#kestrel barker | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

rockislandadultreads · 1 year

Photo

Book Recommendations: More Books About Our Feathered Friends

The Glitter in the Green by Jon Dunn

Hummingbirds are a glittering, sparkling collective of over three hundred wildly variable species. For centuries, they have been revered by indigenous Americans, coveted by European collectors, and admired worldwide for their unsurpassed metallic plumage and immense character. Yet they exist on a knife-edge, fighting for survival in boreal woodlands, dripping cloud forests, and subpolar islands. They are, perhaps, the ultimate embodiment of evolution's power to carve a niche for a delicate creature in even the harshest of places.

Traveling the full length of the hummingbirds' range, from the cusp of the Arctic Circle to near-Antarctic islands, acclaimed nature writer Jon Dunn encounters birders, scientists, and storytellers in his quest to find these beguiling creatures, immersing us in the world of one of Earth's most charismatic bird families.

The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible by Paul Sterry

An informative and eye-catching full-color reference book for backyard bird enthusiasts, The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible is beautiful enough to be a coffee table book and practical enough to be a guide for both beginner and expert birders alike.

Here, an elegant aesthetic is paired with practical tips on identifying, attracting, and caring for backyard birds, as well as crafting bird-friendly gardens and birdhouses. Did you know that the red-bellied woodpecker “is an opportunistic feeder, taking a wide range of invertebrates, seeds, and nuts, also fruits (it drinks from oranges) and sap”? Photographs include images of both males and females and maps explain the range of the species.

Packed with information and beautiful full-color photography and art, the authors offers a cornucopia of information: species profiles, birdwatching for beginners, information about birdsongs, creating a bird-friendly backyard, and much more!

Audubon Birdhouse Book by Margaret A. Barker

Produced in association with the National Audubon Society, Audubon Birdhouse Book explains how to build and place safe, species-appropriate bird homes for more than 20 classic North American species, from wrens to raptors.

Each of the easy-to-build boxes and shelves within is accompanied by cut lists, specially created line diagrams, and step-by-step photography, making the projects accessible to those with even the most rudimentary woodworking skills.

How to Attract Birds to Your Garden by Dan Rouse

Help your local wild birds by providing them with a safe garden environment. Make a difference to your local birdlife. Help reverse the decline in bird numbers by creating a haven in which they will thrive. It's a win-win. Provide the best shelter, feeding, and nesting opportunities for them and then you can reap the rewards as they sing and entertain.

No need to be an expert gardener already, or to break the bank - many of the most beneficial features can be installed easily and cheaply, and many you can build yourself or upcycle to be eco-friendly.

#national bird day #birds #birding #birdlife #nonfiction #non-fiction books #nonfiction reads #library books #book recommendations #book recs #reading recommendations #reading recs #TBR pile #tbr #to read #book blog #booklr #book tumblr

3 notes · View notes

xtruss · 1 year

Text

‘Danger in the Mud’ — A Crocodile at Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼! Photograph: Jens Cullmann/World Nature Photography Awards 2022

‘Playgroup’ – Japanese macaques on Awaji Island, Japan 🇯🇵! Photograph: Hidetoshi Ogata

‘I’m Coming For You’ — A Male Hooded Merganser in Huntley Meadows Park, USA 🇺🇸! Photograph: Charles Schmidt

‘Tree of Life’ — A Fallen Eucalyptus tree in Mount Barker, Western Australia 🇦🇺! Photograph: Julie Kenny

The Home of the Kestrel a Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria 🇧🇬! Photograph: Vladislav Tasev

‘The Grand Tetons’ — At Grand Teton Peak Wyoming, USA 🇺🇸! Photograph: Jake Moshe

Chihuahua, Mexico 🇲🇽! Athletes compete against the long-distance runners of an indigenous community in the mountains of north-west Mexico. Mexican and US organisers announced 1,200 participants for the 20th anniversary of the Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon on the outskirts of the town of Urique. Photograph: Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images

0 notes

put3rb0y · 3 years

Text

The cover for KND: Tales From Sector IX OPERATION: G.E.T.A.W.A.Y. !

Read the first page of this comic here!

29 notes · View notes

meetmetotheriver · 5 years

Photo

28 notes · View notes

nationalparkposters · 4 years

Photo

Best Things To Do at Joshua Tree National Park

Best Things To Do at Joshua Tree National Park: Joshua Tree National Park boasts a fascinating variety of plants and animals that live where two distinct ecosystems of the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert meet. Sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain, the surreal geologic features of twisted rock add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in Southern California. Joshua Tree also protects a rich cultural history: the area has been inhabited by humans for over 5,000 years. But it wasn't until 1984 that it was established as a national park. Located just a few hours outside of Los Angeles, this desert wilderness is an ideal location for many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, and the dark night skies make for excellent stargazing. The national park spans about 800,000 acres, and sees more than 2.8 million visitors each year. My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 51 of our 62 National Parks — and Joshua Tree is a unique park — given its geographical and geological significance. I have explored most areas of the park — so I'm ready to help! So if this is your first time to the park, or you're returning after many years, here are some of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park! Rock Climbing Joshua Tree National Park is one of the world's most popular climbing destinations. Thousands of cracks, slabs, and boulders, all piled across a vast desert landscape that attracts climbers from around the globe. The climbing opportunities in Joshua Tree consist of varying levels of difficulty, making it an ideal location for both new and experienced climbers. At Climber's Coffee, visitors can meet Joshua Tree's climbing ranger and socialize with other visiting climbers. Located at the Hidden Valley Campground from 8:00-10:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-October through April, visitors can bring their own mug and enjoy a free cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Looking to learn how to climb or just want to improve your climbing skills? You may want to consider a guided day or class. Be sure that your guide is permitted to work in Joshua Tree, as there are various certifications and requirements guides must possess in order to work within the park. A guide can also take you to the most suitable spots for your climbing level, as well as provide another level of safety for new climbers or those new to Joshua Tree. If you are unfamiliar with the park, you can purchase a climbing guide or hiking map at the park visitor centers and at various outdoor shops in the nearby communities. For beginners, some of the best climbing spots include Intersection Rock, Quail Springs Rock, Atlantis Wall, and Thin Wall. More experienced climbers can find overhanging face climbing like Big Moe, steep crack climbing such as Clean and Jerk and Wangerbanger, vertical face climbing on thin edges such as Loose Lady or Possessed By Elvis, and multi-pitch climbing up on Lost Horse Wall and Saddle Rock. Climbing in Joshua Tree is great all year round, but the best time is October-November and March-April. During the winter, the conditions in the middle of the day are quite comfortable, while in the summer, climbers can avoid the extreme heat by climbing in the early-mid morning and late afternoon-evening. Hiking Joshua Tree National Park has a wide range hiking opportunities with over 300 miles of trails. There is an assortment of trails ranging from mild (10 minute loops) to challenging (6 hour backcountry) and everything in between. It is important to note that pets are not permitted on any trails in the park, except for the paved Oasis of Mara Trail. It is also recommended that hikers bring plenty of water, as natural water sources are scarce. Barker Dam Loop Trail One of my favorite hikes is this easy, 1.1 mile loop with minimal elevation gain. The presence of standing water brings a unique set of freshwater species to this trail, which you see in and around Barker Dam. The trail winds through bouldery outcrops with pinyon-oak woodlands, desert willow riparian corridors, and loamy basins dominated by Joshua tree woodlands or creosote bush scrub. Hidden Valley Trail Hidden Valley is just one of the many trails suited to a shorter but scenic hike. This low-impact, 1 mile loop provides a unique opportunity for those interested in seeing the vast vegetation found in the park. On this scenic trail, you can find Joshua Tree, pinyon, juniper and oak trees, as well as mesquite, yucca, nolina, and various cacti. This trail also winds among massive boulders making it a popular spot for rock climbing. Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop is ideal for viewing thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cactus. Be sure to stay on the trail, wear closed-toe shoes, and be aware of surrounding prickly cactus. Lost Horse Mine The Lost Horse Mine trail is a popular destination for Joshua Tree visitors looking for a moderate hike. The 4 mile loop follows the road developed by gold miners used to haul ore and supplies before the Gold Rush. Although the site has been stabilized, the mine shafts are still considered dangerous and the historic structures are easily damaged, so be sure to stay on the trail in order to help protect this historic site. Boy Scout Hiking Trail One of the most challenging hikes in Joshua Tree, this one way 8 mile trail takes hikers deep into the Wonderland of Rocks. It is encouraged that visitors stay on trail to avoid getting lost among the boulders. Vehicle shuttle is strongly recommended for visitors planning on hiking the full length of the trail. Bird Watching Joshua Tree is home to various southwestern bird species that are sure to excite any visiting bird watchers. Throughout the year, visitors may see any of the 250 different species that visit the park, such as the greater roadrunner, phainopepla, mockingbird, verdin, cactus wren, rock wren, mourning dove, Le Conte's thrasher, and Gambel's quail. Local birds of prey include the red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, Cooper's hawk, and prairie falcon. During winter and into March, the white-crowned sparrow, dark-eyed junco, sage sparrow, cedar waxwing, American robin, and hermit thrush can be seen in the park. Summer species include the Bendire's thrasher, ash-throated flycatcher, western kingbird, Scott's oriole, northern oriole, and western bluebird. Some popular birding spots include Barker Dam, the Oasis of Mara, Cottonwood Spring, and the Smith Water Canyon. Stargazing For those wishing to escape from artificial light and witness the beautiful night sky, Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the darkest nights for stargazing in Southern California and the chance for visitors to admire the Milky Way for the first time in their lives. There is also an annual Night Sky Festival consisting of over 20 telescopes, music, Constellation Tours, and Sky Stories. The festival typically takes place in the fall and tickets go on sale in early summer. Camping & Lodging Joshua Tree visitors have many options for camping both in and out of the national park. There are over 500 campsites located inside of Joshua Tree. From May-September, many of the campsites are first-come, first-served, but there are also group campsites available for larger parties that allow for reservations. Campgrounds usually fill up quickly so it is recommended that you have an alternate overnight plan or visit during September-May when many of the campsites are available for reservation only. If you choose to stay somewhere outside of the national park or if you can't find a campsite, there are also private campgrounds outside of the park and you can find lodging in 29 Palms and the town of Joshua Tree. Scenery & Photography Joshua Tree National Park is home to some of the most stunning views for sightseers and photographers alike. Arch Rock Found slightly off of trail at the White Tank Campground, Arch Rock is a large 30-foot granite rock situated within a large boulder field. The Arch Rock trail is a short 0.5 mile loop and you can reach the arch by veering slightly off trail. At the base of the arch, one can find stunning views framed by the magnificent natural arch, perfect for anyone seeking a phenomenal view within the park. Rock Keys View Keys View is one of the most popular viewpoints within Joshua Tree - and for a good reason. From this viewpoint, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the national park as well as slights of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and San Gorgonio Mountain. This drive-up and wheelchair accessible viewpoint makes it a perfect opportunity for any visitor to enjoy the beauty of Joshua Tree. Skull Rock A notable favorite within the park, Skull Rock is located along the main east-west park road and is accessible from within Jumbo Rocks Campground. This 1.7 mile loop is an easy hike for those wishing to stretch their legs and capture an amazing photo of this unique rock formation. Parking is located just across the road from the rock making it a bit more accessible for those who wish to travel by car rather than on foot. Some Important Things To Know Before Your Visit There is no cell phone service throughout the park, so it is recommended that visitors bring an ample supply of water (at least one gallon per person) as well as provide adequate sun protection (sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses). The summer heat can make outdoor activities more strenuous, so the ideal time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is October-May. Click here to see the Joshua Tree National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-at-joshua-tree-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS

1 note · View note

kdm-posts · 4 years

Text

Over one-third of B2Bs Plan to invest in personalised content in 2020 amid extreme pressure to improve digital experience https://kestreldigitalmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/nmprofetimg-469.png <div id=""> Episerver’s newest global survey highlights how B2Bs are meeting consumer-like expectations London, UK, Sept 24th, 2019 – Nearly nine in ten (84%) of B2B decision makers say increasing digital expectations from customers or partners is their top external threat according to a new survey from <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.episerver.com/" target="_blank">Episerver</a>™, the company transforming digital experiences. In the face of these rising expectations, B2B leaders look to automate marketing, ordering and personalisation with the help of artificial intelligence and key technology investments. For “<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.episerver.com/learn/guides/report-b2b-survey-on-digital-experience-tactics-in-2019/" target="_blank">B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019: How Companies Are Meeting Rising Expectations</a>”, Episerver surveyed 700 B2B decision-makers across the globe to learn more about their priorities, plans, tactics and technologies – and to surface their pain points, key challenges and barriers to growth. Personalised content is top of mind with business-to-business organisations. According to the survey findings, the number one website feature/functionality B2Bs plan to adopt in the next 12 months is personalised content (36%), followed by improvements to the mobile experience (33%). As they look to the future, 82% of B2Bs agree they’ll use artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise customer experiences online in the next three years, making for more intelligent experiences for all. “Consumers expect more from our organisations every day,” said Deane Barker, senior director of content management strategy at Episerver. “Unfortunately, the accounting department expects…well, less. Digital marketers are in a tug-of-war between rising expectations and dwindling budgets. With this report, we’ve looked at the factors pushing and pulling these teams toward their decision points. If you work in digital marketing, I promise you’ll see yourself somewhere in these results.” With the rise of one-click checkout, buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) and next-day delivery, speed and convenience have come to define what business customers expect in their experiences with B2B brands. In response, more B2B decision-makers are looking to streamline the buyer journey with enhanced personalisation and more self-serve functionalities. In fact, pricing on website, self-service functionality and easy scheduling with a salesperson are the top three ways B2Bs can make it easier for business users to work with them online. The report shows B2Bs are already planning to open up direct, online selling paths to uncover new revenue sources with 72% of respondents indicating that by 2025 the majority of their company’s B2B revenue will come from ecommerce websites they own and operate. Once the digital laggards of marketing and ecommerce, B2Bs are now looking to automate these functions with AI, even if that means replacing human workers. According to <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.episerver.com/learn/guides/report-b2b-survey-on-digital-experience-tactics-in-2019/" target="_blank">Episerver’s B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019</a>, 60% of B2Bs say they are likely to use AI to replace human workers for marketing functions by 2022. Other key findings include: <ul> <li>Ninety-one percent of respondents say B2Bs care about their experience or are providing a better experience when the content on the website is personalised to them.</li> <li>Twenty-one percent of B2B decision-makers believe delivering personalized customer experiences through their digital channels is a significant opportunity for their business.</li> <li>As it stands now, the majority (51%) of B2Bs currently use basic web personalisation such as displaying name on login. </li> </ul> To learn more about B2B challenges and opportunities, download “<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.episerver.com/learn/guides/report-b2b-survey-on-digital-experience-tactics-in-2019/" target="_blank">B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019: How Companies Are Meeting Rising Expectations</a>”. “<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.episerver.com/learn/guides/report-b2b-survey-on-digital-experience-tactics-in-2019/" target="_blank">B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019: How Companies Are Meeting Rising Expectations</a>” from Episerver explores the priorities and plans, tactics and technologies of 700 decision-makers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Australia. Respondents are employed full-time by enterprise manufacturing, distributing, retail and service provider organisations. The survey was conducted between July 3, 2019 and Aug. 1, 2019. About Episerver <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.episerver.com/about/company/overview/" target="_blank">Celebrating its 25th year</a>, Episerver empowers digital leaders to easily create standout experiences for customers – everywhere they engage, and always with measurable business results. The Episerver Digital Experience Cloud™ unifies digital content, commerce and marketing in one platform, including omnichannel solutions for smart personalization and intelligent campaigns. Episerver has offices in the US, UK, Sweden, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, South Africa, Singapore and Vietnam. Contacts: Alex Warren / Shaan Sidhu Wildfire <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> 020 8408 8000 </div> Kestrel Digital Media

New Post has been published on https://kestreldigitalmedia.com/blog/over-one-third-of-b2bs-plan-to-invest-in-personalised-content-in-2020-amid-extreme-pressure-to-improve-digital-experience

Over one-third of B2Bs Plan to invest in personalised content in 2020 amid extreme pressure to improve digital experience

Episerver’s newest global survey highlights how B2Bs are meeting consumer-like expectations

London, UK, Sept 24th, 2019 – Nearly nine in ten (84%) of B2B decision makers say increasing digital expectations from customers or partners is their top external threat according to a new survey from Episerver™, the company transforming digital experiences. In the face of these rising expectations, B2B leaders look to automate marketing, ordering and personalisation with the help of artificial intelligence and key technology investments.

For “B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019: How Companies Are Meeting Rising Expectations”, Episerver surveyed 700 B2B decision-makers across the globe to learn more about their priorities, plans, tactics and technologies – and to surface their pain points, key challenges and barriers to growth.

Personalised content is top of mind with business-to-business organisations. According to the survey findings, the number one website feature/functionality B2Bs plan to adopt in the next 12 months is personalised content (36%), followed by improvements to the mobile experience (33%). As they look to the future, 82% of B2Bs agree they’ll use artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise customer experiences online in the next three years, making for more intelligent experiences for all.

“Consumers expect more from our organisations every day,” said Deane Barker, senior director of content management strategy at Episerver. “Unfortunately, the accounting department expects…well, less. Digital marketers are in a tug-of-war between rising expectations and dwindling budgets. With this report, we’ve looked at the factors pushing and pulling these teams toward their decision points. If you work in digital marketing, I promise you’ll see yourself somewhere in these results.”

With the rise of one-click checkout, buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) and next-day delivery, speed and convenience have come to define what business customers expect in their experiences with B2B brands. In response, more B2B decision-makers are looking to streamline the buyer journey with enhanced personalisation and more self-serve functionalities. In fact, pricing on website, self-service functionality and easy scheduling with a salesperson are the top three ways B2Bs can make it easier for business users to work with them online. The report shows B2Bs are already planning to open up direct, online selling paths to uncover new revenue sources with 72% of respondents indicating that by 2025 the majority of their company’s B2B revenue will come from ecommerce websites they own and operate.

Once the digital laggards of marketing and ecommerce, B2Bs are now looking to automate these functions with AI, even if that means replacing human workers. According to Episerver’s B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019, 60% of B2Bs say they are likely to use AI to replace human workers for marketing functions by 2022. Other key findings include:

Ninety-one percent of respondents say B2Bs care about their experience or are providing a better experience when the content on the website is personalised to them.

Twenty-one percent of B2B decision-makers believe delivering personalized customer experiences through their digital channels is a significant opportunity for their business.

As it stands now, the majority (51%) of B2Bs currently use basic web personalisation such as displaying name on login.

To learn more about B2B challenges and opportunities, download “B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019: How Companies Are Meeting Rising Expectations”.

“B2B Digital Experiences Report 2019: How Companies Are Meeting Rising Expectations” from Episerver explores the priorities and plans, tactics and technologies of 700 decision-makers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Australia. Respondents are employed full-time by enterprise manufacturing, distributing, retail and service provider organisations. The survey was conducted between July 3, 2019 and Aug. 1, 2019.

About Episerver Celebrating its 25th year, Episerver empowers digital leaders to easily create standout experiences for customers – everywhere they engage, and always with measurable business results. The Episerver Digital Experience Cloud™ unifies digital content, commerce and marketing in one platform, including omnichannel solutions for smart personalization and intelligent campaigns. Episerver has offices in the US, UK, Sweden, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, South Africa, Singapore and Vietnam.

Contacts: Alex Warren / Shaan Sidhu Wildfire [email protected] 020 8408 8000

Kestrel Digital Media

0 notes

rockislandadultreads · 1 year

Photo

Book Recommendations: National Bird Feeding Month

Birds, Bees, & Butterflies by Nancy J. Hajeski

Generously illustrated and full of practical information, this approachable reference covers the wide world of birds, butterflies, and pollinating insects, including honeybees, and how to bring them into a yard and garden. For the new homeowner choosing shrubs and flowers for landscaping or the retired couple with bird feeders out the picture window, this thorough text combines tips and advice with solid science. Rich, colorful photographs illustrate every page. What types of bird feed attract your favorite birds? Which flowers will bring the most butterflies into your backyard? What can you plant to promote the health of the beleaguered honeybee? All these questions and more will be answered amply in this beautiful book.

Attracting Birds and Butterflies by Barbara Ellis

In the eye of a bird or butterfly, the typical suburban landscape resembles an unfriendly desert. Closely mowed lawns, tightly clipped shrubs, raked-up borders, and deadheaded flowers mean no place to nest, no food to eat, and nowhere to hide. To the humans who live there, this means no bird songs, no colorful butterflies, no dazzling hummingbirds, no night-sparkling fireflies.

Creating a garden that welcomes these creatures may seem like a confusing and complicated task, but the principles involved are relatively simple. Essentially, wildlife needs food, water, and shelter, just like we do, and this lavishly illustrated guide shows which plants attract which creatures, and how to plant and care for them.

Audubon Birdhouse Book by Margaret A. Barker

A visit to almost any home or garden center presents birders with numerous cute and colorful contraptions that are sold as bird homes. But the fact is, many of these products provide anything but a safe refuge for your feathered friends. Each of the easy-to-build boxes and shelves within is accompanied by cut lists, specially created line diagrams, and step-by-step photography, making the projects accessible to those with even the most rudimentary woodworking skills.

In addition, this practical and beautifully presented guide is packed with color photography and profiles and range maps for the bird species covered - including titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, phoebes, swallows, waterfowl, and even kestrels and owls - to help the reader properly place and maintain the homes to attract birds. And because these projects are the product of years of experience and field-testing, you can be sure you’re getting the best advice regarding proper design, safe construction materials, and correct home placement to mitigate exposure to elements, pests, and predators.

The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible by Paul Sterry

Packed with information and beautiful full-color photography and art, the authors offer a cornucopia of information, including species profiles, information about birdsongs and details about territories and nests and eggs, essential practical advice for birdwatchers in the field, how to create a bird-friendly backyard, and a lively lesson on birds in art.

1 note · View note