Archive for February, 2009

A few months ago, I announced that I would be donating 10% of the proceeds from sales of Birder’s Lounge gifts and prints to the two Birder’s Lounge charities. Birder’s Lounge has just received its first payment from Cafe Press! Even though this first payment is mostly the result of  my family’s–and my own–Christmas purchases, I am supremely happy to add more dollars to the 2009 Do Something! campaign “pot.”

I will also take this opportunity to display the first original t-shirt design by “yours truly” at Birder’s Lounge. IMO, this is a gift that any birder would love to wear. I’ve already got mine!

Please also remember that the 2009 Do Something! campaign is a simple way for you to check off the Actions that you are taking to make our planet a better place. It costs you nothing, you can brag on yourself or remain anonymous, and I’ll add a dollar to the pot for every Action submitted. You can always access the form by clicking on the Do Something! badge on the sidebar. To make it super-easy for you now, here’s the form!:

cforms contact form by delicious:days

I know that it is still February…but it is sure starting to look and feel like spring around here!

I took a walk yesterday afternoon, because it was so beautiful outside that I couldn’t stand another minute indoors. The American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were out in droves. I sat under a tree, watching them run around on the ground, only to have them twice be scattered by a raptor of some kind, swooping through the trees. Read the rest of this entry »

Though it pains me to announce that we did not have any participants in the February, 2009 ID Challenge! contest, I am happy to say that we DO have winners!

Since there is no-one to whom I can award the prize, I will instead add the $15 value to the dollar amount pledged in the 2009 Do Something! campaign.

Congratulations to Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR) and International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) – you have another $15 coming your way!

This is just one of the scenic views at Bosque del Apache near Socorro, NM. This article is the second in my series recounting my recent trip to “The Bosque.” Time to get up-close and personal with the birds! Read the rest of this entry »

I am posting a notice to let everyone know that no-one has tried to win the ID Challenge! contest for this month. The prize is a $15 gift certificate to Native American Seed – exactly what you’d want for a spring gardening project. C’mon, you native-plant gardeners! Take a crack at it…if you end up being the ONLY one to try, you’ll win! Entries may be submitted until midnight, February 23, 2009.

Click HERE to go to this month’s ID Challenge! Contest

The Northern Pintail is the “pinup” duck for this season’s Federal Duck Stamp. The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) has had this honor for five different seasons:

1. 1938-1939, Artist – Roland H. Clark
2. 1962-1963, Artist – Edward A. Morris
3. 1983-1984, Artist – Phil V. Scholer
4. 2001-2002, Artist – Robert (Bob) Hautman
5. 2008-2009, 75th Anniversary Edition, Artist – Joseph Hautman

Pintails are among the group of ducks known as “dabbling ducks.” When they forage for food, they often wind up with their rear-ends pointing Read the rest of this entry »

As I walk through the woods, I often “see things” in the trees. This is akin to how some people “see things” in the clouds, or on the face of the moon. (I see a rabbit in the moon, but that’s another story.) Read the rest of this entry »

I am almost bouncing off the walls with happiness about the first Do-ers in our 2009 Do Something! campaign.  I launched this effort to prompt everyday people to take steps to protect our lands, flora, and fauna. It’s easy and fun and GOOD!

I am keeping a running total of Do-ers, Actions and Pledge $ (from me) in the sidebar to the right. At the end of the year, I will split the pledged dollars between the charities that Birder’s Lounge supports, International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) and Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR).

The first Do-ers who have allowed me to share their efforts are:

Jane Lovedahl

“I am writing Outdoor Education curriculum for elementary aged children who come to Camp El Tesoro. Students have attended sessions and are experiencing the excitement and wonder of the natural world. In addition, I have become a birder!! What a joy to see this incredible world of birds with a completely new sense of awe, respect, appreciation, and amazement.”

Bragging rights:

ENGAGED CHILDREN in outdoor activities that helped instill a sense of wonder and excitement about flora and fauna

IDENTIFIED & LEARNED about one bird that I was unfamiliar with

~

Larry Jordan

“I hope to check off the last box by showing kids how to monitor nest boxes at a local park where I will be placing Bluebird houses this spring.

Thanks Amber for this opportunity to help out! What a great idea.”

Bragging rights:

HELPED RAISE AWARENESS that everything we do affects the well-being of other creatures

GAVE SOME OF MY OWN HABITAT back to nature,PLANTED A NATIVE TREE on my property

REDUCED OR ELIMINATED my use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers

VISITED a state park, national park, or wildlife refuge

IDENTIFIED & LEARNED about one bird that I was unfamiliar with

DONATED TIME OR MONEY to an organization that is dedicated to protecting and preserving habitats and wildlife

~

And one Do-er who wishes to be Unnamed

Bragging Rights:

HELPED RAISE AWARENESS that everything we do affects the well-being of other creatures

VISITED a state park, national park, or wildlife refuge

IDENTIFIED & LEARNED about one bird that I was unfamiliar with

DONATED TIME OR MONEY to an organization that is dedicated to protecting and preserving habitats and wildlife

~

Thanks to you Do-Gooders! You guys rock! Anyone else?

My visit to Bosque del Apache was a wonderful experience. I’ll be blabbering about it over several posts. First, I’ll help you get your bearings by sharing a copy of the refuge map, Read the rest of this entry »