Quick Answer Cooper’s hawks are known to prey on small animals like squirrels, rabbits, mice and even small birds. There have been some rare cases of them attacking very small dogs, but this is not common. Cooper’s hawks prefer to hunt smaller prey that is easier to catch and kill. Overall, small dogs are generally safe from these birds, but supervision is recommended when small pets are outside, especially around bird nesting areas. Do Cooper’s Hawks Attack Small Dogs? Cooper’s hawks are medium-sized birds of prey that are found throughout most of North America. They are skilled hunters that prey…
Author: Peter Knight
Ruffed grouse are non-migratory birds that live year-round in the same general area. However, they do make seasonal movements in response to changing weather conditions and food availability. Here’s an overview of where ruffed grouse go and what they do in the winter months: They Don’t Migrate Long Distances Unlike many bird species that migrate hundreds or thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds, ruffed grouse are considered “resident” or “non-migratory” in most of their range. They may move short distances (a few miles) between summer and winter areas, but do not make long-distance journeys each year. Their sedentary…
The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae. It is a medium-sized heron with reddish-brown plumage during the breeding season and all white plumage during the nonbreeding season. There are two distinct color morphs of the Reddish Egret which differ in the amount of reddish-brown plumage during breeding season. The white morph has little to no reddish-brown plumage, while the dark morph has significant reddish-brown plumage on the head, neck, back and wings. The morph is not linked to gender, age or location. Both morphs occur across the Reddish Egret’s range along the Gulf…
San Diego County offers some of the best birding opportunities in California and the entire United States. With a diverse landscape that includes beaches, deserts, mountains, wetlands, and forests, San Diego attracts over 500 species of resident and migratory birds throughout the year. For birders of all skill levels, there are many excellent locations to see a wide variety of species. Why is San Diego County a top birding destination? There are several key factors that make San Diego County exceptional for birding: – Diverse habitats and ecosystems – From the coastal wetlands to the Anza-Borrego desert, San Diego has…
Caged bird feeders can be an effective way to feed wild birds while deterring larger, more aggressive birds from taking over the feeder. The cage bars allow smaller birds like finches, chickadees, and nuthatches access to the seed while keeping out jays, grackles, squirrels, and other “bully birds”. However, caged feeders aren’t necessarily the right choice for every situation. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if a caged feeder is right for you. What are the advantages of using a caged bird feeder? There are several potential benefits to using a caged or mesh bird feeder:…
Crows are a group of birds that belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes ravens, jays, and magpies. There are over 40 different species of crows found all over the world, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. When it comes to the smallest crow species, there are a few contenders for the title. The Dwarf Crow One of the smallest crows is the dwarf crow (Corvus bennetti), also known as the little crow or Bennett’s crow. This tiny crow is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and…
The dodo bird is one of the most famous extinct species in history. This flightless bird lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean until its rapid extinction in the late 1600s. But could this iconic bird be brought back from extinction through modern science and technology? Let’s examine the evidence. Quick Answers Is the dodo bird extinct? Yes, the dodo bird has been extinct since around 1690. When did the dodo bird go extinct? The dodo bird went extinct around 1690, less than 100 years after it was discovered by humans. What caused the dodo to go…
Quick Answers There are several effective options for spraying your roof to deter birds from roosting or nesting: Bird repellent gel – Made from polybutene, a sticky substance that makes birds uncomfortable landing on treated areas. Bird repellent liquid – Contains methyl anthranilate, an extract that smells bad and tastes bitter to birds. Bird spike strips – Physical deterrents made of plastic or stainless steel that prevent birds from landing. Bird netting – Mesh material secured over roof areas that physically blocks birds from access. When choosing a bird repellent for your roof, make sure to get one specifically formulated…
Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, and species. From tiny hummingbirds to large eagles, birds have evolved over millions of years to fill various niches in nature. This diversity in birds leads to an important question for those who want to attract birds to their yards: do different types of birds need different types of birdhouses? The Basics of Birdhouses While there are some general guidelines for building and placing birdhouses that apply to all species, there are also some specific considerations depending on the type of bird you hope to attract. Here are some basics to keep in…
Bald eagles are majestic birds of prey that are a symbol of strength and freedom in the United States. These large raptors can have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and live near rivers, lakes, marshes, and seacoasts where they can find fish, their main food source. Bald eagles were severely endangered for decades due to hunting, habitat loss, and the use of DDT. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts their populations have rebounded. If you want to see bald eagles in Michigan, here are some of the top places to spot these regal birds. Southeast Michigan Southeast Michigan…