Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Raptors

[ysabetwordsmith]

Three Weeks for Dreamwidth runs April 25-May 15. This year, I'll be posting about birds in honor of birdfeeding. Today's topic is Raptors.




Raptors, or birds of prey, are carnivores who hunt vertebrates. These include eagles, falcons, hawks, buzzards, ospreys, owls, secretarybirds, seriemas, and vultures. They typically rely on speed and strength, keen eyesight, hooked beaks, and strong feet with sharp talons. Some species, like vultures, are primarily scavengers and many other species will scavenge opportunistically, especially when food is scarce.

15 Facts About Raptors

All About Raptors - Habitat and Distribution

Identifying birds of prey in flight

Identifying Raptors - How to Differentiate Birds of Prey

Osprey, Old World Vultures, Hawks and Eagles of the World

Raptor ID Fact Sheets


Raptors live in many different habitats. Some like waterways, others prefer forests, and some are grassland hunters. Many species like a high perch such as a dead tree (or in modern times, a telephone pole) above a stretch of open space or grass that makes it easy to spot prey. See the "Woodpeckers" installment for tips on how to preserve or create standing snags, which raptors also love. Plant native grasses, flowers, and trees to attract prey. Build brush piles as shelter, especially for rabbits -- a great use for the remains of invasive trees you cut down. Many raptors mate on the wing and may consider a good wildlife yard as a romantic carpet for their courtship; I once saw a pair of bald eagles courting above my yard.

Living on The Land: Attracting Birds of Prey for Rodent Control

Brush Piles for Wildlife

Five Simple Ways You Can Help Conserve Raptors

How to turn an office park into raptor habitat

Improving Habitat for Raptors - Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Management Tools for Raptor Conservation

Managing Small Woodlands for Raptors: Oregon & Washington

Welcoming Raptors to Your Backyard - Hawkwatch International


Birds of prey do not eat typical bird food offered in feeders. However, they often do appear around feeders -- because they view the smaller birds, and other animals such as squirrels or rabbits, as food. Predation scenes can be very exciting! This might or might not be something you want at your feeder. Think about how most raptors hunt: they like to perch or soar overhead and then swoop down on their prey. So if you want to support that, place feeders in an open area, preferably near a high perch. To discourage it, place feeders in dense cover or under an overhang like a porch.

Birdist Rule #93: Understand How Different Raptors Are Built to Hunt Their Prey

How discourage predators around my bird feeder?

PREDATION OF BIRDS AT FEEDERS IN WINTER


Birds of prey have diverse nesting patterns. Many of them are large birds who build nests with sticks, and may use artificial nesting platforms. This can be a nuisance on power poles, so alternative perches and platforms are helpful. Others are cavity nesters who will use birdhouses. Some are so threatened by habitat loss that nest boxes can make a big differences, such as barn owls.

15 Free DIY Barn Owl Box Plans For Your Garden

17 Owl House Plans To Attract Owls To Your Backyard

American Kestrel Nest Box : 22 Steps (with Pictures)

American Kestrel Nest Box Plans

Barn Owl Box Tips - Encourage Owls to Nest

Cavity-Nesting Birds of North American Forests

CONSERVATION SPECIES SPECIFIC NEST BOXES

An Elevated Nesting Platform for Ospreys, Eagles, Owls, and Herons

Enhancing Raptor Populations

Hawk Perches and Owl Boxes

Kestrel Bird Houses (to buy)

Owl Houses (to buy)

Owl Nest Boxes For Sale - Wild Bird Store Online

Raptor Perches

Raptors that Nest in Boxes & Platforms