ABCs of birds - letter R

[Paul Hamilton]

R is for American Robin (Turdus migratorius) (yes, you read that right)
Everyone thinks they know this bird, but it's got a lot of secrets.  To begin with, nests are carefully
hidden with much use of misdirection to lead potential predators away.  

Robins are really territorial, much more aggressive than, say Perigrine Falcons.  We see rival robins fighting all over the place early in the Spring in our neighborhood.  It's like a production of West Side Story.

The Sibleys remark that little is known about American Robin courtship behavior.  Wikipedia comments that "The American Robin is active mostly during the day and assembles in large flocks at night", but nobody, least of all the robins, says exactly what those groups are up to.

Here's to the American Robin, bird of mystery!  This one is from our yard.  It catagorically denies there is a nest there.

Paul

[Patti from Kentucky]

In a variation on the "red" theme, R is for Roseate Spoonbill, a beautifully rosy bird, elegant except for the bill which gives him his name.  Note that they fly with their necks outstretched, unlike herons.

I took this photo in Florida, at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.  We never saw them close up, only flying overhead.  There are better closeups if you visit the Wikipedia entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roseate_Spoonbill

[Patti from Kentucky]

Ruddy Turnstone

The Ruddy Turnstone breeds on far northern tundras, is highly migratory and may be found on sea shores nearly world wide.  This sighting on Floreana in the Galapagos brought a bit of serendipity.  While I was watching it, a family approached.  The man had been the long time director of an Audubon camp just a few miles from my childhood home in Northern Wisconsin!

Gayle

What a great story!  I love those bizarre "small world" experiences.  Jeane and I were vacationing in New England in October, and while having dinner at a diner in New Hampshire, heard a familiar voice; it was someone Jeane used to work with, also vacationing there!

[Patti from Kentucky]

I think we already covered these in the "B" list, but I think they deserve a reprise for being so striking!

R is for Red-winged Blackbird...this photo taken on a hot Fourth of July birding walk with my sisters...

[Patti from Kentucky]

R is for Rhea Mae! 

[Patti from Kentucky]

R is for a second Red-bellied Woodpecker.  This photo is not nearly as pretty as Donna's, but I thought it was interesting to see the woodpecker enjoying the hummingbird nectar.  Taken at a hummingbird festival in western Kentucky.

[~Ruth]

R is for Ruddy Duck.  I like the male in summer plummage with his Blue bill and the fan tail that sticks up.    (no, I haven't taken time to figure out how to post pics yet)

[Patti from Kentucky]

R is for Rufescent Tiger Heron, a bird I photographed in Amazonian Peru.  My birding guide said we were very lucky to see it, since they are most active around dawn or dusk, and during the day often hide out in the undergrowth on river banks.  Happily, this one chose to not be very well hidden.

[gayle]

Roseate Spoonbill

Here is a closer view from Costa Rica.  It was interesting to watch it feed by swishing its bill through the water from side to side.

Gayle

[dale]

those spoonbills are so science fiction.

Here is a drawing I did a number of years ago, from a TERRIFIC photo by Chad and Chris Saladin - a confrontation between a RED-TAILED HAWK and a peregrine falcon.

Dale

[gayle]

Redwing Blackbird

I will add my version of this bird perched on a cattail.  This was the first bird I learned as a kid.  There was always at least one on the cattails in the pond on the farm.  It must have been looking for dragonflies!

The second photograph is of a Tri-colored blackbird.

Gayle

Note:  If the images were too large when you tried to see them, please try again as I have reduced them.  Sorry!

[dale]

I have had many intense interactions with redwing blackbirds, such as being attacked by them while running. This one lunatic male near Northwestern University used to whack runners on the head, from behind.

Since Paul reminded me of robins, here is that PARTIAL ALBINO ROBIN I was visiting a few years ago. He lived just a few blocks from my house.

[gayle]

Here is a drawing I did a number of years ago, from a TERRIFIC photo by Chad and Chris Saladin - a confrontation between a RED-TAILED HAWK and a peregrine falcon.

Dale

Great drawing, Dale.  And we know who prevailed in that confrontation!

Gayle

[dale]

Great drawing, Dale.  And we know who prevailed in that confrontation!  Gayle 

we do, don't we ;)

[gayle]

A redwinged blackbird story.  I took a "city" friend on a birding trip through New Jersey and Delaware.  The first bird we saw was a redwing.  I saw this as a good opportunity to start her as a birder.  I pointed out the red on the wings that gave the name.  The next few times we saw the bird, she would ask "What is that callled?"  I would repeat the litany.  "What color is the bird?"  What color is the wing?"  I am pleased to say that after that slow start, she became quite proficient and grew to enjoy birding.

Gayle