The Magnificent Great Gray Owl
As one of the largest owls in the world, this bird is truly magnificent! He’s dressed in a stately gray tweedish suit with a white bowtie at the neck.
Birds of Prey
Barred Owls!
A quick aid for identification are the Barred Owl’s big dark-brown eyes. From a distance, they look black and a little spooky. Most owls have large yellow eyes and a dark beak. Barred Owls have the opposite, dark eyes and a yellow beak.
Most Female Raptors Are Bigger and Stronger Than Males, but Why?
Like in most raptors, the female Red-tail is larger than the male. That’s because (I often add) females are better. Half the audience laughs; half groans.
The Beautiful Barn Owls
If your interest is beautiful birds, don’t neglect the distinctly beautiful Barn Owl. As with many owls, they are nocturnal predators that aren’t often seen.
A “Blonde” Bald Eagle?
Recently, however, I read a post showing two perched mature Bald Eagles, and one of them was “blonde.” I’ve not seen this before.
Do Hawks Come to Backyard Feeders?
Do hawks come to our backyard feeders? Well, yes, but not for the seed or berries. The most common hawks watching your feeder would be the Coopers Hawk or the Sharp-shinned Hawk. These two hawks are very similar woodland hawks and can come crashing through thick branches and bramble at lightning speed and then disappear with an unsuspecting backyard bird clutched firmly in his talons.
The Bald Eagle is Back!
Even as a kid I loved seeing birds of prey. I gave reports in grade school and could identify most raptors in the Midwest area where we lived. The ultimate prize, however, was the American Bald Eagle that was never to be seen. In fact, pesticides, poisons, DDT, and rampant hunting brought these magnificent birds to near extinction.
Thar be Snowy Owls!
The snowy owl is certainly among the most majestic birds of North America, and rightfully so! With a length up to 28 inches, and a wingspan of 54-66 inches, the snowy owl is one of the largest owls in the world. These Arctic birds are unmistakable in their beautiful white plumage.
Let’s Help the Kestrels!
The American Kestrel is the smallest of the falcon group in the U.S. and is certainly the most beautiful. These dramatic birds are common to most birders, but otherwise, not commonly known to the many. This is easily the case for lots of small and colorful birds that simply look like an ordinary mourning dove or blackbird on the wire against a bright sky.
It’s Springtime, the Swallow-tails are Coming!
I have many favorite birds, but I’ve got to top my list with the Swallow-tailed Kite. If you’re visiting Florida, watch for these flashy birds flying over the road at treetop level. Impressive!