Collared Towhee

Massive pale brown owl with plump, rounded ear tufts. An endangered species, found in mature boreal forests near streams where there are tree cavities suitable for nesting. Preys mostly on fish. Distinguished from Eurasian Eagle-Owl by absence of broad black streaks on breast and rounder, thicker ear tufts that are not held erect. Deep, resonant song, given in duet by pair. Duet consists of three notes, with the first two notes from a male and a third from a female. The lower-pitched female note partially overlaps with the second male note.

The largest gull in the world. Huge, bulky, and large-billed. Adults have dark black backs and pale pink legs. Nonbreeding adults have very limited streaking on the head. Takes four years for immatures to reach adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Tends to look colder-toned overall, with more checkered upperparts and a whiter head than other immature gulls. Always note large size and thick bill. Most common along the coasts of the northeastern U.S. and Europe, but also occurs on large lakes (especially the Great Lakes). Often gathers in mixed flocks with other large gulls on beaches and mudflats.

Handsome plover with a gentle, dove-like face. Breeding plumage distinctive, with bold white eyebrow, white breast band above rusty-orange belly with black center. Nonbreeding plumage buffy overall, with whitish eyebrow and breast band. A bird of dry upland habitats: breeds on moorland and tundra; migrants occur in fields, on golf courses, and mountaintops, at times in small groups, especially in spring. Often rather tame, but inconspicuous.