Ellis Bird Farm working on new, expanded book about bird feeding
Ellis Bird Farm is looking for photographs as it updates its backyard bird feeding book.
Farm manager Myrna Pearman said she has plenty of pictures of common birds eating at feeders but is looking for odd and unusual pictures.
“I know photographers may have spent time at feeders and may have captured some of the pictures I am looking for,” she said.
Pearman said she is looking for larger birds displacing smaller birds at feeders as well as interesting bird behaviour such as saw whet owls at feeders looking for mice.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
“I want odd and unusual,” she said.
Pearman has a picture of a black bear eating at a feeder but would like a good picture of a bear eating at a suet or hummingbird feeder.
Ellis is a working farm near Lacombe, Alta., as well as a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native cavity-nesting birds.
It published its second book, Winter Bird Feeding: An Alberta Guide, in 1991. The book sold thousands of copies, but is now out of print and local bird stores want an updated version.
Instead of limiting the pictures and information to birds at feeders, the new book will include backyard bird feeding in all seasons.
For example, the expanded book has a section on birds at road kill.
“A dead animal is the ultimate bird feeder,” she said.
“A bald eagle isn’t a backyard bird, but having a carcass out is a good way to attract different species.”
Pearman hopes the new book, with its high-quality photographs, will be an important resource for birders across the province.
“There are so many excellent photographers with digital cameras,” she said.
“I am astounded at the quality of the pictures being submitted.”
The deadline for submitting digital photos to Pearman is Jan. 31. Photographers will receive credit for their photos and a copy of the book, which is expected to be published in May.
Photographs can be sent to mpearman@ellisbirdfarm.ca.
- Clark’s nutcracker
- varied thrush
- wild turkey
- chipping sparrow
- fox sparrow
- golden-crowned sparrow
- gray–crowned rosy-finch
- Golden-crowned kinglet
- black bear
- weasel, any species
- saw-whet owl
- flying squirrel
- yellow-headed blackbird
- yellow-bellied/red-naped sapsucker
- northern or loggerhead shrike
- Bald eagle on road kill.
- Townsend’s solitaire at a birdbath.
- Mobbing behaviour by feeder birds.
- Crows washing/dipping food in a birdbath.
- Any bird bathing in winter.
- Any bird drinking at a birdbath.
- Any bird eating grit/oyster shell/eggshells.
- Displacement behaviour at a feeding station.
- Woodpeckers pecking at siding/window sills and causing damage.
- Any interesting/unusual feeder bird/birdbath behaviour.
Contact mary.macarthur@producer.com
