Gilligallou's Blog — Bird Behavior

Louise Beckinsale
bird-migrating-over-ocean

Study Reveals That Some Seafaring Birds Use Their Sense of Smell to Navigate During Migration

Much has been written and studied regarding the world’s bird populations in an effort to identify how and why birds act the way they do, particularly during migration. As one of the most impressive feats in the animal kingdom, researchers have long been fascinated by our feathered friends’ ability to navigate long distances, often at […]  

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northern-waterthrush

Late Summer Spotlight – The Northern Waterthrush

Small yet vocally proficient, the northern waterthrush is a unique and interesting bird to observe.  Favouring dense cover, these birds can at times be a challenge to locate but once found, can provide spectators with an interesting glimpse into their daily activities. Bob was lucky enough to spot one around his home earlier this week […]

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Louise Beckinsale
bald-eagles-feeding-red-tailed-hawk

The Red-Tailed Hawk That Was Adopted by Bald Eagles and Survived

Biologists and bird enthusiasts alike have been monitoring one particular bald eagle’s nest in western Canada over the past couple of months.  The hawk chick, known by some as Spunky, has somehow managed to defy all odds and not only survive the encounter with the large eagles but thrive. As natural enemies, smaller hawks such […]  

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Summer Spotlight – The Red-Eyed Vireo

Summer Spotlight – The Red-Eyed Vireo

Developing at the end of the bird’s first winter season, the red iris is what gives this small songbird its name.  Although sometimes difficult to decipher unless you are intimately close to the bird, it is their song that has the ability of not only entrancing birders from all walks of life but also makes […]  

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