Listen to my Audio Essay for May

http://www.wvpubcast.org/insideapp.aspx

You can hear my MAY essay at the 39:04 mark of the MAY 29 edition of West Virginia Public Radio's Inside Appalachia.

Space

Tour the International Space Station:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=H8rHarp1GEE

To Report a Metal Bird Band

If you find a bird, dead or alive, with a metal band on one of its legs, visit the web site below and follow directions. You will need the number on the band. The process takes only a few minutes, and you will learn the identity of the bird and where and when it was banded.


http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm

Great Weather Sites

The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/

National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

NOAA Weather: http://www.noaa.gov/wx.html


http://www.accuweather.com/

http://www.wunderground.com/

Carl Safina on the Gulf Oil Disaster

Carl Safina is the founder of the Blue Ocean Institute.

http://www.democracynow.org/2010/5/27/expert_ecological_impact_of_spill_could

Video clips worth watching

Mantis vs. small corn snake:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhtHDK2K73A&feature=related


Crimson-crested Woodpecker in Brazil vs Yellow-bellied Puffing Snake:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipdiai7or_o&feature=related

How to Contact Federal and State Representatives

To find your member of the House: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

To find your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm


Or for President and any federal or state reps: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Gulf oil spill solution

http://www.wimp.com/solutionoil

Watch this and spread the word.

All about Lightning

http://www.crystalinks.com/lightning.html

... includes some incredible photos.

See the International Space Station (ISS)

For precise information about the path of the ISS, visit the web site below and enter your location. Times are exact, so don't be late.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/

Pennsylvania needs help with Osprey nest survey

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is now seeking help from birders, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts to document current osprey distribution and habitat use. Specifically, PGC biologist Doug Gross says, “We would like to find how many nests are active this year, how many chicks fledge, what type of water body they favor (e.g., rivers vs. reservoirs), and on what type of structures they are building their nests.”

To help, contact endangered bird biological aide Cathy Haffner (cdhaffner@yahoo.com), and request a survey form. Or visit www.pgc.state.pa.us, click on “2010 Osprey Nest Survey,” and download a survey form. Two site visits may be needed - one soon to document an active nest, and a second visit later in the season (late June to mid July) to count young.

Birding by Ear Workshop at The Wilds

CUMBERLAND, Ohio – The Wilds, one of the largest conservation centers in the world, is offering a unique workshop that is an excellent way to learn bird vocalizations, see many grassland birds, meet new friends and explore uncharted bird spots at the Wilds.

The Birding by Ear Weekend, held June 4-6, has classes and activities for all levels of experience. Some activities offered include:
· Birding by canoe
· Searching for owls and whippoorwills after dark
· Attracting hawks with broadcasts

This weekend long event is $175 per person which includes lodging in Mongolian yurts for two nights, four catered meals and guided birding with Al Parker. Al is an accomplished naturalist, professionally trained wildlife biologist and owner of Canoe Creations.

Additionally, Birding by Ear Weekend also supports the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (WAZA) initiative on biodiversity. Zoos and aquariums play an active and important role in conserving species in their natural habitat. View unique grassland bird biodiversity firsthand during the Wilds Birding by Ear Weekend.

To register for this fabulous event please call 740-638-5030 x2286 or visit www.thewilds.org.

Source for Field Equipment

Looking for insects nets, hand lens, snake hooks, forceps, field guides, nature books...?

Try www.acornnaturalists.com or 800-442-888 for a catalog.

FYI: This is a personal recommendation, not a paid ad,

Digital Warbler Song Reference

For help mastering warbler songs and calls, a compilation of 310 songs and calls for 57 species of warblers is now available from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library -- the largest archive of wildlife sounds in the world. Originally released in 1985 as an LP record, Songs of the Warblers of North America is the most comprehensive audio guide to warblers available anywhere. The newly digitized version can be used on any device that plays MP3 files and is $14.99 at www.macaulaylibrary.org.

Loon nest cam in Minnesota

Thanks to Carol Saseen for this lead:

http://www.mnbound.com/live-loon-cam/

Peregrine Falcon photo essay

Howard Eskin of Harleysville, PA provided this link on PA BIRDS. It documents the banding of 3 chicks on the NJ/PA Turnpike Bridge. Excellent photos!

http://www.howardsview.com/Peregrines/Peregrines.html

The Wilds in Ohio

I spent MON and TUE touring The Wilds (www.thewilds.org) in central Ohio. Even got to spend a night in a yurt. What a place! Nearly 10,00 acres. You'll need at least a day to experience The Wilds. Better yet, spend a night on Nomad Ridge. Catch my column this week for a more detailed report.

Galapagos

Starting to think about next trip to Galapagos in 2011, probably June. If interested, email me for details.

Orioles back

Balt Orioles back on ridge on Mon MAY 3

On Sunday MAY 2 had a Cerulean Warbler singing in the woods below the house.