Port Fairy is a coastal town in western Victoria, Australia that is home to a wide variety of migratory birds. Its location on the shores of the Southern Ocean and proximity to wetlands, rivers, and farmlands make it an ideal stopover point for birds migrating between Tasmania, mainland Australia, and beyond. Why Do Birds Migrate Through Port Fairy? There are a few key reasons why migratory birds visit Port Fairy: Stopover site – Port Fairy provides crucial resting and refueling grounds for shorebirds and seabirds migrating long distances between breeding and non-breeding grounds. Food availability – The bountiful fish stocks…
Author: Peter Knight
The White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca) is a large sea duck that breeds in northwestern and central North America and winters along both coasts of North America, as well as in Europe and Asia. There are two recognized subspecies of White-winged Scoter: Melanitta fusca fusca This subspecies breeds from Alaska across northern Canada to central Quebec. It winters along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts of North America. Melanitta fusca stejnegeri This subspecies breeds in eastern Siberia and winters in northeastern Asia along the coasts of Japan, Korea, and China. There are minor differences in size and plumage between these two…
Chickadees are small songbirds that are known for their distinct vocalizations. There are several different species of chickadees found across North America, and each one makes slightly different sounds. Chick-a-dee-dee Call The most well-known vocalization of chickadees is their namesake “chick-a-dee-dee” call. This is a complex call that has different meanings depending on how it is used. In general, the chick-a-dee-dee call is used to communicate with other black-capped chickadees in the flock. The number of “dee” notes at the end indicates the threat level, with more “dees” meaning a higher threat level. This call can signal alarm, but chickadees…
Quick Answer No, Rough-legged Hawks are not currently considered endangered. They are classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their global population is estimated to be around 100,000-1,000,000 individuals. However, some local populations have experienced concerning declines that warrant continued monitoring and conservation efforts. Overview of Rough-legged Hawks The Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) is a medium to large raptor found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Some key facts about Rough-legged Hawks: They breed in Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. They migrate south for the winter, traveling as far…
Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are popular pet birds that belong to the parrot family. Like other birds, parakeets can become infected with avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. However, the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods depend on the specific type of avian influenza virus. Bird flu refers to infection with avian influenza Type A viruses, which occur naturally in wild aquatic birds worldwide. Wild birds can carry these viruses without showing signs of sickness and spread them to domestic poultry through direct contact or through contaminated body fluids or surfaces. Domestic birds like chickens, turkeys, and…
Roadrunners, also known as Geococcyx californianus, are a fast-running ground cuckoo that lives in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are famous for their speed and their ability to outrun predators like coyotes and rattlesnakes. Quick Facts About Roadrunner Reproduction When it comes to reproduction, here are some key facts about roadrunners: Roadrunners reach sexual maturity at around 12 months old. The breeding season is from March to July. Roadrunners form monogamous pairs during breeding season. The male will court the female by offering her food and bringing nesting material. Roadrunners build a simple nest on the ground, hidden…
Coyotes and Harris’s hawks occupy overlapping habitats across much of the American West and Southwest, so encounters between the two species are not uncommon. However, the question of whether coyotes actually prey upon Harris’s hawks is more complex than it may initially seem. The Diet of Coyotes Coyotes are opportunistic predators with a varied diet. Some of their most common prey items include: Small mammals – mice, voles, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Insects Fruit and vegetation Fish Birds Reptiles and amphibians Livestock and pets (especially sheep, calves and smaller animals) Carrion and garbage Coyotes are clever, adaptable hunters and will prey…
A veterinarian that specializes in caring for birds is called an avian veterinarian or avian vet. Avian vets have advanced training and expertise in the unique needs of bird health and medicine. Who are avian veterinarians? Avian vets are doctors of veterinary medicine who pursue additional education and certification to specialize in bird health. After earning their DVM degree, avian vets complete a 1-3 year residency program in avian medicine and surgery. They also typically become board-certified by passing a thorough examination in the specialty. There are only around 100-150 board-certified avian specialists in the United States. So avian vets…
Birds living on rooftops is a common occurrence, especially in urban and suburban areas. There are several reasons why birds may choose to nest and roost on roofing structures. Shelter and Protection One of the main appeals of rooftops for birds is the shelter and protection they provide. Under the eaves and overhangs of roofs, birds are shielded from inclement weather like rain, wind, and intense sun. Rooftops also offer seclusion from predators and disturbances on the ground. Birds that nest on roofs include their eggs and chicks are safer from threats like cats, raccoons, and snakes. The elevation provides…
The boreal owl is considered a carnivore, meaning its diet consists primarily of meat. More specifically, the boreal owl is an obligate carnivore, meaning it relies on a diet of meat and cannot survive on plant material alone. The boreal owl’s dietary habits place it squarely in the carnivore category. Boreal Owl Diet The boreal owl is a nocturnal predator that hunts small mammals, birds and insects. Its primary prey includes: Voles Mice Shrews Lemmings Small birds Large insects Voles make up the bulk of the boreal owl’s diet. These small rodents are plentiful across the owl’s territory and provide…