Q. What is a Sandhill Crane chick called?
A. A
colt. The female parent is a mare, and the sire is called a roan.
Q. How old must a Sandhill Crane chick be
before he can walk or swim?
A. Sandhilll Crane chicks are born fully feathered and can walk and
swim within a few hours of hatching.
Q. How far does a wintering White Pelican
travel each day for forage?
A. A
White Pelican can travel as far as 200 miles.
Q. Why are
Grebes or Loons occasionally found on country highways at dusk?
A. In
poor light, from the air, a highway may look like a still body of of water. The Grebe
(Loon) lands on the road and may not be able to become airborne again. His legs are set
very far back on his body, which is great for diving, but not so great for walking or
running.
Q. Where is a local birding site with a wide
variety of species?
A. The
Lake Woodruff National
Wildlife Refuge.
Q. When do hummingbirds return to Florida and when
should I put out feeders?
A. In February or March.
Q. How do I make hummingbird nectar for my feeder?
A. Mix 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. Do not use honey or red dye. Clean
feeder every three to four days and keep it out of the sun. You may want to buy extra
feeders -- some for the yard and some for the dishwasher.
Q. What should I do with an injured or baby bird?
A. For
information on bird and wildlife rehabilitation, click here.
Q. How do you distinguish between a black vulture
and a turkey vulture?
A. Turkey vultures have red heads, trailing half of wings silver and wings
are held in a V in flight. The bird rocks side-to-side and rarely flaps its wings. Turkey
vultures also have a smaller head and a longer tail than the black vulture.
Q. Can you suggest a good field guide?
A. Every birder has his or her favorite guides. No one guide seems to be the
authority. Choose one that shows various phases as well as flight and non flight poses.
(Check the reference page of the guide to see if it contains this information).
Q. Where can I learn more about birding?
A. There are numerous birding magazines, field guides, books, etc. The best
way is to attend your local Audubon meetings and associated outings where everyone is
welcome. You don't need to be a member. For information about West Volusia Audubon Society
meetings, click here.
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