Cat Wars with Pete Marra, PhD, Research Scientist, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC Pete Marra loves cats. They are among the many pets he’s had over the years, and they are a key part of his work as a conservation scientist. He loves wild birds, too. Unfortunately,…
I must apologize for the late publishing of this first newsletter of 2018. It seems that since Christmas all we have been doing is moving snow and unloading bird seed. Coupled with the extremely cold weather, it has made it a winter we will all remember. The Wild Bird Habitat Stores would like to extend…
Temperatures have definitely been falling in the northern states and Central Great Plains as winter approaches. Even many southern states have experienced some cooler weather than normal. As the mercury drops it becomes increasingly more difficult for birds to find open water. In some areas a mid-day sun may melt enough snow to fulfill a…
December is the month for the annual Christmas Bird Count. Now in its 118th year, it is fun and adventurous. There are always a number of rare or unusual birds that are sighted. If you can participate in the field, it can be rewarding. If not, perhaps you will watch your feeders on count day…
In the world of birds, there are others that can wreak similar havoc on their nesting neighbours. I have seen Red-bellied Woodpeckers predate on eggs in a bluebird box. The tiny House Wren is notorious for removing eggs of other cavity nesting birds so they can acquire the use of the ready-made housing for themselves….
Have you ever wondered why when winter comes to Nebraska some birds migrate to warmer climates, many as far south as the tropical forests of South America? Yet other birds choose to remain in the Central Great Plains where the days are short and the nights are long and bitterly cold? Why do some birds…
This is a wonderful time of year to get outdoors before the more frigid weather hits. Take a pair of binoculars and enjoy the birds that you can find. Watch for hawks sitting along the roadway. It’s great fun just to keep track of the number of birds you can see. Just a short drive…
One of the most graceful birds ever to take to the air often soaring for six hours or longer without the slightest wing beat, yet is cumbersome on the ground and rarely considered attractive, is the Turkey Vulture. With spread wings they will gain lift from thermals, hot air drafts rising from the earth. When…
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 until early October. Grackles will be forming small flocks…
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