Barred Owls, Strix varia, may have been howling and hooting as year-round residents of this hillside in Western Massachusetts for more than 11,000 years. Fossils of their species, that many years old, have been uncovered in Florida, Tennessee and as far north as Ontario. These raptors of night are typically hidden in layers of darkness but do sometimes hunt during daytime hours. Looking out over the panoramic views of Flower Hill Farm Retreat, always stimulates the imagination. But last … [Read more...] about Beauties of the Night ~ Barred Owl
Nature’s Black Knight ~ Raptor of the Dead
Dark as a moonless night, this new world vulture . . . nature's silent black knight Cathartes aura, emanates mystery, while evoking macabre images from the minds of many that view him. Turkey Vultures are truly remarkable diurnal creatures, preferring carrion to fresh meat and purifying our world as they dine. If you were to change the 'C' in its scientific name for a 'K' you would have the Greek derivative Kathartes meaning cleansing or purifier. Carthartes aura means purifying breeze. It is … [Read more...] about Nature’s Black Knight ~ Raptor of the Dead
Nature’s Black Knight ~ Raptor of the Dead
Dark as a moonless night, this new world vulture . . . nature's silent black knight Cathartes aura, emanates mystery, while evoking macabre images from the minds of many that view him. Turkey Vultures are truly remarkable diurnal creatures, preferring carrion to fresh meat and purifying our world as they dine. If you were to change the 'C' in its scientific name for a 'K' you would have the Greek derivative Kathartes meaning cleansing or purifier. Carthartes aura means purifying … [Read more...] about Nature’s Black Knight ~ Raptor of the Dead
