Field Notes and Observations on Birds
The Ringneck (Rose-ringed) Parakeet – A Great Pet and Unlikely NYC Resident – Part 1
Mar 11th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The adaptable Ringneck Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) has been introduced to more far-flung places – Egypt, Macao, Singapore, Zanzibar, Great Britain, and California, to name a few – than perhaps any other parrot. To this impressive list I would like to add a population that is little-known and quite unexpected – the tiny flock that lives in New York City.
From Indian Woodlands to Bronx Streets
After catching glimpses of the phantom Ringnecks while birding along the Bronx River as a youth (and doubting what I had seen), I lost track of them until I began working as a bird keeper at the Bronx Zoo. Shortly thereafter I came upon an injured Ringneck and began seeing the flock of 10-15 birds regularly. The individual I cared for was missing several toes and showed other signs of battling the long, cold NY winters, but was otherwise in fine shape. More >
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Loading ...The Bird Room – A Treat for Birds of all Kinds (and their owners!)
Mar 9th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Nothing is more pleasing to aviculturists than an entire room in which their birds can really stretch their wings and legs. Birds housed in such circumstances will exhibit a range of behaviors that are only hinted at in small quarters, and their chances of successfully breeding will skyrocket.
Bird Room Basics
Simply put, a bird room is a room which is outfitted especially for birds – essentially a giant cage. The first I saw were re-converted attics in small private houses. One held Canaries, the other was give over to a colony of Gouldian Finches…both behaved so differently from caged individuals that they appeared to be of entirely different species. Each room was a carnival of color, song, activity and begging nestlings. The individual birds were in great condition and color, and far more vigorous and alert than those I cared for at the local pet store. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...North American Birds in Aviculture – the Buntings
Mar 4th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The colors of North American’s Buntings rival those of any tropical bird. Several species are popularly kept in Europe, Asia and Latin America, but laws limit the availability of most in the USA (check a local Softbill Society for legal specimens). I recently wrote about the Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris), one of the most colorful of the group (please see article below). Today we’ll discuss the Rainbow, Indigo, Versicolor and Lazuli Buntings.
In General
There are a few husbandry tips that apply to all Buntings. One of the least known is that they relish the resin produced by pine and spruce trees. Branches from these trees will keep your birds busy for hours. Many aviculturists believe that something in the resin helps to keep the birds in good color as well. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Feeding Wild Birds during Snowstorms – Tips and Stories – Part 1
Feb 23rd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I’ve known Red-winged Blackbirds to return to NYC as early as Groundhog Day, February 2nd. I’ve not yet had a chance to check yet, but if they’re already back this year they will be sorely disappointed by the weather. Snow poses greater hardships on most birds than does cold weather – with internal body temperatures of up to 110 F and the ability to trap air within the feathers as insulation, non-migrants do just fine when temperatures drop. Snow, however, covers food and forces birds to expend a great deal of energy foraging. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Freeze Dried Mealworms – a Healthy, Convenient Food for Wild and Pet Birds
Jan 21st
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As I write this from NYC it is not yet officially winter, but I’m looking out over waist-high snow drifts. So I’m inspired to consider a special treat for the visitors to my bird feeders, and one which finches, softbills and other pets relish as well – mealworms.
The Importance of Insects
A bag of Freeze Dried Mealworms is a very useful item for both pet keepers and wild bird enthusiasts to have on hand. Providing both calcium and much-needed protein, insects continue to figure in the diets of many birds even during the coldest months. Although not visible to us, insects are always about – some species hibernate, while others pass the winter as eggs or pupae. These are avidly sought by many typical feeder visitors, but especially Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Blue Jays and Juncos. Insects become especially important in late winter, when female birds need to increase their calcium stores in preparation for egg-laying.
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