In the folklore of old Appalachia, it was said that the wild turkey could see into the hearts of humans, judging their honesty on the eve of Thanksgiving.

In autumn, Field Sparrows form large flocks, seeking food in weedy fields and forest edges. Their buzzy song is often the only sound heard as these birds prepare for their migration. #🪶

God bless our Vets!

Trick or Treat

Vultures are linked to Halloween because their scavenging evokes foreboding, fitting figures in legends about the supernatural and afterlife.#🪶 #🐡

Owls symbolize wisdom and clarity, while "HOLLOWeen" evokes themes of mystery and transformation.#🪶

Owls symbolize wisdom and clarity, while "HOLLOWeen" evokes themes of mystery and transformation.#🪶

Quails typically wake up at dawn. Their early rising helps them forage for food and evade potential predators.#🪶

In fall, red-winged blackbirds gather in large flocks, foraging in fields and wetlands. Their calls echo as they prepare to migrate.#🐡 #🪶

The odd thing about the Kiwi is its flightlessness; it has evolved without wings to navigate its forest environment. Its nocturnal habits further set it apart.

Canadian geese honk to communicate with their flock. The honking helps keep the group together, signals warnings, or conveys excitement. It’s their way of chatting and staying connected. #🪶#🐡

The Great Horned Owl does not have actual horns. The "horns" are tufted feathers on its head that resemble horns, used for camouflage and communication rather than defense.#🪶 #🐡

The Rainbow Lorikeet's bright colors act as camouflage amid the diverse and colorful plants of its natural habitats.#🪶 #🐡

The Wild Turkey can run up to 25 mph and fly short distances at over 50 mph.#🪶 #🐡 #birds

Greylag Geese usually spend around 50% of their day in water, mainly for feeding and resting. This amounts to about 12 hours each day.#🐡 #🪶

Falcons have powerful muscles and specialized feathers, enabling quick dives and maneuvers. They reach speeds over 240 mph.#🪶#🐡

Cedar Waxwings feed together, they often eat fermented berries, which can make them tipsy.#🪶 #🐡

Ravens are often regarded as bad luck omens in many cultures, symbolizing mystery and death; however, some view them as signs of transformation and hope.#🪶 #🐡 #birds

Sanderlings, with thin legs, are adapted to sandy beaches, enabling them to sprint while foraging. #🪶 #🐡 #birds

A Black-Bellied Whistling Duck typically flies an average of 20 to 50 miles per day during migration. #🪶 #🐡

Peacock tail feathers can reach lengths of up to 6 feet and take about three years to develop. #🪶 #birds

The Scarlet Tanager is a migratory bird known for the bright red feathers of the males. It travels over 2,000 miles between its breeding areas. #🪶 #🐡

The Bald Eagle, once endangered, has successfully recovered from near extinction. This majestic bird serves as a symbol of strength and renewal. #🪶 #🐡

Sandhill Cranes have long, slender legs that can reach 36 inches, allowing them to wade in shallow waters while foraging for food. #🐡 #🪶

A swimming swan typically uses its legs smoothly and coordinatedly, performing 10 to 15 kicks per minute. #🪶 #🐡

Steller Jays differ from Blue Jays in both appearance and behavior. They are larger, have a more vibrant blue and black coloration, and are primarily found in western North America. #🪶 #🐡

A Red-Tailed Hawk has two focal points in each eye, which provides it with excellent depth perception. #🪶 #🐡

Ostriches can run up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h), faster than many flying birds. #🪶 #🐡

Wood Storks can stand in water for hours while foraging, using a patient hunting technique that showcases their adaptability in wetlands.#🪶 #🐡

The Roseate Spoonbill has striking pink wings, measuring 28 to 32 inches wide, enabling graceful gliding in wetland habitats.#🐡 #🪶

The Laughing Gull's call evokes a sense of coastal serenity and nostalgia, reminiscent of sunny shores. #🐡 #🪶

“Labor is the fabled magician's wand, the philosopher's stone, and the alchemist's gold.” – Robert Green Ingersoll.

The Red Heron is known for its distinctive reddish plumage, which aids in camouflage and mate attraction, rather than indicating any blue traits. #🪶 #🐡

Hummingbirds have a wing beat rate of 50 to 80 beats per second, with some species exceeding 100 beats per second for exceptional agility and maneuverability. #🐡 #🪶

The Great Egret has long, slender legs that help it take off by allowing it to reach height quickly when launching from water or land. Its lightweight body reduces drag, making it easier to ascend quickly. #🪶 #🐡

Cows yawn, which may be related to relaxation, communication, and social bonding. Yawning can also occur due to fatigue or boredom. #🪶#🐡

In late summer, the Wren searches for insects and berries, singing to establish its territory before autumn migration. #🐡 #🪶

The Jaeger is recognized for its aerial agility, engaging with larger seabirds to defend its territory. #🪶 #🐡

Herring gulls possess excellent eyesight, allowing them to see a broader spectrum of colors compared to humans. #🪶 #🐡

Herring gulls possess excellent eyesight, allowing them to see a broader spectrum of colors compared to humans. #🪶 #🐡

Bluebirds symbolize happiness through their vibrant color, representing joy and tranquility. They often appear in literature and folklore, embodying hope and positive emotions. #🪶 #🐡

The black-capped chickadee is known for its distinct “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” calls, where the number of “dee” notes indicates the level of threat from predators. #🪶 #🐡

Red-winged blackbirds build nests in cattails, which provide shelter and attract insects for food. This highlights the crucial role of cattails in supporting local bird populations. #🪶 #🐡

The great blue heron has a wingspan of 6 to 7.5 feet, making it one of North America's largest herons. #🪶 #🐡

The Barred Owl, known for its distinctive hooting, is primarily nocturnal and has expanded its range into suburban areas, thriving in various habitats. #🪶 #🐡

The Spotted Sandpiper has a distinctive sleeping habit; it often sleeps on one leg, allowing it to stay alert for predators while conserving energy. #🪶#🐡

The Common Shelduck is known for its distinctive plumage and often nests in burrows instead of traditional nests. #🪶 #🐡

Killdeer, a type of plover, breed near ponds and rivers. They nest on open ground and use their keen eyesight to find insects and invertebrates in shallow waters. #🪶 #🐡

waterfront at Cable Crossing Beach