Ruby-throated Hummingbird and wasp

Now is the time of year when native plants shine, because they’re doing fine while non-natives may be suffering from the summer heat. I have a 3 year-old native plant garden that has really matured and is doing fantastic. It’s home to all kinds of wildlife, and is a perfect theater for nature’s daily dramas. Read the rest of this entry »

The July ID Challenge contest has come to a close and we have a winner! Larry Jordan of The Birder’s Report has won $10 for his charity, Shasta Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. Congrats, Larry! The next ID Challenge contest will be posted on or about August 1 and will run for about three weeks. We usually have 2-4 contestants, so your chances of winning a donation for your charity are very good!

Winning Charity, July 2009

And now, for the answers: Read the rest of this entry »

Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)

I had an amazing morning watching two Belted Kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon) dash across the lake at a nearby park. This is the first time I have had a decent look at these husky birds, and it was a real treat. Read the rest of this entry »

water snake (Nerodia sp.)

I think this is a species of Nerodia, which is a non-venomous water snake. This is a young one, maybe 14 inches long. The best thing about this little snake is that he has made his home in my pond. I figure his parents must be around somewhere, but I haven’t seen them yet. I wonder who is king of the pond…the snakes or the bullfrog? Read the rest of this entry »

This is Dawn’s new TV commercial showing precious little animals getting all cleaned up with Dawn dishwashing liquid. I asked for permission to feature the commercial here on Birder’s Lounge, and Proctor & Gamble agreed! I’ve watched this little gem many times already – and still counting. Remember, when it is time for you to purchase dishwashing liquid, look for the specially marked bottles of Dawn. Once you get home, just go to http://dawnsaveswildlife.com and activate your donation by entering the code on the bottle. It is easy, and $1 per bottle is donated to help IBRRC and similar rehab organizations do their good work.

(If you don’t see the control to play the commercial again, you can just refresh your page)

Turtle Tracks

This will be the last post about my trip to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Did I save the best for last? You decide. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve read the report that the Ocean Conservancy has published, which details the results of last year’s all-volunteer International Coastal Cleanup Day. I am so impressed with the global participation, and the quality of the information that the Ocean Conservancy collected from that one day. The results have inspired me to rally my fellow Texans to the cause. I am starting early (official registration begins August 3rd) and asking for help – you can read about what I’m doing on the new page called “Coastal Cleanup 2009.”

Time for another ID Challenge contest, where you play for your favorite wildlife – nature – conservation charity. The prize is a $10 donation to your charity, on your behalf, compliments of Birder’s Lounge. Last month we had just two contestants, so give it a whirl – the odds are good!

Send in your submissions over the next three weeks, with a deadline of midnight, July 25, 2009. Good Luck!

Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina)

The goodies from my trip to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas just keep on coming. This Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) was a first for me. He visited on two different days, and really hammed it up for the camera. This warbler is every bit as striking “in-the-feather” as he is in the photograph. Read the rest of this entry »