Rusty Blackbirds

Rusty Blackbird

Peregrine Falcon

This immature male Peregrine Falcon was found several weeks ago with a fractured scapula.  He was successfully rehabilitated and these photos were taken just moments after he was released back into the wild today along Lake Erie.

An Ephemeral Life

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.  Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow.  Let reality be reality.  Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." ~ Lao Tzu

Rusty Blackbird

The Rusty Blackbird is listed as a species in "steep decline" and they are quickly disappearing.  Scientists don't know exactly why, but it was recently discovered that many are plagued by high mercury contamination, especially in the northeastern section of North America.  This fact and habitat destruction are likely a big part of the problem.

Monarch Butterflies

Rusty Blackbirds

Hawaiian Monk Seals

Rare and endangered Hawaiian Monk seals sleeping on the volcanic rocks at Ka'ena Point on the island of Oahu.

Bristle-thighed Curlew

Earth Day 2016

The Earth is our mother, we must take care of her...

National Aviary

In the world of bird rehabilitation, conservation, and education, there are places that really stand out. The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is one of those places.  Their residents are birds that were rescued and are considered to be "unreleasable" due to handicaps that would prevent them from surviving in the wild.  Other resident birds at the aviary were rescued from the exotic pet trade and would also be unable to survive in the wild at this point in their precious lives. These magnificent creatures are used to educate the public and bring awareness to the plight of birds from all over the world due to pollution, hunting, poaching and habitat loss.  On a visit to the National Aviary yesterday, I was able to photograph several of their beautiful ambassadors.  Some of my favorite shots are posted below.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon (New Guinea)

Steller's Sea Eagle (Russia)

Northern Bobwhite (United States and the Caribbean)

African Penguin

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

American Flamingo

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (United States and Central America)

Wattled Curassow (South America) - It is believed that less than 10,000 of these birds still exist in the world today.

"As human population grows, more plants and animals are becoming extinct.  Today, more than 1,300 bird species are under threat of extinction.  That amounts to 13% of all birds now living on Earth. Let's work together to share our planet -- with each other and with all living things around the world." ~ excerpt from a plaque in the National Aviary

Painted Bunting

The Painted Bunting is considered to be a "near threatened" species. They are being abused by humans who trap them illegally to sell as cage birds. Conservation efforts are being made which includes the study of their migration patterns and many are banded as can be seen in these photos taken at Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is listed as a federally Endangered Species in danger of extinction.  I was fortunate to find and photograph this bird in the Carolina Sandhills NWR in South Carolina. These birds require old-growth pine trees (preferably long-leaf pine) that are at least 60 years old as a suitable habitat to survive.  Intense logging of southern pine forests has destroyed the majority of their native habitat.

Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is listed as a "near threatened" species in danger of extinction.  They can occasionally be found in Western New York.  I was lucky to find and photograph this one in a park near Lake Erie.

Pied-billed Grebe

Also known as a "hell diver" for the way it dives underwater to feed on fish, insects, crayfish and amphibians. The Pied-billed Grebe is listed as a "threatened" species in New York State.

Trumpeter Swan

Monarch Butterfly

Grasshopper Sparrow

I always love finding these secretive little birds that are considered endangered in New York State.

Grasshopper Sparrow

Found two of these uncommon little gems today.

Grasshopper Sparrow

The Grasshopper Sparrow nests on the ground in tall grass and vegetation.  Due to human activity such as mowing and pesticide use, the population of this handsome little bird is in a horrible decline.  It is listed as a species of "special concern" in New York State.