Soon we will begin to see the arrival of Sharp-shinned Hawks, many of which nested in the Boreal Forests of Canada during the summer. They will share the winter territory with the larger Coopers Hawk, a year round resident. Both prey primarily on other birds and often can be seen hunting near bird feeders. It…
Birds must spend a great deal of time caring for their feathers, since their lives depend on them. Preening, bathing, dusting, and other feather care operations, however, cannot prevent the feathers from wearing out. Because formed feathers (like our fingernails) are lifeless, horny structures, incapable of being repaired, worn feathers must be replaced. This…
• Some folks had hummingbirds show up the last week of July. Mine, as usual, didn’t appear in my yard until August 20th. There is still plenty of time to attract a hummer as they slowly filter through our area. Even the occasional straggler may stop by. • Grackles will be forming small flocks in…
The days are getting shorter, nights becoming cooler, and the birds are getting restless. As we near the end of summer, the avian calendar is beginning to signal the approach of autumn. Many winter birds have begun to migrate. There have been dozens of reports of hummingbirds gorging themselves at the feeders. Shore birds are…
It seems like only yesterday we were enjoying the arrival of our summer resident birds. We had the Oriole feeders out by the end of April and the hummingbird feeders up by Mother’s Day. Nesting boxes were cleaned out and readied, gardens planted, and new flowers and shrubs were tenderly spaded in. The thoughts of…
August News Notes: • Get ready for Hummingbirds in early August. • Gold Finch, Waxwings, and Mourning Doves are still on their nests. • By months end most neo-tropical birds will be on the move south. • Quiet times will soon be here as birds will be in full molt. • Territorial defense will be…
If you live on the edge of an urbanized area next to natural open spaces or in the rural countryside, your attention may be drawn to the sound of a kitten mewing for its mother. It is a vocalization that has puzzled many folks, especially those who have gone out to further investigate the origin…
This is the time of year when many young birds are beginning to fledge from the nest. As they do they often times end-up on the ground, much like the first time we tried to walk and fell down. Although these birds may seem to flounder, you can bet the parents are nearby to protect,…
Beyond the Bird Feeder By the end of July we’ll be looking at the “dog days of summer”. But for many songbirds, by months end the thought of seasonal changes is stirring and there is a restlessness about them. For birds, the August sun will be setting earlier and by then the days will have…
July News Notes: • This has been a great early summer for backyard bird feeding. • If the weather heats up, it may slow down birds from feeding. • Fresh water in your backyard will mean more birds, especially moving water. • Suet will continue to be in high demand by woodpeckers. • Goldfinches and…