The show takes place at the Tropicana, at 11 am, 12:30 pm and again at 2 pm. It is an exotic bird show for the entire family to enjoy.

Date: Every Day
Venue: Tropicana
City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Country: United States of America

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Bird owners and even the curious are invited to join the festivities at the National Guard Armory on the 6th of September 2009. Inquiries can be directed to either Anne Deviney (904-783-8943), Rudy Roberts (904-276-1041) or email dpetshop1@aol.com .

Date: 6 September 2009
Venue: National Guard Armory
City: Jacksonville, Florida
Country: United States of America

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Purple Martins are not as easily identified as other bird species due to the fact that they display a lot of variance until about two years of age. The adult bird is a large swallow with a large head, thick chest and broad, pointed wings with a slightly forked tail. The male’s entire body is a bluish black while the underparts of the female are light in colour. Males approaching adulthood look similar to females but with solid black feathers randomly erupting on their chest. Females approaching adulthood do not yet have a steel blue sheen on their backs. While most of these birds are found in eastern North America, some can also be found between British Columbia and Mexico on the west coast. Those living on the west coast generally make use of woodpecker holes and cactus cavities as nesting sites. They are also somewhat paler than their eastern relatives.

Unfortunately Purple Martins are often targeted by House Sparrows and Common Starlings – two invasive species which kill Martins in order to make use of their nest cavities. In order to have these beautiful little birds breed successfully, these invader species must be actively controlled and removed from their nesting site. Purple Martins are migratory and they generally fly to the Amazon basin in the winter months. They feed mainly on insects which they usually catch in mid flight. They also drink their water by scooping it up whilst flying.

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Found in and around the Amazon basin in the Northern regions of South America, the male Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock never fails to impress. This fascinating bird sports an orange-colored fan-like crest with a chestnut stripe running along the edge, accentuating the flawless semicircular shape. From his crest down to his claws the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock is wrapped in shades of orange plumage. His wings, which are black with a splash of white, are covered by a layer of fluffy golden-orange feathers, giving him the appearance of being wrapped in a shawl.

The ostentatious appearance of the Cock-of-the-Rock is a perfect reflection of his extrovert character. Many birds in the dark green rain-forest of the Amazon try to blend in with their surroundings, but not so with the Cock-of-the-Rock. He goes out of his way to be seen, using his dazzling looks to expel rivals and charm admirers.

During mating season, a group of up to fifty male Cocks-of-the-Rock gather in a well-defined area in the forest in what is known as a lek. This area becomes the center stage for the annual courtship dances. It is believed that the word “lek” comes from the Swedish verb “att leka”, meaning “to play”, but although the antics of the Cock-of-the-Rock are amusing, they are far more meaningful than just a game.

Each bird marks a patch of the forest floor as his private court by clearing away any fallen leaves. He also claims any perches in the vines above his court. With so many suitors in close proximity to one another it is inevitable that some territorial border disputes may arise. These are settled with lively, but harmless, war dances consisting of vigorous head bobbing, bill snapping, feather whirring and wing flicking, punctuated by harsh squawking and dramatic leaping into the air. After a couple of minutes, when each bird feels his neighbor is suitably impressed by their show of dominance, they retreat to within their court borders.

The females of the species are not likely to win any avian beauty contest. They have small crests on their heads, short legs and large feet, with ungainly brown feathered bodies. Nevertheless, when a female glides into the branches above the lek, announcing her arrival with a high-pitched call, every male takes notice. This sets off what is considered by many to be among the most impressive courtship displays in the avian world. Each male tries to outshine the other in an explosion of movement, color and sound. Then suddenly, as if on cue, the pandemonium stops – the decisive moment has arrived.

Each male spreads his display plumage to it fullest extent as he stands completely still. The fanned-out crest hides his bill while his orange fluffy feathers obscure the shape of his body, making him look like an exotic jungle flower. The female descends to inspect three or four silent statue-like males, who keep their backs to her while at the same time tilting their heads to keep an eye on her. The female takes her time in making up her mind, finally picking at the fluffy fringes of her chosen mate’s wing feathers to indicate her choice. The chosen male springs to life and they mate on his court or nearby perch, after which the female flies off.

Once mating is over, the male Cock-of-the-Rock forgets about his mate and does not get involved in the raising of his offspring either. This may seem like an unfair division of the work load, but needing to keep a low profile to avoid predators, the female and nestlings are better off without eye-catching dad around. The female’s dull plumage is the perfect camouflage for her two spotted, brown eggs, which hatch four weeks later. Mother bird feeds her chicks with fruit and insects, or even an occasional lizard. The male Cock-of-the-Rock develops his golden-orange plumage at about two years of age – and so the next generation prepares for life as one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating birds.

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Bird watching in Peru is an unbeatable experience and one that will leave even the most seasoned bird watcher awestruck. Peru is the destination of choice for many international birders, and for good reason. Peru is home to 120 endemic species of birds, with no fewer than 42 new species being recorded in the past 30 years. Over 1,800 bird species have been recorded to date – including the endemic species – and researchers believe that the list will continue to grow as they explore new areas.

Of the 104 different life zones that have been identified throughout the world, 84 occur in Peru. This land of contrasts – from dry forest and desert areas found at the coast to the various forests in the lowlands along the Amazon and the majestic snow-capped Andes Mountains – supports abundant, and often unique, flora and fauna. Some of the species that bird watchers exploring Peru can expect to encounter include 127 species of hummingbirds, 135 species of tanagers, 120 species of ovenbirds, 107 species of typical antbirds, 254 species of tyrant-flycatchers, 50 species of parrots and macaws.

Appreciating the natural treasures that exist in Peru, the authorities have established approximately 13% of the country as protected areas. These protected areas form a network of 58 reserves and sanctuaries. Environmental awareness is continually being promoted in Peru, with the result being that rivers and streams are being cleaned up and coastal lagoons are being reclaimed. An example of the benefits of these efforts can be seen in the Chaparri Ecological Reserve, which was established by the community of Santa Catalina de Chongoyape. This protected dry forest area has become home to a species of bird that was long thought to be extinct, the white-winged guan.

Serious birders that go to the effort of negotiating their way through a bog located at 14,000 feet in the Andes are likely to be rewarded with by sighting a rare white-bellied cinclodes – an exciting prospect, bearing in mind that researchers believe there are only 28 of these birds in the world. Patient bird watchers visiting the area of Cordillera Azul should look out for the rare and recently discovered scarlet-banded barbet. Migratory birds from as far away as Patagonia and the North Pole use areas of Peru as a stop-over or to spend the summer months. This proves to be an added bonus for bird watchers, as they stand a good chance of seeing additional bird species that are temporary residents.

The spectacle of a multitude of colorful noisy birds flitting from tree to tree, or a majestic Andean condor soaring overhead defies description, and the choice of where to go and what to see can be a difficult one. Certainly bird watching in Peru is never boring and is a rewarding way for any birder to spend their time.

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