Bird species use a variety of different structures to help protect their eggs and growing young before they fledge. Many times when you think of a bird’s nest, you think of a structure in a tree made of sticks, moss, and various other plant materials. Several species though make their nests in cavities instead, whether…
One of the highlights in spring is going birding to see and hear the colorful songbirds that have migrated back from their southern wintering grounds. These little songbirds are as brightly colored and diverse as their musical songs, whistles and trills. This colorful group is the parulidae family, also called the new world warblers or…
For birds to survive, they need keen eyesight, to find food, to navigate their environment, find a mate and avoiding becoming something else’s meal. So it is critical to protect their eyes, especially when flying through the air and through vegetation where there is an increased risk of something hitting their eyes and causing abrasions….
The tomial tooth, or the mandibular tomia, is not really a tooth at all, but a projection that can be seen in the outer edge on beaks of falcons, kites, and shrikes. This “tooth” also corresponds with a divot on the lower bill, called the mandibular notch; these together act like a pair of scissors…
Winter can be a tough time for birds, from even the simplest of daily tasks becoming a bigger challenge during this time of year. From finding food, to avoiding becoming food for someone else, to just trying to stay warm in temperatures that could drop into the negatives. But birds are resourceful and have adapted…
If you asked someone what their favorite bird species is, many will respond with some species of owl. What’s not to like? They are a beautiful group of birds, full of mystery and not as often seen as other birds who are active during the day. When you see one, it tends to be the…
On August 30th 2020, a steller’s sea eagle was seen at Denali National Park in Alaska. This was not the first time this species has been seen in this state, but it was unusual in the fact that this individual was seen so far inland. Afterwards, on March 10, 2021, it was then spotted at…
In the spring and summer months you may have noticed that not all the baby birds are born with the same skills, just compare a baby robin to a baby canada goose. One hatches with eyes closed, barely any down fuzz while the other hatches with complete down, eyes open and within the day is…
I’m adding another series featuring different species of birds found throughout North America, these species spotlight episodes will go along and in order with an art project I started in the beginning of 2021 and am currently working on. Those who follow me on my facebook and instagram may have already seen the start of…
Many birders and nonbirders alike may be noticing a few different bird species that they don’t normally see at their bird feeders this winter. Large yellow and brown finches with white and black wings and thick pale beaks have been seen invading platform feeders. Small streaked finches, slightly smaller than a goldfinch with a thin…