Canine Companions In The Wild: Exploring Nature Together

There’s an undeniable joy that comes with venturing into the great outdoors, accompanied by our loyal canine companions. The wind in our hair, the sounds of nature, and the boundless enthusiasm of our furry friends make each adventure an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will embark on a journey that celebrates the wonders of … Read more

Preparing For Hikes With A Dog (Guide)

Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity that allows you to connect with nature, get some exercise, and rejuvenate your mind. And what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by bringing along your furry friend? Hiking with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it requires careful preparation to ensure both you … Read more

Finland – Forests and Forestry

Finland - Forests and Forestry

Forest resources Finland is Europe’s most heavily-forested country. Forests as defined by the FAO cover 23 million hectares or 74.2% of the land area. In Europe, Finland is a “forest giant”, there being over sixteen times more forest per capita than in European countries on average. Finland’s forests have been intensively harvested over the last … Read more

Cathartes Aura – Turkey Vulture

Cathartes Aura - Turkey Vulture

Distinguishing Features – Sexes similar. Large, broad-winged. Long and rounded tail. Plumage, dark brown except for paler flight feathers. Head, red, small, unfeathered. Longish, hooked yellow bill. Rather short, thick reddish legs. Holds wings in a dihedral angle while soaring and gliding. Size – average: 63.5 – 81 cm (25 – 32 in) Habitat The … Read more

Corvus Corax – Common Raven

Corvus Corax - Common Raven

Distinguishing Features – Completely black with purplish or violet reflections, most pronounced on back wings and tail. Male and female indistinguishable but female is slightly smaller. Size – 56 – 67 cm (22.5 – 26.75 in) Habitat Widespread; prefers wide open spaces for foraging and woodlots for nesting; anywhere with an easily accessed supply of … Read more

Corvus Brachyrhynchos – American Crow

Corvus Brachyrhynchos - American Crow

Distinguishing Features – Completely black with greenish or violet reflections, most pronounced on back wings and tail. Male and female indistinguishable but female is slightly smaller. Size – 43 – 53 cm (17.25 – 21.25 in) Habitat Widespread; prefers open spaces for foraging and woodlots for nesting; anywhere with an easily accessed supply of food. … Read more

Nyctea Scandiaca – Snowy Owl

Nyctea Scandiaca - Snowy Owl

Distinguishing Features – As large as the Great Horned Owl but lacks ear tufts. Overall colouration white, barred and spotted with brownish accents. Face, completely white; eyes, large, yellow; legs and toes, heavily feathered. Male is usually white or only lightly marked. Female (pictured below) is somewhat larger and more heavily marked than the male. … Read more

Bubo Virginianus – Great Horned Owl

Bubo Virginianus - Great Horned Owl

Distinguishing Features – One of the largest of Canadian owls. Overall coloration brown with white and blackish highlights. Chest; lighter. Large, yellow eyes ringed in brownish-orange. Beak, black. Prominent ear tufts. Female is somewhat larger than male. Size: Male: 46 – 58.5 cm (19.5 – 23.5 in) Female: 56 – 63 cm (22.5 – 25.25 … Read more

Pandion Haliaetus – Osprey

Pandion Haliaetus - Osprey

Distinguishing Features – Large, long-winged; dark brown above and white below with a white head and a prominent dark eye stripe. Bill brownish-black, blue at the base and margin; cere light blue. Iris yellow. Feet pale greyish-blue, tinged with brown; claws black. The male is usually all white below whereas the female has a necklace … Read more

Buteo Jamaicensis – Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo Jamaicensis - Red-tailed Hawk

Distinguishing Features – Upper side, dark brown randomly mixed with white and reddy-brown. Upper tail surface, characteristic chestnut colour (hence the name “red-tailed”), bearing narrow black subterminal band with whitish tip. Dusky strip from corners of the mouth to shoulder. Underparts are whitish, with a band, lined with random, slate-colored markings. The underside of tail … Read more