Can birds eat popcorn? Popcorn can be a fun and tasty snack for humans, but is it safe for our feathered friends? The answer is yes, birds can eat popcorn in moderation. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when feeding popcorn to birds. In its plain, air-popped form, popcorn makes a healthy treat for birds. Popcorn contains carbohydrates and a small amount of protein, which can provide birds with energy. Plain popcorn has minimal seasoning, so it won’t typically upset a bird’s digestive system. Moderation is key when feeding popcorn to birds. It should only be…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Finding a bird’s nest on your property or in your yard is often considered a sign of good luck and fortune. There are several folklore beliefs and superstitions around bird nests that suggest they can bring benefits like prosperity, peace, and protection. However, there are also some potential downsides to having a nest on your property. In this article, we’ll explore whether bird nests really do bring good luck and examine the evidence and reasoning behind these beliefs. We’ll also look at some of the practical considerations around living near an active nest. Folklore and mythology around bird nests Across…
Golden-crowned kinglets (Regulus satrapa) are tiny songbirds native to North America. They are members of the kinglet family (Regulidae) and get their name from the bright yellow and orange stripes on the top of their heads. These active little birds are a common sight flitting quickly between branches and foliage as they forage for insects and spiders. Many animal species form lasting pair bonds for mating and raising young. This monogamous mating system is common among birds, with around 90% of bird species demonstrating social monogamy. In these lifelong partnerships, the male and female cooperate to build nests, incubate eggs,…
The big bird cage, more formally known as the Aviary at the San Diego Zoo, is one of the largest free-flight aviaries in the world. Spanning 2.5 acres and reaching 100 feet high, this enormous walk-through enclosure is home to a wide variety of exotic bird species from around the globe. But how well does this massive bird habitat actually rate in terms of features and visitor experience? Let’s take a closer look at the details. Enclosure Size and Layout At approximately 2.5 acres, the Aviary provides an exceptionally large flight area for the birds. For comparison, the average aviary…
The Delaware Water Gap, located along the middle Delaware River on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is home to a wide variety of bird species. This area is an important migratory flyway and provides habitat for both forest and water birds. Some of the notable birds found in the Delaware Water Gap are: Waterfowl The Delaware River within the Water Gap and the adjacent marshes provide excellent habitat for waterfowl. Some species spotted here include: Mallard Canada Goose Wood Duck American Black Duck Green-winged Teal Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ring-necked Duck The Delaware River is an important migratory…
India is a vast and diverse country with a rich history and culture. As a nation, India has adopted several national symbols, including a national animal and a national bird, that provide unity and identity to its people. The National Animal of India The national animal of India is the majestic Bengal Tiger. The Bengal Tiger was officially adopted as the national animal in 1973 due to its historical and cultural significance in India. Some key facts about the Bengal Tiger: The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most numerous subspecies of tiger in the world today. It is…
An epicardial approach refers to a surgical technique to access the heart and coronary arteries. It involves going through the chest wall and pericardium (the outer lining of the heart) to reach the surface of the heart. This allows for procedures on the outside of the heart, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). When is an epicardial approach used? The main use of an epicardial approach is for coronary artery bypass surgery. Reasons it may be used include: The coronary arteries are not accessible by traditional CABG techniques due to anatomical variations or extensive disease Repeat CABG surgery when…
The Purple Martin is a migratory bird species that breeds across North America and winters primarily in Brazil. Twice a year, Purple Martins embark on an epic journey that takes them thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. Tracking their migration can give us insights into the phenology, behavior, and conservation needs of this aerial acrobat. When does the Purple Martin migration occur? There are two main legs of the Purple Martin migration each year: the spring migration north to the breeding grounds and the fall migration south to the wintering grounds. The spring migration occurs between late…
The green heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron that is found throughout much of North and Central America. It is a somewhat uncommon bird over much of its range, leading many birders to wonder – is the green heron rare? Quick Facts on the Green Heron The green heron is a small heron species, measuring approximately 33-38 cm (13-15 inches) in length with a wingspan of around 58 cm (23 inches). It has a greenish-black cap and back, with a chestnut neck and wing plumes. The underparts are grayish with fine streaks and bars. Green herons are found from…
Birds and squirrels often compete for the same food sources in backyard feeders. While squirrels are more aggressive and able to scare away smaller birds, there are strategies you can use to deter squirrels and make sure birds still have access to food. The key is offering food that is less preferable to squirrels or using specialized bird feeders that squirrels can’t access. Why Do Squirrels Invade Bird Feeders? Squirrels are opportunistic feeders that are always on the lookout for food sources. They often invade bird feeders because these feeders provide a concentrated food source that requires minimal effort to…