The next time you hear a familiar “chick a dee dee dee”, listen closely, because a chickadee’s call can tell you a lot. Biologists have discovered that the more “dees” there are in a Black-capped Chickadee’s warning call, the more dangerous the predator. One very threatening predator is the pygmy owl. Its prey...
Read more »

Can anything beat the sight of a bright red Cardinal against a backdrop of white snow? In my northeastern backyard, the Northern Cardinal is a faithful visitor to bird feeders and can be one of the easiest species to attract. It is such a popular and widespread species throughout the east. ...
Read more »

Learn how illustrator Pedro Fernandes is creating a new poster of nesting birds for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch citizen-science project.
Read more »

The American Goldfinch is a favorite backyard songbird, adored for their bright yellow color, graceful flight and enchanting song. Many people call this bird the “Wild Canary”- Much of the public doesn’t realize that the Goldfinches are not bright gold “all” year. Goldfinches with winter plumage Goldfinches with winter plumage As the nesting season...
Read more »

Many North American birds nest in “cavities” (holes in trees and fence posts). Although some birds, such as woodpeckers, can chisel their own holes with their heavy, sharp bills, other cavity-nesters must find suitable holes for nesting. Unfortunately, suitable nest cavities can be hard to find in much of North America. One way to...
Read more »

Populations of some bat species have plummeted more than 90 percent in Northeast caves impacted by "White Nose Syndrome," according to an extensive investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. Surveying 23 caves at the epicenter of the bat die-off in early 2009, researchers found an...
Read more »

New England is famous for its historic inns, luxurious resorts, and intimate bed and breakfasts. But during the winter it’s also popular for its downhill and cross country skiing, luxurious spa and fitness resorts, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and skating on the local ponds. Currier and Ives ingrained the scenes on our brains with their...
Read more »

Create a backyard that will appeal to birds. Planting trees and shrubs of different heights will accommodate the preferences of different birds. Check with your local gardening center on which plantings work best to create a bird friendly yard in your area. And keep in mind chemically treated lawns will make a less...
Read more »

NBC Nightly News video about the spread of White Nose Syndrome since 2007, and the alarming impact to the bat population of the northeastern United States.
Read more »

Because of their strikingly beautiful black and orange or yellow plumage, their distinctive whistle, spring songs, and their amazing suspended nest, Orioles are quickly becoming one of Americas favorite birds. While over eight species of Orioles can regularly be seen in the United States, we’ll deal mainly in this flyer with three species-Baltimore, Bullocks, and...
Read more »

When the weather warms, cat owners may be tempted to allow their feline friends to roam outdoors. For the sake of your wild neighbors—and for your cat's safety and well-being—say "no" to this temptation. Not only are domestic cats vulnerable to the dangers of traffic, poisons, traps, disease, other animals, and cruel humans, but...
Read more »

Identifying the diversity of birds migrating through your area is made easier with a bird identification field guide. A wide variety of field guides are available for the beginner to advanced birder, with drawings or photos so you can surely find a good fit for your needs. Each field guide provides narrative details about...
Read more »

Bird Food called suet is rendered beef fat with fruit, nuts, seeds and various other stuff mixed in. The fat makes it a high-energy food, and is ideal for winter feeding as it attracts a surprising variety of birds. Typical suet eating birds include Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Titmice and Nuthatches, but you never...
Read more »

The Battle for Bats: White Nose Syndrome is a video sponsored by the US Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service about devastating impact of White Nose Syndrome on bat populations in the northeast US and beyond. The video provides an explanation of what is currently being done to slow the spread of...
Read more »

This time of year, we spend a lot of time on the back porch. Skies are clear, temperatures are comfy once again and the mosquitoes are gone! We sit with friends, laugh at the dogs, feed raisins to our chickens and watch birds crashing around the gardens as they forage on seed stems of...
Read more »