New Bird Species Found in 2013

In a world where walking on the moon and instant messaging are taken for granted, it's surprising that new species are still being found in remote places in the world.   But that's exactly what happens every year.   This past year, at least five outstanding new bird species were discovered.    Just to give you a flavor for how very exotic these birds are, I'll name them.  There is the Cambodian Tailorbird, the Guerrero Brush Finch, the Junin Tapaculo (emphasis on the third syllable), the Rinjani Scops Owl and the Sierra Madre Ground Warbler.  Wow. 

There are still animals, plants and birds out there to be discovered.  We have been responsible for the extinction of several species: passenger pigeon and dodo come to mind, and yet still there are more to be found.   This, for me is the essence of hope. 

Of course, they all live in incredibly remote jungles.

 The Cambodian Tailorbird was undoubtedly seen or heard by some of our troops fighting long ago in Viet Nam.  This bird lives in humid lowland scrub in Phnom Penh and other sites in that floodplain area. Humid lowland scrub means temperatures close to 100 and humidity to match.  You have to be very committed to hunt down an elusive small bird in these conditions. 

The Guerrero Brush Finch lives south of us in Mexico, in the misty cloud forests of the southern Sierra Madre range in the state of Guerrero.  It has a lovely chestnut crown and black mask.  If this bird lived in the U.S, it would fall into the sparrow family.

The Junin Tapaculo is found in the Andes in Peru.  Scientists differentiate it from other very similar birds only by the notes of its song.  Its scientific name  is Scytalopus gettyae.  As often occurs, the bird was named in honor of a scientist whose hard work has merited attention and distinction.  Mary Getty is a nature conservationist and works for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The Sierra Madre Ground-Warbler is a unique little bird.  It is in a  family of ground-walking songbirds and it appears that they can barely fly.  They live in dense forest understory and feed on bugs.  They are also skilled ventriloquists~  you can never figure out where they are from their call, and they always sound far away, even if they're within a few feet. 

Lastly, the Rinjani Scops Owl is found only on one island in a series of islands in Indonesia.  Locally these dapper little owls are called burung pok, which sounds like their call.  This is the only bird native to this island.

I hope that by telling a bit about each of these birds I've made them more real.  They are all listed as endangered already.  Maybe we can learn to preserve these exotic little creatures so that future generations can travel to wonderful remote places and actually see them thrive.  

First Bird of the New Year

It was early New Year's Day morning in Guadalajara and all was quiet, finally.   Tradition calls for families to gather for all night street parties in this busy city.  Cooking starts on grills in the late afternoon of New Year's Eve as people gather with more food, music, kids and dogs.  A great time is had by all, and the best thing for visitors to do is simply enjoy the spectacle.

When peaceful morning arrived, I opened the door to the beautiful walled garden outside our room to see what birds had ventured out early, like me.

Many of us have special ways of kicking off the new year.  Resolutions, plans and wishes seem more doable with a clean slate ahead.  A tradition for many birders is to make a point of noting the first bird seen on New Year's Day.   This can be a relatively predictable  ritual if you're at home - robins, sparrows -  and an adventure if you're not.

 As I walked out into the bursting greenery, two little Inca Doves scuttled to safety through the low-growing azaleas near the fountain.  Great first bird!

Inca Doves are small tropical doves, about the size of a robin.  They are dainty, graphite-colored little birds easily found in tropical America.  A closer look reveals that each feather is softly outlined in a darker grey, giving the dove a delicate, scalloped look.  And when they fly, lovely red underwings flash in the light.

The thing about the first bird of the year is that it can help you set the tone for the coming year.  Doves are seen around the world as a symbol of peace, but they carry even deeper meanings.  Doves represent harmony and hope by being a uniting force.   Think of the soft call- cooing - of doves.  It's a calming and soothing sound.  Doves form large flocks and are comfortable living among people  all around the world.  Every  park and plaza in Mexican towns and cities has its dove contingent, industriously dot-dotting along, avoiding kids and dogs and finding good things to peck up in the grass.

So, more harmony, optimism and tolerance - some good goals for the new year.

Being at home could mean that that first bird sighted might turn out to be (heaven forbid) a starling.  Well, don't despair- take a deeper look.  Starlings are survivors.  They are bossy, fearless and strong, and will chase away predators.   Not bad attributes to have on tap.

As the new year begins to gain momentum, take a minute to consider all of those we share this earth with.  The birds and other critters have a lot to offer us, if we are willing to slow down and look a little deeper.