WINGSCAPES

Gambel's Quail Shows Its Southwestern Colors

Of all the birds common to North America, few are more recognizable or charismatic than those of the quail family, particularly those of the California and Gambel's Quail species. While both appear quite similar, the males each having the classic forward-curving head-plume that bobs as they scurry along the ground, the Gambel’s Quail prefers the desert southwest to the Pacific Coast Range inhabited by its California cousin.

This superb Wingscapes BirdCam image of a male Gambel’s Quail submitted to the BirdCam Photo Gallery by Milton from Surprise, Arizona shows the "warmer" desert color tones that help birders to identify the species.

Noisy Miner Video from Tasmania

As they say in the sports world, "Let's go to the video!"

The video we'll go to today is one of a Noisy Miner recorded and submitted to the Wingscapes BirdCam Video Gallery by Elli in Tasmania, Australia. Elli writes that visits of this bird to her bird bath are a daily afternoon occurrence.

For those who might not be familiar with this species of bird, the Noisy Miner, Manorina melanocephala, is a member of the honeyeater family and endemic to Australia. The "chirps" heard in the video are much softer than the loud alarm calls it is capable of making and from which its name comes.

1 in 5 Americans are Birdwatchers According to USFWS

I know a lot of birdwatchers, but I was still surprised to learn that 20% of Americans participate in birdwatching! According to a report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are about 48 million birders in the U.S.. 88% are backyard birders, and the average birdwatcher is 50 years old with an above-average income and education level. Slightly more women than men participate in birding.

Top 5 States for Birders
1. Montana (40%)
2. Maine (39%)
3. Vermont (38%)
4. Minnesota (33%)
5. Iowa (33%)

Any surprises?

White-throated Sparrow from the BirdCam Flickr Group

There has been quite a bit of activity over at the Wingscapes BirdCam Flickr Group lately. Some great images have been added by enthusiastic BirdCam users from around the world.

One that particularly caught our eye was this White-throated Sparrow contributed by "Zunzuncito" in Dearborn, Michigan. When it comes to sparrows in North America, it's difficult to think of a more neat and tidy looking bird. Its clean white throat, doeskin-gray breast, and chestnut wings make it appear downright dapper.

They Grow Up So Fast!

Remember Connie from Loveland, Colorado’s recent submission to the Wingscapes Photo Gallery of the superb image of a male American Kestrel she recorded with the Wingscapes BirdCam? Well, it seems that the young to which that kestrel was bringing food are getting ready to leave the nest.

Connie has now sent us this remarkable BirdCam image of a juvenile American Kestrel having a look around at the wide world outside its nestbox. Outstanding work Connie!