Staring Contest by Melissa Penta

Here are some of the new additions to the Burdr Flickr group for the week of September 3rd, 2010.

That’s not a rock in the photo below called Hitchen A Ride by Frank Scott Photography. Click the photo to find out what it is!

Laney Bird added added a video this week of Chimney Swifts coming to roost. This reminded me of the upcoming event on September 11th that I will be going to in Monroe, Washington called A Swift Night Out. From what I understand, there are events all over the United States with the same name. This one in Monroe is part of the Puget Sound Bird Fest where hundreds of people gather to watch thousands of Vaux’s Swifts go to roost in the chimney at the Frank Wagner Elementary School. Should be a lot of fun!

Remember, if you like any of the photos in this week’s Burdr Flickr Roundup and you’re a member to Flickr, click the photo to visit the photo’s page on Flickr and leave a comment for the photographer!

Thanks again to all the very talented photographers that have added their photos to the group!

Hitchen A Ride by Frank Scott Photography

Now where's that damn fish? by g'pa bill

South Africa by Harfang

A territorial squabble by Earl Reinink

Peek-A-Boo by SDwildgene

Peeking thru by rowrlm

Eurasian Collared Dove by colorob

To Wing Tip by ebirdman

Belted Kingfisher by Earl Reinink

Leaving by marj k

Great Egret by Wandering Sagebrush

Swallowing! by Florida Blume

Stealing a Fish by dina j

Hey, what about us? by guitarman4

Osprey Family by mlibbe

Proud Parents by Hector16

Crabs by PhotoJoe Campbell

Curlew by andyskelton

DeSoto by Fastball95

Day's End by wmlub

Great White Egret by gashphoto

Comon Kingfisher by Mic Clark Bird Photography

Caspian Tern by Earl Reinink

Pelicans Landing by DMF Photography

Barn Swallow by Betty Vlasiu

Hey, ya big lug... by Prince Bart

Feeding last brood by Steve (huz001)

Red-backed Shrike by Nigel Blake

Least Bittern by t.davis photography

Hidden by gseloff

Blushing Blackbird by gseloff

Oops! by cminer52

Golden Bowerbird by kookr

The Evil Eye by hplecky

Red-eyed Vireo by Raymond Lee Photography

Black-crowned Night Heron by Betty Vlasiu

Agitated by GaryT48

Crested Bellbird by Jon Thornton

Screech Owl Eye by Mully410

Gave Voice to the Wind by Buddha's Ghost

Tricolored herons on nest by Laney Bird

Blech by Jen St. Louis

Green Violet-ear by amkhosla

Hummingbird Attitude by g'pa bill

Bald is beautful... right? by Maplegum65

Kookaburra after bath by Degilbo

Burrowing Owl by deepankar_das

Owl from Legend of the Guardians movie trailer

Later this month on September 24th, the 3D animated movie Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole will be released featuring, yep you guessed it! Lots of owls!

The movie is directed by Zack Snyder and is based on the book series called Guardians of Ga’hoole by Kathryn Lasky. The movie is based on the first three books in the series called The Capture, The Journey, and The Rescue.

Back in August, press had the opportunity to preview about 15 minutes of the movie. So far, reports have been positive. That’s great because I always get a little nervous when I hear the term 3D. Shaun at CineTalk discusses the 3D and the animation in the film:

One thing that can be said about Legend of the Guardians, is that the animation is amazing, possibly the best animation I have ever seen. Coupled with maybe the best use of 3D I have seen in a long time, the picture alone just blew me away. Zack really seems to have a good idea of how 3D should be used in a movie, how each frame should be composed and edited, rather than just making a film, and then making it 3D. It’s clear that he went into the process knowing that the final product would be 3D and made the best use of it.

What Shaun says makes me feel a little better. Seeing a film, made for 3D is so much better than a regular film converted to 3D. Shaun goes on to say:

Of the footage and scenes that we saw, I am really into this film and its story. I think that what will be delivered will be one of the better animated kids films of the decade. Its not afraid to have older themes that you may not find in your typical animated feature. It really reminds me of some of my favorite animated films such as Watership Down and Secret of Nimh.

Hmmm… Shaun describes it as an “kids” film huh? Well, thank goodness I’m still a big kid!

Watch the trailer, let me know what you think!

Graceful Blue Back by John&Fish

Here are some of the new additions to the Burdr Flickr group for the week of August 27th, 2010.

Be sure to check out the photo below of the Black Skimmer by DMF Photography. The photo is straight on facing the bird so you can really so just how narrow the beak is! Be sure to click through so you can see a larger version.

Remember, if you like any of the photos in this week’s Burdr Flickr Roundup and you’re a member to Flickr, click the photo to visit the photo’s page on Flickr and leave a comment for the photographer!

Thanks again to all the very talented photographers that have added their photos to the group!

Pelican in the Sunset by Mike Forsman

Dusk by Joffley

Pair of Ruddy Crakes by nkenji

Chicken by thomasheylen

Lions Gate Bridge at Sunrise by thelastminute

Blue Jay by Eric Bégin

Swallows by Peregrine's Bird Photography

Summer Juvie by cheekhoward

Goodbye Moon by Clement Tang

Black-capped Chickadee by Putneypics

Ruby-throated hummingbird by Indydan

Acting up and out by Jen St. Louis

Ruby-throated Hummingbird by GaryT48

Black Skimmer by DMF Photography

Lesser Sand Plover by Ryan Shaw

Black-necked Stilt by Dave 2x

Night Heron by Earl Reinink

Pied Butcherbird by Degilbo

Green-Headed Tanager by AlaskaGM

Sideways by MrClean1982

Female and Juvenile Landing by DMF Photography

Chestnut-breasted Coronet by Dave 2x

In Sync by gseloff

Ker-plunk! by mattlev12

Great Blue & Snowy Love Story by Laura Pipkin

Vlieland by gwendolen

Buff-tailed Coronet by Glenn Bartley

WWT by lynsey

Belted Kingfisher by Steve Courson

Belted Kingfisher by Earl Reinink

Son Photographing Bird by Bob Jagendorf

Painted Bunting bathing by gregpage1465

Lucifer Hummingbird by davidcreebirder

Blue Jay by Betty Vlasiu

Red Hot Poker by Jen St. Louis

Peek-A-Boo by colographicalchemy

Griffon Vulture by Hector16

The Early Bird by vividcorvid

Focused by VA Nuthatch

Poorly Woodpigeon by Rupert Brun

Gouldian Finch by roberta hynes

The Southernly End by g'pa bill

Thousand Sooty Shearwaters by Ryan Shaw

Bird collects dog's hair for nest, image from video by kdemtp

Here is a really cute video of a bold Tufted Titmouse collecting hair from a sleeping Collie for a nest. Looks like the dog has no idea what’s going on!

If I was a dog, this is exactly how I would sleep. I think it would take a lot more than a bird to wake me up!

Rainbow by Earl Reinink

Here are some of the new additions to the Burdr Flickr group for the week of July 30th, 2010.

With the recently popular video of the Double Rainbow and the remixed version called the Double Rainbow Song, I thought Earl Reinink’s timing couldn’t have been better. What a wonderful photograph! Earl writes in the photo’s description:

The mist rising off Niagara Falls creates a rainbow. Fortuitous timing placed this eagle soaring through the rainbow as I was photographing it.

Remember, if you like any of the photos in this week’s Burdr Flickr Roundup and you’re a member to Flickr, be sure click through to visit the photo page and leave a comment for the photographer!

Thanks again to all the very talented photographers that have added their photos to the group!

Kingfisher with fish by RobMcKayPhoto

Kingfisher Hover by Watching Wildlife

Eastern Kingbird by hplecky

Belted Kingfisher by Earl Reinink

Dunlin Flight by Laura Pipkin

Forster's Tern by rhysmarsh

Hummer roost by Prince Bart

Hummers by guitarman4

Black-chinned Hummingbird by Phil Seu

Scarlet-chested Sunbird by ian.white1

Downy Woodpecker by orencobirder

Dueling Hummingbirds by colorob

Ruby-throated by Welklin's Wilds

Bald Eagle by bmajoros

Bald Cardinal by gregpage1465

What are YOU laughing at? by guitarman4

What a cutie! by dina j

Come, I'll show you the world by langkawi

When I grow up... by BoggyBayou

Tangerine Dreams by Buddha's Ghost

White-browed Robin-Chat by ian.white1

Black-backed Puffback by ian.white1

Pacific Loon by Glenn Bartley

Duckling by gseloff

My Good Side by Frank Scott Photography

Palm Warbler by Glenn Bartley

Night Heron by Betty Vlasiu

Spotted by Raymond Lee Photography

Cirl Bunting by dragoms

Old Yeller by ebirdman

Lamentations by Buddha's Ghost

Yellow-nosed Albatross by kookr

Eagle on glacier ice by dcstep

Common Kingfisher by Sparkyfaisca

Ruddy Duck by Marco 5280

So, you come here often? by Mike Forsman

Anhinga by Brandohl (Wendy)

Spinifex Pigeon by Jon Thornton

Red-shouldered Haw by B A Bowen Photography

Diamond Dove by Jon Thornton

Red-tailed Hawk by Mully410

The Watchman by Buddha's Ghost

Barred Owl by silversalmon71

Gaze by Buddha's Ghost

African Barred Owlet by ian.white1

Woodchat Shrike juvenile by dragoms

Soaring into the sunset!!! by mamaroo10

Contortion by gseloff

Here are some of the new additions to the Burdr Flickr group for the week of July 23rd, 2010.

Remember, if you like any of the photos in this week’s Burdr Flickr Roundup and you’re a member to Flickr, be sure click through to visit the photo page and leave a comment for the photographer!

Thanks again to all the very talented photographers that have added their photos to the group!

Black-necked Stilt by bmajoros

Into The Sun by Nature Photos by Scott

Nice Catch by wmlub

Silhouette by wmlub

Zebra Finch by Jon Thornton

Swimming in colour by eytl

A little privacy if you don't mind! by Prince Bart

Snowy Egret by bmajoros

Cedar Waxwings by bmajoros

American Robin by starc283

The Berry Bandit by Walk in the Woods Photography

Like A Butterfly by John&Fish

Mine! by Fastball95

Feeding Time by Ronaldok

Barn Swallow by Shawn McCready

Feeding by Raymond Lee Photography

Early Lesson by SDwildgene

I think I can fly! by dina j

Hall's Babbler by kookr

Swallows by Danny Gibson

'tween awkwardness by Laney Bird

Woody's Got Nuthin' on Me! by Buddha's Ghost

The Teen Years by cminer52

Sandhill by Joan M

Laughing Gull by Fastball95

Conductor of the Pond Chorus by BoggyBayou

Digging in the sand by Fastball95

Great Blue Heron by Betty Vlasiu

Preening by PhotoJoe Campbell

Winged Rainbow by Frank Scott Photography

White-tailed Tropicbird by DMF Photography

Looking Right At Me by Cynmat

Golden-crowned Kinglet by bmajoros

Ruby-throated by srichards39

Semipalmated by Laura Pipkin

Great Blue Heron by Laura Pipkin

Ring-necked Duck by Penny Hall Photography

Stressed by Klaus (kjpweb)

Crimson Chat by Jon Thornton

Florida Scrub Jay by snidro

Singing Swallow by Danny Gibson

Red-billed Hornbill by lyn.f

Hawfinch by dragoms

King of the Narrows by Wes Aslin

My pensive look by Prince Bart

Black-crowned Night Heron by gashphoto

White-winged Fairywren by Jon Thornton

Caspian Tern by Earl Reinink

In Your Face by Klaus (kjpweb)

Here are some of the new additions to the Burdr Flickr group for the week of July 16th, 2010.

Lots of wonderful photos and a video of birds eating this week! Flickr user RobMcKayPhoto added a series of photos of a Yellow-headed Blackbird eating insects near the surface of the water. You can see two of them below. See the rest of the Yellow-headed Blackbird photos in his Flickr photostream.

Earl Reinink added some wonderful photos of a Belted Kingfisher fishing. Earl writes:

Earlier this spring I planted a dead tree in a creek, hoping that Kingfishers would use it as a perch. They have virtually ignored this perch until today. Wow, did they make up for their lack of enthusiasm today.

If definitely paid off! Check out the rest of his Belted Kingfisher photos in his Flickr set.

David Clow added a video of a Downy Woodpecker. In it you can see the woodpecker tapping away at the tree. Insects start coming out and the woodpecker eats them up.

The second video in this week’s Burdr Flickr Roundup is from crimfants. You really can’t see very much, but you can definitely hear the birds singing. He took the video just after midnight in Maryland. Can you figure out what bird it might be?

Thanks again to all the very talented people that have added their photos to the group!

Yellow-headed Blackbird feeding by RobMcKayPhoto

Yellow-headed Blackbird feeding by RobMcKayPhoto

Belted Kingfisher by Earl Reinink

Belted Kingfisher by Earl Reinink

Grey Heron by Watching Wildlife

Belted Kingfisher by Earl Reinink

A Fish Story by Buddha's Ghost

Hunting At Low Tide by JoanGeeAZ

American Oystercatcher by Fastball95

House Wren by Earl Reinink

Purple Martin by starc283

Mmmm! by mikewiz

Great Blue Heron by orencobirder

Fish eye view of Osprey by hplecky

Crested Caracara by Dave 2x

Swainson's Hawk by RobMcKayPhoto

Black Skimmer by PhotoJoe Campbell

Pair of red eyes by Sir Mart Outdoorgraphy

Tricolored Heron by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Banded Tree Swallow by marj k

The Glare by 120SQN

New Baby by conniespixels

Passion (小綠春情) by John&Fish

Chickadee in the wind by Indydan

Silvery Kingfisher by markrgli

Purple-collared Woodstar by pperret

Splendid Fairy-wren by kookr

Black Vulture by GaryT48

Up Close by KerriFar

Red-capped Robin by kookr

Spectacled Monarch by Stephen Zozaya

Do you mind if I join? by p simmons

American Avocet by Glenn Bartley

Cedar Waxwing by Penny Hall

GBH by mattlev12

Great Blue Heron by bettyvlasiu

Reddish Egret by Nature Photos by Scott

Who the hell are you? by Buddha's Ghost

On The Hunt by Buddha's Ghost

Female Cardinal by gashphoto

Northern Parula by t.davis photography

Steller's Jay by michael morrison

Western Tanager by Wes Aslin

Long-billed Curlew Pair in the Surfline by Mike Forsman

Red-winged Blackbird from video by Lang Elliot

Listen to the sounds of the Red-winged Blackbird and see it puff out those shoulder pads in this “delicious” video.

Lang Elliot captured this footage of a Red-winged Blackbird in the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area which is located in Missouri. He described the experience in a blog post:

I managed to snag a delicious video portrait of a male Red-winged Blackbird. I’ve always had trouble getting really good-looking footage of males doing their so-called “songspread” displays, but this particular bird performed spectacularly, bowing forward as he sang and puffing out his red epaulets (shoulder pads) with complete abandon.

Lang really did a fantastic job filming this bird. You almost feel like your right there next to the Red-winged Blackbird as it sings!

Yes!!! by SDwildgene

Yes! The Burdr Flickr Roundup is here! Check out some of the new photos that have been added to the Burdr Flickr group over the past week.

Just love the photo of the Peregrine Falcon above by Flickr user SDwildgene. See, the past week we’ve had some issues with our hosting services. So when things started getting back to normal, that’s exactly how I felt!

In the photo by Flickr user dcstep, you can really see just how big a Golden Eagle is by comparing it to a tiny Kestrel that’s harassing it.

At first glance, you might think that the Mallard in the photo by Flickr use bettyvlasiu is sticking its tongue out. Well, that’s no tongue!

I really like the title Buddha’s Ghost came up with for the photo of the Crow: When the World was New. In it you can really see the blue in the eye. Buddha’s Ghost writes:

This young fledgling crow also has blue eyes; not unlike the fledgling woodpecker. The crow’s eyes will become a dark brown fairly quickly as he ages a bit more.

Remember, if you like any of the photos in this week’s Burdr Flickr Roundup and you’re a member to Flickr, be sure click through to visit the photo page and leave a comment for the photographer!

Thanks again to all the very talented photographers that have added their photos to the group!

Kestrel and Grasshopper by Earl Reinink

Eastern Bluebirds by Earl Reinink

Caught Napping! by Raymond Lee Photography

Frontal Attack by conniespixels

Outrage... by Buddha's Ghost

Bald Eagle by alison brown 35

Lens by 120SQN

Who put the extra shots of Espresso... by 120SQN

Gavião by dragoms

Osprey by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Robin taking a bath by bison_bill_c

Pattern by Frank Scott

Out of the nest by matneym

Pass me a towel by David Wheatley

Red-shouldered Hawk nestling by gregpage1465

Eastern Kingbird Baby by bettyvlasiu

Baby Kildeer by Nature Photos by Scott

Baby Hummingbirds by David Walenga

Skimmers by Fastball95

Pileated Woodpecker by NatureDarrell

Osprey Dive by Peggy Collins

Osprey by t.davis photography

Golden Eagle harrassed by Kestrel by dcstep

The Chase by Peggy Collins

Southern Ground Hornbill by Hector16

Into The Light by RobMcKayPhoto

Buff-bellied Hummingbird by Mudhen2

Mourning Dove by colorob

Refueling by TomJByrne

Rufous Hummingbird by ebirdman

Mallard by bettyvlasiu

Great Blue Heron by bettyvlasiu

Rippling Pair by Christina Port

G'wan Get Oudda Here by PhotoJoe Campbell

Burrowing Owl by shyalbatross

Sandhill Cranes by your_wht_knight

Cape Glossy Starling by ian.white1

Violet-eared Waxbill by ian.white1

Reincarnation of Harry Houdini by Buddha's Ghost

Lunnefågel (Puffin) by JsonLind

Eastern Spinebill by ozoutback1

Carolina Wren by janeswalden

When The World Was New by Buddha's Ghost

Huge flock of birds from video by Phil Eaton

You have to see and hear this incredible footage of a huge flock of birds!

Phil Eaton, from Armadillo Aerospace located in Rockwall, Texas, captured the amazing footage. Phil describes the experience:

The disadvantage of having an office with a window overlooking the runway is that events such as this turn out to be rather distracting.

Finally I succumb to the need to pull out Matt’s camera and commence recording some of the amazing sound and imagery we experienced on a completely windless day.

Yep, I would definitely be distracted! I don’t think I would get anything done. To give you an idea of just how many birds there were, Phil goes on to say:

We suppose there were up to three or four acres of ground covered with birds at any one time.

At certain points in the video, you really feel like you’re right in the middle of the huge flock. You can even hear the wind created by the birds. Phil says:

It was a windless day but the birds flying past the hangar door caused a rather large rush of air.

Definitely one of the best videos of a flock of birds I’ve seen in awhile! Great job Phil!

In an email he sent me, Phil talks about what he discovered in one of the videos:

When reviewing the video in high definition I saw a much larger form moving very fast at one side of the flock.  That ended up being a hawk of some sort that managed a catch of one of the smaller birds in mid air.

He created a short clip to show the predator hunting in the flock. Wow!

The birds were filmed at Armadillo Aerospace in Texas. Armadillo Aerospace develops reusable rocket powered vehicles. Founded in 2000, they completed over 200 flight tests spread over a dozen different vehicles. They’ve also done work for NASA and the United States Air Force.

Earlier this year, Space Adventures partnered with Armadillo Aerospace to provide commercial flights to suborbital space! Here’s a video explaining the commercial suborbital space flight program. Awesome! Sign me up, I want to go!