Hawks & Owls of the Great Lakes Region & Eastern North America

by Earley, Chris G.

• ISBN13: 9781552978474
• ISBN10: 1552978478
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Summary

The Great Lakes region and Eastern North America are home to over 30 species of birds of prey. Hawks & Owls illustrates the subtle differences and rich diversity among these birds and makes precise identification possible. Over 180 photos show the birds in their natural environment. Comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single page for quick reference. The book includes male/female differences, seasonal and immature plumages, morphs, distinctive markings, full-color pictures and range maps. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Chris G. Earley is the Interpretive Biologist at the University of Guelph's Arboretum and author of Sparrows and Finches... and Warblers... both books are for the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America.

Table of Contents

Those magnificent raptors	p. 7
How to use this book	p. 8
A note to beginners	p. 10
The quotes	p. 11
Taxonomy	p. 11
Classification of the birds in this book	p. 12
Hawk groups	p. 13
Identification features	p. 14
Hawk look-alikes	p. 16
Seasonal status of hawks & owls	p. 17
Bird profiles	p. 18
Black Vulture	p. 18
Turkey Vulture	p. 20
Osprey	p. 24
Swallow-tailed Kite	p. 28
Mississippi Kite	p. 30
Bald Eagle	p. 32
Northern Harrier	p. 36
Sharp-shinned Hawk	p. 40
Cooper's Hawk	p. 44
Northern Goshawk	p. 48
Red-shouldered Hawk	p. 52
Broad-winged Hawk	p. 54
Swainson's Hawk	p. 58
Red-tailed Hawk	p. 62
Ferruginous Hawk	p. 66
Rough-legged Hawk	p. 68
Golden Eagle	p. 72
American Kestrel	p. 74
Merlin	p. 78
Gyrfalcon	p. 80
Peregrine Falcon	p. 82
Prairie Falcon	p. 84
Barn Owl	p. 86
Eastern Screech-Owl	p. 88
Great Horned Owl	p. 90
Snowy Owl	p. 92
Northern Hawk Owl	p. 94
Barred Owl	p. 96
Great Gray Owl	p. 98
Long-eared Owl	p. 100
Short-eared Owl	p. 102
Boreal Owl	p. 104
Northern Saw-whet Owl	p. 106
Vagrants	p. 108
White-tailed Kite	p. 108
Snail Kite	p. 108
Harris's Hawk	p. 109
Short-tailed Hawk	p. 109
Crested Caracara	p. 110
Burrowing Owl	p. 110
What can I do to help hawks & owls?	p. 111
Owl prowls	p. 112
Author's notes	p. 113
References	p. 114
Comparison charts	p. 116
Owl comparison chart	p. 116
Accipiter comparison charts	p. 118
Broad-winged/Red-shouldered Hawk comparison chart--in flight	p. 122
Hawk comparison charts	p. 124
Index	p. 128
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Those magnificent raptorsSeeing a hawk riding lofty air currents of hearing an owl calling through the darkness is awe-inspiring to most observers. Yet, while many of us find these birds interesting, they can be a difficult group to identify. Many hawks zip past us too quickly, and the nocturnal habits of most owls leave us in the dark about their appearance. This book will help you identify these fascinating birds as well as learn a bit about their natural history.When trying to identify birds it is important to remember the following motto: I don't know.Really, it's okay to say it. Too many birders will get an inconclusive view of a bird and then just guess. With practice, you can identify birds from incredibly short glimpses of them, but there will always be some "I don't knows." And even if you do get a good look and still can't identify the bird, you will have learned from the process. The next time you see that species, it will be familiar to you and you may see another field mark or behavior to help in its identification. And don't forget to watch the birds as well! Keeping a checklist is fun and a way to record your sightings, but careful observations will help you understand these interesting creatures. Watching birds in their environment reveals interactions that link all of nature together.