Bird species use a variety of different structures to help protect their eggs and growing young before they fledge. Many times when you think of a bird’s nest, you think of a structure in a tree made of sticks, moss, and various other plant materials. Several species though make their nests in cavities instead, whether…
One of the more common large birds you may see overhead throughout North America is the turkey vulture, especially in the spring as they migrate in large numbers northward. One of their features to help identify them when they are in flight, even if they are at a great distance away, is their flight style….
While out hiking in a field, you spot a little american kestrel in a telephone wire. Its back is to you and you notice an interesting pattern on the back of its head, which appears to resemble eyes. These feather patterns aren’t eyes though, they are called ocelli, or false eye spots. This adaptation can…
For birds to survive, they need keen eyesight, to find food, to navigate their environment, find a mate and avoiding becoming something else’s meal. So it is critical to protect their eyes, especially when flying through the air and through vegetation where there is an increased risk of something hitting their eyes and causing abrasions….
Birds of prey have excellent vision, they need it to be able to see prey from perched in a tree or soaring high above the ground. Though, something can get in the way of their vision, making it difficult to clearly see, especially when out in the open, and that is the sun. Many times…
Winter can be a tough time for birds, from even the simplest of daily tasks becoming a bigger challenge during this time of year. From finding food, to avoiding becoming food for someone else, to just trying to stay warm in temperatures that could drop into the negatives. But birds are resourceful and have adapted…
If you asked someone what their favorite bird species is, many will respond with some species of owl. What’s not to like? They are a beautiful group of birds, full of mystery and not as often seen as other birds who are active during the day. When you see one, it tends to be the…
In the spring and summer months you may have noticed that not all the baby birds are born with the same skills, just compare a baby robin to a baby canada goose. One hatches with eyes closed, barely any down fuzz while the other hatches with complete down, eyes open and within the day is…
Many birders and nonbirders alike may be noticing a few different bird species that they don’t normally see at their bird feeders this winter. Large yellow and brown finches with white and black wings and thick pale beaks have been seen invading platform feeders. Small streaked finches, slightly smaller than a goldfinch with a thin…
Migration is described as a yearly seasonal movement of a population of animals, in this case birds, generally north to south, to and from breeding and wintering grounds. Many are familiar with an overhead passing form of canada geese noisily flying over in their typical v formation. Seeing these large flocks form twice a year,…