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Author: Rita Shaw

White-tailed Sea Eagle: Natural and Social History of a Persecuted Raptor

Posted on by Rita Shaw

The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), sometimes referred to as the White-tailed Sea Eagle, or simply the Sea Eagle, is a raptor of Greenland, Iceland, and much of Eurasia. Like many raptors the species has suffered from habitat loss and serious persecution, and has been extirpated from parts of its range. Adult birds are solitary or travel in pairs, while young birds may roost together in small flocks.

White-tailed Eagle Habitat

Haliaeetus albicilla frequents habitat near water: lakes, rivers, and shallow marine coastal areas. It prefers to nest in mature trees that can withstand the weight of its nest, which can reach massive proportions. The species is intolerant of humans and prefers secluded wilderness, possibly because of past persecution.

Hunting and Diet

A hunter that prefers to take prey near the surface in shallow water, H. albicilla eats mostly …

Why Birds Watch the Sun Set: Scientists May Know the Reason Birds Face West in the Evening

Posted on by Rita Shaw

At first, it seems one of those unanswerable questions children have a gift for asking. “Mommy (or Daddy), why do all the birds sit on the telephone wires and watch the sun set every night?”

“I don’t know, sport. They just do,” you might say in your most authoritative voice.

Or perhaps instead you make up what sounds like a convincing answer. “Well, champ, it’s going to be dark soon so they’re storing up the sun’s warmth to get them through the night.”

If it bothers you not knowing what the real answer is, don’t feel bad. Up until recently, scientists haven’t had any decent theories either. But what’s emerging from the latest studies may finally provide a real answer.

For years, evidence has suggested that migratory birds use a combination of cues from the earth’s magnetic field, patterns of …

Bird Watching; Why You Should Consider Being Involved with Bird Watching

Posted on by Rita Shaw

One attribute of bird watching which makes it so appealing, is the whole family can get involved. Secondly, bird watching is a terrific way to get into the great outdoors and enjoy nature. In today’s society, it’s hard to slow down and take notice of the beauty and relaxation nature has to offer us. Bird watching is a great way to experience those attributes. The concept of bird watching is quite simple; you watch birds. Bird watching can allow you to behold some stunning sights which will last a lifetime.

For example, there’s nothing on Earth like seeing an American Bald Eagle soar and gracefully glide high above a canyon ridge. There’s nothing quite as amusing as watching a tiny little humming bird flutter frantically in front of some sweet nectar producing flowers. Another stunning sight is a brilliant, red, …

Bird Watching – 5 Ways to Bring Them In

Posted on by Rita Shaw

Most people enjoy watching birds because they are part of our natural world and give us a certain sense of peace and a connection with wildlife. Whether you notice the birds in soldier stance on the power lines as you drive, or you are able to appreciate these feathered beauties in your yard at home, bird watching can be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities offered by nature. However, if you’re one of many people that feel birds don’t frequent your neighborhood, much less your yard, there’s a lot you can do to attract birds and encourage their routine visits.

If you wanted to go to the beach, you wouldn’t go to the mountains and expect to be at the beach. The same is true with birds to a certain degree. If you want to attract birds, you …

Hawk Mountain, PA Offers Much More Than Bird Watching

Posted on by Rita Shaw

Get wrapped up in the breathtaking views and crisp, refreshing mountain air of Hawk Mountain. Located in east-central Pennsylvania along the Appalachian Flyway, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary seamlessly blends natural beauty with wildlife education.

Dedicated to preserving birds of prey, Hawk Mountainopened in 1934, educating the public on the importance of conserving the ecosystem. As the world’s first refuge for raptor preservation, the bird conservatory works to “reverse negative attitudes toward predatory birds.” The Sanctuary keeps annual counts on the migrating raptors. These counts are especially important because they keep a steady watch on any changes in the birds’ migration patterns.

Upon entering the 2,600-acre conservatory and education center, one is struck by the sudden shift in the environment. Gone is the stressful world that lies at the bottom of the mountain. At Hawk Mountain, one is completely surrounded by nature. …

Birdwatching: Great Activity for Kids

Posted on by Rita Shaw

Birdwatching is a great way to introduce nature to your children. Birds are the best animals to watch because they are everywhere. Every region and environment has bird inhabitants so you don’t have to go far to find them. The colors and varieties of birds are interesting for kids to study. With a good field guide and a little exploring, your child and you could discover these awesome creatures together.

Any bookstore carries a bird field guide. This will help your kids identify birds and learn their names and characteristics. Many people like the Audubon field guides but I prefer the Kaufman guide. Whatever you chose will work fine and a guide should cost under $15. Your local library can also provide bird guides, just ask your librarian.

The easiest way to find a bird is by listening for them. …

Basic Tips for Backyard Bird Watching

Posted on by Rita Shaw

Stalking and following other creatures is best left for non-human subjects. It’s not only illegal, but it’s kind of rude. But for those of us with a curious side and a law abiding strike, birds are perfect for backyard viewing, much smaller, unaware, and most importantly very nice to look upon.

However, you can’t just go out and start watching birds. There are some basics to the process. It’s an artform of sorts. Back yard bird watching is only enjoyable if you make it so. First off, birds are easy to figure out. If you find a place with ample food, sunlight, and water, you’ll be surrounded by birds before you know it. Now, find a hiding spot nearby, somewhere behind a bush or a hollow beside a tree and you have a perfect lookout for watching your fine feathered …

Auburn Environmental Park is Open to Bird Watchers

Posted on by Rita Shaw

Auburn Environmental Park Boardwalk Hiking Trail, Auburn, Washington

I saw my first goldfinch of the season this week at the Auburn Environmental Park. It was a double delight. I love the bright yellow gold finches. I was also not aware the park had opened last week. Over the winter I’ve been driving by a couple of times a month to see how the work there was progressing. But a few weeks ago there were still gaps in the boardwalk and a fence surrounding the entrance. Now it’s open and completed. I took my young niece and nephews on the walk on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 to celebrate. The boys were on spring break and I had a day off. We had liquid sunshine which is common in King County, Washington but it was just drizzling so we were undeterred. Here is our short tale and my review of …

Why Do Birds Migrate? Evolution, Advantages, and Triggers of Bird Migration

Posted on by Rita Shaw

 

Why Do Birds Migrate? The Science and Evolution of Long-Range Migration

Half of the bird species on Earth migrate (Elphick, p. 10), making a regular and predictable journey to a new range to breed in spring, and returning in the fall. Other animals migrate, of course: caribou, whales, monarch butterflies—but birds are the most obvious. Why do birds migrate?

Evolution of Bird Migration

A variety of factors have shaped bird migration over time: climate and climate change, geography and continental drift, and competition between species and populations for limited resources.

Ice ages are thought to have played a part, making large areas of Earth uninhabitable for long periods. Jonathan Elphick points out that climate fluctuations between ice ages have been common and sometimes rapid, putting intense pressure on species directly affected (p. 8). Birds that were able to move to more hospitable ranges and survive had an advantage over those …

Birdwatching at Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii

Posted on by Rita Shaw

Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is well-known for its great bird-watching spots. The entire refuge spans 203 acres, allowing it to house many different species of wildlife, including the Hawaiian geese native to the area. The marine life that can be seen from Kilauea Point include manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and even the large humpback whales during the winter months. The Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is open seven days a week and closed on certain holidays, so call ahead if you will be traveling on one of these dates.

Birdwatching at Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii: Red-footed boobies and tropic birds

One of the most common types of birds to watch at Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is the red-footed booby. You will see many of these nests on the eastern set of cliffs. Tropic birds are another unusual species …

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  • White-tailed Sea Eagle: Natural and Social History of a Persecuted Raptor
  • Why Birds Watch the Sun Set: Scientists May Know the Reason Birds Face West in the Evening
  • Bird Watching; Why You Should Consider Being Involved with Bird Watching
  • Bird Watching – 5 Ways to Bring Them In
  • Hawk Mountain, PA Offers Much More Than Bird Watching
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