Many species of birds undergo remarkable changes in their plumage between seasons, morphing between more drab winter colors and brighter breeding plumage. But one bird stands out for its particularly dramatic seasonal shift: the ptarmigan. What is a ptarmigan? Ptarmigans are medium-sized birds in the grouse family. There are three main species: Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura) They live in Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Their habitat ranges from tundra to rocky mountainsides and snowy forests. Ptarmigans are well adapted to live in cold climates year-round. Distinctive features Some…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Verdin complex refers to a group of resonant frequencies in the heart that are seen on electrocardiograms (ECGs). These frequencies represent abnormal electrical activity in the heart and can be indicative of various cardiac conditions. What causes the Verdin complex? The Verdin complex is caused by disorganized electrical conduction in the heart. Specifically, it arises from circulating electrical impulses that lead to repetitive activations of parts of the cardiac conduction system. This can occur for several reasons: Damage to the cardiac conduction system from heart disease. This includes conditions like cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, and valvular heart disease. The…
Ibis are a type of wading bird found in warm regions around the world. They have long, curved beaks which they use to probe the mud for food like insects, crustaceans and small fish. Ibis are a common sight along coastlines, wetlands and in cities across the southern United States, Central America, parts of South America, Africa, Southern Europe, the Middle East, India, and Australia. When hurricanesapproach, many birds sense the drop in barometric pressure and shift in wind patterns. They may adjust their behavior and leave the area to avoid the storm. However, ibises and other wading birds face…
Bird control spikes, also known as bird deterrent spikes or anti-roosting spikes, are a popular and effective solution for deterring birds from landing and roosting in unwanted areas. But do bird spikes really work? What are bird spikes? Bird spikes consist of rows or clusters of stainless steel or rigid plastic spikes that are installed onto ledges, signs, rooftops, and other surfaces to prevent birds from landing and gaining a foothold. The sharp points and narrow gap between spikes make it impossible for birds to find a space to comfortably land and roost. Bird spikes are a passive and humane…
Yes, Birds Eye does still make hash browns. Birds Eye is a popular frozen food brand that is owned by Pinnacle Foods. They have been making frozen hash browns since the 1960s. Their hash brown products are available in most major grocery stores across the United States and Canada. Some of their current hash brown offerings include: Birds Eye Southern Recipe Hash Browns Birds Eye Cheddar and Bacon Hash Browns Birds Eye Crispy Crowns Hash Browns Birds Eye Hash Browns Patties So if you are looking for those rectangular-shaped crinkle cut hash browns, shredded hash browns, cubed hash browns, or…
The American Redstart is a small, active warbler found throughout North America. These birds are known for their distinctive orange and black plumage and habit of fanning their tails. Redstarts breed in deciduous and mixed forests across the continent and winter primarily in Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Avid bird watchers prize sightings of these striking birds during spring and fall migration. Luckily, American Redstarts can be found in suitable habitat across their breeding and wintering ranges if you know where to look. Where to Find American Redstarts – Breeding Range During the spring and summer breeding…
The Imperial Woodpecker (Campephilus imperialis) is the largest woodpecker that ever existed. Also known as the Mexican Ivory-billed Woodpecker, this impressive bird could grow up to 24 inches long with a 30-inch wingspan. Sadly, the last confirmed sighting of the Imperial Woodpecker was in 1956 in the state of Durango, Mexico. Most experts believe this mighty bird is now extinct. However, there have been tantalizing reports over the decades that perhaps a few Imperial Woodpeckers may still survive in remote mountain forests. This article will explore the key questions around this rare bird and whether any hope remains that it…
An upland hunting vest is a specialized piece of hunting gear designed specifically for upland bird hunting. Upland bird hunting refers to hunting game birds that live in open fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas rather than wetlands, such as pheasant, quail, grouse, turkey, dove, and partridge. Upland hunting vests have a number of features to help hunters efficiently carry gear, ammunition, and birds during an upland hunt. What are the key features of an upland hunting vest? Some of the key features that differentiate upland hunting vests from regular hunting vests include: Game bag – An oversized rear game bag…
Sharp-shinned hawks are small, secretive accipiters found throughout North America. They are adept hunters of small birds and can often be seen dashing through foliage in pursuit of prey. But do sharp-shinned hawks ever cooperate and hunt together in groups? This is a fascinating question regarding the behavior of this common yet elusive raptor. Quick Answers Sharp-shinned hawks are primarily solitary hunters but have been observed cooperating on occasion, particularly during migration and in wintering grounds when prey is scarce. Groups of 2-4 sharpies may work together to flush out and capture songbirds. However evidence for coordinated hunting is limited…
Birds migrate for a variety of reasons, but the main reason is to find more favorable habitats and food sources during different seasons. Migration allows birds to take advantage of abundant food sources, suitable nesting locations, and favorable weather conditions across different geographic areas over the course of a year. What triggers bird migration? The primary trigger for migration is changes in day length, which signal birds when it is time to move to different areas. As days get shorter in the fall, decreased daylight triggers changes in birds’ hormones that spur them to increase fat storage and prepare for…