch

Anna's Hummingbird

Asian Emerald Cuckoo

Asian Koel

Atlantic Puffin

Azure Kingfisher

Bald Eagle

Barn Owl

Barn Swallow

Barred Owl

Bat Falcon

Bearded Vulture

Bee Hummingbird

Black Swan

Blue-And-Yellow Macaw

Blue Crowned Pigeon

Blue-Footed Booby

Blue Jay

Bohemian Waxwing

Brahma Chicken

Broad-Billed Hummingbird

Bronze Fallow Cockatie

Canadian Goose

Cassowary

Cardinal

Common Raven

Coua

Dusky Lory

Diederik Cuckoo

Eastern Brown Pelican

Egret

Emerald Starling

Emperor Penguin

Emu

Eurasian Hoopoe

Eurasian Magpie

European Starling

European Turtle Dove

Flamingo

Frigatebird

Fruit Dove

Galah

Gambel's Quail

Golden-Breasted Starling

Golden Pheasant

Gouldian Finch

Grandala

Great Hornbill

Great Horned Owl

Greater Blue-Eared Starling

Green-Legged Partridge

Gurney’s Pitta

Hawaiian Honeycreepers

Hoatzin

Hooded Crow

Horned Sungem

Hyacinth Macaw

Kadaknath

Kakapo

Keel-Billed Toucan

Lilac-Breasted Roller

Long Tailed Tit

Luzon Bleeding-Heart Dove

Mandarin Duck

Mountain Bluebird

Montezuma quail

Mute Swan

Nicobar Pigeon

Northern Oriole

Painted Bunting

Paradise Tanager

Peafowl (peacock/peahen)

Peregrine Falcon

Pileated Woodpecker

Pink Cockatoo

Rainbow Lorikeet

Red Crested Turaco

Red-Necked Tanager

Resplendent Quetzal

Ribbon-Tailed Astrapia

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Scarlet Macaw

Secretary Bird

Snowy Owl

Stork-Billed Kingfisher

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

Superb Bird-Of-Paradise

Superb Starling

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Violetear

Violet-Backed Starling

Violet-Green Swallow

Wood Duck

Wilson's Bird-Of-Paradise

Yellow-Crowned Woodpecker

Yellow-Faced Myna

Zanzibar Red Bishop

[pickerelstripe]

[CM] Birds - Yassga

Woohoo, bird time! Out of all my Claymew expansions, my bird list has definitely taken the most work. I have a special interest in birds IRL so I wanted to make it as accurate as possible - which means i’ve been adding, removing, and adjusting species for over two months! But thankfully I think I’ve finally landed on a good roster (though I can’t guarantee there won’t be changes in the future, as with everything about this project).

As a reminder, ClayClan sorts birds into four categories - yassga*, fafya, eyawoon*, and biyaw*. These categories will be split into five posts (the biyaw* list is so long I decided to cut it half). Learn about this sorting system here. Yassga* is the term for birds that pose a threat to cats.

Without further ado... let’s get birding! Below are translations for two hawks, bald eagles, geese, herons, and great horned owls. And a bonus verb, to celebrate bird time!

The Birds

Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) - Raee Large hawk with feathered legs and dark, streaky markings. Sometimes present in ClayClan during winter months. Though rare on the territory, they’re a threat when encountered, and may snatch young cats as prey. They feed on rodents, rabbits, and squirrels.

Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) - Yaee Red-breasted hawk with distinctly striped wings. Present year-round but most common in spring and summer. Feed on reptiles, birds, and mammals. They’re large enough to take cats. 

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Ssipip Huge bird - adults have a white head and tail, but juveniles are dark with splotchy pale markings. Present year-round. Bald eagles aren’t actually a threat - they feed mostly on fish - but they’re so large and intimidating that Clan cats consider them yassga* anyway.

Adult canada goose (Branta canadensis) - Hwank Canada goose gosling (Branta canadensis) - Weep Huge and distinct, with a long flexible neck. Present year-round. Though they don’t prey on cats, they’re very capable of causing harm, especially when raising chicks - many warriors have stories of being young and stupid and getting chased, bit, or slapped by an angry goose! Goslings may be taken as prey up until about 4 weeks, but it’s a dangerous task.

Adult great blue heron (Ardea herodias) - Awk Great blue heron chick (Ardea herodias) - Eheh Very tall; have a long neck, long beak, and shaggy mane on chest. Present year-round, but most common in late summer and fall. They won’t go after cats but, like bald eagles, are intimidating enough that they count as yassga*. Chicks may be taken, but it’s dangerous.

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) - Woo’oo Big and strikingly cat-like with their yellow eyes, striped feathers, and expressive “ears”. Present year-round, but most common in spring and fall, and more often heard than seen. Feed on a variety of animals and may prey on small cats.

Bonus Verb

To swoop - Bwoosoo, bwoos, bwoo The word for how a bird comes down to catch its prey! Also the word for any particularly nice pounce, and a good suffix. I originally made this word to translate warrior Foggyswoop’s name (fun fact, name translating is how Claymew began).

[wedreamedlove]

Why are Charlie’s wings black again? I thought phoenix don’t have black wings?

who says phoenixes can't have black wings? haha. the first description of a phoenix in chinese mythology had the beak of a rooster, the face of a swallow, the forehead of a fowl, the neck of a snake, the breast of a goose, the back of a tortoise, the hindquarters of a stag, and the tail of a fish. in modern times, phoenixes are now a composite of many birds and there are 5 legendary ones that come in red, blue, yellow, white, and purple/black.

there's also a theory that Charlie's lore might come from sun crows, given his dead twin, even though he identifies as a fenghuang.

[sigmastolen]

birds i saw today :)

american crow

house finch

black phoebe

dark eyed junco

western bluebird

canada goose

mallard

gulls (y'all i do not even attempt gull id at this time they all look too similar to me)

whimbrel (a whole damn flock of them set down on a field and started stabbing the dirt with their beaks)

some kind of raptors at a great height, couldn't see well enough to id

many hummingbirds- again, couldn't see well enough to id but merlin thinks they included allen's, anna's, and rufous

swallows probably including barn, tree, and northern rough-winged

downy woodpecker

american robin

house wren

bushtit

yellow-rumped warbler

townsend's warbler

yellow warbler (for like 20 seconds after trying to follow its song for 20 minutes)

lesser goldfinch

bullock's oriole (they're so handsome rn)

great-tailed grackle

white-crowned sparrow

house sparrow

song sparrow

what might have been black-throated gray warbler, black-and-white warbler, white-crowned sparrow but i was confused, white-throated sparrow (which merlin identified but idk) or red-breasted nuthatch (which merlin also identified but idk)

birds merlin claims i heard today but which i did not see

red-winged blackbird (merlin said i could hear them all day but i'm not surprised i didn't see them they're elusive)

chipping sparrow

american goldfinch

birds merlin claims i heard today but idk man i kinda doubt it

american redstart

baltimore oriole (p. sure all of today's were bullock's)

lazuli bunting

black-chinned hummingbird

cirl bunting (merlin are u drunk)

[mid-nighttiger]

[Image ID: 30 pictures of various birds, the IDs of which are listed below /End ID]

this year i got to participate in the Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count for the first time! very exciting spending four hours with fellow birders counting every single bird possible at the local lake. no nicely framed pretty pictures this time because these were taken purely for ID purposes

top to bottom, left to right: Canada goose, American coot, double-crested cormorant, pied-billed grebe, Eurasian collared dove, ring-billed gull, great-tailed grackle, snowy egret, white-breasted nuthatch, gadwall, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, red-tailed hawk, Anna's hummingbird, yellow-rumped warbler, American kestrel, green heron, killdeer, American crows chasing hawk (possibly Cooper's), merlin, turkey vulture, American white pelican, black phoebe, western bluebird, violet-green swallow, mallard, white-throated swift, white-crowned sparrow, Say's phoebe, California towhee

[eriadav]

What are the best birding sanctuaries in Tanzania?

Travel Company: DAV Safaris

Website: www.davsafaris.com

Email:info@davsafaris.com

Tel: +256757795781 or +256701412430

Tanzania, a breathtaking gem in East Africa, is not only celebrated for its stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife but also for its remarkable avian diversity. With over 1,100 recorded bird species, this country is a true paradise for birdwatchers. Whether you are a seasoned ornithologist or a casual nature lover, Tanzania offers an array of birding sanctuaries that promise unforgettable experiences. This guide will delve into the best birding sanctuaries in Tanzania, highlighting key locations, notable species, and essential tips for your Tanzania birding tours.

1. Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is arguably the most famous wildlife reserve in the world. While known for the Great Migration, its diverse birdlife is equally captivating. The park hosts over 500 bird species, making it a premier destination for birding enthusiasts.

In the Serengeti, birdwatchers can expect to see the elegant Secretary Bird, the majestic African Fish Eagle, and various species of vultures and raptors. The park’s varied habitats, ranging from open savannas to lush riverine forests, provide a rich tapestry for bird watching.

Birding is excellent year-round, but the wet season (November to April) is particularly rewarding. During this time, migratory species flock to the area, enhancing your bird watching experience.

2. Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife and bird species. Its stunning landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for bird watching.

The crater is home to the rare Black Rhinoceros and over 200 bird species, including the impressive Lammergeier and the striking Kori Bustard. The mix of habitats—from expansive grasslands to dense woodlands—greatly enhances the birding experience.

The dry season (June to October) offers optimal visibility for wildlife, including birds. This period is ideal for spotting both resident and migratory species.

3. Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. This park is a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 400 bird species recorded.

Birdwatchers can spot the iconic Flamingos, the colorful African Jacana, and the striking Grey-headed Kingfisher. The park is also known for its large populations of pelicans and storks, making it a birding hotspot.

The wet season attracts migratory birds, while the dry season provides excellent opportunities to see resident species. Thus, it’s a prime destination throughout the year.

4. Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is known for its iconic baobab trees and large herds of elephants. This hidden gem offers incredible bird watching opportunities, thanks to its diverse habitats.

Key Species

Look for the Tawny Eagle, the African Pygmy Goose, and the vibrant Yellow-collared Lovebird. Tarangire is also home to many migratory species during the wet season, enhancing the bird watching experience.

The best months for bird watching are during the wet season (November to April) when migratory birds arrive, providing a spectacular display for birdwatchers.

5. Ruaha National Park

As Tanzania's largest national park, Ruaha offers a unique mix of savanna and bushland, providing an excellent birding experience. Its remote location means fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate bird watching adventure.

Ruaha is home to over 570 bird species, including the striking African Harrier-Hawk and the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller. The diversity of habitats supports a wide range of birdlife, making each visit unique.

The dry season (June to October) is ideal for spotting wildlife, including birds, as they become more active and visible.

6. Lake Victoria

As the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria supports a rich variety of bird species. The lake's wetlands and shores create perfect conditions for bird watching.

Look for the African Fish Eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, and various heron species. The lake is crucial for migratory birds, making it a hotspot during specific times of the year.

The wet season (November to April) attracts many migratory species, enhancing bird watching opportunities and making it a prime location during this period.

7. Amani Nature Reserve

Located in the Usambara Mountains, Amani Nature Reserve is a lesser-known sanctuary that offers a unique birding experience. The lush rainforest and diverse habitats provide a haven for many bird species.

Birdwatchers can look for the endemic Usambara Thrush and the vibrant Amani Sunbird, along with numerous other forest birds. This reserve plays a critical role in bird conservation in Tanzania.

Birding is excellent year-round, but the dry season offers the best opportunities for spotting endemic species, making it a must-visit for dedicated birdwatchers.

8. Usambara Mountains

The Usambara Mountains are characterized by a range of ecosystems, from montane forests to grasslands. This area is rich in biodiversity, making it a fantastic location for birding.

The mountains host several endemic species, including the Uluguru Bushshrike and the Tanzania Mountain Greenbul. The lush vegetation supports a variety of other birds, providing numerous bird watching opportunities.

The dry season (June to October) is best for bird watching, as birds are more active and visible, allowing for better sightings.

c provide an incredible opportunity to explore the country’s rich avian biodiversity. From the iconic Serengeti to the serene Amani Nature Reserve, each location offers unique bird watching experiences. Whether you're embarking on Tanzania birding tours or exploring these stunning sanctuaries independently, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories. Prepare your binoculars, pack your camera, and get ready to witness the incredible birdlife that Tanzania has to offer!

Book with DAV Safaris on www.dasafaris.com   or our expert team directly