That tiny puffball at your feeder when it’s ten below zero isn’t just cute — it’s a tiny survival machine. Watching how chickadees survive the winter is like seeing a masterclass in endurance. I spent an entire January morning watching black-capped chickadees visit my feeder again and again, grabbing one seed at a time and […]
How Chickadees Survive the Winter: Tips for Birdwatchers Read More »
That bright red cardinal outside your window isn’t just there to look pretty. He’s sending messages—warning rivals, flirting with a mate, or scolding that squirrel stealing his sunflower seeds. I spent a whole spring trying to figure out why “my” male cardinal sang from the same oak branch every morning at 6:47 AM. Turns out,
Cardinal Songs and Calls: How to Identify Them Read More »
I watched a pair of cardinals build a perfect little nest in my honeysuckle bush last spring, twigs, grass, the whole deal. Three days after the eggs appeared, it was empty. No shells, no mess, just gone. That awful moment when you realize a predator got there first? Yeah, I’ve been there. If you’ve ever
How to Protect Cardinal Nests from Predators Read More »
If you’ve ever filled your feeder and wondered why cardinals seem to appear one week and vanish the next, you’re not alone. That brilliant red flash isn’t just for show, cardinals are surprisingly selective eaters whose diets change with the seasons. If you’ve ever wondered what do cardinals eat, this seasonal guide breaks it all
What Do Cardinals Eat: A Seasonal Guide Read More »
Look, I’m just gonna say it: there’s nothing quite like watching tiny birds visit your flowers while a goldfinch munches on coneflower seeds nearby. It’s basically free entertainment, minus the plant costs and dirt under your fingernails. By planting flowers that attract birds and pollinators, your yard can turn into a little wildlife show every
Best Flowers to Attract Birds and Pollinators Read More »
If there’s one seed that birds just can’t ignore, it’s sunflower. I’ve watched dozens of birds flock to feeders filled with them, and over time it’s clear that sunflower seeds are unmatched when it comes to attracting birds. So, what birds are attracted to sunflower seeds? The list is longer than you might think, more
What Birds Are Attracted to Sunflower Seeds Read More »
Last winter, I started casually counting birds at my feeders. By March, I’d documented 31 species, spotted clear migration patterns, and contributed data that scientists actually use for conservation research. That transition from “guy who likes birds” to “guy contributing to actual science” happened because I learned how to conduct a proper backyard bird survey.
How to Set Up a Backyard Bird Survey Read More »
Picture this: you’re sipping morning coffee in late March when you spot a robin pulling worms from your lawn. Two weeks later, you discover she’s built a nest in your porch overhang containing four perfect blue eggs. If you’ve ever wondered when do birds start nesting in the spring, this is it—nesting season has arrived,
When Do Birds Start Nesting in the Spring Read More »
Last September, I counted 23 different bird species visiting my feeders in a single week—twice as many as I usually see in summer. If you’re wondering, what the top 10 birds to attract in fall are, they’re the ones that bring the most color, activity, and excitement to your backyard. Fall isn’t just another season
Top 10 Birds to Attract in Fall (Autumn Backyard Guide) Read More »
Last January, I watched a chickadee land on my frozen birdbath, peck at the ice hopefully, then fly away. That tiny moment broke my heart and made me realize just how crucial knowing how to keep bird baths from freezing in winter really is. While I was focused on keeping feeders full, I had completely
How to Keep Bird Baths From Freezing in Winter Read More »
