Red Knot

Red Knot Once threatened by market hunters, this shore bird of sandy shores and mud flats, has been recovering. Red Knots breed on the tundra and winter along both ocean coasts as far south as South America. Round trip migration for some of these travelers is as much as 20,000 miles. Both parents stay with the brood and its is thought that the males actually do most of the brooding.

Wood Duck Flank

Wood Duck Flank The Wood Duck represents a real live conservation success story. After coming close to extinction in the early part of the 20th century.  A strong effort to provide nesting boxes and habitat conservation was brought forth by sportsmen and hunting and hunting organizations alike. Woodies are now the second most common duck species on the East Coast. The vibrant colors of the drake sets this small duck apart from all other wild ducks in North America. Wood Ducks are usually are found around rivers, creeks and flood plains near wooded areas and are one of the very few ducks that prefer to nest well off the ground. Both sexes sport crested heads. In flight Wood Ducks are identifiable by their short broad wings and large rectangular tail, an adaptation that allow them to navigate among the tangled branches of the woodland habitats they tend to prefer.

Turkey Breast (Split)

Turkey Breast (Split) The Wild Turkey was once championed by Benjamin Franklin as a “much more respectable bird” than the Bald Eagle during discussion to establish a national bird. After logging reduced their habitat, the numbers fell dramatically. However, recently conservation and Game Commission organizations have been very successful in reintroducing wild turkeys. Today the Turkey can be found across most of the US. One of the largest birds in the country, this shy resident of the woodlands has been reintroduced in many areas. Toms or Gobblers stand 2 ½ to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet in length, and can weigh up to 25 pounds. Average Gobblers weigh in at about 16 pounds, while the smaller Hens average 9 to 10 pounds. Colored overall brown, the Turkey glimmers in sunlight in coppers, blues, greens, and mahogany highlights. Gobblers sport long spurs on their legs, used for fighting, and a growth of black hair like feathers that protrudes from their breast. Turkeys feed on tender shoots, leaves, flowers, tubers, nuts, insects and larvae. Turkeys graze several miles daily searching and scratching for food and water.

Turkey Body

Turkey Body The Wild Turkey was once championed by Benjamin Franklin as a “much more respectable bird” than the Bald Eagle during discussion to establish a national bird. After logging reduced their habitat, the numbers fell dramatically. However, recently conservation and Game Commission organizations have been very successful in reintroducing wild turkeys. Today, the turkey can be found across most of the US.

One of the largest birds in the country, this shy resident of the woodlands has been reintroduced in many areas. Toms or Gobblers stand 2 ½ to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet in length, and can weigh up to 25 pounds. Average Gobblers weigh in at about 16 pounds, while the smaller Hens average 9 to 10 pounds. Colored overall brown, the Turkey glimmers in sunlight in coppers, blues, greens, and mahogany highlights. Gobblers sport long spurs on their legs, used for fighting, and a growth of black hair like feathers that protrudes from their breast. Turkeys feed on tender shoots, leaves, flowers, tubers, nuts, insects and larvae. Turkeys graze several miles daily searching and scratching for food and water.

Wood Duck (Rounded Tertail)

Wood Duck (Rounded Tertail) The Wood Duck represents a real live conservation success story. After coming close to extinction in the early part of the 20th century. A strong effort to provide nesting boxes and habitat conservation was brought fourth by sportsmen and hunting organizations alike. Woodies are now the second most common duck species on the East Coast. The vibrant colors of the Drake sets this small duck apart from all other wild ducks in North America. Wood Duck usually are found around rivers, creeks and flood plains near wooded areas, and are one of the very few ducks that prefer to nest well off the ground. Both sexes sport crested heads. In flight Wood Ducks are identifiable by their short broad wings and large rectangular tail an adaptation that allows them to navigate among the tangled branches of the woodland habitats they tend to prefer.

Wood Duck (Pointed Tertail)

Wood Duck (Pointed Tertail) The Wood Duck represents a real live conservation success story. After coming close to extinction in the early part of the 20th century.  A strong effort to provide nesting boxes and habitat conservation was brought fourth by sportsmen and hunting organizations alike.  Woodies are now the second most common duck species on the East Coast. The vibrant colors of the Drake sets this small duck apart from all other wild ducks in North America. Wood Ducks are usually are found around rivers, creeks and flood plains near wooded areas and are one of the very few ducks that prefer to nest well off the ground. Both sexes sport crested heads. In flight Wood Ducks are identifiable by their short broad wings and large rectangular tail, an adaptation that allows them to navigate among the tangled branches of the woodland habitats they tend to prefer.

tertail

Ring-Necked Pheasant

Imported from China and found most commonly in the central temperate plain of North America, the wild Ring Necked Pheasant population has actually stemmed for a number of sub-species, most of which were imported by sportsmen for hunting. The long tail and striking rust, bronze and oranges of the male makes this game bird a favorite.

The Hen is much less conspicuous marked in mottled browns and grays with less dramatically long tail feathers. Short and broad wings are built for quick jumps and short gliding flights. Pheasants actually prefer to stay on the ground and out run danger, relying only on short flights when absolutely necessary.