Winter creates a harsh reality for local wildlife. Natural food sources disappear under frost and snow, leaving our feathered neighbors searching high and low for sustenance. You might be surprised to discover that your kitchen cupboards hold nutritious treasures capable of helping birds survive the cold. Sharing a few specific human foods can provide essential …
Birds
The flash of deep red at the bird feeder might have you guessing. Is it a Purple Finch? Something more exotic? Identifying the small, energetic birds that visit our yards can feel like a puzzle. One of the most frequent and cheerful visitors is the House Finch, a bird that has adapted remarkably well to …
Keeping a bird feeder clean is one of the best things you can do for your feathered visitors. It helps prevent the spread of disease and keeps the seed fresh and appealing. But while your intentions might be good, reaching for the wrong cleaning product can do more harm than good. This article will walk …
Hummingbirds are some of the most captivating creatures to welcome into your garden. With their iridescent feathers, rapid wingbeats, and unique ability to hover as they feed, they bring a touch of magic to any outdoor space. But attracting these tiny wonders takes intention—specifically, planting flowers that cater to their nutritional needs. Discover nine incredible …
Move over, astrology. There’s a new way to dive into your personality: your birth month bird. Just like flowers and gems are tied to each month, so are birds, each with its own unique meaning. Finding your birth bird is a fun way to learn more about your traits and connect with nature. Maybe it …
Every February, backyard bird lovers bundle up, grab binoculars, and step outside to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen-science project led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Birds Canada. For four days, participants count the birds they see and help scientists track populations worldwide. If you’d love to see …
February can feel quiet in the garden, but it’s one of the most important months for birds. If you’re planning to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (February 13-16), you might assume hanging a feeder is enough. In reality, a few thoughtful adjustments to your garden can dramatically increase both the number and diversity …
Each February, people around the world spend four days observing birds and submitting their sightings as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. These small acts of community observation help scientists understand migration patterns, shifting ranges, and population trends. As organizers explain, the event invites participants to “watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds” while …
Each February, the Great Backyard Bird Count invites us outside to pause and notice who shares our outdoor space. What seems like simple birdwatching quickly becomes something more revealing. For gardeners, it’s a snapshot of ecosystem health unfolding in real time. Why the Great Backyard Bird Count Matters for Gardeners The Great Backyard Bird Count …
Sometimes you stand at the window on a freezing morning, coffee in hand, staring at a little sparrow on the fence and wondering how on earth it hasn’t turned into a tiny ice cube. It seems impossible that something weighing less than a slice of bread can survive temperatures that send us running for the …