Average Joe Birder

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The White-faced Ibis is a unique bird species that is found in the wetlands of North and South America. It is a medium-s...
05/16/2023

The White-faced Ibis is a unique bird species that is found in the wetlands of North and South America. It is a medium-sized bird that is known for its distinctive white face and long, curved bill. The bird's body is mostly dark brown, with iridescent green and purple feathers on its wings and back.

It is a social bird that is often found in large flocks, especially during the breeding season. During this time, the birds form pairs and build nests in colonies near water sources. The female lays 3-4 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for about 21-23 days.

Highly adaptable, it can thrive in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and flooded fields. It feeds on a variety of small aquatic animals, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Despite its adaptability, the White-faced Ibis is considered a species of concern due to habitat loss and degradation. Wetland destruction and pollution have led to declines in the bird's population in some areas. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore wetland habitats and ensure the survival of this unique bird species.

The Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small, migratory shorebird that is found throughout North America. It is...
05/11/2023

The Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small, migratory shorebird that is found throughout North America. It is known for its distinctive, spotted breeding plumage, which is quite different from its non-breeding plumage.

Description and Habitat:
The Spotted Sandpiper is a small bird, measuring around 7 to 8 inches in length and weighing only about 1 ounce. During the breeding season, both males and females have a distinct spotted pattern on their back and wings, with the male having a bolder pattern. Outside of the breeding season, the birds have a more subdued, plain brownish-gray plumage.

Spotted Sandpipers are typically found near freshwater bodies such as rivers, streams, and ponds, as well as along the coasts. They are known for their distinctive bobbing and teetering motion as they forage for food along the water's edge, using their long bills to probe for insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

Breeding:
The Spotted Sandpiper is unique among North American shorebirds in that the female takes the lead in breeding behavior. Females arrive on breeding grounds before males and will defend a territory and court multiple males. The female then lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs, which the male incubates for around 3 to 4 weeks while the female finds another mate and starts the process over again. Once the eggs hatch, the male takes care of the chicks for about a month until they are independent.

Conservation Status:
The Spotted Sandpiper is currently considered to be a species of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many shorebirds, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation, especially along its migration route and wintering grounds. The Spotted Sandpiper also faces threats from predators such as cats and foxes, as well as human disturbance.

The Spotted Sandpiper is a fascinating and unique bird with distinctive breeding plumage and interesting breeding behavior. It is a familiar sight along North American waterways and an important part of the ecosystem.

Hey everyone! Did you know that Missouri is a prime location for bird migration? Every year, thousands of birds make the...
05/11/2023

Hey everyone! Did you know that Missouri is a prime location for bird migration? Every year, thousands of birds make their way through our state on their journey south for the winter.

Some of the most common birds you can spot during migration season include warblers, thrushes, and sparrows. But keep your eyes peeled for rarer species like the painted bunting or the scarlet tanager.

If you're interested in birdwatching, now is the perfect time to grab your binoculars and head out to one of Missouri's many parks or nature reserves. You might even want to join a local birding group to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their migration patterns.

Let's celebrate the beauty of bird migration in Missouri and do our part to protect these amazing animals. Happy birdwatching! 🐦🌳👀

Ushering in the new season, I was greeted by a Northern Flicker calling out.  Bring on fall!!!
09/24/2022

Ushering in the new season, I was greeted by a Northern Flicker calling out. Bring on fall!!!

So cool to capture some rarities in our area.  Had an Ibis, Ruddy Turnstones, and Black-bellied Plovers in Webb City thi...
05/21/2022

So cool to capture some rarities in our area. Had an Ibis, Ruddy Turnstones, and Black-bellied Plovers in Webb City this morning.

05/17/2022

The Missouri Motus project, spearheaded by former MDC State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick, is contributing to Golden-winged Warbler conservation by tracking this species' migratory patterns! In March, Sarah and colleagues from Missouri and Latin America tagged Golden-winged Warblers and Wood Thrushes in Costa Rica - and a few have already "pinged" Motus towers here in Missouri!

Read all about it here: https://www.columbia-audubon.org/first-motus-detection/

Photo below, from left: Maria de la Paz of SELVA; Kristen Heath-Acre of the University of Missouri; Sarah Kendrick now of the US Fish & Wildlife Service; Dana Ripper of the Missouri River Bird Observatory.

It’s been a fun past few days!
05/01/2022

It’s been a fun past few days!

Took a walk along Frisco Greenway today.
04/25/2022

Took a walk along Frisco Greenway today.

First Indigo Bunting of the year!
04/16/2022

First Indigo Bunting of the year!

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