Christmas Bird Count – Gathering Valuable Data

In the late 1800s wildlife conservation was unheard of and the hunting of birds and other animals was generally unrestricted in the United States. In some states it was a common Christmas tradition to go hunting, with the hunter bagging the most birds and animals being declared the winner of the so-called “Side Hunt”. By the turn of the century, however, nature lovers and scientists began to express concern regarding the effects of hunting on bird populations, and it was at this time, when the Audubon Society was still in its infancy, that the society’s representative Frank M. Chapman proposed starting a new Christmas tradition in which birds would be counted, rather than hunted, and so the concept of the “Christmas Bird Count” was born – and enthusiastically supported.

Bird Watching in Oman – A Rewarding Experience

Bird watching enthusiasts who make it a goal to visit a veriety of destinations where they can enjoy their hobby, may want to consider a visit to Oman during the northern hemisphere winter season. Located on the edge of the western Palearctic, between Africa, Europe and Asia, Oman is the wintering destination of avifauna from three distinctive zoo-geographical areas.

Portland Christmas Bird Count

Join in the cheer of the season with a Christmas Bird Count. Not only is it good fun, but it also provides valuable scientific data on bird populations. Last year 267 bird watchers joined in, spotting 124 species. Why not help break the record?

Sigurgeirs Bird Museum in Iceland

Surrounded by volcanic landforms and wetlands, Lake Mývatn, located near the Krafla volcano in the north of Iceland, is home to a wide range of birdlife, particularly waterfowl. Its rich biodiversity and intriguing geology continues to attract biologists, naturalists, geologists and bird watchers from around the world.

Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival

This event offers birding enthusiasts the opportunity to explore this beautiful wilderness area and its feathered and furry inhabitants. Through a series of field-focused courses, lectures, and hikes, experts will be sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with participants. One of the highlights of the program is the presentation on Bird Conservation in the Superior National [...]

British Birdfair 2011

Promoted as the world’s largest international bird-watching event, Birdfair includes all facets of the birding industry, while supporting global bird conservation. There will be hundreds of stands featuring the latest products for wildlife and birding enthusiasts, with expert advice and sharing of experiences with like-minded people making this an event not to be missed. Visit [...]

2011 ABA Young Birder’s Camp in Colorado

The 2011 ABA Young Birder’s Camp in Colorado is set to be an exciting event for birders aged 13 to 18. Based in the Woodland Park area, participants will learn about birds in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to prairies. The schedule will include a field trip to the where the 50 000 acre [...]

Secrets of a Bird of Paradise

Any bird watching enthusiast would agree that watching a male bird of paradise Lawes’s parotia trying to gain the interest of a female is a breathtaking experience. Its colorful chest, displayed against his black plumage makes for a spectacular show, and scientists have been studying their plumage to discover the secrets of the male Lawes’ parotia’s mating dance. It seems that the shape and special features of their feathers holds the answers to the questions that have been intriguing bird lovers for years.

Asian Bird Fair 2010

Bird watching groups from various countries, such as China, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia, was working together to host the first Asian Bird Fair on the 24th and 25th of September 2010. The fair will offer lectures and talks by well known delegates, and also take visitors on fascinating bird watching expeditions. It is a [...]

Tropical Birding in January (Part 1)

I stepped outside the terminal of Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri to a steel-grey sky spitting snow. I groaned, pulled the all-too-thin jacket tighter about my shoulders, and stiffened at the shock of the cold. As I walked to the parking lot the wind drove flakes horizontally across my field of view and stung my hands and face. Staring intently through a curtain of white, I could just discern the outline of a Red-tailed Hawk struggling in the storm at the far end of the tarmac. I instinctively raised my hand to point its position, but there was no one to show the hawk to, nor share the experience with, and I suddenly longed for the warmth of Mexico and fellow bird watchers. I had to stop and smile at the thought because it had not always been so.

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