Wintering in small to immense numbers in shallow wetlands, this crane is often attracted to the vicinity of corn and grain fields. Each evening the cranes return to a few protected areas to roost together. In flight they often form in a \V\, and at other times they will soar high on thermals in spiraling groups. In the summer, pairs claim territories in open, secluded grassy and marshy areas near water. The large nest is made of sticks, mud, moss and grass and placed on the ground near moist areas.
Distinctive in its ability to walk down tree trunks head first, the small Red-breasted Nuthatch is readily identified. It occurs in mature coniferous forest and high altitude aspens where it feeds on insects from the bark and, during the winter, on pine cone seeds. Its nest is in a cavity dug out of a rotting branch or stump.
Often a bold and fearless resident of picnic tables and human camping areas in coniferous forest and mountains. The Gray Jay eats insects, fruit, and dead animals. It often caches mouths-full of food in branches and needles of trees for use in leaner times. The nest is large and woven from sticks, bark, moss and mammal hair and well insulated from the early spring cold temperatures. It is placed on a horizontal branch near the trunk In especially hard winters, Gray Jays move down to lower altitudes.
The most widely encountered goose in North America, the Canada Goose is often found in urban parks, golf course lawns, lakes and rivers. They feed on grass shoots, berries, crustaceans and in the winter largely on seeds. This species often becomes semi-domesticated and non-migratory where food and protection from predators are readily available. In the wild, its huge nest of grass, sticks is lined with feather down and placed on the ground near water. Pairs mate for many years and can be very aggressive in defense of the nest and young.