Turkey Vulture
(Cathartes aura)
Breeder. Common all seasons in Gulf Coast region. Remarkably resistant to most diseases, especially those likely to br present in carrion.
(photo by Dave Cagnolatti)
|
| |
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
The Bald Eagle is under continuous pressure due to habitat loss and increased human disturbance. Only concerted efforts to protect wetlands and nest sites will ensure the continued existence of this magnificent bird
(photo by Marlene Cashen)
|
| |
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
The magnificent Bald Eagle has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is rare on the Gulf Coast all year and breeds in a few locations. Although it is a very skilled hunter, the Bald Eagle often eats carrion or will steal fish from the smaller and weaker Osprey.
(Photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
In south Alabama this species fairly common throughout the year. It generally emits eight or more hoots Occasionally the hoots are followed by a long drawn-out , weird scream that can chill the bones of the uninitiated.
(photo by Marlene Cashen)
|
| |
 |
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
Although it is mainly nocturnal, the Barred Owl may be seen hunting on cloudy days. It feeds mainly on small mammals, but will also take birds, frogs, and snakes.
( photo by Terry Hartley )
|
| |
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl is fairly common all year on the Gulf Coast.
Photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
 |
Great Horned Owl adult and chicks
Bubo virginianus
photo by Dr. Earl McLaughlin
Great Horned Owls do not build nests, instead using abadoned nests of other birds.
This is an old Osprey nest. Two to four white eggs are incubated by the female for
about seven weeks, but the downy whitish chicks are fed by both parents and are
ready to leave the nest around ten weeks after hatching.This photo was taken 17
March 2007. |
|
| |
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
This species is common in winter, fairly common in spring and fall, and uncommon in summer in the Gulf Coast region. Because it perches low on woodland edges and along roadsides this is one of the most conspicuous and easily observed hawks.(Photo by Marlene Cashen)
|
| |
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
The call is a penetrating scream. A large portion of the diet consists of rats and rabbits.
(Photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
This sleek, powerful falcon is known for its speed and power. It hunts mainly medium-size birds from high above in spectacular stoops. The tundra breeding population is widespread in migration and winter. In the Mobile Bay area, it is rare winter and spring and fairly common in the fall.
(photo by Marlene Cashen) |
| |
 |
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
The 10 -14 inch long Sharp-shinned Hawk is a bird-eating specialist, but will also eat a variety of small mammals and insects. It is common in the fall, uncommon in the winter and spring, and absent in the summer.
photo by Marlene Cashen
|
|
| |
 |
Cooper's Hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper's Hawk is distinguished from Sharp-shinned Hawk by longer, rounded tail, larger head, and, in adult, stronger contrast between back and crown.
(photo by Terry Hartley) |
| |
Black Vultures
(Coragyps atratus)
These carrion feeders are common throughout the year .
(Photo by Marlene Cashen)
|
| |
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
This species is often seen hovering or perched on wires in open areas, hunting insects and small mammals.
(Photo by Marlene Cashen) |
| |
  |
Red-shouldered Hawk (Above)
(Buteo lineatus)
This small forest hawk, usually found near water, hunts mainly mammals and some reptiles and amphibians from perches. (Photo by Marlene Cashen) |
| |
White-tailed Kite
(Elanus leucurus)
White-tailed Kite is an occasional visitor to the Alabama coast fall and winter. The food of this beautiful kite consists mainly of insects and small rodents.
(Photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
Mississippi Kite
(Ictinia mississippiensis)
Mississippi Kite is fairly common on the Alabama coast summer and fall and is an uncommon breeder in the spring. Nests are made in tall pines or hardwoods and often are located near human habitations.
(Photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
Barn Owl
(Tyto alba)
Barn Owl is uncommon on the Alabama coast fall and winter and rare spring and summer. The presence of Barn Owls often is revealed by collections of "pellets" beneath a well-used roost. Pellets consist of the undigested, regurgitated remains of insects, birds, and small mammals.
(Photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
Barn Owl Nest Eggs
(Tyto alba)
Dr. Bill Summerour found this Barn Owl nest in an old barn in the spring 2004 south of County Road 4 east in south Baldwin. Barn Owls have a long breeding season and may nest any month. Eggs hatch in 29-42 days. |
| |
Barn Owl Chicks
(Tyto alba)
Altricial young hatch with closed eyes, sparse pale gray down. Female broods alone. Initially only male brings food to nest; female joins in foraging when young about two weeks old. Fledging period is nine to 13 weeks; dependent upon adults several weeks longer. They are probably fairly common in Baldwin County, but seldom seen and we do not have much breeding data for them. Photo: Dr. Bill Summerour |
| |
Barn Owl adults
(Tyto alba)
The crow-sized Barn Owl is unique. Its white, heart-shaped face and dark eyes are unmistakable. No other owl has this facial pattern. Photo: Dr. Bill Summerour |
| |
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Found primarily around lakes, rivers, and bays, the Bald Eagle is rare throughout the year on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
(photo by Marlene Cashen) |
| |
| |
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
A fish-catching specialist, the Osprey can be observed over open-water habitats hovering at great heights and plunging into the water feet first. The nesting season occurs from late spring through early summer. |
| |
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
Breeder. The Osprey holds fish with both feet, stops to shake water out of feathers, points fish head forward to decrease wind resistance, and carries to perch or to feed young.
(photo by Dave Cagnolatti) |
| |
 |
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus )
photo by John Borom
Clutch size is usually about three eggs. Eggs hatch after a period of 35-43 days.Young fledge at around 50-55 days. Family units remain together for an additional 10-20 days prior to migration. |
|
| |
 |
Osprey
( Pandion haliaetus )
photo by John Borom
When making the nest, the male and the female work together but the female is usually the one who contributes the most.
Males and females share incubation duties but the female does the majority while the male mainly provides food. |
|
|
|
 |
Osprey
( Pandion haliaetus )
photo by John Borom
Osprey wings are long, thin and lanky and more tapered than those of a Bald Eagle. |
|
| |
 |
Osprey
( Pandion haliaetus )
photo by John Borom
Ospreys feed almost exclusively on live fish. Other foods such as crustaceans, frogs, snakes, small mammals, and birds have been recorded as prey items but are likely incidental to the primary diet of fish. |
|
| |
 |
Osprey
( Pandion haliaetus )
photo by John Borom
The Osprey has special barbed pads on the soles of its feet that help to grip the slippery fish, which the bird carries to a nearby tree to eat. |
|
| |
 |
Osprey
( Pandion haliaetus )
photo by John Borom
The Osprey is a fish-catching specialist, and it can be observed over rivers and estuaries hovering at great heights ( 50-200 feet ) and plunging into the water feet first. |
|
| |
