Bald Eagle

Everybody knows this raptor - the Bald Eagle, the symbol of the United States of America. They have been increasing in numbers in the Texas panhandle as well as most of the rest of the country. We are shown to be in its Wintering range.

These majestic birds will eat most anything - fish (its preferred cuisine), other birds, rabbits and muskrats, prairie dogs, carrion, or anything it can get its talons into that's edible. They will also steal prey from Ospreys or other birds - obviously, opportunistic predators. They hunt from high perches, but will hunt low over fields much the same way that Northern Harriers do.

Bald Eagles nest in very tall trees, on cliffs, and sometimes on the ground. They have 1 - 3 eggs that incubate in 34 - 36 days. At least one parent is always in the nest for the first two weeks. Both will feed the hatchlings by tearing pieces off the prey and feeding it directly to the young. At around 3 - 6 weeks, they will start pecking at food dropped in the nest.

Mature Bald Eagle

Three Mature, Three Immature Bald Eagles

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Red Breasted Nuthatches are found in coniferous forests. We have 9 Junipers lining our north side fence, and it could be where they are living. Texas is in its Wintering range. They breed throughout the Rocky Mountains and farther north across Canada.

A Red-Breasted Nuthatch partakes of one of our feeders.

You may see these little rascals walking up and down tree trunks as they forage for bugs or seeds, often upside-down. Their 4 - 7 young are fed various bugs and spiders by both parents. Nuthatches nest in a rotten stub or snag up to 40' off the ground. The entrance to the hole is covered with a sticky pitch, presumably to keep other creatures from entering. They themselves fly in without stepping in it. They are thought to only have one brood per year. Nests are made with soft grass, moss, bark fibers, and feathers.