Songbird ReMix Central

The Official Home of the Songbird ReMix Series - songbirdremix.com
Quality 3D Digital Bird Models for 3D Applications

Open Rendering Season goes to the Judges

The 2010 "Open Rendering Season Contest" for Songbird ReMix product owners is closed and off to the judges. There were 45 entries this year and from the quality of the entries, the judges will have there work cut out of them.  Click here for more details.


The Jacanas and Water Lily Garden on Sale until March 4

Songbird ReMix Jacanas and my Water Lily Garden prop set are on "30% Introductory Sale".   Jacanas are a unique species of shorebird which are commonly found with river and lake edges. Because of their exceptionally large feet they are traverse across open bodies of water by clinging plant and floating material. This gives them the appearance of walking on water and acquiring nicknames such as “Lily Trotter” or “Jesus Bird”. In the “Songbird ReMix Jacanas” set, all eight species of Jacana found throughout the world are represented.

SBRM3 should be out soon

After a year of hot air from me SBRM3 is finally on it's way.  It's moved into DAZ Quality Assurance testing. Once the testing is complete, you'll be able to download it.

Ken inducted into the TI-99 Hall of Fame

Long before DAZ, poser and bird models Ken was a pioneer of the home computer world starting on a TI-99/4a computer just out of high school. A decade later he was owner of one of the top TI-99/4a  software companies, Notung Software.  In February, the TI-99 HOF committee decided Ken's achievements were worthy of the Hall of Fame. Links: HOF LetterAbout Notung Software.

Jacanas: Lily Trotters from across the Globe

Preview the SBRM3 Manuals

Check out this opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times about who has the rights to ownership of the Garden Planet

Real Birds: Restricting use of lead shot in California wildlife areas

I know this isn't popular with hunters but after the recent death of two critically endangered condors due to lead poisoning, something needs to be done.

This action would remedy a loophole in the law that creates a danger for birds and other wildlife

Emeryville, CA – In an effort to remove a loophole in the law that creates a dangerous environment for birds and other wildlife, Audubon California has asked the California Fish and Game Commission to consider a ban on the use of lead shot in state wildlife areas.

Due to widespread consensus that the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting poses a significant danger in wetland environments, federal law bans such use. However, the use of lead shot for upland game is currently allowed on most state wildlife areas, and often results in lead being introduced into wetland environments anyway. Research now shows that both wetland and upland birds will ingest spent lead shot, and that this creates the potential for devastating effects on these bird populations.

“Allowing this situation to continue is inconsistent with the state’s mission to manage these wildlife areas to the highest standards,” said Dan Taylor, director of public policy for Audubon California. “These areas are islands of habitat that serve as magnets to wildlife and human visitors with excellent wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting opportunities.”

California is behind other states in recognizing and addressing this problem. Twenty-five states have lead shot prohibitions for hunting beyond those required by the federal government for waterfowl. Of the 40 states that allow dove hunting, 16 have some level of nontoxic shot requirements specific to dove hunting.

Assemblyman Pedro Nava, who recently helped pass a state law prohibiting the use of lead ammunition in areas inhabited by the California Condor because of the dangers that it posed for that endangered species, noted that it is vital that the state take these steps to protect the wildlife under its care. “The science is increasingly clear that lead shot poses a real danger to bird populations on these lands,” said Nava, who is currently drafting legislation along these lines. “With viable alternatives to lead shot – this is just a no-brainer.”

In its communications with the Commission, Audubon California noted the crucial role hunters play in wildlife management and conservation, particularly in funding through licenses and excise taxes on sporting equipment sales. This policy change should appeal to hunters, given that inaction stands to erode both wetland and upland bird populations – and diminish hunting opportunities.

“We would expect hunters to embrace and quickly adapt to the new regulations, as they did with the ban on lead shot for waterfowl,” said Taylor. “There is no reason to choose between conservation and recreation on these lands.”  (from Audubon California)

Audubon Advisory

It's hot off the perch...

SBRM Bird Movies

Vulture Talk (FLASH8)
SBRM Demo 2007 (FLASH8)

Click for more SBRM movies

Real Bird Movies

"Tough Choices for a Scrubjay" (Flash8, 3.1mb)
A Field of Birds (from Audubon CA)

Click for more real bird movies

Sign-up for the Songbird ReMix eNewsletter

Free 3D Models
 
Javascript DHTML Image Web Scroller Powered by dhtml-menu-builder.com