Snowy owls are large, white owls that live in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. During some winters, snowy owls will migrate further south than usual in search of food, sometimes reaching as far south as the northern United States. This irregular irruption of snowy owls into more southern regions has led some people to wonder if they ever reach Oregon. Quick Answer Snowy owls are rarely seen in Oregon, but they have been spotted in the state during major irruption years when food is scarce in their normal Arctic habitat. Most sightings occur along the Oregon coast.…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Snowy plovers are small, pale-colored shorebirds that breed in coastal areas across North America. They are known for their distinctive black bands across their foreheads and breasts. Snowy plovers exhibit a mating system called serial monogamy, in which they form monogamous pair bonds that last for a single breeding season. After breeding, the pair bond dissolves and each bird may take a new mate the following year. So while snowy plovers do not technically “mate for life,” they do form temporary monogamous bonds during each breeding season. Breeding behavior Snowy plovers arrive at coastal breeding sites in early spring. Males…
Mallard Cottage is a historic home located in the scenic coastal town of Duck, North Carolina. This charming beach cottage has been providing vacationers and locals alike with comfortable lodging and stunning views of the Currituck Sound for over 60 years. But who exactly owns this beloved Outer Banks institution? That’s an interesting question with a unique answer. Mallard Cottage History Mallard Cottage was originally built in the late 1950s as a family beach house. The first owners were the Mallard family, local residents who owned property in the budding beach town of Duck. The Mallards cherished their cozy cottage,…
The ruddy duck is a small diving duck native to North America. However, over the past century, it has become an invasive species in Europe after being introduced through captive collections. In this article, we will explore how the ruddy duck ended up in Europe and the impacts its introduction has had. What is the ruddy duck? The ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a small, compact duck with a distinctive bright blue bill and reddish-brown body. The males have a black cap and white cheek patch during breeding season. Ruddy ducks are native to North America, breeding primarily in the…
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include species like eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures. Many of these impressive hunters nest on cliffs and rocky ledges, taking advantage of the elevation and relative safety these locations provide. Nesting on cliffs helps protect raptor eggs and chicks from predators and enables the birds to take flight quickly when leaving or returning to the nest. Let’s explore some of the birds of prey that make their homes in cliffs. Eagles Many eagle species around the world nest on cliff ledges and rocky outcrops. For example, the bald eagle and golden eagle…
Snowy owls are majestic birds that live in the Arctic tundra. With their white plumage and large yellow eyes, it’s easy to see why someone might be tempted to keep one as a pet. However, snowy owls have very specific needs that make them challenging to care for properly in captivity. Quick Answers Here are quick answers to some common questions about keeping snowy owls as pets: Are snowy owls legal to own as pets? In most places, it is illegal to keep snowy owls as pets without special permits and licenses. Snowy owls are protected under the Migratory Bird…
Wren birds are small, active songbirds that are common across much of North America. They are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests and lay their eggs inside enclosed spaces like birdhouses. Wrens are popular birds for birdwatchers to attract to their yards using manmade nest boxes. However, one question that often comes up is how close together wren houses can or should be placed. There are a few factors to consider when deciding the appropriate spacing between wren birdhouses. Wren Territory Size Wrens are territorial songbirds, meaning they claim an area around their nest as their own and defend…
House sparrows are one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in the world. They are found across most of North America, Europe, parts of Africa and Asia. Despite their ubiquity, house sparrows are not protected by law in most areas. There are several reasons why house sparrows do not receive legal protection. House Sparrows are Introduced and Invasive House sparrows are not native to North America. They were introduced from Europe and Asia in the mid-1800s. Specifically, house sparrows were brought to Brooklyn, New York from England in 1850 and released. Additional birds were released in other cities…
Hawks are amazing birds of prey that can sometimes be seen hunting in suburban backyards. If you want to encourage hawks to visit your yard, offering them an easy meal is a good way to do it. However, hawks have very specific dietary requirements that must be met in order for them to remain healthy. This article will discuss what you can and cannot feed backyard hawks, along with tips for safely feeding these raptors. What Do Hawks Eat? In the wild, hawks eat a diet composed almost exclusively of small animals. Their preferred prey includes: Rodents – mice, voles,…
Owls are mysterious birds of prey that captivate the imagination. With over 250 species found worldwide, owls occupy a wide range of habitats from deserts to forests to urban areas. Georgia’s diverse landscape provides homes for several different owl species. Understanding which owls are most frequently seen in the state can help birdwatchers know what to watch and listen for while exploring Georgia’s outdoors. The Eastern Screech Owl The Eastern Screech Owl is one of the most common owls found in Georgia. As their name suggests, these owls are known for their eerie, shivering calls that pierce the night air.…