Quick Answer Great blue herons generally do not mate for life. They form new pair bonds each breeding season, though some may reform previous bonds. Great blue herons are serially monogamous, meaning they have one mate at a time but may have multiple mates across breeding seasons. Great Blue Heron Biology and Breeding Behavior The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird found throughout much of North America. Adults stand around 4 feet tall with a wingspan over 6 feet. They have slate gray bodies, chestnut and black accents, and a white crown and face. Scientific Name…
Author: Peter Knight
The Legend of Pale Male is a fascinating documentary film that tells the true story of Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk that took up residence in New York City’s Central Park in the 1990s. Since its release in 2009, many viewers have wanted to know where they can watch this unique nature documentary. What is The Legend of Pale Male about? The Legend of Pale Male chronicles the true story of an urban red-tailed hawk that surprisingly made its home on a posh Fifth Avenue building overlooking Central Park. The hawk, nicknamed Pale Male by birdwatchers, arrived in 1991 and…
The Baltimore Oriole is a small black and orange songbird found in the eastern United States. Males have bright orange plumage on their underparts and white bars on their wings. Females are duller in color. The Baltimore Oriole is best known for its complex and flute-like song, which can often be heard ringing through city parks and suburban backyards where these birds make their home. But what does the Baltimore Oriole’s song actually mean? In this article, we’ll explore the context, purpose, and possible meanings behind this bird’s melodious vocalizations. What Does Bird Song Mean in General? Bird songs serve…
The northern flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found throughout most of North America. This striking bird can be identified by its brownish barred plumage, black bib, and bright yellow underwings and tail feathers. Northern flickers breed in open woodlands, parks, and urban areas with mature trees. They nest in tree cavities, often those created and later abandoned by other woodpeckers. With natural cavities and dead trees disappearing across many landscapes, questions arise regarding the adaptability of northern flickers to use artificial nest boxes provided for breeding birds. Here we examine what is known about the breeding biology and nesting requirements…
Virginia rails are small, secretive marsh birds that inhabit wetlands across eastern North America. Their diet consists primarily of insects, small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and seeds. Understanding the diet of Virginia rails provides insight into their habitat needs and ecological roles in wetland ecosystems. Insects Insects make up a major part of the Virginia rail’s diet. They use their long bills to probe into muddy wetland substrates to find insect prey. Some key insects consumed include: Beetles Fly larvae Grasshoppers Crickets Caterpillars Dragonflies Caddisflies Beetles and fly larvae that live in muddy soils are staples. Grasshoppers and crickets are eaten…
Feeding wild birds is a common pastime for many people across Australia. It provides enjoyment and a chance to connect with nature. However, there are laws and regulations surrounding this practice, particularly in Western Australia. This article examines the legality and regulations around feeding wild birds in Western Australia. Feeding birds can seem like a harmless activity. However, it raises several issues: It can lead to an unnatural concentration of birds in one area It can spread disease between birds It can lead to dependance on human food sources It can attract invasive species For these reasons, feeding wild birds…
A large group of birds flying in circles is most likely a murmuration of starlings. Murmurations are large flocks of starlings that fly in swooping, intricately coordinated patterns through the sky. This phenomenon occurs when starlings gather in huge numbers, up to tens or hundreds of thousands of birds, to roost for the night. The coordinated movements of the flock are believed to serve as a defense mechanism against predators. What is a murmuration? A murmuration refers specifically to a flock of starlings flying in an aerial display. The term can also be used generally to refer to a large…
Quick Answer Whooping cranes can be found in a few specific locations around the map in Red Dead Redemption 2 Online. The most reliable locations to find whooping cranes are: Along the Kamassa River north of Lagras in Lemoyne Around Donner Falls and Owanjila Dam in West Elizabeth On the islands in Flat Iron Lake Around Aurora Basin in Tall Trees, West Elizabeth Whooping cranes are large white birds that stand about 5 feet tall. Listen for their loud trumpeting call to help locate them. They can be hunted and skinned for exotic bird plumes. Where to Search for Whooping…
Heron tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years. A heron is a large wading bird with long legs, a long neck, and a long pointed bill. Herons are elegant birds that move slowly and deliberately, often standing motionless for long periods as they hunt for fish or frogs. Their graceful and patient hunting style makes them a symbol of calm, focus, precision, and determination. As a tattoo design, the heron can hold a variety of different meanings for the wearer. Meanings and Symbolism Here are some of the common symbolic meanings associated with heron tattoos: Patience The heron’s hunting…
Feeding ducks can be an enjoyable activity for many people, especially children. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature and watch adorable ducks waddle up looking for a snack. However, there are right and wrong ways to feed ducks that impact their health and ecosystems. A common question that arises is whether human food like bread or bird seed designed for songbirds can be fed to ducks. The short answer is no, ducks have different dietary needs than other birds and require specific types of food. Why You Should Not Feed Ducks Bread Bread is one of the worst…