A Humboldt penguin that escaped from the Tokyo Sea Life Park in March has recently been sighted in Tokyo Bay near the Rainbow Bridge. According to BBC News, the bird has been positively identified by a band on its flipper, and it appears to be a good weight and otherwise healthy. It is still hoped that the bird will be recaptured and returned to the aquarium to live with the rest of its flock.

When intensive searches soon after the bird escaped failed to locate it, officials had feared the bird was unable to survive in the wild and had died. After this recent sighting, however, it is believed the bird is feeding on small fish in the bay and likely returning to shore in the evenings.

The Humboldt penguin is one of only 18 species of penguins in the world. While not classified as endangered, it is a threatened species and population numbers are declining.

Rainbow Bridge
Photo © Kazuhiko Teramoto

If you haven't entered the May Bird Photo Contest, it's not too late! This month's theme is "Birds and Blossoms" and all photographers - amateur or experienced - are welcome to enter up to three photos. Just be sure to show both parts of the theme - a bird and a blossom!

Entries must be submitted to the official contest thread in the forum, and all entries are due no later than Wednesday, May 23. Finalists will be announced in the forum and blog, and reader voting will determine the winning photo. Take advantage of the beauty of spring and submit your bird and blossom photos today!

Need tips? Visit About.com Photography to learn how to photograph flowers and how to get great shots of birds!

Wild Sunflowers
Photo © Melissa Mayntz

This week's featured bird is a favorite year-round western hummingbird - the Anna's hummingbird remains in its Pacific coastal range all year, as well as in southwestern Arizona. The males are easily recognized by their brilliant rosy pink heads, though the females are much more camouflaged and may only show a few red spots on their throats.

Have you seen the Anna's hummingbird? Share your sightings in the comments!

Anna's Hummingbird
Photo © Linda Tanner

Florida blueberry farmers are having a spring season, not only because of warmer than typical weather, but also because of the hungry appetites of cedar waxwings. According to Bay News 9, the birds have not migrated as expected, and instead are feasting on farmers' crops. Farmers have been using cannons, balloons and other techniques to discourage the birds, but with only limited success. Officials from the Florida Farm Bureau are considering seeking permits to shoot the birds.

Cedar waxwings are largely frugivorous and feed on different types of fruits and berries, often staying in the same area until local plants are stripped of fruit. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Act, however, and anyone illegally harming the birds could face severe fines and other penalties.

Do you think farmers should be granted limited, temporary permits to kill birds to protect their crops? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Blueberries
Photo © Scott Schopieray