Month: November 2020

The Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan or the Swainson’s Toucan is a sub-species of the common yellow-throated toucan that breeds in central Honduras to central Colombia to central Ecuador.

The Swainson’s are very similar to both the blue-winged toucan and the black-chinned toucan. They are small-sized birds with muscular necks, short heads, short wings, a narrow neck and head, prominent cheek patches, white or red rings around their eyes, and white belly and blackish wings.

The chestnut-Mandibled toucan is closely related to the Swainson’s but differs in the amount of white on the breast.

The Swainson’s have very few or none at all, and the chestnut-Mandibled toucan has a yellow, white patch on its breast. The Swainson’s are more brownish and have a white belly compared to the chestnut-Mandible.

These birds breed in tropical rainforests and scrub and inhabit mostly in trees and undergrowth, and are primarily found in Central and South America.

Central and South American Bird Watching

Central and South American countries are lovely places to visit, and bird watching in this part of the planet is no exception.

Central and South American birding destinations are popular among bird watchers all over the world. Tourists from every corner of the globe flock to these destinations each year to see toucans in their natural habitat.

A trip to Central and South American destinations will give you a breathtaking view of the many unique species of birds that live here.

Galapagos Islands

One of the most famous Central and South American birding destinations is the Galapagos Islands’ reserve.

The Galapagos Islands is an incredibly unique combination of marine life and the wild, exotic land. One of the more popular activities you can enjoy during your trip to the Galapagos Islands is toucan bird watching.

Toucan birds are incredibly colorful and come in all different shapes and sizes. Many other birds make up the toucan population as well, including the Galapagos Blue Tongue Tangerine, the Galapagos Horned Owl, and the Galapagos Penguin.

There’s also plenty to see during toucan bird watching. When you’re not watching the birds, you can enjoy exploring the islands.…

Slab City, CA, also known as The Slabs, is a non-incorporated, self-sufficient slum community consisting mostly of snowbirds. Slab city has a distinctive character that contradicts conventional urban life where people live off the grid, within a desert-dwelling squatting community.

This unique homestead is located on two acres of private land, between a busy freeway and a national forest, between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Because Slab City has no zoning laws, people do not need to follow other cities’ environmental rules. 

However, if you can look beyond the junk and trash around, there is beauty to Slab City and attractions to enjoy.

SALVATION MOUNTAIN

Salvation Mountain is a visionary landscape made by native resident Leonard Knight. It is also referred to as “The Valley of Dust,” “Desert Rock,” and “The Mountain of Flowers.”

Located in the middle of nowhere, the structure represents a place where all the earthly hopes and desires would be fulfilled, not only in death but also in life. Although its location makes it inaccessible to most people, it serves as an inspiration to people worldwide.

EAST JESUS

East Jesus is an experimental art installation with no religious connotation in the name East Jesus. It is a collection of fascinating art in the middle of nowhere beyond the edge of serviceability. The off-grid facility operates with no municipal utilities.

THE LIBRARY

The Slab City library is the only library in the United States where you don’t have to return any books. Thankfully, over 4000 books have been donated. And it’s the only place around with the internet.

THE RANGE

The Range is an outdoor nightclub complete with a stage, lights, amplifiers, and speakers, with tattered couches and old chairs for seating. Every Saturday, locals, and visitors meet for a talent show that features musicians and anyone else who wants to perform.

THE DIY SKATEPARK

Be sure to visit the empty swimming pool built during WWII, where people skate. It’s not in the greatest shape, but an excellent place to see.…

The Bishop Mountains is located in central California, on the eastern side of Humboldt County. They stretch for some two and a half miles along the Sacramento River’s shore in the city of Bishop.

Initially settled by Native Americans, the location has been changed several times to accommodate people and protect them from erosion, fire, and the elements.

Once used as an administrative center for the San Francisco Bay mission system, Bishop was eventually used as a city by the Humboldt Indians. Many buildings are constructed of stone or brick, with many of them being old log cabins that have been preserved to form a natural park.

In addition to the buildings, several stone pillars and sandstone outcroppings have been located throughout the park. These are built of raw materials and provide shelter from the sun, wind, and rain.

Over the centuries, Bishop has seen many developments that have added to its cultural and natural history.

Two historical sites are listed among the National Register of Historic Places. One is Sky Rock, which is one of the largest Native American burial mounds in the west. The other is the Indian village named Chippewa Lake.

Today, visitors can find out more about these sites by visiting the Bishop Museum and Historic Site. The Native American Cultural Center is also located within the park.

Sky Rock

One of the most beautiful things to see in Bishop is Sky Rock, located on the eastern side of the park. It is a natural formation that resembles a volcanic rock outcrop. It is made up of layers of rock that have different colors.

On top of the Sky Rock is a flat rock face covered with moss and other types of plant life. Above the grassy area is a flat lava rock surface. Because it was formed by water, this lava rock is white, black, and grey. Because of its unique coloring, Sky Rock has been a popular attraction for travelers for over a hundred years.

Historic Cemeteries

Native American ruins built during the past few hundred years include two cemeteries located close to the park. Both are historical and are considered of historical significance.

The cemetery is known as Pine Ridge Cemetery. This area contains several graves that have been marked for many years as Native Americans. Some of the tombs include artifacts such as pottery, bells, and other Native American articles. The area also houses a small lake and numerous stone benches.

Chippewa Lake

The other historic site in Bishop is called Chippewa Lake. This area is also located on the eastern side of the park and contains several homes and cemeteries. A short drive south of Bishop is the Chippewa Indian Reservation. There are some Native American lodges and cabins that serve as resting places for the tribe’s members.…