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Tampa Bay Times
In Clearwater, a close look at rescued raptors
By Douglas R. Clifford,
10 days ago
A great horned owl at the raptor sanctuary at Moccasin Lake Nature Park on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Clearwater. Owls have binocular vision, enabling them to see images in three dimensions and to judge distances better than most birds [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
The feathers that grow from a bird’s skin seem simple from a distance.
Look closer and the arrangements and patterns of the plumage reveal complex relationships with the environment.
There are tens of thousands of feathers at the the raptor sanctuary at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, a haven for dozens of injured birds of prey like bald eagles, falcons and owls.
The wing feathers of a great horned owl reveal the intricate camouflage that enables the owl to blend in with tree bark in proximity. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
The barn owl’s plumage frames its face and is used to startle prey. Under a full moon, the bird’s ghostly appearance triggers prey to freeze, making it easier to catch, according to a study published by Nature Ecology & Evolution.
A barn owl's piercing black eyes peer out from a wreath of white feathers. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
Feathers on the face of the red-shouldered hawk provide insulation during winter months but can cause heat stress during hot weather. The bird mitigates overheating with by panting.
A red-shouldered hawk sticks its tongue out as it pants. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]Water drops bead off the back feathers of an American bald eagle. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]An American bald eagle cools itself by panting. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
American bald eagles have no feathers on their feet to aid hunting in water where they use their talons to grab fish.
A talon on the right foot of an American bald eagle. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
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Feathers surrounding the great horned owls’ yellow eyes create a distinctive face.
A great horned owl stares out from yellow-ringed eyes. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
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