All in Wildlife Watching
he barred owl is one of the silent night hunters of the Midwest and eastern United States. They are expanding their range out west, too. Their specialized feathers allow them to fly in almost complete silence, remaining undetected by their prey until it is too late.
The American toad lives throughout most of the eastern and northeastern United States. In fact, they are the most widespread toad species in all of North America. This common amphibian is a frequent visitor to flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and other moist areas where insects abound.
Baltimore orioles are one of the most beautiful birds that visit the central and eastern United States. Their bright orange feathers really stand out against the dark green leaves of the shrubs and trees where they feed, making them easy to see for anyone watching.
Most people agree that the vast majority of butterfly species in North America are beautiful to look at, but one of my favorites is the very attractive Pipevine Swallowtail. They are jet black overall, and the hind wings of the males are marked with a spectacular blue iridescence.
Brown-headed cowbirds are unusual birds. They are just one of many species of native blackbirds, and as the name says, even though the body feathers of the male birds are black, they have a noticeably brown head.
Gray Tree Frogs are very small creatures, typically measuring 1.5 to 2 inches long. Believe it or not, these tiny amphibians are equipped with two amazing “super powers”. One of those remarkable powers is their climbing ability.
Most of us have seen barn swallows flying around the countryside, but how many have seen a cliff swallow? The American cliff swallow is a member of the bird family that includes swallows and martins. These small, swift birds breed throughout much of the United States during the summer and migrate to South America during the winter.
There’s something unsettling, visceral even, about a bear attacking a person. It’s not the way it should be. We’re supposed to be the top predator in the food chain, not the second link. Fortunately, events like this are rare which is why they attract people’s attention as they do.
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans that look like miniature lobsters. People around here call them crayfish, crawfish, crawdads or mudbugs, but if you lived in Europe or Australia you might call them yabbies!
The lowly rockbass is the first fish caught by many kids. These members of the sunfish family are aggressive and will eagerly take most small baits presented to them. That makes them the perfect target for young anglers.
The Common Loon is an interesting bird. Although not normally seen in many of the central states during the summer, in the spring they can be observed on lakes and reservoirs as they migrate north in search of nesting grounds.
Snakes are interesting creatures. Many people don’t like them or are frightened by them, but snakes are very beneficial and they are a vital and natural part of the ecosystem. One fascinating species of snake in the United States is the Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis).
