Considered by many to be the most beautiful ducks, the brilliantly plumed male Wood Duck and the less showy female make a distinctive whistling sound. These shy, retiring water fowl live in ponds and sluggish streams surrounded by woodlands and usually nest in tree cavities.

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In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, the partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Christ. Years ago, the song served as a secret means of teaching English Catholics the basics of their faith, which was outlawed at the time. This carol has lost much of its old connotations and is now a merry standard of the holiday season.

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Deer have an excellent sense of hearing and when unsure of a sound, they stay completely still, blending in with their surroundings, till the danger has passed. The Deer Family reminds us to be kind and gentle, yet aware, and that family should look out for each other.

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Dogs selflessly give humans their unconditional love and loyalty. Throughout history, dogs have been faithful friends and workmates, even giving their lives to protect or rescue their owners. No wonder dogs are considered "man’s best friend."

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Betta Fish, originally known as Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most colorful and vibrant freshwater fish. They have been domesticated for over 800 years, and centuries of breeding have produced fish of exceptional beauty and grace with flowing fins, which makes them a favorite in aquariums.

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Great White Owls, also known as Snowy Owls, are usually found only in the Arctic. Shy and silent unless nesting, they are unlike other owls in that they are most active during the daytime. Depending on the season, they have different colored plumage that allows them to blend into their surroundings.

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Emperor Penguins are the largest of their species and spend winter on Antarctica’s open ice. After the female lays a single egg, the father balances it on his feet and covers it with his warm layer of feathered skin. About two months later, when the chick hatches, the mother takes over its care.

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Birds are symbols of happiness and joy, and so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas Tree. Glassblowers often kept wild birds during the winter months since the sound of the gas flame in the workshop prompted the birds to sing. Then when spring arrived, the birds returned to freedom.

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The lively and noisy Hairy Woodpecker is found almost everywhere. They eat harmful insects that they locate by feeling the vibrations that the moving insects make in the wood. So, these beautiful woodpeckers are beneficial to man by helping to save fruit trees and forests.

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Birds are symbols of happiness and joy, and so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas Tree. Glassblowers often kept wild birds during the winter months since the sound of the gas flame in the workshop prompted the birds to sing. Then when spring arrived, the birds returned to freedom.

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At first glance, the white crowned sparrow appears to be a plain, unimpressive bird. But, look closely and you'll find that this bird has remarkable markings on its head and bill. Birds adorn the Christmas tree to bring the joy and hope of spring to the Christmas season.

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The Redtailed Hawk is a bird of prey that lives throughout North America. Its distinctive tail feathers are considered sacred to Native Americans and are used in costumes and religious ceremonies. As a well–known animal on a totem pole, the hawk represents communication.

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