Daily Archives: February 1, 2015

Seahawk, Does it exist?

Text from Wikipedia

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eatingbird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.

Photo by Mike Baird

The osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply.

The osprey and owls are the only raptors whose outer toe is reversible, allowing them to grasp their prey with two toes in front and two behind. This is particularly helpful when they grab slippery fish.

Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the osprey is 10–40 m (33–131 ft) above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water.

75th Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference – Natural Resource Management in an Increasingly Connected World at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indiana on February 8-11, 2015.

For information on how to register and attend visit http://www.midwestfw.org/index.html

Burroughs Audubon to discuss Sparrows, February 3rd.

Tuesday, February 3 – DISCOVERY CENTER AUDITORIUM – “Sparrows of the Kansas City Area: Tips and Tricks for Identifying our Beloved LBJs”. Matt Gearheart, Burroughs Audubon Society and Kansas Ornithological Society member. Did you know that over 30 species of sparrows have been observed in Kansas City? These “little brown jobs” can be quite frustrating and tricky to find and identify. Come to an informative discussion to learn more about these birds, their habitat preferences and seasonality, and acquire some great ID tips to enhance your winter sparrow watching!

Fox Sparrow from Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Please feel welcome to join our host committee and Matt at BoLing’s on the Plaza before the meeting. Meet around 5:00 p.m., and ask to be seated with the Audubon party. Otherwise, join us at the Discovery Center at 6:15 p.m. for refreshments and socializing. Business and program begin at 6:45.