American Kestrel Facts

Time again for 'Wild Things'

WINTER HAVEN - Eagles Landing, Osprey fishing and waterfowl wading are some things you can see October 8 - for free. The "Water, Wings and Wild Things" event is back. For seven years, the partnership between the Board of County Commissioners of Polk County, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Southwest Florida Water Management District have been devoted to Nature is in Polk County and have a special occasion for everyone to enjoy.

Tabitha Biehl-Gabbard, coordinator of stewardship of the land said there are between 4000-5000 people who take advantage of this opportunity at no cost.

"We will have various types of birds, alligators, turtles, and Smokey Bear run through an obstacle course prescribed-fire. Something very popular that we will have tree climbing again, "she said. "We will tie the tent and live animal ambassadors."

In addition to these activities, Biehl-Gabbard said there will be three buildings to house animals where people will be able to see them up close.

"We will have Birds of Prey, a bald eagle and a kestrel southeast. There will be four or five birds, and people can hear about the preservation and habitat conservation stories of the kestrel and fun facts like the size of a nest of bald eagles could be the size of a queen mattress, "she said.

A conference of alligator and reptile, "Living with Alligators" will be given. Biehl-Gabbard said that the purpose of this presentation will be on the conservation of crocodile.

"All you want to know about alligators, it will be there in the last building, which is called" Hands on wildlife, "she said.

"Hands on wildlife," is a nonprofit group in Florida. They provide a live panther and many other animals, such as a exotictortoise, exotic and native snakes and talk about the difference between the two.

"They bring a snake red rat catcher, a runner and a black corn snake. The group will also illustrate the seriousness of the release python in the Florida Everglades and the problems it has created. They will also discuss the importance of being a responsible pet owner.

Where Are You Birding This First Weekend of September 2011?

Work and the rights of the American working class may have fallen into disrepute of late, but the weekend Labour Day maintains almost unanimous support. I'm always shamelessly sendoff for this three-day season of sun and sand, but I want more if it does not mark the official end of summer. In addition, I have not even had the chance to wear white shoes this year! On the bright side, countless millions of children will grunt their way back to school next week. Huzzah! So how do you spend this weekend with two or three days and you will be birding?Share your plans in the comments below.

I have no benefit whatsoever from Hurricane Irene, which means the universe owes me a few birds still impressive. Maybe I'll hang around Lake Ontario and wait for some petrels and skuas to blow it! Corey would be chasing grasspipers, but after Hurricane birding marathon this Sunday it will probably be local birding on Saturday morning.

Whatever your plans this weekend, take time to enjoy SkyWatch Friday. Also be sure to come back on Monday to share your favorite bird of the weekend (or worse if you're so inclined!)

This weekend long work day is the unofficial celebration of the ABA bird of the year, the American kestrel. I organized the Great Earl Kestrel 2011. Participation is completely free and a great way to introduce others to watch birds.

For more details please visit:

Today I posted made fun American Kestrel and guidance display:

Instead of basking in the approach of spring, New Zealand had a massive snowstorm. So much for global warming. Here in Oz we are definitely in the spring and saw a pair, I think, the kestrels breeding on one of our dead trees.If I had not been pushing them up, I was jumping up and down. I have not seen in recent years because they chose to move.

Great shot and calm overlooking the sea

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