by simpleDesigns | Dec 10, 2009 | Birding
On December 8, 2009, the Raptor Center received a call from local Hastings business man, Harry Meier, Eckhart Vacuum, 1631 Oak St. Harry reported that he had seen a downed eagle south west of town and that it did not seem right. The bird was within 50 yards of...
by simpleDesigns | Dec 9, 2009 | Birding
Sunday, we counted 36 Trumpeter Swans on Vadnais lake, along with 100’s of ducks. “The largest of North American waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan is resident throughout much of its range, but migratory in other parts. Its was reduced to near extinction by the early 20th...
by simpleDesigns | Dec 6, 2009 | Birding
Every Thursday, I volunteer at the Raptor Center on one of the flight crews helping with the physical conditioning of recovering raptors, exercising the birds and assessing their abilities as they regain their flight skills. This usually means catching a wild hawk or...
by simpleDesigns | Dec 4, 2009 | Birding
The Violet-tailed Sylph, Aglaiocercus coelestis, is a species of hummingbird found in Colombia and Ecuador. Males average around 7 inches,(18 cm), in height, while females average around 3.8 inches (9.7 cm). They are are easy to identify not only by their...
by simpleDesigns | Dec 3, 2009 | Birding, Photography
The Booted Racket-tail is one of the finest looking birds I’ve ever seen. With it’s puffy white legs and long tennis racket tail, this hummer is unlike any creature I’ve ever seen. This guy quickly became a favorite on our birding adventure.
by simpleDesigns | Dec 3, 2009 | Birding, Travel
The distinctive bill of a Swordbill Hummingbird is longer than its body which makes for easy identification from any other bird or hummingbird. When feeding, the tongue of a hummingbird extends beyond its bill and contracts about 13 times per second, allowing it to...
