Hobbies And Interests
Red-tailed Hawks
Red-tailed hawks soar in open country searching for prey in fields. Rabbits, squirrels, voles and mice are common prey of the red-tailed hawk. Red-tailed hawks nest in tall trees or on the ledges of cliffs. These birds are very common and found throughout North America.
Whooper Swans
Whooper swans feed on seeds, grasses and underwater vegetation. Found in northern Eurasia, the whooper swan is Finland's national bird. These birds spend most of their lives on the ground except during migration. An entire flock of whooper swans has been observed during migration at 29,000 feet.
Turkey Vultures
Turkey vultures soar while searching for food. These birds generally do not hunt but search for food already dead. Turkey vultures have excellent eyesight as well as a keen sense of smell. Turkey vultures are not nest-making birds, they instead lay eggs on the ground. These birds often circle in thermals to gain elevation instead of wing flapping.
Canada Geese
Canada geese live in fields, grassy areas and aquatic environments. Canada geese reach high altitudes while migrating when moving from breeding grounds in northern areas in the summer to southern areas in the winter. These geese are attracted to manicured lawns and eat the grass for food. Thought of as a nuisance, Canada geese are often unwelcome guests on parks, lawns and golf courses. Canada geese are often hunted for their meat throughout North America.
Bald Eagle
Bald eagles soar above the ground hunting for fish, other birds and small animals. Bald eagles lay their eggs in nests made high in trees. These birds are often seen soaring around lakes and perched on treetops. Bald eagles can reach altitudes of 10,000 feet. Removed from the endangered species list in 2007, bald eagles have seen an increase in population due to conservation efforts.