It is generally illegal to remove or destroy active bird nests in California, as they are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California state laws. However, there are some nuances and exceptions to these laws that allow for nest removal under certain circumstances. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview answering key questions around the legality of bird nest removal in California: Is it illegal to remove bird nests in California? Yes, it is generally illegal to remove or destroy active bird nests in California, as they are protected under federal and state law. There…
Author: Peter Knight
Birds have fascinated humans for millennia with their ability to fly and the beautiful songs many species sing. But beyond being enjoyable to watch and listen to, many cultures believe birds also bring us important messages, including representing freedom, peace, love, and spirituality. Understanding bird symbolism can help people find deeper meaning in everyday encounters with our feathered friends. What kinds of messages do people believe birds give us? Here are some of the common symbolic meanings associated with birds: Freedom – The ability to fly high in the sky represents freedom, limitless potential, and escaping boundaries. Peace – Some…
Quick Answer The grey hawk and Cooper’s hawk are two different species of hawk found in North America. The main differences between them are: Size – Grey hawks are larger than Cooper’s hawks Coloration – Grey hawks are light grey with some rusty brown on the shoulders and tail. Cooper’s hawks have blue-grey upperparts and reddish barred underparts. Range – Grey hawks are found in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America. Cooper’s hawks are found throughout North America. Habitat – Grey hawks prefer open arid country. Cooper’s hawks are found in forests and woodlands. Prey – Grey hawks…
Birds have long been a popular subject for artists, from prehistoric cave paintings to elaborate still life paintings to contemporary photography. There are many famous artists throughout history who have featured birds prominently in their work. But one artist stands out for his lifelong passion for painting birds – John James Audubon. Quick Answer: John James Audubon Was the Most Famous Bird Artist John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his studies of North American birds and his detailed illustrations. He published the Birds of America, a book featuring 435 life-size bird paintings. It…
Quick Answer Yes, many species of birds will eat figs. Figs are a nutritious food source for birds, providing sugars, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Some birds like figs so much that they specialize in foraging for figs, dispersing fig seeds in their droppings. Other fruit-eating birds, such as cedar waxwings and tanagers, enjoy figs as part of their diverse diets. Do Birds Eat Figs? Figs are an excellent food source for many species of birds. The sweet, soft fruit provides essential sugars to fuel avian metabolism. Figs also supply protein for growth and maintenance of muscle mass, as well as…
The bird species made famous by the Disney movie The Lion King that is nearing extinction is the red-billed hornbill. This iconic African bird was the inspiration for the character Zazu in the classic 1994 animated film. However, due to habitat loss and poaching, red-billed hornbills are now classified as vulnerable to extinction in the wild. The red-billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) is a charismatic bird species found across sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its large red bill and bright yellow facial markings. Red-billed hornbills play an important ecological role as seed dispersers and are an integral part of forest…
Barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) are fascinating migratory birds that breed in the Arctic and winter in temperate regions of Europe. If you want to see these unique birds up close, there are many great places to spot them throughout their range. In this article, we’ll discuss the best locations and times to see barnacle geese, what makes them so special, and how to identify them. What are barnacle geese? Barnacle geese are medium-sized geese named after the barnacles they were once thought to grow from. They breed in the Arctic islands of Svalbard, Novaya Zemlya, and Greenland. Barnacle geese make…
The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America. They are easily recognizable by their striking plumage, with a red head, white body, black back and tail, and black and white wings. Red-headed woodpeckers make a variety of vocalizations, including calls, that serve different functions in communication. One of the distinctive calls of the red-headed woodpecker is the “rattle call” or “rolling call” that can be heard in spring in parts of their range, including Michigan. In this article, we will explore the rattle call of the red-headed woodpecker, what it sounds like, when and where…
The American Wigeon (Mareca americana) is a common duck species found throughout North America. This medium-sized dabbling duck breeds in wetland areas across much of Canada and the United States, and winters in coastal areas in the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. Identifying where American Wigeons can be found depends on the time of year. Their breeding, migration, and wintering patterns mean they inhabit different parts of the continent seasonally. Knowing the habitat and range of American Wigeons will help birders locate them more easily. American Wigeon Identification American Wigeons are visually distinctive ducks that are relatively easy to…
Quick answer: There are a few key things to look for when identifying a bird including size, shape, color pattern, behavior, habitat, and sound. Consider all these factors together to help narrow down what species it might be. Field guides and apps can provide additional assistance. To identify a bird, start by noting its overall size–is it tiny like a hummingbird, small like a sparrow, or large like a goose? Also look at the shape of the bird–does it have long legs, short wings, a slender bill, or a crest on its head? Pay attention to the color pattern on…