Really Weird Birds: Long-wattled Umbrella Bird

The Long-wattled Umbrellabird is native to the rainforests of Columbia and Ecuador.  They live in the canopies of tall trees.

There are three species of umbrellabirds, but this one is by far the oddest.  First of all, they have long hair-like feathers forming a crest on their head extending over the beak.  This crest is much more pronounced in males than females.  Also more pronounced in males is the wattle – defined as a fleshy growth hanging from various parts of the head or neck in some birds and mammals.  Wattles are often decorations for attracting potential mates.  Larger wattles seem to be correlated to healthier males – more testosterone, good nutrition and the capability to evade predators.

Chicken wattles hang from the throat. (Photo by Sara Oliver) 

The Long-wattled Umbrellabird’s name says it all.  This bird is about the size of an American crow, with a body length of 14 to 20 inches, and the males possess a wattle that can be as long as 18 inches!  It just hangs down from the base of the throat and is covered with short scaly feathers.  When in flight, the male can retract the wattle, making it shorter and then lays it against the chest.  During courtship rituals, the male will also inflate his wattle.  The wattle then resembles a very bristly pinecone.

Click here to see a video of a long-wattled umbrellabird.  At about 0:23 in the video, you can see him inflate his wattle!

Illustration of a long-wattled umbrellabird. (photo: The Wikipedia files)

This Wikipedia picture does not do this bird justice; click here to see a photo from zoochat.com.

These birds are mostly silent; however mainly the male will make grunting noises and low frequency booming calls during breeding season.  This boom call is audible to humans a bit more than half a mile away.  These birds form small leks where males come together and engage in competitive displays in hopes of enticing viewing females with their long poofy wattles.  After mating, the female is the sole builder and caretaker of the nest and chicks.  This species consumes mostly insects, fruits and palm nuts.

The Long-wattled Umbrellabird is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction and over hunting.  Their habitat is disappearing rapidly due to human development.  These birds are also captured by locals and sold as pets.  Only a few of the populations live within protected areas.

Submitted by Sara Oliver, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Test Flight

As a volunteer photographer for the World Bird Sanctuary I have been asked to be on site to photograph many programs, activities and events over the last 15 years.  Undoubtedly one of the most unique photo ops occurred this June.

I received a call from WBS Director Jeff Meshach asking if I would be interested in photographing a test flight for a new product called Birdzoff, which was being developed by a gentleman named Gordy Sabine from California.  He was coming all the way to St. Louis specifically to have his product tested by an eagle.

His invention had been designed to keep birds from perching on the tops of tall fence posts—initially to deter the smaller birds that perch on the tops of lights and tall fence poles surrounding tennis courts—which creates a messy clean-up job on the courts. 

When these proved effective for his intended purpose on the smaller birds, he began thinking of other possible applications, such as a bird deterrent to keep larger birds and raptors from perching on electrical poles.  These poles are an irresistible perch for the larger birds, from which they hunt and rest.  However, this not only poses a threat to the birds, but is also a cause for major power outages when the birds inadvertently make contact with one of the high power lines.

Before approaching WBS about doing an eagle test flight Gordy had already tested the product with smaller raptors such as hawks, falcons and owls.  Now it was time to test with the ultimate raptor—an eagle!  However, where do you find an eagle willing to fly to and attempt to land on the device? 

After some research Gordy found out about the World Bird Sanctuary, and called our director, Jeff Meshach, to see if it was possible to set up a test with a live eagle.  After discussing what was needed it was agreed that we would try it, but that there would be no more than two flights—since we did not want to teach one of our birds trained to land on a perch…NOT to land on a perch. 

We met at the WBS amphitheater early one morning to set up the test.  Buford proved to be the perfect eagle for this test since he had been trained to fly to a perch for WBS’s zoo show at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Test Flight 1 - eyes on the prize, Buford comes in for a landing (photo: Gay Schroer)

Test flight 1 - Surprise! He can't land! (photo: Gay Schroer)

Test Flight 1: Unable to land, Buford flies on & returns to his trainer (photo: Gay Schroer)

We all waited with bated breath and cameras ready as Buford, with eyes trained on the mouse morsel sitting on the Birdzoff device, took off from trainer Roger Wallace’s glove.  As he attempted to land in order to snatch the waiting mouse the Birdzoff device tipped, thwarting Buford’s attempt to land.  SUCCESS!

We agreed to try the second flight just to make sure.  This time Buford had a plan!  As he approached the mouse sitting temptingly atop the Birdzoff device he slowed, hovered, and snatched the mouse as his feet hit the target—which immediately tilted, forcing him to veer off.  SUCCESS AGAIN—both for Gordy and for Buford!

Flight 2 - Again - Eyes on the prize-he's determined to get that mouse! (photo: Gay Schroer)

Flight 2 - After only one try, he knows he can't land, but has another strategy (photo: Gay Schroer)

Flight 2 - He grabs the mouse in mid flight and flies on! (photo: Gay Schroer)

We were all elated—Gordy, because his device had been proven; WBS staff because Buford had performed perfectly; and Buford, because he had managed to secure his treat.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary volunteer/photographer 

WINGS

Following is a poem about some of our resident birds by Marge Biermann, a very talented friend of World Bird Sanctuary.

WINGS

As night is falling our feathered friends are awake.

They keep each other company, each for the others’ sake.

Everyone has a problem special just to him,

That suddenly turned his life from free to grim.

Frazzle, an Eastern Screech Owl

Poor little Frazzle lost an eye, which hampers his flying,

But Sanctuary friends saved him from actually dying.

Now he’s an Educator for children large and small,

Proving that even with a handicap an owl can stand tall.

Injury need not stop a mighty life quest,

Not as long as you have help and do your very best.

Farfel, an Eastern Screech Owl

Then there’s little Farfel….his wings are not quite right,

So he can only manage a very short flight.

But he flies every day in his little heart,

And by greeting at the Sanctuary he does his part.

Farnsworth, a Common Barn Owl

I must mention distinguished Farnsworth, so white of face,

Who serves as a Sanctuary ambassador with style and grace,

And he is so easy in any “Owl Crowd” to spot,

With a bit of white on his forehead….just a tiny dot.

Hatched at the Sanctuary he knows his way about.

You’ll find him where all the Barn Owls “hang out”.

Jersey, a Barred Owl

We must speak of Jersey who had to diet.

Probably some of us should also try it!

Thus the name “Jersey” implying her a bit chunky,

But she’s a show “walk-on”….now really spunky!

Athena, a Common Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, Athena, is a super mother,

Having produced more eggs than any other.

She prefers to live in quiet seclusion,

Yet have a space to fly without intrusion.

The Sanctuary gives her that, but keeps a watchful eye

With an “Owl Cam” mounted way up high.

Peabody, a Tawny Owl

If you’re looking for Peabody just look to the sky,

Because this Tawny Owl really loves to fly.

Two thousand twelve was his first flying season.

Now he’s ready to go anytime, for whatever reason.

Aspen, a Saw-whet Owl

In April we bid “Farewell” to Aspen, a lovely little flower.

We cared for him and nursed him through his final hour.

The lesson he taught us was, indeed, so great,

“Serve when and wherever, no matter your fate.”

These birds can survive with help from friends like you,

Who give the assistance needed to see them through.

Man interacting with Nature’s winged creatures….

Often we wonder who are the students and who the teachers.

Almost all the owls mentioned can be seen at World Bird Sanctuary on a daily basis.  Come over and check them out! 

Poetry submitted by Marge Biermann, Guest Author
All photos by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographerhttp://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/

Join World Bird Sanctuary at the 2014 Sprout Celebration!

Date:                Saturday, July 12

Time:               10am – 2pm

Venue:             Inside the Missouri History Museum
Admission:    FREE

Enjoy fun activities:

·       Visit the World Bird Sanctuary  booth and come face-to-face with a variety of birds.

·       Join American Girl for a fun, interactive craft!

·       Treat patients at the Teddy Bear Hospital, courtesy of SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center

·       Learn about geology from Trout Lodge Program Director, Babs.

·       Show Dance St. Louis your best dance move and receive a ticket discount coupon. Plus enter to win tickets to a Dance St. Louis show of your choice.

·       Learn about different cultures of the world with fun interactive activities from AuPairCare.

·       Back by popular demand: Make ooey, gooey slime with Mad Science of St. Louis.

·       Participate in a few "gross" health activities from Delta Dental Health Theatre while learning about bodily functions and dental health, nutrition and exercise.

·       Register to win Disney On Ice and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus tickets.

·       Pick up giveaways from Disney's "Planes: Fire and Rescue," in theaters July 18.

·       Stop by the Kiddie Academy booth for a free balloon creation.

·       "Adopt" a shelter pet from the Humane Society of Missouri (a $5 donation is suggested for children who would like to take a stuffed pet home).

·       Watch a Mars rover activity, learn what astronauts eat in space and receive a straw rocket take-home activity from Challenger Learning Center.

·       Play with Legos with Bricks 4 Kidz.

·       Watch a demonstration, then make paper lotus flowers, and practice the art of Chinese meditation.

Test your senses as you explore the Saint Louis Science Center's mystery boxes.   PLUS, have your face painted by Impish Grin Face Art, meet Elsa from Disney's "Frozen," make crafts, play games and enjoy activities from our sponsors and much more!  For more information visit www.stlsprout.com      

Photo Project: May of Year 3

May has been a very busy month with lots of photography options.  My first opportunity came with a work adventure.

The Osprey parents weren't too happy with the humans at their nest (photo: Cathy Spahn)

World Bird Sanctuary works with many organizations when it comes to bird issues.  In this case it came with an Osprey that had nested on a crane over 180 feet in the air.  The organization wanted to help the birds, yet the crane was needed.  So, several of us went on an adventure to rescue the eggs.  I stayed on the ground taking photos, since I have a very large fear of heights.  Walter and Adam ventured up in a lift to the nest to rescue the eggs. 

Hopefully these Osprey parents will find a better location for their next nest (photo: Cathy Spahn)

While taking photos of what was going on I took a few nice photos of the Osprey parents as they hovered overhead.   The eggs were taken to World Bird Sanctuary to be put in the incubator.  If the eggs hatch we will then raise the young for release back into the wild.

Rustle the Nine-banded Armadillo enjoying Camera Day

The next photo opportunity came at World Bird Sanctuary’s Annual Spring Camera Day.  I usually work the event, so I do not have a ton of time to take photos, but I can usually take a few.  There are two photos that came out of this day that I really like.  The first is Rustle, the Nine-banded Armadillo.  This year I decided to try something different and went for Rustle.  Rustle is a very challenging subject to photograph because he does not sit still.  We put Rustle on a table with logs, leaves, flowers, and rocks.  He went to town plowing it all over and knocking about 80% onto the ground.  Then he discovered a small colony of ants that came out of the log and he got a nice big snack!  He had a good time and will be a guest again at camera day, but possibly in a different set up.

Notice how well Oliver blends into the tree trunk--would you spot him in the woods? (photo: Cathy Spahn)

The next Camera Day photo opportunity came at the end of the day.  I really wanted to try getting a few photos of our two Eastern Screech Owls Timber and Oliver in the same photo.  First the trick to this photo was to keep the birds separated so they could not get to each other.  The first set up involved a large log and one screech owl up high and one down low.  That was a good idea, but the photo was still very distant.  Then I remembered that we have a screech owl box set up.  We put Timber inside the box, since he does not mind the box.  Then we put Oliver on top, since he was not sure of the box earlier in the day.  They both sat perfectly!  This was my favorite of the two birds and a nice way to show the two different color phases.

The last work adventure that resulted in many photos was a sudden trip.  One day I was leaving to head out bird watching when Jeff Meshach, WBS director, pulled up and asked if I would like to go with him to place Barn Owls for release. 

Me and Jim the farmer waiting to release the babies into their new home (photo: Jeff Meshach)

Away we went heading south to a farm with 6 Barn Owls to be hacked into the wild.  Hacking is the process of putting young birds into an artificial nest, or in this case a barn.  The nest is closed for a period of time (so the babies can’t leave) and humans provide food.  Then the doors are opened. 

The newly released Barn Owls looking over their temporary new home (photo: Cathy Spahn)

As the babies fly to and from the artificial nest, humans provide food for anywhere from a few days to a week.  This supplements food they may catch as they develop their flight skills.  The young are then off and on their own.  This method has been used for a long time and has helped to bring many endangered species back from the brink of extinction, such as the Peregrine Falcon.  This photo was taken by Jeff of Jim the farmer and me with two of the owls ready to go.

So these are just a few of my photos for the month.  Sometimes the photo opportunities are planned and other times they just happen.  I have had people say they want to come with me to take photos.  I can fully admit sometimes it really is just dumb luck on what comes about.  What makes the big difference is just getting out and taking photos--not just sitting at home waiting for something to happen.

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Amazing Animal Encounters

It’s that time of year again.  The World Bird Sanctuary’s Amazing Animal Encounter are here on weekends all summer!

 

These mini shows started memorial weekend and are offered every weekend until Labor Day weekend.  The shows are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  The show lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

Since Amazing Animal Encounters are "Naturalist's Choice" they are rarely ever the same twice (photo: Flannery O'brien)

The animals at each show are naturalist’s choice.  This means they pick a bird of prey that flies over your head, a snake that you may get to touch, the exciting armadillo, or even one of the parrots that may talk for you.  There are a few other creatures that our trainers can choose from as well.  Best of all it is free to come out and see all these amazing animals up close.

The World Bird Sanctuary wants to teach the public about our environment and the creatures that live in it.  We want to show people that everybody can live together in this world.   So please bring as many people as you can fit into your car to have a fun filled day, as well as a learning experience.

This day Patriot the Bald Eagle was a featured bird (photo: Flannery O'brien)

If you decide you really enjoyed what you see and you want to help us further, there are a few ways to help.  Please donate at the end of show or when you come to visit--even if it’s only the change in your car’s ashtray.  When you purchase items from our gift shop you help to feed and care for the animals on site.

My favorite way of helping is our Adopt-a-bird Program.  When you “adopt” one of our animals you will receive information and pictures about the animal you adopted, and an official adoption certificate.  The money to adopt the animal goes toward food and other care for that animal.  My little cousin adopted Timber, our Screech Owl, and she tells everyone about “her” bird.  My cousin is only 10 years old and she’s already making a huge difference by helping organizations like the World Bird Sanctuary, and by telling everyone she knows how she helped and ways they can help, too.

So come out and see us and ask tons of questions and maybe have your picture taken with some of the animals.  Hope to see you soon. 

Submitted by Christina Ranken, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist 

Eagles of the World: White-bellied Sea Eagle

The White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogoster is also known as the “White-breasted Sea Eagle” due to the white plumage on the head, breast, under-wing coverts, and wedge-shaped tail.

Photo of a White-bellied Sea Eagle as seen from below (photo: The Wikipedia files)

In contrast to their white plumage the tops of their wings are mostly gray with black flight feathers.  Their beaks are mostly a bluish-grey with a darker hooked tip.  In addition, they have yellowish-grey legs and feet, long black talons, and brown eyes. 

Moreover, these one-of-a-kind birds are known as one of the largest raptors in Southeast Asia.  Like most raptors the female is larger than the male with a wingspan that can reach up to seven feet.  Juveniles often have brown plumage until the age of 5 or 6 years, when their dark feathers are replaced with white feathers.

This photo of a White-bellied Sea Eagle shows his beautiful plumage (photo: The Wikipedia files)

About half of the White-bellied Sea Eagle’s diet consists of fish, which is why they choose to hunt and breed near water.  Although this raptor prefers fish it is an opportunistic hunter and will eat whatever is available.  Therefore, its diet also consists of carrion and whatever else they can find. 

The White-bellied Sea Eagle seemingly uses a unique hunting technique when catching fish.  It will most often fly into the sun or at a right angle to the sun to avoid casting a shadow that may alert its potential next meal.  White-breasted Sea Eagles have also been known to harass other smaller raptors, forcing them to give up the food they are carrying.  They may even steal food from their own species, including their own mate.

The White-bellied Sea Eagle has a unique hunting technique (photo: The Wikipedia files)

The breeding season of these raptors differs depending on the location which they inhabit.  A pair will spend around three to six weeks constructing a nest before laying any eggs.  It is common that the female will lay a clutch of two off white colored oval eggs, which she will incubate for a period of six weeks.  It is rare that both eggs will hatch due to infertility; although, if the first clutch is not a success the pair will attempt a second brood. 

The nestlings are recorded to fledge (make their first flight) at around 70 – 80 days, although they will stay close to the nest for another 6 months, or until the next breeding season has begun.

Submitted by Callie Plakovic, World Bird Sanctuary Outreach Coordinator

LAST CHANCE FOR SUMMER INSTALLATION

If you’ve been waiting to send in your order for a World Bird Sanctuary inscribed brick, the deadline for our Summer 2014 installation is almost here. 

World Bird Sanctuary inscribed bricks are installed three times a year—July, October and February.  The stairs leading down to our stage area have been completed, and we are now installing bricks on the large main landing of the amphitheater.

Even though a large percentage of the inscribed bricks are memorials to loved ones, there are a multitude of other messages.  A few examples are:  anniversaries, birthdays, friendships, scout troop accomplishments, engagements, weddings, Mother’s day and Father’s day sentiments, World’s Greatest Mom, World’s Greatest Dad, birth of a new baby, in memory of a beloved pet….the possibilities are endless!

So, if you’ve been procrastinating, get your order in on time to be part of the next installation.  The deadline for orders for the next installation is July 1, 2014.

There are two sizes of bricks, 4"X8" with up to three lines of text

-or-

A 8"X8" brick with up to six lines of text

For more information or to order online and use Paypal Click Here and follow the instructions.  If you prefer to pay by check or credit card call 636-225-4390, Ext 101

Really Weird Animals: The Tarsiers

Here’s a group of weird looking animals for you; the tarsiers.  Native to the rainforests on islands of Southeast Asia, they look like baby aliens!

Philippine tarsier (photo: Wikipedia files)

There is still some debate as to exactly how many known species and subspecies of tarsier there are.  Endangered Species International states that most recently the tarsier family, tarsiidae, is divided up into three genera, which includes 18 species and subspecies of tarsier.  The most well-known is the Philippine tarsier.

Tarsiers are tree-dwellers and among the smallest primates in the world.  For example, the Philippine tarsier measures only about 3.35 to 6.3 inches in height and the Pygmy tarsier about 4 inches, not including the tail.  The length of their tail ranges from 8 to 10 inches long.  Some species have sparsely furred tails while others are more bushy-tailed like the Spectral tarsier.  They all have very large eyes, large ears, soft fur, and long hind legs.  The long legs enable them to leap distances of up to 5 meters between tree branches. 

Tarsiers are nocturnal and their large eyes help them to see extremely well at night.  Their eyes are the largest in relation to its body of any mammal.  Just one of their eyes is heavier than its brain, but around the same size.  Like owls, they cannot move their eyes in their sockets and to compensate they can turn their heads almost 360 degrees around their body.  Their large ears are very sensitive to the tiniest sounds, or sign of prey or predators.  They have long fingers with sticky pads on the end of each which helps them to climb and catch prey.

Philippine tarsier showing long tail (photo: Wikipedia files)

 Tarsiers are the only primates that are strictly carnivorous, eating mostly insects, but occasionally small birds, lizards, and bats.  Unlike other primates, tarsiers do not move around in search of prey.  They sit and swivel their heads around and watch and listen.  Once they spot a prey item, they leap and grab it in their hands.

A few species of tarsiers are known to be monogamous.  Mating can occur any time of the year.  Just one baby is born after a 6-month gestation period.  They are born with fur and eyes open and can cling to branches within one hour and can leap within a month!  They do not build nests, but just place their young in a safe place nearby while hunting.  The mother will also carry her baby around in her mouth or on her back.

Philippine tarsier with baby (photo: the Wikipedia files)

 Most species of tarsiers are endangered or threatened, and some are labeled critically endangered.  Threats include habitat loss, hunting, agricultural pollutants and human disturbance. They are extremely shy animals that prefer to stay away from human contact. 

Unfortunately captive breeding programs have been quite unsuccessful.  Tarsiers do not take well to living or successfully breeding in captivity.  Wild tarsiers that are captured and held in captivity only show around a 50% rate of survival and in many cases they perish quickly of overstress by committing “suicide”. 

Captive Philippine tarsier being handled (photo: the Wikipedia files)

Conservation efforts must focus on their wild habitats and populations.  Legislation has been passed in the Philippines to end the capture of the Philippine tarsier from the wild for the pet trade and to help stop habitat destruction.

  

Submitted by Sara Oliver, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist