Bald Eagle – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern In 2007, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list altogether This majestic raptor is a juvenile bald eagle. Many of us are familiar with the history of the bald eagle in America. Ben’s previous story can get you up to speed. We are encouraged to see a rebound […]
Atlantic Puffin – IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable There were puffins standing on land, flying, swimming, taking off, and landing This photo was taken off Eastern Egg Rock Island in Maine. During the summer months, Atlantic puffins gather on a remote island off of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. There are tour companies that go for puffin cruises and whale […]
Atlantic Yellow-Nosed Albatross – IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered They have a black bill with an orange trim This is a bird I might never see again. It is an endangered bird called an Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross. This photograph was taken from a boat just offshore of Eastern Egg Rock Island in Maine. This was a vagrant sighting, meaning […]
Great Egret – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Adult great egrets will have all white feathers This contorted creature is a great egret. This photograph was taken at Fort De Soto Park, just outside of St. Petersburg, Florida. The water in the background is the Gulf of Mexico. This great egret is using its long and flexible neck […]
Northern Harrier Hawk – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Harrier hawks have the longest wing and tail relative to their body size compared to any other raptor in North America This majestic predator is known as a harrier hawk. There are 16 species within the genus. This particular harrier hawk is called a northern harrier hawk. It is […]
Herring Gull – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern There are over twenty gull species in North America, but the herring gull is the most familiar to people We’ve heard about how ravens and crows are intelligent and can even fashion tools. However, most people are not aware that herring gulls have also displayed tool use. There is […]
Rock Pigeon – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Pigeons have a compact sturdy build Pigeons are a common sight in urban environments around the world. This particular bird is a rock dove, or rock pigeon. Despite their prevalence, few people understand the importance of this species to the ecosystem. Ruddy Turnstone Pigeons have a compact, […]
Canada Goose – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern The Canada Goose can grow to be 43 inches in length and weigh 14 pounds! The Canada Goose, Branta canadensis is a fascinating bird species that has captivated people for centuries. It is a large waterbird that is native to North America and is recognized for its […]
Ruddy Turnstone – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern This ruddy turnstone is missing its right foot This small shorebird is called a ruddy turnstone. They are found on beaches across the world. In the United States, we can find them on both coasts, typically in the spring and fall. Despite sounding like a beach bum bird, these birds […]
Royal Tern – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern As the scientific name implies, royal terns are almost always found near the ocean and often on sandbars completely surrounded by water The scientific name for this bird is “Thalasseus maximus”. “Thalasseus” in ancient Greek means “sea”, and “maximus” translates to “greatest” in Latin. As the scientific name implies, […]