Theropods

I go to the river. I see dinosaurs. Very cool.

Murmuration

In 1890 a fellow named Eugene Schieffelin released 60 European starlings in New York's Central Park. For some odd reason he thought it important to introduce all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays to America. He wasn't sure the introduction would take, so a year later he released 60 more. 

Today this invasive creature hovers precariously at around 200 million! They are opportunistic and aggressive. They are destructive of crops and some native bird populations. They will attack smaller birds to take over their nesting sites.

However, they are on occasion also amazing to watch. I saw several hundred of them today over Great Falls in an aerial display called murmuration. An incredibly large flock swirling and swooping, diving and climbing... a great mass of black birds in beautiful, graceful choreography. Awesome to witness.

Birds, birds, birds!

Cardinal. ♀

More to come. (I swear this time!)

Life is Simple. Eat, Sleep, Bird.

Someone, years ago, gave me a t-shirt with that slogan on it... as I am a bit of a bird nerd. Though I once was avid, I'm now more a when-I-get-around-to-it kind of birder. Still enjoy it greatly, but don't often take the time.

But the Fall migration is beginning and that's pretty exciting. You'll soon be seeing and hearing more and more as many little dinosaurs make their way to various southern climes. I intend to bring you a few species now and again over the next few weeks. (That's my intention. Whether I actually manage to do it is a whole other story!)

Starting out with an easy one from the backyard.

Black-capped chickadee.

Go get yourself some binoculars. And a Peterson Field Guide. And enjoy!