Recreation

The Snowy Egret in Kentucky, along with its larger relative, the Great Egret, has a state status as endangered species. The word regret might be better used as the former name for these two species. However, in the early 1900s, the murder of a warden in Florida, who was trying to protect these birds, the formation of the National Audubon Society and the uproar of nature lovers, saved egrets from ultimate extinction.

The Long-eared Owl is very nocturnal in nature, and along with its habit of spending the day in extremely thick foliaged evergreens, an almost ghost owl has been created. However, I am of the opinion, these habits are why so little is known about this species. The Long-eared Owl's breeding status in Kentucky is Endangered, because they have only been found nesting in Muhlenberg County.

This bird isn’t really walking on stilts. It just looks like it. The Black-necked Stilt is elongated in every way, with long thin legs that actually measure 8 to 10 inches, a long neck, long narrow wings and a long, very thin beak. This bird actually stands 14 inches tall and has a 29-inch wing span, and in flight its long, trailing legs are very noticeable. You recognize its males for being black on top and white underneath, with red legs. The female is very similar except she has dark brown on her back from her neck back to her tail.

The Northern Saw-Whet Owl, what a name! It apparently came from early on bird observers who seemed to think that this little owl's mating call resembled the sound made by a saw being sharpened by a whetstone. Modern day ornithologists describe the song as being a repeated low, whistled toot such as “poo poo poo” or “toit toit toit.” In addition you might hear a wheezy, rising, catlike screech “shweeee,” a soft nasal bark “keew” or “pew” and a soft whining “eeeooi.”