Welcome to IATB #102!

This edition of I and the Bird is a world-wide adventure. To give you an idea of where-in-the-world our contributors and their birdy-encounters are coming from, I’ve shown a map representing each post. Each map attempts to show you the general location of the birds discussed, and includes an overview map so that you can see which continent you are virtually visiting. Just click on each map and you will be transported to each exciting place around the globe.

A. Greg Laden of Greg Laden’s Blog, “The falcon eats tonight…”

Greg tells us about the falcon he saw chasing pigeons, possibly to their demise!

Greg Laden's Blog-"The falcon eats tonight..."

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B. Amila Salgado, of Gallicissa, “Ripleys, believe it or not”

Amila led a family of four on an exciting adventure through the Sri Lankan wilderness. Birds were just some of the many wild wonders they saw.

Gallicissa-Ripleys, believe it or not

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C. Nancy Castillo of The Zen Birdfeeder, “Brown Thrasher in Decline in New York”

Nancy shares some great images of a Brown Thrasher that visited her yard, and discusses the alarming decline in their New York population.

The Zen Birdfeeder, "Brown Thrasher in Decline in New York"

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D. Flowergirl of Madras Ramblings, “Mysore’s little jewel”

Flowergirl visited the city of Mysore in India, and shared her day with us. She saw many lovely birds and butterflies…and a BIG surprise at the end!

Madras Ramblings, "Mysore's little jewel"

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E. YC Wee and BK Lim of Bird Ecology Study Group, “Changeable Hawk Eagle catches a rat”

YC and BK have treated us to an outstanding photo of this gorgeous bird of prey and its dinner.

Bird Ecology Study Group, "Changeable Hawk Eagle catches a rat"

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F. Eddie Calloway of Birdfreak, “ABA/Leica Young Birder Writing Module Winner – Dakota!”

Birdfreak’s nephew is quite the young birder, and has taken top honors in the ABA’s Young Birder of the Year contest!

Birdfreak, "ABA/Leica Young Birder Writing Module Winner - Dakota!"

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G. Liz Gallie of Ella Bay Forever!, “Joov the Fringe Dweller”

Liz’s story about Joov, an endangered (Vulnerable status at IUCN) Southern Cassowary absolutely captivated me. My heart goes out to these amazing birds and their struggle to survive  as the urban sprawl takes it toll.

Ella Bay Forever, "Joov, the Fringe Dweller"

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H. Bob of Tales of the Nishiki, “Grassland Species”

Bob finally spotted a Bobolink, among other grassland birds, in a field near his home in Canada.

Tales of the Nishiki, "Grassland Species"

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I. GrrlScientist of Living the Scientific Life, “The Amazing Dancing Bird”

GrrlScientist treats us all to a video featuring the dance moves of Wire-tailed Manakin.

Living the Scientific Life, "The Amazing Dancing Bird"

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J. Eric Gyllenhaal of Neighborhood Nature, “A Dickcissel in Our Backyard!”

Eric and family were surprised and delighted to see a Dickcissel in their small suburban backyard in Illinois.

Neighborhood Nature, "A Dickcissel in Our Backyard!"

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K. Fiona Cohen of Nature Geek Northwest, “Pied-billed grebes on Green Lake”

Fiona shares some pictures of Pied-billed Grebes building a floating nest! Cool! One egg so far…

Nature Geek Northwest, "Pied-billed grebes on Green Lake"

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L. Duncan of Ben Cruachan Natural History, “A hard day’s work…”

Duncan takes us along with him as he conducts his bird surveys at Swallow Lagoon near Gippsland, Victoria in Australia. He manages to have fun while doing this work, though the numbers are sobering – a trend that has become all too familiar all over the planet.

Ben Cruachan Natural History, "A hard day's work..."

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M. Charlie of 10,000 Birds, “Why can’t we identify birds?”

Charlie explores the reasons why we birders seem to be slipping on our identification skills, in light of the upcoming publication of a new North American field guide.

10,000 Birds, "Why can't we identify birds?"

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N. Larry Jordan of The Birder’s Report, “Over Twenty Bird Species Observed In A One Hour Walk Around Mary Lake”

Larry had a great birding trip in just one hour, as he walked around an area lake. You’ve got to see his fabulous in-flight photo of a Red-winged Blackbird, and some great looks at a California Quail family.

The Birder's Report, "Over Twenty Bird Species Observed In A One Hour Walk Around Mary Lake"

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O. Jo of J M Oudesluys, “Grass Lake”

Jo begins her post with a quote from Henry David Thorough, whose writings I happen to be reading right now, and enjoying very much.  Jo took a morning bird walk along a nearby road and saw several birds including Bobolink and Sandhill Crane. She took some photos but her sketches steal the show!

J M Oudesluys, "Grass Lake"

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P. Elizabeth Enslin of Yips and Howls, “Breeding and nesting”

Elizabeth is not the only one settling into her summer home! She’s got a Blue Grouse, House Wrens, and more!

Yips and Howls, "Breeding and nesting"

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Q. Gunnar Engblom of A birding blog by Gunnar Engblom, “A marathon for conservation”

Gunnar ran a marathon to raise money for a birding and conservation project near Lima, Peru. Now THAT’s dedication!

A birding blog by Gunnar Engblom, "A marathon for conservation"

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R. Keith of Keith Reher’s Blog, “Red-winged Blackbird on Lupine…”

Keith captured some nice photos of a Red-winged Blackbird on bright purple Lupine wildflowers.

Keith Reher's Blog, "Red-winged Blackbird on Lupine..."

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I hope you’ve enjoyed your trek around the planet for this 102nd edition of IATB!

Catch IATB #103 at Birdfreak on June 25, 2009.

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