National Bird Day 2020

Cardinal Feeds Fledgling (Info in my "Words In Our Beak" Book Series)

Today, January 5th, is a holiday known as National Bird Day, which is an occasion I've written about in bygone years;  and will continue to do going forward, as this holiday has great personal importance.

International Migratory Bird Day 2018 (etc)

It's the second Saturday in the month of May, which means it is International Migratory Bird Day.

The text-image atop this entry (which I created from a memo that I received within an email) from Bird Life International. In it they stated:

"Since its passing 100 years ago, the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act has saved the lives of billions of birds and fined major corporations, such as BP, for their irresponsible actions. Last December, this law was reinterpreted by the Trump Administration, meaning that companies, both big and small, can no longer be held accountable should their actions result in incidental bird deaths.

This leaves millions of birds vulnerable to human threats, such as oil spills, pesticides, and improperly-sited wind turbines. And this is just in the USA. Every country has its own problems affecting birds along the flyway, and each presents unique challenges for the people working to protect wildlife there. But, there is little point working to save a bird in one country, if it will meet its end in the next.

We must work together to protect migratory birds in every country, and the BirdLife partnership is uniquely placed to do just that."

Bird Life International goes on to state many ways that people can work together to protect birds.

I strongly feel that if the general population were introduced to members of the avian community, in a personal way, they might get to know these creatures in a manner which would ultimately cause them to be more proactive in efforts to protect fauna.

One way people can get to know birds on a personal level and from a unique perspective is from the book series, Words In Our Beak (pictured below):

VOLUMES ONE AND TWO

The stories in these books are told from the perspective of a female cardinal (Cam) who knows a thing or two about the challenges of life.

January the Fifth is for (some of) the birds!

Earlier today, I posted some facts regarding this date of January 5th, stating that it is the twelfth day of Christmas and mentioned that some folks will be participating in Twelfth Night celebrations. But this not the only event being honored! For according to Holiday Insights (H.I.), "National Bird Day is celebrated on January 5th."  H.I; in an attempt to clarify one bird related holiday from another states the following:

"Bird Day is the oldest of the days set aside to recognize birds. According to the U.S. Library of Congress, Bird Day was first observed  on May 4, 1894. It was started by Charles Almanzo Babcock, superintendent of schools in Oil City, Pennsylvania. By 1910, Bird Day was widely celebrated, often in conjunction with Arbor Day. Bird Day and Arbor Day events are focused upon conservation training and awareness.

"National Bird Day was established by bird activists. It calls upon people to recognize the plight of captive birds. It also draws attention to exploitation of birds in the U.S. pet industry. On this day, organizers suggest we reflect upon the conditions of birds held in captivity. Note: Our research did not find any documentation that this is a "National" day, which requires an act of congress.

"International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journey that migratory birds take each year. They travel thousands of miles between breeding grounds in North America, and their winter homes in Central and South America. Organizers say this is a day to both support, and to increase awareness of conservation efforts in support of migratory birds. They also suggest a field trip into a woods to look for and enjoy migrating birds."

Furthermore, H.I. suggests that on this National Bird Day (as well as all bird-related holidays) that folks be more observant of our feathered friends. This always a great thing to do, but, it's also great to give the gift of birds to a fauna lover on this day.

On another note, I have a confession to make re my own observation of my visiting birds! As I was typing this I heard a lot of commotion in my kitchen and thought it was a mouse! Turns out a little male house finch (a bird type that is featured in Cam's book) had gotten inside by going through a very small opening in my window! Before attempting to help him make an exit, I tried to get a photo!

BUT it turns out the memory card wasn't in my camera! I'll have to rely on my own memory re this encounter and turn to the wisdom of E.B. White's aunt which I've referenced here on Blogger in the past, stating:

"When a missed opportunity like this occurs, I try to console myself with the wisdom that E.B. White spoke of in his essay, 'Remembrance is Sufficient.' An excerpt from this can be found below:

"'...A few weeks ago she (White's aunt) said something so close to the theme of Christmas that we shall quote it here... We were apologizing for have taken her for a motor ride that morning to see once again the bright colors of the woods. 'Why, my dear,' she said without hesitation, 'remembrance is sufficient of the beauty we have seen.'"

Therefore, instead of bemoaning that I wasn't on point to document my visitor's very short stay (he figured out how to get out of Dodge...), I'm very flattered to have been in his presence. And to think he visited me on National Bird Day!

Another One Of Those "TWTWTW"* Things

In my last entry here on Blogger, which was International Migratory Day, I mentioned that as part of my paying homage to that official holiday, I had hoped to visit Super, the Northern Flicker whom I helped rescue on April 5, 2016.

As of last Saturday, Super was still rehabbing at NYC's WBF (Wild Bird Fund). Fortunately I was able to see him, have someone take this photo of him, and to hear detailed news re his prognosis. But, unfortunately, later during that same day, I had a horrific accident and have been unable to participate in much of anything, including my cyber-venues. 

However, I did post details re Super's prognosis as well as my accident on TLLG's Facebook Page. I hope to be back to posting content on a regular basis — here on Blogger — in the coming week. Please stay tuned. (P.S.*TWTWTW references can be found within this blog by clicking here.)

It's International Migratory Bird Day!

According to Holiday Insights (HI) today, May 14th, is International Migratory Bird Day. It always falls on the second Saturday in May. Here's part of what HI says re this holiday. "International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journey that migratory birds take each year. They travel thousands of miles between breeding groups in North America. and their winter homes in Central and South America. Organizers say this day is to both support and to increase awareness of conservation efforts in support of migratory birds. They also suggest a field trip into a woods to look for and enjoy migrating birds."

I will not be able to make a trip to any woods today but in terms of paying homage to this holiday, but I do hope to go to Central Park as well as The Wild Bird Fund (WBF). An image of The WBF's storefront can be seen atop this Blogger entry.