Red-tailed hawks are one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America. They are large, powerful raptors that can play an important role as natural pest control by preying on rodents, rabbits, and other small game. Many falconers also use red-tailed hawks in the sport of falconry to hunt small game like squirrels, rabbits, and ducks. So are red-tailed hawks good for hunting? The answer depends on what you want to hunt and your experience level with training birds of prey. Red-tailed hawk basics Here are some key facts about red-tailed hawks: – Scientific name: Buteo jamaicensis -…
Author: Peter Knight
Quick Answers Bottled water can be good for parrots in some circumstances, but it also has some potential downsides. The key things to consider are: Tap water contains more minerals that may be beneficial for parrots whereas bottled water is more purified. Bottled spring or mineral water provides some beneficial minerals. Plastic from water bottles could potentially leach chemicals into the water over time. The choice between tap and bottled water depends on the quality of your local tap water. Filtered tap water avoids plastic bottle issues and retains more minerals. Overall, tap or filtered tap water is usually best…
Quick Answer The aquatic bird being described is likely a cormorant. Cormorants are medium-to-large sized waterbirds that have predominantly dark plumage, long necks and bodies, and slender hooked beaks. They are expert swimmers and divers, and use their hooked beaks to catch fish and other prey underwater. More Detailed Answer Cormorants are a group of about 40 species of aquatic birds that belong to the Phalacrocoracidae family. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning they are found nearly worldwide in coastal areas and inland waterways. Some of the most widespread and commonly encountered species include the Great Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, and…
Bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon that involves millions of birds undertaking incredible journeys across continents and oceans every year. But what factors determine when, where, and how birds migrate? In this article, we’ll examine the primary influences on bird migration. What is bird migration? Bird migration refers to the seasonal movements of bird populations between breeding and wintering grounds. It involves traveling immense distances, navigating across borders and continents. Migration allows birds to take advantage of favorable conditions and an abundance of resources across different regions throughout the year. There are many spectacular examples of bird migration: Arctic terns…
Elon Musk’s statement that “the bird is free” generated a lot of interest and speculation when he first said it in late 2022. Many people were left wondering exactly what he meant by this cryptic phrase. In this article, we will explore the possible meanings behind Musk’s words and look at some of the theories about why he said it. Background on Elon Musk To understand Musk’s statement, it helps to know a bit about his background. Musk is the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter. He is known for being outspoken on social media and frequently makes comments that…
Larkspur is a popular flower grown for its tall spires of colorful flowers that bloom from late spring through mid summer. Knowing when to plant larkspur is key to getting the most out of these classic cottage garden plants. Larkspur can be planted in spring or fall, depending on your climate and gardening goals. When to Plant Larkspur Spring Planting Spring is the most common time to plant larkspur. This allows the seeds to germinate and become established before hot summer weather arrives. Here are spring planting guidelines for larkspur: – In most climates, plant larkspur seeds outdoors 4-6 weeks…
Birds, like all animals, need water to survive. But where do our feathered friends get their water from? As it turns out, birds have many options when it comes to finding water to drink. Natural Water Sources One of the most common places birds get water from is natural sources like lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and puddles. Birds that live near water often drink directly from these sources. Ducks, geese, swans, herons, and other waterfowl are most likely to utilize natural bodies of water for drinking and bathing. Shorebirds also drink from ocean water or salty estuaries. Even birds that…
When comparing eagles and owls, there are a few key factors to consider that will determine which bird of prey comes out on top. Eagles and owls occupy similar ecological niches as apex avian predators, with some key differences in their anatomy, hunting strategies, habitat preferences, and more that impact their relative strengths. Looking at the attributes of each species can shed light on who might prevail in a hypothetical battle between these two formidable raptors. Size and Strength Eagles tend to be significantly larger and more powerfully built than owls. For example, the bald eagle has an average wingspan…
The Puget Sound, located in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, is home to a diverse array of marine birds. Of the many species that inhabit the inland waters, estuaries, and shorelines of the Puget Sound, some are particularly well-adapted for diving and foraging in the area’s rich waters. The Common Loon One of the most recognizable diving birds found in the Puget Sound is the common loon (Gavia immer). Also known as the great northern diver, this large bird measures 70–90 cm (28–35 in) in length with a wingspan of 130–170 cm (51–67 in). Its plumage is checkered…
There are a few bird species that were hunted to extinction in the 1900s. Some of the most well-known examples include the Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet, and Labrador Duck. Hunting was one of the main reasons why these birds went extinct, along with habitat loss and other factors. In this article, we will focus on the Passenger Pigeon and how hunting led to its extinction in the early 20th century. Overview of the Passenger Pigeon The Passenger Pigeon was a species of pigeon native to North America. They were once extremely abundant, with flocks numbering in the billions. Their flocks…