Perhaps they make it through the winter through their high metabolic rate. This would generate heat, but also consume lots of food. They seem to, and if that's the case the calories they ingest would, aside from feeding them adequately, also help keep them warm. Another strategy would be to migrate.
Your fine photos and the cranes are just beautiful!
That is excellent! I say so without having any knowledge of your techniques,and knowing only a little about photography. Thank you for such an unusual submission.
What a lovely photo! It sure shows what a magnificent effect downloading can have.
I think that's a very appealing photo.
A very rare species of frog lives in Lake Titicaca----nowhere else in the world. I always wanted to go, but illness prevented it, and time is running out. If you ever go back, look for that frog!
Just beautiful. I'm so glad you were able to go! --- Ed
Rab-Eye: Thank you! I'm obviously no authority on birds, but appreciate your explanation.---
A really fine tribute. Thank you.
Every photo I've seen of a Red-bellied Woodpecker has a white belly. Is that the female? If not, why is it so-named?
Thanks for the fine photos and the very interesting narrative.
In their reproduction there are always four young, genetically identical because all are derived from a single zygote (fertilized ovum or "egg") that has divided twice. Each one of the four resulting cells thus develop into an exact genetic copy of that zygote. This has allowed research (mainly genetics, physiology and molecular biology) in which genetic variation can be ruled out as the source of whatever phenomenon is being studied. They are therefore of immense scientific value. They originated in South America, and constitute, in my view, just one of the wonders of the natural world.
I know the feeling. When I was younger I'd sometimes lie out on a rock and play dead, just to see if I could get any to come down. It didn't work...then.