Report On North American Raptors

Bird Feeder

Good report about North American raptors. Click the link at the bottom for more information.

How are raptors doing? Most North American species are doing well. A stark exception is the tiny American Kestrel. Unfortunately this colorful falcon continues to raise alarm among conservationists. The new RPI analysis shows kestrels continuing the long-term decline reported in previous RPI analyses. “Conservation concern remains high for this species” says Laurie Goodrich, Senior Monitoring Biologist at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, “and warrants increased efforts to monitor populations and identify causes of the decline.”

Good news for birds of prey

Campers See Bald Eagles Soaring In The Pennsylvania Skies

Bird Feeder

This sounds like it was a great trip for the kids:

During the morning of the first of four days, the young people (most from Williamsport) were introduced to bird watching at Little Pine State Park. Their spotting of magnificent bald eagles was certainly the highlight.

Campers witness eagles soaring and rattlesnakes buzzing

Learn About The Merlin-A Falcon With An Attitude

Bird Feeder

The raptors include the hawks, falcons, owls, bald eagles, turkey vulture (which has been in question as a true raptor recently). Our raptors have evolved/adapted to feed on smaller birds, mammals, fish, large insects and, in some cases, carrion.

N.B.'s merlin is a falcon 'with an attitude'