National Bird Day
The Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus is the U.S. national bird. Endangered a few decades ago because of breeding failures due to DDT use, it is now common in many areas.
National Bird Day in the United States is a little publicized and little appreciated National Day in the United States. Still as a birder I wanted to bring attention to one more chance to celebrate our feathered friends. Our birds are in trouble.
Grassland birds, like this vagrant Dickcissel Spiza americana seen in Sequim, WA this winter are among the most threatened species in the world. This species with its species scientific name of americana seemed like an appropriate photo to include in this post.
Climate change, habitat loss, feral cats, light polution, and reflective glass buildings our birds are facing daunting chanllenges and are seriously declining in numbers. Still, the joy of watching, searching for, listing and just loving our birds continues.
Wetlands are not far behind the grasslands as a threatened and declining habit. These White Ibis Eudocimus albus are relative generalists, and seem to get by whereever there is some moist ground to forage. This photo is an adult and a juvenile.
Be sure to take time today to appreciate the birds we have.
Good birding and good day!
I love the intricate and perfecte looking feather patterns of juvenile gulls. This is a Bonaparte's Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia juvenile.