Birds sing for a variety of reasons, and their evening singing is no exception. Some of the main reasons birds sing in the evening include: Defending Territory Singing is one way birds defend their territories. The evening is often when birds sing to claim their space and ward off intruders. Their song tells other birds that the territory is occupied. Birds will often sing most vigorously just before settling down to roost for the night. The evening song serves as a “do not disturb” warning telling intruders to stay away. Attracting Mates Evening is prime time for male birds to…
Author: Peter Knight
The Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) is a small flycatching bird found in eastern North America. Its range extends from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States as far west as eastern Texas. Understanding the range of this species can help birders know where to look for it and which habitats it prefers. Breeding Range The Eastern Wood Pewee breeds in forests across much of eastern North America. Its breeding range extends from: Southeastern Canada – including southern Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island Northeastern United States – including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode…
The duck hunting regulations in Florida set limits on the number and species of ducks that can be legally harvested during duck hunting season. Understanding the duck limits helps ensure hunters stay within the law while enjoying the sport. Overview of Duck Limits in Florida The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) establishes the migratory bird hunting regulations each year. These regulations set daily bag limits and possession limits for duck hunting in Florida. Some key points about duck limits in Florida include: The daily bag limit is the maximum number of ducks a hunter can harvest per day.…
The common nighthawk is a medium-sized bird with long, pointed wings, short legs, and a short bill. They have a distinctive appearance with grayish-brown plumage, mottled and barred with black, white, and buff. Here are some key identifying features of the common nighthawk’s appearance: Size and Shape Common nighthawks are robin-sized birds, measuring around 9 to 10 inches in length (22 to 25 cm) with a wingspan of 21 to 26 inches (53 to 66 cm). They have large wings that appear pointed when folded. Their body shape is slender but rounded. Long, Pointed Wings The most noticeable feature of…
Quick Answer Having birds nest in your house can be both good and bad. On the positive side, it’s fascinating to observe birds up close as they build nests, lay eggs, and raise chicks. However, nesting birds can also create messes, spread mites, and potentially carry diseases. Most experts recommend discouraging birds from nesting inside homes but providing alternative nesting sites outside. Ultimately, the decision depends on one’s tolerance for the nuisances of indoor nests versus the enjoyment of witnessing nature firsthand. Should You Let Birds Nest in Your House? There are pros and cons to allowing birds to nest…
Many people enjoy feeding birds in their yards and neighbourhoods. However, as winter approaches each year, questions arise about whether it is safe and responsible to put out bird feeders. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding if and how to feed birds at this time of year. Why do people feed birds? People feed birds for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the main motivations: – Enjoyment of watching birds up close – Connecting with nature – Helping birds survive challenging seasons – Providing food and resources especially when natural sources may be scarce…
The Java finch is a small, colorful songbird native to the islands of Java, Bali, and Lombok in Indonesia. Also known as the Java sparrow or rice bird, this finch has become popular as an exotic pet and cage bird. But what exactly does this tropical finch look like? Here we will explore the physical characteristics, plumage, size, and other identifying features of the Java finch. Basic Physical Characteristics The Java finch has the typical body shape of a small finch, with a short, conical beak specialized for eating seeds. Its body is plump and rounded, with short legs and…
The Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) is a songbird species found in parts of the United States and Mexico. In Alabama, it is a summer breeding resident that occupies early successional habitats and shrublands. The Yellow-breasted Chat is a striking bird with a bright yellow breast and white spectacles around the eyes. It is known for its diverse vocalizations and mimicry abilities. While still relatively common in parts of its range, the Yellow-breasted Chat has declined in recent decades likely due to habitat loss. Understanding the natural history and distribution of this species in Alabama can aid conservation efforts. Description and…
The Swearingen Merlin is a twin turboprop aircraft produced by the Swearingen Aircraft Company (later Fairchild Aircraft). It first flew in 1989 and entered service in 2000. The Merlin is known for its speed and performance capabilities as a high-end business turboprop. So how fast can the Merlin really fly? Let’s take a closer look at its top speed and performance specifications. Key Specs The Swearingen Merlin has the following key specifications related to speed and performance: Maximum cruise speed340 knots Long range cruise speed300 knots Never exceed speed0.78 Mach Rate of climb3,000 feet per minute Service ceiling30,000 feet These…
The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a large shorebird belonging to the genus Numenius in the family Scolopacidae. It breeds in subarctic North America, Europe, and Asia, migrating to coasts around the world for the non-breeding season. The Whimbrel has a very distinct long, downcurved bill and long legs, an adaptation for feeding in tidal areas. Its habitat preferences make it vulnerable to sea level rise and other effects of climate change. Let’s take a closer look at the Whimbrel’s habitat. Breeding Habitat During the breeding season, Whimbrels are found in open lowland wetlands and marshes across the subarctic regions of…