Scrub-jays are a type of bird found in parts of North America. They build intricate nests out of twigs and other natural materials to lay and incubate their eggs. But where exactly do scrub-jays choose to construct their nests? The location of scrub-jay nests can provide insight into their behavior and ecology. In this article, we will explore where scrub-jays typically build their nests and some of the factors that influence their nest-site selection. What are scrub-jays? Scrub-jays are medium-sized songbirds that belong to the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and jays. There are three main species of scrub-jay…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is a medium-sized woodpecker found in western North America. Its range extends from southern British Columbia in Canada through the western United States to Baja California in Mexico. Range Here is a summary of where Lewis’s woodpeckers can be found: Canada: Southern British Columbia United States: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona Mexico: Baja California Lewis’s woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands, burnt forests, pine-oak forests, and riparian woodlands. They are associated with ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees. They prefer areas with standing dead trees (snags) which provide nesting cavities. Breeding…
Birds have long held cultural and spiritual significance in many societies throughout history. In particular, certain bird species have been revered and considered sacred due to their symbolism, qualities, abilities, or connections to myths and legends. When examining which birds have been deemed sacred across different cultures and time periods, a few key species stand out. The Eagle One of the most ubiquitous sacred birds is the eagle. The eagle has been an important cultural and spiritual symbol for many ancient societies, including the Romans, Greeks, Native Americans, and others. There are a few key reasons why the eagle has…
Purple martins are the largest species of swallow in North America and a favorite among bird enthusiasts in Tennessee. Known for their speed, agility, and aerial acrobatics, martins put on quite an air show. These migratory birds winter in South America but return to Tennessee each spring to nest. Attracting a colony of purple martins to your yard or property can be very rewarding. But it takes a bit of preparation and maintenance to entice these selective birds. Why attract purple martins? There are many benefits to attracting purple martins: Natural mosquito and insect control – Martins are voracious insect…
The red-tailed hawk is a large bird of prey found throughout most of North America. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown tail, this hawk is a common sight soaring over open country. One of the red-tailed hawk’s most familiar vocalizations is its loud, piercing scream that has become a Hollywood sound effect representing eagles or other large birds of prey. This high-pitched, two-note scream is often translated as “kee-eeee-arrrr” and is used by red-tails for communication and territorial advertisement. Description of the Red-Tailed Hawk’s Song Call The red-tailed hawk’s song call consists of two parts: a high, keening squeal followed by…
BirdLife South Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats in South Africa. As one of the largest membership-based conservation organizations in the country, BirdLife South Africa plays an important role in research, advocacy and education related to birds. Understanding the leadership of such an influential organization provides insight into their operations, values and impact. This article will explore the background and experience of BirdLife South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Overview of BirdLife South Africa BirdLife South Africa was established in 1968 in Cape Town by a group of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.…
Offering nesting materials is an excellent way to provide birds with the resources they need to build safe, warm nests for raising their young. When done properly, it can be beneficial for local bird populations without causing harm. Here are some tips on the best practices for offering nesting materials to wild birds. Why Offer Nesting Materials? Birds construct nests out of various natural materials including twigs, grass, moss, feathers, and more. However, due to habitat loss and urbanization, many of these resources can be scarce in the environments where birds live. Providing fibrous, soft nest materials gives birds more…
When it comes to birds with melancholy melodies, a few key species are known for their sorrowful sounds. In this article, we’ll explore some of the birds that sing sad songs and what makes their calls so mournful. The Mourning Dove One of the birds most famous for its sad song is the mourning dove. Known for its distinctive “cooOOoo-woo-woo-woooo” call, the mourning dove’s song evokes a sense of loneliness and longing. The mourning dove’s voice is described as being low and plaintive, almost as if the bird is sighing. Scientifically known as Zenaida macroura, the mourning dove gets its…
Wing jewelry has become an increasingly popular fashion accessory in recent years. From delicate wing pendants to dramatic winged earrings, jewelry in the shape of wings can be seen everywhere from runways to street style. But what is the meaning and symbolism behind wing jewelry? Here we will explore the various meanings and associations behind wing motifs in jewelry. Wings as a Symbol of Freedom One of the most common symbolic meanings of wings is freedom. The ability to fly and soar through the skies has long been associated with freedom, transcendence, and release from worldly constraints. Wings represent the…
Laughing gulls are a medium-sized gull species found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. They are a migratory bird that breeds in coastal marshes and beaches during the summer months and winters farther south along the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Nesting Habits Laughing gulls build their nests on the ground in coastal marshes, barrier islands, beaches, and dredge spoil islands. They prefer to nest in areas with short grasses, reeds, or other sparse vegetation that provides some cover and concealment for their nest and eggs. Typical nesting habitat includes: Salt marshes Brackish…