Ramsar, NGOs & people
Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats on earth, and their birds with them. These dispatches cover the losses and the recoveries: what endangers a species, what has brought some back, and the people doing the slow work of keeping wetlands wet.
58 dispatches filed under this habitat
Geese can safely eat raw unsalted nuts in small quantities. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and pecans are all fine when chopped fine and offered as treats. Salted, smoked, or flavoured nuts are not. Bitter almonds and macadamias should be avoided entirely.
Geese have better low-light vision than humans but aren't truly nocturnal. They're crepuscular - active at dawn and dusk - and migrate at night using a combination of magnetic, celestial and visual cues. In genuine darkness they roost on water and rely on hearing for threat detection.
Blackberries are safe, palatable, and naturally part of what geese forage along hedgerows. The flesh is rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamin C. Offer whole or halved, 1-2 times a week as a treat alongside the everyday diet.
Swans don't take their own lives - the folklore that they do is romantic projection. But the RSPB confirms genuine grieving behaviour after a mate dies, and weakened older swans can decline and die from grief-related stress. The 'broken heart' story is half-true.
Kiwi flesh is safe for geese and high in vitamin C. The fuzzy skin and the calcium-oxalate content are minor concerns - peel it, dice it, treat as an occasional fruit, no more than 1-2 times a week.
Geese can safely eat ripe mango flesh in moderation. The pit contains amygdalin (cyanogenic, like apple seeds and cherry pits) and the skin contains urushiol - both should be removed. Chop into pea-sized pieces; treat as an occasional fruit treat, not a staple.
Wild ducks need four things: shallow margins for dabbling, submerged food plants, predator-proof cover, and nest cavities. Get those four into a one-acre pond and you'll have Mallards, Wood Ducks, and Hooded Mergansers within a single season.
Cauliflower is safe for ducks - florets, stems, and the outer leaves are all edible. Steamed briefly is easier to digest than raw. As with all brassicas, feed in moderation to avoid loose droppings. The outer leaves alone are a useful free treat from kitchen prep.
Cabbage is safe and excellent for ducks - raw or cooked, chopped or whole (hung on a string as a tetherball game). Green, red, savoy, all fine. The single best winter enrichment for a confined flock.
Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that damages avian heart muscle. All parts (flesh, skin, pit, leaves) carry it. Documented bird deaths come from amounts as small as a teaspoon. There is no safe quantity for any duck.
Banana flesh is safe and palatable for ducks. The peel is technically safe but stringy and fibrous - most ducks won't eat it. Mash or chop into small pieces, offer as a treat 1-2 times a week, and skip if your ducks ignore it.
Ducks can eat almonds in small amounts but the rules are stricter than most fruit and veg. They must be raw, unsalted, chopped fine, and a treat not a staple. Bitter almonds are toxic. Here's the safe-feeding breakdown.
Ducks have no lactase enzyme. Milk passes through them undigested and causes diarrhoea, which in turn causes dehydration. A duck given milk instead of water can decline quickly. Stick to plain fresh water - the only drink ducks should ever get.
Owls almost never attack humans, but when they do it's almost always nest defence by Great Horned, Barred or Snowy Owls. Here are the species that account for the documented incidents, the locations where joggers get struck, and how to avoid being on the wrong end of an angry parent.
Crows mob hawks to drive predators out of their nesting territory and teach younger crows what to fear. A naturalist's read on a daily aerial drama.
A naturalist's guide to feeding wild ducks - the eight foods that are genuinely safe and useful, the five that cause real harm, and why bread is the worst thing you can hand to a mallard.
A short, practical guide to safe and unsafe foods for pond ducks - what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to feed them properly without harming the pond.
Predator distress calls and dog barks scare geese; ultrasonics and most static noises don't. A naturalist's read of the deterrents that hold up in the field.
The thirteen animals that hunt wild and domestic ducks - ranked by where they hunt (water, air, ground) - and the eight protections that actually work. A field naturalist's guide for pond owners and small-flock keepers.
A naturalist's read on swan predation - adult swans have surprisingly few enemies, but cygnets are vulnerable to a long list of predators. Which species hunt swans and at which life stage.
A naturalist's read on whether you can legally or sensibly eat a swan - the British royal protection rule, the modern UK and US legal status, and what swan actually tastes like historically.
The myth that uncooked rice harms birds is false. Cooked or raw, rice is safe for ducks. A naturalist's read of where the misconception came from.
Ducklings can swim within hours of hatching, but their feathers are not yet waterproof. A naturalist's read on how long they can safely be on water.
If you're interested in providing a safe haven for Barred Owls to nest and raise their young, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through the process of building a barred owl...
Soft, fluffy, and with eyes filled with wonder, baby owls — or owlets — are a heartwarming sight. While they might be born helpless, these young raptors rapidly grow into formidable predators. Ready...
With their ghostly appearance and silent flight, Barn Owls are iconic representatives of the night. Yet, these magnificent raptors face increasing threats in the wild. As stewards of the planet, it's...
While owls are adept at managing life in the wild, they sometimes encounter challenges, such as dehydration, especially in particularly hot or arid conditions. Dehydration can pose severe threats to...
Amidst the dense forests of North America hides a diminutive yet tenacious predator – the Northern Pygmy Owl. Though it might fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, its fierce nature is the stuff...
Barn owls, with their iconic heart-shaped faces and ghostly calls, are revered hunters of the night sky. Yet, even these master predators aren't exempt from the circle of life. While they rule the...
A field naturalist's read on the food-web that runs California's wetlands - who hunts whom, the keystone species, and why losing one predator collapses the whole system.
Imagine a world where our history, our culture, and the very essence of our existence is preserved and protected by something seemingly ordinary: wetlands. These extraordinary ecosystems, often...
From the iconic loon to the recovering Trumpeter Swan, Minnesota's 11,000 lakes hold 26 regular water birds. A naturalist's read on what's where.
A naturalist's guide to feeding wild birds peanut butter - which species actually take it, which jars are safe, the homemade winter mix we use, and the three feeders that survive squirrels.
New Hampshire is home to a rich variety of Birds of Prey. These predatory birds, including hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons, play a vital role in the state's ecosystem. With its diverse habitats...
Birds of prey in New York encompass a diverse array of species and these magnificent birds play vital ecological roles as top predators, contributing to the balance of local ecosystems. They possess...
Birds of Prey in Pennsylvania are a diverse group of raptors that play a vital ecological role. Pennsylvania offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and conservation efforts, with designated...
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, hold a unique and vital role in the rich tapestry of biodiversity found in Georgia. Renowned for their keen vision, powerful builds, and predatory lifestyles,...
In the diverse and vibrant ecosystems of Louisiana, a multitude of predatory avian species, collectively known as Birds of Prey, soar in the skies and stalk through the underbrush. These raptors,...
Spanning the boreal forests of the North to the prairie lands of the South, Minnesota hosts a broad spectrum of Birds of Prey. This array of avian predators, including eagles, hawks, falcons, and...
Taking care of ducks as pets requires understanding their needs. Provide a safe, predator-proof coop for shelter. Ducks need plenty of water, not just for drinking but also for swimming and grooming....
Ducks love fruit, but can they safely eat fruit? Yes, ducks can eat fruit, and many fruits can be a nutritious treat for them. Offer fruits like berries, seedless grapes, chopped apples, and melons...
Ducks are foraging animals that enjoy a variety of plants as part of their natural diet. However, not all plants are safe for ducks to consume. Some common garden plants can be toxic to ducks,...
Ducks are lovely creatures that can be found in many parks, ponds, and lakes around the world and feeding ducks can be a joyous activity. However, not all foods are safe for ducks to eat. In fact,...
Chocolate is a beloved treat enjoyed by many, but as a duck owner, you may be wondering whether it's safe to share this indulgence with your feathered friends. We'll take a closer look at the...
Pears are a sweet and juicy fruit that many people enjoy, but are they safe for ducks to eat? We take a closer look at whether pears are a healthy addition to a duck's diet and explore any potential...
Peppers are a popular and flavorful vegetable that many of us enjoy, but can ducks safely eat them too? As a duck owner, you want to ensure that your feathered friends are receiving a healthy and...
Birding is a popular pastime in Louisiana for both residents and visitors. It is home to a wide variety of bird species, including several rare and endangered species. The Louisiana landscape also...
The Puerto Rican parrot is a species of parrot native to the island of Puerto Rico and is considered one of the most endangered parrots in the world. With its striking green plumage and striking red...
A small-flock keeper's guide to goose housing - what geese actually need, the dimensions that work, the materials that don't rot, and the predator-proofing that matters most.
Swans are often seen as symbols of grace and beauty, but can these beautiful birds kill you? The short answer is no. But swan attacks could lead to accidental deaths. Although swans are not typically...
Swans can exhibit aggressive behavior toward humans and other wildlife during the nesting season. Nesting swans are particularly protective of their nests and young and will defend them against...
The Hawaiian goose or Nene is a medium-sized goose endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This endangered species of goose is closely related to the giant Canada goose. The nene was designated as Hawaii's...
Unfortunately, ducks can be preyed upon by birds of prey like hawks. Hawks often attack ducks because they see them as an easy meal. Ducks that are not protected from hawks can quickly become...
Mother geese are very protective of their eggs and it is rare for them to abandon them. In fact, most of the time mother geese will sit on their eggs until they hatch. If the mother goose does leave...
No, geese do not keep foxes away. Geese are actually prey for these predators, so if anything, they would attract this predator rather than deter them. Do Foxes Attack Geese? Foxes are opportunistic...
Hawks are predators, and they have many enemies. One of their most feared predators is the owl. Owls can grow to be very large, making them adept at hunting. They can easily outgrow the size of a...
Hawks are predators that typically attack chickens during the day, whereas owls attack them at night. Hawks are generally capable of killing, picking up, and carrying off an adult chicken. The size...
Geese are generally calm and non-aggressive. But they can become aggressive when defending their territory. When a goose feels threatened, it may lash out with its beak or wings. While geese rarely...