Burrowing owls have brown back feathers with patches of white spots. They are between 7-9 inches tall with a 21-inch wingspan. ![]() The head is rounded and does not have ear tufts. Vultures are a protected species, which means that interfering with them physically has legal repercussions.įlorida Burrowing Owls are small owls with long legs and short tails. Their eggs hatch in 35 to 40 days, and the nesting period is 55 to 90 days. The Turkey Buzzard lays between one to four clutches from March to July. Eggs are laid on the ground in dense thickets, scrub areas, hollow logs, caves, or old buildings. The vulture can be found in pastures, landfills, or anywhere they can find carrion. They will fly in a small group and breed annually with the same mate. When threatened, they will vomit to lighten their body weight to escape as a defense mechanism against predators. Their urine kills any parasites and bacteria from walking and standing on the carcasses. They will also urinate on their legs and feet to cool off. Since they have weak legs and cannot carry food back to their young, they will gorge on a carcass and regurgitate to feed the young. These Buzzards have a unique and ecological role because they prevent the spread of disease from rotting carrion by eating it. If you see one of these vultures circling above you, it doesn’t mean you are about to die. Their bald, featherless heads make it safer for them to stick their heads deep into the carrion, and nothing will stick to the smooth skin.Īs carrion eaters, many consider Turkey Buzzards spooky and harbingers of death. They can smell the chemical breakdown of carrion from a mile away and will float and follow the aroma until they find it. The Turkey Buzzard has a keener sense of smell than other birds. Their bills and feet are not designed to catch prey, and they prefer to eat fresh roadkill and other carrion. They will travel 30 to 50 miles on these currents in search of food. ![]() Turkey vultures use thermal currents to float on the warm air currents without flapping their wings, conserving energy. Owlets hatch in approximately 4 weeks and are ready to take flight in about 6 weeks. Eggs are brooded by the female, during which time the male brings the food. Clutches consist of 2 to 4 white-colored eggs. Barred Owl nests are often found high in a tree cavity, although they have been known to move into an abandoned nest created by hawks, crows, or squirrels. Perched close to each other when courting, both males and females will bow and bob their heads, raise their wings, and call out to each other. Without any warning, they will snatch up the unsuspecting animal in their strong talons. ![]() Using their night-vision, they will take flight and silently swoop in on their prey. Barred Owls have keen eyesight and will often perch on a branch while waiting for prey to appear. Hunts generally occur during dusk or dawn, although Barred Owls may be found hunting during the day when it’s raining or when raising young. Prey consists mostly of small mammals however, Barred Owls will also prey upon other small animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Barred Owls are the only species in the Eastern United States who have warm, dark brown eyes. Their chests are barred horizontally, and their bellies are barred vertically. ![]() Their faces are pale with dark rings around the eyes, and they have yellow beaks. Save the Date - February 24th, 2019 for the annual Wind Beneath Our Wings fundraiser benefiting the Center.Adult Barred Owls are 16–25 inches long and have a wingspan of 38–49 inches. Please call the Education department at 40. The night will finish off with walking to a nearby park to look for the wild owls that live there! $5 per person, registration is required. Please call the Education department at 40.įriday February 1st, 6:30-8pm - Girl Scout Only Owl Prowl - Tell the Juniors and Cadettes you know to come out to the Audubon Center to help earn thier Habitat or Night Owl badges! It will be a fun scout evening of owl crafts, trivia, followed by an owl presentation where you can see owls up close. The night will finish off with walking to a nearby park to look for the wild owls that live there! $5 per person, children and adults invited, registration is required. Friday January 18th, 6:30-8pm - Owl Prowl - Join us for a fun education evening of owl crafts and trivia, followed by an owl presentation where you can see owls up close.
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