Author: Bella K. Swan

Raccoons are clever, curious, and occasionally a nuisance. They tip dumpsters, destroy roofs, and wash their hands with dainty paws. But one huge question on everyone’s minds is: do raccoons eat birds? The short answer is yes. Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores and will consume nearly anything—plants, fruit, insects, fish, small mammals, and birds from time to time. It isn’t quite that simple, though. Raccoons are opportunistic. They’ll not pursue birds in flight. They’ll take their chance when nests, eggs, or readily accessible birds are within reach. This is a bird and raccoon guidebook. We’re going to talk about raccoon diets,…

When individuals recall Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, they recall the poisoned apple, the dwarfs’ upbeat singing, and the wicked queen’s jealousy. There is another element that has stuck with spectators since 1937—the birds. Snow White’s bluebirds and forest animals are not merely decorations. They sing with her, comfort her, and even help around the house. They represent innocence, fidelity, and man’s close acquaintance with nature that is the essence of Disney’s first full-length animated film. This guide explores the story of Snow White’s birds in detail. We’ll look at their roles in the film, their symbolism, their design,…

Birds have led a fairy-tale existence in Disney movies. They soar above the castle, they warble with princesses, and they bring magic to each shot. They range from the traditional bluebirds that help Snow White to Zazu keeping The Lion King in line. Disney birds are everywhere. But they are not only background figures. They have something to say to us. They amuse us. Even educate us. Some of them are warm, some are witty, and some are wise. Disney educates us on birds about freedom, beauty, and respect for nature. This book explores the world of Disney birds. We…

Birds appear to be everywhere. They perch on our back porch, fly over oceans, zip through wood lots. Their vigilance invokes curiosity. Perhaps the most common question one has is the simplest and most intriguing: Are birds carnivores? The response is not no and not yes. There are birds that live exclusively on meat. There are those that live on plant, for the most part. There are so many that live on a little bit of both, seasonally and as a matter of need. But the issue is the fact that most birds are semi-carnivorous. They eat insects, fish, small…

Bird names come in all shapes and sizes. Some short and snappy. Some long and poetic. Some of the most compelling are those which have exactly five letters. They are memorable and brief, easy to say, and very likely to turn up in crosswords, games, and quizzes. But while the names are useful for wordplay, they are names of real birds with interesting histories, songs, and feathers. From the sparrow that wings over the sky to the swan that stumbles over the ocean, 5 letter birds are all around us worldwide. This book will walk you through their names, habitats,…

Wings and water—style grand worlds woven together. Lakes, rivers, and oceans provide a favorite bird with a sharp gift. They dine on fish. Knife-edge vision, vertical dive-bombing, and smart bills allow them to dominate water in unimaginable style. They are fish birds, but so much more than show to the surface. They are freedom, patience, and survival. They range from the elegant heron standing silently for hours on end to the diving roving osprey, and each of them has his or her own tale of give-and-take with sea and air. In this guide, we’ll explore their habits, famous species, unique…

Mexico is a country of colour, of music, of improvisation. Its desert, its coasts, its mountains, its rainforest hold one of the most diverse habitats in the world. And in them the world’s most lovely, most crazing, most enduring birds. From rainbow-plumed hummingbirds that brighten up Aztec legend to the golden eagle on the national seal, Mexico’s birds are as magnificent living as symbolic. They trill in its forests, ride the desert winds, and give life to all landscapes. This book will be your bird tour of Mexico. You will understand where they reside, myth birds, cultural value and why…

Imagine yourself standing there watching a robin scratching about your garden early in the spring. It freezes, looks at its feet sideways, and selects a red juicy berry. Was it selecting that berry in color, whether it was ready, or how it tasted? Some bird watchers have asked the same question: do birds have taste buds? Short answer: yes. Birds have taste buds but not as many as humans. They do not taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami on the tongue like us. They taste in another way. Birds rely more on vision and smell but also on taste…

There are birds that are spotted by how large they are. Others are cherished for their song. But most of the most conspicuous ones are remembered for their color. Among them are the birds with orange chest feathers that are like having the morning sun on their body. The orange chest is robust but softer than red. It unites heat and energy, meaning health, good appearance, and liveliness. These birds light up gardens, forests, and shores. They also inspire folklore, poetry, and ardor by birders everywhere. This is an adventure into the world of the orange-chested birds. We will explore…

They fly over mountain ranges. They glide low over plains. They shoot through unsuspecting animals. They are bird hunters—winged predators of the natural world, or birds of prey or raptors. Humankind has gazed up at and even feared them for thousands of years. Eagles were a symbol of strength in years gone by. Humankind used to call owls protectors or sign. Hunters domesticated falcons to hunt on their behalf. Predator birds are strong and beautiful. They creep and steal, but their eyes are so sharp that they can pick out a rabbit miles away. They sit and watch on twigs,…