Jan 27, 2021
A Watching Backyard Birds subscriber emailed editor Dawn Hewitt a few days ago to ask why the American goldfinches had abandoned her thistle feeder. She said she had several Nyjer (thistle) feeders that she kept full, and the finches had been abundant there until recently.
Jan 20, 2021
Winter may be the best time of year for backyard feeding stations, as wild food sources become scarcer. In our yard in northwestern West Virginia, we also take an extra step that is often undervalued: We spread some handfuls of mixed seed on the ground in sheltered spots where we know skulking birds hide.
Jan 13, 2021
Have you ever watched a bird vist your feeder during the winter and wondered, "Won't birds freeze their little feet off on the metal perches? It's 20 degrees below zero! How do they do it?" Nature has a clever way of keeping birds' feet warm and functional.
Jan 6, 2021
The two common "red" finches that visit bird feeders all over North America are the purple finch and the house finch. Of these two, the house finch is the more common. It is also the more commonly misidentified because its plumage can vary from dull red to bright orange.
Dec 9, 2020
Birds might not celebrate human holidays, but they are well aware of shorter days, longer nights, and dropping temperatures. Since most of us celebrate winter holiday by giving gifts, here are some ideas for holiday presents for backyard birds. They'll show you their gratitude by using them, and, if you've placed them properly, by coming into closer view.
Nov 6, 2020
Autumn is a favorite season for many, with its kaleidoscope of colors, the arrival of wintering birds, and the crunching of leaves underfoot. We encourage you to enjoy the gifts of this season rather than spending time in your yard undertaking the traditional fall tasks of raking leaves and cleaning up garden and flowerbeds—the birds (and your back) will thank you!
Nov 4, 2020
Whether you'd like to admit it or not, autumn is here. Spring cleaning gets lots of attention, but for the backyard bird watcher, there's just as much to do in fall as in spring. Check out four tips to help your backyard birds in fall.
Oct 28, 2020
Except for northern Canada and inland Alaska, song sparrows can be found throughout North America during some part of the year, and they are common denizens of backyards—especially under bird feeders. In the Northeast and most of the West, song sparrow is a year-round resident, but across southern Canada and the north-central states, the species is a summer breeder that heads south for the colder months.
Oct 14, 2020
Nuthatches are some of the most adorable birds in North America! Want the lowdown on these birds—including what species to expect in your area, and how to attract them to your yard? We have the facts!
Oct 7, 2020
You've heard it before—moving water attracts birds! It's especially true during fall migration. Birdbaths can attract species that have no interest in the food stuffs humans offer.
Sep 30, 2020
You've probably heard the myth: Take down your hummingbird feeders in the fall or the hummers will "forget" to migrate. It's not true. Birds, including the hummingbirds at our feeders, are programmed by instinct to migrate when their inner clocks tell them to leave.
Sep 23, 2020
Wondering what to expect as summer transitions to fall? Activity at your feeders will pick up as natural food sources wane and autumn progresses. And if you find that rewarding, try looking beyond your bird feeders and into the shrubs and foliage in your yard. Look at the sky above your yard, and listen for sounds you haven't heard before.
Sep 16, 2020
Hummingbirds have evolved a unique ability to go into a trancelike state called torpor to help them survive cool temperatures and periods of inactivity, especially while sleeping at night. The birds are unresponsive and appear to be dead when in this state.