White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis)
The White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) is a predator that sits and waits on branches like this one, starring silently from its perch until an opportune moment to strike. This bird’s name is derived from the bristle-like white feathers around the base of the bill. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Panama while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreBanded Peregrine Falcon Devouring Pigeon
One of the most outrageously spectacular and breath-taking winter bird sightings you can have is, in my opinion, the Peregrine Falcon. As the fastest animal on the Earth the Peregrine is already in a class of its own, and if you have never seen one stooping on shorebirds, waterfowl or other coastal and open-country birds you are missing out on one of the most unbelievable happenings on the planet. The raw power and sheer speed these birds display is literally unmatched. After recovering from decimation via DDT the Peregrine Falcon has begun to reconquer our landscape, moving into cities and...
Read MoreWintering American Kestrels
One species you may spot even if you strike out on finding a Snowy Owl is the American Kestrel, a bird of open fields and grasslands that will favor much of the same inland habitats. Like other falcons (and the Snowy Owls, again) you can also spot it while at the shore, feeding on rodents or avian migrants. They are small, fast raptors, usually wary of humans. If you spot a Kestrel while driving a quiet road like this one and do not get out of your vehicle you may be able to get a nice look before it dashes off after a small bird or mammal.
Read MoreSnowy Owl in Dunkirk, New York
This tremendous photo of a Snowy Owl at Wright Park Beach in Dunkirk, New York was taken this morning by our friend Gale VerHague. She used a basic point and shoot camera showing how easily we can safely photograph these birds from a distance thanks to a good zoom, especially if you have a scope. Giving them space is important so that they can rest during the day and hunt at night – in this case, likely waterfowl on Lake Erie. It is all the more necessary when, as Gale told me, birds like American Crows have honed in on the raptor as they were harassing this individual. Please try to...
Read MoreCommon Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Very appropriate for Halloween Eve, this Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) does indeed feed on blood…but they would never be coming after you! Unless you are some sort of livestock in Central or South America you will be just fine. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global diversity project.
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