January 3, 2010 | 
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Time for the first Challenge for Charity (ID Challenge) contest for 2010, where participants play for their favorite wildlife/nature/conservation organization. This year, I’m going to make it a little more interesting and a little less intimidating. I will give a hint for each picture, and toss in a bonus question each month, worth another $5. The rules are the same – have fun and good luck!
Picture 1 | Plano, TX
Hint for Picture 1: This colorful couple may very well have a nest box they call “home.”
Resource suggestion: Cornell Lab of Ornithology – All About Birds
Picture 2 | Plano, TX
Hint for Picture 2: Winter tree ID can be tough, but this tree is pretty distinctive, even without leaves.
Picture 3 | Plano, TX
Hint for Picture 3: All you need for a correct answer on this one is the name of the Kingdom to which this species belongs.
Bonus Question: What is the name of the waterfowl shown for January, in this calendar?
Posted in Challenge for Charity
Ooh, I know these! I wanna! I wanna!
But it would be cheating since I’ve seen the second photo already with your own ID. (Which, by the way, is a beautiful photo in its full glory. Stunning winter scene!)
That third one is a most excellent choice. Brilliant!
I’m sorry, Jason! I struggled with the tree – I really, really wanted to use a twig from an elm tree, but I wasn’t sure of the species myself, and I was afraid to make it too hard. I took surprisingly few pictures in December, so I didn’t have much to work with…but I promise not to spoil the contest for you again!
I’m giving it my best shot. If folks read your blog, they should know the second photo
Wish me luck!
You are correct about that second photo, Mr. Jordan! Luck!