Side by side, in half an inch of water, they stomp
their feet as fast as they can. In late July, the Great Horned Owls chicks are four
and a half months old, and must fend for themselves much of the time. The
Yellow-rumped Warbler, probably mid-way through its fall migration, is unafraid. And
how can you help stranded birds? For two weeks, the adults have not offered food to
the young, but the owlets, now six months old, have become proficient hunters. Why
does the American Dipper dip? Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods,
and forest fires all can kill birds in great numbers.
The Greater Roadrunner is a common species in the
desert and brush country of the Southwest, but its full range reaches from
California to western Louisiana. Not really a hawk at all, the Common Nighthawk is
closely related to the more fully nocturnal nightjars, such as the Whip-poor-will of
eastern North America. Under this pummeling, a smorgasbord of shrimp is stirred up
for the gulls to harvest. The grebe struggles and flaps, but cannot
fly.
Polynesian navigators often carried with them
frigatebirds, which they released and followed to land.
Other birds help, too, including this Western
Bluebird.
The cool, coastal fog of Washington lifts on a fall
morning, revealing a monumental natural drama.
They are available for students of all levels.
Natural disasters sometimes take a terrible toll on birds and other wildlife. In
some vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Counties in California, owls patrol by night, and
kestrels, harriers, and other raptors take the day-watch. Last year, the Seahawks
won every game when he was in the stadium. He will fly after dark to avoid the
threat posed by hawks and falcons. Not really a hawk at all, the Common Nighthawk is
closely related to the more fully nocturnal nightjars, such as the Whip-poor-will of
eastern North America. Cedar Waxwings display a wealth of eye-catching
plumage.
Mid-September approaches; the mornings are
chilly.
Deep in left field, an Oriole pounces on the
ball.
To compensate, these birds move their heads.