Wild Birds

Introduction / Taxonomy The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter straitus) is species is a member of the genus Accipiter which is a group of raptors that includes a total of 51 species. Member of this genus are generally slender birds that have short, broad, rounded wings and a long tail which helps them maneuver in flight. They […]

During my trip to South Llano River State Park in Junction, Texas, back in March, I spent hours enjoying the several bird blinds throughout the park. Each one was beautiful, but there was no shortage of interested bird watchers crammed into them. To get the most out of these lovely blinds, I woke up at

Short-eared Owls are one of the world’s most widespread owl species – right up there with the Barn Owl! They are also the most likely owl to be seen in the daytime, besides fully diurnal species like the Burrowing Owl. Short-eared Owls are a little pickier when it comes to habitat, though, so you have

The magic of hummingbirds leaves me speechless whenever I have the privilege of seeing one. I love watching their busy bodies stop by my feeder for a sip of delicious sugar water as they go about what looks like a very busy day. I am from Georgia, where Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only species of

Upon any trip to a nearby zoo, chances are you were drawn to an exquisite parrot that looked like your primary color art class project. The thought that this bird exists in nature doesn’t quite cross your mind because you are enamored with its ability to mimic your speech or ask if it knows a

While fairly common throughout their range, Long-eared Owls are seldom seen or heard. Unlike the Great Horned Owls and Barn Owls which perch out in the open and make themselves known with loud, frequent vocalizations, Long-eared Owls prefer to stay quietly out of sight. They are most often seen in winter when they sometimes roost

Petite and adorable Northern Saw-whet Owls are common but seldom seen due to their elusive, nocturnal habits and preference for living in dense forests. Spend some time in the woods during the summer, and you’ll likely hear one, though! My experiences with Northern Saw-whet Owls relate to my times spent in the spring forests of

The osprey is the master angler of the raptors. Whereas other birds of prey often hunt for a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, these highly specialized birds feed exclusively on fish. Every aspect of ospreys is tailored for life on the water. They live and nest near open water; they use a unique

Most people encounter their first Barn Owl as a ghostly glimpse in the headlights on a lonely dark road. Or, perhaps, looking up into the night sky after hearing a piercing scream overhead. I have seen many Barn Owls in my life, but the experience is always memorable. There is just something otherworldly about these

Congratulations! You made it to an article covering one of the most fascinating birds, the Peregrine Falcon. These amazing predatory raptors are best known for being the fastest animal and most widespread raptors globally, but there is so much more to learn! These birds will not leave you unimpressed from their courtship behavior to their killer