Hawks and Owls
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Winged Undertakers Digest the Deceased STORY and PHOTOS by LOWELL WASHBURN
nderrated and nappreciated Winged Undertakers Digest the Deceased STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOWELL WASHBURN 28 Iowa outdoors • JULY / AUGUST 2008 Although no one can for sure say why, turkey vultures have become increasingly common during the past two decades. Often referred to as “TVs” by birding enthusiasts, turkey vultures derive their name from the featherless, red heads of adults. And there’s no denying that, at least from a distance, a roosted vulture does somewhat resemble a male wild turkey. There’s good reason for the vulture’s distinctive, though ugly, bare head. As an avid consumer of carrion, TVs routinely forage in some pretty nasty places. The complete lack of head and neck feathers aids in maintaining cleanliness. Contrary to popular belief, vultures are among the cleanest of birds, spending up to four hours per day bathing and preening—more time than is documented for any other Iowa bird. WWW.IOWADNR.GOV 29 “It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” t’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” than a bit disgusting. But for hungry vultures, the opportunity We’ve all heard that line a thousand times. represented nothing less than a four-star banquet—an asphalt But for me, the well-worn phrase gained new version of a carrion eater’s 21 Club of New York fame. “ meaning as I paused to watch members of a local After slowing and pulling aside to observe, it quickly Ihighway cleanup crew doing their dirty job. became apparent this bird show was not designed The crew was a gathering of turkey vultures, and for anyone with a queasy stomach. -
American Kestrel, Falco Sparverius
American Kestrel, Falco sparverius Status: State: Threatened Federal: Not listed Identification The American kestrel is the smallest and most widely distributed falcon in North America (Smallwood & Bird 2002, Hawk Mountain n.d.). At first glance, kestrels are often confused with other small birds such as mourning doves because of their propensity to perch on utility lines (Hawk Mountain n.d.). Kestrels however, have larger more roundish heads and often tip or “bob” their tails while perched. In flight, kestrels have a diagnostic flight pattern of quickly alternating between rapid wing beating and gliding. With proper lighting, their colorful plumage can further aid in positive identification. Kestrels are both sexually dimorphic and dichromatic; therefore sexing can be done at a distance and in chicks as young as three weeks (Hawk Mountain n.d.). Males are on average 10% smaller than females though this may be hard to ascertain in the field (Hawk Mountain 1997, Smallwood & Bird 2002). Males are more colorful, with bluish- gray wings (with or without black barring) and rufous (reddish-brown) tails. A single black bar tipped in white extends across the terminal end of the largely unmarked tail. Females are rufous on their wings and tails, often with multiple black bars extending horizontally along the length (Hawk Male American Kestrel Mountain n.d.). Plumage is highly variable © Jim Gilbert among individuals (Smallwood & Bird 2002). Both sexes exhibit grayish crowns and rufous crown patches with two vertical black stripes down their white cheeks. Black “eyespots on the back of their heads are thought to aid in reducing predation on kestrels by larger birds of prey- giving the illusion of predator awareness. -
© 2006 Abcteach.Com an Owl Is a Bird. There Are Two Basic Types of Owls: Typical Owls and Barn Owls. Owls Live in Almost Every
Reading Comprehension/ Animals Name _________________________________ Date ____________________ OWLS An owl is a bird. There are two basic types of owls: typical owls and barn owls. Owls live in almost every country of the world. Owls are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are awake at night. Owls are predators- they hunt the food that they eat. Owls hunt for mice and other small mammals, insects, and even fish. Owls are well adapted for hunting. Their soft, fluffy feathers make their flight nearly silent. They have very good hearing, which helps them to hunt well in the darkness. The sharp hooked beaks and claws of the owl make it very easy to tear apart prey quickly, although owls also eat some prey whole. Owl eyes are unusual. Like most predators, both of the owl’s eyes face front. The owl cannot move its eyes. Owls are far-sighted, which means they can see very well far away… but they can’t see up close very well at all. Fortunately, their distant vision is what they use for hunting, and they can see far away even in low light. Owls have facial disks around their eyes, tufts of feathers in a circle around each eye. These facial disks are thought to help with the owl’s hearing. Owls can turn their heads 180 degrees. This makes it look like they might be able to turn their heads all the way around, but 180 degrees is all the owl needs to see what’s going on all around him. Perhaps because of the owl’s mysterious appearance, especially its round eyes and flexible neck, there are a lot of myths and superstitions about owls. -
English, French, and Spanish Colonies: a Comparison
COLONIZATION AND SETTLEMENT (1585–1763) English, French, and Spanish Colonies: A Comparison THE HISTORY OF COLONIAL NORTH AMERICA centers other hand, enjoyed far more freedom and were able primarily around the struggle of England, France, and to govern themselves as long as they followed English Spain to gain control of the continent. Settlers law and were loyal to the king. In addition, unlike crossed the Atlantic for different reasons, and their France and Spain, England encouraged immigration governments took different approaches to their colo- from other nations, thus boosting its colonial popula- nizing efforts. These differences created both advan- tion. By 1763 the English had established dominance tages and disadvantages that profoundly affected the in North America, having defeated France and Spain New World’s fate. France and Spain, for instance, in the French and Indian War. However, those were governed by autocratic sovereigns whose rule regions that had been colonized by the French or was absolute; their colonists went to America as ser- Spanish would retain national characteristics that vants of the Crown. The English colonists, on the linger to this day. English Colonies French Colonies Spanish Colonies Settlements/Geography Most colonies established by royal char- First colonies were trading posts in Crown-sponsored conquests gained rich- ter. Earliest settlements were in Virginia Newfoundland; others followed in wake es for Spain and expanded its empire. and Massachusetts but soon spread all of exploration of the St. Lawrence valley, Most of the southern and southwestern along the Atlantic coast, from Maine to parts of Canada, and the Mississippi regions claimed, as well as sections of Georgia, and into the continent’s interior River. -
Wildlife of the North Hills: Birds, Animals, Butterflies
Wildlife of the North Hills: Birds, Animals, Butterflies Oakland, California 2005 About this Booklet The idea for this booklet grew out of a suggestion from Anne Seasons, President of the North Hills Phoenix Association, that I compile pictures of local birds in a form that could be made available to residents of the north hills. I expanded on that idea to include other local wildlife. For purposes of this booklet, the “North Hills” is defined as that area on the Berkeley/Oakland border bounded by Claremont Avenue on the north, Tunnel Road on the south, Grizzly Peak Blvd. on the east, and Domingo Avenue on the west. The species shown here are observed, heard or tracked with some regularity in this area. The lists are not a complete record of species found: more than 50 additional bird species have been observed here, smaller rodents were included without visual verification, and the compiler lacks the training to identify reptiles, bats or additional butterflies. We would like to include additional species: advice from local experts is welcome and will speed the process. A few of the species listed fall into the category of pests; but most - whether resident or visitor - are desirable additions to the neighborhood. We hope you will enjoy using this booklet to identify the wildlife you see around you. Kay Loughman November 2005 2 Contents Birds Turkey Vulture Bewick’s Wren Red-tailed Hawk Wrentit American Kestrel Ruby-crowned Kinglet California Quail American Robin Mourning Dove Hermit thrush Rock Pigeon Northern Mockingbird Band-tailed -
Owl Eyes Activity
EXPAND YOUR SENSES! TRY USING YOUR OWLTEX T EYES Age Range: Grades K-5 Time: 10-15 minutes Location: Indoor or outdoor space Materials: Yourself, a place to stand where you can focus your eyes on a fixed object at eye level. Instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch? Barn Owl v=2js74vxOXfg&feature=youtu.be Illustrations by Amira Maddison USING YOUR “OWL EYES” ACTIVATES YOUR PERIPHERAL VISION What is peripheral vision? It’s the ability to see movement and objects outside of what your eyes are directly focused on. ACTIVITY PART 1: BECOMING AN OWL Start by finding a quiet place to go and stand. Take a little bit of time to start imagining that you are becoming an owl. Notice where your feet are positioned. Make sure they are firmly positioned on the ground. Imagine that your feet have become talons and they are gripped around the branch of a tree. You are tucked away in the tree, so no one else can see you. Now it’s time to take it all in and comfortably stare into the distance. If you are outside, make sure you can see the sky and the ground. If you are inside, make sure you can see the ceiling and the floor. Notice your eyes going soft and imagine that you can now see everything happening around you. For a few minutes, take it all in. To finish, take a big breath in and when you breathe out, release that feeling of becoming an owl. Next, you will work on activating your eyesight. -
Owl Adaptations Teacher Pre-Visit Packet Welcome!
Owl Adaptations Teacher Pre-Visit Packet Welcome! Dear Teacher, Thank you for booking a program with the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey! We are very excited to meet you and to teach your students. This packet was designed to help you be able to prepare your students for their Owl Adaptations program with the Audubon Center. The following pages include vocabulary your students should be familiar with, a reading list, lesson ideas, and more! I hope these ideas help you and your students better connect to birds of prey, and extend their learning around their program with the Audubon Center. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. See you soon! Laura VonMutius Education Manager Audubon Center for Birds of Prey [email protected] 407- 644 - 0190 Vocabulary Before you visit the Center, familiarize your students with some important vocabulary terms that we may use throughout the program: 1. Adaptation: adjustment to meet certain environmental changes. 2. Birds of Prey: birds, which generally prey upon other animals for food; generally meaning eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, ospreys, owls, and vul- tures; also known as Raptors. 3. Crepuscular: most active in the twilight hours (dawn and/or dusk). 4. Camouflage: markings possessed by an animal which helps it blend in with its surroundings. 5. Diurnal: active during the daytime, as opposed to nocturnal. 6. Environment: surroundings in which an organism lives 7. Facial Disks: a disk shaped mask on an owl, formed by very small feath- ers which fan out from the eyes to the ears. -
Northeast Corridor Chase, Maryland January 4, 1987
PB88-916301 NATIONAL TRANSPORT SAFETY BOARD WASHINGTON, D.C. 20594 RAILROAD ACCIDENT REPORT REAR-END COLLISION OF AMTRAK PASSENGER TRAIN 94, THE COLONIAL AND CONSOLIDATED RAIL CORPORATION FREIGHT TRAIN ENS-121, ON THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR CHASE, MARYLAND JANUARY 4, 1987 NTSB/RAR-88/01 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 1. Report No. 2.Government Accession No. 3.Recipient's Catalog No. NTSB/RAR-88/01 . PB88-916301 Title and Subtitle Railroad Accident Report^ 5-Report Date Rear-end Collision of'*Amtrak Passenger Train 949 the January 25, 1988 Colonial and Consolidated Rail Corporation Freight -Performing Organization Train ENS-121, on the Northeast Corridor, Code Chase, Maryland, January 4, 1987 -Performing Organization 7. "Author(s) ~~ Report No. Performing Organization Name and Address 10.Work Unit No. National Transportation Safety Board Bureau of Accident Investigation .Contract or Grant No. Washington, D.C. 20594 k3-Type of Report and Period Covered 12.Sponsoring Agency Name and Address Iroad Accident Report lanuary 4, 1987 NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD Washington, D. C. 20594 1*+.Sponsoring Agency Code 15-Supplementary Notes 16 Abstract About 1:16 p.m., eastern standard time, on January 4, 1987, northbound Conrail train ENS -121 departed Bay View yard at Baltimore, Mary1 and, on track 1. The train consisted of three diesel-electric freight locomotive units, all under power and manned by an engineer and a brakeman. Almost simultaneously, northbound Amtrak train 94 departed Pennsylvania Station in Baltimore. Train 94 consisted of two electric locomotive units, nine coaches, and three food service cars. In addition to an engineer, conductor, and three assistant conductors, there were seven Amtrak service employees and about 660 passengers on the train. -
Turkey Vulture AKA: Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, Vulture, Carrion Crow, Carrion Buzzard, Etc
Turkey Vulture AKA: Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, Vulture, Carrion Crow, Carrion Buzzard, etc. Scientific Classification: Animalia, Chordata, Aves, Incertae sedis (disputed), Cathartidae; Cathartes; C. aura. Bird Size & Markings: Adult Turkey Vultures can be 32” long, stand 30” high and have 6 foot wingspans. Males and females have brownish-black body plum- age, silvery-gray flight feathers, bare red heads and a short yellow hooked bill. Turkey Vultures have very limited vocalization; it can only hiss or grunt. Habitat: The Turkey Vulture is the most abundant vulture in the Americas. It is commonly found in open and semi-open areas throughout the Americas from southern Canada to Cape Horn. It is a permanent resident in southern US States, though northern birds may migrate as far as South America. It prefers to roost on tall dead trees or high bare cliffs. It will roost on man-made structures such as water towers, skyscrapers, billboards and other structures of sufficient height. Nesting/Dens: There is little or no construction of a nest; eggs are laid on bare surfaces in protected locations such as a cliff, cave, burrow or inside a hollow A Turkey Vulture’s primary method of defence tree. They lay 1 or 2 eggs for each brood. Chicks fledge 9 to 10 weeks after hatch- is the projection vomiting of semi-digested car- ing. Family groups stay together until fall. rion. This deters most attackers (No doubt!). Food: Turkey Vultures prefer to feed on fresh carrion ranging in size from small mammals and dead fish to dead cattle and other grazers. They prefer fresh car- rion and avoid rotting carcasses. -
Black-Flies and Leucocytozoon Spp. As Causes of Mortality in Juvenile Great Horned Owls in the Yukon, Canada
Black-flies and Leucocytozoon spp. as Causes of Mortality in Juvenile Great Horned Owls in the Yukon, Canada D. Bruce Hunter1, Christoph Rohner2, and Doug C. Currie3 ABSTRACT.—Black fly feeding and infection with the blood parasite Leucocytozoon spp. caused mortality in juvenile Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) in the Yukon, Canada during 1989-1990. The mortality occurred during a year of food shortage corresponding with the crash in snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations. We postulate that the occurrence of disease was mediated by reduced food availability. Rohner (1994) evaluated the numerical re- black flies identified from Alaska, USA and the sponse of Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) Yukon Territory, Canada, 36 percent are orni- to the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) cycle thophilic, 39 percent mammalophilic and 25 from 1988 to 1993 in the Kluane Lake area of percent autogenous (Currie 1997). Numerous southwestern Yukon, Canada. The survival of female black flies were obtained from the car- juvenile owls was very high during 1989 and casses of the juvenile owls, but only 45 of these 1990, both years of abundant hare populations. were sufficiently well preserved for identifica- Survival decreased in 1991, the first year of the tion. They belonged to four taxa as follows: snowshoe hare population decline (Rohner and Helodon (Distosimulium) pleuralis (Malloch), 1; Hunter 1996). Monitoring of nest sites Helodon (Parahelodon) decemarticulatus combined with tracking of individuals by radio- (Twinn), 3; Simulium (Eusimulium) aureum Fries telemetry provided us with carcasses of 28 ju- complex, 3; and Simulium (Eusimulium) venile owls found dead during 1990 and 1991 canonicolum (Dyar and Shannon) complex, 38 (Rohner and Doyle 1992). -
A Multi-Gene Phylogeny of Aquiline Eagles (Aves: Accipitriformes) Reveals Extensive Paraphyly at the Genus Level
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com MOLECULAR SCIENCE•NCE /W\/Q^DIRI DIRECT® PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION ELSEVIER Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 35 (2005) 147-164 www.elsevier.com/locate/ympev A multi-gene phylogeny of aquiline eagles (Aves: Accipitriformes) reveals extensive paraphyly at the genus level Andreas J. Helbig'^*, Annett Kocum'^, Ingrid Seibold^, Michael J. Braun^ '^ Institute of Zoology, University of Greifswald, Vogelwarte Hiddensee, D-18565 Kloster, Germany Department of Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 4210 Silver Hill Rd., Suitland, MD 20746, USA Received 19 March 2004; revised 21 September 2004 Available online 24 December 2004 Abstract The phylogeny of the tribe Aquilini (eagles with fully feathered tarsi) was investigated using 4.2 kb of DNA sequence of one mito- chondrial (cyt b) and three nuclear loci (RAG-1 coding region, LDH intron 3, and adenylate-kinase intron 5). Phylogenetic signal was highly congruent and complementary between mtDNA and nuclear genes. In addition to single-nucleotide variation, shared deletions in nuclear introns supported one basal and two peripheral clades within the Aquilini. Monophyly of the Aquilini relative to other birds of prey was confirmed. However, all polytypic genera within the tribe, Spizaetus, Aquila, Hieraaetus, turned out to be non-monophyletic. Old World Spizaetus and Stephanoaetus together appear to be the sister group of the rest of the Aquilini. Spiza- stur melanoleucus and Oroaetus isidori axe nested among the New World Spizaetus species and should be merged with that genus. The Old World 'Spizaetus' species should be assigned to the genus Nisaetus (Hodgson, 1836). The sister species of the two spotted eagles (Aquila clanga and Aquila pomarina) is the African Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis). -
Life History Account for Peregrine Falcon
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus Family: FALCONIDAE Order: FALCONIFORMES Class: AVES B129 Written by: C. Polite, J. Pratt Reviewed by: L. Kiff Edited by: L. Kiff DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY Very uncommon breeding resident, and uncommon as a migrant. Active nesting sites are known along the coast north of Santa Barbara, in the Sierra Nevada, and in other mountains of northern California. In winter, found inland throughout the Central Valley, and occasionally on the Channel Islands. Migrants occur along the coast, and in the western Sierra Nevada in spring and fall. Breeds mostly in woodland, forest, and coastal habitats. Riparian areas and coastal and inland wetlands are important habitats yearlong, especially in nonbreeding seasons. Population has declined drastically in recent years (Thelander 1975,1976); 39 breeding pairs were known in California in 1981 (Monk 1981). Decline associated mostly with DDE contamination. Coastal population apparently reproducing poorly, perhaps because of heavier DDE load received from migrant prey. The State has established 2 ecological reserves to protect nesting sites. A captive rearing program has been established to augment the wild population, and numbers are increasing (Monk 1981). SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Swoops from flight onto flying prey, chases in flight, rarely hunts from a perch. Takes a variety of birds up to ducks in size; occasionally takes mammals, insects, and fish. In Utah, Porter and White (1973) reported that 19 nests averaged 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from the nearest foraging marsh, and 12.2 km (7.6 mi) from the nearest marsh over 130 ha (320 ac) in area.