Tag: Monsanto World Headquarters

Hug A Turkey Day

birds, wildlife

So, the president pardoned two turkeys today, named “Gobble” and “Gobble” apparently.  Who writes this stuff?  The country slaughters near 60 million birds and sparing these two is supposed to make it all okay?  Don’t get me wrong, next to chicken and salmon, turkey flesh is one of my favorite animal protein sources.  What I am suggesting is that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving should be designated as another national holiday in which everyone who plans on eating turkey on that special Thursday must find and hug one first.  Think about it.  The amount of calories spent in this endeavor should just about equal that which will be ingested by the glutton.  I’m not sure which of my favorite ideas for a new national holiday will catch on first, this one or my idea for a national “punch a weatherman in the face” day.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Anyway, did you know…?

-During the 1930’s the Wild Turkey population was estimated to be less than 30,000 birds.  Through hunting regulations and habitat management there are now between 5-10 million birds in this country.

“Wild Turkey!”

Technical details: Canon EOS 7D camera,  EF400mm f/5.6L USM lens, ISO 400,  f/5.6, 1/800 sec

Mondays Are For The Birds – Red-Eyed Vireo

birds, Mondays Are For The Birds, wildlife

Hello again.  Today I am starting a new blog series that I am calling “Mondays Are For The Birds” and today’s first spotlight bird is this Red-eyed Vireo.  For anyone fool-hardy enough to do some summer hiking in the deciduous woodlands and forests of the Missouri Ozarks, the Red-eyed Vireo shouldn’t be new to you.  When almost all other songbirds have given up claims to their nesting grounds and quit vocalizing for the season, the REVI is just warming up.  In the middle of a sweltering summer’s day one will still hear the questions this guy’s song seems to ask. “Who are you, who am I, Here I am, Look at me, In this tree!”

This photo was taken recently during the fall migration.  This species along with other vireos and warblers will eat primarily caterpillars and other arthropods during spring migration and throughout the summer breeding season, but in fall will switch to a diet primarily consisting of berries, such as those found on the wild grape.

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you like the photo and I hope you had the best possible Monday.

“Red-Eyed Vireo”

Technical details: Canon EOS 7D camera,  EF400mm f/5.6L USM lens, ISO 800,  f/5.6, 1/250 sec