The Hood Merganser Photo by Cheryl H “Hooded” is something of an understatement for this extravagantly crested little duck. Adult males are a sight to behold, with sharp black-and-white patterns set off by chestnut flanks. They are black above, with a white breast and rich chestnut flanks. The black head has a large white patch that varies in size when the crest is raised or lowered, but is always prominent. Females get their own distinctive elegance from their cinnamon crest, dark eyes and long, slender yellow bill. Females and immatures are gray and brown, with warm tawny-cinnamon tones on the head. Hooded Mergansers are small ducks with a thin bill and a fan-shaped, collapsible crest that makes the head look oversized and oblong. In flight, the wings are thin and the tail is relatively long and rounded. Hooded Mergansers are fairly common on small ponds and rivers, where they dive for fish, crayfish, and other food, seizing it in their thin, serrated bills. They nest in tr...
Owls Owls are nocturnal birds of prey with over 200 species. They have large heads, silent flight, and sharp talons. They hunt mammals, insects, and birds, found worldwide except polar regions. Like hawks and eagles, owls are called raptors, or birds of prey, which means they use sharp talons and curved bills to hunt, kill, and eat other animals. It is considered good to have owls around your house because they act as natural pest control, primarily preying on rodents like mice and rats, which can significantly reduce their population in your yard and surrounding areas; making them beneficial for gardeners and homeowners alike. Owls can symbolize wisdom, intuition, and the pursuit of knowledge. They can also represent a connection to the spiritual world. However, the meaning of owls can vary depending on the culture and the situation. Photo on the left was taken at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida; photo on...