Bird watching Bonaire

17/10/2024

Another great birding day with a very nice couple.
We had fun.

15/10/2024

Regelmatig zet Mina voor onze lezers de meest voorkomende woorden van de maand op een rij. Zo ben jij goed voorbereid en kun je meepraten.

09/09/2024

In my kunuku backyarda birding.

22/05/2024

A very short visit at Slagbaai.

22/05/2024

Just in down town.
Drought brings the parrots to town to enjoy the juicy 'calabash'.

22/05/2024

18/05/2024

Bonaire’s flamingos have a secret weapon for keeping their feathers fabulous: the uropygial gland!

Also known as the preen gland or oil gland, it’s one of the few glands found directly on a bird’s skin. Located on the rump near the base of the tail, it’s usually hidden under the feathers.

This image captures a special moment – a flamingo collecting oil from its uropygial gland. The bird will then spread this oil over its entire plumage. But this oil does more than just waterproof the feathers (though that’s important, as well).

For birds, including flamingos, maintaining healthy feathers is crucial for flight. The oil from the uropygial gland acts like a natural conditioner, keeping the tiny feather structures – the barbs and barbules – flexible and strong. This prevents them from becoming brittle and breaking, ensuring the feathers stay in top shape for efficient flight and insulation.

So, the next time you see a bird preening, take a closer look! They might just be giving their feathers a much-needed oil treatment, thanks to this amazing hidden gland.

05/04/2024

The bonus of birding this morning. A Grasshopper sparrow!

05/04/2024

Gone birding today.
It was fun!

12/03/2024

Gone birding with a client this morning.
We had lots of fun.

12/03/2024

Bon diaaa.

03/06/2023

21/03/2023

Drought kicked in the lora's are back in town!

18/03/2023

Photos taken by Elma Sussenhoven with me as her guide.

18/03/2023

The secret is out!

Yellow-shouldered parrots and orange-faced falcons circle the skies above the Dutch Caribbean island.

17/03/2023

Gone birding with Elma Sussenhoven

14/03/2023

Doing what I love doing with people who also love watching birds.