The word “lark” has a few different meanings and uses in literature. Here are some of the main ways it is used: Carefree fun One common meaning of “lark” is a fun adventure or lighthearted prank. This use evokes the image of someone happily singing or cavorting about without a care, like a lark bird flitting through the sky. Examples: “Let’s go on a lark into town and stop at the bakery.” “Pulling pranks on his brother was one of his favorite larks as a boy.” Early riser Larks are known for rising early and singing at dawn. So another…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Owls come in a variety of colors, from snowy white to chocolate brown. But some of the most common and recognizable owl species sport plumage in various shades of grey. Grey owls tend to blend in well with the bark of trees or rocky outcroppings, providing them with great camouflage as they hunt for prey or evade predators. Here’s an overview of some of the owl species that feature grey as a dominant color in their plumage. Great Grey Owl One of the largest owl species in North America, the great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is aptly named for its…
Quick Answer Red-tailed hawks screech for a variety of reasons. The main reasons include: Defending their territory Communicating with other hawks During courtship and mating When alarmed or agitated Red-tailed hawks have a wide repertoire of calls and screeches that serve different functions. Their loud, piercing screams are used to stake their claim on a territory and ward off intruders. Soaring screeches help hawks connect with their mates or offspring. Alarm screeches warn of potential threats in the area. Understanding the context and behavior can help decipher a red-tail’s screeches. Screeching to Defend Territory One of the main reasons red-tailed…
The Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) is a medium-sized songbird found in the western half of North America. Its breeding range centers on the Great Plains of the United States and prairie regions of central Canada. Read on to learn more about where Lark Buntings make their homes. Breeding Range During the spring and summer breeding season, Lark Buntings can be found scattered across the Great Plains and prairie regions of North America. Their breeding range extends from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan south through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. It reaches east to western Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.…
Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) are one of six subspecies of wild turkey found in North America. As their name suggests, they are found predominantly in the eastern half of the United States and parts of southeastern Canada. Eastern wild turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, fields, pastures and even suburban areas. Their range stretches from southern Maine to northern Florida and west to the Great Plains. The eastern wild turkey is the most numerous and widespread of all the wild turkey subspecies. Original Range The original range of the eastern wild turkey before…
Yes, the mouth of a bird is commonly referred to as its beak or bill. A bird’s beak is a specialized structure made up of the upper mandible and lower mandible, which form the outer surface of the mouth. The beak contains a bird’s tongue, nostrils, and sensory receptors that allow it to locate and capture food. The shape and size of a bird’s beak can vary greatly between species and is adapted for different diets and feeding behaviors. What is the purpose of a bird’s beak? A bird’s beak serves multiple important functions: Feeding – Beaks allow birds to…
Snow geese are a popular waterfowl species for hunters across North America. Their large numbers and migratory habits make them accessible to hunters in many different regions. However, some areas are better than others when it comes to hunting snow geese. In this article, we will explore the top places to hunt snow geese and what makes them prime locations. Central Flyway The Central Flyway, which includes parts of the Great Plains states like Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, is one of the best places for hunting snow geese in North America. This flyway sees millions of light geese migrating…
The northern waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) and Louisiana waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) are two similar looking birds in the Parulidae family. They can be hard to distinguish in the field due to their nearly identical plumage. However, they differ in their habitat preferences, foraging behaviors, songs, and geographic ranges. Understanding the key differences between these two warblers is important for proper identification. Taxonomy The northern waterthrush and Louisiana waterthrush were formerly placed in the genus Seiurus, but were moved to the genus Parkesia based on genetic evidence. This change occurred in 2017. Here is a brief taxonomy outline for both birds: Northern…
The black tern is a small migratory seabird found across North America. Their diet consists primarily of small fish and insects which they catch by diving into water. Understanding what black terns eat is important for conservation efforts as their populations have declined in recent decades. Fish Fish make up the majority of the black tern’s diet. They feed on small fish that swim near the surface of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Some of the common fish they prey on include: Minnows Sticklebacks Killifish Silversides Smelt Black terns are aerial hunters and will hover 10-30 feet above the water…
The great grey owl patronus is considered to be a rare patronus form in the Harry Potter universe. In the books and films, very few characters are shown to have a great grey owl as their patronus. What is a patronus? A patronus is a magical guardian created by witches and wizards to act as a protector against dementors. Dementors are dark creatures that can suck the happiness and soul out of a person, leaving them with their worst experiences and memories. The patronus charm conjures up an animal guardian unique to each witch or wizard that can drive away…