HANC Wildlife

Pileated Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Dryocopus pileatus

The Pileated Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that lives in a variety of forests across the northern U.S. and the south of Canada. Both males and females have a red crest on their head, with a solid black back and white spots on the front of their wings that are most often visible during flight. The males have a larger crest, and a red streak on their cheek that almost looks like a mustache, while the females are lacking this aspect of the crest and instead have a black streak. They eat bugs, seeds, and berries, and use their beaks to peck at dead trees to get at bugs to eat. They live in holes in trees that they make themselves. It may take a mating pair of Pileated Woodpeckers up to 30 days to finish making their home!

Muskrat

Scientific Name: Ondatra zibethicus

The Muskrat is a semi-aquatic rodent commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams. They are well-adapted to their watery habitats, with webbed hind feet and a laterally flattened tail that aids in swimming. Muskrats build dome-shaped lodges out of vegetation, which provide shelter and a place to raise their young. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants, but they will also eat small animals and fish. Muskrats play a crucial role in their ecosystems by helping to maintain healthy wetlands. Watching muskrats can offer a glimpse into the intricate balance of aquatic environments.

Canada Goose

Scientific Name: Branta canadensis

The Canada Goose is a large, migratory bird known for its distinctive black head and neck, white cheek patches, and brown body. These geese are highly social and often seen in flocks, especially during migration. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including lakes, rivers, marshes, fields, and urban parks. Canada Geese are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants like duckweed. They are known for their strong family bonds and often travel in family groups. Their loud honking calls and V-shaped flight formations are iconic signs of seasonal change, making them a familiar and beloved presence in many regions.

Painted Turtle

Scientific Name: Chrysemys Picta

The Painted Turtle is native to North America, living in freshwater like rivers, lakes, and ponds. It has a long, oval-shaped, smooth shell with little grooves where the large scale-like plates overlap. The color of the top shell varies from olive to black, while the bottom shell is yellow and sometimes red. The turtle's skin is also an olive to black color with red and yellow striping on the neck and legs. Their feet are webbed to help with swimming. The painted turtle is a cold blooded reptile. They lay eggs in the spring and fall in batches of 4-15 eggs. Painted Turtles are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. Their diet consists of insects, fish, and algae. Painted Turtles hibernate from the months of October-March by burying themselves in dirt!

Green Heron

Scientific Name: Butorides virescens

The Green Heron is a small, stocky wading bird known for its striking greenish-black cap, back, and wings, contrasted with a chestnut-colored neck and chest. These birds are often found along the edges of ponds, rivers, and marshes, where they hunt for fish, amphibians, and insects. Green Herons are known for their patient hunting technique, standing still for long periods before striking quickly to catch prey. They sometimes use tools, such as dropping insects or small objects into the water to lure fish—a rare behavior among birds. Observing Green Herons can reveal the fascinating strategies they use to thrive in their aquatic habitats.

American Red Squirrel

Scientific Name: Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

The American Red Squirrel is a small squirrel that has a dorsal band of pale reddish gray to reddish brown hairs running down its head to the tip of its tail, and it becomes a more bright red in the winter time. The red squirrel is most active near dawn and dusk, except during cold winter when it moves about during midday. They make their homes in hollow trees or burrows. They eat buds, seeds, fruits, fungi, walnuts, acorns, insects, birds, mice, voles, immature rabbits, and maple sugar.

White-tailed Deer

Scientific name: Odocoileus virginianus

White-Tailed Deer are a species of deer native to the North American Continent. They are most easily recognized due to their white tails, hence their name. They change color in the winter and early spring from a reddish brown to a brownish gray. Male deer have antlers which can grow up to 15 inches long! Most family units of these animals consist of a mother, father, and up to 3 or 4 fawns, or baby deer. After a year or two, the fawns will begin to look for ranges, or areas where they live, further away from their parents. They are herbivores, eating plants, leaves and berries found in the forests where they live.

American Toad

Scientific Name: Anaxyrus americanus

The American Toad is a common amphibian found throughout much of North America. It has a stout, warty body that can range in color from brown to reddish to olive, often with dark spots. American Toads are primarily nocturnal and are most active during warm, wet weather. They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, fields, gardens, and suburban areas. Their diet consists mainly of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males produce a distinctive, high-pitched trill to attract females. American Toads play a vital role in controlling insect populations and are an important part of the ecosystem.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus

The Red-Winged Blackbird is a common sight in marshes and wetlands, recognizable by the male's striking red and yellow shoulder patches. These birds are often seen perched on cattails, singing their distinctive, musical calls that resonate through the air. They feed on a variety of insects and seeds, making them adaptable to different environments. Observing their behavior and listening to their songs can offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of these vibrant birds. During breeding season, males become highly territorial, defending their nesting areas with vigor. Their nests are cleverly woven among the reeds, providing a safe haven for their young.

Wood Duck

Scientific Name: Aix sponsa

The Wood Duck is known for its stunning plumage, with males displaying iridescent greens, purples, and distinctive white markings. Females, though less colorful, are equally charming with their subtle hues and white eye-ring. These ducks prefer wooded swamps, marshes, and ponds, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. Their unique habit of nesting in tree cavities adds an interesting twist to their already captivating presence. Wood Ducks are excellent swimmers and agile flyers, often seen gliding gracefully through their forested habitats. They are also known for their strong family bonds, with parents diligently caring for their ducklings, guiding them through the water and teaching them essential survival skills.

Great Horned Owl

Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful and widespread owl found across North America. Known for its large size and distinctive ear tufts, it has mottled brown and gray plumage that provides excellent camouflage. These owls are highly adaptable, living in diverse environments from forests to urban areas. They are formidable predators, eating a variety of prey including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their deep hooting call is a familiar sound at night, and they are fiercely protective of their nests.

Red Fox

Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpes

The Red Fox is a medium-sized canid with a characteristic reddish coat, bushy tail, and sharp, pointed ears. It is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and urban areas. Red Foxes are primarily nocturnal, but they can also be active during the day, especially during the breeding season. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and even human leftovers. Known for their cunning and agility, Red Foxes are solitary hunters, using their keen senses to track and capture prey. Their elusive nature and striking appearance make them a fascinating subject of observation in the wild.

Mallard

Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos

The Mallard is one of the most familiar ducks, easily identified by the male's iridescent green head, white neck ring, and chestnut-brown chest. Females have a more subdued, mottled brown appearance, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Mallards are often found in ponds, lakes, and rivers, where they feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Their adaptability and widespread presence make them a common yet delightful subject of birdwatching. Mallards are known for their distinctive quacking and social behavior, often seen in pairs or small groups. During migration, they travel great distances, showcasing their resilience and strength.

Raccoon

Scientific Name: Procyon lotor

Raccoons are highly adaptable mammals known for their distinctive black "mask" and ringed tail. They are nocturnal creatures, often seen foraging at night for a wide variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, insects, and even human garbage. Raccoons are intelligent and curious, capable of solving complex problems to access food. They are also excellent climbers and swimmers, making them versatile in different environments. Raccoons often use their dexterous front paws to manipulate objects and explore their surroundings. Observing raccoons can be both entertaining and enlightening, showcasing their resourcefulness and adaptability.

Black-capped Chickadee

Scientific Name: Poecile atricapillus

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, non-migratory songbird with a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a soft gray body. These birds are known for their curious and friendly nature, often seen flitting through trees and shrubs in search of food. They primarily eat insects, seeds, and berries, and are especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Chickadees are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, suburban areas, and even urban parks. Their cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call is a familiar sound in many North American backyards, bringing a touch of the wild to everyday life.

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Scientific Name: Sciurus carolinensis

The Eastern Grey Squirrel is a common sight in many forests, parks, and urban areas across North America. These agile creatures are known for their bushy tails and impressive acrobatic skills, often seen leaping from tree to tree. They have a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and even small insects. Grey squirrels are known for their habit of burying acorns and other nuts, which helps in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Observing their behavior can be fascinating, especially their complex communication through vocalizations and tail movements. They build nests, called dreys, high up in trees, providing a safe haven for their young.