Most animals communicate by singing, howling, croaking, or speaking. Some animals use other sounds too- whistling, clapping, drumming, or rattling, for example. The rattlesnake sends a threatening message by rattling its tail, a Ruffed Grouse produces a dull thudding sound with its wings to court a mate, and a woodpecker drums out its territorial...
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Would you like to attract bluebirds to your backyard? The key to attracting bluebirds is having plentiful nesting locations in the right environment. Bluebirds need and prefer open areas, so they can hunt and capture insects, their main source of nutrition. Bluebird houses are a great way to attract bluebirds. When mounting...
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The foothills of northern Wyoming's Big Horn mountains are home to the Sharp-Tailed Grouse and their mating arena known as a "lek". Thirty male and female Sharp-Tailed Grouse gather on this small baseball diamond sized grassy hilltop. The grouse live in communities with up to two dozen males "displaying" in one Lek....
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A New England Christmas is full of flakes on your nose, hot chocolate cupped in your hands, and a warm glow in your heart. Homes are brightly decorated with lights and poinsettias, and of course the tree In New England we don’t let the cold chill our spirits. Instead we celebrate the season with many events...
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The key to attracting Bluebirds to nest in your yard is having plenty of potential nesting locations, food, and water. Bluebirds prefer more “open area” so if your yard is heavily wooded you’ll enjoy many other nesting birds, but probably not Bluebirds. In the U.S. there are three different types of Bluebirds. The Eastern...
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We've compiled a list of this season's coolest birding gifts for any budget. We've got the perfect unique gift, or stocking stuffer, to bring a smile to the backyard birder on your shopping list. Unique Birding Gift Idea Under $150 - The Southern Plantation Birdhouse The Augusta Clubhouse Birdhouse The Augusta Clubhouse...
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After the fall migration, a winter backyard can be a lonely place for the backyard birder. Many of the birds that have visited backyard feeders throughout the spring and summer have disappeared. However, many backyard birds do not migrate, rather they stay in the area and gather in large flocks for protection and survival. To...
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Environmentally friendly backyard birding can be a lot of fun. I like to consider and evaluate green options when choosing a new feature for my backyard birding environment. Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse Repurposed Soda Bottle Feeder Repurposed Soda Bottle Feeder Bird feeders can be very easily constructed out of repurposed materials. Finding a...
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Truth be told, squirrel proof is a misnomer. When on a mission, there is no stopping a squirrel - only frustrating them. Squirrels are brazen and cunning thieves, singularly focused on gorging their fuzzy bellies with pilfered bird seed. Squirrels are tenacious, problem-solving acrobats who will jump through hoops, again and again to...
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With thousands of bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths and accessories to choose from, finding the perfect gift for someone who likes to attract birds to their backyard garden or patio can be a daunting task. Here is a top 5 list of gift ideas that are sure to be a hit with...
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A suet log bird feeder is a great way to attract birds that are clinger feeders to your backyard, especially Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, White Breasted Nuthatches or Black Capped Chickadees.  Suet log feeders are commercially available, or they can be a simple and fun DIY project for kids -requiring only...
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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 29 to officially open the Byam Outdoor Learning Center in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Located in Byam Elementary School's central courtyard, the Learning Center will be used as an outdoor classroom with an emphasis on ecology, biology, gardening, wildlife habitats, and recycling and reusing. The Learning Center includes...
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The Australian Rifle bird is one of four birds-of-paradise indigenous to Australia. Its diet is mainly fruit, insects and spiders, and it often searches bark or decaying wood with its long arched bill. Bird watchers primarily know the Rifle Bird for its enchanting, and almost "tango-like" mating dance. In its breeding season from September...
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Professional wildlife photographer Andy Langley offers expert tips and advice for capturing photos of birds of prey in the wild. With wild barn owls as his subject, Langley suggests to pick the most predictable hunting times during the day and comments that just before breeding season, the wild barn owls have a tendency...
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In the plains of northern Wyoming, a group of male Sharp Tailed Grouse dance to attract a mate. Extending their colorful eye combs, puffing out their purple air sacs, and spreading and dipping their wings the males all intently motor across the grassland then suddenly and intently freeze in place. Their vibrant colors would...
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