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Wonderful Wrens

by Ann Markin | May 6, 2022

Wrens are small birds with loud, often complex, songs. Predominantly brown in color, they have narrow heads, with thin, down-turned bills for probing crevices for food. Their wings are short and rounded; this causes them to have a quick and erratic flight pattern. Two...

Red-winged Blackbirds

by Ann Markin | Apr 10, 2022

I often have red-winged blackbirds visit my yard for a day or two in the spring, and this year I had two males for only one day each. They were probably in a hurry to stake their territories for the breeding season. In summer, Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly seen...

Nesting Season: A Time for New Families

by Ann Markin | Mar 10, 2022

Spring brings us warm weather, a reawakening of perennial plants, and the most interesting and entertaining bird behavior. Over the next few months, you can witness all aspects of bird life – courting a mate, nest building, laying and incubating eggs, feeding...

Red-tailed Hawk

by Ann Markin | Feb 9, 2022

As you drive along area roadways, it is not uncommon to see a hawk sitting atop a utility pole, a road sign, a fence post or a tree. More than likely, it will be a red-tailed hawk. This large hawk is found throughout North America in a variety of habitats. Red-tailed...

Chickadee-dee-dee-Delightful

by Ann Markin | Jan 8, 2022

Chickadees are easily identified by their namesake call, “Chickadee-dee-dee.” They use this call in a variety of ways, including warning of predators. A report in Science indicated that Chickadees have a very sophisticated signaling system. A study at the University...

Decorate a Tree for the Birds This Holiday Season

by Ann Markin | Dec 10, 2021

Decorating a tree for wild birds and other wildlife is an activity the whole family can enjoy. While you are enjoying the many tasty treats that abound this holiday season, don’t forget to share some goodies with the birds. If you have a live-cut tree (not artificial)...