The Wood Duck by Mark L Franzer Of all waterfowl, the Wood Duck reigns supreme! The males have ornate patterns on nearly every feather and are iridescent chestnut and green. The females are equally distinct with their unique profile and white patterns around the...
Don’t let this month scare you by way of ‘mimicry’. The dark metallic blue with white dots and red “tail” gives the threatening appearance of a dangerous wasp but is completely harmless. The caterpillars are a shade of orange with long black hairs again making...
Mfranzer@yahoo.com Did you know that there isn’t an average lifespan for the “gator”? Two of the oldest American Alligators had been in captivity until their early 80s! An average adult alligator is close to 800 lbs growing to approximately 14 feet although...
Great White Egret rank among our most conspicuous and beautiful birds. The Great White Egret is extremely similar to the Great White Heron however, the Egret is a bit smaller in size with black legs. The Heron is larger in stature, less “bright’ with thicker...
Downy Woodpeckers are smaller versions of the Pileated Woodpecker of which you’ve seen “Woody Woodpecker” of cartoon fame. The Downy has an effective chisel-like bill when in search of insect larvae prey. In fact, due to their size they can reach where their...
The Pielated Woodpecker is on the of the most striking “forest” birds in the general area. Its size is comparable to the black crow but with bold white stripes and flaming red crest. You can hear the Woodpecker whacking at dead trees and fallen logs in search of their...
