Sep 24 2026
Picture an October night: a nearly full moon, bare branches moving in the wind, and somewhere beyond the porch light, the unmistakable call of an owl. It is easy to understand why people have spent centuries turning these remarkable birds into creatures of mystery. Owls appear on Halloween cards, decorations, witch illustrations, haunted forests, party …
Jul 03 2026
Few birds command the sky quite like the Peregrine Falcon. Powerful, agile, and extraordinarily fast, this remarkable raptor is famous for its breathtaking hunting dives and its ability to thrive in environments ranging from remote sea cliffs to the tops of downtown skyscrapers. The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is found across much of the world …
Apr 11 2025
Discover the beauty and power of the American kestrel, a small but mighty bird of prey. Learn about their habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts in this informative article.
Apr 08 2025
Few birds create a sense of scale quite like the Andean Condor. With enormous wings stretching more than 10 feet from tip to tip, this legendary scavenger can glide above mountain valleys for hours while barely flapping. The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is one of the largest flying birds on Earth and possesses the longest …
Apr 11 2024
The Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa) is one of the most impressive owls of the northern forests. With an enormous round head, piercing yellow eyes, finely patterned gray plumage, and a wingspan approaching five feet, this bird can appear almost impossibly large when perched silently at the edge of a snowy meadow. Its appearance is …
Mar 16 2024
The Northern Goshawk has long been regarded as one of the most powerful and elusive hawks of North America’s forests. With broad wings, a long tail, piercing eyes, and an extraordinary ability to pursue prey through dense woodland, this formidable raptor seems perfectly designed for life among the trees. There is one important naming change …
Mar 16 2024
The Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) is a secretive forest and canyon-dwelling owl of the American Southwest and Mexico. With enormous dark eyes, softly mottled brown-and-white plumage, and a preference for cool, sheltered forests and steep rocky canyons, it is one of the most distinctive nocturnal birds of western North America. Despite its name, …
Mar 12 2024
The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is one of the most familiar large birds soaring over North America. With its broad wings, small red head, and effortless, slightly wobbly flight, this remarkable scavenger is easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Although vultures sometimes carry an ominous reputation, Turkey Vultures are extraordinarily valuable …
Mar 11 2024
The Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) is proof that a bird does not need to be large to be a formidable predator. Barely larger than many of the songbirds it hunts, this tiny owl patrols the mountain forests of western North America with bright yellow eyes, sharp talons, and a surprisingly bold personality. Unlike many owls, …
Dec 16 2023
High above the windswept valleys and rocky plateaus of the Himalayas, an enormous bird circles almost effortlessly on broad wings. This is the Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis), one of the largest vultures in Asia and one of the most impressive soaring birds in the world. Also known simply as the Himalayan Vulture, this powerful …
