Raeesah Habib

Raeesah Habib is a South African conservationist and freelance writer. She completed a diploma in nature conservation in 2016 through the University of South Africa (UNISA). During her internship, she spent a year working with wattled cranes on the Wattled Crane Recovery Programme (WCRP).

The program aims to prevent the local extinction of the wattled crane in Southern Africa through the release of captive-reared individuals into critically endangered wild populations across the country. During her time at the research facility, she was also responsible for the general monitoring and husbandry of other magnificent species, including blue cranes and secretary birds.

Following her internship, she was fortunate to have worked in some spectacular wilderness areas across the country, including the Cradle of Humankind, the Kruger National Park, and the northern Zululand. As a wildlife monitor, her responsibilities included conducting bird point counts. Birds surveys are a useful means to collect data on the avian populations in an area. The data helps researchers gain an understanding of population trends and ecosystem health.

When not in the field, Rae enjoys writing to share her passion, knowledge, and experiences with others.

Boat-tailed Grackle

Ravens vs Crows vs Blackbirds – How to tell them apart

Oh black bird, what omen doth ye bring? Since ancient times, ravens and crows have been perceived as harbingers of darkness. In Greek and Roman mythology, ravens are associated with Apollo—the god of prophecy, or Phoebus, as the Romans would say...

Peacock

Plumage Extravaganza – Why Peacocks Spread Their Feathers

A uniquely magnificent bird revered for its dazzling display, the peacock has long been associated with power, strength, and divinity. In its native India where it is the national bird, the peacock represents the flow of time. According to Hindu...

Large flightless birds

Types of Large Flightless Birds

The Struthioniformes, also called the Ratites, are a diverse group of flightless birds. Most species are large and long-legged, but they range in size from the common ostrich at nine feet tall to the chicken-sized kiwis. Aside from the ostriches of...

Eagles of Florida

The 4 Eagle Types Of Florida And Where To Find Them

The Sunshine State is a haven for wildlife, boasting some of the most iconic wilderness areas of North America. From the Florida Keys to the Everglades, Florida is a nature lover’s paradise. And between the forests, grasslands, wetlands, islands...

Owls of Maryland

The 8 Owl Types Of Maryland And Where To Find Them

The Old Line State might be small, but it sure packs a punch. Between the forests, coastal salt marshes, Appalachian highlands, and Chesapeake Bay area, Maryland’s diverse environment offers birders over 400 species to look out for. Hotspots include...

Owls of Kentucky

The 8 Owls Of Kentucky And Where To Find Them

The southwestern state of Kentucky is home to some stellar birding shrines. From the wildlife refuges in the northwest to the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachians in the east, the Bluegrass State boasts a diversity of landscapes, providing habitat...