hello everyone,

it's a cold day in NYC, almost as though someone flipped a switch and autumn began. so of course, my thoughts turn to regions of the world where it is springtime. in honor of that, today's mystery bird is an Australian. i am sure a fair number of you can identify this spectacular bird, so as an added bonus, i am asking you to tell me this bird's gender;

http://bit.ly/6RazB

the most recently demystified mystery bird is a Seaside Sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus, thanks to photographer Joseph Kennedy;

http://bit.ly/KbVnA

October is the month when you can be a hero by helping poor kids realize their dreams: donate in support of science education in poor classrooms throughout america;

http://j.mp/qfaT1

you are invited to add a classroom to my challenge that you want to support by emailing the URL to me. i am working on lining up some prizes for those who donate to my challenge classrooms, and i am interested to read your suggestions for what gifts would motivate you to donate to this worthy cause, so do email me with that information.

cheers,

GrrlScientist
http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/
http://twitter.com/GrrlScientist
http://profile.to/grrlscientist/
$upport science education for America's kids http://j.mp/qfaT1
Roosting high up a tree somewhere in Central Park, NYC