Author: Whitehawk Birding
-
Top 10 Ways to Stay Connected with Nature while Remaining Indoors
At times, it might be difficult for us to find the time or the resources to stay connected with nature or to get outdoors. Maybe you are working long hours, facing inclement weather, healing from an illness, caring for a loved one, or due to recent events with COVID-19, forced inside for your safety and…
-
Birds of the West Indies – A review
The Caribbean has always been a source of fascination. Some might imagine it as the last pirate’s paradise. Others picture white sand beaches, palm trees overflowing with coconuts, turquoise waters and lush vegetation. We also associate the islands touched by this sea with the rediscovery of the New World. And, unfortunately, its exploitation and submission…
-
The Treasure of the West Indies: Hummingbirds of the Caribbean
Hummingbirds are unique to the Americas. We can find them throughout the region in a number of different habitats and elevations. The Caribbean is no exception. The hummingbirds of the Caribbean dazzle us with their beautiful iridescent colors and intriguing behaviors. The islands of the West Indies are home to some unique and lovely species…
-
Fascinating Owls and our Central American Top 10
It is true that owls are one of the most eye-catching and unique birds around. In all our work doing environmental education in different countries and with different cultures around the world, it is clear that some animals just get a bad rap. Sadly, some of the most vilified animals are the owls. Many cultures…
-
Most Amazing Birds: Bird World Records
Birds are some of nature’s most marvelous creatures. They are the only animals that sport feathers. These, along with having hollow bones and other special skeletal features, give them the ability to fly. Feathers also have many other important uses, such as thermoregulation and elaborate displays. Birds are, essentially, living dinosaurs. It’s no surprise that…
-
Bee Hummingbird, the Smallest Hummingbird in the World
We are reminiscing a lot these days about past trips and amazing experiences we have had over the past several years. Cuba is one destination that is always high on our list of most memorable trips. Everyone who has joined us in Cuba has had an incredible experience. We were able to observe a staggering…
-
Size of Harpy Eagle and Natural History of a Top Predator in the Rainforest
The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is considered to be the most powerful eagle in the world. Its thick tarsi (legs), strong toes, and sharp talons make this species a formidable predator. Historically found in rainforest habitats from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, the Harpy Eagle feeds on a number of different prey items. It prefers…
-
Amazing Birds: Fun Owl Facts
Owls are fascinating birds. They tuck themselves away during the day and emerge at night to hunt in the darkness. We do not often see them due to their nocturnal lifestyle, but every sighting of an owl becomes a memory not soon forgotten. We often think of owls as mysterious creatures, but the truth is,…
-
The Orange-breasted Falcon: Denizen of the Neotropics
When one thinks of falcons, perhaps the first bird to come to mind is the swift and stunning Peregrine Falcon. While a fascinating bird in its own right, for us, the quintessential falcon is none other than the Orange-breasted Falcon (OBF). It has impressively large feet, a bright orange breast, and incredible speed (though no…