Today we’re going to meet not only one of the most handsome ducks getting around, but also one of the great avian adrenalin junkies: the Harlequin Duck. So where to begin? Well, I guess we can’t go past that plumage. The Harlequin Duck is so named because of the varied and bright colours that malesContinue reading “Bird 326 – Harlequin Duck”
Author Archives: nathanfinger
Bird 325 – Topknot Pigeon
Did someone say it’s pigeon time? It’s always pigeon time and I’ve got a real beauty from Australia today: the Topknot Pigeon. Now, sometimes the Crested Pigeon is confused with the Topknot Pigeon, but the two birds really don’t have a lot in common. The Crested Pigeon has a point crest like a mohawk whileContinue reading “Bird 325 – Topknot Pigeon”
Bird 324 – Black-crested Coquette
After reviewing my records, it looks like we haven’t featured a hummingbird for over a 100 weeks, and that is unacceptable. So this week we will rectify it with a real beauty, the Black-crested Coquette. Sometimes described as being a bit like an insect because of its diminutive size, agility, speedy flight and nectar feedingContinue reading “Bird 324 – Black-crested Coquette”
Bird 323 – Sabine’s Gull
So Seagulls have a bad reputation, right. They’re loud, messy, aggressive, always trying to steal your chips. Although to be fair, an aggressive chip acquisition policy is behaviour I can really get behind. Respect. But the world of Gulls is a big one. There are some 50+ Gulls out there, and today we meet oneContinue reading “Bird 323 – Sabine’s Gull”
Bird 322 – Wallcreeper
This week we meet a beautiful bird with a slightly disturbing name: the Wallcreeper. Why are these birds creeping about on walls? What are they doing, who are they creeping on, seems kind of suspicious. But the Wallcreeper is a highly specialised bird who is a one of a kind. And when I say theyContinue reading “Bird 322 – Wallcreeper”
Bird 321 – Volcano Swiftlet
So last week in a throw away line I said there were birds that live on volcanos. Well, I wasn’t joking, and today we get to meet the Volcano Swiftlet. On first blush if you take a look at this bird there isn’t a real lot to distinguish them from any other Swift. They’re small,Continue reading “Bird 321 – Volcano Swiftlet”
Bird 320 – Cattle Egret
Today I have a bird that no matter where you live in the world, you would have had half a chance to see it. That is unless you live in the frozen tundra, or … maybe like … the inside of a volcano. And you laugh, but there are birds that live inside volcanos, storyContinue reading “Bird 320 – Cattle Egret”
Bird 319 – Crested Grebe
This week I’ve got one of the super stars of the bird world for you, the Great Crested Grebe. Well may you wonder why these birds have superstar status. Is this something I’ve just made up on the spot? Almost certainly. But not without good cause. And that is because the Grebe is the starContinue reading “Bird 319 – Crested Grebe”
Bird 318 – Eastern Bluebird
Today we meet one of the United States’ favourite birds. It’s the zippity-do-da bluebird on your shoulder, the Eastern Bluebird. And since Twitter has recently rejected the little blue bird, we need to show it some extra love. These happy chaps are members of the thrush family, which is the same family that the AmericanContinue reading “Bird 318 – Eastern Bluebird”
Bird 317 – Plumbeous Water Redstart
Today I have a bird with one mouthful of a name: the Plumbeous Water Redstart. Woowee, there is a lot to break down in that name, so where should we start? Let’s start with the water bit. The Plumbeous Water Redstart is a cute little insect eating bird that lives in Asia. They can beContinue reading “Bird 317 – Plumbeous Water Redstart”
Bird of the Week 