Author Archives: Harriett Raptor

4:45 Sunday evening. Large, pure white heron with daggerlike yellow bill. Long black legs. Forages in shallow wetlands by slowly stalking prey. Largest and most widespread white heron.

The Santo Antônio Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Madeira River, 4 mi southwest of Porto Velho, Brazil Because the dam is a run-of-the-river project, it does not impound a large reservoir. The reservoir that has been created is ideal for wintering osprey. The Santo Antônio reservoir … Continue reading →

One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter.

Is not a duck…Compact, small gray-brown body and a stubby bill. Shorter, rounder body than a duck. Inhabits ponds and marshes with emergent vegetation. Dives to feed mostly on fish. Black eyes.

While buried in dense shrubbery, they belt out a scratchy “chick-burio-chick” song. More often heard than seen. Look for white eye, yellow eyebrow, olive back, gray breast, and yellow sides. Thick bill characteristic of vireos. Forages in scrubby areas, overgrown … Continue reading →