The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across much of North America. They are a brownish bird with black markings and a white rump patch that is noticeable when they fly away. While fairly common, there are some factors that influence how rare or frequent sightings of the Northern Flicker may be. Quick Answer In general, the Northern Flicker is not considered a rare bird across most of its range. However, they are less common in densely populated urban areas. Frequency of sightings can also vary by season, with Northern Flickers more abundant during spring and fall migrations. Overall,…
Author: Peter Knight
Herons are large wading birds that can be found near water sources like rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastlines. With their long legs and elongated necks, herons are adept at standing still in shallow water to catch fish, frogs, small rodents and other prey. Herons are not often found in areas frequented by dogs, so encounters between the two species may be infrequent. However, when herons and dogs do interact, there are a few factors that determine how herons react. Fight or flight response Like many wild animals, herons may exhibit a fight or flight response when approached by a potential…
Birds can definitely be around flowers. In fact, it is quite common to see birds in gardens, parks, and other areas where flowers are growing. There are a few reasons why birds are often found near flowers. Birds eat parts of flowers One of the main reasons birds are attracted to flowers is because many bird species eat parts of flowers such as the nectar, pollen, seeds, or even the petals. Nectar-eating birds like hummingbirds and sunbirds have specialized beaks and tongues to slurp up the sugary nectar from flowers. Seeds contained within flowers are also a food source for…
The Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) is a small wading bird found along coastlines almost worldwide. It gets its name from its ruddy-brown and black plumage and its habit of flipping over stones and seashells to find food underneath. Though not considered globally threatened, Ruddy Turnstone populations in some areas have declined sharply in recent decades. Learning more about this interesting shorebird can help raise awareness about its conservation needs. What are some quick facts about the Ruddy Turnstone? The Ruddy Turnstone, also known simply as the Turnstone, is a stocky, medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the Arctic and migrates in…
The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) and the black-backed gull (Larus marinus) are two similar looking gull species that can be easily confused with one another. However, there are some key differences between these two seabirds in terms of appearance, behavior, habitat and distribution. Appearance While the lesser black-backed gull and black-backed gull do share some similar physical traits such as black upper wing plumage, there are some noticeable differences in their size and coloring: Size: The black-backed gull is significantly larger than the lesser black-backed gull. The black-backed gull has a body length of 25-28 inches compared to the…
Tea is a beverage enjoyed by many humans around the world. However, birds have different nutritional requirements than humans, so not all types of tea are safe for them. When choosing a tea to give to your feathered friend, it’s important to understand which ingredients are bird-friendly and which should be avoided. Some pet owners like to share a soothing cup of herbal tea with their parrots or other birds. The practice seems cute and harmless at first glance. But is tea actually good for birds? As with many aspects of bird care, the answer is complicated. Certain types of…
The SPCA, or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing animal cruelty, rescuing animals from harmful situations, and rehabilitating abused animals. The SPCA provides essential services and programs that help thousands of animals each year. What Does the SPCA Do? The SPCA has three main areas of focus: Preventing Animal Cruelty The SPCA aims to stop animal cruelty before it happens through education, advocacy and enforcing laws. Some prevention programs include: – Humane education – Teaching compassion and respect for animals in schools and communities. This includes school presentations, summer camps, workshops…
Google Maps offers a unique bird’s eye view that allows you to see an aerial perspective of a location. This can be extremely useful when exploring a new area or trying to get your bearings. Here are the steps to access the bird’s eye view in Google Maps. Enable Satellite View The first step is to enable the satellite view in Google Maps. When you first open Google Maps, it defaults to the standard road map view. To switch to satellite view, click on the box in the lower left corner of the map that likely says “Map.” This will…
The poem Ovenbird by Robert Frost is a reflective lyric that explores the meaning of existence. Through metaphors and vivid imagery, Frost contemplates the cyclical nature of life and how we, as humans, struggle to find meaning despite its inevitability. Though short, the poem evokes thoughtful musings on mortality, connection, and purpose. It invites readers to reflect deeply on their place within the greater ecosystem. Ovenbird is structured as a conversation between the speaker and the small songbird who gives the poem its name. By juxtaposing the ovenbird’s predictable seasonal routine with humankind’s more complex search for meaning, Frost suggests…
Making a model bird feeder is a fun craft project that allows you to create a miniature version of a real bird feeder. Model bird feeders make great decorations and can also be used as teaching tools to demonstrate how bird feeders work. In this article, we will walk through the full process of constructing a model bird feeder from start to finish. What is the purpose of a bird feeder? Bird feeders serve several important purposes: They provide birds with supplemental food, especially during winter months when natural food sources are scarce. They attract different species of birds by…