Blue-winged Teal | Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Sure signs that the fall migration has begun and the days getting shorter, the cooler temperatures, and the waterfowl count of the Illinois Natural History Survey. For information on the progress of the migration please visit https://www.facebook.com/ForbesBiologicalStation

Photo: Blue-winged Teal courtesy USFWS.

#animal #bird #wildlife #nature #dabblingduck 

Bald Eagle

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

As this eagle flew off its nest, it gave an impressive display of its wingspan. The finger-like tips of the wings are primary feathers, which produce thrust and forward momentum; the inner feathers of the wings are made up of secondary feathers, which produce continuous lift during flight. Together they help this eagle soar!

Photo: Bald eagle by Ryan Brady/USFWS  

#animals #bird #eagle #nature #wildlife #USFWS 




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Short-eared Owl

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

Short-eared owls eat small mammals and birds, including mice, voles, rabbits, bats, muskrats, songbirds, and shorebirds. These raptors hunt in daylight, especially in the early morning and evening. 

Photo: Short-eared owl by Tom Koerner/USFWS 

#animals #birds #owl #nature #wildlife 

#USFWS 




041117 

Female Mallard Duck Preening

#Monday

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

How do ducks stay dry in water and wet weather? They produce oil through a gland near their tails and then distribute the oil across their feathers with their bills in a process called preening. This oil makes their feathers waterproof!

Photo: Mallard preening by BJ Baker/USFWS 

#animals #birds #duck #nature #wildlife 




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Bobwhite Quail - Expert in Camouflage

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

Look closely: can you see the bobwhite quails? These birds are experts in camouflage with their dappled brown and rufous feathers. 

Photo: bobwhite quails by Cortney Solum/USFWS 




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Red-tailed Hawk

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

#USFWS #Bird #Hawk

Red-tailed hawks are the most common hawk species in North America and are found in almost every open habitat, from grasslands, deserts, and fields to roadsides and cityscapes. Have you spotted one recently? 

Photo: Red-tailed hawk by Mark Bohn/USFWS 




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Have you ever seen a fluffy bird in winter, like this black-capped chickadee?

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

#USFWS #Bird

Have you ever seen a fluffy bird in winter, like this black-capped chickadee? Birds fluff their feathers to stay warm in cold weather: because their body heat warms the air between their feathers, birds fluff their feathers to make as many air pockets as possible, trapping in warm air. 

Photo: Black-capped chickadee by John Carr/USFWS 




021517 

Family Eagle Watching Day

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

Come see Emrys the eagle tomorrow at the free Family Eagle Watching Day at the refuge visitor center! Participants can view eagles, tour the Swan Lake levee, check out an eagle photography display, make a craft, and visit with Emrys during TreeHouse Wildlife Center's education program. For more details go to https://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147559361. 

Photo: Emrys the eagle by Katie Dreas/USFWS. 




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Eagles Coming To Illinois And Missouri

From Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge:

Grab your camera and watch for eagles tomorrow! The visitor center will be open from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 17.

Photo of juvenile bald eagle by USFWS.

#USFWS 




12-18-16