The Killdeer is a medium-sized plover found in open habitats across much of North America. These distinctive shorebirds are best known for their loud “kill-deer” call and elaborate broken-wing display used to distract predators from their nests. Killdeer lay a clutch of 3-5 speckled eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, often in open fields or gravel. The eggs hatch after 24-26 days of incubation. But what happens after the Killdeer chicks emerge from their eggshells? Newly Hatched Killdeer Chicks Killdeer chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment they hatch. The downy chicks…
Author: Peter Knight
Loons are beautiful waterbirds known for their striking black and white plumage and haunting calls. They are a symbol of wilderness and solitude in many parts of North America. But loons need healthy lake habitats to survive and face a number of threats such as pollution, changing water levels and human disturbance. This has led to concern about loon populations and whether lakes can sustainably support them. So how many loons should there be on a typical lake? Are there really only 2 loons per lake on average as is sometimes stated? Let’s take a deeper dive into loon ecology…
British Columbia has a diverse array of game birds that can be hunted during regulated hunting seasons. There are several factors to consider when hunting birds in BC, including required licenses, season dates, regional restrictions, and daily limits. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of common game birds that can legally be hunted in BC, as well as key rules and regulations for bird hunting in the province. Licenses and Permits Required for Bird Hunting in BC All bird hunters in British Columbia require a set of mandatory licenses and permits. These include: Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) -…
Birds rely on their wings for flight, so losing a wing can be devastating.Unlike humans, birds cannot get prosthetic limbs to replace lost or damaged wings. However, recent advances in technology have allowed researchers to start developing prosthetic wings for birds. This raises an interesting question – is it possible for birds to use prosthetic wings and fly again after losing a wing? Why birds need two fully functioning wings for flight Birds have evolved incredibly sophisticated wings that allow them to fly in a variety of ways. Their wings consist of long, asymmetrical feathers that work together to provide…
Throughout history and across cultures, mythology and folklore have been filled with fantastical creatures that combine various animal and human elements. One type of hybrid creature that appears in the stories of several ancient civilizations is that of an evil being that is part woman and part bird. Some of the most well-known examples of these female bird monsters include harpies from Greek mythology, sirins from Russian folklore, and the sirens from Greek mythology and its later interpretations. These bird-women are usually portrayed as dangerous temptresses and personifications of storms, death, and destruction. Their stories serve as cautionary tales of…
No, birds do not have mammary glands or produce milk to feed their young. However, some bird species do regurgitate food for their chicks in a behavior that resembles mammalian nursing. Birds and mammals are both amniotes, meaning they develop from an embryotic sac called an amnion. This is different from amphibians and fish which start life in an egg immersed in water. Despite their common amniote origins, birds and mammals have evolved very differently in terms of feeding and caring for their young. Mammals are characterized by having mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their offspring. The milk…
Finches come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from brilliant reds and oranges to more subdued browns, grays, and greens. There are over 140 species of finch in the world, occupying diverse habitats across the globe, so it’s no surprise they exhibit such colorful diversity. The exact number of distinct finch colors is difficult to pin down, as subtle variations exist even within a single species. However, examining the major finch families provides insight into their vibrant palette. The True Finches The true finches make up the Fringillidae family and include some of the most familiar finch species like…
The Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located on the Boston Harbor and serves as the primary cruise ship terminal for the city of Boston, Massachusetts. With the increasing popularity of cruising in recent years, many travelers wonder about parking availability when embarking or disembarking from a cruise at the Black Falcon terminal. This article will provide an overview of parking options for cruise passengers using the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in Boston. Overview of the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal The Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located on Black Falcon Avenue in the Seaport District of South Boston. It is operated…
Bird eating spiders, also known as tarantulas, are large, hairy spiders that have a reputation for being dangerous. However, while their size and appearance can be intimidating, most tarantulas are not considered a threat to humans. Still, all spiders have the potential to bite if threatened or handled improperly, so caution should always be exercised around them. In this article, we’ll examine whether bird eating spiders are truly harmless or if certain precautions should be taken around them. What are bird eating spiders? Bird eating spiders belong to the tarantula family Theraphosidae. There are nearly 1,000 identified tarantula species found…
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is one of the smallest owl species in North America, measuring only 7-8 inches in length. Despite its tiny size, attracting this nocturnal raptor to your yard or property can be an incredibly rewarding experience for any bird enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully attract Northern Saw-whet Owls. What is the Northern Saw-whet Owl? The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a small owl native to North America. It gets its name from its distinctive territorial call which resembles the whetting of a saw blade. This mostly…