The Official Houston Zoo Blog » Birds http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo houstonzoo.org Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:59 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 The Results Are In, and Jeffery’s Right Here in Houston! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/05/the-results-are-in-and-jefferys-right-here-in-houston/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/05/the-results-are-in-and-jefferys-right-here-in-houston/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 15:05:39 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=17235 Artwork by Hazel DawesWe’ve reached the end of our blog contest! We’ve followed Jeffery to Italy, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Singapore and all over the US! I have to say, that’s one well-traveled puppet.   We believe this contest and Jeffery accomplished our goal of increasing awareness in the States of the declining population of the Philippine Eagle.  Raising a thousand [...]]]> We’ve reached the end of our blog contest! We’ve followed Jeffery to Italy, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Singapore and all over the US! I have to say, that’s one well-traveled puppet.
 
We believe this contest and Jeffery accomplished our goal of increasing awareness in the States of the declining population of the Philippine Eagle. 
Raising a thousand dollars for Philippine Eagle conservation is amazing, but the possibilities created by raising a thousand voices for this cause is staggering.What if you tell a friend about this puppet and what he stands for, and she tells her cousin? What if that cousin tells all his friends and somewhere down the line, through the power of social connections, people begin talking, minds start to change, legislation is passed, ecotourism enriches the country, habitats are saved along with the human lives that depend on them, and the 52,177 species in the Philippines, our favorite eagle included, flourish?It’s a very serious thing, the welfare of a biodiversity hotspot like the Philippines, but we’re using the internet and a puppet to get the word out.

You can’t save the eagle without saving its habitat, and Jeffery is here to make people want to save the Philippine Eagle, whether they ever get to see one in person or not.

Along the way, Jeffery has made a ton of friends with the same goals.  We’d like to thank the talented artists at Jeepney Projects Worldwide, Hazel Dawes, one of the eagle’s most avid, talented and generous supporters, local Houston band, The Presidents, and Karlene Co.  Thank you for all your support!

So, now you must be thinking, “I’m really going to miss Jeffery! What will I do without my weekly Jeffery updates?” 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can always find Jeffery on Facebook, Twitter, and now, his very own blog! I’m sure Jeffery will also pop up on Houston Zoo’s blogs as well.  The puppet will continue to travel and cheer for the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
 

"I think White Sands is a fantastic place to visit, but no aerial tour for me thanks, there are waaaayyy to many missiles and rockets to dodge!!" Linda

 
 
 
 

"I’ve always wanted granite counter tops, but this may be a little too much over the top!" Linda

 

"I love to paint, but now it’s time to get off the road and back to the Houston Zoo for the “Bird of Prey” days this weekend. Please join me to celebrate my friends and raise money for conservation!" Tess

 
Tomorrow starts our Birds of Prey Days!  Please come by and learn about the biodiversity of the Philippines and Texas native birds of prey, check out our Philippine Eagle art, and meet some of our resident birds of prey!
 

Liberty, the Houston Zoo's Bald Eagle. Photo by Ali Striggow.

 
 

Catori, the Houston Zoo's Eastern Screech Owl. Photo by Ali Striggow.

 

Artwork by Hazel Dawes

 
 
Come by and visit!  Oh, and drumroll please…the grand prize winner of our contest is….
Tess with 134 points!  Linda came in second with 124 points and Melissa ended the contest with 112 points!  All three of you have a prize to claim! Thank you all so much for participating, and please contact me at mneal@houstonzoo.org to arrange a way to claim your prizes!
 
]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/05/the-results-are-in-and-jefferys-right-here-in-houston/feed/ 0 Where in the World is Jeffery? The FINAL Week! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-the-final-week/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-the-final-week/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:00:21 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=17104 Melissa, Tess and Linda, it’s been a great pleasure!  Thanks for sticking with Jeffery this entire time, and I will be in touch with each of you on Friday, after the final total is announced.  I hope to see you on Saturday or Sunday for our Birds of Prey Days! We plan to have lots [...]]]> Melissa, Tess and Linda, it’s been a great pleasure!  Thanks for sticking with Jeffery this entire time, and I will be in touch with each of you on Friday, after the final total is announced.  I hope to see you on Saturday or Sunday for our Birds of Prey Days! We plan to have lots of games, keeper chats and opportunities to learn about raptors and the Philippines!

Right now, it’s time to reveal the final photo in our contest!!!

Jeffery visited this public art installation originally created by the art group Ant Farm that encourages visitors to add to the art by spray painting vehicles half-buried nose-first in the ground, at an angle corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

Where in the world is Jeffery?

 

You have until Friday at 10 AM to submit your final captions!

]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-the-final-week/feed/ 7 Where in the World is Jeffery? Lucky Week 13 http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-lucky-week-13/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-lucky-week-13/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:00:59 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=17073 Please don’t forget about our Birds of Prey Days on May 5th and 6th.  The Houston Zoo will be hosting a fun-packed educational event to help raise awareness and funds for the survival of the largest and most endangered eagle in the world, the Philippine Eagle! Meet our birds of prey and their keepers, play [...]]]> Please don’t forget about our Birds of Prey Days on May 5th and 6th.  The Houston Zoo will be hosting a fun-packed educational event to help raise awareness and funds for the survival of the largest and most endangered eagle in the world, the Philippine Eagle! Meet our birds of prey and their keepers, play games, win prizes, and go wild at the Houston Zoo!

 

Alright Jeffery fans, this is your second to last chance to make it to the top! Final results will be calculated soon, but I can already tell you, Tess, Melissa and Linda will be winning prizes! This photo may take a little research, and we will only give points to the correct answer, giving the correct name and state (there’s a hint for you!)

Unveiled in 2004, Jeffery visited this Stonehenge replica which matches the original Stonehenge horizontally, but is approximately 14 percent shorter in height than the original.

I may be small, but don't count me out!

]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-lucky-week-13/feed/ 8 Polly Want a… Paintbrush? http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/polly-want-a-paintbrush/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/polly-want-a-paintbrush/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:08 +0000 Jack Pine http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=17000 Rainbo, the Eclectus ParrotOne of the most rewarding aspects of being an animal keeper at the Houston Zoo is the opportunity to interact with so many visitors who are continually impressed by the wide array of behaviors our animals exhibit. On any given day it is possible to see animals eating, playing, napping, bathing, running, jumping, swimming… and [...]]]> One of the most rewarding aspects of being an animal keeper at the Houston Zoo is the opportunity to interact with so many visitors who are continually impressed by the wide array of behaviors our animals exhibit. On any given day it is possible to see animals eating, playing, napping, bathing, running, jumping, swimming… and painting? 

Rainbo, the Eclectus Parrot

Rainbow the Eclectus Parrot Painting

Indeed, several of the animals at the zoo have demonstrated themselves to be talented artists. This is Rainbo, a male Eclectus Parrot found in the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo. As we can all plainly see, Rainbo is quite the accomplished artist. He is able to utilize a variety of techniques to create outstanding and unique works. 

Some pose the question: Why painting? After all, you will not find a single keeper who will tell you that these animals can be found painting on canvas in the wild. However, animals readily problem-solve and socialize in the wild; keepers are able to help provide for the well-being of our animals by providing them necessary outlets for these crucial behaviors. Getting the paint to the canvas is a “problem” that results in much-desired treat food items (for a parrot like Rainbo, these food items could include a variety of greens, fruits and vegetables). Furthermore, some animals (such as parrots) benefit from a bit of special attention. 

Keepers at the zoo work hard to ensure the overall well-being of the animals under our care. Painting provides numerous benefits for a variety of species, and keepers closely supervise the interaction of the animals in these instances to maintain a positive experience?

Interested in having an animal masterpiece of your very own? Learn more about animal paintings here. Animal paintings from the Houston Zoo help to support a range of conservation efforts!

]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/polly-want-a-paintbrush/feed/ 0 This Contest is Intense! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/this-contest-is-intense/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/this-contest-is-intense/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:14 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=16975   So I thought last week’s photo was a little tough, but within 3 minutes, each of our contestants had submitted the correct answers! I’m so happy each of you ladies is excited about Jeffery and this contest! Before I get to this week’s (the second to last!) photo, I’d like to share some wonderful [...]]]>

I prefer tasty mice, so I’m sending this to Ara, my BFF in Bolivia. He’s a Blue-throated Macaw, another critically endangered bird. Think he’ll like it?--Tess

 

So I thought last week’s photo was a little tough, but within 3 minutes, each of our contestants had submitted the correct answers! I’m so happy each of you ladies is excited about Jeffery and this contest!

Before I get to this week’s (the second to last!) photo, I’d like to share some wonderful news with you from the Philippine Eagle Foundation!

Our favorite eagle saviors in the Philippines just announced another first in bird conservation–the first captive breeding of the Pinsker’s Hawk Eagle! With some feathers mimicking a large spike on their heads, these eagles are the punk rock answer to the adorable Philippine Eagle! Just like the Philippine Eagle, this endemic species is threatened by loss of habitat. Guess what? Husbandry practices developed at the foundation for breeding of the Philippine Eagle helped in the breeding of the Pinsker’s! It’s not just one eagle we are trying to save; it’s an entire habitat, and everything that depends on it.

 

Now onto our current standings:

Tess came in third with the answer, but won the caption contest, to leave her with 102 points

Melissa has 90 points

Linda had 88 points

 

It’s still anybody’s game!

 

**Jeffery visited the largest military installation in the United States, where is he?**

]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/this-contest-is-intense/feed/ 10 Where in the World is Jeffery? Week 11! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-11/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-11/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:38 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=16916 Hello Philippine Eagle fans! I have some very exciting news!  Our friends at the Philippine Eagle Foundation recently located an eagle population in the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Just for reference, this is the first sighting of a wild Philippine Eagle outside of their normal mountain range, the Sierra Madre Range, much further to the south of [...]]]> Hello Philippine Eagle fans! I have some very exciting news!  Our friends at the Philippine Eagle Foundation recently located an eagle population in the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Just for reference, this is the first sighting of a wild Philippine Eagle outside of their normal mountain range, the Sierra Madre Range, much further to the south of the Cordillera Mountains.  Jayson Ibanez is our primary contact at the Philippine Eagle Foundation, and has been leading the recent expanded searches for additional wild populations of the eagle.  Funds we raise will help them in these efforts, as well as the foundation’s conservation education efforts in the communities surrounding known eagle nest sites.  Please join us in congratulating Jayson and his team on this incredible discovery! 

There’s quite a bit of pressure on our contestants as the weeks tick away and the point totals just get closer and closer! This one may require a bit of searching, but where in the world is Jeffery?

This monument is dedicated to the lasting memory of Thomas Michael McGinn (1929 – 2007), the founder of Pistachio Tree Ranch. 

The caption contest is going to be the key to winning first place!

 
]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-11/feed/ 7 A Three Week Wrap Up for Jeffery, the Well-traveled Puppet! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/a-three-week-wrap-up-for-jeffery-the-well-traveled-puppet/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/a-three-week-wrap-up-for-jeffery-the-well-traveled-puppet/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:52 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=16844 Did you follow Jeffery’s recent road trip through the southwest on twitter or facebook? Did you happen to get a glimpse of Jeffery during the Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Speaker Series last night? Jeffery letting the public know about the amazing Philippine Eagle! Have you been following this very CLOSE contest???  Let’s do [...]]]> Did you follow Jeffery’s recent road trip through the southwest on twitter or facebook?

Did you happen to get a glimpse of Jeffery during the Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Speaker Series last night?

Jeffery letting the public know about the amazing Philippine Eagle!
Have you been following this very CLOSE contest???  Let’s do a wrap up and see where everyone stands!
 

Are you on the endangered species list too?? --Linda

 

Hooray – I get to ride on Herbie the elephant into the jungle! --Tess

 
 

Elevating the Philippine Eagle Foundation Pride! --Melissa

 
The current totals are….(drumroll, please!)
 
Tess is in the lead with 89 points!
Linda is right behind her with 81 points!
Melissa has 80 points! 
 
This is one close contest and anyone could win!  There are only THREE contest Mondays left, and guess what?  It’s time to reveal another prize!
 
The first place winner will have a Philippine Eagle adopted in their name.  The adoption kit will include a personalized adoption certificate, a fact sheet, a photo of your adopted bird and an update letter about the Philippine Eagle Foundation at the end of the year.
 

One of the many eagles that will be available for adoption during our Birds of Prey Days!

Minalwang and many other Philippine Eagles will be available for adoption during our Birds of Prey Days on May 5th and 6th!  There will be games for kids and adults of all ages, prizes, meet the keeper opportunities, chances to see our birds of prey up close, and much more! 
]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/a-three-week-wrap-up-for-jeffery-the-well-traveled-puppet/feed/ 1 Where in the World is Jeffery: Week 10! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-9/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-9/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:15 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=16724 According to mythology, Enceladus (the giant, not the moon of Saturn) was buried under this:  ]]> According to mythology, Enceladus (the giant, not the moon of Saturn) was buried under this:

 

Showing some Philippine Eagle Foundation pride!

]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/04/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-9/feed/ 7 Where in the World is Jeffery: Week 9! http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/03/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-9-2/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/03/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-9-2/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:29 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=16730 Jeffery’s currently cruising around the country!  Follow his road trip adventures on Facebook and  Twitter!   A famous incident in 1947 put this town on the map despite the fact that the incident actually occured almost 100 miles away!]]> Jeffery’s currently cruising around the country!  Follow his road trip adventures on Facebook and  Twitter!

 

A famous incident in 1947 put this town on the map despite the fact that the incident actually occured almost 100 miles away!

This caption contest should be hilarious!

]]> http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/03/where-in-the-world-is-jeffery-week-9-2/feed/ 6 That Puppet is Traveling Again! Week 8 http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/03/that-puppet-is-traveling-again-week-8/ http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/2012/03/that-puppet-is-traveling-again-week-8/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:59 +0000 Megan Neal http://houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=16714 That Puppet is Traveling Again! Week 8For weeks now, I’ve been writing about the wonderful biodiversity of the Philippines.  Did you know you can see witness some of that biodiversity just by visiting the Houston Zoo? In the bird department alone we have: Palawan Peacock Pheasants Emerald Doves Nicobar Pigeons Black-naped Fruit Doves Pied Imperial Pigeons Luzon Bleeding Heart Doves Chestnut-breasted [...]]]> For weeks now, I’ve been writing about the wonderful biodiversity of the Philippines.  Did you know you can see witness some of that biodiversity just by visiting the Houston Zoo?

In the bird department alone we have:

Palawan Peacock Pheasants

Emerald Doves

Nicobar Pigeons

Black-naped Fruit Doves

Pied Imperial Pigeons

Luzon Bleeding Heart Doves

Chestnut-breasted Malkohas

White-throated Kingfishers

Japanese White-eyes

Please visit the zoo on May 5th and 6th to help us celebrate the beautiful animals of the Philippines and the majesty of raptors!  We will als be featuring our own birds of prey with several species of owl, hawks, and Liberty, our Bald Eagle!

Time for another installment of Where in the World is Jeffery?  Please leave a caption for the first photo for a chance to win an extra 8 points! 

Recently, Jeffery visited the only Southeast Asian country that has never been taken over by a European power.

An elephant?!

 

Where am I?

 

There will be no wrap up blog this Friday the 23rd, as I will be traveling…with the puppet.  There WILL be another contest blog on Monday the 26th!

Follow Jeffery’s road trip antics on Facebook and  Twitter!

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