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

Officials in Turkey are concerned about wild birds used for espionage after finding a dead European bee-eater with a band marked "Isreal" recently. According to Ynetnews, the banded bird also had enlarged nostrils, which led to suspicions that it may have been implanted with a surveillance device. The bird was turned in to security services in Ankara for examination.

Israeli wildlife officials have traced the bird's band and confirmed that it was banded four years ago, but there is no evidence of surveillance equipment or espionage associated with it.

Bird banding is commonly used as a research tool for ornithologists. A bird is measured and weighed when it is banded, and after it is released, the bands can help researchers compare data if the bird is recaptured again in the future. Migration studies, bird ranges and population details are all frequently enhanced through banding information; espionage is not.

Have you participated in bird banding? Share your experiences in the comments!

European Bee-Eater
Photo © Ferran Pestaña