hello tweeties,

yesterday's mystery bird was a Least Tern, Sterna antillarum. Rick Wright has written a nice analysis for identifying this species as well as how to get a sense for size in terns when you lack external size cues to help you;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_11.php


here's today's mystery bird for oyu to identify;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/todays_mystery_bird_for_you_to_19.php

i want to draw your attention to a gorgeous image that has given many thousands of people pleasure in only 24 hours. this is a picture of a fishing hole in the Scottish highlands, thanks to my good friend and Birdchat co-owner, Dave Rintoul;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/fishing_hole.php

and one last request for awhile regarding helping kids learn about (and learn to love) birds;

http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/donorschoose_challenge_classro_2.php

this is a high-poverty classroom in this nation's capital that seeks birding equipment and field guides. i have included them in my DonorsChoose "Biology is Life Challenge" and am seeking the birding community's support in helping them realize their goal to get started in birding.

cheers,

GrrlScientist
Devorah
http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/
Roosting high up a tree somewhere in Central Park, NYC