Barn owls are medium-sized owls with long legs, long wings, and a square-shaped facial disk. They get their name from their habit of nesting in barns and other man-made structures. Barn owls have several characteristics that make them appealing to farmers and homeowners with barns or outbuildings. However, there are also some potential downsides to attracting barn owls. This article will examine the pros and cons of having barn owls around your barn. Quick Answers – Barn owls are natural pest control, feasting on rodents that can damage crops and stored grains. A single barn owl family can consume thousands…
Author: Peter Knight
Swallow Cliff is a historic landmark located in Palos Forest Preserve just south of Chicago. The cliffs and surrounding woods have been a popular spot for hiking, climbing, and exploration for over a century. However, in recent decades, safety concerns led to the closure of the most hazardous parts of Swallow Cliff. History of Swallow Cliff Swallow Cliff gets its name from the thousands of cliff swallows that nest in the sheltered crevices along the limestone cliffs. The area was formed over 12,000 years ago by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier which left behind a terminal moraine ridge dotted with kettle…
The Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) and Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) are two small North American shorebirds that bear a superficial resemblance to each other. Both have sand-colored upperparts, white underparts, and a black breast band. However, they belong to different sub-groups within the plover family Charadriidae and are not very closely related. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the taxonomic classification, physical characteristics, behavior, breeding habits, habitat preferences, conservation status, and evolutionary history of Piping Plovers and Killdeer to understand their similarities and differences. Taxonomic Classification Piping Plover Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Charadriiformes Family:…
The Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. With an estimated global population of 18 million, Savannah sparrows are currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, some subspecies and populations of Savannah sparrows face conservation threats and declining numbers. Savannah Sparrow Taxonomy and Subspecies There are currently 17 recognized subspecies of Savannah sparrow across its wide range in North America. These include: Belding’s savannah sparrow (P. s. beldingi) – endemic to coastal California Large-billed savannah sparrow (P. s. rostratus) – Southwestern British…
Pheasants are a popular game bird that can be found across much of the Midwest today. However, pheasants were not always native to this region. The pheasant’s original home is Asia, specifically China. So how did this bird end up becoming so widespread across the American Midwest? The introduction of pheasants to the Midwest was an intentional effort by humans to establish a new game species for hunting. The origins of pheasants Pheasants encompass about 35 species of birds within the Phasianidae family. This includes birds like peafowl, partridges, quail and of course, pheasants. The common pheasant typically refers to…
Woody Woodpecker, with his trademark laughing call, is one of the most iconic cartoon characters from the Golden Age of animation. First introduced in 1940, Woody’s manic energy and brash demeanor made him an instant hit. But while most fans could instantly recognize Woody’s signature laugh, many may not know that his nonsense vocals were more than just random sounds. In fact, Woody Woodpecker’s voice actor, Mel Blanc, was using a specific technique to voice the character. Mel Blanc and Nonsense Words Mel Blanc, known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” was the voice behind many classic cartoon characters…
The Yellow-throated Warbler is a small songbird that breeds in the southeastern United States and spends the winter in the tropics. With its bright yellow throat and chest, olive-green back, white belly, and black mask, the Yellow-throated Warbler has a striking appearance that makes it stand out among other warblers. In this article, we will take a close look at the physical characteristics of the Yellow-throated Warbler, including its size, plumage, bill shape, and other identifying features. We’ll also discuss how to differentiate the Yellow-throated Warbler from similar warbler species. Size and Shape The Yellow-throated Warbler is a relatively small…
Eagles have some of the most powerful and sharpest vision in the animal kingdom. Their incredible eyesight allows them to spot and capture prey from impressive distances. Here we will explore what makes the eagle eye so unique and discuss key facts about their vision abilities. How sharp is an eagle’s eyesight? Eagles have visual acuity that is 3 to 4 times better than humans. This means they can see an object clearly from much farther away. For example, an eagle can spot a rabbit up to 3 miles away while a human would need to be within 1 mile…
The cuckoo bird is known for its unique breeding behavior where it lays eggs in the nests of other bird species, allowing the host birds to raise its young. This behavior, known as brood parasitism, is the main speciality that sets cuckoos apart from other birds. Why do cuckoos lay eggs in other birds’ nests? There are a few key reasons why cuckoos practice brood parasitism: It allows cuckoos to conserve energy as they do not have to build their own nests or raise their own young It maximizes the cuckoo’s reproductive success by exploiting the parental care of other…
Bird photography can be a challenging genre that requires fast autofocus capabilities. With birds constantly moving and often erratic flight patterns, it’s crucial to select the right autofocus (AF) mode for your camera. But with the many AF options available, how do you know which one is best for capturing sharp, in-focus bird photos? Understanding AF Modes There are several main types of autofocus modes that digital cameras offer: Single AF – The camera locks focus when the shutter button is half-pressed. This mode is ideal for stationary subjects. Continuous AF – The camera continually adjusts focus while the shutter…