The Phoenix

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Spoiler alert: this bird is a complete myth!!! Regardless, it is still super cool!

Recently, I was studying Greek mythology for an assignment when I came across a legend that reminded me of my childhood. The excerpt was about the Phoenix. In Ancient Greece, the mythological Phoenix was associated with the sun. Also called the “firebird” by many cultures, legend has it that the creature bursts into flames when it dies. A new bird then rises from the ashes.

Sources dispute the appearance of the Phoenix. In Ancient Greece, the bird was linked to the Phoenician Civilization. The Phoenicians were famous for their rich purple dye. This purple was believed to be the color of the mythological birds’ feathers. Later sources argue that the creature has jewel-toned feathers or appeared to be red.

Historically, the Phoenix has been used to represent renewal. Its connection to the sun makes it an enduring figure. As long as the sun shines, the Phoenix will roam the skies. The legend of the Phoenix has been adapted to fit many cultures. Ancient Egyptians link the bird to immortality. The Phoenix, also called the Bennu in Egyptian mythology, was represented by a heron in many artifacts. Legends state that the Bennu was essential in the creation of the world.

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The Chinese believed the creature was a symbol of grace and power. The usage of a dragon and a phoenix in Chinese artwork represents the Emperor and the Empress. In Ancient China, only the Empress was allowed to wear the symbol of the Phoenix.

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In Christianity, the Phoenix represented resurrection. During the early times of the religion, many pagan traditions were adapted into Christian symbolism and artwork. The retelling of the myth compares the bird to that of Jesus Christ. In many relics of early Catholic leaders, the Phoenix is pictured on a palm tree, representing the “triumph over death.”

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For me, the Phoenix is a symbol of the future. Through these past nine blog posts, I have used birds to connect the experiences of my life. The places I lived; the memories I made all had one central feature: birds. I was taught the skills of looking for the beauty of nature from my grandfather. My father helped me expand this strength. Now, I am passing on the lessons to my little brothers. In a world filled with twitter and texting, it can be hard to pay attention to the important things in life. The beauty of birds represents the magnificence of planet Earth. So, amid all the craziness that life is, remember to look into the sky to catch a glimpse of beautiful wings.

This entry was posted on December 6, 2019. 4 Comments

The California Gull

“The Desert State” is not a fitting nickname for Utah.

Here’s why:

There are five national parks in Utah and they all are absolutely GORGEOUS. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its impressive stone hoodoos. Arches National Park is filled with amazing rock formations. Canyonlands is much more than a desert wilderness; two rivers run through the park. Capitol Reef is known for the Waterpocket Fold, a thin ridge of stone that goes on for 100 miles. Finally, Zion is one of the most well known national parks in the United States. It has forests, waterfalls, and so many other wonders of nature.

The wildlife in these parks is diverse and unique. There are more than 600 different species of mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The undeveloped landscape is a perfect ecosystem for these animals. Each of the parks offers excellent opportunities for bird watching.

In 2016, my father relocated our family to Cedar City, UT. Our convenient location in Southern Utah allowed for many trips to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. Each weekend my family would plan hikes and picnics in the beautiful parks. This was the perfect place for birding. After lunch, I would sit with my seven-year-old brother. I taught him how to listen for the bird’s chirps and how to spot the flashes of colors. He became just as curious about birds as I was. This curiosity grew to a passion just like the rest of our family. One day, my brother came home with a new school assignment researching Utah’s state bird. I sat with him at the dinner table all night learning about the California Gull.

California Gull - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services Photo

Photo by Utah’s Online Library

Regardless of its non-local origin, the California Gull (Seagull) was named Utah’s state bird in 1955. This choice has a symbolic meaning. In 1848, these gulls saved the first settlers of the state by eating all the crickets that were destroying the crops. Orson F. Whitney states:

“when it seemed that nothing could stay the devastation, great flocks of gulls appeared, filling the air with their white wings and plaintive cries, and settled down upon the half-ruined fields. fields. All day long they gorged themselves, and when full, disgorged and feasted again, the white gulls upon the black crickets, list hosts of heaven and hell contending, until the pests were vanquished and the people were saved”

This interesting event in history makes the California Gull a treasured part of Utah. There is a gold statue of the California Gull on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Its purpose is to remind the community of how the Seagulls saved the crops and the future of the state.

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The Seagulls are often compared to wizards due to their effortless and seemingly impossible methods of flight. They often appear motionless when flying due to perfect precision and positioning in the wind currents.

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Photo by Talains Photography Blog

California Gulls breed in lakes spanning from Canada to California and it spends winters along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. The bird is described with both a gentle appearance and behavior. It’s round head and form give off a softer look than that of other gull species. These birds have no real concern with humans. They simply don’t like or dislike them. In slang terms, they are chillin’.

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Photo by Cornell Lab of Ornithology

In case anyone was wondering, I did learn all of this from a seven-year-olds school project. In fact, I think I may have been more committed than he was… whoops!

 

 

The Mountain Bluebird

Two words: VEGAS BABY!

This phrase has been drunkenly uttered every time I boarded a Spirit Airlines flight to Las Vegas, Nevada.

I’m serious! I kept a record!

When I was 14 years old, my father took a job in Las Vegas as a firefighter. While I lived full-time in Pennsylvania with my mother, I spent the summers in Vegas. This led to many direct flights from Pittsburgh to the Sin City. I hated this four-hour journey. The plane was always filled with obnoxious people. It smelled of booze and body odor. Las Vegas was not much better. The constant noise and crazy atmosphere of the city tired me out.

Growing up, my father often told me that there was no place that he hated more than Vegas. He declared that he would never set foot in the city, or participate in the ‘stupidness’ that draws millions of visitors every year. Ironically, this was the only place in the nation that he could find a job. Funny how that works, right?

Since my dad hated everything about the city, he would always find reasons to escape on the weekends. He would take us on short day trips to scenic areas, or camping trips in the mountains. Our favorite spot was Mt. Charleston. We would spend hours roaming the pine forests, identifying wildflowers, and listening to the faint chirps of the Mountain Bluebird.

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Image by East Idaho News

The Mountian Bluebird was named the Nevada state bird in 1967. Many consider the bird to be one of the most beautiful in the West due to its stunning blue feathers.

These birds like to live out in the open. They are often found in mountainous terrains but have been spotted in prairie lands and deserts. Female birds take charge when deciding where to build a nest. These nests are usually built in any type of cavity, whether this is in trees, cliffs, or dirt banks. It has been speculated that the female bluebirds do most of the work when building a nest. In a humorous observation, male birds are often seen ‘pretending’ to help, yet frequently lose the nest-building materials.

The American Bird Conservancy compares the forging of the Mountian Bluebird to that of a Falcon. These birds feed on the ground, snatching various insects and berries. Their unique feeding behavior sets them apart from similar species.

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Image by Birdwatching Daily

Sadly, the population of Moutain Bluebirds is steadily declining at a rate of 21%. This is largely due to the plastic PVC piping system found throughout the West. Since the birds nest in cavities, they often see these pipes as potential homes. When exploring, they become trapped and eventually die from dehydration. Many petitions have surfaced, demanding the USDA Forest Service to take action and save the Mountain Bluebirds. Hopefully, changes occur so Nevada natives can continue to connect to nature by listening to the Mountain Bluebirds chirp.

 

The Ruffed Grouse

After living in Texas for 9 years, my mother decided it was time to return home– her home that is. In 2013, my family moved across the country to Pennsylvania. The change was drastic. I left my school and friends only to arrive in a humid and mosquito-infested environment.

Suburbs were replaced with farmlands, and “y’all” was replaced “yinz.” To make matters worse, the WIFI signal at my new house sucked. I was surrounded by cows, cows, and more cows. The smell of manure infiltrated my precious nose. The summer was terrible, yet nothing could prepare me for my first PA winter.

I am not acclimated to the cold Pennsylvanian climate. I hate snow, ice, and any temperature below freezing. During my first winter experience, I remember wondering who could stand such harsh conditions. After some extensive research, I discovered that a small bird is tougher than me.

Image by the National Audubon Society

The Ruffed Grouse was named the state bird of Pennsylvania in 1931. It was a fitting pick, as this bird is one of few who can survive through the freezing Pennsylvanian winters. The Ruffed Grouse has to have a habitat where snow is constantly on the ground during the winter season. Surprisingly, severe weather helps the bird thrive. They dig through the snow to find buried flowers and catkins of trees. During the summer months, the species acts like any other, feeding on insects and fruits. These birds are tough. They survive through freezing winter AND have great hair while doing it.

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Image by Animal Spot

Get this: the Ruffed Grouse basically has a mohawk. While being very hard to detect, each bird has a mohawk type crest on their heads. Rarely, the feathers may stick up on these crests, creating a ‘mohawk-like’ effect. Scientific evidence points out that this quality makes the birds look super chill– just kidding!

The mohawk and ability to survive harsh weather make this species pretty cool. However, nothing compares to this:

Ruffed Grouse can survive the West Nile virus.

The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that could cause inflammation of the spinal cord or brain in humans. This disease originated in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In 1999, the first known case of West Nile was reported in the United States and has since spread throughout the mainland. Recently, 29% of Ruffed Grouse in Wisconsin have tested positive for the West Nile virus. A study has found that many of the birds can survive the illness. By the time hunting season rolls around in the fall, few are still sick. Have no fear, the West Nile virus can not be spread to humans through contact with birds. So, you can still pet and make friends with the Ruffed Grouse. The bird is even edible. As a gentle reminder, you will hurt the bird’s feelings if you eat it.

The Ruffed Grouse are fighters. They can survive deadly conditions, beat infectious diseases, and rock great hair cuts. We should all inspire to be like them. Next time you see the Pennsylvania state bird, treat it with respect. They could probably kick your behind in a fight.

The Ostrich

I don’t like it when birds try to peck my eyes out. It’s a personal pet peeve, nothing too serious.

This phobia was created while I lived in Curaçao, an island in the Netherlands Antilles. For some odd reason, there is an ostrich farm on the island, and it is very popular among tourists (the connection between Curaçao and Ostriches?? …God only knows).  Regardless of my insistent refusal to visit the farm, my parents decided it would be a wonderful family experience. So, I went to go see those cursed Ostriches.

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Image by Feed Your Brain

The trip didn’t start like my nightmares. The local guides were excellent. They cleared conspiracies about the species, and let other tourists stand on Ostrich eggs. It was surprisingly fun until the time came to meet the birds in person.  Packed into the safari vehicle, I had no chance to escape. This is where the horror begins.

Do you know what it is like to have a huge, oddly shaped bird running full speed towards you? My five brothers loved it. I did not. Putting my clear hatred for the species aside, Ostriches are extremely interesting and deserve proper recognition as one of the weirdest animals in the world.

Ostriches are the largest bird in the world. They typically weigh around 300 pounds and can grow up to 9 feet tall. However, being the world’s largest bird has its setbacks. Ostriches cannot fly. Besides the obvious weight issue, simple evolution contributed to their flightless nature. After the dinosaurs went extinct, there were large amounts of land left uninhabited. In theory, Ostriches started adapting to the land and no longer needed the ability to fly.

Ostrich eggs are strong enough to handle the weight of a human. Don’t believe me? Too bad; I have witnessed this anomaly of nature. The shells of Ostrich eggs are 0.06 inches thick, letting them handle the roughest conditions.

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Image by Hills Foods

Another interesting fact about Ostrich eggs: a single egg holds about 2,000 calories. This explains why only 10% of nests survive the breeding season; one stolen egg can feed predators for days. I am not recommending anyone to eat Ostrich eggs, but if you’re in a pinch, go for it.

Obviously, Ostriches do not originate from Curaçao. The species is prominent in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, these magnificent birds can be found in captivity all over the world. The IUCN has listed the species as a ‘Least Concern’. While the population of Ostriches in the wild has decreased significantly, Ostrich farms are extremely popular around the world. This tourist demand helps protect the species from extinction.

Putting my biased feelings towards Ostriches aside, I highly recommend visiting the Ostrich Farm if ever on the island of Curaçao. If you do not have an issue with big birds violating your personal space, this activity is for you. It was definitely a unique experience I will never forget (no matter how hard I try).

 

The Nënë

I was ten years old when my father moved our family to Kauai, one of the islands that make up the state of Hawaii. My time on the island introduced me to a wide variety of wildlife that I had never experienced. Its natural beauty is immense. The sand beaches are the silkiest on earth. The sunsets are otherworldly. And, the view; that wonderful view from the shore stretches for miles. It is magnificent.

When my family first arrived at the island, I distinctly remember road signs that depicted a duck-like bird. They were everywhere, especially in the area around the Hanalei Bridge. I never paid any real attention until I saw the necessity of these road markers in real-time use.

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Image by I’m at the Library

It was the day of the Annual Historic Koloa Plantation Days Parade. My parents took my little brothers and me to watch the event on Koloa Street. Amid the floral floats, decorated horses, and vintage cars, a few special birds decided to have a parade of their own. On the sidewalk, a Hawaiian Goose and her goslings marched through the thick crowd of people. This was my first time seeing one of my favorite birds, the Nënë.

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Image by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The Nënë was named the Hawaiian state bird in 1957. This bird is a trademark of Hawaiian heritage and closely protected by the Hawaiian state government. Currently, Nënë are listed as an endangered species. The species population has experienced a downward trend during the past century due to increased human development on the Hawaiian Islands. The Garden Island states, “Statewide, the total estimate for the population is 3,159, up from the 2017 statewide estimate of 3,146. Compare those statewide totals from the ones calculated nearly 10 years ago; the population was estimated 1,900 in 2008.” Thankfully, the species is gaining public aid with activists taking precautions to ensure that they will never become extinct. However, the increased numbers of Nënë means more danger zones for the geese to wander in urbanized areas.

Nënë have successfully adapted to the Hawaiian area. Although the species originated from the Canadian Goose, there are few similarities. For one, life on the Hawaiian Islands has reduced their wing size over the decades. This allows for only short flights. The species no longer requires migration due to the steadily rising temperatures. Water habitats are not vital to the Nënë. The birds are categorized as waterfowl, meaning they are similar to ducks and other large aquatic birds that are hunted for game. While they are considered aquatic animals, Nënë have adapted to not needing freshwater habitats due to a shortage in their ecosystems.

The beautiful Hawaiian Goose is a showstopper. It’s tall stature and graceful movements surely make it beloved by the Hawaiian community. Remember to watch for Nënë crossings if ever on Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island. These birds are precious gifts of nature and reserve the right to flourish in the wild.

This entry was posted on September 27, 2019. 1 Comment

The Painted Bunting

My parents are super weird and super smart. That is a bad combination for a seven-year-old girl’s summer. My summer vacations as a kid were filled with the Texas heat. Correction: it is always hot in Texas; not just during the summer. There are no seasons in that state. It is just an endless cycle of drought and dead grass. When I was not splashing around in our pool, I was sitting directly in front of a fan. The air conditioning of the house was my only solace from red, hot sunburns. These were the days, the ones that were too hot to bear, that I annoyed the life out of my family. My punishment? Summer homework!

When my stepmother married into our family, she hopped onto the birdwatching bandwagon. So, every time my boring rambling became too much to bear, she refocused my attention on a couple of huge books. Bird books. In other words, she made write a bird report. Not cool.
While I was never happy to do these projects at the moment, I look back on them with fond memories. I learned so much about regional birds. Now, I finally understood why my dad, and grandfather, got so excited when they saw rare birds at the feeder. I began sitting out on the porch, watching and waiting. Honestly, I was super bad at identifying birds. All the colors blended for me. This is probably why I had such a soft spot for one particular species. They were so vibrant, so spectacular, and impossible to miss.

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Image by audubon.org

The Painted Bunting is often referred to as the most beautiful bird in America. Their vibrant coloring and shy nature have enraptured the hearts of many bird lovers. They even earned the nickname, nonpareil, which is French for “without equal”.

This species of bird mainly inhabits the south of the US and migrates to Mexico, Cuba, and the Caribbean during the winter. However, there have been rare sightings of the Painted Bunting in New York, Maryland, and even Pennsylvania. While these birds do like bird feeders, they primarily prefer to live in seclusion. They seek woodlands and dense shrubs. The Painted Bunting is an extremely timid and private bird. This natural shyness makes it very difficult to observe the species frequently. These little birds also love to eat all types of grass seeds. However, they do switch their diets to insects when breeding.

Painted Buntings are considered to be monogamous birds. Males will go to extreme lengths to gain a female’s affection. For example, two male birds will fight viciously over a female bird, sometimes to the point of death. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology points out that there is one very popular flirting technique in which the male divebombs the female to the ground and starts pecking at her. Romance is dead? Nay, it is alive.

While these lovely birds are not on the ‘endangered’ animal list, their population has been dropping steadily over the past few decades. The decline in densely forested areas in the United States leaves the species without a proper home. Sadly, habitat destruction is not the only issue. The Painted Bunting is often targeted for illegal trade. They are considered to be very popular birds to keep as pets in Mexico and parts of Central America. The capture and relocation of flocks harm the overall population. It would be such a shame to have these beautiful birds marked one day as extinct.

It is true; the Painted Bunting is possibly the most beautiful bird I’ve ever seen. I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn about the stunning creature at such a young age. What a wonderful thing it is to see a bird that so clearly exemplifies beauty.

 

This entry was posted on September 20, 2019. 1 Comment

The Delaware Blue Hen

My room was painted blue and yellow at my father’s house in Dover, Delaware. It was a tiny space, with minimal furniture. An intricate quilt made by my stepmother was spread across the bed. Everyday as I started my morning chores, I would pause and look at the fabric. There were strips covered with beautiful blue chickens. I was told that it was a Delaware themed quilt. Each fabric piece resembled something that belonged to the state’s history. My stepmother explained that this quilt theme was inspired by Delaware’s state bird, the Blue Hen.

I had NEVER heard of a real blue chicken. My six year-old mind was amazed. From that point forward, every time my family took a drive, I would peek out the car window with hopes of seeing a Blue Hen. When I told my father of my dream, he gave a hearty laugh. I was crushed when he told me that Blue Hen’s aren’t even a real breed of birds.

In part, he was correct.

The Blue Hen was named Delaware’s state bird on April 14, 1939. It is true. Blue Hens are not an official recognized breed of bird, but they do exist.

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Image by backyardchickens.com

The Blue Hen has a long history intertwined with the state of Delaware. The story begins with cockfighting.

Cockfighting is an 6,000 year old sport that involves chickens… fighting. These birds are referred to as gamecocks, and are often pushed to the brink of death. In the United States, and many other parts of the world, cockfighting is illegal due to it’s cruel nature. However, certain cultures and religious sects still believe that the sport is a prominent part of their lifestyles. The practice was very common in the United States during the time period of the Revolutionary War.

Captain John Caldwell of Delaware raised a gamecock that was a victorious fighter. When heading off to war, the men of Caldwell’s company decided to bring the brood of the famous chicken. This earned them the nickname, “Sons of Blue Hen“.

From this point forward, the Blue Hen became a symbol closely related to Delaware’s history. The bird’s likeness is often used in political campaigns and publications all throughout the state. In recent times, institutions in the area hold a fondness for the Blue Hen. The University of Delaware paid tribute to the beloved animal by making it their mascot. The college has the largest collection of Blue Hens in the world. However, this modern Blue Hen is not exactly the same chicken that gained popularity in colonial times.

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Image by britannica.com

Yes, Blue Hens are technically not a recognized species. The bird is a subject of cross-breeding that has been perfected over the course of two-hundred years. Recently, Blue Hens have been breed with birds like the Andalusian Chicken to enhance certain physical traits. There are still groups that try to keep the ‘true’ strain of the bird alive. These Delaware natives religiously protect the bloodline of their precious state bird.

Overall, Blue Hens are pretty cool. I still haven’t seen one, so here is my goal in life:

  1. Travel to Delaware.
  2. Drive along those old backroads.
  3. Find a Blue Hen.
  4. Die peacefully.

The Cardinal

I loved the summers on my grandfather’s farm in Mount Vernon, Ohio. My favorite place to play was below the apple trees in the orchard. I would lay in the shade, read my favorite books, and occasionally, eat an apple or two. There was always a light breeze that would sway the trees. As the sun set, the cicadas would begin their symphony. Alas, I would have to leave my orchard behind, and wait listlessly for another day. This explains why I was always excited to awake in the morning. The first sound I would hear were the birds chirping. It was as if a new cycle began, yet another beautiful day. As I grew older, my grandfather taught me to recognize one bird’s specific melody. He would whistle the tune in the orchard before he went to the fields to bale hay. It was the song of America’s favorite backyard bird, the Northern Cardinal.

Northern cardinal

Image by statesymbolsusa.org

The Cardinal is the state bird of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This bird is a popular, little guy. According to Ohio History Central, Cardinals were not common in the Ohio area late into the 1800’s. This was due to the densely forested enviroment. When European settlers began thinning the forests for logging purposes, the Northern Cardinal began populating the area. The bird likes a mixed enviroment of plains and woodland, making the modern Ohio its perfect home. 

Surprisingly, Cardinals do not migrate. They tend to build sheltered nests during the winter. These nests are typically made up of shrubs and are located in areas like parks, edges of forests, or just a simple backyard. As said before, Cardinals are pretty much America’s favorite bird. Devoted lovers of Cardinals will often cater to the animal by setting up bird houses and bird feeders.

It is very easy to make a Cardinal home.

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Cardinals like open nesting areas. They will most likely not use store-bought, wooden birdhouses. A wooden nesting platform built near trees and shrubs may be the most successful way to entice Cardinals.

A bird feeder is another popular way to attract Cardinals.

No/No Red Cardinal Bird Feeder

Just fill the feeder with bird seed, and the cardinals will be flocking towards it. Cardinals tend to like sunflower seeds, corn, and peanuts.

It is always easy to spot Cardinals. Their vibrant red feathers and beak set them apart from other birds. However, many do not realize that they may be seeing more Cardinals than it appears. There is a common misconception that all Cardinals are red. This is false. According to the website, All About Birds, Female Cardinals look nothing like the males. Their feathers are mostly brown, with the only similarity being the black coloring of the face and red beak.

Cardinals are well-loved creatures that can be found all over the United States. Their lovely song, and stunning appearance have captured the hearts of all Americans. I will always remember the specific chirp of the Northern Cardinal. Their song was like the musical theme to my childhood. Every time I hear that little red bird, I can almost hear my grandfather whistling along.

 

 

 

This entry was posted on September 6, 2019. 1 Comment

The Willow Ptarmigan

My grandfather once told me that the beauty of all mankind could be found nestled in the Alaskan frontier. He would speak of its great mountains, spectacular glaciers, and birds. My grandpa loved all types of wildlife, but he always had a keen interest in birds. He used to say it was something about their delicate nature, the way they fluttered their wings. It captured his earnest curiosity. I remember sitting with him on the porch for hours, binoculars in hand, trying to catch a glimpse of another rare beauty. Bird watching has been his favorite hobby for years. He has been all over the country, chasing seasonal flocks with his trusty bird-watching handbook. There is no doubt that he has seen hundreds of birds, but none will ever match up to those he found in my birthplace– Alaska.

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Alaska is stunning. Many believe that the region is a frozen wasteland. They are not wise enough to look beyond the temperature and onto the spectacular natural wonders that are hidden from public eye. Alaska is home to a variety of animals that differ from the rest of the United States. One little bird that exemplifies Alaskan natural beauty is the Willow Ptarmigan.

Molting willow ptarmigan

(Photo by statesymbolsusa.org)

The Willow Ptarmigan is the Alaskan state bird. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the state bird selection was made in 1955 by a group of school children. It was later finalized as the state bird in 1960 when the Alaskan territory became a real state.

State Symbols USA points out that the Willow Ptarmigan is one of three types of arctic grouse that reside in Alaska. The birds most interesting feature would be its feathers adapting to the changes of seasons. When the temperature begins to drop, the Willow Ptarmigan’s feathers turn from brown to white. This helps the bird camouflage with its surroundings.

This bird can be found all throughout Alaska, and well into Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia. Its diet mainly ranges from willow buds to caterpillars. Since the Willow Ptarmigan is very sociable, it migrates in large groups.

These traits about Willow Ptarmigans are great, but they are not why my grandfather loved the bird. He didn’t care about its diet or migration patterns. If I remember correctly, he told me he really liked this bird because it was so round. I believe he referred to it as a round, little ball. Regardless of the reasons behind loving a bird, it’s agreed that the Willow Ptarmigan is a beauty. That is: an Alaskan beauty.