Oct 9, 2019
The easiest way to clean a birdbath is to ensure it doesn't get dirty. While all birdbaths will eventually need to be cleaned, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the need for frequent cleanings.
Sep 25, 2019
A native shrub found commonly from coast to coast, primarily in the northern half of the United States and across southern Canada, is important in helping birds survive winter.
Sep 18, 2019
The first day of fall—the autumnal equinox—is September 23. As the days turn colder, look beyond your feeders to the trees and bushes in your backyard. You may be surprised at what you find!
Sep 11, 2019
It's a myth that a hummingbird, or any bird for that matter, will be deterred from heading south in the fall because of human-provided food. Instinct and hormonal urges are what drive birds to migrate, and hummingbirds are no different. Besides, there is good reason to leave your nectar feeder up and full of fresh sugar water until the temperature dips to below freezing, even if you haven't seen a hummer for weeks.
Sep 4, 2019
Have you ever noticed how much of what we consider "conventional wisdom" is actually wrong and ridiculous? Bird-feeding conventional wisdom is riddled with bad information. But you, my friend, are in luck! I have tried most everything in bird feeding at least once, and I have made nearly every mistake possible. Why? So you won't have to!
Aug 28, 2019
With several types of bird food available on the market today, it's nice to have an option that offers something for everyone eating in your backyard. We've rounded up the most common ingredients of seed blends, their benefits to birds, and how to make sure you're buying the right mix for your backyard birding needs.
Aug 21, 2019
Planting conifers in your yard helps provide shelter, food, nesting sites, and nest-building materials to a diversity of species that rely on these trees for survival. If you're curious about how different conifers benefit birds or are wondering about cone identification in general, we've rounded up a selection of common cones for your consideration.
Aug 7, 2019
A lot of bird watchers and non-bird watchers alike have spent time peering into a thicket, trying to persuade the poor lost kitten pitifully mewing in the brush to come out. Even those who are familiar with the catbird have been fooled at times. The soft mew of the gray catbird is so realistic that sometimes the brain just won't accept that it is not a cat.
Jul 31, 2019
Here's a neat tip: Keep your seeds—and the birds visiting them—dry during showers by installing a rain guard above them.
Jul 24, 2019
Throughout North America, August usually brings the driest weather of the year. Natural water sources for drinking and bathing can be few and far between, so by providing a birdbath or other water feature, you'll help the birds get through the dog days, and you will likely be rewarded by attracting species that don't visit your feeding station.
Jul 24, 2019
Before you prune or mow, take a look through your bushes and tree branches to see if any birds are nesting there. Tens of thousands of bird nests, eggs, and hatchlings are accidentally disturbed or destroyed each year as a result of pruning related to annual yard work.
Jul 21, 2019
If you’re trying to hang out the welcome sign for hummingbirds, try hanging a basket of fuchsia in a shady spot. Avoid the double, ruffled varieties—all those extra petals get in the way of birds seeking nectar.
Jul 20, 2019
What was the first bird you saw today?????: Northern cardinal by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
Jul 19, 2019
When you let the grass grow, you'll not only have more time to relax but you'll also be more likely to see birds such as robins and sparrows—along with other wildlife—foraging in your yard.????: American robin by Becky Matsubara
Jul 17, 2019
Native vines check off multiple boxes of what birds need: nourishment, cover, housing, and mobility. Their fruits and seeds make them great food resources, their knotty networks provide shelter from the elements and protection for active nests, and small birds like warblers, chickadees, and kinglets are known to use vine systems to safely move from the tops of trees to understory shrubbery, then down to ground level. The following list explores some native vine options to consider growing in your own backyard for maximum birdy benefits.
