H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 | "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Special Places # 69

Boats and Ships

Photo Gallery

1 – Top Left – First tier: Savannah Riverboat Cruises was established in Savannah, Georgia in 1991 under the direction of experienced Captain, Jonathan H. Claughton. Savannah’s antebellum charm, with flowing Spanish moss hanging from stoic live oaks and welcoming shady squares, hearkens back to the days when paddle driven riverboats full of tourists and locals dotted the Savannah River. In winter 2007, the company welcomed the newest edition to their fleet, the 600 passenger New Savannah River Queen. This boat features three climate controlled dining rooms, three bars, and a top deck snack shop.

2 – Top Left – Second tier: Scene from the “Humedal” ( Marsh) Ventanilla, in the background you see a tall rock island, the Pacific ocean with a large trade ship on a foggy early morning. The location is north of Lima, the capital of Peru.

3 – Top Right : Sailboat decked at one of the piers in Sarasota, Florida.

4 – Bottom Left: The historic wharf is Jekyll’s only restaurant that sits on the water. Now owned by the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. “We love the outdoor area of the wharf, with its casual vibe and regular live entertainment”.

5 – Bottom Right: Tug boat working with loaded barge with fertilizer from the Ballesta Island in Pisco, South of Lima in Peru. At the time of photo the bag of 50 lbs of high percentage of Nitrate fertilizer cost was US$100.00.

© HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: photography, Special Places

Red Art Gallery – Northern Cardinal # 79

Red Art Gallery

Photo Gallery

© HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: Northern Cardinal, photography, Red Art Gallery

Book Review # 68

GULLS

Of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East

Authors:

Peter Adriaens, Mars Muusse, Philippe J. Dubois, and Frederic Jiguet

Publisher:

An Identification Guide

Princeton University Press

ISBN:9780691222837

Published: April 5th, 2022

Pages: 320

Brief Review:

This Identification Guide, created by Peter Adriaens, Mars Muusse, Philippe J. Dubois and Frederic Jiguet. It is a very difficult task, when you have to sort out among thousands of sea birds. Just think that before becoming adults they go though stages called cycles: First, Second Third and Fourth. For each of the cycles, the bird changes in coloration, patterns and perhaps size. Believe me when I say it is difficult to identify and be certain of their IDs with gulls. Our friends the authors will help you how do the right things:

Size of the gull: Small, medium or larg
Holistic or Analytical comparisons.
Observing every inch of the bird, upper-parts, wings, any feathers arranged in rows, or the primaries of the wing.
Aging – Small gulls, Medium gulls and large gulls.
They touch the Molt period for gulls for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and Adult Cycle. Plus exceptions and Final comments on Molt. Then we have an extensive description of many species of gulls with everything that you need to know for identification. This Guide has 1200 photographs plus illustrations, easy for ID. The guide is of great help for any person with interest, whether you are a professional or an amateur. I recommend it to have it in your birder library.