Great Egrets are large, white wading birds found throughout much of the world. They are known for their elegant plumes and stately hunting behavior in wetlands. Great Egrets have a varied diet, feeding on fish, amphibians, small mammals, and reptiles. This raises the question – do Great Egrets eat snakes? About Great Egrets The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large, white heron that can stand over 3 feet tall with a wingspan reaching over 4 feet wide. They have a long, yellow bill and black legs and feet. During breeding season, Great Egrets develop long ornamental plumes along their…
Author: Peter Knight
The arctic fox and the snowy owl inhabit the same harsh, frigid Arctic environment, and while they occupy different positions in the food chain, their lives inevitably intersect as predator and prey. The arctic fox is an opportunistic omnivore that feeds on a variety of smaller animals as well as scavenges carcasses. The snowy owl is a powerful predator at the top of the food chain. So do arctic foxes eat snowy owls? The short answer is yes, arctic foxes are known to prey on snowy owl chicks and eggs when given the opportunity. However, successful predation is rare due…
As the days grow shorter and temperatures start to drop in the fall, blackbirds undergo an incredible migration journey to escape the cold winter months. These birds fly hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach their warm wintering grounds further south. What types of blackbirds migrate? There are several species of blackbirds that migrate in the fall in North America, including: Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Rusty Blackbird Brewer’s Blackbird Of these, the Red-winged Blackbird has the largest population and is found commonly across most of North America. Estimates put the number of Red-winged Blackbirds at around 200…
The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout much of the world. These owls are known for their distinctive calls, which are often described as a barking or hooting sound. Typical Vocalizations The most common vocalization made by Short-eared Owls is a series of short, rhythmic hoots or barks. This territorial call is made by both male and female owls throughout the year. It often sounds like “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” and can be heard from over half a mile away on quiet nights. Here is a description of some typical Short-eared Owl vocalizations: Territorial Call – A series of…
Bird kabobs have become an increasingly popular food trend in recent years. However, some people question whether these skewered meats are actually healthy for birds to consume. In this article, we will analyze the nutritional pros and cons of feeding bird kabobs to pet birds. What are bird kabobs? Bird kabobs are skewers of chopped up fruits, vegetables, and lean meats that are fed to pet birds. Typical ingredients found on bird kabobs include: Chopped hard boiled eggs Diced apples, mangos, melons, berries Fresh greens like kale, spinach, swiss chard Beans, peas, corn Lean cooked meats like chicken, turkey, beef…
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a very common and widespread bird in North America. Red-winged blackbirds are migratory birds that breed in most of North America and winter in the southern United States and Mexico. They inhabit open, marshy areas with dense vegetation, including wet meadows, prairies, marshes, and agricultural areas. Red-winged blackbirds build nests low in shrubs, grasses, or cattails near water. Here are some key questions answered about where red-winged blackbirds live: Where is the red-winged blackbird found? Red-winged blackbirds are found throughout most of North America. Their breeding range stretches from Alaska and Canada southward to…
Providing shelter from the wind is an important way to help wild birds survive the winter. Windbreaks give birds a reprieve from harsh winds and cold temperatures, allowing them to conserve energy. Birds also appreciate windbreaks as places to hide from predators. Making a simple windbreak for the birds in your backyard is easy and rewarding. Why do birds need windbreaks? Birds are vulnerable to the elements, especially in winter. Wind steals away birds’ body heat, forcing them to expend more energy staying warm. This is especially true for smaller birds, who have a higher surface area relative to their…
The mournful cooing of the mourning dove has resonated spiritually with humans for millennia. Regarded as a messenger of hope, peace, renewal, and spirit, the mourning dove has accumulated a treasury of rich symbolic meanings across cultures and spiritual traditions. From biblical texts to folklore, poetry, art, and dreams, the graceful dove is a dynamic and multivalent symbol of the human spirit. By exploring the mourning dove’s distinctive character, habitat, and behavior, its profound spiritual symbolism becomes even more meaningful. The Mourning Dove’s Distinctive Character The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family Columbidae, all of…
The Caspian Tern is a large tern found across temperate and tropical regions of the world. But how did this striking seabird get its name? In this article, we’ll explore the origins and meaning behind the Caspian Tern’s name. What is the Caspian Tern? The Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the largest tern in the world. It has a wingspan of around 1.5 meters and can grow up to 56 centimeters long. Adults have a black cap, white cheeks, and a stout red-orange bill. Their upper body is pale gray, while their underparts are white. In breeding plumage, their cap…
Hunting can be an exciting hobby and way to connect with nature, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Birds Landing, located in Solano County, California, offers public hunting opportunities for waterfowl and upland game. For hunters looking to visit Birds Landing, a primary question is “How much will it cost me?” In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the various costs associated with hunting at Birds Landing. This includes license and permit fees set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, daily entry fees to access the hunting area, equipment and gear expenses, shotgun…