Fertilizers are commonly used in gardens and agricultural fields to help plants grow. However, some types of fertilizers can be harmful to birds if consumed. Understanding which fertilizers are potentially toxic to birds and taking steps to use them safely can help protect local bird populations. How fertilizers can harm birds Some chemical fertilizers contain ingredients that are highly toxic to birds, even in small amounts. Birds may eat granular fertilizer spread on lawns or fields, mistaking the granules for food or grit. They may also ingest fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides that have made their way into water sources. Two…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Catbirds are medium-sized gray birds that belong to the mockingbird family. They are native to North and Central America and get their name from their cat-like meowing calls. Catbirds build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs and lay pale blue or greenish-blue eggs. The eggs are an important indicator of catbird natural history and behavior. Appearance of Catbird Eggs Catbird eggs are generally oval or elliptical in shape. They are smooth and slightly glossy with little or no markings. The background color ranges from pale greenish-blue to a deeper robin’s egg blue. Some eggs may have a very faint speckling or…
Raleigh, North Carolina is home to a diverse array of bird species. While most backyard birds in the area tend to be more common species like cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees, there are a few rare and colorful birds that can occasionally be spotted in and around Raleigh. Painted Bunting One of the most striking and rare birds found in Raleigh is the painted bunting. The male painted bunting is unmistakable with its vibrant, tropical-looking plumage in hues of red, green, yellow, and blue. It almost looks like it flew out of the pages of a coloring book! Painted buntings…
Red hair is an uncommon hair color in India, as most Indians have dark brown or black hair. However, there are some Indian people who do naturally have red hair. Let’s take a look at some of the key questions around this topic: What causes red hair? Red hair is caused by a genetic mutation in the MC1R gene. This gene controls the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair and skin its color. People with two copies of the red hair variant of MC1R produce a reddish version of the melanin called pheomelanin instead of the…
With its remote location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the rarest and most sought-after birds for birdwatchers to spot. But with six major inhabited islands to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one offers the best birding opportunities. This article will compare the top birding destinations across the main Hawaiian islands to help you determine which island is right for your next birdwatching adventure. Hawaii (The Big Island) The largest of the Hawaiian Islands, the aptly named Big Island has a number of excellent birding sites thanks…
Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved birds, with their tiny size, beautiful colors, and amazing flying abilities. These tiny birds play an important role in plant pollination and are indicators of environmental health. With development and climate change threatening many bird species, a common question is whether hummingbird populations are increasing or decreasing. In the past few decades, citizen science projects like the North American Breeding Bird Survey have provided valuable data on hummingbird populations. Banding programs and bird counts by volunteers allow researchers to track migration and population changes over time. However, the data shows variable trends for…
A neon skimmer is a type of dragonfly that is known for its bright neon coloration. Neon skimmers belong to the family Libellulidae and are found primarily in North and Central America. They are medium-sized dragonflies, with adults reaching 1.5-2.5 inches in length. Neon skimmers get their name from the neon stripes or patches of color they display on their bodies, which can range from bright red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The vibrant coloration makes them stand out against vegetation near the water bodies they inhabit. Identification Neon skimmers can be identified by their medium size, brightly colored…
Mallards are a common type of duck found across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Like most ducks, mallards build nests and lay eggs in the springtime. This raises the question – do mallards sit on their eggs to incubate them until they hatch? The short answer is yes, female mallards do sit on their eggs to keep them warm and allow the ducklings to develop. Mallard Nesting Behavior Mallards build nests on the ground near water, often concealed in vegetation. The nests are bowl-shaped and lined with down feathers plucked from the female’s breast. Mallards lay between 5-13 pale…
Nighthawks are a group of bird species that are most active at night. They are known for their large eyes and specially adapted vision that allows them to hunt in low light conditions. Some of the most well-known nighthawk species include the Common Nighthawk, Antillean Nighthawk, and Lesser Nighthawk. Physical adaptations Nighthawks have several physical adaptations that allow them to hunt at night: Large eyes – Nighthawks have very large eyes compared to their body size. This allows them to take in more light and see better in darkness. Specialized retina – Their retina contains more rods than cones. Rods…
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most powerful and wide-ranging birds of prey in North America. This majestic raptor can be found soaring over open landscapes across much of the western United States and Canada. Quick Answer Golden eagles live in the following states in the United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. They are also found in areas of Canada and Mexico. Golden Eagle Range and Habitat The breeding range of golden eagles extends across western North America, from Alaska and western…