Guillemots, also known as murres, are seabirds in the auk family. They are medium-sized black and white birds with long, thin bills. Guillemots nest on cliff ledges in huge breeding colonies and their eggs have a very unique shape – they are conical with a pointed end. The egg shape allows them to roll in a circle rather than off the cliff Guillemots lay their eggs directly on bare rock ledges without building a nest to hold them in place. This means the egg is at risk of rolling off the narrow ledge and falling into the sea below. The…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Black Bird is a new psychological thriller miniseries that premiered on Apple TV+ in July 2022. The show is based on the true crime memoir “In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption” by James Keene and Hillel Levin. With its dark subject matter and strong cast, including Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser, and the late Ray Liotta, Black Bird has quickly become one of the most talked about new shows of the summer. However, it is not available on two of the most popular streaming platforms, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.…
Birds have a complex anatomy that allows them to fly, walk, swim, and more. Their bodies are specifically adapted for these functions. By learning the names of the different parts of a bird’s anatomy, we can better understand how birds are so well designed for life on the wing. What are the major external parts of a bird’s body? There are several major external parts that can be observed on most bird species. These include: Beak or bill – The hard, protruding mouthpart used for eating, grooming, probing, killing prey, and more. Head – The part of the body that…
Quick Answers Puffins can be found along the northeastern coast of the United States and parts of the Pacific Northwest during their breeding season from April to August. The best places to see them include Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Some key locations are: Maine – Eastern Egg Rock, Seal Island, and Machias Seal Island Massachusetts – Monomoy Island New York – Gull Island Washington – Protection Island and Smith Island Oregon – Yaquina Head Alaska – St. Paul Island, St. George Island, Chiswell Islands, and the Pribilof Islands All About Puffins The Atlantic Puffin is a…
Finding an injured or baby bird on the ground can be alarming. But with some basic knowledge, you can safely handle the situation and give the bird its best chance of survival. Here are some quick answers to common questions about found birds, along with more detailed information on the best steps to take. Quick Answers Is the bird injured or a baby? Look for blood, broken wings/legs, closed eyes, weakness/inability to hop or flutter wings. If yes, it needs rescue. If eyes are open, it may be a healthy fledgling learning to fly. What if it’s a baby? Nestlings…
Mimicry is the ability to imitate sounds, especially in songbirds. There are a number of songbird species that are excellent mimics and can replicate a wide variety of sounds from their environment. Mimicry is useful to songbirds for purposes such as defending territory, attracting mates, avoiding predators, and expanding their repertoire of songs. Some of the most skilled mimic songbirds include mockingbirds, lyrebirds, mynas, starlings, and parrots. What is mimicry in birds? Mimicry refers to the ability of some birds to imitate sounds they hear in their environment. This can include the songs of other bird species, animal sounds, mechanical…
Cardinals are small songbirds native to North America. With their bright red plumage and recognizable songs, they are a beloved backyard bird. Many people enjoy feeding cardinals and attracting them to their yards. A common question that comes up is whether or not it is okay to feed cardinals cat food. Cat food is readily available, so it may seem like an easy option. However, there are a few important considerations when it comes to feeding cardinals cat food. In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional needs of cardinals, look at the ingredients in cat food, weigh the pros and…
Owls are fascinating nocturnal birds of prey that come in many different species. Two owl species often confused with each other are the hoot owl and the barn owl. At first glance, these two owls may appear quite similar. However, there are some key differences between hoot owls and barn owls that set them apart. Physical Characteristics Hoot owls and barn owls share some physical characteristics. Both have heart-shaped facial discs, long legs, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. However, there are some distinguishing features: Size: Hoot owls are larger. They have a length of 15-25 inches and…
Distinguishing crows from ravens can be tricky for bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. While there are several physical and behavioral differences between these two corvid species, they also share many similarities that can cause confusion. What are the main differences between crows and ravens? Here are some of the key ways to tell crows and ravens apart: Size Ravens are noticeably larger than crows. Ravens average 25 inches (64 cm) long with a 4 foot (120 cm) wingspan, about the size of a hawk. Crows measure around 18 inches (45 cm) and have a 3 foot (90 cm) wingspan.…
The elegant white egret, with its pure white plumage, long slender neck, and stately stance, is a striking symbol that appears several times in the Bible. Though the specific species of heron is not named, it seems clear from context that the “egret” refers to a type of white heron. The white color and graceful form of these birds give them rich symbolic meaning in scripture. Purity and Holiness The brilliant white plumage of egrets symbolizes purity, holiness, and divine blessing in the Bible. White is the color associated with righteousness, virtue, and angels throughout scripture. When egrets are mentioned,…