Yes, geese do fly at night. Many species, especially during migration, engage in nighttime flight. They’ve adapted to navigate in low light using stars, the moon, and Earth’s magnetic field. Night flying offers benefits like cooler air, fewer predators, and less air traffic. However, not all geese fly at night equally, and they face challenges … Read more
Michigan is home to 11 owl species, including year-round residents like the Great Horned, Barred, and Eastern Screech-Owls, and seasonal visitors such as the Snowy Owl. These nocturnal hunters play vital roles in ecosystems, from forests to urban areas. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and citizen science projects. Responsible observation and reporting of sightings … Read more
Hawks don’t hunt at night. They’re diurnal raptors, active during daylight hours. Their eyes are adapted for daytime vision, lacking the specialized features nocturnal birds have for night hunting. Hawks roost after dark, conserving energy. While they might move if disturbed, true hunting is reserved for daytime when their prey is active and visible to … Read more
Finches in Texas offer a diverse array of species, from common residents like the House Finch and American Goldfinch to seasonal visitors such as the Purple Finch and Pine Siskin. Texas provides ideal habitats for these seed-eating songbirds, ranging from urban backyards to state parks. Birders can enjoy year-round finch watching, with opportunities to spot … Read more
North America has many small black birds with white bellies, like the Eastern Kingbird, Black Phoebe, Dark-eyed Junco, and others. These birds live in forests, prairies, and other places, showing unique behaviors, like the Kingbird’s aggressiveness and the Warbler’s tree-climbing. Some, like the Tree Swallow, have shiny backs, while others, like the Lark Bunting, change … Read more
Quail typically live 1.5 to 5 years in the wild, facing numerous threats like predation and habitat loss. In captivity, their lifespan extends to 2-4 years on average, with some species reaching 5-6 years under optimal care. Button quail can live 3-5 years, coturnix quail 2-4 years, and bobwhite quail 4-6 years in captivity. Proper … Read more
Michigan is home to diverse heron species, including the iconic Great Blue Heron, elusive Green Heron, and elegant Great Egret. These birds inhabit the state’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Herons play crucial ecological roles and face challenges like habitat loss. Conservation efforts, including wetland restoration and citizen science programs, aim to protect these majestic birds. … Read more
Cranes and herons are both large wading birds, but belong to different families. Cranes are generally larger, with straight necks in flight and shorter beaks. Herons have S-shaped necks and longer, dagger-like beaks. Cranes are more terrestrial, often found in fields, while herons prefer water edges. Cranes are omnivores, herons mainly eat fish. Both face … Read more
Hawks rarely attack humans. While encounters may occur, especially during nesting season, serious attacks are extremely uncommon. Most hawk-human interactions result from territorial defense or mistaken identity. Hawks can’t lift humans or even small children. If confronted by an aggressive hawk, stay calm, appear large, make noise, and slowly leave the area. Hawks are protected … Read more
Vultures do not typically attack humans. These birds of prey are scavengers, not predators, and naturally avoid human contact. While there have been rare instances of vultures approaching people, usually due to food scarcity or habituation, actual attacks are extremely uncommon. Vultures play a crucial role in ecosystems as nature’s clean-up crew, and fears of … Read more
