13th Steet Studio

A bird a day: Ninety-one (Blue-eyed Shore Shadow)

This bird is the fifth in my Uncommon Bird series...
The Blue-eyed Shore Shadow
Field Identification: As expected, this bird is reported to have blue eyes and dark plumage, although clear observations of this bird are rare.
Habitat and Distribution: This bird is most often found in wetlands and shallow shore lines. Large groups of Shore Shadows congregate just beyond the easily visible distance and nearly always in front of a rising or setting sun.
Field Notes: Limited field work on Shore Shadows has been recorded due to the birds uncanny ability to constantly move just out of the limits of observation.

A bird a day: Ninety (Sharp-billed Recluse)

Here is another resident in my Uncommon Birds collection:
The Sharp-billed Recluse
Field Identification: Very little is known about this elusive bird. Reports of habits and plumage color are inconsistent and contradictory. Observers tend to report sightings that are questionable at best, and generally label any missed glimpse of a bird as a Recluse.
Habitat and Distribution: The preferred habitat for this bird is anywhere it can not be seen. As such, distribution remains a matter of debate.
Field Notes: None available at this time.

A bird a day: Eighty-nine (Scarlet Leaf Counter)

Where the heck have I been? Gosh, I don't know... I took a short trip to Vancouver (which was lovely)...but mostly home, it seems. We've had a mild Spring here in Kansas, and I have been enjoying that very much. It is unusual to have windows open to the breezes this time of year, and we've had more rain than usual. Both of these things have made me more likely to be out in the yard, and not inside next to the air conditioner vent. So, more yard work, less internet.
Back to my "Uncommon Birds" collection... this third bird is the
Scarlet Leaf Counter
Field Identification:
As the name suggests, this bird is bright red in color. When hidden from sight, it can be easily identified by a sharp staccato clicking sounding. People living in areas of high density Leaf Counter populations complain that the relentless call of this bird can be maddening.
Field Observation:
This is a very active bird that shows no preference for flock size. In fact, this variety has not been observed paying any attention to its companions, but instead seems to be entirely focused on surrounding foliage.

A bird a day: Eighty-eight

A bird a day: Eighty-seven

A bird a day: Eighty-six

A bird a day: Eighty-five

Empty Nest

Our younger daughter graduated from college this last weekend and then packed up and moved to the Big Apple to seek fame and fortune in the TV biz. Both of my birds have flown the nest, so I only have the feathered variety to chat with around here now. And, trust me, those conversations are a bit circular and very repetitive. Here is a link to the new grad's senior project:
http://www.watchthecandyman.com/
A warning: her show has bad words and too much smoking!
(Oh, Mom...)

A bird a day: Eighty-four

A bird a day: Eighty-three