My Alabama Peacock

I love the farm in Alabama where I get my peacock feathers. There are many wonderful animals there. Sadly, the owner recently had to take a truck full of exotic birds and goats to an auction in North Carolina because the cost of feed has doubled and he can't afford to keep them. Rising food costs are likely coming for all of us. Are my peacocks canaries in the mine shaft?

Diameter of eye of feather: 1 1/4"

Photo taken in July just after molting his tail feathers for the season.

Alabama Bird: California Gull

In preparation for the Alabama Coastal BirdFest I am working on a series of birds native to Alabama. 

Today's bird is the California Gull
Scientific name: Larus californicus

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: 

Accidental


....and that's all they have to say. Ha! Woops! I knew I shoulda made a left turn in Albuquerque! 

Diameter of eye of feather: 1"

Alabama Bird: Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

In preparation for the Alabama Coastal BirdFest I am working on a series of birds native to Alabama. 


Today's bird is the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo
According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: 
Length of feather (which is from an Alabama swan): 8 3/4"

Scientific name: Coccyzus americanus


Breeder. Common in spring, summer, and fall in all regions. Found in woodlands and on farmlands with scattered trees and orchards. Low Conservation Concern.


Length of feather (which is from an Alabama swan): 8 3/4" 

I really enjoyed painting on this particular feather, which is from a swan that lives on a farm between Fairhope and Foley, Alabama. It was a pleasure to handle and it made a great canvas. This was one of my favorite feathers. I hope the painting does it justice. 

Baby Sea Turtles in Trouble

There are three types of sea turtles that nest on the shores of Alabama's Gulf Coast: Green Sea Turtles, Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles, and Loggerhead Sea Turtles. All are endangered due to human development and habitat destruction. Lean more about the turtles of the Gulf Coast at www.alabamaseaturtles.com. Find out how you can keep the beach turtle-friendly, volunteer,  and adopt a nest.

Length of feather: 7"

Not an Alabama Bird: Pink Flamingos

Everyone loves pink flamingos!

Length of feather: Hhmmm.....these are peacock tail feathers that I cut shorter, so the over-all length of the feather is no longer relevant. Perhaps for peacock feathers with eyes, I should give the diameter of the eye, thought to which point does one measure? Diameter of peacock eye: 1"(that's measuring the green circle side-to-side). I will have to do some research and see what standard measurement is used when cataloging peacock feathers. I'm sure that there is some sort of standard.

Everyone loves peackocks too!

Alabama Bird: Brown Creeper

In preparation for the Alabama Coastal BirdFest I am working on a series of birds native to Alabama. 

Today's bird is the Brown Creeper
Scientific name: Certhia americana

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: 

Uncommon in winter, spring, and fall in Tennessee Valley and Mountain regions. In Gulf Coast region, uncommon in fall and rare in winter and spring. In Inland Coastal Plain, rare in winter, spring, and fall. Found in woodlands. MODERATE CONSERVATION CONCERN.



Length of feather: 7" 

Alabama Bird: Yellow-Headed Blackbird

In preparation for the Alabama Coastal BirdFest I am working on a series of birds native to Alabama. 

Today's bird is the Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Scientific name: Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: 

Rare in fall, and occasional in winter and spring in Gulf Coast region. In inland regions, occasional in fall and spring. Found in marshes and wet fields.

Length of feather: 6"